The Project Gutenberg eBook of The 2003 CIA World Factbook

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Title: The 2003 CIA World Factbook

Author: United States. Central Intelligence Agency

Release date: December 18, 2008 [eBook #27558]

Most recently updated: January 4, 2021

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Al Haines

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE 2003 CIA WORLD FACTBOOK ***

Produced by Al Haines

THE CIA WORLD FACTBOOK 2003

CONTENTS

Countries and Locations

Field Listings

Rank Orders

Appendixes

Notes and Definitions

History of The World Factbook

Contributors and Copyright Information

Purchasing Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

=====================================================================

What's New

- Country information has been updated as of 18 December 2003.

- For Rank Order pages and downloadable, tab-delimited rank-order files, a Rank Order page for Highways has been added.

- Entries for Natural Gas - production, Natural Gas - consumption, Natural Gas - exports, and Natural Gas - imports have been added to the Economy category of each country.

The World Factbook 2003 printed version provides a "snapshot" of the world as of 1 January 2003.

=====================================================================

Country Listing

[Transcriber's note: To search on a country name in this file, prefix the name with "@", e.g. "@Afghanistan". "Afghanistan" will find all occurrences; prefixing it with "@" will find the correct location.]

A

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

American Samoa

Andorra

Angola

Anguilla

Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda

Arctic Ocean

Argentina

Armenia

Aruba

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Atlantic Ocean

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

B

Bahamas, The

Bahrain

Baker Island

Bangladesh

Barbados

Bassas da India

Belarus

Belgium

Belize

Benin

Bermuda

Bhutan

Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Bouvet Island

Brazil

British Indian Ocean Territory

British Virgin Islands

Brunei

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Burma

Burundi

C

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Cape Verde

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Chad

Chile

China

Christmas Island

Clipperton Island

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Colombia

Comoros

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Congo, Republic of the

Cook Islands

Coral Sea Islands

Costa Rica

Cote d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

D

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

E

East Timor

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Estonia

Ethiopia

Europa Island

F

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Faroe Islands

Fiji

Finland

France

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

G

Gabon

Gambia, The

Gaza Strip

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Gibraltar

Glorioso Islands

Greece

Greenland

Grenada

Guadeloupe

Guam

Guatemala

Guernsey

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Guyana

H

Haiti

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Holy See (Vatican City)

Honduras

Hong Kong

Howland Island

Hungary

I

Iceland

India

Indian Ocean

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Ireland

Israel

Italy

J

Jamaica

Jan Mayen

Japan

Jarvis Island

Jersey

Johnston Atoll

Jordan

Juan de Nova Island

K

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kingman Reef

Kiribati

Korea, North

Korea, South

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

L

Laos

Latvia

Lebanon

Lesotho

Liberia

Libya

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

M

Macau

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Madagascar

Malawi

Malaysia

Maldives

Mali

Malta

Man, Isle of

Marshall Islands

Martinique

Mauritania

Mauritius

Mayotte

Mexico

Micronesia, Federated States of

Midway Islands

Moldova

Monaco

Mongolia

Montserrat

Morocco

Mozambique

N

Namibia

Nauru

Navassa Island

Nepal

Netherlands

Netherlands Antilles

New Caledonia

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Niger

Nigeria

Niue

Norfolk Island

Northern Mariana Islands

Norway

O

Oman

P

Pacific Ocean

Pakistan

Palau

Palmyra Atoll

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Paracel Islands

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Pitcairn Islands

Poland

Portugal

Puerto Rico

Q

Qatar

R

Reunion

Romania

Russia

Rwanda

S

Saint Helena

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa

San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Serbia and Montenegro

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

Somalia

South Africa

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Southern Ocean

Spain

Spratly Islands

Sri Lanka

Sudan

Suriname

Svalbard

Swaziland

Sweden

Switzerland

Syria

T

Taiwan entry follows Zimbabwe

Tajikistan

Tanzania

Thailand

Togo

Tokelau

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Tromelin Island

Tunisia

Turkey

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

Tuvalu

U

Uganda

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

V

Vanuatu

Venezuela

Vietnam

Virgin Islands

W

Wake Island

Wallis and Futuna

West Bank

Western Sahara

World

Y

Yemen

Z

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Taiwan

=====================================================================

Field Listings

[Transcriber's note: To search on a field code in this file, prefix the code number with "@", e.g. "@2001". "2001" will find all occurrences; prefixing it with "@" will find the correct location.]

Code Field Description

2001 GDP 2002 Population growth rate (%) 2003 GDP - real growth rate (%) 2004 GDP - per capita 2006 Dependency status 2007 Diplomatic representation from the US 2008 Transportation - note 2010 Age structure (%) 2011 Geographic coordinates 2012 GDP - composition by sector (%) 2013 Radio broadcast stations 2015 Television broadcast stations 2018 Sex ratio (male(s)/female) 2019 Heliports 2020 Elevation extremes (m) 2021 Natural hazards 2022 People - note 2023 Area - comparative 2024 Military manpower - military age (years of age) 2025 Military manpower - fit for military service 2026 Military manpower - reaching military age annually 2028 Background 2030 Airports - with paved runways 2031 Airports - with unpaved runways 2032 Environment - current issues 2033 Environment - international agreements 2034 Military expenditures - percent of GDP (%) 2038 Electricity - production (kWh) 2042 Electricity - consumption (kWh) 2043 Electricity - imports (kWh) 2044 Electricity - exports (kWh) 2045 Electricity - production by source (%) 2046 Population below poverty line (%) 2047 Household income or consumption by percentage share (%) 2048 Labor force - by occupation (%) 2049 Exports - commodities 2050 Exports - partners (%) 2051 Administrative divisions 2052 Agriculture - products 2053 Airports 2054 Birth rate (births/1,000 population) 2055 Military branches 2056 Budget 2057 Capital 2058 Imports - commodities 2059 Climate 2060 Coastline (km) 2061 Imports - partners (%) 2062 Economic aid - donor 2063 Constitution 2064 Economic aid - recipient 2065 Currency 2066 Death rate (deaths/1,000 population) 2067 Military expenditures - dollar figure 2068 Dependent areas 2070 Disputes - international 2075 Ethnic groups (%) 2076 Exchange rates 2077 Executive branch 2078 Exports 2079 Debt - external 2080 Fiscal year 2081 Flag description 2085 Highways (km) 2086 Illicit drugs 2087 Imports 2088 Independence 2089 Industrial production growth rate (%) 2090 Industries 2091 Infant mortality rate (deaths/1,000 live births) 2092 Inflation rate (consumer prices) (%) 2093 Waterways (km) 2094 Judicial branch 2095 Labor force 2096 Land boundaries (km) 2097 Land use (%) 2098 Languages (%) 2100 Legal system 2101 Legislative branch 2102 Life expectancy at birth (years) 2103 Literacy (%) 2105 Military manpower - availability 2106 Maritime claims 2107 International organization participation 2108 Merchant marine 2109 National holiday 2110 Nationality 2111 Natural resources 2112 Net migration rate (migrant(s)/1,000 population) 2113 Geography - note 2115 Political pressure groups and leaders 2116 Economy - overview 2117 Pipelines (km) 2118 Political parties and leaders 2119 Population 2120 Ports and harbors 2121 Railways (km) 2122 Religions (%) 2123 Suffrage 2124 Telephone system 2125 Terrain 2127 Total fertility rate (children born/woman) 2128 Government type 2129 Unemployment rate (%) 2137 Military - note 2138 Communications - note 2140 Government - note 2142 Country name 2144 Location 2145 Map references 2146 Irrigated land (sq km) 2147 Area (sq km) 2149 Diplomatic representation in the US 2150 Telephones - main lines in use 2151 Telephones - mobile cellular 2152 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 2153 Internet users 2154 Internet country code 2155 HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate (%) 2156 HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS 2157 HIV/AIDS - deaths 2158 Currency code 2172 Distribution of family income - Gini index 2173 Oil - production (bbl/day) 2174 Oil - consumption (bbl/day) 2175 Oil - imports (bbl/day) 2176 Oil - exports (bbl/day) 2177 Median age (years) 2178 Oil - proved reserves (bbl) 2179 Natural gas - proved reserves (cu m) 2180 Natural gas - production (cu m) 2181 Natural gas - consumption (cu m) 2182 Natural gas - imports (cu m) 2183 Natural gas - exports (cu m)

======================================================================

Rank Orders

[Transcriber's note: To search on a rank order in this file, prefix the rank's name with "@", e.g. "@Population". "Population" will find all occurrences; prefixing it with "@" will find the correct location.]

Guide to Rank Order Pages

Rank Order pages are presorted lists of data from selected Factbook data fields. Rank Order pages are generally given in descending order - highest to lowest - such as Population and Area. The two exceptions are Unemployment Rate and Inflation Rate, which are in ascending - lowest to highest - order. Rank Order pages are available for the following 34 fields in six of the nine Factbook categories.

Geography

Area - total

People

Population

Birth rate

Death rate

Infant mortality rate

Life expectancy at birth - total

Total fertility rate

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS - deaths

Economy

GDP

GDP - real growth rate

GDP - per capita

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

Labor force

Unemployment rate

Industrial production growth rate

Electricity - production

Electricity - consumption

Oil - production

Oil - consumption

Oil - exports

Oil - imports

Oil - proved reserves

Natural Gas - proved reserves

Exports

Imports

Debt - external

Communications

Telephones - main lines in use

Telephones - mobile cellular

Internet users

Transportation

Railways - total

Highways - total

Military

Military expenditures - dollar figure

Military expenditures - percent of GDP

Factbook fields with Rank Order pages are easily identified with a small bar chart icon to the right of the data field title.

Not all Rank Order pages include the same number of entries because information for a particular field is not available for all countries. In addition, not all data fields are suitable for displaying as Rank Order pages, such as those containing textual information. Textual information is more readily viewed by clicking on the Field Listing icon next to the Data field title. The other icon next to the data field title provides the definition of the field.

All of the ‘Rank Order’ pages can be downloaded as tab-delimited data files and can be opened in other applications such as spreadsheets and databases. To save a Rank Order page in a spreadsheet, first click on the ‘Download Datafile’ choice above the Rank Order page you selected; then, at the top of your browser window, click on 'File' and 'Save As'. After saving the file, open the spreadsheet, find the saved file, and 'Open' it.

Additional Rank Order pages being considered for future updates of the

Factbook Web site include:

Median age

Literacy

Population below the poverty line

Highways

Waterways

Airports

This page was last updated on 21 October, 2003

=====================================================================

Appendixes

Appendix A - Abbreviations

Appendix B - International Organizations and Groups

Appendix C - Selected International Environmental Agreements

Appendix D - Cross-Reference List of Country Data Codes

Appendix E - Cross-Reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes

Appendix F - Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names

======================================================================

Notes and Definitions

In addition to the updated information, The World Factbook printed version features seven new entries. In the People category, an entry has been added for Median age. In the Economy category, entries have been added for Oil - production, Oil - consumption, Oil - exports, Oil - imports, Oil - proved reserves, and Natural gas - proved reserves. The web site version features four additional entries: Natural gas - production, Natural gas - consumption, Natural gas - exports, and Natural gas - imports. Revision of some individual country maps, first introduced in the 2001 edition, is continued in this edition. The revised maps include elevation extremes and a partial geographic grid. Several regional maps have also been updated to reflect boundary changes and place name spelling changes.

Abbreviations This information is included in Appendix A: Abbreviations, which includes all abbreviations and acronyms used in the Factbook, with their expansions.

Acronyms An acronym is an abbreviation coined from the initial letter of each successive word in a term or phrase. In general, an acronym made up solely from the first letter of the major words in the expanded form is rendered in all capital letters (NATO from North Atlantic Treaty Organization; an exception would be ASEAN for Association of Southeast Asian Nations). In general, an acronym made up of more than the first letter of the major words in the expanded form is rendered with only an initial capital letter (Comsat from Communications Satellite Corporation; an exception would be NAM from Nonaligned Movement). Hybrid forms are sometimes used to distinguish between initially identical terms (WTO: WTrO for World Trade Organization and WToO for World Tourism Organization).

Administrative divisions This entry generally gives the numbers, designatory terms, and first- order administrative divisions as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Changes that have been reported but not yet acted on by BGN are noted.

Age structure This entry provides the distribution of the population according to age. Information is included by sex and age group (0-14 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over). The age structure of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest.

Agriculture - products This entry is a rank ordering of major crops and products starting with the most important.

Airports This entry gives the total number of airports. The runway(s) may be paved (concrete or asphalt surfaces) or unpaved (grass, dirt, sand, or gravel surfaces), but must be usable. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control.

Airports - with paved runways This entry gives the total number of airports with paved runways (concrete or asphalt surfaces). For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m, (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m, (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m, (4) 914 to 1,523 m, and (5) under 914 m. Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control.

Airports - with unpaved runways This entry gives the total number of airports with unpaved runways (grass, dirt, sand, or gravel surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m, (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m, (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m, (4) 914 to 1,523 m, and (5) under 914 m. Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control

Appendixes

This section includes Factbook-related material by topic.

Area This entry includes three subfields. Total area is the sum of all land and water areas delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines. Land area is the aggregate of all surfaces delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines, excluding inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers). Water area is the sum of all water surfaces delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines, including inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers).

Area - comparative This entry provides an area comparison based on total area equivalents. Most entities are compared with the entire US or one of the 50 states based on area measurements (1990 revised) provided by the US Bureau of the Census. The smaller entities are compared with Washington, DC (178 sq km, 69 sq mi) or The Mall in Washington, DC (0.59 sq km, 0.23 sq mi, 146 acres).

Background This entry usually highlights major historic events and current issues and may include a statement about one or two key future trends.

Birth rate This entry gives the average annual number of births during a year per 1,000 persons in the population at midyear; also known as crude birth rate. The birth rate is usually the dominant factor in determining the rate of population growth. It depends on both the level of fertility and the age structure of the population.

Budget This entry includes revenues, total expenditures, and capital expenditures. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms

Capital

This entry gives the location of the seat of government.

Climate This entry includes a brief description of typical weather regimes throughout the year.

Coastline This entry gives the total length of the boundary between the land area (including islands) and the sea.

Communications This category deals with the means of exchanging information and includes the telephone, radio, television, and Internet service provider entries.

Communications - note This entry includes miscellaneous communications information of significance not included elsewhere.

Constitution This entry includes the dates of adoption, revisions, and major amendments.

Country data codes see Data codes

Country map Most versions of the Factbook provide a country map in color. The maps were produced from the best information available at the time of preparation. Names and/or boundaries may have changed subsequently.

Country name This entry includes all forms of the country's name approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (Italy is used as an example): conventional long form (Italian Republic), conventional short form (Italy), local long form (Repubblica Italiana), local short form (Italia), former (Kingdom of Italy), as well as the abbreviation. Also see the Terminology note.

Currency This entry identifies the national medium of exchange and its basic subunit.

Crude oil

See "Oil" entries

Currency code

This entry gives the International Organization for Standardization

(ISO) 4217 alphabetic currency code for each country.

Data codes This information is presented in Appendix D: Cross-Reference List of Country Data Codes and Appendix E: Cross-Reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes. This appendix includes the US Government approved Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) codes, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) codes, and Internet codes for land entities. The appendix also includes the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) codes, Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC; now a part of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency or NIMA) codes, and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) codes for hydrographic entities. The US Government has not yet approved a standard for hydrographic data codes similar to the FIPS 10-4 standard for country data codes.

Date of information In general, information available as of 1 January 2003 was used in the preparation of this edition.

Death rate This entry gives the average annual number of deaths during a year per 1,000 population at midyear; also known as crude death rate. The death rate, while only a rough indicator of the mortality situation in a country, accurately indicates the current mortality impact on population growth. This indicator is significantly affected by age distribution, and most countries will eventually show a rise in the overall death rate, in spite of continued decline in mortality at all ages, as declining fertility results in an aging population.

Debt - external This entry gives the total public and private debt owed to nonresidents repayable in foreign currency, goods, or services.

Dependency status This entry describes the formal relationship between a particular nonindependent entity and an independent state.

Dependent areas This entry contains an alphabetical listing of all nonindependent entities associated in some way with a particular independent state.

Diplomatic representation The US Government has diplomatic relations with 185 independent states, including 183 of the 189 UN members (excluded UN members are Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and the US itself). In addition, the US has diplomatic relations with 1 independent state that is not in the UN - Holy See.

Diplomatic representation in the US This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.

Diplomatic representation from the US This entry includes the chief of mission, embassy address, mailing address, telephone number, FAX number, branch office locations, consulate general locations, and consulate locations.

Disputes - international This entry includes a wide variety of situations that range from traditional bilateral boundary disputes to unilateral claims of one sort or another. Information regarding disputes over international terrestrial and maritime boundaries has been reviewed by the US Department of State. References to other situations involving borders or frontiers may also be included, such as resource disputes, geopolitical questions, or irredentist issues; however, inclusion does not necessarily constitute official acceptance or recognition by the US Government.

Distribution of family income - Gini index This index measures the degree of inequality in the distribution of family income in a country. The index is calculated from the Lorenz curve, in which cumulative family income is plotted against the number of families arranged from the poorest to the richest. The index is the ratio of (a) the area between a country's Lorenz curve and the 45 degree helping line to (b) the entire triangular area under the 45 degree line. The more nearly equal a country's income distribution, the closer its Lorenz curve to the 45-degree line and the lower its Gini index, e.g., a Scandinavian country with an index of 25. The more unequal a country's income distribution, the farther its Lorenz curve from the 45-degree line and the higher its Gini index, e.g., a Sub- Saharan country with an index of 50. If income were distributed with perfect equality, the Lorenz curve would coincide with the 45 degree line and the index would be zero; if income were distributed with perfect inequality, the Lorenz curve would coincide with the horizontal axis and the right vertical axis and the index would be 100.

Economic aid - donor This entry refers to net official development assistance (ODA) from Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations to developing countries and multilateral organizations. ODA is defined as financial assistance that is concessional in character, has the main objective to promote economic development and welfare of the less developed countries (LDCs), and contains a grant element of at least 25%. The entry does not cover other official flows (OOF) or private flows.

Economic aid - recipient This entry, which is subject to major problems of definition and statistical coverage, refers to the net inflow of Official Development Finance (ODF) to recipient countries. The figure includes assistance from the World Bank, the IMF, and other international organizations and from individual nation donors. Formal commitments of aid are included in the data. Omitted from the data are grants by private organizations. Aid comes in various forms including outright grants and loans. The entry thus is the difference between new inflows and repayments.

Economy This category includes the entries dealing with the size, development, and management of productive resources, i.e., land, labor, and capital.

Economy - overview This entry briefly describes the type of economy, including the degree of market orientation, the level of economic development, the most important natural resources, and the unique areas of specialization. It also characterizes major economic events and policy changes in the most recent 12 months and may include a statement about one or two key future macroeconomic trends.

Electricity - consumption This entry consists of total electricity generated annually plus imports and minus exports, expressed in kilowatt-hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution.

Electricity - exports

This entry is the total exported electricity in kilowatt-hours.

Electricity - imports

This entry is the total imported electricity in kilowatt-hours.

Electricity - production This entry is the annual electricity generated expressed in kilowatt- hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution.

Electricity - production by source This entry states the percentage share of electricity generated from each energy source. These are fossil fuel, hydro, nuclear, and other (solar, geothermal, and wind).

Elevation extremes

This entry includes both the highest point and the lowest point.

Entities Some of the independent states, dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, and governments included in this publication are not independent, and others are not officially recognized by the US Government. "Independent state" refers to a people politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory. "Dependencies" and "areas of special sovereignty" refer to a broad category of political entities that are associated in some way with an independent state. "Country" names used in the table of contents or for page headings are usually the short-form names as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names and may include independent states, dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty, or other geographic entities. There are a total of 268 separate geographic entities in The World Factbook that may be categorized as follows:

INDEPENDENT STATES

192 Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,

Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the

Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor,

Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia,

Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany,

Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana,

Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,

Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan,

Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,

Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar,

Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,

Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,

Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua

New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar,

Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe,

Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,

Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,

Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,

Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia,

Zimbabwe

OTHER

1 Taiwan

DEPENDENCIES AND AREAS OF SPECIAL SOVEREIGNTY 6 Australia - Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island 2 China - Hong Kong, Macau 2 Denmark - Faroe Islands, Greenland 16 France - Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands, Guadeloupe, Juan de Nova Island, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Tromelin Island, Wallis and Futuna 2 Netherlands - Aruba, Netherlands Antilles 3 New Zealand - Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau 3 Norway - Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard 15 UK - Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands 14 US - American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island

MISCELLANEOUS 6 Antarctica, Gaza Strip, Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, West Bank, Western Sahara

OTHER ENTITIES

5 oceans - Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific

Ocean, Southern Ocean

1 World

268 total

Environment - current issues This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: acidification - the lowering of soil and water pH due to acid precipitation and deposition usually through precipitation; this process disrupts ecosystem nutrient flows and may kill freshwater fish and plants dependent on more neutral or alkaline conditions (see acid rain). acid rain - characterized as containing harmful levels of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide; acid rain is damaging and potentially deadly to the earth's fragile ecosystems; acidity is measured using the pH scale where 7 is neutral, values greater than 7 are considered alkaline, and values below 5.6 are considered acid precipitation; note - a pH of 2.4 (the acidity of vinegar) has been measured in rainfall in New England. aerosol - a collection of airborne particles dispersed in a gas, smoke, or fog. afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire. asbestos - a naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral commonly used in fireproofing materials and considered to be highly carcinogenic in particulate form. biodiversity - also biological diversity; the relative number of species, diverse in form and function, at the genetic, organism, community, and ecosystem level; loss of biodiversity reduces an ecosystem's ability to recover from natural or man-induced disruption. bio-indicators - a plant or animal species whose presence, abundance, and health reveal the general condition of its habitat. biomass - the total weight or volume of living matter in a given area or volume. carbon cycle - the term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.g., as carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits. catchments - assemblages used to capture and retain rainwater and runoff; an important water management technique in areas with limited freshwater resources, such as Gibraltar. DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane) - a colorless, odorless insecticide that has toxic effects on most animals; the use of DDT was banned in the US in 1972. defoliants - chemicals which cause plants to lose their leaves artificially; often used in agricultural practices for weed control, and may have detrimental impacts on human and ecosystem health. deforestation - the destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural and range land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth. desertification - the spread of desert-like conditions in arid or semi-arid areas, due to overgrazing, loss of agriculturally productive soils, or climate change. dredging - the practice of deepening an existing waterway; also, a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling marine organisms (e.g., shellfish) or harvesting coral, often causing significant destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems. drift-net fishing - done with a net, miles in extent, that is generally anchored to a boat and left to float with the tide; often results in an over harvesting and waste of large populations of non- commercial marine species (by-catch) by its effect of "sweeping the ocean clean". ecosystems - ecological units comprised of complex communities of organisms and their specific environments. effluents - waste materials, such as smoke, sewage, or industrial waste, which are released into the environment, subsequently polluting it. endangered species - a species that is threatened with extinction either by direct hunting or habitat destruction. freshwater - water with very low soluble mineral content; sources include lakes, streams, rivers, glaciers, and underground aquifers. greenhouse gas - a gas that "traps" infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere causing surface warming; water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and ozone are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. groundwater - water sources found below the surface of the earth often in naturally occurring reservoirs in permeable rock strata; the source for wells and natural springs. Highlands Water Project - a series of dams constructed jointly by Lesotho and South Africa to redirect Lesotho's abundant water supply into a rapidly growing area in South Africa; while it is the largest infrastructure project in southern Africa, it is also the most costly and controversial; objections to the project include claims that it forces people from their homes, submerges farmlands, and squanders economic resources. Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) - represents the 125,000 Inuits of Russia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland in international environmental issues; a panel convenes every three years to determine the focus of the ICC; the most current concerns are long-range transport of pollutants, sustainable development, and climate change. metallurgical plants - industries which specialize in the science, technology, and processing of metals; these plants produce highly concentrated and toxic wastes which can contribute to pollution of ground water and air when not properly disposed. noxious substances - injurious, very harmful to living beings. overgrazing - the grazing of animals on plant material faster than it can naturally regrow leading to the permanent loss of plant cover, a common effect of too many animals grazing limited range land. ozone shield - a layer of the atmosphere composed of ozone gas (O3) that resides approximately 25 miles above the Earth's surface and absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation that can be harmful to living organisms. poaching - the illegal killing of animals or fish, a great concern with respect to endangered or threatened species. pollution - the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste. potable water - water that is drinkable, safe to be consumed. salination - the process through which fresh (drinkable) water becomes salt (undrinkable) water; hence, desalination is the reverse process; also involves the accumulation of salts in topsoil caused by evaporation of excessive irrigation water, a process that can eventually render soil incapable of supporting crops. siltation - occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with silt and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion. slash-and-burn agriculture - a rotating cultivation technique in which trees are cut down and burned in order to clear land for temporary agriculture; the land is used until its productivity declines at which point a new plot is selected and the process repeats; this practice is sustainable while population levels are low and time is permitted for regrowth of natural vegetation; conversely, where these conditions do not exist, the practice can have disastrous consequences for the environment . soil degradation - damage to the land's productive capacity because of poor agricultural practices such as the excessive use of pesticides or fertilizers, soil compaction from heavy equipment, or erosion of topsoil, eventually resulting in reduced ability to produce agricultural products. soil erosion - the removal of soil by the action of water or wind, compounded by poor agricultural practices, deforestation, overgrazing, and desertification. ultraviolet (UV) radiation - a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and naturally filtered in the upper atmosphere by the ozone layer; UV radiation can be harmful to living organisms and has been linked to increasing rates of skin cancer in humans. water-born diseases - those in which the bacteria survive in, and is transmitted through, water; always a serious threat in areas with an untreated water supply.

Environment - international agreements This entry separates country participation in international environmental agreements into two levels - party to and signed but not ratified. Agreements are listed in alphabetical order by the abbreviated form of the full name.

Environmental agreements This information is presented in Appendix C: Selected International Environmental Agreements, which includes the name, abbreviation, date opened for signature, date entered into force, objective, and parties by category.

Ethnic groups This entry provides a rank ordering of ethnic groups starting with the largest and normally includes the percent of total population.

Exchange rates This entry provides the official value of a country's monetary unit at a given date or over a given period of time, as expressed in units of local currency per US dollar and as determined by international market forces or official fiat.

Executive branch This entry includes several subfields. Chief of state includes the name and title of the titular leader of the country who represents the state at official and ceremonial functions but may not be involved with the day-to-day activities of the government. Head of government includes the name and title of the top administrative leader who is designated to manage the day-to-day activities of the government. For example, in the UK, the monarch is the chief of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. In the US, the president is both the chief of state and the head of government. Cabinet includes the official name for this body of high-ranking advisers and the method for selection of members. Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote for each candidate in the last election.

Exports This entry provides the total US dollar amount of exports on an f.o.b. (free on board) basis.

Exports - commodities This entry provides a rank ordering of exported products starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Exports - partners This entry provides a rank ordering of trading partners starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Fiscal year This entry identifies the beginning and ending months for a country's accounting period of 12 months, which often is the calendar year but which may begin in any month. All yearly references are for the calendar year (CY) unless indicated as a noncalendar fiscal year (FY).

Flag description This entry provides a written flag description produced from actual flags or the best information available at the time the entry was written. The flags of independent states are used by their dependencies unless there is an officially recognized local flag. Some disputed and other areas do not have flags.

Flag graphic Most versions of the Factbook include a color flag at the beginning of the country profile. The flag graphics were produced from actual flags or the best information available at the time of preparation. The flags of independent states are used by their dependencies unless there is an officially recognized local flag. Some disputed and other areas do not have flags.

GDP This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. GDP dollar estimates in the Factbook are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations. See the note on GDP methodology for more information.

GDP methodology In the Economy section, GDP dollar estimates for all countries are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations rather than from conversions at official currency exchange rates. The PPP method involves the use of standardized international dollar price weights, which are applied to the quantities of final goods and services produced in a given economy. The data derived from the PPP method provide the best available starting point for comparisons of economic strength and well-being between countries. The division of a GDP estimate in domestic currency by the corresponding PPP estimate in dollars gives the PPP conversion rate. Whereas PPP estimates for OECD countries are quite reliable, PPP estimates for developing countries are often rough approximations. Most of the GDP estimates are based on extrapolation of PPP numbers published by the UN International Comparison Program (UNICP) and by Professors Robert Summers and Alan Heston of the University of Pennsylvania and their colleagues. In contrast, the currency exchange rate method involves a variety of international and domestic financial forces that often have little relation to domestic output. In developing countries with weak currencies the exchange rate estimate of GDP in dollars is typically one-fourth to one-half the PPP estimate. Furthermore, exchange rates may suddenly go up or down by 10% or more because of market forces or official fiat whereas real output has remained unchanged. On 12 January 1994, for example, the 14 countries of the African Financial Community (whose currencies are tied to the French franc) devalued their currencies by 50%. This move, of course, did not cut the real output of these countries by half. One important caution: the proportion of, say, defense expenditures as a percentage of GDP in local currency accounts may differ substantially from the proportion when GDP accounts are expressed in PPP terms, as, for example, when an observer tries to estimate the dollar level of Russian or Japanese military expenditures. Note: the numbers for GDP and other economic data can not be chained together from successive volumes of the Factbook because of changes in the US dollar measuring rod, revisions of data by statistical agencies, use of new or different sources of information, and changes in national statistical methods and practices.

GDP - composition by sector This entry gives the percentage contribution of agriculture, industry, and services to total GDP.

GDP - per capita This entry shows GDP on a purchasing power parity basis divided by population as of 1 July for the same year.

GDP - real growth rate This entry gives GDP growth on an annual basis adjusted for inflation and expressed as a percent.

Geographic coordinates This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the purpose of finding the approximate geographic center of an entity and is based on the Gazetteer of Conventional Names, Third Edition, August 1988, US Board on Geographic Names and on other sources.

Geographic names This information is presented in Appendix F: Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names. It includes a listing of various alternate names, former names, local names, and regional names referenced to one or more related Factbook entries. Spellings are normally, but not always, those approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Alternate names and additional information are included in parentheses.

Geography This category includes the entries dealing with the natural environment and the effects of human activity.

Geography - note This entry includes miscellaneous geographic information of significance not included elsewhere.

GNP Gross national product (GNP) is the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year, plus income earned by its citizens abroad, minus income earned by foreigners from domestic production. The Factbook, following current practice, uses GDP rather than GNP to measure national production. However, the user must realize that in certain countries net remittances from citizens working abroad may be important to national well-being.

Government This category includes the entries dealing with the system for the adoption and administration of public policy.

Government type This entry gives the basic form of government (e.g., republic, constitutional monarchy, federal republic, parliamentary democracy, military dictatorship).

Government - note This entry includes miscellaneous government information of significance not included elsewhere.

Gross domestic product see GDP

Gross national product see GNP

Gross world product see GWP

GWP This entry gives the gross world product (GWP) or aggregate value of all final goods and services produced worldwide in a given year.

Heliports This entry gives the total number of established helicopter takeoff and landing sites (which may or may not have fuel or other services).

Highways This entry states the total length of the highway system and the length of the paved and unpaved parts.

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate This entry gives an estimate of the percentage of adults (aged 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS. The adult prevalence rate is calculated by dividing the estimated number of adults living with HIV/AIDS at yearend by the total adult population at yearend.

HIV/AIDS - deaths This entry gives an estimate of the number of adults and children who died of AIDS during a given calendar year.

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS This entry gives an estimate of all people (adults and children) alive at yearend with HIV infection, whether or not they have developed symptoms of AIDS.

Household income or consumption by percentage share Data on household income or consumption come from household surveys, the results adjusted for household size. Nations use different standards and procedures in collecting and adjusting the data. Surveys based on income will normally show a more unequal distribution than surveys based on consumption. The quality of surveys is improving with time, yet caution is still necessary in making inter-country comparisons.

Hydrographic data codes see Data codes

Illicit drugs This entry gives information on the five categories of illicit drugs - narcotics, stimulants, depressants (sedatives), hallucinogens, and cannabis. These categories include many drugs legally produced and prescribed by doctors as well as those illegally produced and sold outside of medical channels. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is the common hemp plant, which provides hallucinogens with some sedative properties, and includes marijuana (pot, Acapulco gold, grass, reefer), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, Marinol), hashish (hash), and hashish oil (hash oil). Coca (mostly Erythroxylum coca) is a bush with leaves that contain the stimulant used to make cocaine. Coca is not to be confused with cocoa, which comes from cacao seeds and is used in making chocolate, cocoa, and cocoa butter. Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca bush. Depressants (sedatives) are drugs that reduce tension and anxiety and include chloral hydrate, barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (Librium, Valium), methaqualone (Quaalude), glutethimide (Doriden), and others (Equanil, Placidyl, Valmid). Drugs are any chemical substances that effect a physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral change in an individual. Drug abuse is the use of any licit or illicit chemical substance that results in physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral impairment in an individual. Hallucinogens are drugs that affect sensation, thinking, self- awareness, and emotion. Hallucinogens include LSD (acid, microdot), mescaline and peyote (mexc, buttons, cactus), amphetamine variants (PMA, STP, DOB), phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust, hog), phencyclidine analogues (PCE, PCPy, TCP), and others (psilocybin, psilocyn). Hashish is the resinous exudate of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Heroin is a semisynthetic derivative of morphine. Mandrax is a trade name for methaqualone, a pharmaceutical depressant. Marijuana is the dried leaf of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Methaqualone is a pharmaceutical depressant, referred to as mandrax in Southwest Asia and Africa. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, often induce sleep, and refer to opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic substitutes. Natural narcotics include opium (paregoric, parepectolin), morphine (MS-Contin, Roxanol), codeine (Tylenol with codeine, Empirin with codeine, Robitussan AC), and thebaine. Semisynthetic narcotics include heroin (horse, smack), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Synthetic narcotics include meperidine or Pethidine (Demerol, Mepergan), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), and others (Darvon, Lomotil). Opium is the brown, gummy exudate of the incised, unripe seedpod of the opium poppy. Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is the source for the natural and semisynthetic narcotics. Poppy straw concentrate is the alkaloid derived from the mature, dried opium poppy. Qat (kat, khat) is a stimulant from the buds or leaves of Catha edulis that is chewed or drunk as tea. Quaaludes is the North American slang term for methaqualone, a pharmaceutical depressant. Stimulants are drugs that relieve mild depression, increase energy and activity, and include cocaine (coke, snow, crack), amphetamines (Desoxyn, Dexedrine), ephedrine, ecstasy (clarity, essence, doctor, Adam), phenmetrazine (Preludin), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and others (Cylert, Sanorex, Tenuate).

Imports This entry provides the total US dollar amount of imports on a c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) or f.o.b. (free on board) basis.

Imports - commodities This entry provides a rank ordering of imported products starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Imports - partners This entry provides a rank ordering of trading partners starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value.

Independence For most countries, this entry gives the date that sovereignty was achieved and from which nation, empire, or trusteeship. For the other countries, the date given may not represent "independence" in the strict sense, but rather some significant nationhood event such as the traditional founding date or the date of unification, federation, confederation, establishment, fundamental change in the form of government, or state succession. Dependent areas include the notation "none" followed by the nature of their dependency status. Also see the Terminology note.

Industrial production growth rate This entry gives the annual percentage increase in industrial production (includes manufacturing, mining, and construction).

Industries This entry provides a rank ordering of industries starting with the largest by value of annual output.

Infant mortality rate This entry gives the number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country.

Inflation rate (consumer prices) This entry furnishes the annual percent change in consumer prices compared with the previous year's consumer prices.

Internet country code

This entry includes the two-letter codes maintained by the

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the ISO 3166

Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)

to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

This entry supplies the number of Internet Service Providers within a

country. An ISP is defined as a company that provides access to the

Internet.

Internet users This entry gives the number of users within a country that access the Internet. Statistics vary from country to country and may include users who access the Internet at least several times a week to those who access it only once within a period of several months.

International disputes see Disputes - international

International organization participation This entry lists in alphabetical order by abbreviation those international organizations in which the subject country is a member or participates in some other way.

International organizations

This information is presented in Appendix B: International

Organizations and Groups which includes the name, abbreviation, date

established, aim, and members by category.

Introduction

This category includes one entry, Background.

Irrigated land This entry gives the number of square kilometers of land area that is artificially supplied with water.

Judicial branch This entry contains the name(s) of the highest court(s) and a brief description of the selection process for members.

Labor force

This entry contains the total labor force figure.

Labor force - by occupation This entry contains a rank ordering of component parts of the labor force by occupation.

Land boundaries This entry contains the total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries.

Land use This entry contains the percentage shares of total land area for three different types of land use: arable land - land cultivated for crops that are replanted after each harvest like wheat, maize, and rice; permanent crops - land cultivated for crops that are not replanted after each harvest like citrus, coffee, and rubber; includes land under flowering shrubs, fruit trees, nut trees, and vines, but excludes land under trees grown for wood or timber; other - any land not arable or under permanent crops; includes permanent meadows and pastures, forests and woodlands, built-on areas, roads, barren land, etc.

Languages This entry provides a rank ordering of languages starting with the largest and sometimes includes the percent of total population speaking that language.

Legal system

This entry contains a brief description of the legal system's

historical roots, role in government, and acceptance of International

Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.

Legislative branch This entry contains information on the structure (unicameral, bicameral, tricameral), formal name, number of seats, and term of office. Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote and/or number of seats held by each party in the last election.

Life expectancy at birth This entry contains the average number of years to be lived by a group of people born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future. The entry includes total population as well as the male and female components. Life expectancy at birth is also a measure of overall quality of life in a country and summarizes the mortality at all ages. It can also be thought of as indicating the potential return on investment in human capital and is necessary for the calculation of various actuarial measures.

Literacy This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of the Factbook. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons. Low levels of literacy, and education in general, can impede the economic development of a country in the current rapidly changing, technology-driven world.

Location This entry identifies the country's regional location, neighboring countries, and adjacent bodies of water.

Map references This entry includes the name of the Factbook reference map on which a country may be found. The entry on Geographic coordinates may be helpful in finding some smaller countries.

Maritime claims This entry includes the following claims, the definitions of which are excerpted from the Law of the Sea (LOS) Convention, which alone contains the full and definitive descriptions: contiguous zone - according to the LOS Convention (Article 33), this is a zone contiguous to a coastal State's territorial sea, over which it may exercise the control necessary to: prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea; punish infringement of the above laws and regulations committed within its territory or territorial sea; the contiguous zone may not extend beyond 24 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured (e.g. the US has claimed a 12-mile contiguous zone in addition to its 12-mile territorial sea) continental shelf - the LOS Convention (Article 76) defines the continental shelf of a coastal State as comprising the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance; the continental margin comprises the submerged prolongation of the landmass of the coastal State, and consists of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, the slope and the rise; it does not include the deep ocean floor with its oceanic ridges or the subsoil thereof exclusive economic zone (EEZ) - the LOS Convention (Part V) defines the EEZ as a zone beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea in which a coastal State has: sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents, and winds; jurisdiction with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures; marine scientific research; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone shall not exceed 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured exclusive fishing zone - while this term is not used in the LOS Convention, some States (e.g. the United Kingdom) have chosen not to claim an EEZ, but rather to claim jurisdiction over the living resources off their coast; in such cases, the term exclusive fishing zone is often used territorial sea - the sovereignty of a coastal State extends beyond its land territory and internal waters to an adjacent belt of sea, described as the territorial sea in the LOS Convention (Part II); this sovereignty extends to the air space over the territorial sea as well as its underlying seabed and subsoil; every State has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles

Median Age This entry is the age that divides a population into two numerically equal groups; that is, half the people are younger than this age and half are older. It is a single index that summarizes the age distribution of a population. Currently, the median age ranges from a low of about 15 in Uganda and Gaza Strip to 40 or more in several European countries and Japan. See the entry for "Age structure" for the importance of a younger versus an older age structure and, by implication, a lower versus a higher median age.

Merchant marine Merchant marine may be defined as all ships engaged in the carriage of goods; or all commercial vessels (as opposed to all nonmilitary ships), which excludes tugs, fishing vessels, offshore oil rigs, etc.; or a grouping of merchant ships by nationality or register. This entry contains information in two subfields - total and ships by type. Total includes the total number of ships (1,000 GRT or over), total DWT for those ships, and total GRT for those ships. DWT or dead weight tonnage is the total weight of cargo, plus bunkers, stores, etc. that a ship can carry when immersed to the appropriate load line. GRT or gross register tonnage is a figure obtained by measuring the entire sheltered volume of the ship available for cargo and passengers and converting it to tons on the basis of 100 cubic feet per ton; there is no stable relationship between GRT and DWT. Ships by type includes a listing of barge carriers, bulk cargo ships, cargo ships, chemical tankers, combination bulk carriers, combination ore/oil carriers, container ships, liquefied gas tankers, livestock carriers, multifunctional large-load carriers, petroleum tankers, passenger ships, passenger/cargo ships, railcar carriers, refrigerated cargo ships, roll-on/roll-off cargo ships, short-sea passenger ships, specialized tankers, and vehicle carriers. A captive register is a register of ships maintained by a territory, possession, or colony primarily or exclusively for the use of ships owned in the parent country; it is also referred to as an offshore register, the offshore equivalent of an internal register. Ships on a captive register will fly the same flag as the parent country, or a local variant of it, but will be subject to the maritime laws and taxation rules of the offshore territory. Although the nature of a captive register makes it especially desirable for ships owned in the parent country, just as in the internal register, the ships may also be owned abroad. The captive register then acts as a flag of convenience register, except that it is not the register of an independent state. A flag of convenience register is a national register offering registration to a merchant ship not owned in the flag state. The major flags of convenience (FOC) attract ships to their registers by virtue of low fees, low or nonexistent taxation of profits, and liberal manning requirements. True FOC registers are characterized by having relatively few of the registered ships actually owned in the flag state. Thus, while virtually any flag can be used for ships under a given set of circumstances, an FOC register is one where the majority of the merchant fleet is owned abroad. It is also referred to as an open register. A flag state is the nation in which a ship is registered and which holds legal jurisdiction over operation of the ship, whether at home or abroad. Maritime legislation of the flag state determines how a ship is crewed and taxed and whether a foreign-owned ship may be placed on the register. An internal register is a register of ships maintained as a subset of a national register. Ships on the internal register fly the national flag and have that nationality but are subject to a separate set of maritime rules from those on the main national register. These differences usually include lower taxation of profits, use of foreign nationals as crewmembers, and, usually, ownership outside the flag state (when it functions as an FOC register). The Norwegian International Ship Register and Danish International Ship Register are the most notable examples of an internal register. Both have been instrumental in stemming flight from the national flag to flags of convenience and in attracting foreign-owned ships to the Norwegian and Danish flags. A merchant ship is a vessel that carries goods against payment of freight; it is commonly used to denote any nonmilitary ship but accurately restricted to commercial vessels only. A register is the record of a ship's ownership and nationality as listed with the maritime authorities of a country; also, it is the compendium of such individual ships' registrations. Registration of a ship provides it with a nationality and makes it subject to the laws of the country in which registered (the flag state) regardless of the nationality of the ship's ultimate owner.

Military This category includes the entries dealing with a country's military structure, manpower, and expenditures.

Military branches This entry lists the names of the ground, naval, air, marine, and other defense or security forces.

Military expenditures - dollar figure This entry gives current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies.

Military expenditures - percent of GDP This entry gives current military expenditures as an estimated percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Military manpower - availability This entry gives the total numbers of males and females age 15-49 and assumes that every individual is fit to serve.

Military manpower - fit for military service This entry gives the number of males and females age 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve.

Military manpower - military age This entry gives the minimum age at which an individual may volunteer for military service or be subject to conscription.

Military manpower - reaching military age annually This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults.

Military - note This entry includes miscellaneous military information of significance not included elsewhere.

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

National holiday This entry gives the primary national day of celebration - usually independence day.

Nationality This entry provides the identifying terms for citizens - noun and adjective.

Natural Gas - consumption This entry is the total quantity of natural gas consumed in cubic meters. The discrepancy between the quantity of natural gas produced and/or imported and the quantity consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors.

Natural Gas - exports This entry is the total quantity of natural gas exported in cubic meters.

Natural Gas - imports This entry is the total quantity of natural gas imported in cubic meters.

Natural Gas - production This entry is the total quantity of natural gas produced in cubic meters. The discrepancy between the quantity of natural gas produced and/or imported and the quantity consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors.

Natural Gas - proved reserves This entry is the stock of proved reserves of natural gas in cubic meters (cu. m.). Proved reserves are those quantities of natural gas, which, by analysis of geological and engineering data, can be estimated with a high degree of confidence to be commercially recoverable from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under current economic conditions.

Natural hazards

This entry lists potential natural disasters.

Natural resources This entry lists a country's mineral, petroleum, hydropower, and other resources of commercial importance.

Net migration rate This entry includes the figure for the difference between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000 persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering the country is referred to as net immigration (e.g., 3.56 migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country as net emigration (e.g., -9.26 migrants/1,000 population). The net migration rate indicates the contribution of migration to the overall level of population change. High levels of migration can cause problems such as increasing unemployment and potential ethnic strife (if people are coming in) or a reduction in the labor force, perhaps in certain key sectors (if people are leaving).

Oil - consumption This entry is the total oil consumed in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors.

Oil - exports This entry is the total oil exported in barrels per day (bbl/day), including both crude oil and oil products.

Oil - imports This entry is the total oil imported in barrels per day (bbl/day), including both crude oil and oil products.

Oil - production This entry is the total oil produced in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors.

Oil - proved reserves This entry is the stock of proved reserves of crude oil in barrels (bbl). Proved reserves are those quantities of petroleum which, by analysis of geological and engineering data, can be estimated with a high degree of confidence to be commercially recoverable from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under current economic conditions.

People This category includes the entries dealing with the characteristics of the people and their society.

People - note This entry includes miscellaneous demographic information of significance not included elsewhere.

Personal Names - Capitalization The Factbook uses all uppercase letters for personal names by which the subject is usually referred to in various media. An example is President Vicente FOX Quesada of Mexico. Members of royal families are usually referred by other than their family name (King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands, or King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet of Thailand). Some Asians are referred to by the first element of their name - also their surname, such as President NO Muh-hyun of South Korea.

Personal Names - Spelling The romanization of personal names in the Factbook normally follows the same transliteration system used by the US Board on Geographic Names for spelling place names. At times, however, a foreign leader expressly indicates a preference for, or the media or official documents regularly use, a romanized spelling that differs from the transliteration derived from the US Government standard. In such cases, the Factbook uses the alternative spelling.

Personal Names - Titles The Factbook capitalizes any valid title (or short form of it) immediately preceding a person's name. A title standing alone is lowercased. Examples: President PUTIN and President BUSH are chiefs of state. In Russia, the president is chief of state and the premier is the head of the government, while in the US, the president is both chief of state and head of government.

Petroleum

See "Oil" entries

Petroleum products

See "Oil" entries

Pipelines This entry gives the lengths and types of pipelines for transporting products like natural gas, crude oil, or petroleum products.

Political parties and leaders This entry includes a listing of significant political organizations and their leaders.

Political pressure groups and leaders This entry includes a listing of organizations with leaders involved in politics, but not standing for legislative election.

Population This entry gives an estimate from the US Bureau of the Census based on statistics from population censuses, vital statistics registration systems, or sample surveys pertaining to the recent past and on assumptions about future trends. The total population presents one overall measure of the potential impact of the country on the world and within its region. Note: starting with the 1993 Factbook, demographic estimates for some countries (mostly African) have explicitly taken into account the effects of the growing impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These countries are currently: The Bahamas, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Population below poverty line National estimates of the percentage of the population lying below the poverty line are based on surveys of sub-groups, with the results weighted by the number of people in each group. Definitions of poverty vary considerably among nations. For example, rich nations generally employ more generous standards of poverty than poor nations.

Population growth rate The average annual percent change in the population, resulting from a surplus (or deficit) of births over deaths and the balance of migrants entering and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or negative. The growth rate is a factor in determining how great a burden would be imposed on a country by the changing needs of its people for infrastructure (e.g., schools, hospitals, housing, roads), resources (e.g., food, water, electricity), and jobs. Rapid population growth can be seen as threatening by neighboring countries.

Ports and harbors This entry lists the major ports and harbors selected on the basis of overall importance to each country. This is determined by evaluating a number of factors (e.g., dollar value of goods handled, gross tonnage, facilities, military significance).

Radio broadcast stations This entry includes the total number of AM, FM, and shortwave broadcast stations.

Railways This entry states the total route length of the railway network and of its component parts by gauge: broad, dual, narrow, standard, and other.

Reference maps

This section includes world and regional maps.

Religions This entry includes a rank ordering of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population.

Sex ratio This entry includes the number of males for each female in five age groups - at birth, under 15 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over, and for the total population. Sex ratio at birth has recently emerged as an indicator of certain kinds of sex discrimination in some countries. For instance, high sex ratios at birth in some Asian countries are now attributed to sex-selective abortion and infanticide due to a strong preference for sons. This will affect future marriage patterns and fertility patterns. Eventually it could cause unrest among young adult males who are unable to find partners.

Suffrage This entry gives the age at enfranchisement and whether the right to vote is universal or restricted.

Telephone numbers All telephone numbers in the Factbook consist of the country code in brackets, the city or area code (where required) in parentheses, and the local number. The one component that is not presented is the international access code, which varies from country to country. For example, an international direct dial telephone call placed from the US to Madrid, Spain, would be as follows:

011 [34] (1) 577-xxxx, where

011 is the international access code for station-to-station calls;

01 is for calls other than station-to-station calls,

[34] is the country code for Spain,

(1) is the city code for Madrid,

577 is the local exchange, and

xxxx is the local telephone number.

An international direct dial telephone call placed from another country

to the US would be as follows:

international access code + [1] (202) 939-xxxx, where

[1] is the country code for the US,

(202) is the area code for Washington, DC,

939 is the local exchange, and

xxxx is the local telephone number.

Telephone system This entry includes a brief characterization of the system with details on the domestic and international components. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry:

Africa ONE - a fiber-optic submarine cable link encircling the continent of Africa. Arabsat - Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Autodin - Automatic Digital Network (US Department of Defense). CB - citizen's band mobile radio communications. cellular telephone system - the telephones in this system are radio transceivers, with each instrument having its own private radio frequency and sufficient radiated power to reach the booster station in its area (cell), from which the telephone signal is fed to a telephone exchange. Central American Microwave System - a trunk microwave radio relay system that links the countries of Central America and Mexico with each other. coaxial cable - a multichannel communication cable consisting of a central conducting wire, surrounded by and insulated from a cylindrical conducting shell; a large number of telephone channels can be made available within the insulated space by the use of a large number of carrier frequencies. Comsat - Communications Satellite Corporation (US). DSN - Defense Switched Network (formerly Automatic Voice Network or Autovon); basic general-purpose, switched voice network of the Defense Communications System (US Department of Defense). Eutelsat - European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Paris). fiber-optic cable - a multichannel communications cable using a thread of optical glass fibers as a transmission medium in which the signal (voice, video, etc.) is in the form of a coded pulse of light. GSM - a global system for mobile (cellular) communications devised by the Groupe Special Mobile of the pan-European standardization organization, Conference Europeanne des Posts et Telecommunications (CEPT) in 1982. HF - high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000- kHz range. Inmarsat - International Mobile Satellite Organization (London); provider of global mobile satellite communications for commercial, distress, and safety applications at sea, in the air, and on land. Intelsat - International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Washington, DC). Intersputnik - International Organization of Space Communications (Moscow); first established in the former Soviet Union and the East European countries, it is now marketing its services worldwide with earth stations in North America, Africa, and East Asia. landline - communication wire or cable of any sort that is installed on poles or buried in the ground. Marecs - Maritime European Communications Satellite used in the Inmarsat system on lease from the European Space Agency. Marisat - satellites of the Comsat Corporation that participate in the Inmarsat system. Medarabtel - the Middle East Telecommunications Project of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) providing a modern telecommunications network, primarily by microwave radio relay, linking Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen; it was initially started in Morocco in 1970 by the Arab Telecommunications Union (ATU) and was known at that time as the Middle East Mediterranean Telecommunications Network. microwave radio relay - transmission of long distance telephone calls and television programs by highly directional radio microwaves that are received and sent on from one booster station to another on an optical path. NMT - Nordic Mobile Telephone; an analog cellular telephone system that was developed jointly by the national telecommunications authorities of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). Orbita - a Russian television service; also the trade name of a packet-switched digital telephone network. radiotelephone communications - the two-way transmission and reception of sounds by broadcast radio on authorized frequencies using telephone handsets. PanAmSat - PanAmSat Corporation (Greenwich, CT). satellite communication system - a communication system consisting of two or more earth stations and at least one satellite that provide long distance transmission of voice, data, and television; the system usually serves as a trunk connection between telephone exchanges; if the earth stations are in the same country, it is a domestic system. satellite earth station - a communications facility with a microwave radio transmitting and receiving antenna and required receiving and transmitting equipment for communicating with satellites. satellite link - a radio connection between a satellite and an earth station permitting communication between them, either one-way (down link from satellite to earth station - television receive-only transmission) or two-way (telephone channels). SHF - super high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000-MHz range. shortwave - radio frequencies (from 1.605 to 30 MHz) that fall above the commercial broadcast band and are used for communication over long distances. Solidaridad - geosynchronous satellites in Mexico's system of international telecommunications in the Western Hemisphere. Statsionar - Russia's geostationary system for satellite telecommunications. submarine cable - a cable designed for service under water. TAT - Trans-Atlantic Telephone; any of a number of high-capacity submarine coaxial telephone cables linking Europe with North America. telefax - facsimile service between subscriber stations via the public switched telephone network or the international Datel network. telegraph - a telecommunications system designed for unmodulated electric impulse transmission. telex - a communication service involving teletypewriters connected by wire through automatic exchanges. tropospheric scatter - a form of microwave radio transmission in which the troposphere is used to scatter and reflect a fraction of the incident radio waves back to earth; powerful, highly directional antennas are used to transmit and receive the microwave signals; reliable over-the-horizon communications are realized for distances up to 600 miles in a single hop; additional hops can extend the range of this system for very long distances. trunk network - a network of switching centers, connected by multichannel trunk lines. UHF - ultra high frequency; any radio frequency in the 300- to 3,000-MHz range. VHF - very high frequency; any radio frequency in the 30- to 300- MHz range.

Telephones - main lines in use

This entry gives the total number of main telephone lines in use.

Telephones - mobile cellular

This entry gives the total number of mobile cellular telephones in use.

Television - broadcast stations This entry gives the total number of separate broadcast stations plus any repeater stations.

Terminology Due to the highly structured nature of the Factbook database, some collective generic terms have to be used. For example, the word Country in the Country name entry refers to a wide variety of dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, uninhabited islands, and other entities in addition to the traditional countries or independent states. Military is also used as an umbrella term for various civil defense, security, and defense activities in many entries. The Independence entry includes the usual colonial independence dates and former ruling states as well as other significant nationhood dates such as the traditional founding date or the date of unification, federation, confederation, establishment, or state succession that are not strictly independence dates. Dependent areas have the nature of their dependency status noted in this same entry.

Terrain

This entry contains a brief description of the topography.

Total fertility rate This entry gives a figure for the average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age. The total fertility rate is a more direct measure of the level of fertility than the crude birth rate, since it refers to births per woman. This indicator shows the potential for population growth in the country. High rates will also place some limits on the labor force participation rates for women. Large numbers of children born to women indicate large family sizes that might limit the ability of the families to feed and educate their children.

Transnational Issues This category includes only two entries at the present time - Disputes - international and Illicit drugs - that deal with current issues going beyond national boundaries.

Transportation This category includes the entries dealing with the means for movement of people and goods.

Transportation - note This entry includes miscellaneous transportation information of significance not included elsewhere.

Unemployment rate This entry contains the percent of the labor force that is without jobs. Substantial underemployment might be noted.

Waterways This entry gives the total length and individual names of navigable rivers, canals, and other inland bodies of water.

Years All year references are for the calendar year (CY) unless indicated as fiscal year (FY). The calendar year is an accounting period of 12 months from 1 January to 31 December. The fiscal year is an accounting period of 12 months other than 1 January to 31 December.

Note: Information for the US and US dependencies was compiled from material in the public domain and does not represent Intelligence Community estimates.

This page was last updated on 23 October, 2003

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A Brief History of Basic Intelligence and The World Factbook

The Intelligence Cycle is the process by which information is acquired, converted into intelligence, and made available to policymakers. Information is raw data from any source, data that may be fragmentary, contradictory, unreliable, ambiguous, deceptive, or wrong. Intelligence is information that has been collected, integrated, evaluated, analyzed, and interpreted. Finished intelligence is the final product of the Intelligence Cycle ready to be delivered to the policymaker.

The three types of finished intelligence are: basic, current, and estimative. Basic intelligence provides the fundamental and factual reference material on a country or issue. Current intelligence reports on new developments. Estimative intelligence judges probable outcomes. The three are mutually supportive: basic intelligence is the foundation on which the other two are constructed; current intelligence continually updates the inventory of knowledge; and estimative intelligence revises overall interpretations of country and issue prospects for guidance of basic and current intelligence. The World Factbook, The President's Daily Brief, and the National Intelligence Estimates are examples of the three types of finished intelligence.

The United States has carried on foreign intelligence activities since the days of George Washington but only since World War II have they been coordinated on a government-wide basis. Three programs have highlighted the development of coordinated basic intelligence since that time: (1) the Joint Army Navy Intelligence Studies (JANIS), (2) the National Intelligence Survey (NIS), and (3) The World Factbook.

During World War II, intelligence consumers realized that the production of basic intelligence by different components of the US Government resulted in a great duplication of effort and conflicting information. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 brought home to leaders in Congress and the executive branch the need for integrating departmental reports to national policymakers. Detailed and coordinated information was needed not only on such major powers as Germany and Japan, but also on places of little previous interest. In the Pacific Theater, for example, the Navy and Marines had to launch amphibious operations against many islands about which information was unconfirmed or nonexistent. Intelligence authorities resolved that the United States should never again be caught unprepared.

In 1943, Gen. George B. Strong (G-2), Adm. H. C. Train (Office of Naval Intelligence - ONI), and Gen. William J. Donovan (Director of the Office of Strategic Services - OSS) decided that a joint effort should be initiated. A steering committee was appointed on 27 April 1943 that recommended the formation of a Joint Intelligence Study Publishing Board to assemble, edit, coordinate, and publish the Joint Army Navy Intelligence Studies (JANIS). JANIS was the first interdepartmental basic intelligence program to fulfill the needs of the US Government for an authoritative and coordinated appraisal of strategic basic intelligence. Between April 1943 and July 1947, the board published 34 JANIS studies. JANIS performed well in the war effort, and numerous letters of commendation were received, including a statement from Adm. Forrest Sherman, Chief of Staff, Pacific Ocean Areas, which said, "JANIS has become the indispensable reference work for the shore-based planners."

The need for more comprehensive basic intelligence in the postwar world was well expressed in 1946 by George S. Pettee, a noted author on national security. He wrote in The Future of American Secret Intelligence (Infantry Journal Press, 1946, page 46) that world leadership in peace requires even more elaborate intelligence than in war. "The conduct of peace involves all countries, all human activities - not just the enemy and his war production."

The Central Intelligence Agency was established on 26 July 1947 and officially began operating on 18 September 1947. Effective 1 October 1947, the Director of Central Intelligence assumed operational responsibility for JANIS. On 13 January 1948, the National Security Council issued Intelligence Directive (NSCID) No. 3, which authorized the National Intelligence Survey (NIS) program as a peacetime replacement for the wartime JANIS program. Before adequate NIS country sections could be produced, government agencies had to develop more comprehensive gazetteers and better maps. The US Board on Geographic Names (BGN) compiled the names; the Department of the Interior produced the gazetteers; and CIA produced the maps.

The Hoover Commission's Clark Committee, set up in 1954 to study the structure and administration of the CIA, reported to Congress in 1955 that: "The National Intelligence Survey is an invaluable publication which provides the essential elements of basic intelligence on all areas of the world. There will always be a continuing requirement for keeping the Survey up-to-date." The Factbook was created as an annual summary and update to the encyclopedic NIS studies. The first classified Factbook was published in August 1962, and the first unclassified version was published in June 1971. The NIS program was terminated in 1973 except for the Factbook, map, and gazetteer components. The 1975 Factbook was the first to be made available to the public with sales through the US Government Printing Office (GPO). The Factbook was first made available on the Internet in June 1997. The year 2003 marks the 56th anniversary of the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency and the 60th year of continuous basic intelligence support to the US Government by The World Factbook and its two predecessor programs.

This page was last updated on 23 October, 2003

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Contributors and Copyright Information

In general, information available as of 1 January 2003 was used in the preparation of this edition.

The World Factbook is prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency for the use of US Government officials, and the style, format, coverage, and content are designed to meet their specific requirements. Information is provided by Antarctic Information Program (National Science Foundation), Bureau of the Census (Department of Commerce), Bureau of Labor Statistics (Department of Labor), Central Intelligence Agency, Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs, Defense Intelligence Agency (Department of Defense), Department of State, Fish and Wildlife Service (Department of the Interior), Maritime Administration (Department of Transportation), National Imagery and Mapping Agency (Department of Defense), Naval Facilities Engineering Command (Department of Defense), Office of Insular Affairs (Department of the Interior), Office of Naval Intelligence (Department of Defense), US Board on Geographic Names (Department of the Interior), US Transportation Command (Department of Defense), and other public and private sources.

The Factbook is in the public domain. Accordingly, it may be copied freely without permission of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The official seal of the CIA, however, may NOT be copied without permission as required by the CIA Act of 1949 (50 U.S.C. section 403m). Misuse of the official seal of the CIA could result in civil and criminal penalties.

Comments and queries are welcome and may be addressed to:

Central Intelligence Agency

Attn.: Office of Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20505

Telephone: [1] (703) 482-0623

FAX: [1] (703) 482-1739

This page was last updated on 1 August, 2003

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Purchasing Information

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) publishes The World Factbook in printed and Internet versions. US Government officials may obtain information about availability of the Factbook from their organizations or through liaison channels to the CIA. Other users may obtain sales information about printed copies from the following:

Superintendent of Documents

P. O. Box 371954

Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954

Telephone: [1] (202) 512-1800; toll free: [1] (866) 512-1800

FAX: [1] (202) 512-2250

http://bookstore.gpo.gov/

National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Telephone: [1] (800) 553-6847 (only in the US); [1] (703) 605-6000 (for outside US) FAX: [1] (703) 605-6900 http://www.ntis.gov/

The World Factbook can be accessed on the Internet at: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html

This page was last updated on 11 August, 2003

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The World Factbook staff thanks you for your comments, suggestions, updates, kudos, and corrections over the past years. The willingness of readers from around the world to share their observations and specialized knowledge is very helpful as we try to produce the best possible publications. Please feel free to continue to write and e-mail us. At least two Factbook staffers review every item. The sheer volume of correspondence precludes detailed personal replies, but we sincerely appreciate your time and interest in the Factbook. If you include your e-mail address we will at least acknowledge your note. Thank you again.

Answers to many frequently asked questions (FAQs) are explained in the Notes and Definitions section in The World Factbook. Please review this section to see if your question is already answered there. In addition, we have compiled the following list of FAQs to answer other common questions. Select from the following categories to narrow your search:

General

Geography

Spelling and Pronunciation

Policies and Procedures

Technical

General

Can you provide additional information for a specific country?

The staff cannot provide data beyond what appears in The World Factbook. The format and information in the Factbook are tailored to the specific requirements of US Government officials and content is focused on their current and anticipated needs. The staff welcomes suggestions for new entries.

How often is The World Factbook updated?

Formerly our Web site (and the published Factbook) were only updated annually. Beginning in November 2001 we instituted a new system of more frequent online updates.

The annual printed version of the Factbook is usually released about midyear. US Government officials may obtain information about Factbook availability from their own organizations or through liaison channels to the CIA. Other users may obtain sales information through the following channels:

Superintendent of Documents

P. O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954

Telephone: [1] (202) 512-1800

FAX: [1] (202) 512-2250

http://www.bookstore.gpo.gov

National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Telephone: [1] (800) 553-6847 (only in the US); [1] (703) 605-6000 (for outside US) FAX: [1] (703) 605-6900 http://www.ntis.gov

Can I use some or all of The World Factbook for my Web site (book, research project, homework, etc.)?

The World Factbook is in the public domain and may be used freely by anyone at anytime without seeking permission. However, US Code prohibits use of the CIA seal in a manner which implies that the CIA approved, endorsed, or authorized such use. If you have any questions about your intended use, you should consult with legal counsel. Further information on The World Factbook's use is described on the Contributors and Copyright Information page. As a courtesy, please cite The World Factbook when used.

Why doesn't The World Factbook include information on states, departments, provinces, the European Union, etc., in the country format?

The World Factbook provides national-level information on countries, territories, and dependencies, but not on subnational administrative units within a country or supranational entities like the European Union. A good encyclopedia should provide state/province-level information.

Is it possible to access older editions of The World Factbook to do comparative research and trend analysis?

Only the current version is available for browsing on the CIA Web site. The year 2000 and 2001 editions are available for download. In the future, the staff hopes to post electronic versions of The World Factbook as far back as 1986. Hardcopy editions for earlier years are available from libraries.

Would it be possible to set up a partnership or collaboration between the producers of The World Factbook and other organizations or individuals?

The World Factbook does not partner with other organizations or individuals, but we do welcome comments and suggestions that such groups or persons choose to provide.

Geography

I can't find a geographic name for a particular country. Why not?

The World Factbook is not a gazetteer (a dictionary or index of places, usually with descriptive or statistical information) and cannot provide more than the names of the administrative divisions (in the Government category) and major cities/towns (on the country maps). Our expanded Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names, however, includes many of the world's major geographic features as well as historic (former) names of countries and cities mentioned in The World Factbook.

Why is Taiwan listed out of alphabetical order at the end of the

Factbook entries?

Taiwan is listed after the regular entries because even though the mainland People's Republic of China claims Taiwan, elected Taiwanese authorities de facto administer the island and reject mainland sovereignty claims. With the establishment of diplomatic relations with China on January 1, 1979, the US Government recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, acknowledging the Chinese position that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China.

Since we have an ambassador who represents the US at the Vatican, why is this entity not listed in the Factbook?

Vatican City is found under Holy See. The term "Holy See" refers to the authority, jurisdiction, and sovereignty vested in the Pope and his advisors to direct the worldwide Catholic Church. The Holy See has a legal personality that allows it to enter into treaties as the juridical equal of a state and to send and receive diplomatic representatives. Vatican City, created in 1929 to administer properties belonging to the Holy See in Rome, is recognized under international law as a sovereign state, but it does not send or receive diplomatic representatives. Consequently, Holy See is included as a Factbook entry, with Vatican City cross-referenced in the Geographic Names appendix.

Why are the Golan Heights not shown as part of Israel or Northern

Cyprus with Turkey?

Territorial occupations/annexations not recognized by the United States

Government are not shown on US Government maps.

Why don't you include information on entities such as Tibet, Kashmir, or Kosovo?

The World Factbook provides information on the administrative divisions of a country as recommended by the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN). The BGN is a component of the US Government that develops policies, principles, and procedures governing the spelling, use, and application of geographic names—domestic, foreign, Antarctic, and undersea. Its decisions enable all departments and agencies of the US Government to have access to uniform names of geographic features.

Also included in the Factbook are entries on parts of the world whose status has not yet been resolved (e.g., West Bank, Spratly Islands). Specific regions within a country or areas in dispute among countries are not covered.

Spelling and Pronunciation

Why is the spelling of proper names such as rulers, presidents, and prime ministers in The World Factbook different than their spelling in my country?

The Factbook staff applies the names and spellings from the Chiefs of State link on the CIA Web site. The World Factbook is prepared using the standard American English computer keyboard and does not use any special characters, symbols, or most diacritical markings in its spellings. Surnames are always spelled with capital letters; they may appear first in some cultures.

The spelling of geographic names, features, cities, administrative divisions, etc. in the Factbook differs from those used in my country. Why is this?

The United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN) recommends and approves names and spellings. The BGN is the component of the United States Government that develops policies, principles, and procedures governing the spelling, use, and application of geographic names— domestic, foreign, Antarctic, and undersea. Its decisions enable all departments and agencies of the US Government to use uniform names of geographic features. (A note is usually included where changes may have occurred but have not yet been approved by the BGN). The World Factbook is prepared using the standard American English computer keyboard and does not use any special characters, symbols, or most diacritical markings in its spellings.

Why doesn't The World Factbook include pronunciations of country or leader names?

There are too many variations in pronunciation among English-speaking countries, not to mention English renditions of non-English names, for pronunciations to be included. American English pronunciations are included for some countries like Qatar and Kiribati.

Why is the name of the Labour party misspelled?

When American and British spellings of common English words differ, The

World Factbook always uses the American spelling, even when these

common words form part of a proper name in British English.

Policies and Procedures

What is The World Factbook's source for a specific subject field?

The Factbook staff uses many different sources to publish what we judge are the most reliable and consistent data for any particular category. Space considerations preclude a listing of these various sources.

The names of some geographic features provided in the Factbook differ from those used in other publications. For example, in Asia the Factbook has Burma as the country name, but in other publications Myanmar is used; also, the Factbook uses Sea of Japan whereas other publications label it East Sea. What is you policy on naming geographic features?

The Factbook staff follows the guidance of the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN). The BGN is the component of the United States Government that develops policies, principles, and procedures governing the spelling, use, and application of geographic names—domestic, foreign, Antarctic, and undersea. Its decisions enable all departments and agencies of the US Government to have access to uniform names of geographic features. The position of the BGN is that the names Burma and Sea of Japan be used in official US Government maps and publications.

Why is most of the statistical information in the Factbook given in metric units, rather than the units standard to US measure?

US Federal agencies are required by the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-168) and by Executive Order 12770 of July 1991 to use the International System of Units, commonly referred to as the metric system or SI. In addition, the metric system is used by over 95 percent of the world's population.

Why don't you include information on minimum and maximum temperature extremes?

The Factbook staff judges that this information would only be useful for some (generally smaller) countries. Larger countries can have large temperature extremes that do not represent the landmass as a whole. In the future, such a category may be adopted listing the extremes, but also adding a normal temperature range found throughout most of a country's territory.

What information sources are used for the country flags?

Flag designs used in The World Factbook are those recognized by the protocol office of the US Department of State.

Why do your GDP (Gross Domestic Product) statistics differ from other sources?

GDP dollar estimates in The World Factbook are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations. See the Notes and Definitions section on GDP methodology for more information.

On the CIA Web site, Chiefs of State is updated weekly, but the last update for the Factbook was an earlier date. Why the discrepancy?

Although Chiefs of State and The World Factbook both appear on the CIA Web site, they are produced and updated by separate staffs. Chiefs of State includes fewer countries but more leaders, and is updated more frequently than The World Factbook, which has a much larger database, and includes all countries.

Some percentage distributions do not add to 100. Why not?

Because of rounding, percentage distributions do not always add precisely to 100%. Rounding of numbers always results in a loss of precision—i.e., error. This error becomes apparent when percentage data are totaled, as the following two examples show:

Original Data Rounded to whole integer

Example 1 43.2 43

30.4 30

26.4 26

—— —

100.0 99

Example 2 42.8 43

31.6 32

25.6 26

—— —

100.0 101

When this occurs, we do not force the numbers to add exactly to 100, because doing so would introduce additional error into the distribution.

What rounding convention does The World Factbook use?

In deciding on the number of digits to present, the Factbook staff assesses the accuracy of the original data and the needs of US Government officials. All of the economic data are processed by computer—either at the source or by the Factbook staff. The economic data presented in The Factbook, therefore, follow the rounding convention used by virtually all numerical software applications, namely, any digit followed by a "5" is rounded up to the next higher digit, no matter whether the original digit is even or odd. Thus, for example, when rounded to the nearest integer, 2.5 becomes 3, rather than 2, as occurred in some pre-computer rounding systems.

Technical

Does The World Factbook comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation

Act regarding accessibility of Web pages?

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This page was last updated on 21 October, 2003

=====================================================================

@Afghanistan

Introduction Afghanistan

Background:

Afghanistan's recent history is characterized by war and civil

unrest. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979, but was forced to withdraw

10 years later by anti-Communist mujahidin forces supplied and

trained by the US, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and others. Fighting

subsequently continued among the various mujahidin factions, giving

rise to a state of warlordism that eventually spawned the Taliban.

Backed by foreign sponsors, the Taliban developed as a political

force and eventually seized power. The Taliban were able to capture

most of the country, aside from Northern Alliance strongholds

primarily in the northeast, until US and allied military action in

support of the opposition following the 11 September 2001 terrorist

attacks forced the group's downfall. In late 2001, major leaders

from the Afghan opposition groups and diaspora met in Bonn, Germany,

and agreed on a plan for the formulation of a new government

structure that resulted in the inauguration of Hamid KARZAI as

Chairman of the Afghan Interim Authority (AIA) on 22 December 2001.

The AIA held a nationwide Loya Jirga (Grand Assembly) in June 2002,

and KARZAI was elected President by secret ballot of the

Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan (TISA). The Transitional

Authority has an 18-month mandate to hold a nationwide Loya Jirga to

adopt a constitution and a 24-month mandate to hold nationwide

elections. In December 2002, the TISA marked the one-year

anniversary of the fall of the Taliban. In addition to occasionally

violent political jockeying and ongoing military action to root out

remaining terrorists and Taliban elements, the country suffers from

enormous poverty, a crumbling infrastructure, and widespread land

mines.

Geography Afghanistan

Location:

Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran

Geographic coordinates:

33 00 N, 65 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 647,500 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 647,500 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,529 km

border countries: China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km,

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

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m

highest point: Nowshak 7,485 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc, barites,

sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones

Land use: arable land: 12.13% permanent crops: 0.22% other: 87.65% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

23,860 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding;

droughts

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of

potable water; soil degradation; overgrazing; deforestation (much of

the remaining forests are being cut down for fuel and building

materials); desertification; air and water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban

signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous

Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

landlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast to

southwest divide the northern provinces from the rest of the

country; the highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan

Corridor)

People Afghanistan

Population:

28,717,213 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.8% (male 6,123,971; female 5,868,013)

15-64 years: 55.4% (male 8,240,743; female 7,671,242)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 427,710; female 385,534) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.9 years

male: 19.1 years

female: 18.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.38%

note: this rate does not take into consideration the recent war and

its continuing impact (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

40.63 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

17.15 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

10.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.11 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 142.48 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 138.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 145.99 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 46.97 years

male: 47.67 years

female: 46.23 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.64 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.01% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Afghan(s)

adjective: Afghan

Ethnic groups:

Pashtun 44%, Tajik 25%, Hazara 10%, minor ethnic groups (Aimaks,

Turkmen, Baloch, and others) 13%, Uzbek 8%

Religions:

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

Languages:

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

Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and

Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

female: 21% (1999 est.)

total population: 36%

male: 51%

People - note:

large numbers of Afghan refugees create burdens on neighboring

states

Government Afghanistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan

conventional short form: Afghanistan

local short form: Afghanestan

former: Republic of Afghanistan

local long form: Dowlat-e Eslami-ye Afghanestan

Government type:

transitional

Capital:

Kabul

Administrative divisions:

32 provinces (velayat, singular - velayat); Badakhshan, Badghis,

Baghlan, Balkh, Bamian, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghowr, Helmand,

Herat, Jowzjan, Kabol, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khowst, Konar, Kondoz,

Laghman, Lowgar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Nurestan, Oruzgan, Paktia,

Paktika, Parvan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Vardak, and Zabol

Independence:

19 August 1919 (from UK control over Afghan foreign affairs)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 19 August (1919)

Constitution:

the Bonn Agreement called for a Loya Jirga (Grand Council) to be

convened within 18 months of the establishment of the Transitional

Authority to draft a new constitution for the country; the basis for

the next constitution is the 1964 Constitution, according to the

Bonn Agreement

Legal system:

the Bonn Agreement calls for a judicial commission to rebuild the

justice system in accordance with Islamic principles, international

standards, the rule of law, and Afghan legal traditions

Suffrage:

NA; previously males 15-50 years of age

Executive branch:

note: following the Taliban's refusal to hand over Usama bin LADIN

to the US for his suspected involvement in the 11 September 2001

terrorist attacks in the US, a US-led international coalition was

formed; after several weeks of aerial bombardment by coalition

forces and military action on the ground, including Afghan

opposition forces, the Taliban was ousted from power on 17 November

2001; in December 2001, a number of prominent Afghans met under UN

auspices in Bonn, Germany, to decide on a plan for governing the

country; as a result, the Afghan Interim Authority (AIA) - made up

of 30 members, headed by a chairman - was inaugurated on 22 December

2001 with a six-month mandate to be followed by a two-year

Transitional Authority (TA), after which elections are to be held;

the structure of the follow-on TA was announced on 10 June 2002,

when the Loya Jirga (Grand Assembly) convened establishing the

Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan (TISA), which has 18

months to hold a Loya Jirga to adopt a constitution and 24 months to

hold nationwide elections

chief of state: President of the TISA, Hamid KARZAI (since 10 June

2002); note - presently the president and head of government

head of government: President of the TISA, Hamid KARZAI (since 10

June 2002); note - presently the president and head of government

cabinet: the 30-member TISA

elections: nationwide elections are to be held by June 2004,

according to the Bonn Agreement

Legislative branch:

nonfunctioning as of June 1993

Judicial branch:

the Bonn Agreement called for the establishment of a Supreme Court;

there is also a Minister of Justice

Political parties and leaders:

NA; note - political parties in Afghanistan are in flux and many

prominent players have plans to create new parties; the Transitional

Islamic State of Afghanistan (TISA) is headed by President Hamid

KARZAI; the TISA is a coalition government formed of leaders from

across the Afghan political spectrum; there are also several

political factions not holding positions in the Transitional

government that are forming new groups and parties in the hopes of

participating in 2004 elections

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA; note - ministries formed under the Transitional Islamic State

of Afghanistan (TISA) include former influential Afghans, diaspora

members, and former political leaders

International organization participation:

AsDB, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GUUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOM

(observer), ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: ambassador Seyyed Tayeb JAWAD

chancery: 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

FAX: 202-483-6487

consulate(s) general: New York

telephone: 202-483-6410

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert Patrick John FINN; note -

embassy in Kabul reopened 16 December 2001, following closure in

January 1989

embassy: Great Masood Road, Kabul

mailing address: 6180 Kabul Place, Dulles, VA 20189-6180

telephone: [93] (2) 290002, 290005, 290154

FAX: 00932290153

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of black (hoist), red, and green, with a

gold emblem centered on the red band; the emblem features a

temple-like structure encircled by a wreath on the left and right

and by a bold Islamic inscription above

Economy Afghanistan

Economy - overview:

Afghanistan is an extremely poor, landlocked country, highly

dependent on foreign aid, farming and livestock raising (sheep and

goats), and trade with neighboring countries. Economic

considerations have played second fiddle to political and military

upheavals during more than two decades of war, including the nearly

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

During that conflict, one-third of the population fled the country,

with Pakistan and Iran sheltering a combined peak of 4 to 6 million

refugees. Gross domestic product has fallen substantially over the

past 20 years because of the loss of labor and capital and the

disruption of trade and transport; severe drought added to the

nation's difficulties in 1998-2002. The majority of the population

continues to suffer from insufficient food, clothing, housing, and

medical care, and a dearth of jobs, problems exacerbated by

political uncertainties and the general level of lawlessness.

International efforts to rebuild Afghanistan were addressed at the

Tokyo Donors Conference for Afghan Reconstruction in January 2002,

when $4.5 billion was pledged, $1.7 billion for 2002. Of that

approximately $900 million was directed to humanitarian aid - food,

clothing, and shelter - and another $90 million for the Afghan

Transitional Authority. Further World Bank and other aid came in

2003. Priority areas for reconstruction include upgrading education,

health, and sanitation facilities; providing income generating

opportunities; enhancing administrative and security arrangements,

especially in regional areas; developing the agricultural sector;

rebuilding transportation, energy, and telecommunication

infrastructure; and reabsorbing 2 million returning refugees. The

replacement of the opium trade - which may account for one-third of

GDP - and the search for oil and gas resources in the northern

region are two major long-term issues.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $19 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 60%

industry: 20%

services: 20% (1990 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

10 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 80%, industry 10%, services 10% (1990 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $200 million

expenditures: $550 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2003 plan est.)

Industries:

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

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

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

334.8 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 36.3% hydro: 63.7% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

511.4 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

200 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

3,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

220 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

220 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

49.98 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

opium, wheat, fruits, nuts, wool, mutton, sheepskins, lambskins

Exports:

$1.2 billion (not including illicit exports) (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides and

pelts, precious and semi-precious gems

Exports - partners:

Pakistan 26.8%, India 26.5%, Finland 5.8%, Germany 5.1%, UAE 4.4%,

Belgium 4.3%, Russia 4.2%, US 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$1.3 billion (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, food, textiles, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Pakistan 25.1%, South Korea 14.4%, Japan 9.4%, US 9%, Kenya 5.8%,

Germany 5.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

NA (1996 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

international pledges made by more than 60 countries and

international financial institutions at the Tokyo Donors Conference

for Afghan reconstruction in January 2002 reached $4.5 billion

through 2006, with $1.8 billion allocated for 2002; another $1.7

billion was pledged for 2003.

Currency:

afghani (AFA)

Currency code:

AFA

Exchange rates:

afghanis per US dollar - 3,000 (October-December 2002), 3,000

(2001), 3,000 (2000), 3,000 (1999), 3,000 (1998), note: before 2002

the market rate varied widely from the official rate; in 2002 the

afghani was revalued and the currency stabilized

Fiscal year:

21 March - 20 March

Communications Afghanistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

29,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: very limited telephone and telegraph service

domestic: in 1997, telecommunications links were established between

Mazar-e Sharif, Herat, Kandahar, Jalalabad, and Kabul through

satellite and microwave systems

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

linked only to Iran and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region);

commercial satellite telephone center in Ghazni

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 7 (6 are inactive; the active station is in Kabul), FM 1,

shortwave 1 (broadcasts in Pashtu, Afghan Persian (Dari), Urdu, and

English) (1999)

Radios:

167,000 (1999)

Television broadcast stations: at least 10 (one government-run central television station in Kabul and regional stations in nine of the 32 provinces; the regional stations operate on a reduced schedule; also, in 1997, there was a station in Mazar-e Sharif reaching four northern Afghanistan provinces) (1998)

Televisions:

100,000 (1999)

Internet country code:

.af

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Afghanistan

Railways:

total: 24.6 km

broad gauge: 9.6 km 1.524-m gauge from Gushgy (Turkmenistan) to

Towraghondi; 15 km 1.524-m gauge from Termiz (Uzbekistan) to

Kheyrabad transshipment point on south bank of Amu Darya (2001)

Highways: total: 21,000 km paved: 2,793 km unpaved: 18,207 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 1,200 km note: chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up to 500 DWT (2001)

Pipelines:

gas 651 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Kheyrabad, Shir Khan

Airports:

47 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 10 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 37 under 914 m: 11 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

Heliports: 5 (2002)

Military Afghanistan

Military branches:

NA; note - the December 2001 Bonn Agreement called for all militia

forces to come under the authority of the central government, but

regional leaders have continued to retain their militias and the

formation of a nation army will be a gradual process; Afghanistan's

forces continue to be factionalized, largely along ethnic lines

Military manpower - military age:

22 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 7,160,603 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 3,837,646 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 275,223 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$525.2 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

7.7% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Afghanistan

Disputes - international:

thousands of Afghan refugees still reside in Iran and Pakistan;

isolating terrain and close ties among Pashtuns in Pakistan make

cross-border activities difficult to control; prolonged regional

drought strains water-sharing arrangements for Amu Darya and Helmand

River states

Illicit drugs:

world's largest producer of opium; cultivation of opium poppy -

used to make heroin - expanded to 30,750 hectares in 2002, despite

eradication; potential opium production of 1,278 metric tons; source

of hashish; many narcotics-processing labs throughout the country;

drug trade source of instability and some government groups profit

from the trade; 80-90% of the heroin consumed in Europe comes from

Afghan opium; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering through the

hawala system

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Albania

Introduction Albania

Background:

Between 1990 and 1992 Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic

Communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The

transition has proven difficult as corrupt governments have tried to

deal with high unemployment, a dilapidated infrastructure,

widespread gangsterism, and disruptive political opponents.

International observers judged legislative elections in 2001 to be

acceptable and a step toward democratic development, but identified

serious deficiencies that should be addressed through reforms in the

Albanian electoral code.

Geography Albania

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea,

between Greece and Serbia and Montenegro

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 28,748 sq km

water: 1,350 sq km

land: 27,398 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 720 km

border countries: Greece 282 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia 151 km, Serbia and Montenegro 287 km

Coastline:

362 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

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

interior is cooler and wetter

Terrain:

mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,753 m

Natural resources:

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

hydropower

Land use: arable land: 21.09% permanent crops: 4.45% other: 74.46% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

3,400 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern coast;

floods; drought

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and

domestic effluents

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous

Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to

Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)

People Albania

Population:

3,582,205 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 520,714; female 486,911)

15-64 years: 64.6% (male 1,115,887; female 1,196,477)

65 years and over: 7.3% (male 115,754; female 146,462) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.5 years

male: 24.8 years

female: 28.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.03% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

18.2 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.48 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 37.28 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 34.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 39.68 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.37 years

male: 69.53 years

female: 75.42 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.22 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Albanian(s)

adjective: Albanian

Ethnic groups:

Albanian 95%, Greek 3%, other 2% (Vlach, Gypsy, Serb, and

Bulgarian) (1989 est.)

note: in 1989, other estimates of the Greek population ranged from

1% (official Albanian statistics) to 12% (from a Greek organization)

Religions:

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

note: all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious

observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing

private religious practice

Languages:

Albanian (Tosk is the official dialect), Greek

Literacy:

definition: age 9 and over can read and write

total population: 86.5%

male: 93.3%

female: 79.5% (2003 est.)

Government Albania

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Albania

conventional short form: Albania

local short form: Shqiperia

former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania

local long form: Republika e Shqiperise

Government type:

emerging democracy

Capital:

Tirana

Administrative divisions:

12 counties (qarqe, singular - qark); Qarku i Beratit, Qarku i

Dibres, Qarku i Durresit, Qarku i Elbasanit, Qarku i Fierit, Qarku i

Gjirokastres, Qarku i Korces, Qarku i Kukesit, Qarku i Lezhes, Qarku

i Shkodres, Qarku i Tiranes, Qarku i Vlores

Independence:

28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1912)

Constitution:

a constitution was adopted by popular referendum on 28 November

1998; note - the opposition Democratic Party boycotted the vote

Legal system:

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of the Republic Alfred MOISIU (since 24

July 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Fatos NANO (since 31 July 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and

approved by the president

elections: president elected by the People's Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 24 June 2002 (next to be held NA

June 2007); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Alfred MOISIU elected president; People's Assembly

vote by number - total votes 116, for 97, against 19

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Assembly or Kuvendi Popullor (140 seats; 100

are elected by direct popular vote and 40 by proportional vote for

four-year terms)

elections: last held 24 June 2001 with subsequent rounds on 8 July,

22 July, 29 July, 19 August 2001 (next to be held NA June 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - PS 41.5%, PD and

coalition allies 36.8%, NDP 5.2%, PSD 3.6%, PBDNJ 2.6%, PASH 2.6%,

PAD 2.5%; seats by party - PS 73, PD and coalition allies 46, NDP 6,

PSD 4, PBDNJ 3, PASH 3, PAD 3, independents 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chairman is elected by the People's Assembly for a

four-year term)

Political parties and leaders:

Agrarian Party of Albania or PASH [Lufter XHUVELI]; Christian

Democratic Party or PDK [Zef BUSHATI]; Communist Party of Albania or

PKSH [Hysni MILLOSHI]; Democratic Alliance or PAD [Nerltan CEKA];

Democratic Party or PD [Sali BERISHA]; Legality Movement Party or

PLL [Guri DUROLLARI]; National Front Party (Balli Kombetar) or PBK

[Abaz ERMENJI]; Party of National Unity or PUK [Idajet BEQUIRI];

Republican Party or PR [Fatmir MEDIU]; Social Democracy or DS

[Paskal MILO]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Skender GJINUSHI];

Socialist Party or PS (formerly the Albanian Party of Labor) [Fatos

NANO]; Union for Human Rights Party or PBDNJ [Vasil MELO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Omonia [Vangjel DULES]

International organization participation:

ACCT, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIG, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,

WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Fatos TARIFA FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342 telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942 chancery: 2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador James F. JEFFREY embassy: Rruga Elbasanit, Labinoti #103, Tirana mailing address: U. S. Department of State, 9510 Tirana Place, Washington, DC 20521-9510 telephone: [355] (4) 247285 FAX: [355] (4) 232222

Flag description: red with a black two-headed eagle in the center

Economy Albania

Economy - overview:

Poor and backward by European standards, Albania is making the

difficult transition to a more modern open-market economy. The

government has taken measures to curb violent crime and to spur

economic activity and trade. The economy is bolstered by remittances

from abroad of $400-$600 million annually, mostly from Greece and

Italy; this helps offset the sizable trade deficit. Agriculture,

which accounts for half of GDP, is held back because of frequent

drought and the need to modernize equipment and consolidate small

plots of land. Severe energy shortages are forcing small firms out

of business, increasing unemployment, scaring off foreign investors,

and spurring inflation. The government plans to boost energy imports

to relieve the shortages. In addition, the government is moving to

improve the poor national road network, a long-standing barrier to

sustained economic growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $15.69 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 49% industry: 27% services: 24% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

30% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.283 million (not including 352,000 emigrant workers and 261,000

domestically unemployed) (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 50%, industry and services 50%

Unemployment rate:

17% officially; may be as high as 30% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $697 million

expenditures: $1.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $368

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

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

chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower

Industrial production growth rate:

9% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

5.289 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 2.9% hydro: 97.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

5.898 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

221 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1.2 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

5,952 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

22,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

185.5 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

30 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

30 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.316 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, sugar beets, grapes; meat, dairy products

Exports: $340 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities: textiles and footwear; asphalt, metals and metallic ores, crude oil; vegetables, fruits, tobacco

Exports - partners:

Italy 76.6%, Germany 5.6%, Greece 2.7% (2002)

Imports:

$1.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Italy 39.4%, Greece 24.5%, Turkey 6%, Germany 5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$784 million (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA: $315 million (top donors were Italy, EU, Germany) (2000 est.)

Currency:

lek (ALL)

Currency code:

ALL

Exchange rates:

leke per US dollar - NA (2002), 143.49 (2001), 143.71 (2000),

137.69 (1999), 150.63 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Albania

Telephones - main lines in use:

120,000 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

250,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: Albania has the poorest telephone service in

Europe with fewer than two telephones per 100 inhabitants; it is

doubtful that every village has telephone service

domestic: obsolete wire system; no longer provides a telephone for

every village; in 1992, following the fall of the Communist

government, peasants cut the wire to about 1,000 villages and used

it to build fences

international: inadequate; international traffic carried by

microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to Italy and Greece

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 13, FM 4, shortwave 2 (2001)

Radios:

1 million (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (plus 58 repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

700,000 (2001)

Internet country code:

.al

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

10 (2001)

Internet users:

12,000 (2001)

Transportation Albania

Railways: total: 447 km standard gauge: 447 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 18,000 km

paved: 5,400 km

unpaved: 12,600 km (2000)

Waterways:

43 km

note: includes Albanian sections of Lake Scutari, Lake Ohrid, and

Lake Prespa (1990)

Pipelines:

gas 339 km; oil 207 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore

Merchant marine:

total: 13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 21,954 GRT/34,412 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 11, roll on/roll off 1, includes some

foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience:

Croatia 1, Honduras 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

12 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

over 3,047 m: 1

Heliports:

1 (2002)

Military Albania

Military branches:

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

Border Guards

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 906,168 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 742,837 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 36,985 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$56.5 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.49% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Albania

Disputes - international:

the Albanian Government calls for the protection of the rights of

ethnic Albanians outside its borders in the Kosovo region of Serbia

and Montenegro, and in the northern Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, while continuing to seek regional cooperation; some

outside ethnic Albanian groups voice union with Albania

Illicit drugs:

increasingly active transshipment point for Southwest Asian

opiates, hashish, and cannabis transiting the Balkan route and - to

a far lesser extent - cocaine from South America destined for

Western Europe; limited opium and growing cannabis production;

ethnic Albanian narcotrafficking organizations active and rapidly

expanding in Europe; vulnerable to money laundering associated with

regional trafficking in narcotics, arms, contraband, and illegal

aliens

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Algeria

Introduction Algeria

Background:

After a century of rule by France, Algeria became independent in

1962. The surprising first round success of the fundamentalist FIS

(Islamic Salvation Front) party in the December 1991 balloting

caused the army to intervene, crack down on the FIS, and postpone

the subsequent elections. The fundamentalist response has resulted

in a continuous low-grade civil conflict with the secular state

apparatus, which nonetheless has allowed elections featuring

pro-government and moderate religious-based parties. The FIS's armed

wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded in January 2000 and many

armed militants of other groups surrendered under an amnesty program

designed to promote national reconciliation. Nevertheless, small

numbers of armed militants persist in confronting government forces

and carrying out isolated attacks on villages and other types of

terrorist attacks. Other concerns include Berber unrest, large-scale

unemployment, a shortage of housing, and the need to diversify the

petroleum-based economy.

Geography Algeria

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco

and Tunisia

Geographic coordinates:

28 00 N, 3 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,381,740 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 2,381,740 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 6,343 km

border countries: Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km,

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

Coastline:

998 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone: 32-52 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

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

coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau;

sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer

Terrain:

mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow,

discontinuous coastal plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m

highest point: Tahat 3,003 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc

Land use: arable land: 3.21% permanent crops: 0.21% other: 96.58% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

5,600 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mudslides and

floods in rainy season

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming practices;

desertification; dumping of raw sewage, petroleum refining wastes,

and other industrial effluents is leading to the pollution of rivers

and coastal waters; Mediterranean Sea, in particular, becoming

polluted from oil wastes, soil erosion, and fertilizer runoff;

inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note: second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan)

People Algeria

Population:

32,818,500 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32.8% (male 5,485,197; female 5,285,434)

15-64 years: 63% (male 10,460,475; female 10,224,389)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 624,839; female 738,166) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.5 years

male: 22.3 years

female: 22.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.65% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

21.94 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.09 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 37.74 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 35.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 40.34 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.54 years

male: 69.14 years

female: 72.01 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.55 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Algerian(s)

adjective: Algerian

Ethnic groups:

Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%

Religions:

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

Languages:

Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 70%

male: 78.8%

female: 61% (2003 est.)

Government Algeria

Country name:

conventional long form: People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

conventional short form: Algeria

local short form: Al Jaza'ir

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash

Sha'biyah

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Algiers

Administrative divisions:

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

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

Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa,

El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel,

Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M'Sila,

Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi

Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset, Tebessa, Tiaret,

Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen

Independence:

5 July 1962 (from France)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 1 November (1954)

Constitution:

19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976; revised 3 November

1988, 23 February 1989, and 28 November 1996

Legal system:

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

legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of

various public officials, including several Supreme Court justices;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28 April 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed OUYAHIA (since 9 May 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 15 April 1999 (next to be held NA April 2004);

prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA elected president; percent of

vote - Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA over 70%; note - his six opposing

candidates withdrew on the eve of the election citing electoral fraud

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the National People's Assembly or

Al-Majlis Ech-Chaabi Al-Watani (389 seats - changed from 380 seats

in the 2002 elections; members elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms) and the Council of Nations (144 seats; one-third of

the members appointed by the president, two-thirds elected by

indirect vote; members serve six-year terms; the constitution

requires half the council to be renewed every three years)

elections: National People's Assembly - last held 30 May 2002 (next

to be held NA 2007); Council of Nations - last held 30 December 2000

(next to be held NA 2003)

election results: National People's Assembly - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - FLN 199, RND 48, MRN 43, MSP 38, PT

21, FNA 8, Nahda 1, PRA 1, MEN 1, independents 29; Council of

Nations - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - RND 79,

FLN 12, FFS 4, MSP 1 (remaining 48 seats appointed by the president,

party breakdown NA)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Algerian National Front or FNA [Moussa TOUATI]; Democratic National

Rally or RND [Ahmed OUYAHIA, chairman]; Islamic Salvation Front or

FIS (outlawed April 1992) [Ali BELHADJ and Dr. Abassi MADANI, Rabeh

KEBIR (self-exile in Germany)]; Society of Peace Movement or MSP

[Boujerra SOLTANI]; National Entente Movement or MEN [Ali

BOUKHAZNA]; National Liberation Front or FLN [Ali BENFLIS, secretary

general]; National Reform Movement or MRN [Abdellah DJABALLAH];

National Renewal Party or PRA [leader NA]; Progressive Republican

Party [Khadir DRISS]; Rally for Culture and Democracy or RCD [Said

SAADI, secretary general]; Renaissance Movement or EnNahda Movement

[Lahbib ADAMI]; Social Liberal Party or PSL [Ahmed KHELIL];

Socialist Forces Front or FFS [Hocine Ait AHMED, secretary general

(self-exile in Switzerland)]; Union for Democracy and Liberty

[Mouley BOUKHALAFA]; Workers Party or PT [Louisa HANOUN]

note: a law banning political parties based on religion was enacted

in March 1997

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

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

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

MONUC, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, OSCE

(partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WCO, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Idriss JAZAIRY chancery: 2137 Wyoming Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 667-2174 telephone: [1] (202) 265-2800

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard W. ERDMAN (as of 10 July 2003) embassy: 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, Algiers mailing address: B. P. Box 549, Alger-Gare, 16000 Algiers telephone: [213] (21) 691-425/255/186 FAX: [213] (21) 69-39-79

Flag description:

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

five-pointed star within a red crescent centered over the two-color

boundary; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional

symbols of Islam (the state religion)

Economy Algeria

Economy - overview:

The hydrocarbons sector is the backbone of the economy, accounting

for roughly 60% of budget revenues, 30% of GDP, and over 95% of

export earnings. Algeria has the fifth-largest reserves of natural

gas in the world and is the second-largest gas exporter; it ranks

14th in oil reserves. Algeria's financial and economic indicators

improved during the mid-1990s, in part because of policy reforms

supported by the IMF and debt rescheduling from the Paris Club.

Algeria's finances in 2000-03 benefited from substantial trade

surpluses, record foreign exchange reserves, and reductions in

foreign debt. Real GDP has risen due to higher oil output and

increased government spending. The government's continued efforts to

diversify the economy by attracting foreign and domestic investment

outside the energy sector, however, has had little success in

reducing high unemployment and improving living standards.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $173.8 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8% industry: 60% services: 32% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 23% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 26.8% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

35.3 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

9.4 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: government 29%, agriculture 25%, construction and public works 15%, industry 11%, other 20% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

31% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $20.3 billion

expenditures: $18.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.8

billion (2001 est.)

Industries:

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

petrochemical, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

24.69 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99.7% hydro: 0.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

22.9 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

340 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

275 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

1.52 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

209,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

13.1 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

80.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

22.32 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

57.98 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

4.739 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

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

Exports:

$19.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products 97%

Exports - partners:

Italy 18.9%, Spain 13.1%, France 13%, US 12.1%, Netherlands 6%,

Brazil 5.9%, Canada 5.7%, Turkey 5.3%, Belgium 5.1% (2002)

Imports:

$10.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

France 31%, Italy 10%, US 8.3%, Germany 6.6%, Spain 5.9%, Turkey

4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$21.6 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$162 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

Algerian dinar (DZD)

Currency code:

DZD

Exchange rates:

Algerian dinars per US dollar - 79.68 (2002), 77.22 (2001), 75.26

(2000), 66.57 (1999), 58.74 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Algeria

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.3 million (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

33,500 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone density in Algeria is very low, not

exceeding five telephones per 100 persons; the number of fixed main

lines increased in the last few years to a little more than

2,000,000, but only about two-thirds of these have subscribers; much

of the infrastructure is outdated and inefficient

domestic: good service in north but sparse in south; domestic

satellite system with 12 earth stations (20 additional domestic

earth stations are planned)

international: 5 submarine cables; microwave radio relay to Italy,

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

Tunisia; participant in Medarabtel; satellite earth stations - 2

Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik, and

1 Arabsat (1998)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 25, FM 1, shortwave 8 (1999)

Radios:

7.1 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

46 (plus 216 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

3.1 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.dz

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

180,000 (2001)

Transportation Algeria

Railways:

total: 3,973 km

standard gauge: 2,888 km 1.435-m gauge (283 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,085 km 1.055-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 104,000 km

paved: 71,656 km (including 640 km of expressways)

unpaved: 32,344 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

condensate 1,344 km; gas 87,347 km; liquid petroleum gas 2,213 km;

oil 6,496 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Beni Saf, Dellys, Djendjene,

Ghazaouet, Jijel, Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda, Tenes

Merchant marine:

total: 69 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 884,032 GRT/1,010,777 DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 23, chemical tanker 6, liquefied gas

10, petroleum tanker 4, roll on/roll off 12, short-sea passenger 4,

specialized tanker 1, includes some foreign-owned ships registered

here as a flag of convenience: United Arab Emirates 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

136 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 54 over 3,047 m: 9 2,438 to 3,047 m: 27 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 1 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 82 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 23 under 914 m: 19 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 38

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Algeria

Military branches:

People's National Army (ANP), Algerian National Navy (ANN), Air

Force, Territorial Air Defense, National Gendarmerie

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 9,243,884 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 5,646,418 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 412,545 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.87 billion (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.1% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Algeria

Disputes - international:

Libya claims about 32,000 sq km in a dormant dispute still

reflected on its maps in southeastern Algeria; armed bandits based

in Mali attack southern Algerian towns; border with Morocco remains

closed over mutual claims of harboring militants, arms smuggling;

Algeria supports the exiled Sahrawi Polisario Front and rejects

Moroccan administration of Western Sahara

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@American Samoa

Introduction American Samoa

Background:

Settled as early as 1000 B.C., Samoa was "discovered" by European

explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries in the latter

half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899 treaty in which

Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago. The US formally

occupied its portion - a smaller group of eastern islands with the

excellent harbor of Pago Pago - the following year.

Geography American Samoa

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half

way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

14 20 S, 170 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 199 sq km

note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island

water: 0 sq km

land: 199 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

116 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual

rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season from November to April,

dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains,

two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Lata 966 m

Natural resources:

pumice, pumicite

Land use:

arable land: 5%

permanent crops: 10%

other: 85% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons common from December to March

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; the water division of the

government has spent substantial funds in the past few years to

improve water catchments and pipelines

Geography - note:

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

South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and

protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic

location in the South Pacific Ocean

People American Samoa

Population:

70,260 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.5% (male 13,557; female 12,818)

15-64 years: 57% (male 19,712; female 20,346)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 2,081; female 1,746) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.6 years

male: 21.1 years

female: 22.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.22% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

23.26 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.38 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.19 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.82 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 11.61 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.75 years

male: 71.35 years

female: 80.41 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.3 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: American Samoan(s)

adjective: American Samoan

Ethnic groups:

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

Religions:

Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant and

other 30%

Languages:

Samoan (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian

languages), English

note: most people are bilingual

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 98%

female: 97% (1980 est.)

Government American Samoa

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of American Samoa

conventional short form: American Samoa

abbreviation: AS

Dependency status:

unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by

the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Pago Pago

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative

divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three

districts and two islands* at the second order; Eastern, Manu'a,

Rose Island*, Swains Island*, Western

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

National holiday:

Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Constitution:

ratified 1966, in effect 1967

Legal system:

NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20

January 2001) and Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January

2001)

election results: Tauese P. SUNIA reelected governor; percent of

vote - Tauese P. SUNIA (Democrat) 50.7%, Lealaifuaneva Peter REID

(independent) 47.8%

note: Togiola TULAFONO became acting governor 26 March 2003 upon the

death of Governor Tauese P. SUNIA

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same

ticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor elected

on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election

last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2004)

head of government: Governor Togiola TULAFONO (since 7 April 2003)

following the death of Governor Tauese P. SUNIA on 26 March 2003;

TULAFONO had been the Lieutenant Governor

cabinet: NA

Legislative branch:

bicameral Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of the House of

Representatives (21 seats - 20 of which are elected by popular vote

and 1 is an appointed, nonvoting delegate from Swains Island;

members serve two-year terms) and the Senate (18 seats; members are

elected from local chiefs and serve four-year terms)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - NA; Senate - percent of vote by party

- NA%; seats by party - independents 18

note: American Samoa elects one nonvoting representative to the US

House of Representatives; election last held 7 November 2002 (next

to be held NA November 2004); results - Eni F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA

(Democrat) reelected as delegate

elections: House of Representatives - last held 7 November 2002

(next to be held NA November 2004); Senate - last held 7 November

2000 (next to be held NA November 2004)

Judicial branch:

High Court (chief justice and associate justices are appointed by

the US Secretary of the Interior)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [leader NA]; Republican Party [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

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

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the outer

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

eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying two traditional

Samoan symbols of authority, a staff and a war club

Economy American Samoa

Economy - overview:

This is a traditional Polynesian economy in which more than 90% of

the land is communally owned. Economic activity is strongly linked

to the US, with which American Samoa conducts most of its foreign

trade. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are the backbone of

the private sector, with canned tuna the primary export. Transfers

from the US Government add substantially to American Samoa's

economic well-being. Attempts by the government to develop a larger

and broader economy are restrained by Samoa's remote location, its

limited transportation, and its devastating hurricanes. Tourism, a

developing sector, has been held back by the recurring financial

difficulties in East Asia.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $500 million (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,000 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

14,000 (1996)

Labor force - by occupation:

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

Unemployment rate:

6% (2000)

Budget:

revenues: $121 million (37% in local revenue and 63% in US grants)

expenditures: $127 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY96/97)

Industries:

tuna canneries (largely supplied by foreign fishing vessels),

handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

130 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

120.9 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

3,800 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples, papayas; dairy products, livestock

Exports:

$345 million (1999)

Exports - commodities:

canned tuna 93%

Exports - partners:

Indonesia 71.1%, Japan 7.7%, Samoa 7.7%, Australia 6.7% (2002)

Imports:

$452 million (1999)

Imports - commodities:

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

machinery and parts 6%

Imports - partners:

Australia 41%, New Zealand 23%, South Korea 18% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

important financial support from the US, more than $40 million in

1994

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications American Samoa

Telephones - main lines in use:

13,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,550 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: good telex, telegraph, facsimile and cellular telephone

services; domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

57,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

14,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.as

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation American Samoa

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 350 km paved: 150 km unpaved: 200 km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

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

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military American Samoa

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues American Samoa

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Andorra

Introduction Andorra

Background:

For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique

co-principality, ruled by the French chief of state and the Spanish

bishop of Urgel. In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the

titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into

a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished,

mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War

II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal)

are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.

Geography Andorra

Location:

Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain

Geographic coordinates:

42 30 N, 1 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 468 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 468 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 120.3 km border countries: France 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers

Terrain:

rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m highest point: Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m

Natural resources: hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead

Land use: arable land: 2.22% permanent crops: 0% other: 97.78% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

avalanches

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil

erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Hazardous Wastes

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in the

Pyrenees

People Andorra

Population:

69,150 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.1% (male 5,473; female 4,974)

15-64 years: 71.7% (male 26,063; female 23,542)

65 years and over: 13.2% (male 4,543; female 4,555) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.1 years

male: 39.4 years

female: 38.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.06% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.65 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.74 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

6.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female

total population: 1.09 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.06 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 83.49 years

male: 80.58 years

female: 86.58 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.27 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Andorran(s)

adjective: Andorran

Ethnic groups:

Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6%

(1998)

Religions:

Roman Catholic (predominant)

Languages:

Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese

Literacy: definition: NA total population: 100% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Andorra

Country name:

conventional long form: Principality of Andorra

conventional short form: Andorra

local short form: Andorra

local long form: Principat d'Andorra

Government type:

parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its

heads of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the president

of France and bishop of Seo de Urgel, Spain, who are represented

locally by coprinces' representatives

Capital:

Andorra la Vella

Administrative divisions:

7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra la Vella,

Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Escaldes-Engordany, Ordino, Sant Julia

de Loria

Independence:

1278 (was formed under the joint suzerainty of the French count of

Foix and the Spanish bishop of Urgel)

National holiday:

Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278)

Constitution:

Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; approved

by referendum 14 March 1993; came into force 4 May 1993

Legal system:

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

legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: French Coprince Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995),

represented by Philippe MASSONI (since 26 July 2002); Spanish

Coprince Episcopal Monsignor Joan Enric VIVES SICILIA (since 12 May

2003), represented by Nemesi MARQUES OSTE (since NA)

elections: Executive Council president elected by the General

Council and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-year

term; election last held 4 March 2001 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: Marc FORNE Molne elected executive council

president; percent of General Council vote - NA%

cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the Executive

Council president

head of government: Executive Council President Marc FORNE MOLNE

(since 21 December 1994)

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General de las

Valls (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, 14 from

a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of the 7

parishes; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 4 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - PLA 46.1%, PSD 30%, PD

23.8%, other 0.1%; seats by party - PLA 15, PSD 6, PD 5,

independents 2

Judicial branch:

Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the Courts

or Tribunal de Corts; Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or

Tribunal Superior de Justicia d'Andorra; Supreme Council of Justice

or Consell Superior de la Justicia; Fiscal Ministry or Ministeri

Fiscal; Constitutional Tribunal or Tribunal Constitucional

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or PD (formerly part of National Democratic Group

or AND) [Ladislau BARO SOLO]; Liberal Party of Andorra or PLA [Marc

FORNE MOLNE] (used to be Liberal Union or UL); Liberal Union or UL

[Francesc CERQUEDA]; National Democratic Group or AND [Ladislau BARO

SOLO]; National Democratic Initiative or IDN [Vicenc MATEU ZAMORA];

New Democracy or ND [Jaume BARTOMEU CASSANY]; Social Democratic

Party or PSD (formerly part of National Democratic Group of AND)

[leader NA]; Union of the People of Ordino (Unio Parroquial

d'Ordino) or UPO [Simo DURO COMA]

note: there are two other small parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, ECE, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OSCE, UN,

UNESCO, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Jelena V.

PIA-COMELLA

chancery: 2 United Nations Plaza, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10017

FAX: [1] (212) 750-6630

telephone: [1] (212) 750-8064

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; the US Ambassador to

Spain is accredited to Andorra; US interests in Andorra are

represented by the Consulate General's office in Barcelona (Spain);

mailing address: Paseo Reina Elisenda, 23, 08034 Barcelona, Spain;

telephone: (3493) 280-2227; FAX: (3493) 205-7705

Flag description:

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

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

of arms features a quartered shield; similar to the flags of Chad

and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the

center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem

Economy Andorra

Economy - overview:

Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy,

accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 9 million tourists

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

summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage has

recently eroded as the economies of neighboring France and Spain

have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and

lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its "tax haven" status, also

contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is

limited - only 2% of the land is arable - and most food has to be

imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising.

Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and

furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is

treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs)

and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.8% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $19,000 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.3% (2000)

Labor force:

33,000 (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 1%, industry 21%, services 78% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

0%

Budget:

revenues: $385 million

expenditures: $342 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997)

Industries:

tourism (particularly skiing), cattle raising, timber, banking

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0% hydro: 0% other: 0% nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - most electricity supplied by Spain and France;

Andorra generates a small amount of hydropower

Agriculture - products:

small quantities of rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables; sheep

Exports:

$58 million f.o.b. (1998)

Exports - commodities:

tobacco products, furniture

Exports - partners:

Spain 58%, France 34% (2000)

Imports:

$1.077 billion (1998)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, food, electricity

Imports - partners:

Spain 48%, France 35%, US 2.3% (2000)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

none

Currency:

euro (EUR)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Andorra

Telephones - main lines in use:

32,946 (December 1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

14,117 (December 1998)

Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: modern system with microwave radio relay connections between exchanges international: landline circuits to France and Spain

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 15, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

16,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

0 (1997)

Televisions:

27,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ad

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

24,500 (2001)

Transportation Andorra

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 269 km paved: 198 km unpaved: 71 km (1994)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

none (2002)

Military Andorra

Military branches:

no regular military forces, but there is a police force

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France and Spain

Transnational Issues Andorra

Disputes - international:

none; border is undemarcated in sections but is not in dispute (a

few French farmers still remain upset about the transfer of 35

hectares of land to Andorra)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Angola

Introduction Angola

Background:

Civil war has been the norm in Angola since independence from

Portugal in 1975. A 1994 peace accord between the government and the

National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) provided

for the integration of former UNITA insurgents into the government

and armed forces. A national unity government was installed in April

of 1997, but serious fighting resumed in late 1998, rendering

hundreds of thousands of people homeless. Up to 1.5 million lives

may have been lost in fighting over the past quarter century. The

death of insurgent leader Jonas SAVIMBI in 2002 and a subsequent

cease-fire with UNITA may bode well for the country.

Geography Angola

Location:

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between

Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

12 30 S, 18 30 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,246,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 1,246,700 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,198 km

border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,511 km (of

which 225 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province),

Republic of the Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zambia 1,110 km

Coastline:

1,600 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

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

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

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morro de Moco 2,620 m

Natural resources:

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

bauxite, uranium

Land use: arable land: 2.41% permanent crops: 0.4% other: 97.19% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

750 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau

Environment - current issues:

overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable to

population pressures; desertification; deforestation of tropical

rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical

timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of

biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and

siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the

Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the province of Cabinda is an exclave, separated from the rest of

the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo

People Angola

Population:

10,766,471 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.5% (male 2,363,829; female 2,317,610)

15-64 years: 53.7% (male 2,941,999; female 2,842,923)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 134,330; female 165,780) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.2 years

male: 18.2 years

female: 18.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.97% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

45.57 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

25.83 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 193.82 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 180.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 206.26 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 36.96 years

male: 36.13 years

female: 37.83 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.38 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

5.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

350,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

24,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Angolan(s)

adjective: Angolan

Ethnic groups:

Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European

and Native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (1998

est.)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42%

male: 56%

female: 28% (1998 est.)

Government Angola

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Angola

conventional short form: Angola

local short form: Angola

former: People's Republic of Angola

local long form: Republica de Angola

Government type:

republic, nominally a multiparty democracy with a strong

presidential system

Capital:

Luanda

Administrative divisions:

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

Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene,

Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico,

Namibe, Uige, Zaire

Independence:

11 November 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 11 November (1975)

Constitution:

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

1991, and 26 August 1992

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; recently

modified to accommodate political pluralism and increased use of

free markets

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21

September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and

head of government

head of government: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21

September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and

head of government; Fernando de Piedade Dias DOS SANTOS was

appointed Prime Minister on 6 December 2002, but this is not a

position of real power

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by universal ballot for a NA-year term;

President DOS SANTOS originally elected (in 1979) without opposition

under a one-party system and stood for reelection in Angola's first

multiparty elections 29-30 September 1992 (next to be held NA)

election results: DOS SANTOS 49.6%, Jonas SAVIMBI 40.1%, making a

run-off election necessary; the run-off was not held and SAVIMBI's

National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA)

repudiated the results of the first election; the civil war resumed

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220 seats;

members elected by proportional vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 29-30 September 1992 (next to be held NA)

election results: percent of vote by party - MPLA 54%, UNITA 34%,

others 12%; seats by party - MPLA 129, UNITA 70, PRS 6, FNLA 5, PLD

3, others 7

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal da Relacao (judges are appointed by the

president)

Political parties and leaders:

Liberal Democratic Party or PLD [Analia de Victoria PEREIRA];

National Front for the Liberation of Angola or FNLA [disputed

leadership: Lucas NGONDA, Holden ROBERTO]; National Union for the

Total Independence of Angola or UNITA [interim leader: PAULO Lukamba

"Gato"], largest opposition party has engaged in years of armed

resistance; Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola or MPLA

[Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS], ruling party in power since 1975; Social

Renewal Party or PRS [disputed leadership: Eduardo KUANGANA, Antonio

MUACHICUNGO]

note: about a dozen minor parties participated in the 1992 elections

but only won a few seats and have little influence in the National

Assembly

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda or FLEC [N'zita

Henriques TIAGO; Antonio Bento BEMBE]

note: FLEC is waging a small-scale, highly factionalized, armed

struggle for the independence of Cabinda Province

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAS (observer),

OAU, SADC, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Josefina Perpetua Pitra DIAKIDI

FAX: [1] (202) 785-1258

consulate(s) general: Houston and New York

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1156

chancery: 2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher William DELL

embassy: number 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne (in the Miramar area of

Luanda), Luanda

mailing address: international mail: Caixa Postal 6468, Luanda;

pouch: American Embassy Luanda, Department of State, Washington, DC

20521-2550

telephone: [244] (2) 445-481, 447-028, 446-224

FAX: [244] (2) 446-924

Flag description:

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

yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a

cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle)

Economy Angola

Economy - overview:

Angola has been an economy in disarray because of a quarter century

of nearly continuous warfare. An apparently durable peace was

established after the death of rebel leader Jonas SAVIMBI on

February 22, 2002, but consequences from the conflict continue

including the impact of wide-spread land mines. Subsistence

agriculture provides the main livelihood for 85% of the population.

Oil production and the supporting activities are vital to the

economy, contributing about 45% to GDP and more than half of

exports. Much of the country's food must still be imported. To fully

take advantage of its rich natural resources - gold, diamonds,

extensive forests, Atlantic fisheries, and large oil deposits -

Angola will need to continue reforming government policies. While

Angola made progress in bringing inflation down further, from 325%

in 2000 to about 106% in 2002, the government has failed to make

sufficient progress on reforms recommended by the IMF such as

increasing foreign exchange reserves and promoting greater

transparency in government spending. Increased oil production should

bring about 6% GDP growth in 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $18.36 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

9.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8%

industry: 67%

services: 25% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

106% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

5 million (1997 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 85%, industry and services 15% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

extensive unemployment and underemployment affecting more than half

the population (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $928 million

expenditures: $2.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $963

million (1992 est.)

Industries:

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

uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing;

food processing; brewing; tobacco products; sugar; textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

1%

Electricity - production:

1.45 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 36.4% hydro: 63.6% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.348 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

742,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

31,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

5.691 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

530 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

530 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

79.57 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc (tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest products; fish

Exports: $8.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, diamonds, refined petroleum products, gas, coffee,

sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton

Exports - partners:

US 41.2%, China 13.7%, France 8%, Belgium 6.3%, Taiwan 6.3%, Japan

4.9%, Spain 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$4.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts;

medicines, food, textiles, military goods

Imports - partners:

Portugal 20.2%, US 13.9%, South Africa 12.4%, France 6.7%, Brazil

5.8%, Belgium 5.3%, Netherlands 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$9.9 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$383.5 million (1999)

Currency:

kwanza (AOA)

Currency code:

AOA

Exchange rates:

kwanza per US dollar - 43.53 (2002), 22.06 (2001), 10.04 (2000),

2.79 (1999), 0.39 (1998); note - in December 1999 the kwanza was

revalued with six zeroes dropped off the old value

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Angola

Telephones - main lines in use:

72,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

25,800 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone service limited mostly to government

and business use; HF radiotelephone used extensively for military

links

domestic: limited system of wire, microwave radio relay, and

tropospheric scatter

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 21, FM 6, shortwave 7 (2000)

Radios:

815,000 (2000)

Television broadcast stations:

6 (2000)

Televisions:

196,000 (2000)

Internet country code:

.ao

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

60,000 (2002)

Transportation Angola

Railways: total: 2,761 km narrow gauge: 2,638 km 1.067-m gauge; 123 km 0.600-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 51,429 km paved: 5,349 km unpaved: 46,080 km (1999)

Waterways:

1,295 km

Pipelines:

gas 214 km; liquid natural gas 14 km; liquid petroleum gas 30 km;

oil 845 km; refined products 56 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Ambriz, Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Malongo, Mocamedes, Namibe, Porto

Amboim, Soyo

Merchant marine:

total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 30,311 GRT/48,924 DWT

ships by type: cargo 7, petroleum tanker 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

243 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 32

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 211

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 30

914 to 1,523 m: 95

under 914 m: 80 (2002)

Military Angola

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Police Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,568,082 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,290,884 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 109,752 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$222.7 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

5.4% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Angola

Disputes - international:

gives shelter to thousands of refugees from the Democratic Republic

of the Congo while thousands of Angolan refugees still remain in

neighboring states as a consequence of the protracted civil wars in

both states

Illicit drugs:

used as a transshipment point for cocaine destined for Western

Europe and other African states

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Anguilla

Introduction Anguilla

Background:

Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla

was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when

the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was

incorporated into a single British dependency, along with Saint

Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two

years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this

arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, with Anguilla becoming

a separate British dependency.

Geography Anguilla

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic

Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 N, 63 10 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 102 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 102 sq km

Area - comparative:

about half the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

61 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m

Natural resources:

salt, fish, lobster

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some

commercial salt ponds) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October)

Environment - current issues: supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system

Geography - note: the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles

People Anguilla

Population:

12,738 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.3% (male 1,575; female 1,526)

15-64 years: 68.8% (male 4,504; female 4,262)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 387; female 484) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 30 years

male: 30 years

female: 29.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.21% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

14.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.42 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

12.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 22.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 29.84 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.7 years

male: 73.79 years

female: 79.7 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.76 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Anguillan(s) adjective: Anguillan

Ethnic groups:

black (predominant), mulatto, white

Religions:

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

Roman Catholic 3%, other 12%

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 12 and over can read and write

total population: 95%

male: 95%

female: 95% (1984 est.)

Government Anguilla

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Anguilla

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

The Valley

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Anguilla Day, 30 May

Constitution:

Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);

represented by Governor Peter JOHNSTONE (since NA February 2000)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually

appointed chief minister by the governor

head of government: Chief Minister Osbourne FLEMING (since 3 March

2000)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the

elected members of the House of Assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats total, 7 elected by direct

popular vote, 2 ex officio members, and 2 appointed; members serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 3 March 2000 (next to be held NA June 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

ANA 3, AUP 2, ADP 1, independent 1

Judicial branch:

High Court (judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Anguilla United Party or AUP [Hubert HUGHES]; The United Front or

UF [Osbourne FLEMING, Victor BANKS], a coalition of the Anguilla

Democratic Party or ADP and the Anguilla National Alliance or ANA

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS (associate),

ECLAC (associate)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag;

the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an interlocking

circular design on a white background with blue wavy water below

Economy Anguilla

Economy - overview:

Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily

on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and

remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism

industry, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector,

has contributed to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put

substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector,

which is small, but growing. In the medium term, prospects for the

economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and, therefore, on

revived income growth in the industrialized nations as well as on

favorable weather conditions.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $104 million (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,600 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%

industry: 18%

services: 78% (1997 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3%

Labor force:

6,049 (2001)

Labor force - by occupation: commerce 36%, services 29%, construction 18%, transportation and utilities 10%, manufacturing 3%, agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining 4% (2000 est,)

Unemployment rate:

6.7% (2001)

Budget:

revenues: $22.8 million

expenditures: $22.5 million, including capital expenditures of NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

tourism, boat building, offshore financial services

Industrial production growth rate:

3.1% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

NA (2000)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: NA% hydro: NA% other: NA% nuclear: NA%

Electricity - consumption:

42.6 million kWh

Agriculture - products:

small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising

Exports:

$2.6 million (1999)

Exports - commodities:

lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum

Exports - partners:

UK, US, Puerto Rico, Saint-Martin (2000)

Imports:

$80.9 million (1999)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles

Imports - partners:

US, Puerto Rico, UK (2000)

Debt - external:

$8.8 million (1998)

Economic aid - recipient:

$3.5 million (1995)

Currency:

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Currency code:

XCD

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7000 (fixed rate since

1976)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Anguilla

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,974 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,629 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: modern internal telephone system

international: microwave radio relay to island of Saint Martin

(Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 5, FM 6, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

3,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

1,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ai

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

16 (2000)

Internet users:

919 (2000)

Transportation Anguilla

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 105 km paved: 65 km unpaved: 40 km (1997)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Blowing Point, Road Bay

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Anguilla

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Anguilla

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the

US and Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Antarctica

Introduction Antarctica

Background:

Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was not

confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial

operators and British and Russian national expeditions began

exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south of

the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that

Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands.

Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th

century. Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientific

research on the continent. A number of countries have set up

year-round research stations on Antarctica. Seven have made

territorial claims, but no other country recognizes these claims. In

order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the

continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies

nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in

1959, it entered into force in 1961.

Geography Antarctica

Location:

continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle

Geographic coordinates:

90 00 S, 0 00 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 14 million sq km

note: fifth-largest continent, following Asia, Africa, North

America, and South America, but larger than Australia and the

subcontinent of Europe

land: 14 million sq km (280,000 sq km ice-free, 13.72 million sq km

ice-covered) (est.)

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Land boundaries: 0 km note: see entry on International disputes

Coastline:

17,968 km

Maritime claims:

none; 20 of 27 Antarctic consultative nations have made no claims

to Antarctic territory (although Russia and the US have reserved the

right to do so) and do not recognize the claims of the other

nations; also see the Disputes - international entry

Climate:

severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance

from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica

because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most

moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January along the

coast and average slightly below freezing

Terrain:

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

average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges

up to nearly 5,000 meters; ice-free coastal areas include parts of

southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area,

and parts of Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves

along about half of the coastline, and floating ice shelves

constitute 11% of the area of the continent

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,555 m

highest point: Vinson Massif 4,897 m

note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the

Bentley Subglacial Trench; at its surface is the deepest ice yet

discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater

Natural resources:

iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and other

minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small

uncommercial quantities; none presently exploited; krill, finfish,

and crab have been taken by commercial fisheries

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the high

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

cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the

coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West

Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak; large icebergs may

calve from ice shelf

Environment - current issues:

in 1998, NASA satellite data showed that the antarctic ozone hole

was the largest on record, covering 27 million square kilometers;

researchers in 1997 found that increased ultraviolet light coming

through the hole damages the DNA of icefish, an antarctic fish

lacking hemoglobin; ozone depletion earlier was shown to harm

one-celled antarctic marine plants; in 2002, significant areas of

ice shelves disintegrated in response to regional warming

Geography - note:

the coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest continent;

during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface at the South

Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent period; mostly

uninhabitable

People Antarctica

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants, but there are seasonally staffed

research stations

note: approximately 27 nations, all signatory to the Antarctic

Treaty, send personnel to perform seasonal (summer) and year-round

research on the continent and in its surrounding oceans; the

population of persons doing and supporting science on the continent

and its nearby islands south of 60 degrees south latitude (the

region covered by the Antarctic Treaty) varies from approximately

4,000 in summer to 1,000 in winter; in addition, approximately 1,000

personnel including ship's crew and scientists doing onboard

research are present in the waters of the treaty region; summer

(January) population - 3,687 total; Argentina 302, Australia 201,

Belgium 13, Brazil 80, Bulgaria 16, Chile 352, China 70, Finland 11,

France 100, Germany 51, India 60, Italy 106, Japan 136, South Korea

14, Netherlands 10, NZ 60, Norway 40, Peru 28, Poland 70, Russia

254, South Africa 80, Spain 43, Sweden 20, UK 192, US 1,378

(1998-99); winter (July) population - 964 total; Argentina 165,

Australia 75, Brazil 12, Chile 129, China 33, France 33, Germany 9,

India 25, Japan 40, South Korea 14, NZ 10, Poland 20, Russia 102,

South Africa 10, UK 39, US 248 (1998-99); year-round stations - 42

total; Argentina 6, Australia 4, Brazil 1, Chile 4, China 2, Finland

1, France 1, Germany 1, India 1, Italy 1, Japan 1, South Korea 1, NZ

1, Norway 1, Poland 1, Russia 6, South Africa 1, Spain 1, Ukraine 1,

UK 2, US 3, Uruguay 1 (1998-99); summer-only stations - 32 total;

Argentina 3, Australia 4, Bulgaria 1, Chile 7, Germany 1, India 1,

Japan 3, NZ 1, Peru 1, Russia 3, Sweden 2, UK 5 (1998-99); in

addition, during the austral summer some nations have numerous

occupied locations such as tent camps, summer-long temporary

facilities, and mobile traverses in support of research (July 2003

est.)

Government Antarctica

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Antarctica

Government type: Antarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica. The 24th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Russia in July 2001. At the end of 2001, there were 45 treaty member nations: 27 consultative and 18 non-consultative. Consultative (voting) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 20 nonclaimant nations. The US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims. The US does not recognize the claims of others. Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations. Decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (within their areas) in accordance with their own national laws. The year in parentheses indicates when an acceding nation was voted to full consultative (voting) status, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory. Claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1983), Bulgaria (1998) China (1985), Ecuador (1990), Finland (1989), Germany (1981), India (1983), Italy (1987), Japan, South Korea (1989), Netherlands (1990), Peru (1989), Poland (1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1988), Sweden (1988), Uruguay (1985), and the US. Non-consultative (nonvoting) members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Papua New Guinea (1981), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1995), Ukraine (1992), and Venezuela (1999). Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes; Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations. Other agreements - some 200 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments include - Agreed Measures for Fauna and Flora (1964) which were later incorporated into the Environmental Protocol; Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980); a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but remains unratified; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through five specific annexes: 1) marine pollution, 2) fauna and flora, 3) environmental impact assessments, 4) waste management, and 5) protected area management; it prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research.

Legal system:

Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative

member nations. Decisions from these meetings are carried out by

these member nations (within their areas) in accordance with their

own national laws. US law, including certain criminal offenses by or

against US nationals, such as murder, may apply extra-territorially.

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

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

civil and criminal penalties for the following activities, unless

authorized by regulation of statute: the taking of native mammals or

birds; the introduction of nonindigenous plants and animals; entry

into specially protected areas; the discharge or disposal of

pollutants; and the importation into the US of certain items from

Antarctica. Violation of the Antarctic Conservation Act carries

penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and one year in prison. The

National Science Foundation and Department of Justice share

enforcement responsibilities. Public Law 95-541, the US Antarctic

Conservation Act of 1978, as amended in 1996, requires expeditions

from the US to Antarctica to notify, in advance, the Office of

Oceans, Room 5805, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, which

reports such plans to other nations as required by the Antarctic

Treaty. For more information, contact Permit Office, Office of Polar

Programs, National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230;

telephone: (703) 292-8030, or visit their website at www.nsf.gov.

Economy Antarctica

Economy - overview:

Fishing off the coast and tourism, both based abroad, account for

the limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries in 2000-01 (1

July-30 June) reported landing 112,934 metric tons. Unregulated

fishing, particularly of tooth fish, is a serious problem. Allegedly

illegal fishing in antarctic waters in 1998 resulted in the seizure

(by France and Australia) of at least eight fishing ships. The

Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

determines the recommended catch limits for marine species. A total

of 12,248 tourists visited in the 2000-01 antarctic summer, down

from the 14,762 who visited the previous year. Nearly all of them

were passengers on 21 commercial (nongovernmental) ships and several

yachts that made trips during the summer. Most tourist trips lasted

approximately two weeks.

Communications Antarctica

Telephones - main lines in use:

0

note: information for US bases only (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA; Iridium system in use

Telephone system:

general assessment: local systems at some research stations

domestic: NA

international: via satellite from some research stations

Radio broadcast stations:

AM NA, FM 2, shortwave 1

note: information for US bases only (2002)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

1 (cable system with six channels; American Forces Antarctic

Network-McMurdo)

note: information for US bases only (2002)

Televisions:

several hundred at McMurdo Station (US)

note: information for US bases only (2001)

Internet country code:

.aq

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Transportation Antarctica

Ports and harbors:

there are no developed ports and harbors in Antarctica; most

coastal stations have offshore anchorages, and supplies are

transferred from ship to shore by small boats, barges, and

helicopters; a few stations have a basic wharf facility; US coastal

stations include McMurdo (77 51 S, 166 40 E), Palmer (64 43 S, 64 03

W); government use only except by permit (see Permit Office under

"Legal System"); all ships at port are subject to inspection in

accordance with Article 7, Antarctic Treaty; offshore anchorage is

sparse and intermittent

Airports:

30

note: 30 stations, operated by 16 national governments party to the

Antarctic Treaty, have aircraft landing facilities for either

helicopters and/or fixed-wing aircraft; commercial enterprises

operate two additional aircraft landing facilities; helicopter pads

are available at 27 stations; runways at 15 locations are gravel,

sea-ice, blue-ice, or compacted snow suitable for landing wheeled,

fixed-wing aircraft; of these, 1 is greater than 3 km in length, 6

are between 2 km and 3 km in length, 3 are between 1 km and 2 km in

length, 3 are less than 1 km in length, and 2 are of unknown length;

snow surface skiways, limited to use by ski-equipped, fixed-wing

aircraft, are available at another 15 locations; of these, 4 are

greater than 3 km in length, 3 are between 2 km and 3 km in length,

2 are between 1 km and 2 km in length, 2 are less than 1 km in

length, and 4 are of unknown length; aircraft landing facilities

generally subject to severe restrictions and limitations resulting

from extreme seasonal and geographic conditions; aircraft landing

facilities do not meet ICAO standards; advance approval from the

respective governmental or nongovernmental operating organization

required for landing; landed aircraft are subject to inspection in

accordance with Article 7, Antarctic Treaty (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 19 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 5 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

Heliports: 27 stations have helicopter landing facilities (helipads) (2002)

Military Antarctica

Military - note:

the Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a military nature,

such as the establishment of military bases and fortifications, the

carrying out of military maneuvers, or the testing of any type of

weapon; it permits the use of military personnel or equipment for

scientific research or for any other peaceful purposes

Transnational Issues Antarctica

Disputes - international:

Antarctic Treaty freezes claims (see Antarctic Treaty Summary in

Government type entry); sections (some overlapping) claimed by

Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK; the US and

most other states do not recognize the territorial claims of other

states and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia reserve

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

90 degrees west and 150 degrees west; several states with land

claims in Antarctica have expressed their intention to submit data

to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to

extend their continental shelf claims to adjoining undersea ridges

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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@Antigua and Barbuda

Introduction Antigua and Barbuda

Background:

The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and

Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and Carib Indians populated the

islands when Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early

settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English

who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar

plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an

independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.

Geography Antigua and Barbuda

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic

Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

17 03 N, 61 48 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 443 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km)

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km

land: 443 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

153 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher

volcanic areas

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Boggy Peak 402 m

Natural resources:

NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism

Land use:

arable land: 18.18%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 81.82% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts

Environment - current issues: water management - a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quickly

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors

and beaches; Barbuda has a very large western harbor

People Antigua and Barbuda

Population:

67,897 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 9,706; female 9,371)

15-64 years: 67.4% (male 22,929; female 22,845)

65 years and over: 4.5% (male 1,218; female 1,828) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.1 years

male: 28.6 years

female: 29.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.64% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

18.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.64 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-6.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 25.14 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.31 years

male: 68.99 years

female: 73.75 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.28 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s) adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan

Ethnic groups:

black, British, Portuguese, Lebanese, Syrian

Religions:

Christian, (predominantly Anglican with other Protestant, and some

Roman Catholic)

Languages:

English (official), local dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of

schooling

total population: 89%

male: 90%

female: 88% (1960 est.)

Government Antigua and Barbuda

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda

Government type:

constitutional monarchy with UK-style parliament

Capital:

Saint John's

Administrative divisions:

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

Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip

Independence:

1 November 1981 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (National Day), 1 November (1981)

Constitution:

1 November 1981

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General James B. CARLISLE (since NA 1993)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general chosen

by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following

legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the

leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister

by the governor general

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on

the advice of the prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Lester Bryant BIRD (since 8 March

1994); Deputy Prime Minister Robin YEARWOOD

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (17-member body

appointed by the governor general) and the House of Representatives

(17 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to

serve five-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - ALP 53.2%, UPP 45.5%,

independent 1.3%; seats by party - ALP 12, UPP 4, independent 1

elections: House of Representatives - last held 9 March 1999 (next

to be held prior to March 2004)

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia; one judge of

the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the

Court of Summary Jurisdiction)

Political parties and leaders:

Antigua Labor Party or ALP [Lester Bryant BIRD]; Barbuda People's

Movement or BPM [Thomas H. FRANK]; United Progressive Party or UPP

[Baldwin SPENCER] (a coalition of three opposition parties - United

National Democratic Party or UNDP, Antigua Caribbean Liberation

Movement or ACLM, and Progressive Labor Movement or PLM)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Antigua Trades and Labor Union or ATLU [William ROBINSON]; People's

Democratic Movement or PDM [Hugh MARSHALL]

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO

(subscriber), ITU, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCL,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 362-5211 FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225 consulate(s) general: Miami

Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda (embassy closed 30 June 1994); the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda

Flag description:

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

the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black

(top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising sun in the black

band

Economy Antigua and Barbuda

Economy - overview:

Tourism continues to dominate the economy, accounting for more than

half of GDP. Weak tourist arrival numbers since early 2000 have

slowed the economy, however, and pressed the government into a tight

fiscal corner. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is

focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water

supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages

in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type

assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts,

and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the

medium term will continue to depend on income growth in the

industrialized world, especially in the US, which accounts for

slightly more than one-third of tourist arrivals.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $750 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $11,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.9%

industry: 19.2%

services: 76.8% (2002)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.4% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

30,000

Labor force - by occupation:

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

Unemployment rate:

11% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $123.7 million

expenditures: $145.9 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol,

household appliances)

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

105.3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

97.89 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

3,600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock

Exports:

$40 million

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%, machinery and transport

equipment 17%, food and live animals 4%, other 8%

Exports - partners:

France 68.5%, Germany 26.4%, Italy 1.2% (2002)

Imports:

$357 million (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment,

manufactures, chemicals, oil

Imports - partners:

France 23.4%, Germany 14.2%, US 13.2%, Poland 9.8%, South Korea

8.3%, Singapore 5%, UK 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$231 million (1999)

Economic aid - recipient:

$2.3 million (1995)

Currency:

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Currency code:

XCD

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7

(2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998) (fixed rate since 1976)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Antigua and Barbuda

Telephones - main lines in use:

28,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,300 (1996)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: good automatic telephone system

international: 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth station -

1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Saba

(Netherlands Antilles) and Guadeloupe

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 4, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

36,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1997)

Televisions:

31,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ag

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

16 (2000)

Internet users:

5,000 (2001)

Transportation Antigua and Barbuda

Railways:

total: 77 km

narrow gauge: 64 km 0.760-m gauge; 13 km 0.610-m gauge (used almost

exclusively for handling sugarcane) (2001 est.)

Highways:

total: 250 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Saint John's

Merchant marine:

total: 816 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,135,866 GRT/6,648,143 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, Bangladesh 2, Belgium 3, Colombia 1, Cuba

1, Estonia 1, Germany 747, Greece 1, Iceland 8, Latvia 1, Lebanon 2,

Lithuania 1, Netherlands 22, New Zealand 2, Portugal 1, Slovenia 6,

South Africa 1, Sweden 2, United Kingdom 1, United States 7 (2002

est.)

ships by type: bulk 16, cargo 474, chemical tanker 8, combination

bulk 3, container 255, liquefied gas 10, multi-functional large-load

carrier 6, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 8, roll on/roll

off 35

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Antigua and Barbuda

Military branches:

Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Royal Antigua and Barbuda

Police Force (including the Coast Guard)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Antigua and Barbuda

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

considered a minor transshipment point for narcotics bound for the

US and Europe; more significant as an offshore financial center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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@Arctic Ocean

Introduction Arctic Ocean

Background:

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's five oceans (after

the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the recently

delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (US and Canada) and

Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are two important seasonal

waterways. A sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes

circumscribes the Arctic Ocean.

Geography Arctic Ocean

Location:

body of water between Europe, Asia, and North America, mostly north

of the Arctic Circle

Geographic coordinates:

90 00 N, 0 00 E

Map references:

Arctic Region

Area:

total: 14.056 million sq km

note: includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea,

East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara

Sea, Laptev Sea, Northwest Passage, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Coastline:

45,389 km

Climate:

polar climate characterized by persistent cold and relatively

narrow annual temperature ranges; winters characterized by

continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and clear

skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and foggy

weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snow

Terrain:

central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar icepack that

averages about 3 meters in thickness, although pressure ridges may

be three times that size; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort

Gyral Stream, but nearly straight-line movement from the New

Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark Strait (between Greenland and

Iceland); the icepack is surrounded by open seas during the summer,

but more than doubles in size during the winter and extends to the

encircling landmasses; the ocean floor is about 50% continental

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

basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera,

Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonosov Ridge)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Fram Basin -4,665 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules,

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

Natural hazards:

ice islands occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island;

icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland and extreme

northeastern Canada; permafrost in islands; virtually ice locked

from October to June; ships subject to superstructure icing from

October to May

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include walruses and whales; fragile

ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or

damage; thinning polar icepack

Geography - note:

major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to

the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic location between

North America and Russia; shortest marine link between the extremes

of eastern and western Russia; floating research stations operated

by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover in March or April about 20

to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean; snow cover lasts about 10

months

Economy Arctic Ocean

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural

resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.

Transportation Arctic Ocean

Ports and harbors:

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

Transportation - note:

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

Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route (Eurasia) are

important seasonal waterways

Transnational Issues Arctic Ocean

Disputes - international: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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@Argentina

Introduction Argentina

Background:

Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced

periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and

liberals and between civilian and military factions. After World War

II, a long period of Peronist authoritarian rule and interference in

subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took

power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983, and numerous elections

since then have underscored Argentina's progress in democratic

consolidation.

Geography Argentina

Location:

Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between

Chile and Uruguay

Geographic coordinates:

34 00 S, 64 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 2,766,890 sq km

land: 2,736,690 sq km

water: 30,200 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 9,665 km

border countries: Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km,

Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km

Coastline:

4,989 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest

Terrain:

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

of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Salinas Chicas -40 m (located on Peninsula Valdes)

highest point: Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 m

Natural resources:

fertile plains of the Pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore,

manganese, petroleum, uranium

Land use: arable land: 9.14% permanent crops: 0.8% other: 90.06% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

15,610 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to

earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the

Pampas and northeast; heavy flooding

Environment - current issues: environmental problems (urban and rural) typical of an industrializing economy such as deforestation, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution, and water pollution note: Argentina is a world leader in setting voluntary greenhouse gas targets

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

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

location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic and the

South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake

Passage); Cerro Aconcagua is South America's tallest mountain, while

the Valdes Peninsula is the lowest point on the continent

People Argentina

Population:

38,740,807 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.2% (male 5,185,548; female 4,955,551)

15-64 years: 63.4% (male 12,274,625; female 12,282,772)

65 years and over: 10.4% (male 1,659,641; female 2,382,670) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 29 years male: 28 years female: 29.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.05% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.47 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.58 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 18.14 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.48 years

male: 71.72 years

female: 79.44 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.28 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.7% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

130,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,800 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Argentine(s)

adjective: Argentine

Ethnic groups:

white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo, Amerindian, or

other nonwhite groups 3%

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant

2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%

Languages:

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

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.1%

male: 97.1%

female: 97.1% (2003 est.)

Government Argentina

Country name:

conventional long form: Argentine Republic

conventional short form: Argentina

local short form: Argentina

local long form: Republica Argentina

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Buenos Aires

Administrative divisions:

23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1 autonomous

city* (distrito federal); Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Capital

Federal*, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes, Entre Rios,

Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones, Neuquen, Rio

Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago del

Estero, Tierra del Fuego - Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur,

Tucuman

note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica

Independence:

9 July 1816 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)

Constitution:

1 May 1853; revised August 1994

Legal system:

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

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and mandatory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nestor KIRCHNER (since 25 May 2003); note

- declared winner of a runoff election by default after Carlos Saul

MENEM withdrew his candidacy on the eve of the election; Vice

President Daniel SCIOLI (since 25 May 2003); note - the president is

both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Nestor KIRCHNER (since 25 May 2003);

note - declared winner of a runoff election by default after Carlos

Saul MENEM withdrew his candidacy on the eve of the election; Vice

President Daniel SCIOLI (since 25 May 2003); note - the president is

both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

election results: results of the presidential primary of 27 April

2003: Carlos Saul MENEM 24.3%, Nestor KIRCHNER 22%, Ricardo Lopez

MURPHY 16.4%, Adolfo Rodriguez SAA 14.4%, Elisa CARRIO 14.2%, other

8.7%; the subsequent runoff election slated for 25 May 2003 was

awarded to KIRCHNER by default after MENEM withdrew his candidacy on

the eve of the election

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; the last election held was the

presidential primary election of 27 April 2003 (next election to be

held NA 2007); a runoff election slated for 25 May 2003 between the

two candidates receiving the highest votes in the primary was

awarded to KIRCHNER by default after MENEM withdrew his candidacy on

the eve of the election

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the

Senate (72 seats; members are elected by direct vote; presently

one-third of the members being elected every two years to a six-year

term) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats; members are elected by

direct vote; one-half of the members elected every two years to a

four-year term)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA%;

seats by bloc or party - PJ 40, UCR 24, provincial parties 6,

Frepaso 1, ARI 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by bloc or

party - NA%; seats by bloc or party - PJ 113, UCR 74, provincial

parties 27, Frepaso 17, ARI 17, AR 9

elections: Senate - last held 14 October 2001 (next to be held

intermittently by province before December 2003); Chamber of

Deputies - last held 14 October 2001 (next to be held intermittently

by province before December 2003)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (the nine Supreme Court judges are

appointed by the president with approval by the Senate)

Political parties and leaders:

Action for the Republic or AR [Domingo CAVALLO]; Alternative for a

Republic of Equals or ARI [Elisa CARRIO]; Front for a Country in

Solidarity or Frepaso (a four-party coalition) [Dario Pedro

ALESSANDRO]; Justicialist Party or PJ [Carlos Saul MENEM] (Peronist

umbrella political organization); Radical Civic Union or UCR [Angel

ROZAS]; Federal Recreate Movement [Ricardo LOPEZ MURPHY]; several

provincial parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Argentine Association of Pharmaceutical Labs (CILFA); Argentine

Industrial Union (manufacturers' association); Argentine Rural

Society (large landowners' association); business organizations;

General Confederation of Labor or CGT (Peronist-leaning umbrella

labor organization); Peronist-dominated labor movement; Roman

Catholic Church; students

International organization participation:

AfDB, Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, ECLAC, FAO, G-6, G-15, G-19,

G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MINURSO, MIPONUH, MONUC, MTCR, NSG, OAS,

OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOVIC, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Octavio BORDON

chancery: 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,

New York

FAX: [1] (202) 332-3171

telephone: [1] (202) 238-6400

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador James D. WALSH; note - Lino GUTIERREZ is designated to replace Ambassador WALSH embassy: Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN Buenos Aires mailing address: international mail: use street address; APO address: Unit 4334, APO AA 34034 telephone: [54] (11) 5777-4533 FAX: [54] (11) 5777-4240

Flag description:

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

blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a

human face known as the Sun of May

Economy Argentina

Economy - overview:

Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate

population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a

diversified industrial base. Over the past decade, however, the

country has suffered recurring economic problems of inflation,

external debt, capital flight, and budget deficits. Growth in 2000

was a negative 0.8%, as both domestic and foreign investors remained

skeptical of the government's ability to pay debts and maintain the

peso's fixed exchange rate with the US dollar. The economic

situation worsened in 2001 with the widening of spreads on Argentine

bonds, massive withdrawals from the banks, and a further decline in

consumer and investor confidence. Government efforts to achieve a

"zero deficit," to stabilize the banking system, and to restore

economic growth proved inadequate in the face of the mounting

economic problems. The peso's peg to the dollar was abandoned in

January 2002, and the peso was floated in February; the exchange

rate plunged and inflation picked up rapidly, but by mid-2002 the

economy had stabilized, albeit at a lower level. Strong demand for

the peso compelled the Central Bank to intervene in foreign exchange

markets to curb its appreciation in early 2003. Led by record

exports, the economy began to recover with output up 5.5% in 2003,

unemployment falling, and inflation sliced to 4.2% at year-end.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $403.8 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-10.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $10,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 5% industry: 28% services: 66% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

37% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

41% (2002, yearend)

Labor force:

15 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

21.5% (37377)

Budget:

revenues: $44 billion

expenditures: $48 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles,

chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

97.17 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 52.2% hydro: 40.8% other: 0.2% (2001) nuclear: 6.7%

Electricity - consumption:

92.12 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

5.662 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

7.417 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

828,600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

486,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

2.927 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

37.15 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

31.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

6.05 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

768 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock

Exports:

$25.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

edible oils, fuels and energy, cereals, feed, motor vehicles

Exports - partners:

Brazil 23.6%, US 10.9%, Chile 9.7%, Spain 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$9 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal

manufactures, plastics

Imports - partners:

Brazil 42%, US 12.8%, Germany 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$155 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$10 billion (2001 est.)

Currency:

Argentine peso (ARS)

Currency code:

ARS

Exchange rates:

Argentine pesos per US dollar - 3.06 (2002), 1 (2001), 1 (2000), 1

(1999), 1 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Argentina

Telephones - main lines in use:

7.5 million (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3 million (December 1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: by opening the telecommunications market to

competition and foreign investment with the "Telecommunications

Liberalization Plan of 1998," Argentina encouraged the growth of

modern telecommunication technology; fiber-optic cable trunk lines

are being installed between all major cities; the major networks are

entirely digital and the availability of telephone service is being

improved; however, telephone density is presently minimal, and

making telephone service universally available will take time

domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber-optic cable, and a domestic

satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network;

more than 110,000 pay telephones are installed and mobile telephone

use is rapidly expanding

international: satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); Atlantis II and Unisur submarine cables; two international

gateways near Buenos Aires (1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 260 (including 10 inactive stations), FM NA (probably more than

1,000, mostly unlicensed), shortwave 6 (1998)

Radios:

24.3 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

42 (plus 444 repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

7.95 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ar

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

33 (2000)

Internet users:

3.88 million (2001)

Transportation Argentina

Railways:

total: 34,463 km (168 km electrified)

broad gauge: 20,736 km 1.676-m gauge (142 km electrified)

standard gauge: 3,115 km 1.435-m gauge (26 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 10,375 km 1.000-m gauge; 237 km 0.750-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 215,471 km

paved: 63,348 km (including 734 km of expressways)

unpaved: 152,123 km (1999)

Waterways:

10,950 km

Pipelines:

gas 26,797 km; liquid petroleum gas 41 km; oil 3,668 km; refined

products 2,945 km; unknown (oil/water) 13 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Comodoro Rivadavia, Concepcion del

Uruguay, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Necochea, Rio Gallegos, Rosario,

Santa Fe, Ushuaia

Merchant marine:

total: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 141,851 GRT/208,821 DWT

ships by type: cargo 9, petroleum tanker 8, railcar carrier 1,

refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 1,

specialized tanker 1, includes some foreign-owned ships registered

here as a flag of convenience: United Arab Emirates 1, Uruguay 1

(2002 est.)

Airports:

1,342 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 145

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 62

914 to 1,523 m: 44

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1,197

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 50

914 to 1,523 m: 572

under 914 m: 571 (2002)

Military Argentina

Military branches:

Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic (includes naval

aviation and Marines), Coast Guard, Argentine Air Force, National

Gendarmerie, National Aeronautical Police Force

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 9,780,063 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 7,942,837 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 331,011 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$4.3 billion (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.3% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Argentina

Disputes - international:

claims UK-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South

Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands in its constitution, but in

1995 ceded the right to settle the dispute by force; Beagle Channel

islands dispute resolved through Papal mediation in 1984, but armed

incidents persist since 1992 oil discovery; territorial claim in

Antarctica partially overlaps UK and Chilean claims (see Antarctic

disputes); unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay

borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and drug

trafficking, and harbors Islamist militants; uncontested dispute

between Brazil and Uruguay over Braziliera Island in the

Quarai/Cuareim leaves the tripoint with Argentina in question

Illicit drugs:

used as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for Europe and

the US; some money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border

Area; domestic consumption of drugs in urban centers is increasing

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Armenia

Introduction Armenia

Background:

Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt

Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over

the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires

including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. It was

incorporated into Russia in 1828 and the USSR in 1920. Armenian

leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Muslim

Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated

region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow.

Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the

struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from

the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold,

Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a

significant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both

sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress

toward a peaceful resolution.

Geography Armenia

Location:

Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 45 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 29,800 sq km

water: 1,400 sq km

land: 28,400 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 1,254 km

border countries: Azerbaijan-proper 566 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan

exclave 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

highland continental, hot summers, cold winters

Terrain:

Armenian Highland with mountains; little forest land; fast flowing

rivers; good soil in Aras River valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Debed River 400 m

highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m

Natural resources:

small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, alumina

Land use: arable land: 17.52% permanent crops: 2.3% other: 80.18% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

2,870 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts

Environment - current issues:

soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; the energy crisis

of the 1990s led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for

firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the

draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a

source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of

Metsamor nuclear power plant in spite of its location in a

seismically active zone

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

landlocked in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; Sevana Lich (Lake

Sevan) is the largest lake in this mountain range

People Armenia

Population:

3,326,448

note: Armenia's first census since independence was conducted in

October 2001; official results are not expected until late 2003

(July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.1% (male 356,587; female 346,648)

15-64 years: 68.3% (male 1,113,241; female 1,158,245)

65 years and over: 10.6% (male 147,156; female 204,571) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.3 years

male: 30.6 years

female: 34.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.07% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.57 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.16 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 40.86 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 36.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 45.27 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.68 years

male: 62.41 years

female: 71.17 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.56 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 2,400 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Armenian(s)

adjective: Armenian

Ethnic groups:

Armenian 93%, Azeri 1%, Russian 2%, other (mostly Yezidi Kurds) 4%

(2002)

note: as of the end of 1993, virtually all Azeris had emigrated from

Armenia

Religions:

Armenian Apostolic 94%, other Christian 4%, Yezidi

(Zoroastrian/animist) 2%

Languages:

Armenian 96%, Russian 2%, other 2%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99.4%

female: 98% (2003 est.)

Government Armenia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Armenia

conventional short form: Armenia

local short form: Hayastan

former: Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic; Armenian Republic

local long form: Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Yerevan

Administrative divisions:

11 provinces (marzer, singular - marz); Aragatsotn, Ararat,

Armavir, Geghark'unik', Kotayk', Lorri, Shirak, Syunik', Tavush,

Vayots' Dzor, Yerevan

Independence:

21 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September (1991)

Constitution:

adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Robert KOCHARIAN (since 30 March 1998)

head of government: Prime Minister Andranik MARKARYAN (since 12 May

2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 19 February and 5 March 2003 (next to be held NA

2008); prime minister appointed by the president; the prime minister

and Council of Ministers must resign if the National Assembly

refuses to accept their program

election results: Robert KOCHARIAN reelected president; percent of

vote - Robert KOCHARIAN 67.5%, Stepan DEMIRCHYAN 32.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov (131

seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; 75

members selected by direct vote, 56 by party list)

elections: last held 25 May 2003 (next to be held in the spring of

2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - Republican Party 23.5%,

Justice Bloc 13.6%, Rule of Law 12.3%, ARF (Dashnak) 11.4%, National

Unity Party 8.8%, United Labor Party 5.7%; seats by party -

Republican Party 23, Justice Bloc 14, Rule of Law 12, ARF (Dashnak)

11, National Unity 9, United Labor 6; note - seats by party change

frequently as deputies switch parties or announce themselves

independent

note: electoral law was changed in 2002 so ratio in next elections

will be 75 deputies elected by party list, 56 by direct election

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Court of Cassation (Appeals Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Agro-Industrial Party [Vladimir BADALIAN]; Armenia Party [Myasnik

MALKHASYAN]; Armenian National Movement or ANM [Alex ARZUMANYAN,

chairman]; Armenian Ramkavar Liberal Party or HRAK [Ruben

MIRZAKHANYAN, chairman]; Armenian Revolutionary Federation

("Dashnak" Party) or ARF [Vahan HOVHANISSIAN]; Democratic Party

[Aram SARKISYAN]; Justice Bloc (comprised of the Democratic Party,

National Democratic Party, National Democratic Union, and the

People's Party); National Democratic Party [Shavarsh KOCHARIAN];

National Democratic Union or NDU [Vazgen MANUKIAN]; National Unity

Party [Artashes GEGAMIAN, chairman]; People's Party of Armenia

[Stepan DEMIRCHYAN]; Republic Party [Albert BAZEYAN and Aram

SARKISYAN, chairmen]; Republican Party or RPA [Andranik MARKARYAN];

Rule of Law Party [Artur BAGDASARIAN, chairman]; Union of

Constitutional Rights [Hrant KHACHATURYAN]; United Labor Party

[Gurgen ARSENIAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Yerkrapah Union [Manvel GRIGORIAN]

International organization participation:

BSEC, CE, CIS, COE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Arman KIRAKOSSIAN chancery: 2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles FAX: [1] (202) 319-2982 telephone: [1] (202) 319-1976

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John M. ORDWAY

embassy: 18 Baghramyan Ave., Yerevan 375019

mailing address: American Embassy Yerevan, Department of State, 7020

Yerevan Place, Washington, DC 20521-7020

telephone: [374](1) 521-611, 520-791, 542-177, 542-132, 524-661,

527-001, 524-840

FAX: [374](1) 520-800

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange

Economy Armenia

Economy - overview:

Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia had developed

a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools, textiles, and

other manufactured goods to sister republics in exchange for raw

materials and energy. Since the implosion of the USSR in December

1991, Armenia has switched to small-scale agriculture away from the

large agroindustrial complexes of the Soviet era. The agricultural

sector has long-term needs for more investment and updated

technology. The privatization of industry has been at a slower pace,

but has been given renewed emphasis by the current administration.

Armenia is a food importer, and its mineral deposits (copper, gold,

bauxite) are small. The ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over the

ethnic Armenian-dominated region of Nagorno-Karabakh and the breakup

of the centrally directed economic system of the former Soviet Union

contributed to a severe economic decline in the early 1990s. By

1994, however, the Armenian Government had launched an ambitious

IMF-sponsored economic program that has resulted in positive growth

rates in 1995-2003. Armenia also has managed to slash inflation,

stabilize the local currency (the dram), and privatize most small-

and medium-sized enterprises. The chronic energy shortages Armenia

suffered in the early and mid-1990s have been offset by the energy

supplied by one of its nuclear power plants at Metsamor. Armenia is

now a net energy exporter, although it does not have sufficient

generating capacity to replace Metsamor, which is under

international pressure to close. The electricity distribution system

was privatized in 2002. Armenia's severe trade imbalance has been

offset somewhat by international aid, domestic restructuring of the

economy, and foreign direct investment. Economic ties with Russia

remain close, especially in the energy sector.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $12.13 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

12.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 30% industry: 26% services: 44% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 50% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 46.2% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

44.4 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.4 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 45%, services 30%, industry 25% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $402 million

expenditures: $482 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

metal-cutting machine tools, forging-pressing machines, electric

motors, tires, knitted wear, hosiery, shoes, silk fabric, chemicals,

trucks, instruments, microelectronics, gem cutting, jewelry

manufacturing, software development, food processing, brandy

Industrial production growth rate:

15% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

6.479 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 42.3% hydro: 27% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 30.7%

Electricity - consumption: 5.784 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports: 704 million kWh; note - exports an unknown quantity to Georgia; includes exports to Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan (2001)

Electricity - imports:

463 million kWh; note - imports an unknown quantity from Iran (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

5,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

1.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

fruit (especially grapes), vegetables; livestock

Exports:

$525 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, mineral products, foodstuffs, energy

Exports - partners:

Belgium 21.5%, Russia 14.6%, Israel 10.3%, Iran 9.4%, US 8.2%,

Switzerland 6.8%, Germany 6.2% (2002)

Imports:

$991 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

natural gas, petroleum, tobacco products, foodstuffs, diamonds

Imports - partners:

US 15.3%, Russia 12.9%, Belgium 12.3%, Iran 10.3%, UAE 6.3%,

Germany 5.5%, Italy 4.9% (2002)

Debt - external:

$905 million (June 2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA $170 million (2000)

Currency:

dram (AMD)

Currency code:

AMD

Exchange rates:

drams per US dollar - NA (2002), 555.08 (2001), 539.53 (2000),

535.06 (1999), 504.92 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Armenia

Telephones - main lines in use:

600,000 (2002)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

50,000 (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: system inadequate; now 90% privately owned and

undergoing modernization and expansion

domestic: the majority of subscribers and the most modern equipment

are in Yerevan (this includes paging and mobile cellular service)

international: Yerevan is connected to the Trans-Asia-Europe

fiber-optic cable through Iran; additional international service is

available by microwave radio relay and landline connections to the

other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and

through the Moscow international switch and by satellite to the rest

of the world; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (2000)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 9, FM 6, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

850,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (plus an unknown number of repeaters); (1998)

Televisions:

825,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.am

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

9 (2001)

Internet users:

30,000 (2001)

Transportation Armenia

Railways:

total: 852 km in common carrier service; does not include

industrial lines

broad gauge: 852 km 1.520-m gauge (779 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 15,918 km

paved: 15,329 km (includes 7,527 km of expressways)

unpaved: 589 km (2000)

Waterways:

NA km

Pipelines:

gas 2,031 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

15 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Armenia

Military branches:

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guards

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 919,582 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 727,770 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 37,209 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$135 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

6.5% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Armenia

Disputes - international:

Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in Nagorno-Karabakh

and militarily occupies 16% of Azerbaijan - Organization for

Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate

dispute; border with Turkey remains closed over Nagorno-Karabakh

dispute; traditional demands regarding former Armenian lands in

Turkey have subsided; ethnic Armenian groups in Javakheti region of

Georgia seek greater autonomy, closer ties with Armenia

Illicit drugs:

illicit cultivation of small amount of cannabis for domestic

consumption; used as a transit point for illicit drugs - mostly

opium and hashish - moving from Southwest Asia to Russia and to a

lesser extent the rest of Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Aruba

Introduction Aruba

Background:

Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the

Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main

industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity

brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last

decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry.

Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a

separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in

1990.

Geography Aruba

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

12 30 N, 69 58 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 193 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 193 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

68.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

flat with a few hills; scant vegetation

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Jamanota 188 m

Natural resources:

NEGL; white sandy beaches

Land use:

arable land: 10.53% (including aloe 0.01%)

permanent crops: 0%

other: 89.47% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0.01 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches; its

tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the

Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27

degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit)

People Aruba

Population:

70,844 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.7% (male 7,540; female 7,121)

15-64 years: 68.3% (male 23,427; female 24,955)

65 years and over: 11% (male 3,215; female 4,586) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.1 years

male: 35.3 years

female: 38.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.55% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

11.86 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.38 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.14 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 6.99 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.83 years

male: 75.48 years

female: 82.34 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.79 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Aruban(s) adjective: Aruban; Dutch

Ethnic groups:

mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish

Languages:

Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English

dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish

Literacy: definition: total population: 97% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Aruba

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Aruba

Dependency status:

part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal

affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands

Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign

affairs

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Oranjestad

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Flag Day, 18 March

Constitution:

1 January 1986

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law

influence

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April

1980), represented by Governor General Olindo KOOLMAN (since 1

January 1992)

election results: Nelson O. ODUBER elected prime minister; percent

of legislative vote - NA%

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed for

a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime

minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last

held 28 September 2001 (next to be held by December 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Nelson O. ODUBER (since 30

October 2001); Deputy Prime Minister Fredis REFUNJOL

cabinet: Council of Ministers (elected by the Staten)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by

direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 28 September 2001 (next to be held by NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - MEP 52.4%, AVP 26.7%,

PPA 9.6%, OLA 5.7%, Aliansa 3.5%, other 2.1%; seats by party - MEP

12, AVP 6, PPA 2, OLA 1

Judicial branch:

Joint High Court of Justice (judges are appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Aruba Solidarity Movement or MAS [leader NA]; Aruban Democratic

Alliance or Aliansa [leader NA]; Aruban Democratic Party or PDA [Leo

BERLINSKI]; Aruban Liberal Party or OLA [Glenbert CROES]; Aruban

Patriotic Party or PPA [Benny NISBET]; Aruban People's Party or AVP

[Jan (Henny) H. EMAN]; Concentration for the Liberation of Aruba or

CLA [leader NA]; People's Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson O.

ODUBER]; For a Restructured Aruba Now or PARA [Urbana LOPEZ];

National Democratic Action or ADN [Pedro Charro KELLY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), ECLAC (associate), Interpol, IOC, UNESCO

(associate), WCL, WToO (associate)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to

Netherlands Antilles is accredited to Aruba

Flag description:

blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the lower

portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper

hoist-side corner

Economy Aruba

Economy - overview:

Tourism is the mainstay of the small, open Aruban economy, with

offshore banking and oil refining and storage also important. The

rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted

in a substantial expansion of other activities. Construction has

boomed, with hotel capacity five times the 1985 level. In addition,

the reopening of the country's oil refinery in 1993, a major source

of employment and foreign exchange earnings, has further spurred

growth. Aruba's small labor force and low unemployment rate have led

to a large number of unfilled job vacancies, despite sharp rises in

wage rates in recent years. Tourist arrivals have declined in the

aftermath of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the US. The

government now must deal with a budget deficit and a negative trade

balance.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.94 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $28,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

41,501 (1997 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: most employment is in wholesale and retail trade and repair, followed by hotels and restaurants; oil refining

Unemployment rate:

0.6%

Budget:

revenues: $135.81 million

expenditures: $147 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

Industries:

tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining

Industrial production growth rate:

NA

Electricity - production:

531.9 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

494.7 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

6,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

aloes; livestock; fish

Exports:

$1.88 billion f.o.b. (including oil reexports) (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

live animals and animal products, art and collectibles, machinery

and electrical equipment, transport equipment

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 28.6%, Colombia 21.7%, Panama 16.8%, US 12.1%,

Netherlands Antilles 8.3%, Venezuela 7.6% (2002)

Imports:

$2.21 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and

reexport, chemicals; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

US 54.7%, Netherlands 12.7%, UK 5.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$285 million (1996)

Economic aid - recipient:

$26 million (1995); note - the Netherlands provided a $127 million

aid package to Aruba and Suriname in 1996

Currency:

Aruban guilder/florin (AWG)

Currency code:

AWG

Exchange rates:

Aruban guilders/florins per US dollar - 1.79 (2002), 1.79 (2001),

1.79 (2000), 1.79 (1999), 1.79 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Aruba

Telephones - main lines in use:

33,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,402 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: more than adequate

international: 1 submarine cable to Sint Maarten (Netherlands

Antilles); extensive interisland microwave radio relay links

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 4, FM 6, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

50,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

20,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.aw

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Internet users:

24,000 (2002)

Transportation Aruba

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 800 km

paved: 513 km

note: most coastal roads are paved, while unpaved roads serve large

tracts of the interior (1995)

unpaved: 287 km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas

Merchant marine:

total: 3

note: there is one foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Monaco 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Military Aruba

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Royal Dutch Navy and

Marines, Coast Guard

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Transnational Issues Aruba

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some

accompanying money-laundering activity

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Introduction Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Background:

These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931;

formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a

rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983, it became a

National Nature Reserve. Cartier Island, a former bombing range, is

now a marine reserve.

Geography Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of

Australia, south of the Indonesian half of Timor island

Geographic coordinates:

12 14 S, 123 05 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 5 sq km

note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and

Cartier Island

water: 0 sq km

land: 5 sq km

Area - comparative:

about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

74.1 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 12 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

low with sand and coral

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983

People Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and

fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2003 est.)

People - note:

the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has

become an ongoing problem

Government Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands

conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department

of Transport and Regional Services

Legal system:

the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the

Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Transportation Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the

Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force

Transnational Issues Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Disputes - international:

nationalist group in Indonesia reportedly seeks to populate reefs

to assert claims; Australia has moved to close reefs to Indonesian

traditional fishing and to create a national park while prospecting

for hydrocarbons in the vicinity

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Atlantic Ocean

Introduction Atlantic Ocean

Background:

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's five oceans

(after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than the Indian Ocean, Southern

Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal (Germany), Oresund

(Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait of Gibraltar

(Morocco-Spain), and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US) are

important strategic access waterways.

Geography Atlantic Ocean

Location:

body of water between Africa, Europe, the Southern Ocean, and the

Western Hemisphere

Geographic coordinates:

0 00 N, 25 00 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 76.762 million sq km

note: includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait,

Denmark Strait, part of the Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Labrador

Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, almost all of the

Scotia Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 6.5 times the size of the US

Coastline:

111,866 km

Climate:

tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near

Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can

occur from May to December, but are most frequent from August to

November

Terrain:

surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark

Strait, and coastal portions of the Baltic Sea from October to June;

clockwise warm-water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in

the northern Atlantic, counterclockwise warm-water gyre in the

southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic

Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Milwaukee Deep in the Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

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

and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules,

precious stones

Natural hazards:

icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the

northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have been

spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; ships

subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from

October to May; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to

September; hurricanes (May to December)

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions,

turtles, and whales; drift net fishing is hastening the decline of

fish stocks and contributing to international disputes; municipal

sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern

Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake

Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and

municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and

Mediterranean Sea

Geography - note:

major chokepoints include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar,

access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the

Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound

(Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the Atlantic

Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean

Economy Atlantic Ocean

Economy - overview:

The Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world's most heavily

trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and Western

Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the exploitation of

natural resources, e.g., fishing, the dredging of aragonite sands

(The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and natural gas

(Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea).

Transportation Atlantic Ocean

Ports and harbors:

Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona

(Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon

(Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland),

Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands,

Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille

(France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal (Canada), Naples (Italy),

New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria), Oslo (Norway),

Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam

(Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden)

Transportation - note:

Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways;

significant domestic commercial and recreational use of Intracoastal

Waterway on central and south Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico

coast of US

Transnational Issues Atlantic Ocean

Disputes - international: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Australia

Introduction Australia

Background:

Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. It

was able to take advantage of its natural resources to rapidly

develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a

major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II.

Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the

ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas,

especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to change

Australia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the British

monarch to a republic, was defeated in 1999.

Geography Australia

Location:

Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific

Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

27 00 S, 133 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 7,686,850 sq km

water: 68,920 sq km

note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island

land: 7,617,930 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

25,760 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical

in north

Terrain:

mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m

highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium,

nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas,

petroleum

Land use:

arable land: 6.88%

permanent crops: 0.03%

other: 93.09% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

24,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development,

urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due

to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for

agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique

animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast

coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by

increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited

natural fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,

Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,

Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands,

Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; population

concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; regular,

tropical, invigorating, sea breeze known as "the Doctor" occurs

along the west coast in the summer

People Australia

Population:

19,731,984 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.2% (male 2,045,783; female 1,949,864)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 6,680,531; female 6,553,141)

65 years and over: 12.7% (male 1,099,275; female 1,403,390) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 36 years male: 35.2 years female: 36.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.93% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.55 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.31 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

4.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.83 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.23 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.13 years

male: 77.27 years

female: 83.13 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.76 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

12,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Australian(s)

adjective: Australian

Ethnic groups:

Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Religions:

Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%,

non-Christian 11%, other 12.6%

Languages:

English, native languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (1980 est.)

Government Australia

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia

conventional short form: Australia

Government type:

democratic, federal-state system recognizing the British monarch as

sovereign

Capital:

Canberra

Administrative divisions:

6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New

South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia,

Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Dependent areas:

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

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

Norfolk Island

Independence:

1 January 1901 (federation of UK colonies)

National holiday:

Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Constitution:

9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901

Legal system:

based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,

with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952), represented by Governor General Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Michael

JEFFREY (since 11 August 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister John Winston HOWARD (since 11

March 1996); Deputy Prime Minister John ANDERSON Deputy Prime

Minister John ANDERSON (since 20 July 1999)

cabinet: Parliament nominates and selects, from among its members, a

list of candidates to serve as government ministers; from this list,

the governor general swears in the final selections for the Cabinet

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime

minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or leader of a majority coalition is sworn in as

prime minister by the governor general

note: government coalition - Liberal Party and National Party

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76 seats - 12

from each of the six states and two from each of the two mainland

territories; one-half of the members elected every three years by

popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of

Representatives (150 seats - this is up from 148 seats in 2001

election; members elected by popular vote on the basis of

preferential representation to serve three-year terms; no state can

have fewer than five representatives)

elections: Senate - last held 10 November 2001 (next to be held by

February 2005); House of Representatives - last held 10 November

2001 (next to be held by February 2005)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Liberal Party-National Party coalition 35, Australian Labor

Party 28, Australian Democrats 8, Green Party 2, One Nation Party 1,

Country Labor Party 1, independent 1; House of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Liberal

Party-National Party coalition 82, Australian Labor Party 65,

independent and other 3

Judicial branch:

High Court (the chief justice and six other justices are appointed

by the governor general)

Political parties and leaders:

Australian Democrats [Andrew BARTLETT]; Australian Labor Party

[Mark LATHAM]; Australian Progressive Alliance [Meg LEES]; Country

Labor Party [leader NA]; Australian Greens [Bob BROWN]; Liberal

Party [John Winston HOWARD]; The Nationals [John ANDERSON]; One

Nation Party [Len HARRIS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Australian Monarchist League [leader NA]; Australian Republican

Movement [leader NA]

International organization participation:

ANZUS, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue

partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OECD,

OPCW, PCA, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMEE,

UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. THAWLEY

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New

York, and San Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168

telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000

chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador J. Thomas SCHIEFFER

embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital

Territory 2600

mailing address: APO AP 96549

telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600

FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970

consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a

large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant known as

the Commonwealth Star, representing the federation of the colonies

of Australia in 1901; the star depicts one point for each of the six

original states and one representing all of Australia's internal and

external territories; the remaining half is a representation of the

Southern Cross constellation in white with one small five-pointed

star and four larger, seven-pointed stars

Economy Australia

Economy - overview:

Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a

per capita GDP on par with the four dominant West European

economies. Rising output in the domestic economy has been offsetting

the global slump, and business and consumer confidence remains

robust. Australia's emphasis on reforms is another key factor behind

the economy's strength. The stagnant economic conditions in major

export partners and the impact of the worst drought in 100 years

cast a shadow over prospects for 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $525.5 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $26,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 26%

services: 71% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 25.4% (1994)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

35.2 (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

9.2 million (37256)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 73%, industry 22%, agriculture 5% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.3% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $86.8 billion

expenditures: $84.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Industries:

mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing,

chemicals, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

4.3% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

198.2 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 90.8% hydro: 8.3% other: 0.9% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

184.4 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

731,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

796,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

523,400 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

530,800 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

3.664 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

33.08 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

23.33 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

9.744 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.407 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry

Exports:

$66.3 billion (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coal, gold, meat, wool, alumina, iron ore, wheat, machinery and

transport equipment

Exports - partners:

Japan 18.5%, US 9.6%, South Korea 8.3%, China 6.9%, New Zealand

6.5%, UK 4.7%, Singapore 4.1%, Taiwan 4% (2002)

Imports:

$68 billion (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines,

telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and petroleum

products

Imports - partners:

US 18.3%, Japan 12.3%, China 10.1%, Germany 5.7%, UK 4.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$176.8 billion (yearend 2002 est.)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $894 million (FY 99/00)

Currency:

Australian dollar (AUD)

Currency code:

AUD

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.84 (2002), 1.93 (2001), 1.72

(2000), 1.55 (1999), 1.59 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Australia

Telephones - main lines in use:

10.05 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8.6 million (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international service

domestic: domestic satellite system; much use of radiotelephone in

areas of low population density; rapid growth of mobile cellular

telephones

international: submarine cables to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea,

and Indonesia; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (4 Indian

Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean), 2 Inmarsat (Indian and Pacific Ocean

regions) (1998)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 262, FM 345, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

25.5 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

104 (1997)

Televisions:

10.15 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.au

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

571 (2002)

Internet users:

10.63 million (2002)

Transportation Australia

Railways:

total: 41,588 km (4,612 km electrified)

broad gauge: 2,193 km 1.600-m gauge

narrow gauge: 15,456 km 1.067-m gauge

dual gauge: 291 km dual gauge (2002)

standard gauge: 23,648 km 1.435-m gauge

Highways:

total: 811,603 km

paved: 314,090 km (including 18,619 km of expressways)

unpaved: 497,513 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

8,368 km (mainly used by small, shallow-draft craft)

Pipelines:

condensate 36 km; condensate/gas 243 km; gas 27,321 km; liquid

petroleum gas 240 km; oil 4,779 km; oil/gas/water 104 km; water 40

km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport (Tasmania),

Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart (Tasmania), Launceston (Tasmania),

Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville

Merchant marine:

total: 51 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,415,810 GRT/1,806,554 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: France 2, UK 2, US 14 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 20, cargo 6, chemical tanker 3, combination bulk

1, container 2, liquefied gas 4, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 7,

roll on/roll off 6

Airports:

444 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 294 over 3,047 m: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 11 1,524 to 2,437 m: 126 914 to 1,523 m: 134 under 914 m: 13 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 150 1,524 to 2,437 m: 20 914 to 1,523 m: 116 under 914 m: 14 (2002)

Military Australia

Military branches:

Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 5,037,538 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 4,339,011 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 142,377 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$11.39 billion (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.9% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Australia

Disputes - international:

maritime delimitation and resource sharing agreements signed with

East Timor resolve dispute over "Timor Gap" hydrocarbon reserves; no

agreement reached on dividing Timor Sea with Indonesia (see Ashmore

and Cartier Islands disputes); Australia asserts a territorial claim

to Antarctica and to its continental shelf (see Antarctica)

Illicit drugs:

Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate

products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium

poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Austria

Introduction Austria

Background:

Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire,

Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World

War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent

occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status

remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended

the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade

unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year

declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for

Soviet military withdrawal. This neutrality, once ingrained as part

of the Austrian cultural identity, has been called into question

since the Soviet collapse of 1991 and Austria's entry into the

European Union in 1995. A prosperous country, Austria entered the

European Monetary Union in 1999.

Geography Austria

Location:

Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia

Geographic coordinates:

47 20 N, 13 20 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 83,858 sq km

water: 1,120 sq km

land: 82,738 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries:

total: 2,562 km

border countries: Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366

km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330

km, Switzerland 164 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain in

lowlands and snow in mountains; cool summers with occasional showers

Terrain:

in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern

and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m

highest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, oil, timber, magnesite, lead, coal, lignite, copper,

hydropower

Land use: arable land: 16.89% permanent crops: 0.99% other: 82.12% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

457 sq km (2000 est.)

Natural hazards:

landslides; avalanches; earthquakes

Environment - current issues: some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern Europe

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe

with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river

is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands

because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere

People Austria

Population:

8,188,207 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.2% (male 678,944; female 646,390)

15-64 years: 68.3% (male 2,827,736; female 2,768,480)

65 years and over: 15.5% (male 490,979; female 775,678) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.4 years

male: 38.2 years

female: 40.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.22% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.43 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.69 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.33 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.17 years

male: 75.02 years

female: 81.48 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.41 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,900 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Austrian(s)

adjective: Austrian

Ethnic groups:

German 88%, non-nationals 9.3% (includes Croatians, Slovenes,

Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Roma), naturalized 2% (includes those

who have lived in Austria at least three generations)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 78%, Protestant 5%, Muslim and other 17%

Languages:

German

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Austria

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Austria

conventional short form: Austria

local short form: Oesterreich

local long form: Republik Oesterreich

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

Vienna

Administrative divisions:

9 states (Bundeslaender, singular - Bundesland); Burgenland,

Kaernten, Niederoesterreich, Oberoesterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark,

Tirol, Vorarlberg, Wien

Independence:

1156 (from Bavaria)

National holiday:

National Day, 26 October (1955); note - commemorates the State

Treaty restoring national sovereignty and the end of occupation and

the passage of the law on permanent neutrality

Constitution:

1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1 May 1945)

Legal system:

civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of

legislative acts by the Constitutional Court; separate

administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; compulsory for presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Thomas KLESTIL (since 8 July 1992)

head of government: Chancellor Wolfgang SCHUESSEL (OeVP)(since 4

February 2000); Vice Chancellor Hubert GORBACH (since 21 October

2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice

of the chancellor

elections: president elected by direct popular vote for a six-year

term; presidential election last held 19 April 1998 (next to be held

in the spring of 2004); chancellor traditionally chosen by the

president from the plurality party in the National Council; vice

chancellor chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor

note: government coalition - OeVP and FPOe

election results: Thomas KLESTIL reelected president; percent of

vote - Thomas KLESTIL 63%, Gertraud KNOLL 14%, Heide SCHMIDT 11%,

Richard LUGNER 10%, Karl NOWAK 2%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung consists of Federal

Council or Bundesrat (64 members; members represent each of the

states on the basis of population, but with each state having at

least three representatives; members serve a four- or six-year term)

and the National Council or Nationalrat (183 seats; members elected

by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - OeVP

42.3%, SPOe 36.9%, FPOe 10.2%, Greens 9%; seats by party - OeVP 79,

SPOe 69, FPOe 19, Greens 16

elections: National Council - last held 24 November 2002 (next to be

held in the fall of 2006)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Administrative

Court or Verwaltungsgerichtshof; Constitutional Court or

Verfassungsgerichtshof

Political parties and leaders:

Austrian People's Party or OeVP [Wolfgang SCHUESSEL]; Freedom Party

of Austria or FPOe [Herbert HAUPT]; Social Democratic Party of

Austria or SPOe [Alfred GUSENBAUER]; The Greens Alternative or GA

[Alexander VAN DER BELLEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Austrian Trade Union Federation (primarily Socialist) or OeGB;

Federal Economic Chamber; OeVP-oriented League of Austrian

Industrialists or VOeI; Roman Catholic Church, including its chief

lay organization, Catholic Action; three composite leagues of the

Austrian People's Party or OeVP representing business, labor, and

farmers

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, CERN,

EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF,

UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIK,

UNMISET, UNMOGIP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU

(observer), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Eva NOWOTNY

chancery: 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008-3035

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 895-6750

telephone: [1] (202) 895-6700

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador William Lee LYONS BROWN, Jr.

embassy: Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1090, Vienna

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [43] (1) 31339, 31375, 31335

FAX: [43] (1) 5125835

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red

Economy Austria

Economy - overview:

Austria, with its well-developed market economy and high standard

of living, is closely tied to other EU economies, especially

Germany's. Membership in the EU has drawn an influx of foreign

investors attracted by Austria's access to the single European

market and proximity to EU aspirant economies. Slowing growth in

Germany and elsewhere in the world held the economy to only 1.2%

growth in 2001, 0.6% in 2002, and 0.8% in 2003.. To meet increased

competition from both EU and Central European countries, Austria

will need to emphasize knowledge-based sectors of the economy,

continue to deregulate the service sector, and lower its tax burden.

A key issue is the encouragement of much greater participation in

the labor market by its ageing population.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $227.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $27,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2%

industry: 33%

services: 65% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.5% highest 10%: 22.5% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4.3 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation: services 67%, industry and crafts 29%, agriculture and forestry 4% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.8% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $53 billion

expenditures: $54 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

construction, machinery, vehicles and parts, food, chemicals,

lumber and wood processing, paper and paperboard, communications

equipment, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3.8% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

58.75 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 29.3% hydro: 67.2% other: 3.5% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

54.85 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

14.25 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

14.47 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

20,670 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

262,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

35,470 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

262,000 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

85.69 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

1.731 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

7.81 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

403 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

6.033 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

24.9 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: grains, potatoes, sugar beets, wine, fruit; dairy products, cattle, pigs, poultry; lumber

Exports:

$70 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, paper and

paperboard, metal goods, chemicals, iron and steel; textiles,

foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Germany 31.5%, Italy 9.3%, Switzerland 5.4%, US 4.9%, UK 4.9%,

France 4.7%, Hungary 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$74 billion c.i.f. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal goods,

oil and oil products; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Germany 42.6%, Italy 6.6%, Hungary 5.1%, Switzerland 4.8%,

Netherlands 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$12.1 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $410 million (2000)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by the financial institutions

of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999), 12.38 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Austria

Telephones - main lines in use: 4 million (consisting of 3,600,000 analog main lines plus 400,000 Integrated Services Digital Network connections); in addition, there are 100,000 Asymmetric Digital Services lines (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6 million (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed and efficient

domestic: there are 48 main lines for every 100 persons; the fiber

optic net is very extensive; all telephone applications and Internet

services are available

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat; in addition, there are

about 600 VSAT (very small aperture terminals) (2002)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 160 (plus several hundred repeaters), shortwave 1 (2001)

Radios:

6.08 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

45 (plus more than 1,000 repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

4.25 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.at

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

37 (2000)

Internet users:

3.7 million (2002)

Transportation Austria

Railways:

total: 6,024 km (3,641 km electrified)

standard gauge: 5,566 km 1.435-m gauge (3,524 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 34 km 1.000-m gauge (28 km electrified); 424 km

0.760-m gauge (89 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 200,000 km

paved: 200,000 km (including 1,633 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways:

358 km (1999)

Pipelines:

gas 2,722 km; oil 687 km; refined products 149 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Enns, Krems, Linz, Vienna

Merchant marine:

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 27,551 GRT/34,225 DWT

ships by type: cargo 4, container 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

55 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 24 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 14 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 31 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 27 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Austria

Military branches:

Land Forces (KdoLdSK), Air Forces (KdoLuSK)

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,093,821 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,725,123 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 49,090 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.497 billion (FY01/02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.8% (FY01/02)

Transnational Issues Austria

Disputes - international: minor disputes with Czech Republic and Slovenia continue over nuclear power plants and post-World War II treatment of German-speaking minorities

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and South American

cocaine destined for Western Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Azerbaijan

Introduction Azerbaijan

Background:

Azerbaijan - a nation with a Turkic and majority-Muslim population

- regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union

in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve

its conflict with Armenia over the Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh

enclave (largely Armenian populated). Azerbaijan has lost 16% of its

territory and must support some 800,000 refugees and internally

displaced persons as a result of the conflict. Corruption is

ubiquitous and the promise of widespread wealth from Azerbaijan's

undeveloped petroleum resources remains largely unfulfilled.

Geography Azerbaijan

Location:

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and

Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range

Geographic coordinates:

40 30 N, 47 30 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 86,600 sq km

note: includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the

Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region's autonomy was abolished by

Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991

water: 500 sq km

land: 86,100 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries:

total: 2,013 km

border countries: Armenia (with Azerbaijan-proper) 566 km, Armenia

(with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran

(with Azerbaijan-proper) 432 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan

exclave) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked); note - Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (800

km, est.)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

dry, semiarid steppe

Terrain:

large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland) (much of it below

sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag

Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) in west; Baku lies on Abseron Yasaqligi

(Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m

Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, alumina

Land use: arable land: 19.31% permanent crops: 3.04% other: 77.65% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

14,550 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

droughts

Environment - current issues:

local scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron

Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be

the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe

air, soil, and water pollution; soil pollution results from oil

spills, from the use of DDT as a pesticide, and from toxic

defoliants used in the production of cotton

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,

Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan exclave are

landlocked

People Azerbaijan

Population:

7,830,764 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.7% (male 1,101,320; female 1,064,214)

15-64 years: 64.7% (male 2,468,772; female 2,601,312)

65 years and over: 7.6% (male 236,683; female 358,463) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.1 years

male: 25.7 years

female: 28.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.44% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.28 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.68 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-5.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 82.41 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 80.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 84.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.16 years

male: 58.95 years

female: 67.58 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.34 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 1,400 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Azerbaijani(s)

adjective: Azerbaijani

Ethnic groups:

Azeri 90%, Dagestani 3.2%, Russian 2.5%, Armenian 2%, other 2.3%

(1998 est.)

note: almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh

region

Religions:

Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox 2.3%, other

1.8% (1995 est.)

note: religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan;

percentages for actual practicing adherents are much lower

Languages:

Azerbaijani (Azeri) 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, other 6% (1995

est.)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 99%

female: 96% (1989 est.)

Government Azerbaijan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Azerbaijan

conventional short form: Azerbaijan

local short form: none

former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Baku (Baki)

Administrative divisions:

59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities* (saharlar; sahar

- singular), 1 autonomous republic** (muxtar respublika); Abseron

Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas Rayonu, Agstafa Rayonu,

Agsu Rayonu, Ali Bayramli Sahari*, Astara Rayonu, Baki Sahari*,

Balakan Rayonu, Barda Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu,

Cabrayil Rayonu, Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu,

Fuzuli Rayonu, Gadabay Rayonu, Ganca Sahari*, Goranboy Rayonu,

Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu, Imisli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu,

Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu, Lacin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu,

Lankaran Sahari*, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu, Mingacevir Sahari*,

Naftalan Sahari*, Naxcivan Muxtar Respublikasi**, Neftcala Rayonu,

Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax Rayonu, Qazax Rayonu, Qobustan

Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu, Qusar Rayonu, Saatli Rayonu,

Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Saki Sahari*, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi

Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Sumqayit

Sahari*, Susa Rayonu, Susa Sahari*, Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu,

Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xankandi Sahari*, Xanlar Rayonu, Xizi

Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimli Rayonu, Yevlax

Rayonu, Yevlax Sahari*, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala Rayonu, Zardab

Rayonu

Independence:

30 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaidzhan, 28 May (1918)

Constitution:

adopted 12 November 1995

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 4 November

2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Abbas ABBASOV (since 10 November

2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and

confirmed by the National Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote to a five-year term;

election last held 15 October 2003 (next to be held NA October

2008); prime minister and first deputy prime ministers appointed by

the president and confirmed by the National Assembly

election results: Ilham ALIYEV elected president; percent of vote -

Ilham ALIYEV 76.8%, Isa GAMBAROV 14%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 4 November 2000 (next to be held NA November

2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NAP and allies 108, APF "Reform" 6, CSP 3, PNIA 2, Musavat Party 2,

CPA 2, APF "Classic" 1, Compatriot Party 1

note: PNIA, Musavat, and APF "Classic" parties refused to take their

seats

note: 100 members of the current parliament were elected on the

basis of single mandate constituencies, while 25 were elected based

on proportional balloting; as a result of a 24 August 2002 national

referendum on changes to the constitution, all 125 members of the

next parliament will be elected from single mandate constituencies

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Azerbaijan Popular Front or APF [Ali KARIMLI, leader of "Reform"

faction; Mirmahmud MIRALI-OGLU, leader of "Classic" faction]; Civic

Solidarity Party or CSP [Sabir RUSTAMKHANLY]; Civic Union Party

[Ayaz MUTALIBOV]; Communist Party of Azerbaijan or CPA [Ramiz

AHMADOV]; Compatriot Party [Mais SAFARLI]; Democratic Party for

Azerbaijan or DPA [Rasul QULIYEV, chairman]; Justice Party [Ilyas

ISMAILOV]; Liberal Party of Azerbaijan [Lala Shvkat HACIYEVA];

Musavat [Isa GAMBAR, chairman]; New Azerbaijan Party or NAP [Heydar

ALIYEV, chairman]; Party for National Independence of Azerbaijan or

PNIA [Etibar MAMMADLI, chairman]; Social Democratic Party of

Azerbaijan or SDP [Zardust ALIZADE]

note: opposition parties regularly factionalize and form new parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Sadval, Lezgin movement; self-proclaimed Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh

Republic; Talysh independence movement; Union of Pro-Azerbaijani

Forces (UPAF)

International organization participation:

AsDB, BSEC, CE, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, GUUAM, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, OAS (observer), OIC,

OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hafiz PASHAYEV FAX: [1] (202) 337-5911 telephone: [1] (202) 337-3500 chancery: 2741 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ross L. WILSON embassy: 83 Azadliq Prospekt, Baku 370007 mailing address: American Embassy Baku, Department of State, 7050 Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050 telephone: [9] (9412) 98-03-35, 36, 37 FAX: [9] (9412) 90-66-71

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a

crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in red band

Economy Azerbaijan

Economy - overview:

Azerbaijan's number one export is oil. Azerbaijan's oil production

declined through 1997 but has registered an increase every year

since. Negotiation of production-sharing arrangements (PSAs) with

foreign firms, which have thus far committed $60 billion to

long-term oilfield development, should generate the funds needed to

spur future industrial development. Oil production under the first

of these PSAs, with the Azerbaijan International Operating Company,

began in November 1997. Azerbaijan shares all the formidable

problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition

from a command to a market economy, but its considerable energy

resources brighten its long-term prospects. Baku has only recently

begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and

structures are slowly being replaced. One obstacle to economic

progress is the need for stepped up foreign investment in the

non-energy sector. A second obstacle is the continuing conflict with

Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Trade with Russia and the

other former Soviet republics is declining in importance while trade

is building with Turkey and the nations of Europe. Long-term

prospects will depend on world oil prices, the location of new

pipelines in the region, and Azerbaijan's ability to manage its oil

wealth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $28.61 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

10.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 20% industry: 33% services: 47% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 49% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 27.8% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

3.7 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and forestry 41%, industry 7%, services 52% (2001)

Unemployment rate:

16% (official rate is 1.2%) (2003 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $786 million

expenditures: $807 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment;

steel, iron ore, cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

18.23 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 89.7% hydro: 10.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

16.65 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

700 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

400 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

307,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

140,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

589 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

5.72 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

6.72 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

62.3 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats

Exports:

$2 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

oil and gas 90%, machinery, cotton, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Italy 28.7%, Germany 17.7%, Israel 10.6%, France 8.4%, Georgia

6.7%, Russia 4.7% (2002)

Imports:

$1.8 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, oil products, foodstuffs, metals, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Russia 17.8%, Turkey 11.9%, Germany 10.7%, France 7%, Kazakhstan

6.3%, China 6%, UK 5.5%, US 4.5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.4 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA, $140 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

Azerbaijani manat (AZM)

Currency code:

AZM

Exchange rates:

Azerbaijani manats per US dollar - 4,860.82 (2002), 4,656.58

(2001), 4,474.15 (2000), 4,120.17 (1999), 3,869 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Azerbaijan

Telephones - main lines in use:

865,000 (2002)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

800,000 (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate; requires considerable expansion and

modernization; teledensity of 10 main lines per 100 persons is low

(2002)

domestic: the majority of telephones are in Baku and other

industrial centers - about 700 villages still without public

telephone service; satellite service connects Baku to a modern

switch in its exclave of Naxcivan

international: the old Soviet system of cable and microwave is still

serviceable; a satellite connection to Turkey enables Baku to reach

about 200 additional countries, some of which are directly connected

to Baku by satellite providers other than Turkey (1997)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 10, FM 17, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

175,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1997)

Televisions:

170,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.az

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

25,000 (2002)

Transportation Azerbaijan

Railways: total: 2,122 km broad gauge: 2,122 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (2002)

Highways: total: 24,981 km paved: 23,057 km unpaved: 1,924 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 5,001 km; oil 1,631 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Baku (Baki)

Merchant marine:

total: 55 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 251,004 GRT/313,193 DWT

ships by type: cargo 13, petroleum tanker 40, roll on/roll off 2

(2002 est.)

Airports:

71 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 27 over 3.047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 44 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 27 (2002)

Military Azerbaijan

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,159,450 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,727,340 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 82,925 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$121 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.6% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Azerbaijan

Disputes - international:

Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in Nagorno-Karabakh

and militarily occupies about one-sixth of Azerbaijan - Organization

for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate

dispute; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia ratify Caspian seabed

delimitation treaties based on equidistance, while Iran continues to

insist on an even one-fifth allocation and challenges Azerbaijan's

hydrocarbon exploration in disputed waters; ICJ decision expected to

resolve dispute with Turkmenistan over sovereignty of certain

Caspian oilfields

Illicit drugs:

limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for

CIS consumption; small government eradication program; transit point

for Southwest Asian opiates bound for Russia and to a lesser extent

the rest of Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Bahamas, The

Introduction Bahamas, The

Background:

Arawak Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher Columbus

first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British

settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony

in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The

Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking and

investment management. Because of its geography, the country is a

major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments

to the US, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrants

into the US.

Geography Bahamas, The

Location:

Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast

of Florida, northeast of Cuba

Geographic coordinates:

24 15 N, 76 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 13,940 sq km

water: 3,870 sq km

land: 10,070 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,542 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Terrain:

long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Alvernia, on Cat Island 63 m

Natural resources: salt, aragonite, timber, arable land

Land use: arable land: 0.6% permanent crops: 0.4% other: 99% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind

damage

Environment - current issues:

coral reef decay; solid waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain

of which 30 are inhabited

People Bahamas, The

Population:

297,477

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.8% (male 42,799; female 42,730)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 95,718; female 98,875)

65 years and over: 5.8% (male 7,092; female 10,263) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 27 years

male: 26.2 years

female: 27.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.77% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

18.57 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.68 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.21 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 32.45 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.71 years

male: 62.3 years

female: 69.18 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,200 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

610 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Bahamian(s) adjective: Bahamian

Ethnic groups:

black 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%

Religions:

Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church

of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2%

Languages:

English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.6%

male: 94.7%

female: 96.5% (2003 est.)

Government Bahamas, The

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas

conventional short form: The Bahamas

Government type:

constitutional parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Nassau

Administrative divisions:

21 districts; Acklins and Crooked Islands, Bimini, Cat Island,

Exuma, Freeport, Fresh Creek, Governor's Harbour, Green Turtle Cay,

Harbour Island, High Rock, Inagua, Kemps Bay, Long Island, Marsh

Harbour, Mayaguana, New Providence, Nichollstown and Berry Islands,

Ragged Island, Rock Sound, Sandy Point, San Salvador and Rum Cay

Independence:

10 July 1973 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 10 July (1973)

Constitution:

10 July 1973

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Ivy DUMONT (since NA May 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Perry CHRISTIE (since 3 May 2002)

and Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia PRATT (since 7 May 2002)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the prime

minister's recommendation

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the

prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16-member body

appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the prime

minister and the opposition leader for five-year terms) and the

House of Assembly (40 seats; members elected by direct popular vote

to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 1 May 2002 (next to be held by May 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 50.8%, FNM 41.1%,

independents 5.2%; seats by party - PLP 29, FNM 7, independents 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; magistrates courts

Political parties and leaders:

Free National Movement or FNM [Tommy TURNQUEST]; Progressive

Liberal Party or PLP [Perry CHRISTIE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Joshua SEARS consulate(s) general: Miami and New York FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668 telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660 chancery: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affairs Robert M.

WITAJEWSKI

embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau

mailing address: local or express mail address: P. O. Box N-8197,

Nassau; Department of State, 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC

20521-3370

telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours)

FAX: [1] (242) 356-0222

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and

aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side

Economy Bahamas, The

Economy - overview:

The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with an economy heavily

dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone accounts

for more than 60% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs half of

the archipelago's labor force. Steady growth in tourism receipts and

a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts, and residences had

led to solid GDP growth in recent years, but the slowdown in the US

economy and the attacks of 11 September 2001 held back growth in

these sectors in 2002. Manufacturing and agriculture together

contribute approximately a tenth of GDP and show little growth,

despite government incentives aimed at those sectors. Overall growth

prospects in the short run rest heavily on the fortunes of the

tourism sector, which depends on growth in the US, the source of

most of the visitors.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $4.59 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $15,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 7%

services: 90% (1999 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.8% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

156,000 (1999)

Labor force - by occupation: tourism 50%, other services 40%, industry 5%, agriculture 5% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.9% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $918.5 million

expenditures: $956.5 million, including capital expenditures of

$106.7 million (FY 99/00)

Industries:

tourism, banking, e-commerce, cement, oil refining and

transshipment, salt, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral-welded

steel pipe

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.56 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.451 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

23,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, vegetables; poultry

Exports:

$560.7 million (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish and crawfish; rum, salt, chemicals; fruit and vegetables

Exports - partners:

US 39.1%, Germany 15.4%, Spain 10.8%, France 7.4%, Poland 4.6%,

Switzerland 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$1.86 billion (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, mineral

fuels; food and live animals

Imports - partners:

US 20.3%, South Korea 20.1%, Germany 11.5%, Norway 11.5%, Japan

10%, Italy 7.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$371.6 million (2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

$9.8 million (1995)

Currency:

Bahamian dollar (BSD)

Currency code:

BSD

Exchange rates:

Bahamian dollars per US dollar - 1 (2002), 1 (2001), 1 (2000), 1

(1999), 1 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Bahamas, The

Telephones - main lines in use:

96,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6,152 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern facilities

domestic: totally automatic system; highly developed

international: tropospheric scatter and submarine cable to Florida;

3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

(Atlantic Ocean) (1997)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

215,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

67,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.bs

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

19 (2000)

Internet users:

16,900 (2002)

Transportation Bahamas, The

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 2,693 km paved: 1,546 km unpaved: 1,147 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Freeport, Matthew Town, Nassau

Merchant marine:

total: 1,090 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 33,065,778 GRT/46,202,085 DWT

ships by type: bulk 150, cargo 223, chemical tanker 45, combination

bulk 12, combination ore/oil 18, container 108, liquefied gas 26,

livestock carrier 2, multi-functional large-load carrier 8,

passenger 102, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 178, refrigerated

cargo 135, roll on/roll off 40, short-sea passenger 17, specialized

tanker 2, vehicle carrier 23

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Angola 1, Argentina 1, Australia 4, Belgium 18, Bermuda

1, Canada 5, Chile 1, China 3, Croatia 2, Cuba 3, Cyprus 2, Denmark

27, Ecuador 1, Estonia 2, Finland 9, France 15, Germany 26, Greece

173, Hong Kong 6, India 2, Indonesia 2, Ireland 1, Israel 3, Italy

9, Jamaica 1, Japan 32, Kenya 3, Malaysia 10, Malta 2, Monaco 67,

Netherlands 32, New Zealand 2, Norway 237, Panama 2, Philippines 3,

Poland 13, Reunion 1, Russia 6, Saudi Arabia 9, Singapore 13,

Slovenia 1, South Korea 2, Spain 7, Sweden 12, Switzerland 8,

Thailand 1, Trinidad and Tobago 2, Turkey 2, Ukraine 2, United Arab

Emirates 10, United Kingdom 107, United States 159, Uruguay 1 (2002

est.)

Airports:

64 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 30 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 2 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 34 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 22 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Bahamas, The

Military branches:

Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), Royal Bahamas

Police Force

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$20 million (FY95/96)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.7% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Bahamas, The

Disputes - international:

have not been able to agree on a maritime boundary with the US

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for US and

Europe; offshore financial center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Bahrain

Introduction Bahrain

Background:

Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf

countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign

affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves,

Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has

transformed itself into an international banking center. The new

amir, installed in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms

and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In

February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National

Action Charter - the centerpiece of the amir's political

liberalization program. In February 2002, Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al

Khalifa proclaimed himself king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected

members of the lower house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicameral

legislature, the National Assembly.

Geography Bahrain

Location:

Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

26 00 N, 50 33 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 665 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 665 sq km

Area - comparative:

3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

161 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined

Climate:

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m

Natural resources: oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls

Land use: arable land: 4.35% permanent crops: 4.35% other: 91.3% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

50 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; dust storms

Environment - current issues:

desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable

land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal degradation

(damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting

from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil

refineries, and distribution stations; lack of freshwater resources,

groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all water needs

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous

Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic

location in Persian Gulf, which much of Western world's petroleum

must transit to reach open ocean

People Bahrain

Population: 667,238 note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.8% (male 97,294; female 94,930)

15-64 years: 68% (male 266,351; female 187,473)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 10,807; female 10,383) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.7 years

male: 31.6 years

female: 25.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.61% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.02 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

3.99 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.42 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.04 male(s)/female

total population: 1.28 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 18.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 21.65 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.72 years

male: 71.28 years

female: 76.24 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.71 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 1,000

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Bahraini(s)

adjective: Bahraini

Ethnic groups:

Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%

Religions:

Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%

Languages:

Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89.1%

male: 91.9%

female: 85% (2003 est.)

Government Bahrain

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrain

conventional short form: Bahrain

local short form: Al Bahrayn

former: Dilmun

local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn

Government type:

constitutional hereditary monarchy

Capital:

Manama

Administrative divisions:

12 municipalities (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al

Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah

ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa' wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah,

Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah

note: all municipalities administered from Manama

Independence:

15 August 1971 (from UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 is the date

of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date of

independence from British protection

Constitution:

adopted late December 2000; Bahrani voters approved on 13-14

February 2001 a referendum on legislative changes (revised

constitution calls for a partially elected legislature, a

constitutional monarchy, and an independent judiciary)

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa (since 6 March 1999);

Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of the monarch,

born 21 October 1969)

head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa

(since NA 1971)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister

appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of Shura Council (40 members

appointed by the King) and House of Deputies (40 members directly

elected to serve four-year terms)

elections: House of Deputies - last held 31 October 2002 (next

election to be held NA 2006)

note: first elections since 7 December 1973; unicameral National

Assembly dissolved 26 August 1975; National Action Charter created

bicameral legislature on 23 December 2000; approved by referendum 14

February 2001; first legislative session of Parliament held on 25

December 2002

election results: House of Deputies - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - independents 21, Sunni Islamists 9, other 10

Judicial branch:

High Civil Appeals Court

Political parties and leaders: political parties prohibited but politically oriented societies are allowed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Shi'a activists fomented unrest sporadically in 1994-97, demanding

the return of an elected National Assembly and an end to

unemployment; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic

fundamentalist groups are active

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt

(signatory), ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Khalifa bin Ali bin Rashid AL KHALIFA chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: New York FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192 telephone: [1] (202) 342-0741

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ronald E. NEUMANN embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 321, Zinj District, Manama mailing address: American Embassy Manama, PSC 451, FPO AE 09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama telephone: [973] 273-300 FAX: [973] 272-594

Flag description:

red with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist

side; the five points represent the five pillars of Islam

Economy Bahrain

Economy - overview:

In Bahrain, petroleum production and refining account for about 60%

of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. With

its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain

is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf.

Bahrain is dependent on Saudi Arabia for oil granted as aid. A large

share of exports consists of petroleum products made from refining

imported crude. Construction proceeds on several major industrial

projects. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the

depletion of oil and underground water resources are major long-term

economic problems.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $9.91 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $15,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 35%

services: 64% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

295,000

note: 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national

(1998 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: industry, commerce, and service 79%, government 20%, agriculture 1% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (1998 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.8 billion

expenditures: $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $700

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore

banking, ship repairing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

6.257 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

5.819 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

43,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

31,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

62.28 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

8.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

8.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

46 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish

Exports:

$5.8 billion (2002)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles

Exports - partners:

US 4.5%, India 3.2%, Saudi Arabia 2.1% (2002)

Imports:

$4.2 billion (2002)

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, machinery, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 30.1%, US 11.7%, Japan 7.1%, Germany 6.5%, UK 5.6%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$3.7 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$150 million; note - $50 million annually since 1992 from each of

Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait (2002)

Currency:

Bahraini dinar (BHD)

Currency code:

BHD

Exchange rates:

Bahraini dinars per US dollar - 0.38 (2002), 0.38 (2001), 0.38

(2000), 0.38 (1999), 0.38 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Bahrain

Telephones - main lines in use:

152,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

58,543 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system

domestic: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network

with rapidly growing use of mobile cellular telephones

international: tropospheric scatter to Qatar and UAE; microwave

radio relay to Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar, UAE, and

Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (1997)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

338,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (1997)

Televisions:

275,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.bh

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

140,200 (2002)

Transportation Bahrain

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 3,261 km paved: 2,531 km unpaved: 730 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 20 km; oil 53 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Manama, Mina' Salman, Sitrah

Merchant marine:

total: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 234,599 GRT/336,528 DWT

ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 1, container 2, petroleum tanker 1,

includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Kuwait 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

4 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 2

1524 to 2437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Heliports:

1 (2002)

Military Bahrain

Military branches:

Bahrain Defense Forces (BDF) comprising Ground Force (includes Air

Defense), Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Police Force, Amiri Guards,

National Guard

Military manpower - military age:

15 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 222,242 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 121,739 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 6,126 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$526.2 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

6.7% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Bahrain

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Baker Island

Introduction Baker Island

Background:

The US took possession of the island in 1857, and its guano

deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second

half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at

colonization was begun on this island - as well as on nearby Howland

Island - but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned.

Presently the island is a National Wildlife Refuge run by the US

Department of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middle

of the west coast.

Geography Baker Island

Location:

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between

Hawaii and Australia

Geographic coordinates:

0 13 N, 176 31 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 1.4 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 1.4 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 2.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

4.8 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Terrain:

low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 8 m

Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until 1891), terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime

hazard

Environment - current issues:

no natural fresh water resources

Geography - note:

treeless, sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses,

prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting,

roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine

wildlife

People Baker Island

Population:

uninhabited

note: American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and

naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during

World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by

special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and

generally restricted to scientists and educators; a cemetery and

remnants of structures from early settlement are located near the

middle of the west coast; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife

Service (July 2003 est.)

Government Baker Island

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Baker Island

Dependency status:

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington,

DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the

Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system

Legal system:

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy Baker Island

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Transportation Baker Island

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one small boat

landing area along the middle of the west coast

Airports:

1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m, completely covered with

vegetation and unusable (2002)

Transportation - note:

there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast

Military Baker Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US

Coast Guard

Transnational Issues Baker Island

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Bangladesh

Introduction Bangladesh

Background:

Bangladesh came into existence in 1971 when Bengali East Pakistan

seceded from its union with West Pakistan. About a third of this

extremely poor country floods annually during the monsoon rainy

season, hampering economic development.

Geography Bangladesh

Location:

Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India

Geographic coordinates:

24 00 N, 90 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 144,000 sq km

land: 133,910 sq km

water: 10,090 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Iowa

Land boundaries: total: 4,246 km border countries: Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km

Coastline:

580 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 18 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: up to the outer limits of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March

to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)

Terrain:

mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Keokradong 1,230 m

Natural resources: natural gas, arable land, timber, coal

Land use: arable land: 60.7% permanent crops: 2.61% other: 36.69% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

38,440 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

droughts, cyclones; much of the country routinely inundated during

the summer monsoon season

Environment - current issues:

many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate

flood-prone land; water-borne diseases prevalent in surface water;

water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from the use

of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by naturally

occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of falling

water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil

degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe overpopulation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers flowing

from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel

of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty

into the Bay of Bengal

People Bangladesh

Population:

138,448,210 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.1% (male 24,255,300; female 23,007,632)

15-64 years: 62.5% (male 44,261,739; female 42,281,331)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 2,506,606; female 2,135,602) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 21.2 years male: 21.2 years female: 21.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.06% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

29.9 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.17 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 66.08 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 64.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 67.21 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 61.33 years

male: 61.46 years

female: 61.2 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.17 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

650 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Bangladeshi(s)

adjective: Bangladeshi

Ethnic groups:

Bengali 98%, tribal groups, non-Bengali Muslims (1998)

Religions:

Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, other 1% (1998)

Languages:

Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 43.1%

male: 53.9%

female: 31.8% (2003 est.)

Government Bangladesh

Country name:

conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh

conventional short form: Bangladesh

former: East Pakistan

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Dhaka

Administrative divisions:

5 divisions; Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi; note -

there may be one additional division named Sylhet

Independence:

16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan); note - 26 March 1971 is the

date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is known

as Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state

of Bangladesh

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 March (1971); note - 26 March 1971 is the date

of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is Victory Day

and commemorates the official creation of the state of Bangladesh

Constitution:

4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following

coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended many times

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Iajuddin AHMED (since 6 September 2002);

note - the president's duties are normally ceremonial, but with the

13th amendment to the constitution ("Caretaker Government

Amendment"), the president's role becomes significant at times when

Parliament is dissolved and a caretaker government is installed - at

presidential direction - to supervise the elections

head of government: Prime Minister Khaleda ZIA (since 10 October

2001)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the

president

elections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-year

term; election scheduled for 16 September 2002 was not held since

Iajuddin AHMED was the only presidential candidate; he was sworn in

on 6 September 2002 (next election to be held by NA 2007); following

legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most

seats is usually appointed prime minister by the president

election results: Iajuddin AHMED declared by the Election Commission

elected unopposed as president; percent of National Parliament vote

- NA%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad; 300 seats elected

by popular vote from single territorial constituencies (the

constitutional amendment reserving 30 seats for women over and above

the 300 regular parliament seats expired in May 2001); members serve

five-year terms

elections: last held 1 October 2001 (next to be held before October

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - BNP and alliance

partners 46%, AL 42%; seats by party - BNP 191, AL 62, JI 18, JP

(Ershad faction) 14, IOJ 2, JP (Naziur) 4, other 9; note - the

election of October 2001 brought a majority BNP government aligned

with three other smaller parties - Jamaat-i-Islami, Islami Oikya

Jote, and Jatiya Party (Naziur)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the chief justices and other judges are appointed by

the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Awami League or AL [Sheikh HASINA]; Bangladesh Communist Party or

BCP [Saifuddin Ahmed MANIK]; Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP

[Khaleda ZIA, chairperson]; Islami Oikya Jote or IOJ [Mufti Fazlul

Haq AMINI]; Jamaat-E-Islami or JI [Motiur Rahman NIZAMI]; Jatiya

Party or JP (Ershad faction) [Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD]; Jatiya Party

(Manzur faction) [Naziur Rahman MANZUR]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OIC, OPCW,

SAARC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE,

UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Syed Hasan AHMAD

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 244-5366

telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183

chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Ann PETERS

embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212

mailing address: G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000

telephone: [880] (2) 8824700 through 8824722

FAX: [880] (2) 8823744

Flag description:

green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center;

the red sun of freedom represents the blood shed to achieve

independence; the green field symbolizes the lush countryside, and

secondarily, the traditional color of Islam

Economy Bangladesh

Economy - overview:

Despite sustained domestic and international efforts to improve

economic and demographic prospects, Bangladesh remains a poor,

overpopulated, and ill-governed nation. Although half of GDP is

generated through the service sector, nearly two-thirds of

Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as

the single-most-important product. Major impediments to growth

include frequent cyclones and floods, inefficient state-owned

enterprises, inadequate port facilities, a rapidly growing labor

force that cannot be absorbed by agriculture, delays in exploiting

energy resources (natural gas), insufficient power supplies, and

slow implementation of economic reforms. Economic reform is stalled

in many instances by political infighting and corruption at all

levels of government. Progress also has been blocked by opposition

from the bureaucracy, public sector unions, and other vested

interest groups. The BNP government, led by Prime Minister Khaleda

ZIA, has the parliamentary strength to push through needed reforms,

but the party's political will to do so has been lacking in key

areas.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $238.2 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 35% industry: 19% services: 46% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 35.6% (FY 95/96 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.9% highest 10%: 28.6% (1995-96 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33.6 (FY 95/96)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

64.1 million

note: extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman,

Qatar, and Malaysia; workers' remittances estimated at $1.71 billion

in 1998-99 (1998)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 63%, services 26%, industry 11% (FY 95/96)

Unemployment rate:

40% (includes underemployment) (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $4.9 billion

expenditures: $6.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY99/00 est.)

Industries:

cotton textiles, jute, garments, tea processing, paper newsprint,

cement, chemical fertilizer, light engineering, sugar

Industrial production growth rate:

1.8% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

15.33 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 93.7% hydro: 6.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

14.25 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

3,581 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

71,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

28.45 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

9.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

9.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

150.3 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco, pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit; beef, milk, poultry

Exports: $6.2 billion (2002)

Exports - commodities: garments, jute and jute goods, leather, frozen fish and seafood (2001)

Exports - partners:

US 27.6%, Germany 10.4%, UK 9.8%, France 5.7%, Italy 4% (2002)

Imports:

$8.5 billion (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles,

foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement (2000)

Imports - partners:

India 14.6%, China 11.6%, Singapore 11.5%, Japan 7.6%, Hong Kong

5.4%, South Korea 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$16.5 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$1.575 billion (2000 est.)

Currency:

taka (BDT)

Currency code:

BDT

Exchange rates:

taka per US dollar - 57.89 (2002), 55.81 (2001), 52.14 (2000),

49.09 (1999), 46.91 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Bangladesh

Telephones - main lines in use:

500,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

283,000 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: totally inadequate for a modern country

domestic: modernizing; introducing digital systems; trunk systems

include VHF and UHF microwave radio relay links, and some

fiber-optic cable in cities

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean);

international radiotelephone communications and landline service to

neighboring countries (2000)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 12, FM 12, shortwave 2 (1999)

Radios:

6.15 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

15 (1999)

Televisions:

770,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.bd

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

10 (2000)

Internet users:

150,000 (2002)

Transportation Bangladesh

Railways:

total: 2,706 km

broad gauge: 884 km 1.676-m gauge

narrow gauge: 1,822 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 207,486 km

paved: 19,773 km

unpaved: 187,713 km (1999)

Waterways:

up to 8,046 km depending on season

note: includes 3,058 km main cargo routes

Pipelines:

gas 2,016 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Chittagong, Dhaka, Mongla Port, Narayanganj

Merchant marine:

total: 40 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 314,437 GRT/436,465 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 23, container 11, passenger 1,

petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

18 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 15 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Bangladesh

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, paramilitary forces (includes

Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Village Defense Parties, Armed

Police Battalions, National Cadet Corps)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 38,436,912 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 22,807,339 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$559 million (FY96)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.8% (FY96)

Transnational Issues Bangladesh

Disputes - international:

discussions with India remain stalled to delimit a small section of

river boundary, demarcate and fence the porous land boundary,

exchange 162 miniscule enclaves, allocate divided villages, and stop

illegal cross-border trade and violence; Bangladesh protests India's

attempts to fence off high-traffic sections of the porous boundary;

dispute with India over New Moore/South Talpatty Island in the Bay

of Bengal prevents maritime boundary delimitation; Burmese Muslim

refugees strain Bangladesh's meager resources

Illicit drugs:

transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countries

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Barbados

Introduction Barbados

Background:

The island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in

1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on the island

until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy remained heavily

dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the

20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political

reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete independence from the

UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the

sugar industry in economic importance.

Geography Barbados

Location:

Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of

Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

13 10 N, 59 32 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 431 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 431 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

97 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (June to October)

Terrain:

relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m

Natural resources: petroleum, fish, natural gas

Land use: arable land: 37.21% permanent crops: 2.33% other: 60.46% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides

Environment - current issues: pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers

Environment - international agreements: party to: Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity

Geography - note: easternmost Caribbean island

People Barbados

Population:

277,264 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.2% (male 29,621; female 29,207)

15-64 years: 70% (male 94,840; female 99,230)

65 years and over: 8.8% (male 9,355; female 15,011) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.3 years

male: 32.2 years

female: 34.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.38% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

13.15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.02 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.72 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 14.39 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.84 years

male: 69.56 years

female: 74.14 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.2% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,800 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

250 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)

adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)

Ethnic groups:

black 90%, white 4%, Asian and mixed 6%

Religions:

Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other

12%), Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, other 12%

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 97.4%

male: 98%

female: 96.8% (1995 est.)

Government Barbados

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Barbados

Government type:

parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the

Commonwealth

Capital:

Bridgetown

Administrative divisions:

11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint

James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint

Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas; note - the city of Bridgetown may

be given parish status

Independence:

30 November 1966 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 November (1966)

Constitution:

30 November 1966

Legal system:

English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS

(since 1 June 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Owen Seymour ARTHUR (since 6

September 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 26 May

2003)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the

prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21-member body

appointed by the governor general) and the House of Assembly (30

seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year

terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held 21 May 2003 (next to be

held by May 2008)

election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - BLP 23, DLP 7

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature (judges are appointed by the Service

Commissions for the Judicial and Legal Services)

Political parties and leaders:

Barbados Labor Party or BLP [Owen ARTHUR]; Democratic Labor Party

or DLP [Clyde Mascoll]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Barbados Workers Union [Leroy TROTMAN]; Clement Payne Labor Union

[David COMMISSIONG]; People's Progressive Movement [Eric SEALY];

Worker's Party of Barbados [Dr. George BELLE]

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

ISO, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael Ian KING

consulate(s): Los Angeles

consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467

telephone: [1] (202) 339-9201

chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Earl N. PHILLIPS, Jr.

embassy: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street,

Bridgetown; (courier) ALICO Building-Cheapside, Bridgetown

mailing address: P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown; FPO AA 34055

telephone: [1] (246) 436-4950

FAX: [1] (246) 429-5246, 429-3379

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and blue

with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the

trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the

colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident)

Economy Barbados

Economy - overview:

Historically, the Barbadian economy had been dependent on sugarcane

cultivation and related activities, but production in recent years

has diversified into manufacturing and tourism. Offshore finance and

information services are important foreign exchange earners, and

there is also a light-manufacturing sector. The government continues

its efforts to reduce unemployment, to encourage direct foreign

investment, and to privatize remaining state-owned enterprises. The

economy contracted in 2002 mainly due to a 3% decline in tourism.

Growth should be positive in 2003, the precise level largely

dependent on economic conditions in the US and Europe.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $4.153 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-2.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $15,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 16%

services: 78% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

128,500 (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 75%, industry 15%, agriculture 10% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $847 million (including grants)

expenditures: $886 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export

Industrial production growth rate:

-3.2% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

780 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

725.4 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

1,271 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

10,900 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.254 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

29.17 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

29.17 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

70.79 million cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, vegetables, cotton

Exports:

$227 million (2002)

Exports - commodities:

sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and beverages, chemicals,

electrical components

Exports - partners:

US 14.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 12%, UK 10.6%, Jamaica 6.2%, Saint

Lucia 4.7% (2002)

Imports:

$987 million (2002)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction materials,

chemicals, fuel, electrical components

Imports - partners:

US 41.1%, Trinidad and Tobago 17%, UK 7.3%, Japan 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$692 million (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$9.1 million (1995)

Currency:

Barbadian dollar (BBD)

Currency code:

BBD

Exchange rates:

Barbadian dollars per US dollar - 2 (2002), 2 (2001), 2 (2000), 2

(1999), 2 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Barbados

Telephones - main lines in use:

108,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8,013 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: island-wide automatic telephone system

international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

237,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus two cable channels) (1997)

Televisions:

76,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.bb

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

19 (2000)

Internet users:

6,000 (2000)

Transportation Barbados

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 1,793 km paved: 1,719 km unpaved: 74 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Bridgetown, Speightstown (Port Charles Marina)

Merchant marine:

total: 34 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 284,222 GRT/439,810 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, The Bahamas 1, Canada 4, Germany 1, Greece

2, Hong Kong 7, Norway 7, UK 18 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 8, cargo 22, combination bulk 1, container 1,

petroleum tanker 2

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Military Barbados

Military branches:

Royal Barbados Defense Force (including Ground Forces and Coast

Guard), Royal Barbados Police Force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 77,862 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 53,282 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Barbados

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

one of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics bound for

Europe and the US; offshore financial center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Bassas da India

Introduction Bassas da India

Background:

This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at

high tide. A French possession since 1897, it was placed under the

administration of a commissioner residing in Reunion in 1968.

Geography Bassas da India

Location:

Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about

one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

21 30 S, 39 50 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 0.2 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 0.2 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

35.2 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

volcanic rock

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2.4 m

Natural resources: none

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all rock) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide

and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the islands emerge from a circular reef that sits atop a

long-extinct, submerged volcano

People Bassas da India

Population: uninhabited (July 2003 est.)

Government Bassas da India

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Bassas da India

Dependency status:

possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the

Republic, resident in Reunion

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy Bassas da India

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Transportation Bassas da India

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military Bassas da India

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Bassas da India

Disputes - international: claimed by Madagascar

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Belarus

Introduction Belarus

Background:

After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus

attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political

and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet

republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union

on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic

integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the

accord, serious implementation has yet to take place.

Geography Belarus

Location:

Eastern Europe, east of Poland

Geographic coordinates:

53 00 N, 28 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 207,600 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 207,600 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kansas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,900 km

border countries: Latvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 407 km,

Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between

continental and maritime

Terrain:

generally flat and contains much marshland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m

highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m

Natural resources:

forests, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas,

granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay

Land use: arable land: 29.76% permanent crops: 0.69% other: 69.55% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,150 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues: soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine

Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of

Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes; the country is

geologically well endowed with extensive deposits of granite,

dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, and clay

People Belarus

Population:

10,322,151 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.8% (male 885,265; female 848,516)

15-64 years: 68.9% (male 3,456,769; female 3,652,766)

65 years and over: 14.3% (male 490,529; female 988,306) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.7 years

male: 34.1 years

female: 39.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.12% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.18 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

14.05 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.5 male(s)/female

total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 15.13 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.43 years

male: 62.54 years

female: 74.6 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.34 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

15,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Belarusian(s)

adjective: Belarusian

Ethnic groups:

Belarusian 81.2%, Russian 11.4%, Polish, Ukrainian, and other 7.4%

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic, Protestant,

Jewish, and Muslim) 20% (1997 est.)

Languages:

Belarusian, Russian, other

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.5% (2003 est.)

Government Belarus

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Belarus

conventional short form: Belarus

local short form: none

former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form: Respublika Byelarus'

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Minsk

Administrative divisions:

6 voblastsi (singular - voblasts') and one municipality* (harady,

singular - horad); Brestskaya (Brest), Homyel'skaya (Homyel'), Horad

Minsk*, Hrodzyenskaya (Hrodna), Mahilyowskaya (Mahilyow), Minskaya,

Vitsyebskaya (Vitsyebsk); note - when using a place name with the

adjectival ending 'skaya,' the word voblasts' should be added to the

place name

note: voblasti have the administrative center name following in

parentheses

Independence:

25 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 July (1944); note - 3 July 1944 was the date

Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the date

of independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

30 March 1994; revised by national referendum of 24 November 1996

giving the presidency greatly expanded powers and became effective

27 November 1996

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20 July 1994)

head of government: Prime Minister Sergei SIDORSKY (acting; since 10

July 2003); Deputy Prime Ministers Andrei KOBYAKOV (since 13 March

2000), Sergei SIDORSKY (since 24 September 2001), Vladimir DRAZHIN

(since 24 September 2001), Roman VNUCHKO (since 10 July 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers

election results: Aleksandr LUKASHENKO reelected president; percent

of vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 75.6%, Vladimir GONCHARIK 15.4%

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

first election took place 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to the

1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999,

however LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via a November 1996

referendum; new election held 9 September 2001 (next election to be

held by September 2006); prime minister and deputy prime ministers

appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Natsionalnoye Sobranie consists of the

Council of the Republic or Soviet Respubliki (64 seats; 56 members

elected by regional councils and 8 members appointed by the

president, all for 4-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives

or Palata Pretsaviteley (110 seats; members elected by universal

adult suffrage to serve 4-year terms)

election results: party affiliation data unavailable; under present

political conditions party designations are meaningless

elections: last held October 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president);

Constitutional Court (half of the judges appointed by the president

and half appointed by the Chamber of Representatives)

Political parties and leaders:

Agrarian Party or AP [Mikhail SHIMANSKY]; Belarusian Communist

Party or KPB [Viktor CHIKIN, chairman]; Belarusian Ecological Green

Party (merger of Belarusian Ecological Party and Green Party of

Belarus) [leader NA]; Belarusian Patriotic Movement (Belarusian

Patriotic Party) or BPR [Anatoliy BARANKEVICH, chairman]; Belarusian

Popular Front or BNF [Vintsuk VYACHORKA]; Belarusian Social-Democrat

Party or SDBP [Nikolay STATKEVICH, chairman]; Belarusian

Social-Democratic Party or Hromada [Stanislav SHUSHKEVICH,

chairman]; Belarusian Socialist Party [Vyacheslav KUZNETSOV]; Civic

Accord Bloc (United Civic Party) or CAB [Anatol LIABEDZKA]; Liberal

Democratic Party or LDPB [Sergei GAYDUKEVICH, chairman]; Party of

Communists Belarusian or PKB [Sergei KALYAKIN, chairman]; Republican

Party of Labor and Justice or RPPS [Anatoliy NETYLKIN, chairman];

Social-Democrat Party of Popular Accord or PPA [Leanid SECHKA];

Women's Party or "Nadezhda" [Valentina POLEVIKOVA, chairperson]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CEI, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,

IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, NAM (observer),

NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mikhail KHVOSTOV

chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805

telephone: [1] (202) 986-1604

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael G. KOZAK

embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya St., Minsk 220002

mailing address: PSC 78, Box B Minsk, APO 09723

telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83

FAX: [375] (17) 234-7853

Flag description:

red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half the

width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side

bears a Belarusian national ornament in red

Economy Belarus

Economy - overview:

Belarus has seen little structural reform since 1995, when

President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of "market

socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO reimposed

administrative controls over prices and currency exchange rates and

expanded the state's right to intervene in the management of private

enterprise. In addition to the burdens imposed by high inflation and

persistent trade deficits, businesses have been subject to pressure

on the part of central and local governments, e.g., arbitrary

changes in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections, retroactive

application of new business regulations, and arrests of "disruptive"

businessmen and factory owners. A wide range of redistributive

policies has helped those at the bottom of the ladder. Close

relations with Russia, possibly leading to reunion, color the

pattern of economic developments. For the time being, Belarus

remains self-isolated from the West and its open-market economies.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $90.19 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 15% industry: 40% services: 45% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 22% (1995 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 5.1% highest 10%: 20% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

21.7 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

42.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4.8 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry and construction NA%, agriculture and forestry NA%,

services NA%

Unemployment rate:

2.1% officially registered unemployed (December 2000); large number

of underemployed workers

Budget:

revenues: $4 billion

expenditures: $4.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $180

million (1997 est.)

Industries:

metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, earthmovers,

motorcycles, television sets, chemical fibers, fertilizer, textiles,

radios, refrigerators

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

24.4 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99.5% hydro: 0.1% other: 0.4% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

26.69 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

300 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

4.3 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

37,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

230,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

200 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

18 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

17.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

grain, potatoes, vegetables, sugar beets, flax; beef, milk

Exports:

$7.7 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, mineral products, chemicals, metals;

textiles, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Russia 50.8%, Latvia 7.3%, Ukraine 6.3%, Lithuania 4.1%, Germany

4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$8.8 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

mineral products, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs,

metals

Imports - partners:

Russia 68.2%, Germany 9.4%, Ukraine 3.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$851 million (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$194.3 million (1995)

Currency:

Belarusian ruble (BYB/BYR)

Currency code:

BYB/BYR

Exchange rates:

Belarusian rubles per US dollar - NA (2002), 1,390 (2001), 876.75

(2000), 248.8 (1999), 46.13 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Belarus

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.313 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8,167 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: the Ministry of Telecommunications controls all

telecommunications through its carrier (a joint stock company)

Beltelcom which is a monopoly

domestic: local - Minsk has a digital metropolitan network and a

cellular NMT-450 network; waiting lists for telephones are long;

local service outside Minsk is neglected and poor; intercity -

Belarus has a partly developed fiber-optic backbone system presently

serving at least 13 major cities (1998); Belarus's fiber optics form

synchronous digital hierarchy rings through other countries'

systems; an inadequate analog system remains operational

international: Belarus is a member of the Trans-European Line (TEL),

Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line, and has access to the

Trans-Siberia Line (TSL); three fiber-optic segments provide

connectivity to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine; worldwide

service is available to Belarus through this infrastructure;

additional analog lines to Russia; Intelsat, Eutelsat, and

Intersputnik earth stations

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 28, FM 37, shortwave 11 (1998)

Radios:

3.02 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

47 (plus 27 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

2.52 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.by

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

23 (2002)

Internet users:

422,000 (2002)

Transportation Belarus

Railways: total: 5,523 km broad gauge: 5,523 km 1.520-m gauge (875 km electrified) (2002)

Highways: total: 74,385 km paved: 66,203 km unpaved: 8,182 km (2000)

Waterways:

NA km; note - Belarus has extensive and widely used canal and river

systems

Pipelines:

gas 4,519 km; oil 1,811 km; refined products 1,686 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Mazyr

Airports:

124 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 28 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 21 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 96 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 14 under 914 m: 67 (2002)

Military Belarus

Military branches:

Army, Air Force (including air defense), Interior Ministry Troops,

Border Guards

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,756,572 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,158,875 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 86,654 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$176.1 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Belarus

Disputes - international:

1997 boundary treaty with Ukraine remains unratified over

unresolved financial claims, preventing demarcation and encouraging

illegal border crossing; boundaries with Latvia and Lithuania remain

undemarcated despite European Union financial support

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for the

domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to and via

Russia, and to the Baltics and Western Europe; lax money-laundering

and banking regulations

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Belgium

Introduction Belgium

Background:

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was

occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in

the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European

state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the

Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking

Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional

amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Geography Belgium

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the

Netherlands

Geographic coordinates:

50 50 N, 4 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 30,510 sq km

land: 30,230 sq km

water: 280 sq km

Area - comparative:

about the size of Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 1,385 km

border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km,

Netherlands 450 km

Coastline:

66 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: median line with neighbors

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: median line with neighbors (extends about

68 km from coast)

Climate:

temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Terrain:

flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged

mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: North Sea 0 m

highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m

Natural resources:

coal, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 25%

permanent crops: 0%

note: includes Luxembourg (1998 est.)

other: 75%

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (includes Luxembourg) (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding is a threat in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected

from the sea by concrete dikes

Environment - current issues:

the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human

activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry,

extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water

pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries;

uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now

resolved) have slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto

Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals

within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and

NATO

People Belgium

Population:

10,289,088 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.2% (male 905,856; female 865,589)

15-64 years: 65.6% (male 3,400,419; female 3,346,182)

65 years and over: 17.2% (male 725,162; female 1,045,880) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 40 years

male: 38.7 years

female: 41.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.14% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.07 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.57 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.16 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.29 years

male: 74.97 years

female: 81.78 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.62 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,500 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Belgian(s)

adjective: Belgian

Ethnic groups:

Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%

Languages:

Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less

than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Belgium

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium

conventional short form: Belgium

local short form: Belgique/Belgie

local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie

Government type:

federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch

Capital:

Brussels

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Dutch:

provincies, singular - provincie) and 3 regions* (French: regions;

Dutch: gewesten); Antwerpen, Brabant Wallon, Brussels* (Bruxelles),

Flanders*, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur,

Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams-Brabant, Wallonia*, West-Vlaanderen

Independence:

4 October 1830 a provisional government declared independence from

the Netherlands; 21 July 1831 the ascension of King Leopold I to the

throne

National holiday:

21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King Leopold I

Constitution:

7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a

constitutional package creating a federal state

Legal system:

civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory;

judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent

Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch

head of government: Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT (since 13 July

1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch and approved

by Parliament

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the

monarch and then approved by Parliament

note: government coalition - VLD, MR, PS, SP, AGALEV, and ECOLO

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat

in French (71 seats; 40 members are directly elected by popular

vote, 31 are indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and

a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch,

Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members are directly

elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation

to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held 18 June 2003

(next to be held in NA May 2007)

note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered

devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of

government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a

complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six

governments each with its own legislative assembly; for other

acronyms of the listed parties see the Political parties and leaders

entry

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - SP.A-Spirit

15.5%, VLD 15.4%, CD & V 12.7%, PS 12.8%, MR 12.1%, VB 9.4%, CDH

5.6%; seats by party - SP.A-Spirit 7, VLD 7, CD & V 6, PS 6, MR 5,

VB 5, CDH 2, other 2 (note - there are also 31 indirectly elected

senators); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - VLD

15.4%, SP.A-Spirit 14.9%, CD & V 13.3%, PS 13.0%, VB 11.6%, MR

11.4%, CDH 5.5%, Ecolo 3.1%; seats by party - VLD 25, SP.A-Spirit

23, CD & V 21, PS 25, VB 18, MR 24, CDH 8 Ecolo 4, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or Cour de

Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the monarch,

although selected by the Government)

Political parties and leaders:

AGALEV (Flemish Greens) [Dirk HOLEMANS]; Christian Democrats and

Flemish or CD & V [Yves LETERME]; note - used to be the Flemish

Christian Democrats or CVP; Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Michel

JAVAUK, Evelyne HUYTEBROECK, Claude BROUIR]; Flemish Liberal

Democrats or VLD [Karel DE GUCHT]; Francophone Humanist and

Democratic Center of CDH (used to be Social Christian Party or PSC)

[Joelle MILQUET]; Francophone Reformist Movement or MR (used to be

Liberal Reformation Party or PRL) [Antoine DUQUESNE]; Francophone

Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI RUPO]; National Front or FN [Daniel

FERET]; New Flemish Alliance or NVA [Geert BOURGEOIS]; note - new

party that emerged after the demise of the People's Union or VU;

Social Progressive Alternative Party or SP.A [Steve STEVAERT]; note

- was Flemish Socialist Party or SP; Spirit [Els VAN WEERT]; note -

new party that emerged after the demise of the People's Union or VU;

Vlaams Blok or VB [Frank VANHECKE]; other minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders: Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi and groups representing immigrants

International organization participation:

ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC,

EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS

(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNMOP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WADB (nonregional), WCL,

WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Franciskus VAN DAELE

chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079

telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen Franklin BRAUER

embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels

mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710

telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111

FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red;

the design was based on the flag of France

Economy Belgium

Economy - overview:

This modern private enterprise economy has capitalized on its

central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and

diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated

mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural

resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw

materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its

economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Roughly

three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt

is about 100% of GDP, and the government has succeeded in balancing

its budget. Belgium, together with 11 of its EU partners, began

circulating the euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth in

2001-03 dropped sharply due to the global economic slowdown.

Prospects for 2004 again depend largely on recovery in the EU and

the US.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $299.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $29,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.3% industry: 24.4% services: 74.3% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 4%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.2% highest 10%: 23% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28.7 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4.44 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 73%, industry 25%, agriculture 2% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.2% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $113.4 billion

expenditures: $106 billion, including capital expenditures of $7.17

billion (2000)

Industries:

engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed

food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass,

petroleum, coal

Industrial production growth rate:

4.5% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

74.28 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 38.4% hydro: 0.6% other: 1.8% (2001) nuclear: 59.3%

Electricity - consumption:

78.18 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

6.712 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

15.82 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

595,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

450,000 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

1.042 million bbl/day (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

15.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

15.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk

Exports: $162 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal

products, foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Germany 18.6%, France 16.3%, Netherlands 11.6%, UK 9.6%, US 7.9%,

Italy 5.4% (2002)

Imports:

$152 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals and metal products,

foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.2%, Netherlands 15.6%, France 12.8%, UK 7.3%, Ireland

7%, US 6.4%, Italy 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$28.3 billion (1999 est.)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $764 million (1997)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999), 36.3 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Belgium

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.769 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

974,494 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and

completely automated domestic and international telephone and

telegraph facilities

domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable

network; limited microwave radio relay network

international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat

Radio broadcast stations:

FM 79, AM 7, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

8.075 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

25 (plus 10 repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

4.72 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.be

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

61 (2000)

Internet users:

3.76 million (2002)

Transportation Belgium

Railways: total: 3,471 km standard gauge: 3,471 km 1.435-m gauge (2,631 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 148,216 km

paved: 116,687 km (including 1,727 km of expressways)

unpaved: 31,529 km (2000)

Waterways:

1,570 km (route length in regular commercial use) (2001)

Pipelines:

gas 1,485 km; oil 158 km; refined products 535 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Antwerp (one of the world's busiest ports), Brugge, Gent, Hasselt,

Liege, Mons, Namur, Oostende, Zeebrugge

Merchant marine:

total: 20 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 32,215 GRT/55,725 DWT

ships by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 10, petroleum tanker 4,

includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Finland 1, Netherlands 3 (2002 est.)

Airports:

42 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 25 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 7 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 17 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 15 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Belgium

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Components, Federal Police

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,497,423 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,059,131 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 60,921 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$3.077 billion (FY01/02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY01/02)

Transnational Issues Belgium

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

growing producer of synthetic drugs; transit point for US-bound

ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine

processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and

marijuana entering Western Europe; money laundering related to

trafficking of drugs, automobiles, alcohol, and tobacco

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Belize

Introduction Belize

Background:

Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the

independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981.

Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism

has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued

by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug

trade, and increased urban crime.

Geography Belize

Location:

Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and

Mexico

Geographic coordinates:

17 15 N, 88 45 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 22,966 sq km

water: 160 sq km

land: 22,806 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Land boundaries: total: 516 km border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km

Coastline:

386 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM in the north, 3 NM in the south; note - from

the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's

territorial sea is 3 NM; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act,

1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for

the negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences

with Guatemala

Climate:

tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry

season (February to May)

Terrain:

flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m

Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 2.81% permanent crops: 1.1% other: 96.09% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal

flooding (especially in south)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents,

agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,

Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

only country in Central America without a coastline on the North

Pacific Ocean

People Belize

Population:

266,440 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.1% (male 55,880; female 53,706)

15-64 years: 55.3% (male 74,612; female 72,813)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 4,571; female 4,858) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.9 years

male: 18.8 years

female: 19 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.44% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

30.46 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.05 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 27.07 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 30.56 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.36 years

male: 65.19 years

female: 69.63 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.86 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,500 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

300 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Belizean(s) adjective: Belizean

Ethnic groups:

mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Anglican 5.3%, Methodist

3.5%, Mennonite 4.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Pentecostal 7.4%,

Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), none 9.4%, other 14% (2000)

Languages:

English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.1%

male: 94.1%

female: 94.1% (2003 est.)

Government Belize

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Belize former: British Honduras

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Belmopan

Administrative divisions:

6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo

Independence:

21 September 1981 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September (1981)

Constitution:

21 September 1981

Legal system:

English law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17

November 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister Said Wilbert MUSA (since 28

August 1998); Deputy Prime Minister John BRICENO (since 1 September

1998)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime

minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 members

appointed by the governor general - six on the advice of the prime

minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and

one each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and

Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce

and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National

Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee;

members are appointed for five-year terms) and the House of

Representatives (29 seats; members are elected by direct popular

vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 5 March 2003 (next

to be held NA March 2008)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -

PUP 21, UDP 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor

general on the advice of the prime minister)

Political parties and leaders:

People's United Party or PUP [Said MUSA]; United Democratic Party

or UDP [Dean BARROW, party leader; Douglas SINGH, party chairman]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Society for the Promotion of Education and Research or SPEAR [Adele

CATZIM]

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Lisa M. SHOMAN

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888

telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636

chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Russell F. FREEMAN

embassy: 29 Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize City

mailing address: P. O. Box 286, Unit 7401, APO AA 34025

telephone: [501] 227-7161 through 7163

FAX: [501] 30802

Flag description:

blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges;

centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of

arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany

tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the

Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland

Economy Belize

Economy - overview:

In this small, essentially private enterprise economy the tourism

industry is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by cane

sugar, citrus, marine products, bananas, and garments. The

government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in

September 1998, led to GDP growth of 6.5% in 1999, 10.8% in 2000,

4.6% in 2001, and 3.7% in 2002. Major concerns continue to be the

sizable trade deficit and foreign debt. A key short-term objective

remains the reduction of poverty with the help of international

donors.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.28 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 18% industry: 24% services: 58% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

33% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force: 90,000 note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 27%, industry 18%, services 55% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.1% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $224 million

expenditures: $209 million, including capital expenditures of $70

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

garment production, food processing, tourism, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

4.6% (1999)

Electricity - production:

199.5 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 59.9% hydro: 40.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

185.5 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: bananas, coca, citrus, sugar; fish, cultured shrimp; lumber; garments

Exports:

$290 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood

Exports - partners:

US 40.5%, UK 23.2%, Peru 8.3% (2002)

Imports:

$430 million c.i.f. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods; fuels,

chemicals, pharmaceuticals; food, beverages, tobacco

Imports - partners:

US 35.7%, Mexico 10.1%, Netherlands Antilles 6.1%, Japan 5.9%, Cuba

5.7%, UK 5.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$475 million (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Belizean dollar (BZD)

Currency code:

BZD

Exchange rates:

Belizean dollars per US dollar - 2 (2002), 2 (2001), 2 (2000), 2

(1999), 2 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Belize

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,023 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: above-average system

domestic: trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

133,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1997)

Televisions:

41,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.bz

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

18,000 (2002)

Transportation Belize

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 2,872 km paved: 488 km unpaved: 2,384 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

825 km (river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally

navigable)

Ports and harbors:

Belize City, Big Creek, Corozol, Punta Gorda

Merchant marine:

total: 292 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,030,141 GRT/1,499,777 DWT

ships by type: bulk 15, cargo 200, chemical tanker 7, combination

ore/oil 1, container 12, petroleum tanker 31, refrigerated cargo 18,

roll on/roll off 5, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Albania 2, Belgium 3, British Virgin Islands 6,

Cambodia 1, China 38, Cyprus 1, Ecuador 1, Egypt 1, Equatorial

Guinea 1, Eritrea 1, Estonia 7, Germany 3, Greece 4, Grenada 1,

Honduras 1, Hong Kong 20, Indonesia 6, Italy 2, Japan 4, Jordan 1,

Lebanon 1, Liberia 5, Malaysia 3, Malta 2, Man, Isle of 1, Marshall

Islands 13, Mexico 1, Netherlands 1, Nigeria 1, Panama 12,

Philippines 4, Portugal 1, Romania 1, Russia 3, Saint Vincent and

the Grenadines 3, Saudi Arabia 1, Singapore 22, South Korea 10,

Spain 4, Switzerland 1, Taiwan 1, Thailand 6, Tunisia 1, Turkey 1,

Ukraine 3, United Arab Emirates 9, United Kingdom 2, United States

4, Virgin Islands (UK) 6, Yemen 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

42 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 38

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 27 (2002)

Military Belize

Military branches:

Belize Defense Force (includes Army, Maritime Wing, Air Wing, and

Volunteer Guard)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 66,332 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 39,337 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 3,046 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$7.7 million (FY00/01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.87% (FY00/01)

Transnational Issues Belize

Disputes - international:

Guatemala has claimed half of southern Belize; Guatemalan squatters

continue to settle along the border despite a 2000 agreement; OAS

brokered a Differendum in 2002 that created a small adjustment to

land boundary, a large Guatemalan maritime corridor in the

Caribbean, a joint ecological park for disputed Sapodilla Cays, and

a substantial US-UK financial package, but agreement was not brought

to a popular referendum

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer

of cannabis for the international drug trade; some money-laundering

activity related to offshore sector

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Benin

Introduction Benin

Background:

Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African

kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a French

Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as the

Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended in

1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishment

of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move to

representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free

elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as

president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa

from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by

elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were

alleged.

Geography Benin

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and

Togo

Geographic coordinates:

9 30 N, 2 15 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 112,620 sq km

water: 2,000 sq km

land: 110,620 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 1,989 km

border countries: Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km,

Togo 644 km

Coastline:

121 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m

Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber

Land use: arable land: 15.28% permanent crops: 1.36% other: 83.36% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

120 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December to

March

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife

populations; deforestation; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural

harbors, river mouths, or islands

People Benin

Population:

7,041,490

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 47% (male 1,668,817; female 1,638,291)

15-64 years: 50.7% (male 1,739,517; female 1,834,231)

65 years and over: 2.3% (male 67,504; female 93,130) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.4 years

male: 15.9 years

female: 16.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.95% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

43.15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

13.65 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 86.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 81.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 91.79 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 51.08 years

male: 50.35 years

female: 51.84 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.04 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.6% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

120,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

8,100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Beninese (singular and plural)

adjective: Beninese

Ethnic groups:

African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja,

Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%

Languages:

French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in

south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 40.9%

male: 56.2%

female: 26.5% (2000)

Government Benin

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Benin conventional short form: Benin local short form: Benin former: Dahomey local long form: Republique du Benin

Government type:

republic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped Marxism-Leninism

December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition

to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991

Capital:

Porto-Novo is the official capital; Cotonou is the seat of

government

Administrative divisions:

12 departments; Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines,

Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou

Independence:

1 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

National Day, 1 August (1960)

Constitution:

December 1990

Legal system:

based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;

runoff election held 22 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2006)

note: the four top-ranking contenders following the first-round

presidential elections were: Mathieu KEREKOU (incumbent) 45.4%,

Nicephore SOGOLO (former president) 27.1%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI

(National Assembly Speaker) 12.6%, and Bruno AMOUSSOU (Minister of

State) 8.6%; the second-round balloting, originally scheduled for 18

March 2001, was postponed four days because both SOGOLO and

HOUNGBEDJI withdrew alleging electoral fraud; this left KEREKOU to

run against his own Minister of State, AMOUSSOU, in what was termed

a "friendly match"

election results: Mathieu KEREKOU reelected president; percent of

vote - Mathieu KEREKOU 84.1%, Bruno AMOUSSOU 15.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats;

members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Presidential Movement 52, opposition (PRB, PRD, E'toile, and 5 other

small parties) 31

elections: last held 30 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2007)

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle; Supreme Court or

Cour Supreme; High Court of Justice

Political parties and leaders:

African Congress for Renewal or DUNYA [Saka SALEY]; African

Movement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou FAGBOHOUN];

Alliance of the Social Democratic Party or PSD [Bruno AMOUSSOU];

Coalition of Democratic Forces [Gatien HOUNGBEDJI]; Democratic

Renewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Front for Renewal and

Development or FARD-ALAFIA [Jerome Sakia KINA]; Impulse for Progress

and Democracy or IPD [Bertin BORNA]; Key Force or FC [leader NA];

Presidential Movement (UBF, MADEP, FC, IDP, and 4 other small

parties); Renaissance Party du Benin or PRB [Nicephore SOGLO]; The

Star Alliance (Alliance E'toile) [Sacca LAFIA]; Union of Tomorrow's

Benin or UBF [Bruno AMOUSSOU]

note: approximately 20 additional minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Cyrille Segbe OGUIN FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996 telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656 chancery: 2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Wayne NEILL embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou mailing address: 01 B. P. 2012, Cotonou telephone: [229] 30-06-50 FAX: [229] 30-06-70

Flag description:

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

green band on the hoist side

Economy Benin

Economy - overview:

The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on

subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade.

Growth in real output has averaged a stable 5% in the past six

years, but rapid population rise has offset much of this increase.

Inflation has subsided over the past several years. In order to

raise growth still further, Benin plans to attract more foreign

investment, place more emphasis on tourism, facilitate the

development of new food processing systems and agricultural

products, and encourage new information and communication

technology. The 2001 privatization policy should continue in

telecommunications, water, electricity, and agriculture in spite of

initial government reluctance. The Paris Club and bilateral

creditors have eased the external debt situation, while pressing for

speeded-up structural reforms.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $7.38 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 38% industry: 15% services: 47% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

37% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $377.4 million

expenditures: $561.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001)

Industries:

textiles, food processing, chemical production, construction

materials (2001)

Industrial production growth rate:

8.3% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

274.3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 14.2% hydro: 85.8% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

631.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

376 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

11,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

4.105 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

608.8 million cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, livestock (2001)

Exports:

$207 million f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa

Exports - partners:

India 25%, Italy 11.1%, Indonesia 7.4%, China 7.2%, Thailand 6.7%,

Brazil 6.1%, UK 4.4%, Niger 4% (2002)

Imports:

$479 million c.i.f. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

China 30.7%, France 15.7%, UK 4.8%, Italy 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.6 billion (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$342.6 million (2000)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible

authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Currency code:

XOF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Benin

Telephones - main lines in use:

51,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

55,500 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: fair system of open-wire, microwave radio relay, and

cellular connections

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); submarine cable

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (2000)

Radios:

660,000 (2000)

Television broadcast stations:

1;; (2001)

Televisions:

66,000 (2000)

Internet country code:

.bj

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

4 (2002)

Internet users:

25,000 (2002)

Transportation Benin

Railways: total: 578 km narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 6,787 km

paved: 1,357 km (including 10 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,430 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

streams navigable along small sections, important only locally

Ports and harbors:

Cotonou, Porto-Novo

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

5 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Military Benin

Military branches:

Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability: note: both sexes are liable for military service females age 15-49: 1,536,036 (2003 est.) males age 15-49: 1,597,562

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 805,603

females age 15-49: 809,961 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 75,021

females: 78,998 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$80.8 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.7% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Benin

Disputes - international:

two villages are in dispute along the border with Burkina Faso;

much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with Nigeria,

remains undemarcated, but states accept 2001 arbitration over

disputed Niger River islands; several villages along the Okpara

River are in dispute with Nigeria; in 2001, Benin claimed Togo moved

the boundary stones - joint commission presently resurveying the

boundary

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for narcotics associated with Nigerian

trafficking organizations and most commonly destined for Western

Europe and the US; vulnerable to money laundering due to a poorly

regulated financial infrastructure

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Bermuda

Introduction Bermuda

Background:

Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists

headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North American

winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be

important to the island's economy, although international business

has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has developed into a

highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on

independence was soundly defeated in 1995.

Geography Bermuda

Location:

North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east

of North Carolina (US)

Geographic coordinates:

32 20 N, 64 45 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 53.3 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 53.3 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one-third the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

103 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter

Terrain:

low hills separated by fertile depressions

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Town Hill 76 m

Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism

Land use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 0% other: 94% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (June to November)

Environment - current issues:

asbestos disposal; water pollution; preservation of open space;

sustainable development

Geography - note:

consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall,

but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by US

Government from 1941 to 1995

People Bermuda

Population:

64,482 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.2% (male 6,195; female 6,205)

15-64 years: 69.3% (male 22,110; female 22,574)

65 years and over: 11.5% (male 3,215; female 4,183) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.7 years

male: 37.8 years

female: 39.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.72% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.13 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.05 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 10.77 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.41 years

male: 75.38 years

female: 79.49 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.9 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian

Ethnic groups:

black 58%, white 36%, other 6%

Religions:

non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic 15%,

other 19%

Languages:

English (official), Portuguese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 99% (1970 est.)

Government Bermuda

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda former: Somers Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

parliamentary British overseas territory with internal

self-government

Capital:

Hamilton

Administrative divisions:

9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*,

Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smith's,

Southampton, Warwick

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Bermuda Day, 24 May

Constitution:

8 June 1968, amended 1989

Legal system:

English law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor Sir John VEREKER (since NA April 2002)

head of government: Premier Alex SCOTT (since 24 July 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually

appointed premier by the governor

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (an 11-member body

appointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition) and the

House of Assembly (36 seats; members are elected by popular vote to

serve five-year terms)

elections: last general election held 24 July 2003 (next to be held

NA July 2008)

election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 51.7%, UBP 48%;

seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

National Liberal Party or NLP [Dessaline WALDRON]; Progressive

Labor Party or PLP [Jennifer SMITH]; United Bermuda Party or UBP

[Chairman Wayne FURBERT]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Bermuda Employer's Union [Eddie SAINTS]; Bermuda Industrial Union

or BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Association or

BPSA [leader NA]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, WCO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Consul General Denis Patrick COLEMAN, Jr. consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3 mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300 telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342 FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592, [1] (441) 296-9233

Flag description:

red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

the Bermudian coat of arms (white and green shield with a red lion

holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea

Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag

Economy Bermuda

Economy - overview:

Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world,

with its economy primarily based on providing financial services for

international business and luxury facilities for tourists. The

effects of 11 September 2001 have had both positive and negative

ramifications for Bermuda. On the positive side, a number of new

reinsurance companies have located on the island, contributing to

the expansion of an already robust international business sector. On

the negative side, Bermuda's tourism industry - which derives over

80% of its visitors from the US - has been severely hit as American

tourists have chosen not to travel. Tourism rebounded somewhat in

2002, but remains below the pre-11 September level. Most capital

equipment and food must be imported. Bermuda's industrial sector is

small, although construction continues to be important. Agriculture

is limited, only 6% of the land being arable.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.25 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $35,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 10%

services: 89% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (July 2002)

Labor force:

37,472 (2000)

Labor force - by occupation: clerical 22%, services 20%, laborers 17%, professional and technical 17%, administrative and managerial 13%, sales 8%, agriculture and fishing 3% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.5% (1993)

Budget:

revenues: $609.5 million

expenditures: $574.6 million, including capital expenditures of

$54.8 million (FY 00/01)

Industries:

tourism, international business, light manufacturing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

643.7 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

598.6 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products

Exports:

$51 million (2000)

Exports - commodities:

reexports of pharmaceuticals

Exports - partners:

France 77.4%, UK 2.8%, US 2.4% (2002)

Imports:

$719 million (2000)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, construction materials,

chemicals, food and live animals

Imports - partners:

Kazakhstan 30.9%, France 24.7%, Italy 10.5%, US 9.7%, South Korea

8.4%, Mexico 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$145 million (FY 99/00)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Bermudian dollar (BMD)

Currency code:

BMD

Exchange rates:

Bermudian dollar per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate pegged to the

US dollar)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Bermuda

Telephones - main lines in use:

52,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7,980 (1996)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: modern, fully automatic telephone system

international: 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

82,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (1997)

Televisions:

66,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.bm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

20 (2000)

Internet users:

25,000 (2000)

Transportation Bermuda

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 450 km

paved: 450 km

note: public roads - 209 km; private roads - 241 km (2002)

unpaved: 0 km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Hamilton, Saint George's, Dockyard

Merchant marine:

total: 93 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,993,227 GRT/7,089,760 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Croatia 5, Denmark 2, Germany 1, Greece 1, Hong Kong 9,

Indonesia 1, Norway 2, Sweden 11, United Kingdom 52, United States

13 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 25, cargo 4, chemical tanker 1, container 14,

liquefied gas 9, passenger 5, petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated

cargo 13, roll on/roll off 7, short-sea passenger 4

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Military Bermuda

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda

Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$4.028 million (January 2002)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.11% (FY00/01)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Bermuda

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Bhutan

Introduction Bhutan

Background:

In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under

which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding

some border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in

1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British

agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan

allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed

by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal

Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the

British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and

defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. A

refugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved;

90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of the

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. Maoist Assamese

separatists from India, who have established themselves in the

southeast portion of Bhutan, have drawn Indian cross-border

incursions.

Geography Bhutan

Location:

Southern Asia, between China and India

Geographic coordinates:

27 30 N, 90 30 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 47,000 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 47,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

about half the size of Indiana

Land boundaries: total: 1,075 km border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers

in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas

Terrain:

mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Drangme Chhu 97 m highest point: Kula Kangri 7,553 m

Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide

Land use: arable land: 2.98% permanent crops: 0.43% other: 96.59% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's

name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent

landslides during the rainy season

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; limited access to potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls

several key Himalayan mountain passes

People Bhutan

Population: 2,139,549 note: other estimates range as low as 810,000 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.6% (male 438,784; female 407,919)

15-64 years: 56.4% (male 621,666; female 585,550)

65 years and over: 4% (male 43,262; female 42,368) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.1 years

male: 19.9 years

female: 20.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.14% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

34.82 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

13.47 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 104.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 106.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 102.49 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 53.58 years

male: 53.9 years

female: 53.25 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.94 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 100 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Bhutanese

Ethnic groups:

Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas—one of several

Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

Religions:

Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%

Languages:

Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects,

Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42.2%

male: 56.2%

female: 28.1% (1995 est.)

Government Bhutan

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan

conventional short form: Bhutan

Government type:

monarchy; special treaty relationship with India

Capital:

Thimphu

Administrative divisions:

18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha,

Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel,

Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu,

Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang

note: there may be two new districts named Gasa and Yangtse

Independence:

8 August 1949 (from India)

National holiday:

National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17

December (1907)

Constitution:

no written constitution or bill of rights; note - the King

commissioned a committee to draft a constitution in 2001, but has

yet to be approved

Legal system:

based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

each family has one vote in village-level elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary, but democratic reforms

in July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the

monarch with two-thirds vote

head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Lyonpo

Jigme Y. THINLEY (since 30 August 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the

monarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed,

five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council

(Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105 elected

from village constituencies, 10 represent religious bodies, and 35

are designated by the monarch to represent government and other

secular interests; members serve three-year terms)

elections: local elections last held November 2002 (next to be held

NA 2005)

election results: NA

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed

by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

no legal parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant

antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community; United Front for

Democracy (exiled)

International organization participation:

AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, IOC, IOM

(observer), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; note - Bhutan has a Permanent Mission to the UN; address: 2

United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1]

(212) 826-1919; the Bhutanese mission to the UN has consular

jurisdiction in the US

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although

informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy

in New Delhi (India)

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper

triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along

the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from

the hoist side

Economy Bhutan

Economy - overview:

The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is

based on agriculture and forestry, providing the main livelihood for

more than 90% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of

subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate

the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure

difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's

through strong trade and monetary links and dependence on India's

financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically

backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most

development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian

migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for

tourists are key resources. The government has made some progress in

expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare.

Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with

support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic

program takes into account the government's desire to protect the

country's environment and cultural traditions. Detailed controls and

uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor,

and finance continue to hamper foreign investment.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 45%

industry: 10%

services: 45% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

NA

note: massive lack of skilled labor

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $146 million

expenditures: $152 million, including capital expenditures of NA

note: the government of India finances nearly three-fifths of

Bhutan's budget expenditures (FY95/96 est.)

Industries:

cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages,

calcium carbide

Industrial production growth rate:

9.3% (1996 est.)

Electricity - production:

1.896 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0.1% hydro: 99.9% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

379.5 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.4 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

16 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,020 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs

Exports:

$154 million f.o.b. (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electricity (to India), cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts,

cement, fruit, precious stones, spices

Exports - partners:

US 24.1%, UK 23.9%, Pakistan 23.1%, France 13.9% (2002)

Imports:

$196 million c.i.f. (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics,

rice

Imports - partners:

Japan 44.5%, Germany 12.2%, UK 8.5%, Singapore 6%, South Korea 5%,

US 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$245 million (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

substantial aid from India and other nations

Currency:

ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupee (INR)

Currency code:

BTN; INR

Exchange rates:

ngultrum per US dollar - 48.61 (2002), 47.19 (2001), 44.94 (2000),

43.06 (1999), 41.26 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Bhutan

Telephones - main lines in use:

6,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: domestic telephone service is very poor with few

telephones in use

international: international telephone and telegraph service is by

landline through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

37,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

0 (1997)

Televisions:

11,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.bt

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Internet users:

2,500 (2002)

Transportation Bhutan

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 3,690 km paved: 2,240 km unpaved: 1,450 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Bhutan

Military branches:

Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan

Police, Forest Guards

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 530,860 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 283,493 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 22,755 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$9.3 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.9% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Bhutan

Disputes - international:

approximately 100,000 Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal, 90% of

whom reside in seven UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees

camps, place decades-long strains on Nepal

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Bolivia

Introduction Bolivia

Background:

Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away

from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has

consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups.

Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s,

but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty,

social unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attracting

foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, resolving

disputes with coca growers over Bolivia's counterdrug efforts,

continuing the privatization program, and waging an anticorruption

campaign.

Geography Bolivia

Location:

Central South America, southwest of Brazil

Geographic coordinates:

17 00 S, 65 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 1,098,580 sq km

water: 14,190 sq km

land: 1,084,390 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 6,743 km

border countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km,

Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Terrain:

rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills,

lowland plains of the Amazon Basin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m

highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m

Natural resources:

tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver,

iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 1.73% permanent crops: 0.21% other: 98.06% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,280 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding in the northeast (March-April)

Environment - current issues:

the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the

international demand for tropical timber are contributing to

deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation

methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification;

loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used

for drinking and irrigation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,

Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection

Geography - note:

landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest

navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru

People Bolivia

Population:

8,586,443 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.1% (male 1,624,366; female 1,562,501)

15-64 years: 58.4% (male 2,452,892; female 2,561,873)

65 years and over: 4.5% (male 172,292; female 212,519) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.8 years

male: 20.1 years

female: 21.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.63% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

25.53 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.91 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 56.05 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 52.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 59.75 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.78 years

male: 62.2 years

female: 67.48 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.23 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

4,600 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

290 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Bolivian(s)

adjective: Bolivian

Ethnic groups:

Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%,

Aymara 25%, white 15%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 87.2%

male: 93.1%

female: 81.6% (2003 est.)

Government Bolivia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Bolivia

conventional short form: Bolivia

local short form: Bolivia

local long form: Republica de Bolivia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of

judiciary)

Administrative divisions:

9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca,

Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija

Independence:

6 August 1825 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 August (1825)

Constitution:

2 February 1967; revised in August 1994

Legal system:

based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal and compulsory (married); 21 years of

age, universal and compulsory (single)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert (since 17

October 2003); Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both

the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert (since 17

October 2003); Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both

the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 30 June 2002

(next to be held NA June 2007)

election results: as a result of no candidate winning a majority in

the 30 June 2002 election, Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA Bustamante was

chosen president by Congress; Congressional votes - Gonzalo SANCHEZ

DE LOZADA Bustamante 84, Evo MORALES 43; note - following the

resignation of the elected president on 17 October 2003, Vice

President Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert assumed the presidency

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of

Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (27 seats; members are

directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and

Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (130 seats; members are

directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; note -

some members are drawn from party lists, thus not directly elected)

elections: Chamber of Senators and Chamber of Deputies - last held

30 June 2002 (next to be held NA June 2007)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - MNR 11, MAS 8, MIR 5, NFR 2, other 1; Chamber

of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - MNR

36, MAS 27, MIR 26, NFR 25, others 16

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges appointed for 10-year terms

by National Congress); District Courts (one in each department);

provincial and local courts (to try minor cases)

Political parties and leaders:

Bolivian Socialist Falange or FSB [Romel PANTOJA]; Civic Solidarity

Union or UCS [Johnny FERNANDEZ]; Free Bolivia Movement or MBL [Franz

BARRIOS]; Marshal of Ayacucho Institutional Vanguard or VIMA [Freddy

ZABALA]; Movement of the Revolutionary Left or MIR [Jaime PAZ

Zamora]; Movement Toward Socialism or MAS [Evo MORALES]; Movement

Without Fear or MSM [Juan DEL GRANADO]; Nationalist Democratic

Action or ADN [Jorge Fernando QUIROGA Ramirez]; Nationalist

Revolutionary Movement or MNR [Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA]; New

Republican Force or NFR [Manfred REYES-VILLA]; Pachakuti Indigenous

Movement or MIP [Felipe QUISPE]; Socialist Party or PS [Jeres

JUSTINIANO]

note: the MNR, MIR, and UCS comprise the ruling coalition

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Cocalero Groups; indigenous organizations; labor unions; Sole

Confederation of Campesino Workers of Bolivia or CSUTCB [Felipe

QUISPE]

International organization participation:

ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent),

ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MONUC, NAM, OAS, OPANAL,

OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMISET,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime APARICIO Otero chancery: 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: Miami, New York, and San Francisco consulate(s): Washington, DC FAX: [1] (202) 328-3712 telephone: [1] (202) 483-4410

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador David N. GREENLEE embassy: Avenida Arce 2780, San Jorge, La Paz mailing address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032 telephone: [591] (2) 2430120, 2430251 FAX: [591] (2) 2433900

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with

the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of

Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the

yellow band

Economy Bolivia

Economy - overview:

Bolivia, long one of the poorest and least developed Latin American

countries, made considerable progress in the 1990s toward the

development of a market-oriented economy. Successes under President

SANCHEZ DE LOZADA (1993-97) included the signing of a free trade

agreement with Mexico and becoming an associate member of the

Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur), as well as the privatization

of the state airline, telephone company, railroad, electric power

company, and oil company. Growth slowed in 1999, in part due to

tight government budget policies, which limited needed

appropriations for anti-poverty programs, and the fallout from the

Asian financial crisis. In 2000, major civil disturbances held down

growth to 2.5%. Bolivia's GDP failed to grow in 2001 due to the

global slowdown and laggard domestic activity. Growth picked up

slightly in 2002, but the first quarter of 2003 saw extensive civil

riots and looting and loss of confidence in the government. Bolivia

will remain highly dependent on foreign aid unless and until it can

develop its substantial natural resources.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $21.15 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 20% industry: 20% services: 60% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 70% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.3% highest 10%: 32% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

58.9 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

2.5 million

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

7.6%

note: widespread underemployment (2000)

Budget:

revenues: $4 billion

expenditures: $4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco,

handicrafts, clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

3.9% (1998)

Electricity - production:

3.901 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 44.4% hydro: 54% other: 1.5% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

3.634 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

9 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

44,340 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

49,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

458.8 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

4.05 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.15 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

2.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

727.2 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber

Exports:

$1.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

soybeans, natural gas, zinc, gold, wood (2000)

Exports - partners:

Brazil 24.3%, Switzerland 15.7%, US 14.1%, Venezuela 12.8%,

Colombia 10.2%, Peru 5.4% (2002)

Imports:

$1.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, raw materials and semi-manufactures, chemicals,

petroleum, food

Imports - partners:

Brazil 22%, Argentina 17.4%, US 15.6%, Chile 7%, Japan 5.5%, Peru

5.4%, China 4.8% (2002)

Debt - external:

$5.9 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$588 million (1997)

Currency:

boliviano (BOB)

Currency code:

BOB

Exchange rates:

bolivianos per US dollar - 7.17 (2002), 6.61 (2001), 6.18 (2000),

5.81 (1999), 5.51 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Bolivia

Telephones - main lines in use:

327,600 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

116,000 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: new subscribers face bureaucratic difficulties;

most telephones are concentrated in La Paz and other cities; mobile

cellular telephone use expanding rapidly

domestic: primary trunk system, which is being expanded, employs

digital microwave radio relay; some areas are served by fiber-optic

cable; mobile cellular systems are being expanded

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 171, FM 73, shortwave 77 (1999)

Radios:

5.25 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

48 (1997)

Televisions:

900,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.bo

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

9 (2000)

Internet users:

78,000 (2000)

Transportation Bolivia

Railways: total: 3,519 km narrow gauge: 3,519 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 53,790 km

paved: 3,496 km (including 13 km of expressways)

unpaved: 50,294 km (2000 est.)

Waterways:

10,000 km (commercially navigable)

Pipelines:

gas 4,860 km; liquid petroleum gas 47 km; oil 2,460 km; refined

products 1,589 km; unknown (oil/water) 247 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Puerto Aguirre (on the Paraguay/Parana waterway, at the

Bolivia/Brazil border); also, Bolivia has free port privileges in

maritime ports in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay

Merchant marine:

total: 53 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 347,535 GRT/591,113 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 25, chemical tanker 4, container 4,

livestock carrier 1, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 1,

short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

Belize 2, China 2, Cuba 1, Cyprus 1, Egypt 1, Honduras 1, Latvia 2,

Liberia 2, Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Saudi

Arabia 1, Singapore 1, South Korea 3, Switzerland 1, Ukraine 1, UAE

5, US 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

1,081 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 12 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1,069 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 64 914 to 1,523 m: 225 under 914 m: 776 (2002)

Military Bolivia

Military branches:

Army (Ejercito Boliviano), Navy (Fuerza Naval, includes Marines),

Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana), National Police Force (Policia

Nacional de Bolivia)

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,118,908 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,380,883 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 96,003 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$147 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.8% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Bolivia

Disputes - international:

continues to press Chile and Peru to restore the Atacama corridor

ceded to Chile in 1884; Chile demands water rights to Bolivia's Rio

Lauca and Silala Spring

Illicit drugs:

world's third-largest cultivator of coca (after Colombia and Peru)

with an estimated 24,400 hectares under cultivation in June 2002, a

23% increase from June 2001; intermediate coca products and cocaine

exported to or through Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile to the

US and other international drug markets; eradication and alternative

crop programs under the SANCHEZ DE LOZADA administration have been

unable to keep pace with farmers' attempts to increase cultivation

after significant reductions in 1998 and 1999; money-laundering

activity related to narcotics trade, especially along the borders

with Brazil and Paraguay

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Bosnia and Herzegovina

Introduction Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background:

Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of sovereignty in October

1991, was followed by a declaration of independence from the former

Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic

Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia and

Montenegro - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning

the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form

a "greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the

number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement

creating a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed

a peace agreement that brought to a halt three years of interethnic

civil strife (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December

1995). The Dayton Agreement retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's

international boundaries and created a joint multi-ethnic and

democratic government. This national government was charged with

conducting foreign, economic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was

a second tier of government comprised of two entities roughly equal

in size: the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and

the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS

governments were charged with overseeing internal functions. In

1995-96, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of

60,000 troops served in Bosnia to implement and monitor the military

aspects of the agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led

Stabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission is to deter renewed

hostilities. SFOR remains in place although troop levels were

reduced to approximately 12,000 by the close of 2002.

Geography Bosnia and Herzegovina

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia

Geographic coordinates:

44 00 N, 18 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 51,129 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 51,129 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries: total: 1,459 km border countries: Croatia 932 km, Serbia and Montenegro 527 km

Coastline:

20 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short,

cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along

coast

Terrain:

mountains and valleys

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Maglic 2,386 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, forests, copper, chromium, lead,

zinc, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 9.8% permanent crops: 2.94% other: 87.26% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from metallurgical plants; sites for disposing of

urban waste are limited; water shortages and destruction of

infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strife

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of

the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

within Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized borders, the country is

divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation (about 51% of the

territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska or RS (about

49% of the territory); the region called Herzegovina is contiguous

to Croatia and Serbia and Montenegro (Montenegro), and traditionally

has been settled by an ethnic Croat majority in the west and an

ethnic Serb majority in the east

People Bosnia and Herzegovina

Population:

3,989,018 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.4% (male 397,810; female 377,005)

15-64 years: 70.5% (male 1,439,383; female 1,372,891)

65 years and over: 10.1% (male 171,643; female 230,286) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.5 years

male: 35.1 years

female: 35.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.48% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.65 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.21 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 22.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 25.37 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.29 years

male: 69.56 years

female: 75.22 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.71 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Bosnian(s)

adjective: Bosnian

Ethnic groups:

Serb 37.1%, Bosniak 48%, Croat 14.3%, other 0.6% (2000)

note: Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid

confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam

Religions:

Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, other

10%

Languages:

Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Bosnia and Herzegovina

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina

local long form: none

local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina

Government type:

emerging federal democratic republic

Capital:

Sarajevo

Administrative divisions:

there are two first-order administrative divisions and one

internationally supervised district* - Brcko district (Brcko

Distrikt)*, the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Federacija Bosna i Hercegovina) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika

Srpska; note - Brcko district is in northeastern Bosnia and is an

administrative unit under the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina;

the district remains under international supervision

Independence:

1 March 1992 (from Yugoslavia; referendum for independence was

completed 1 March 1992; independence was declared 3 March 1992)

National holiday:

National Day, 25 November (1943)

Constitution:

the Dayton Agreement, signed 14 December 1995, included a new

constitution now in force; note - each of the entities also has its

own constitution

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Chairman of the Presidency Dragan COVIC (chairman

since 27 June 2003; presidency member since 5 October 2002 - Croat)

other members of the three-member rotating (every eight months)

presidency: Sulejman TIHIC (since 5 October 2002 - Bosniak) and

Borislav PARAVAC (since 10 April 2003 - Serb); note - Mirko SAROVIC

resigned 2 April 2003

elections: the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one

Croat, one Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term;

the member with the most votes becomes the chairman unless he or she

was the incumbent chairman at the time of the election, but the

chairmanship rotates every eight months; election last held 5

October 2002 (next to be held NA 2006); the chairman of the Council

of Ministers is appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the

National House of Representatives

head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Adnan

TERZIC (since 20 December 2002),

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman;

approved by the National House of Representatives

election results: percent of vote - Mirko SAROVIC with 35.5% of the

Serb vote was elected chairman of the collective presidency for the

first eight months; Dragan COVIC received 61.5% of the Croat vote;

Sulejman TIHIC received 37% of the Bosniak vote

note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Niko

LOZANCIC (since 27 January 2003); Vice Presidents Sahbaz DZIHANOVIC

(since NA 2003) and Desnica RADIVOJEVIC (since NA 2003); President

of the Republika Srpska: Dragan COVIC (since 28 November 2002)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina consists of the

National House of Representatives or Predstavnicki Dom (42 seats -

elected by proportional representation, 28 seats allocated from the

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 14 seats from the Republika

Srpska; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

and the House of Peoples or Dom Naroda (15 seats - 5 Bosniak, 5

Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's

House of Representatives and the Republika Srpska's National

Assembly to serve four-year terms); note - Bosnia's election law

specifies four-year terms for the state and first-order

administrative division entity legislatures

election results: National House of Representatives - percent of

vote by party/coalition - SDA 21.9%, SDS 14.0%, SBiH 10.5%, SDP

10.4%, SNSD 9.8%, HDZ 9.5%, PDP 4.6%, others 19.3%; seats by

party/coalition - SDA 10, SDS 5, SBiH 6, SDP 4, SNSD 3, HDZ 5, PDP

2, others 7; House of Peoples - percent of vote by party/coalition -

NA%; seats by party/coalition - NA

elections: National House of Representatives - elections last held 5

October 2002 (next to be held in NA 2006); House of Peoples - last

constituted NA January 2003 (next to be constituted in 2007)

note: the Bosniak/Croat Federation has a bicameral legislature that

consists of a House of Representatives (98 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms); elections last held 5

October 2002 (next to be held NA October 2006); percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party/coalition - SDA 32, HDZ-BiH 16, SDP 15,

SBiH 15, other 20; and a House of Peoples (60 seats - 30 Bosniak, 30

Croat); last constituted December 2002; the Republika Srpska has a

National Assembly (83 seats; members elected by popular vote to

serve four-year terms); elections last held 5 October 2002 (next to

be held in the fall of 2006); percent of vote by party - NA%; seats

by party/coalition - SDS 26, SNSD 19, PDP 9, SDA 6, SRS 4, SPRS 3,

DNZ 3, SBiH 4, SDP 3, others 6; as a result of the 2002

constitutional reform process, a 28-member Republika Srpska Council

of Peoples (COP) was established in the Republika Srpska National

Assembly; each constituent nation and "others" will have eight

delegates

Judicial branch:

BiH Constitutional Court (consists of nine members: four members

are selected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House of

Representatives, two members by the Republika Srpska's National

Assembly, and three non-Bosnian members by the president of the

European Court of Human Rights); BiH State Court (consists of nine

judges and three divisions - Administrative, Appellate and Criminal

- having jurisdiction over cases related to state-level law and

appellate jurisdiction over cases initiated in the entities; note -

a War Crimes Chamber may be added at a future date)

note: the entities each have a Supreme Court; each entity also has a

number of lower courts; there are 10 cantonal courts in the

Federation, plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska

has five municipal courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Independent Social Democrats or SNSD [Milorad DODIK];

Bosnian Party or BOSS [Mirnes AJANOVIC]; Civic Democratic Party or

GDS [Ilija SIMIC]; Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and

Herzegovina or HDZ [Barisa COLAK (acting)]; Croat Christian

Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina or HKDU [Mijo

IVANIC-LONIC]; Croat Party of Rights or HSP [Zdravko HRISTIC]; Croat

Peasants Party or HSS [Ilija SIMIC]; Democratic National Union or

DNZ [Fikret ABDIC]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDS [Rasim KADIC];

New Croat Initiative or NHI [Kresimir ZUBAK]; Party for Bosnia and

Herzegovina or SBiH [Safet HALILOVIC]; Party of Democratic Action or

SDA [Sulejman TIHIC]; Party of Democratic Progress or PDP [Mladen

IVANIC]; Pro-European People's Party or PROENS [Jadranko PRLIC];

Serb Democratic Party or SDS [Dragan KALINIC]; Serb Radical Party of

the Republika Srpska or SRS-RS [Radislav KANJERIC]; Social

Democratic Party of BIH or SDP [Zlatko LAGUMDZIJA]; Socialist Party

of Republika Srpska or SPRS [Petar DJOKIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

BIS, CE, CEI, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO,

ITU, NAM (guest), OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

(observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Igor DAVIDOVIC

chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Clifford G. BOND embassy: Alipasina 43, 71000 Sarajevo mailing address: use street address telephone: [387] (33) 445-700 FAX: [387] (33) 659-722 branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar

Flag description:

a wide medium blue vertical band on the fly side with a yellow

isosceles triangle abutting the band and the top of the flag; the

remainder of the flag is medium blue with seven full five-pointed

white stars and two half stars top and bottom along the hypotenuse

of the triangle

Government - note:

The Dayton Agreement, signed in Paris on 14 December 1995, retained

Bosnia and Herzegovina's exterior border and created a joint

multi-ethnic and democratic government. This national government -

based on proportional representation similar to that which existed

in the former socialist regime - is charged with conducting foreign,

economic, and fiscal policy. The Dayton Agreement also recognized a

second tier of government, comprised of two entities - a joint

Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian

Serb Republika Srpska (RS) - each presiding over roughly one-half

the territory. The Federation and RS governments are charged with

overseeing internal functions. The Bosniak/Croat Federation is

further divided into 10 cantons. The Dayton Agreement established

the Office of the High Representative (OHR) to oversee the

implementation of the civilian aspects of the agreement.

Economy Bosnia and Herzegovina

Economy - overview:

Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to The Former Yugoslav Republic

of Macedonia as the poorest republic in the old Yugoslav federation.

Although agriculture is almost all in private hands, farms are small

and inefficient, and the republic traditionally is a net importer of

food. Industry has been greatly overstaffed, one reflection of the

socialist economic structure of Yugoslavia. TITO had pushed the

development of military industries in the republic with the result

that Bosnia hosted a number of Yugoslavia's defense plants. The

bitter interethnic warfare in Bosnia caused production to plummet by

80% from 1990 to 1995, unemployment to soar, and human misery to

multiply. With an uneasy peace in place, output recovered in 1996-99

at high percentage rates from a low base; but output growth slowed

in 2000-02. GDP remains far below the 1990 level. Economic data are

of limited use because, although both entities issue figures,

national-level statistics are limited. Moreover, official data do

not capture the large share of black market activity. The marka -

the national currency introduced in 1998 - is now pegged to the

euro, and the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina has

dramatically increased its reserve holdings. Implementation of

privatization, however, has been slow, and local entities only

reluctantly support national-level institutions. Banking reform

accelerated in 2001 as all the Communist-era payments bureaus were

shut down. The country receives substantial amounts of

reconstruction assistance and humanitarian aid from the

international community but will have to prepare for an era of

declining assistance.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $7.3 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 13%

industry: 40.9%

services: 46.1% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.026 million

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

40% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.9 billion

expenditures: $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Industries:

steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, bauxite, vehicle

assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, tank and

aircraft assembly, domestic appliances, oil refining (2001)

Industrial production growth rate:

7% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

9.979 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 53.5% hydro: 46.5% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

8.116 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

2.569 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1.405 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

300 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

300 million cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Exports:

$1.15 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

metals, clothing, wood products

Exports - partners:

Italy 31.6%, Croatia 18%, Germany 12.9%, Austria 10.1%, Slovenia

6.9%, Greece 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$2.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Croatia 23.7%, Slovenia 14.8%, Germany 14%, Italy 13.1%, Hungary

8%, Austria 7.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$2.8 billion (2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

$650 million (2001 est.)

Currency:

marka (BAM)

Currency code:

BAM

Exchange rates:

marka per US dollar - NA (2002), 2.19 (2001), 2.12 (2000), 1.84

(1999), 1.76 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Bosnia and Herzegovina

Telephones - main lines in use:

303,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9,000 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone and telegraph network needs

modernization and expansion; many urban areas are below average as

contrasted with services in other former Yugoslav republics

domestic: NA

international: no satellite earth stations

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 8, FM 16, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

940,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

33 (plus 277 repeaters) (September 1995)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.ba

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2000)

Internet users:

45,000 (2002)

Transportation Bosnia and Herzegovina

Railways:

total: 1,021 km (795 km electrified)

standard gauge: 1,021 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 21,846 km

paved: 11,424 km

unpaved: 10,422 km (1999 est)

Waterways:

NA km; large sections of the Sava blocked by downed bridges, silt,

and debris

Pipelines:

gas 170 km; oil 9 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bosanska Gradiska, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski Samac, and Brcko (all

inland waterway ports on the Sava), Orasje

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

32 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 14 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 under 914 m: 3 (2002) 914 to 1523 m: 1

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 18 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Heliports: 5 (2002)

Military Bosnia and Herzegovina

Military branches:

VF Army (the air and air defense forces are subordinate commands

within the Army), VRS Army (the air and air defense forces are

subordinate commands within the Army)

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,132,476 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 897,856 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 29,861 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$234.3 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.5% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Bosnia and Herzegovina

Disputes - international:

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro have delimited

about half of their boundary, but sections along the Drina River

remain in dispute; discussions continue with Croatia on problem

sections of the Una River and villages at the base of Mount

Pljesevica

Illicit drugs:

minor transit point for marijuana and opiate trafficking routes to

Western Europe; organized crime launders money, but the lack of a

well-developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility

as a money-laundering center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Botswana

Introduction Botswana

Background:

Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted

its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of

uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and

significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic

economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining,

dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due

to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature

preserves. Botswana has the world's highest known rate of HIV/AIDS

infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and

comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.

Geography Botswana

Location:

Southern Africa, north of South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

22 00 S, 24 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 600,370 sq km

water: 15,000 sq km

land: 585,370 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,013 km

border countries: Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe

813 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Terrain:

predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in

southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m

highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore,

silver

Land use: arable land: 0.61% permanent crops: 0.01% other: 99.38% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west,

carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure

visibility

Environment - current issues:

overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note: landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country

People Botswana

Population:

1,573,267

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.5% (male 314,764; female 307,024)

15-64 years: 56% (male 424,726; female 455,967)

65 years and over: 4.5% (male 30,599; female 40,187) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.1 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 19.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.55% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

25.5 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

31 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 67.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 66.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 68.36 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 32.26 years

male: 32.2 years

female: 32.32 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.27 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

38.8% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

330,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

26,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

Ethnic groups:

Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including

Kgalagadi and white 7%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 85%, Christian 15%

Languages:

English (official), Setswana

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79.8%

male: 76.9%

female: 82.4% (2003 est.)

Government Botswana

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Botswana

conventional short form: Botswana

former: Bechuanaland

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

Gaborone

Administrative divisions:

9 districts and four town councils*; Central, Francistown*,

Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*,

Northwest, Northeast, Selebi-Pikwe*, Southeast, Southern

Independence:

30 September 1966 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)

Constitution:

March 1965, effective 30 September 1966

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review

limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Festus MOGAE (since 1 April 1998) and

Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Festus MOGAE (since 1 April 1998) and

Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 16 October 1999 (next to be held

NA October 2004); vice president appointed by the president

election results: Festus MOGAE elected president; percent of

National Assembly vote - 54.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a largely

advisory 15-member body consisting of the chiefs of the eight

principal tribes, four elected subchiefs, and three members selected

by the other 12 members) and the National Assembly (44 seats, 40

members are directly elected by popular vote and 4 are appointed by

the majority party; members serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly elections last held 16 October 1999

(next to be held NA October 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - BDP 54.3%, BNF 24.7%,

other 21%; seats by party - BDP 33, BNF 6, other 1

Judicial branch:

High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts (one in each

district)

Political parties and leaders:

Botswana Democratic Party or BDP [Festus MOGAE]; Botswana National

Front or BNF [Otswoletse MOUPO]; Botswana Congress Party or BCP

[Mokgweetsi KGOSIPULA]; Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM [Ephraim

Lepetu SETSHWAELO]

note: a number of minor parties joined forces in 1999 to form the

BAM but did not capture any parliamentary seats; the BAM parties

are: the United Action Party [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO], the

Independence Freedom Party or IFP [Motsamai MPHO], and the Botswana

Progressive Union [D. K. KWELE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU,

OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Lapologang Caesar LEKOA

chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164

telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph HUGGINS embassy: address NA, Gaborone mailing address: Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone telephone: [267] 353982 FAX: [267] 312782

Flag description: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center

Economy Botswana

Economy - overview:

Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest growth rates

since independence in 1966. Through fiscal discipline and sound

management, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the poorest

countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita

GDP of $9,500 in 2002. Two major investment services rank Botswana

as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much of

the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP

and for nine-tenths of export earnings. Tourism, subsistence

farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. On the downside,

the government must deal with high rates of unemployment and

poverty. Unemployment officially is 21%, but unofficial estimates

place it closer to 40%. HIV/AIDS infection rates are the highest in

the world and threaten Botswana's impressive economic gains.

Long-term prospects are overshadowed by the prospects of a leveling

off in diamond mining production.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $13.48 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 4% industry: 44% (including 36% mining) services: 52% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

47%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

264,000 formal sector employees (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

NA

Unemployment rate:

40% (official rate is 21%) (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.3 billion

expenditures: $2.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 01/02)

Industries:

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock

processing; textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

2.4% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

409.8 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.564 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1.183 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers, groundnuts

Exports:

$2.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds 90%, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles

Exports - partners:

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) 87%, Southern African

Customs Union (SACU) 7%, Zimbabwe 4% (2000)

Imports:

$1.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport equipment,

textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper products,

metal and metal products

Imports - partners:

Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 74%, EFTA 17%, Zimbabwe 4%

(2000)

Debt - external:

$360 million (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$73 million (1995)

Currency:

pula (BWP)

Currency code:

BWP

Exchange rates:

pulas per US dollar - 6.33 (2002), 5.84 (2001), 5.1 (2000), 4.62

(1999), 4.23 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Botswana

Telephones - main lines in use:

131,000 (September 2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

270,000 (September 2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: the system is expanding with the growth of

mobile cellular service and participation in regional development

domestic: small system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay

links, and a few radiotelephone communication stations; mobile

cellular service is growing fast

international: two international exchanges; digital microwave radio

relay links to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa;

satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 8, FM 13, shortwave 4 (2001)

Radios:

252,720 (2000)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2001)

Televisions:

31,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.bw

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

11 (2001)

Internet users:

33,000 (2001)

Transportation Botswana

Railways: total: 888 km narrow gauge: 888 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 10,217 km paved: 5,619 km unpaved: 4,598 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

86 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 76

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 55

under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Military Botswana

Military branches:

Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing), Botswana

National Police

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 381,056 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 201,402 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 20,476 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$207.3 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.5% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Botswana

Disputes - international:

established a commission with Namibia to resolve small residual

disputes along the Caprivi Strip, including the Situngu marshlands

along the Linyanti River; downstream Botswana residents protest

Namibia's planned construction of the Okavango hydroelectric dam on

Popa Falls; dormant dispute remains where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia,

and Zimbabwe boundaries converge

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Bouvet Island

Introduction Bouvet Island

Background:

This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by

glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by

a French naval officer after whom the island was named. No claim was

made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK

waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island

the previous year. In 1971, Bouvet Island and the adjacent

territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since 1977,

Norway has run an automated meteorological station on the island.

Geography Bouvet Island

Location:

island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good

Hope (South Africa)

Geographic coordinates:

54 26 S, 3 24 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 58.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 58.5 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

29.6 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 4 NM

Climate:

antarctic

Terrain:

volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible

Elevation extremes: lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Olav Peak 935 m

Natural resources: none

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (93% ice) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve

People Bouvet Island

Population: uninhabited (July 2003 est.)

Government Bouvet Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Bouvet Island

Dependency status:

territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the

Ministry of Justice and Police from Oslo

Legal system:

the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of Norway is used

Economy Bouvet Island

Economy - overview: no economic activity; declared a nature reserve

Communications Bouvet Island

Internet country code:

.bv

Communications - note:

automatic meteorological station

Transportation Bouvet Island

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military Bouvet Island

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Norway

Transnational Issues Bouvet Island

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Brazil

Introduction Brazil

Background:

Following three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil became

an independent nation in 1822. By far the largest and most populous

country in South America, Brazil has overcome more than half a

century of military intervention in the governance of the country to

pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of the

interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool,

Brazil is today South America's leading economic power and a

regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution remains a

pressing problem.

Geography Brazil

Location:

Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 S, 55 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 8,511,965 sq km

land: 8,456,510 sq km

note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas,

Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao

Paulo

water: 55,455 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the US

Land boundaries:

total: 14,691 km

border countries: Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia

1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km,

Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km

Coastline:

7,491 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

mostly tropical, but temperate in south

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills,

mountains, and narrow coastal belt

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico da Neblina 3,014 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum,

tin, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber

Land use: arable land: 6.3% permanent crops: 1.42% other: 92.28% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

26,560 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in

south

Environment - current issues:

deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers a

multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; there

is a lucrative illegal wildlife trade; air and water pollution in

Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land

degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining

activities; wetland degradation; severe oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with

every South American country except Chile and Ecuador

People Brazil

Population:

182,032,604

note: Brazil took a count in August 2000, which reported a

population of 169,799,170; that figure was about 3.3% lower than

projections by the US Census Bureau, and is close to the implied

underenumeration of 4.6% for the 1991 census; estimates for this

country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality

due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant

mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and

changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would

otherwise be expected (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.1% (male 25,151,855; female 24,196,506)

15-64 years: 67.2% (male 60,667,014; female 61,683,580)

65 years and over: 5.7% (male 4,232,784; female 6,100,865) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 27 years male: 26.2 years female: 27.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.15% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.67 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.13 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 31.74 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 27.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 35.61 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.13 years

male: 67.16 years

female: 75.3 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.01 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.7% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

610,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

8,400 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Brazilian(s)

adjective: Brazilian

Ethnic groups:

white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%,

mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab,

Amerindian) 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic (nominal) 80%

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.4%

male: 86.1%

female: 86.6% (2003 est.)

Government Brazil

Country name:

conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil

conventional short form: Brazil

local short form: Brasil

local long form: Republica Federativa do Brasil

Government type:

federative republic

Capital:

Brasilia

Administrative divisions:

26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district*

(distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara,

Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso,

Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco,

Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul,

Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins

Independence:

7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

Constitution:

5 October 1988

Legal system:

based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory

over 18 and under 70 years of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (since 1

January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

election results: in runoff election 27 October 2002, Luiz Inacio

LULA DA SILVA (PT) was elected with 61.3% of the vote; Jose SERRA

(PSDB) 38.7%

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 6 October

2002 (next to be held NA October 2006); runoff election held 27

October 2002

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

head of government: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (since 1

January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of the

Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; three members from each

state or federal district elected according to the principle of

majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third elected after a

four-year period, two-thirds elected after the next four-year

period) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513

seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve

four-year terms)

election results: Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party PMBD 19, PFL 19, PT 14, PSDB 11, PDT 5, PSB 4, PL 3,

PTB 3, PPS 1, PSD 1, PPB 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - PT 91, PFL 84, PMDB 74, PSDB 71, PPB

49, PL 26, PTB 26, PSB 22, PDT 21, PPS 15, PCdoB 12, PRONA 6, PV 5,

other 11

elections: Federal Senate - last held 6 October 2002 for two-thirds

of the Senate (next to be held NA October 2006 for one-third of the

Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held 6 October 2002 (next to be

held NA October 2006)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Federal Tribunal (11 ministers are appointed by the

president and confirmed by the Senate); Higher Tribunal of Justice;

Regional Federal Tribunals (judges are appointed for life)

Political parties and leaders:

Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Michel TEMER];

Brazilian Labor Party or PTB [Jose Carlos MARTINEZ]; Brazilian

Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Senator Jose ANIBAL]; Brazilian

Socialist Party or PSB [Miguel ARRAES]; Brazilian Progressive Party

or PPB [Paulo Salim MALUF]; Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB

[Renato RABELLO]; Democratic Labor Party or PDT [Leonel BRIZOLA];

Green Party or PV [leader NA]; Liberal Front Party or PFL [Jorge

BORNHAUSEN]; Liberal Party or PL [Deputy Valdemar COSTA Neto];

National Order Reconstruction Party or PRONA [Dr. Eneas CARNEIRO];

Popular Socialist Party or PPS [Senator Roberto FREIRE]; Social

Democratic Party or PSD [leader NA]; Worker's Party or PT [Jose

GENOINO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

left wing of the Catholic Church; Landless Worker's Movement; labor

unions allied to leftist Worker's Party

International organization participation:

AfDB, BIS, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur,

NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNMOVIC, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Rubens Antonio BARBOSA; note - Ambassador-Designate Roberto ABDENUR expected to arrive March 2004 FAX: [1] (202) 238-2827 consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 238-2700

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Donna J. HRINAK embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal Cep 70403-900, Brasilia mailing address: Unit 3500, APO AA 34030 telephone: [55] (61) 312-7000 FAX: [55] (61) 225-9136 consulate(s) general: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo consulate(s): Recife

Flag description:

green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue

celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each state

and the Federal District) arranged in the same pattern as the night

sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the

motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)

Economy Brazil

Economy - overview:

Possessing large and well-developed agricultural, mining,

manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy outweighs that

of all other South American countries and is expanding its presence

in world markets. The maintenance of large current account deficits

via capital account surpluses became problematic as investors became

more risk averse to emerging markets as a consequence of the Asian

financial crisis in 1997 and the Russian bond default in August

1998. After crafting a fiscal adjustment program and pledging

progress on structural reform, Brazil received a $41.5 billion

IMF-led international support program in November 1998. In January

1999, the Brazilian Central Bank announced that the real would no

longer be pegged to the US dollar. The consequent devaluation helped

moderate the downturn in economic growth in 1999, and the country

posted moderate GDP growth in 2000. Economic growth slowed

considerably in 2001-03 - to less than 2% - because of a slowdown in

major markets and the hiking of interest rates by the Central Bank

to combat inflationary pressures. New president DA SILVA, who took

office 1 January 2003, has given priority to reforming the complex

tax code, trimming the overblown civil service pension system, and

continuing the fight against inflation.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.376 trillion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $7,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8% industry: 36% services: 56% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 22% (1998 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.7% highest 10%: 48% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

60.7 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.3% (2002)

Labor force:

79 million (1999 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 53%, agriculture 23%, industry 24%

Unemployment rate:

6.4% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $100.6 billion

expenditures: $91.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

Industries:

textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel,

aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment

Industrial production growth rate:

2.3% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

321.2 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 8.3% hydro: 82.7% other: 4.6% (2001) nuclear: 4.4%

Electricity - consumption:

335.9 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

37.19 billion kWh; note - supplied by Paraguay (2001)

Oil - production:

1.561 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2.199 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

8.507 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

5.95 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

9.59 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

3.64 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

221.7 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus; beef

Exports:

$59.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee, autos

Exports - partners:

US 23.8%, Argentina 8.5%, Germany 5%, China 4.3%, Netherlands 4.2%

(2002)

Imports:

$46.2 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, electrical, and transport equipment, chemical products,

oil

Imports - partners:

US 23.3%, Argentina 12.6%, Germany 8.7%, France 5.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$222.4 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$30 billion IMF disbursement (2002)

Currency:

real (BRL)

Currency code:

BRL

Exchange rates:

reals per US dollar - 2.92 (2002), 2.36 (2001), 1.83 (2000), 1.81

(1999), 1.16 (1998)

note: from October 1994 through 14 January 1999, the official rate

was determined by a managed float; since 15 January 1999, the

official rate floats independently with respect to the US dollar

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Brazil

Telephones - main lines in use:

17.039 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.4 million (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: good working system

domestic: extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic

satellite system with 64 earth stations

international: 3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations

- 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region

east), connected by microwave relay system to Mercosur Brazilsat B3

satellite earth station

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1,365, FM 296, shortwave 161 (of which 91 are collocated with AM

stations) (1999)

Radios:

71 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

138 (1997)

Televisions:

36.5 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.br

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

50 (2000)

Internet users:

13.98 million (2002)

Transportation Brazil

Railways:

total: 31,543 km (1,981 km electrified)

broad gauge: 4,961 km 1.600-m gauge (692 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 25,992 km 1.000-m gauge (581 km electrified)

dual gauge: 396 km 1.000-m and 1.600-m gauges (three rails) (78 km

electrified) (2002)

standard gauge: 194 km 1.440-m gauge (630 km electrified)

Highways: total: 1,724,929 km paved: 94,871 km unpaved: 1,630,058 km (2000)

Waterways:

50,000 km

Pipelines:

condensate/gas 243 km; gas 10,984 km; liquid petroleum gas 341 km;

oil 5,113 km; refined products 4,800 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Imbituba, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto

Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos, Vitoria

Merchant marine:

total: 159 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,257,186 GRT/5,101,578 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Chile 2, Germany 6, Greece 1, Monaco 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 29, cargo 23, chemical tanker 7, combination

ore/oil 7, container 12, liquefied gas 11, multi-functional

large-load carrier 1, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 53, roll

on/roll off 10, short-sea passenger 1

Airports:

3,590 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 665 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 23 1,524 to 2,437 m: 155 914 to 1,523 m: 435 under 914 m: 45 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 2,925 1,524 to 2,437 m: 70 914 to 1,523 m: 1,384 under 914 m: 1,471 (2002)

Military Brazil

Military branches:

Brazilian Army, Brazilian Navy (includes naval air and marines),

Brazilian Air Force, Federal Police (paramilitary)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 51,381,048 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 34,347,078 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 1,744,148 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$13.408 billion (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.9% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Brazil

Disputes - international:

unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders

is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and drug trafficking,

and harbors Islamist militants; uncontested dispute with Uruguay

over certain islands in the Quarai/Cuareim and Invernada boundary

streams and the resulting tripoint with Argentina

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis; minor coca cultivation in the Amazon

region, used for domestic consumption; government has a large-scale

eradication program to control cannabis; important transshipment

country for Colombian and Peruvian cocaine headed for the US and

Europe; also used by traffickers as a way station for narcotics air

transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in drug-related

violence and weapons smuggling; important market for Colombian,

Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics proceeds earned in

Brazil are often laundered through the financial system; significant

illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@British Indian Ocean Territory

Introduction British Indian Ocean Territory

Background:

Established as a territory of the UK in 1965, a number of the

British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) islands were transferred to

the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently,

BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the

Chagos Archipelago. The largest and most southerly of the islands,

Diego Garcia, contains a joint UK-US naval support facility. All of

the remaining islands are uninhabited. Former agricultural workers,

earlier residents in the islands, were relocated primarily to

Mauritius but also to the Seychelles, between 1967 and 1973. In

2000, a British High Court ruling invalidated the local immigration

order that had excluded them from the archipelago, but upheld the

special military status of Diego Garcia.

Geography British Indian Ocean Territory

Location:

archipelago in the Indian Ocean, south of India, about one-half the

way from Africa to Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 S, 71 30 E

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 60 sq km

note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago

water: 0 sq km

land: 60 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

698 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

flat and low (most areas do not exceed four meters in elevation)

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m

Natural resources: coconuts, fish, sugarcane

Land use: arable land: NEGL permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

archipelago of 2,300 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and

southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian

Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility

People British Indian Ocean Territory

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: approximately 1,200 former agricultural workers resident in

the Chagos Archipelago, often referred to as Chagossians or Ilois,

were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles in the 1960's and

1970's, in November 2000 they were granted the right of return by a

British High Court ruling, though no timetable has been set; in

2001, there were approximately 1,500 UK and US military personnel

and 2,000 civilian contractors living on the island of Diego Garcia

(July 2003 est.)

Government British Indian Ocean Territory

Country name:

conventional long form: British Indian Ocean Territory

conventional short form: none

abbreviation: BIOT

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner,

resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London

Legal system:

the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Commissioner Alan HUCKLE (since 2001);

Administrator Louise SAVILL (since NA); note - both reside in the UK

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; commissioner and

administrator appointed by the monarch

cabinet: NA

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is

in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm

tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag

Economy British Indian Ocean Territory

Economy - overview:

All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of

Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located.

Construction projects and various services needed to support the

military installations are done by military and contract employees

from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no

industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. When the Ilois

return, they plan to reestablish sugarcane production and fishing.

Electricity - production:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by the US military

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Communications British Indian Ocean Territory

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: separate facilities for military and public

needs are available

domestic: all commercial telephone services are available, including

connection to the Internet

international: international telephone service is carried by

satellite (2000)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.io

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Transportation British Indian Ocean Territory

Highways:

total: NA km

paved: short section of paved road between port and airfield on

Diego Garcia

unpaved: NA km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Diego Garcia

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Military British Indian Ocean Territory

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK; the US lease on Diego

Garcia expires in 2016

Transnational Issues British Indian Ocean Territory

Disputes - international:

Mauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Archipelago and its

former inhabitants, who reside chiefly in Mauritius, but in 2001

were granted UK citizenship and the right to repatriation since

eviction in 1965; repatriation is complicated by the US military

lease of Diego Garcia, the largest island in the chain

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@British Virgin Islands

Introduction British Virgin Islands

Background:

First settled by the Dutch in 1648, the islands were annexed in

1672 by the English. The economy is closely tied to the larger and

more populous US Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is the

legal currency.

Geography British Virgin Islands

Location:

Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean,

east of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 30 N, 64 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 153 sq km

note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited

islands; includes the island of Anegada

water: 0 sq km

land: 153 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

80 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Sage 521 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 20%

permanent crops: 6.67%

other: 73.33% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October)

Environment - current issues: limited natural fresh water resources (except for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the islands' water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchments)

Geography - note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

People British Virgin Islands

Population:

21,730 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 2,401; female 2,358)

15-64 years: 73.1% (male 8,181; female 7,709)

65 years and over: 5% (male 578; female 503) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.7 years

male: 31 years

female: 30.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.1% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

10.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.15 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 18.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 21.86 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.06 years

male: 75.07 years

female: 77.1 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.72 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: British Virgin Islander(s) adjective: British Virgin Islander

Ethnic groups:

black 83%, white, Indian, Asian and mixed

Religions:

Protestant 86% (Methodist 33%, Anglican 17%, Church of God 9%,

Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other

15%), Roman Catholic 10%, none 2%, other 2% (1991)

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.8% (1991 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government British Virgin Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: British Virgin Islands

abbreviation: BVI

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Road Town

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Territory Day, 1 July

Constitution:

1 June 1977

Legal system:

English law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor Tom MACAN (since 14 October 2002)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually

appointed chief minister by the governor

head of government: Chief Minister Orlando SMITH (since 17 June 2003)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of

the Legislative Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (13 seats; members are elected by

direct popular vote, one member from each of 9 electoral districts,

four at-large members; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 16 May 2003 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NDP 8, VIP 5

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the High Court of

Justice and the Court of Appeal (one judge of the Supreme Court is a

resident of the islands and presides over the High Court);

Magistrate's Court; Juvenile Court; Court of Summary Jurisdiction

Political parties and leaders:

Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Ethlyn SMITH]; National

Democratic Party or NDP [Orlando SMITH]; United Party or UP [Gregory

MADURO]; Virgin Islands Party or VIP [Ralph T. O'NEAL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), Interpol (subbureau),

IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the

flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a

vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin

word VIGILATE (Be Watchful)

Economy British Virgin Islands

Economy - overview:

The economy, one of the most stable and prosperous in the

Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism, generating an estimated

45% of the national income. An estimated 350,000 tourists, mainly

from the US, visited the islands in 1998. Tourism suffered in 2002

because of the lackluster US economy. In the mid-1980s, the

government began offering offshore registration to companies wishing

to incorporate in the islands, and incorporation fees now generate

substantial revenues. Roughly 400,000 companies were on the offshore

registry by yearend 2000. The adoption of a comprehensive insurance

law in late 1994, which provides a blanket of confidentiality with

regulated statutory gateways for investigation of criminal offenses,

is expected to make the British Virgin Islands even more attractive

to international business. Livestock raising is the most important

agricultural activity; poor soils limit the islands' ability to meet

domestic food requirements. Because of traditionally close links

with the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands has used the

dollar as its currency since 1959.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $320 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $16,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.8%

industry: 6.2%

services: 92% (1996 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2002)

Labor force:

4,911 (1980)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

3% (1995)

Budget:

revenues: $121.5 million

expenditures: $115.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997)

Industries:

tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block,

offshore financial center

Industrial production growth rate:

NA

Electricity - production:

38.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

35.43 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

420 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish

Exports:

$25.3 million (2002)

Exports - commodities:

rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals; gravel, sand

Exports - partners:

Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US

Imports:

$187 million (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery

Imports - partners:

Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US

Debt - external:

$36.1 million (1997)

Economic aid - recipient:

NA%

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications British Virgin Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

10,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: worldwide telephone service

domestic: NA

international: submarine cable to Bermuda

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

9,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus one cable company) (1997)

Televisions:

4,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.vg

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

16 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation British Virgin Islands

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 177 km paved: 177 km unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Road Town

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) 19,203 GRT/28,864 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military British Virgin Islands

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues British Virgin Islands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the

US and Europe; large offshore financial center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Brunei

Introduction Brunei

Background:

The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and

17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of

northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently

entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal

succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In

1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was

achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six

centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas

fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the

developing world.

Geography Brunei

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia

Geographic coordinates:

4 30 N, 114 40 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 5,770 sq km

water: 500 sq km

land: 5,270 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries: total: 381 km border countries: Malaysia 381 km

Coastline:

161 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM or to median line

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Terrain:

flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west

Elevation extremes: lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber

Land use: arable land: 0.57% permanent crops: 0.76% other: 98.67% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

Environment - current issues:

seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and

Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost

an enclave of Malaysia

People Brunei

Population:

358,098 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.6% (male 54,118; female 51,902)

15-64 years: 67.6% (male 128,421; female 113,480)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 4,804; female 5,373) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.4 years

male: 27 years

female: 25.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

3.39 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.5 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 17.09 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.3 years

male: 71.9 years

female: 76.82 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.37 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Bruneian(s)

adjective: Bruneian

Ethnic groups:

Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, indigenous 6%, other 12%

Religions:

Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, indigenous

beliefs and other 10%

Languages:

Malay (official), English, Chinese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.8%

male: 94.8%

female: 88.5% (2003 est.)

Government Brunei

Country name:

conventional long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam

conventional short form: Brunei

Government type:

constitutional sultanate

Capital:

Bandar Seri Begawan

Administrative divisions:

4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and

Muara, Temburong, Tutong

Independence:

1 January 1984 (from UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the

date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of

independence from British protection

Constitution:

29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of

Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1

January 1984)

Legal system:

based on English common law; for Muslims, Islamic Shari'a law

supersedes civil law in a number of areas

Suffrage:

none

Executive branch:

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah

(since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of

state and head of government

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah

(since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of

state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by

the monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also a

Religious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises on

religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the

monarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of

Succession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines the

succession to the throne if the need arises

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council or Majlis Masyuarat Megeri (a privy

council that serves only in a consultative capacity; NA seats;

members appointed by the monarch)

elections: last held in March 1962

note: in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointive body by

decree of the monarch; an elected Legislative Council is being

considered as part of constitutional reform, but elections are

unlikely for several years

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice and judges are sworn in by the monarch

for three-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Brunei Solidarity National Party or PPKB in Malay [Haji Mohd HATTA

bin Haji Zainal Abidin, president]; note - the PPKB is the only

legal political party in Brunei; it was registered in 1985 but

became largely inactive after 1988; it was revived in 1995 and again

in 1998; it has less than 200 registered party members; other

parties include Brunei People's Party or PRB (banned in 1962) and

Brunei National Democratic Party (registered in May 1965,

deregistered by the Brunei Government in 1988)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFRCS,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW,

UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Anak Dato Haji PUTEH

FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560

telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838

chancery: 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gene B. CHRISTY

embassy: Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri

Begawan

mailing address: PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP 96507

telephone: [673] (2) 229670

FAX: [673] (2) 225293

Flag description:

yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width)

and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in

red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a

swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned

crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands

Economy Brunei

Economy - overview:

This small, wealthy economy encompasses a mixture of foreign and

domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures,

and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account

for nearly half of GDP. Per capita GDP is far above most other Third

World countries, and substantial income from overseas investment

supplements income from domestic production. The government provides

for all medical services and subsidizes rice and housing. Brunei's

leaders are concerned that steadily increased integration in the

world economy will undermine internal social cohesion, although it

became a more prominent player by serving as chairman for the 2000

APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum. Plans for the

future include upgrading the labor force, reducing unemployment,

strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, and, in general,

further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $6.5 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $18,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 45%

services: 50% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

143,400

note: includes foreign workers and military personnel; temporary

residents make up about 40% of labor force (1999 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: government 48%, production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction 42%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 10% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.5 billion

expenditures: $2.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.35

billion (1997 est.)

Industries:

petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

2.497 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

2.322 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

217,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.255 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

10.35 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.35 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

315 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

rice, vegetables, fruits, chickens, water buffalo

Exports:

$3 billion f.o.b. (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, natural gas, refined products

Exports - partners:

Japan 40.3%, South Korea 12.3%, Thailand 12.1%, Australia 9.2%, US

8.1%, China 6.4%, Singapore 5.7% (2002)

Imports:

$1.4 billion c.i.f. (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food,

chemicals

Imports - partners:

Singapore 30.6%, Japan 21.5%, Malaysia 17.4%, UK 6.1%, Hong Kong 4%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$0

Economic aid - recipient:

$4.3 million (1995)

Currency:

Bruneian dollar (BND)

Currency code:

BND

Exchange rates:

Bruneian dollars per US dollar - 1.79 (2002), 1.79 (2001), 1.72

(2000), 1.69 (1999), 1.67 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Brunei

Telephones - main lines in use:

79,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

43,524 (1996)

Telephone system:

general assessment: service throughout the country is excellent;

international service is good to East Asia, Europe, and the US

domestic: every service available

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Pacific Ocean); digital submarine cable links to Malaysia, the

Philippines, and Singapore (2001)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 10, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

329,000 (1998)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1997)

Televisions:

201,900 (1998)

Internet country code:

.bn

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

35,000 (2002)

Transportation Brunei

Railways:

total: 13 km (private line)

narrow gauge: 13 km 0.610-m gauge (2001 est.)

Highways: total: 2,525 km paved: 2,525 km unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways:

209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m

Pipelines:

gas 665 km; oil 439 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, Muara, Seria, Tutong

Merchant marine:

total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 465,937 GRT/413,393 DWT

ships by type: liquefied gas 8

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: UK 7 (2002 est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Heliports:

3 (2002)

Military Brunei

Military branches:

Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, Royal Brunei Police

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 110,888 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 63,966 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 3,277 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$329.7 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

5% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Brunei

Disputes - international:

Involved in dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia,

Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam; Brunei established an exclusive

economic fishing zone encompassing Louisa Reef in southern Spratly

Islands in 1984 but makes no public territorial claim to the

offshore reefs; claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration

on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea", a mechanism to

ease tension but which fell short of a legally binding "code of

conduct"

Illicit drugs:

drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances are

serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory death penalty

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Bulgaria

Introduction Bulgaria

Background:

The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the local

Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first

Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with

the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the

end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman

Turks. Bulgaria regained its independence in 1878, but having fought

on the losing side in both World Wars, it fell within the Soviet

sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946.

Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first

multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious

process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy

while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime.

Today, reforms and democratization keep Bulgaria on a path toward

eventual integration into NATO and the EU - with which it began

accession negotiations in 2000.

Geography Bulgaria

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and

Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

43 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 110,910 sq km

water: 360 sq km

land: 110,550 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,808 km

border countries: Greece 494 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km,

Turkey 240 km

Coastline:

354 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Black Sea 0 m highest point: Musala 2,925 m

Natural resources: bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land

Land use: arable land: 39% permanent crops: 1.8% other: 59.2% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

8,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes, landslides

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw

sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest damage from

air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil contamination from heavy

metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes

from Europe to Middle East and Asia

People Bulgaria

Population:

7,537,929 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.2% (male 549,142; female 520,057)

15-64 years: 68.8% (male 2,551,548; female 2,632,978)

65 years and over: 17% (male 535,165; female 749,039) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.5 years

male: 38.4 years

female: 42.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-1.09% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

8.02 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

14.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-4.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 15.43 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.8 years

male: 68.26 years

female: 75.56 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.13 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

346 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Bulgarian(s)

adjective: Bulgarian

Ethnic groups:

Bulgarian 83.6%, Turk 9.5%, Roma 4.6%, other 2.3% (including

Macedonian, Armenian, Tatar, Circassian) (1998)

Religions:

Bulgarian Orthodox 83.8%, Muslim 12.1%, Roman Catholic 1.7%, Jewish

0.1%, Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 2.3% (1998)

Languages:

Bulgarian, secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic

breakdown

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99.1%

female: 98.2% (2003 est.)

Government Bulgaria

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria

conventional short form: Bulgaria

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Sofia

Administrative divisions:

28 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Blagoevgrad, Burgas,

Dobrich, Gabrovo, Khaskovo, Kurdzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana,

Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen,

Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofiya, Sofiya-Grad, Stara Zagora,

Turgovishte, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Yambol

Independence:

3 March 1878 (from Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 3 March (1878)

Constitution:

adopted 12 July 1991

Legal system:

civil law and criminal law based on Roman law; accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Georgi PURVANOV (since 22 January 2002);

Vice President Angel MARIN (since 22 January 2002)

head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime

Minister) Simeon SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA (since 24 July 2001); Deputy

Prime Ministers Nikolay VASILEV (since 24 July 2001), and Lidiya

SHULEVA (since 24 July 2001), Plamen PANAYOTOV (since 17 July 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 11 November

and 18 November 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); chairman of the

Council of Ministers (prime minister) nominated by the president;

deputy prime ministers nominated by the prime minister

election results: Georgi PURVANOV elected president; percent of vote

- Georgi PURVANOV 54.13%, Petar STOYANOV 45.87%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Narodno Sobranie (240 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 17 June 2001 (next to be held NA June 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NMS2 42.74%, UtdDF

18.18%, CfB 17.15%, MRF 7.45%; seats by party - NMS2 120, UtdDF 51,

CfB 48, MRF 21; note - seating as of March 2003 - NMS2 110, UtdDF

50, CfB 48, MRF 20, independents 12

Judicial branch:

Supreme Administrative Court; Supreme Court of Cassation;

Constitutional Court (12 justices appointed or elected for nine-year

terms); Supreme Judicial Council (consists of the chairmen of the

two Supreme Courts, the Chief Prosecutor, and 22 other members;

responsible for appointing the justices, prosecutors, and

investigating magistrates in the justice system; members of the

Supreme Judicial Council elected for five-year terms, 11 elected by

the National Assembly and 11 by bodies of the judiciary)

Political parties and leaders:

Bulgarian Socialist Party or BSP [Sergei STANISHEV]; Coalition for

Bulgaria or CfB (coalition of parties dominated by BSP) [Sergei

STANISHEV]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization or VMRO

[Krasimir KARAKACHANOV]; Movement for Rights and Freedoms or MRF

[Ahmed DOGAN]; National Movement for Simeon II or NMS2 [Simeon

SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA]; Union of Democratic Forces or UDF [Nadezhda

MIKHAYLOVA]; Union of Free Democrats or UFD [Stefan SOFIYANSKI];

United Democratic Forces or UtdDF (a coalition between the UDF and

other center-right parties)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

agrarian movement; Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of

Bulgaria or CITUB; Podkrepa Labor Confederation; numerous regional,

ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas

International organization participation:

ACCT, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE,

EU (applicant), FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO,

ITU, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UN

Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNMOP, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Elena B. POPTODOROVA consulate(s): New York FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973 telephone: [1] (202) 387-0174 chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James William PARDEW

embassy: 1 Suborna Street, Sofia 1000

mailing address: American Embassy Sofia, Department of State, 5740

Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740

telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100

FAX: [359] (2) 981-89-77

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the

national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has

been removed - it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat

ears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the

dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberation

from Nazi control)

Economy Bulgaria

Economy - overview:

Bulgaria, a former communist country striving to enter the European

Union, has experienced macroeconomic stability and strong growth

since a major economic downturn in 1996 led to the fall of the then

socialist government. As a result, the government became committed

to economic reform and responsible fiscal planning. A $300 million

stand-by agreement negotiated with the IMF at the end of 2001 has

supported government efforts to overcome high rates of poverty and

unemployment.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $49.23 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $6,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 13.7% industry: 28.5% services: 57.9% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 12.6% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.5% highest 10%: 22.8% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26.4 (2001)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

3.83 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 26%, industry 31%, services 43% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

18% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $5.57 billion

expenditures: $5.68 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

electricity, gas and water; food, beverages and tobacco; machinery

and equipment, base metals, chemical products, coke, refined

petroleum, nuclear fuel

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

41.38 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 47.8% hydro: 8.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 44.1%

Electricity - consumption:

32.52 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

6.79 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

830 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

603 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

94,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

8.1 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

4 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

5.804 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

5.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.724 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: vegetables, fruits, tobacco, livestock, wine, wheat, barley, sunflowers, sugar beets

Exports:

$5.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, footwear, iron and steel, machinery and equipment, fuels

Exports - partners:

Italy 15.5%, Germany 9.6%, Turkey 9.4%, Greece 9.2%, France 5.3%,

US 4.8% (2002)

Imports:

$6.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, minerals, and raw materials; machinery and equipment; metals

and ores; chemicals and plastics; food, textiles

Imports - partners:

Russia 14.6%, Germany 14.4%, Italy 11.4%, Greece 6.1%, France 5.7%,

Turkey 5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$10.3 billion (yearend 2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$300 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

lev (BGL)

Currency code:

BGN

Exchange rates:

leva per US dollar - 2.08 (2002), 2.18 (2001), 2.12 (2000), 1.84

(1999), 1.76 (1998)

note: on 5 July 1999, the lev was redenominated; the post-5 July

1999 lev is equal to 1,000 of the pre-5 July 1999 lev

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Bulgaria

Telephones - main lines in use:

3,186,731 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.054 million (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: extensive but antiquated

domestic: more than two-thirds of the lines are residential;

telephone service is available in most villages; a fairly modern

digital cable trunk line now connects switching centers in most of

the regions, the others are connected by digital microwave radio

relay

international: direct dialing to 58 countries; satellite earth

stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); 2 Intelsat

(Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 31, FM 63, shortwave 2 (2001)

Radios:

4.51 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

39 (plus 1,242 repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

3.31 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.bg

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

200 (2001)

Internet users:

585,000 (2001)

Transportation Bulgaria

Railways:

total: 4,294 km

standard gauge: 4,049 km 1.435-m gauge (2,710 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 245 km 0.760-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 37,286 km

paved: 35,049 km (including 324 km of expressways)

unpaved: 2,237 km (2000)

Waterways:

470 km (1987)

Pipelines:

gas 2,425 km; oil 339 km; refined products 156 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Burgas, Lom, Nesebur, Ruse, Varna, Vidin

Merchant marine:

total: 69 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 829,421 GRT/1,252,496 DWT

ships by type: bulk 42, cargo 10, chemical tanker 4, container 2,

passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 4, railcar carrier 2, roll

on/roll off 2, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 1 (2002

est.)

Airports:

216 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 128 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 20 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 92 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 88 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 74 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Bulgaria

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (subordinate to Ministry of

Defense), Internal Forces (subordinate to Ministry of Interior),

Civil Defense Forces (subordinate to the president)

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,854,049 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,551,485 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 54,107 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$356 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.7% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Bulgaria

Disputes - international: joint boundary commission is rectifying boundary with Romania based on shifts in Danube since last delimitation in 1920

Illicit drugs:

major European transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and,

to a lesser degree, South American cocaine for the European market;

limited producer of precursor chemicals; some money laundering of

drug-related proceeds through financial institutions

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Burkina Faso

Introduction Burkina Faso

Background:

Independence from France came to Burkina Faso (formerly Upper

Volta) in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s

were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Burkina

Faso's high population density and limited natural resources result

in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Every

year, several hundred thousand seasonal farm workers seek employment

in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana and are adversely affected by instability

in those regions.

Geography Burkina Faso

Location:

Western Africa, north of Ghana

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 274,200 sq km

water: 400 sq km

land: 273,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Colorado

Land boundaries:

total: 3,193 km

border countries: Benin 306 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Ghana 549 km,

Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Terrain:

mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and

southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m

highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m

Natural resources:

manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony,

copper, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silver

Land use: arable land: 12.43% permanent crops: 0.18% other: 87.39% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts

Environment - current issues:

recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural

activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing;

soil degradation; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of the Black,

Red, and White Voltas

People Burkina Faso

Population:

13,228,460

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.1% (male 3,057,855; female 3,036,705)

15-64 years: 51% (male 3,296,726; female 3,455,817)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 161,914; female 219,443) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.8 years

male: 16.4 years

female: 17.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.6% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

44.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

18.76 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 99.78 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 91.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 107.87 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 44.46 years

male: 43.02 years

female: 45.94 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.34 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

440,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

44,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural)

adjective: Burkinabe

Ethnic groups:

Mossi over 40%, Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 40%, Muslim 50%, Christian (mainly Roman

Catholic) 10%

Languages:

French (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic

family spoken by 90% of the population

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 26.6%

male: 36.9%

female: 16.6% (2003 est.)

Government Burkina Faso

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Burkina Faso

former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

Ouagadougou

Administrative divisions:

45 provinces; Bale, Bam, Banwa, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou,

Boulkiemde, Comoe, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Ioba, Kadiogo,

Kenedougou, Komondjari, Kompienga, Kossi, Koulpelogo, Kouritenga,

Kourweogo, Leraba, Loroum, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Nahouri, Nayala,

Noumbiel, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga,

Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Tuy, Yagha, Yatenga, Ziro,

Zondoma, Zoundweogo

Independence:

5 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 11 December (1958)

Constitution:

2 June 1991 approved by referendum; 11 June 1991 formally adopted

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law

Suffrage:

universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987)

head of government: Prime Minister Ernest Paramanga YONLI (since 6

November 2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 15 November 1998 (next to be held NA 2005); in

April 2000, the constitution was amended reducing the presidential

term from seven to five years, enforceable as of 2005, and allowing

the president to be reelected only once; it is unclear whether this

amendment will be applied retroactively or not; prime minister

appointed by the president with the consent of the legislature

note: President COMPAORE faces an increasingly well-coordinated

opposition; recent charges against a former member of his

Presidential Guard in the 1998 assassination of a newspaper editor

signify an attempt to defuse chronic areas of dissatisfaction

election results: Blaise COMPAORE reelected president with 87.5%

percent of the vote

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (111 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

CDP 57, RDA-ADF 17, PDP/PS 10, CFD 5, PAI 5, others 17

elections: National Assembly election last held 5 May 2002 (next to

be held NA May 2007)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appeals Court

Political parties and leaders:

African Democratic Rally-Alliance for Democracy and Federation or

RDA-ADF [Herman YAMEOGO]; Confederation for Federation and Democracy

or CFD [Amadou Diemdioda DICKO]; Congress for Democracy and Progress

or CDP [Roch Marc-Christian KABORE]; Movement for Tolerance and

Progress or MTP [Nayabtigungou Congo KABORE]; Party for African

Independence or PAI [Philippe OUEDRAOGO]; Party for Democracy and

Progress or PDP [Joseph KI-ZERBO]; Union of Greens for the

Development of Burkina Faso or UVDB [Ram OVEDRAGO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Burkinabe General Confederation of Labor or CGTB; Burkinabe

Movement for Human Rights or MBDHP; Group of 14 February; National

Confederation of Burkinabe Workers or CNTB; National Organization of

Free Unions or ONSL; watchdog/political action groups throughout the

country in both organizations and communities

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU,

WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Tertius ZONGO

chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882

telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Anthony HOLMES

embassy: 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau, Koulouba, Secteur 4

mailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou 01; pouch mail - U. S.

Department of State, 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC

20521-2440

telephone: [226] 306723

FAX: [226] 303890

Flag description:

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

five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors

of Ethiopia

Economy Burkina Faso

Economy - overview:

One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked Burkina Faso

has few natural resources, a fragile soil, and a highly unequal

distribution of income. About 90% of the population is engaged in

(mainly subsistence) agriculture, which is vulnerable to variations

in rainfall. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable

government-controlled corporations. Following the African franc

currency devaluation in January 1994 the government updated its

development program in conjunction with international agencies, and

exports and economic growth have increased. Maintenance of

macroeconomic progress depends on continued low inflation, reduction

in the trade deficit, and reforms designed to encourage private

investment. The internal crisis in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire

continues to hurt trade and industrial prospects and deepens the

need for international assistance.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $14.51 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 35% industry: 17% services: 48% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

45% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 46.8% (1994)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

48.2 (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.5% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

5 million

note: a large part of the male labor force migrates annually to

neighboring countries for seasonal employment (2002)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 90% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $316 million

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (2001)

Industries:

cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes,

textiles, gold

Industrial production growth rate:

14% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

279.2 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 69.9% hydro: 30.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

259.6 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

8,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: cotton, peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock

Exports:

$250 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, livestock, gold

Exports - partners:

Singapore 14.7%, Italy 11.3%, Colombia 8.6%, France 7.7%, India

6.9%, Ghana 6%, Japan 4.4%, Thailand 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$525 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, foodstuffs, petroleum

Imports - partners:

France 27.7%, Cote d'Ivoire 23%, Togo 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.3 billion (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$484.1 million (1995)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible

authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Currency code:

XOF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Burkina Faso

Telephones - main lines in use:

53,200 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

25,200 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: all services only fair

domestic: microwave radio relay, open-wire, and radiotelephone

communication stations

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 17, shortwave 3 (2002)

Radios:

394,020 (2000)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2002)

Televisions:

131,340 (2002)

Internet country code:

.bf

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

25,000 (2002)

Transportation Burkina Faso

Railways:

total: 622 km

narrow gauge: 622 km 1.000-m gauge

note:: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote D'Ivoire

(2002)

Highways: total: 12,506 km paved: 2,001 km unpaved: 10,505 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

33 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 31 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 17 (2002)

Military Burkina Faso

Military branches:

Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police, People's

Militia

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,957,710 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,506,944 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$45.83 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Burkina Faso

Disputes - international:

two villages are in dispute along the border with Benin; Burkina

Faso border regions have become a staging area for Liberia and Cote

d'Ivoire rebels and an asylum for refugees caught in regional

fighting; the Ivorian Government accuses Burkina Faso of supporting

Ivorian rebels

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Burma

Introduction Burma

Background:

Britain conquered Burma over a period of 62 years (1824-1886) and

incorporated it into its Indian Empire. Burma was administered as a

province of India until 1937 when it became a separate,

self-governing colony; independence outside of the Commonwealth was

attained in 1948. Gen. NE WIN dominated the government from 1962 to

1988, first as military ruler, then as president, and later as

political kingmaker. Despite multiparty elections in 1990 that

resulted in the main opposition party winning a decisive victory,

the ruling military junta refused to hand over power. Key opposition

leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI, under house

arrest from 1989 to 1995, was again placed under house detention

from September 2000 to May 2002 and again in May 2003; her

supporters are routinely harassed or jailed.

Geography Burma

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal,

between Bangladesh and Thailand

Geographic coordinates:

22 00 N, 98 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 678,500 sq km

land: 657,740 sq km

water: 20,760 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,876 km

border countries: Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km,

Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km

Coastline:

1,930 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest

monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild

temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon,

December to April)

Terrain:

central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Andaman Sea 0 m

highest point: Hkakabo Razi 5,881 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead,

coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas,

hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 14.53%

permanent crops: 0.9%

other: 84.57% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

15,920 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides

common during rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; industrial pollution of air, soil, and water;

inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note: strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes

People Burma

Population:

42,510,537

note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of

excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life

expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 6,091,220; female 5,840,968)

15-64 years: 67% (male 14,162,190; female 14,347,751)

65 years and over: 4.9% (male 916,702; female 1,151,706) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.3 years

male: 24.8 years

female: 25.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.52% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

12.17 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 70.35 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 63.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 76.48 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 55.79 years

male: 54.12 years

female: 57.56 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.15 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.99% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

530,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

65,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Burmese (singular and plural)

adjective: Burmese

Ethnic groups:

Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%,

Mon 2%, other 5%

Religions:

Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim

4%, animist 1%, other 2%

Languages:

Burmese, minority ethnic groups have their own languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 83.1%

male: 88.7%

female: 77.7% (1995 est.)

note: these are official statistics; estimates of functional

literacy are likely closer to 30% (1999 est.)

Government Burma

Country name:

conventional long form: Union of Burma

conventional short form: Burma

local short form: Myanma Naingngandaw

local long form: Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the

US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of

Myanmar)

former: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma

note: since 1989 the military authorities in Burma have promoted the

name Myanmar as a conventional name for their state; this decision

was not approved by any sitting legislature in Burma, and the US

Government did not adopt the name, which is a derivative of the

Burmese short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw

Government type:

military regime

Capital:

Rangoon (regime refers to the capital as Yangon)

Administrative divisions:

7 divisions* (taing-myar, singular - taing) and 7 states (pyi

ne-myar, singular - pyi ne); Chin State, Ayeyarwady*, Bago*, Kachin

State, Kayin State, Kayah State, Magway*, Mandalay*, Mon State,

Rakhine State, Sagaing*, Shan State, Tanintharyi*, Yangon*

Independence:

4 January 1948 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 January (1948)

Constitution:

3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); national

convention started on 9 January 1993 to draft a new constitution;

progress has since been stalled

Legal system:

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council

Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992)

head of government: Chairman of the State Peace and Development

Council Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992); note - the

appointed Prime Minister, Gen. KNIN NYUNT (since 25 August 2003), is

not the head of government

cabinet: State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); military junta,

so named 15 November 1997, which initially assumed power 18

September 1988 under the name State Law and Order Restoration

Council; the SPDC oversees the cabinet

elections: none

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Assembly or Pyithu Hluttaw (485 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NLD 392, SNLD 23, NUP 10, other 60

Judicial branch:

remnants of the British-era legal system are in place, but there is

no guarantee of a fair public trial; the judiciary is not

independent of the executive

Political parties and leaders:

National League for Democracy or NLD [AUNG SHWE, chairman, AUNG SAN

SUU KYI, general secretary]; National Unity Party or NUP (proregime)

[THA KYAW]; Shan Nationalities League for Democracy or SNLD [KHUN

TUN OO]; Union Solidarity and Development Association or USDA

(proregime, a social and political organization) [THAN AUNG, general

secretary]; and other smaller parties

Political pressure groups and leaders: All Burma Student Democratic Front or ABSDF; Kachin Independence Army or KIA; Karen National Union or KNU; National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma or NCGUB [Dr. SEIN WIN] consists of individuals legitimately elected to the People's Assembly but not recognized by the military regime (the group fled to a border area and joined with insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government); several Shan factions; United Wa State Army or UWSA

International organization participation:

ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OPCW

(signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador LINN MYAING

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 332-9046

telephone: [1] (202) 332-9044

chancery: 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Permanent Charge d'Affaires Carmen M. MARTINEZ

embassy: 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon (GPO 521)

mailing address: Box B, APO AP 96546

telephone: [95] (1) 379 880, 379 881

FAX: [95] (1) 256 018

Flag description:

red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing,

all in white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing

a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative

divisions

Economy Burma

Economy - overview:

Burma is a resource-rich country that suffers from abject rural

poverty. The military regime took steps in the early 1990s to

liberalize the economy after decades of failure under the "Burmese

Way to Socialism", but those efforts have since stalled. Burma has

been unable to achieve monetary or fiscal stability, resulting in an

economy that suffers from serious macroeconomic imbalances -

including a steep inflation rate and an official exchange rate that

overvalues the Burmese kyat by more than 100 times the market rate.

In addition, most overseas development assistance ceased after the

junta suppressed the democracy movement in 1988 and subsequently

ignored the results of the 1990 election. Burma is data poor, and

official statistics are often dated and inaccurate. Published

estimates of Burma's foreign trade are greatly understated because

of the size of the black market and border trade - often estimated

to be one to two times the official economy.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $73.69 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 60% industry: 9% services: 31% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 25% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 32.4% (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

53.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

23.7 million (1999 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 70%, industry 7%, services 23% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.1% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $7.9 billion

expenditures: $12.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.7

billion (FY96/97)

Industries:

agricultural processing; knit and woven apparel; wood and wood

products; copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction materials;

pharmaceuticals; fertilizer

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

6.139 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 44.4% hydro: 55.6% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

5.709 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

14,170 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

38,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

142.5 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

7.35 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

2.15 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

5.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

314.4 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: rice, pulses, beans, sesame, groundnuts, sugarcane; hardwood; fish and fish products

Exports:

$2.7 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

gas, wood products, pulses, beans, fish, rice

Exports - partners:

Thailand 31.4%, US 13%, India 7.4%, China 4.7% (2002)

Imports:

$2.5 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transport equipment, construction materials, crude oil;

food products

Imports - partners:

China 27%, Singapore 19.5%, Thailand 12%, Malaysia 9.1%, Taiwan

6.3%, South Korea 5.3%, Japan 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$6.1 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$99 million (FY98/99)

Currency:

kyat (MMK)

Currency code:

MMK

Exchange rates:

kyats per US dollar - 6.64 (2002), 6.75 (2001), 6.52 (2000), 6.29

(1999), 6.34 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Burma

Telephones - main lines in use:

250,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8,492 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: meets minimum requirements for local and

intercity service for business and government; international service

is good

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 3 (1998)

Radios:

4.2 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1998)

Televisions:

320,000 (2000)

Internet country code:

.mm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1

note: as of September 2000, Internet connections were legal only for

the government, tourist offices, and a few large businesses (2000)

Internet users:

10,000 (2002)

Transportation Burma

Railways: total: 3,955 km narrow gauge: 3,955 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 28,200 km paved: 3,440 km unpaved: 24,760 km (1996 est.)

Waterways: 12,800 km note: 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vessels

Pipelines:

gas 2,056 km; oil 558 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bassein, Bhamo, Chauk, Mandalay, Moulmein, Myitkyina, Rangoon,

Akyab (Sittwe), Tavoy

Merchant marine:

total: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 352,765 GRT/536,396 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 5, Japan 4 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 7, cargo 21, container 1, passenger/cargo 3,

petroleum tanker 1

Airports:

80 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 8 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 72 under 914 m: 34 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 20 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Burma

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 12,349,921 note: both sexes liable for military service (2003 est.) females age 15-49: 12,358,507

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 6,566,122

females age 15-49: 6,553,458 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 453,420

females: 455,422 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$39 million (FY97)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.1% (FY97)

Transnational Issues Burma

Disputes - international:

despite continuing border committee talks, significant differences

remain with Thailand over boundary alignment and the handling of

ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities

Illicit drugs:

world's second largest producer of illicit opium (potential

production in 2002 - 630 metric tons, down 27% due to drought and,

to a lesser extent, eradication; cultivation in 2002 - 77,000

hectares, a 27% decline from 2001); surrender of drug warlord KHUN

SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major

counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to

take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment

against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug

effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional

consumption

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Burundi

Introduction Burundi

Background:

Burundi's first democratically elected president was assassinated

in October 1993 after only four months in office. Since then, some

200,000 Burundians have perished in widespread, often intense ethnic

violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. Hundreds of thousands have

been internally displaced or have become refugees in neighboring

countries. Burundi troops, seeking to secure their borders,

intervened in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

in 1998. More recently, many of these troops have been redeployed

back to Burundi to deal with periodic upsurges in rebel activity. A

new transitional government, inaugurated on 1 November 2001, was to

be the first step toward holding national elections in three years.

While the Government of Burundi signed a cease-fire agreement in

December 2002 with three of Burundi's four Hutu rebel groups,

implementation of the agreement has been problematic and one rebel

group refuses to sign on, clouding prospects for a sustainable peace.

Geography Burundi

Location:

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

3 30 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 27,830 sq km

water: 2,180 sq km

land: 25,650 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 974 km

border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 233 km, Rwanda

290 km, Tanzania 451 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772

m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies

with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees centigrade but is generally

moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual

rainfall is about 150 cm; wet seasons from February to May and

September to November, and dry seasons from June to August and

December to January

Terrain:

hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m

highest point: Mount Heha 2,670 m

Natural resources:

nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum

(not yet exploited), vanadium, arable land, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 29.98%

permanent crops: 12.85%

other: 57.17% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

740 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding, landslides, drought

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of

agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation (little forested land

remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel); habitat

loss threatens wildlife populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,

Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the

Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote

headstream of the White Nile

People Burundi

Population:

6,096,156

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.7% (male 1,438,759; female 1,409,567)

15-64 years: 50.6% (male 1,516,833; female 1,564,513)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 66,355; female 100,129) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.3 years

male: 15.9 years

female: 16.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.18% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

39.72 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

17.8 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 71.54 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 64.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 78.45 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 43.2 years

male: 42.54 years

female: 43.88 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.99 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

8.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

390,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

40,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Burundian(s)

adjective: Burundian

Ethnic groups:

Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%, Europeans

3,000, South Asians 2,000

Religions:

Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous

beliefs 23%, Muslim 10%

Languages:

Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake

Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 51.6%

male: 58.5%

female: 45.2% (2003 est.)

Government Burundi

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Burundi

conventional short form: Burundi

local short form: Burundi

local long form: Republika y'u Burundi

former: Urundi

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Bujumbura

Administrative divisions:

16 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke,

Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro,

Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi

Independence:

1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Constitution:

13 March 1992; provided for establishment of a plural political

system; supplanted on 6 June 1998 by a Transitional Constitution

which enlarged the National Assembly and created two vice presidents

Legal system:

based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

NA years of age; universal adult

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since 30 April 2003);

note - NDAYIZEYE, a Hutu, was sworn in as president for the second

half of the three-year transitional government inaugurated on 1

November 2001; Vice President Alphonse KADEGE (since 30 April 2003);

note - from the Tutsi minority

head of government: President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since 30 April

2003); note - NDAYIZEYE, a Hutu, was sworn in as president for the

second half of the three-year transitional government inaugurated on

1 November 2001; Vice President Alphonse KADEGE (since 30 April

2003); note - from the Tutsi minority

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president

elections: NA; current president assumed power on 30 April 2003 as

part of the transitional government established by the 2000 Arusha

Accord

Legislative branch:

bicameral, consists of a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale

(expanded from 121 to approximately 140 seats under the transitional

government inaugurated 1 November 2001; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms) and a Senate (54 seats; term

length is undefined, the current senators will likely serve out the

three-year transition period)

elections: last held 29 June 1993 (next was scheduled to be held in

1998, but was suspended by presidential decree in 1996; elections

are planned to follow the completion of the three-year transitional

government)

election results: percent of vote by party - FRODEBU 71.04%, UPRONA

21.4%, other 7.56%; seats by party - FRODEBU 65, UPRONA 16,

civilians 27, other parties 13

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court; Courts of

Appeal (there are three in separate locations); Tribunals of First

Instance (17 at the province level and 123 small local tribunals)

Political parties and leaders:

the two national, mainstream, governing parties are: Unity for

National Progress or UPRONA [Alphonse KADEGE, president]; Burundi

Democratic Front or FRODEBU [Jean MINANI, president]

note: a multiparty system was introduced after 1998, included are:

Burundi African Alliance for the Salvation or ABASA [Terrence

NSANZE]; Rally for Democracy and Economic and Social Development or

RADDES [Joseph NZEYIMANA]; Party for National Redress or PARENA

[Jean-Baptiste BAGAZA]; People's Reconciliation Party or PRP

[Mathias HITIMANA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

loosely organized Hutu and Tutsi militias, often affiliated with

Hutu and Tutsi extremist parties or subordinate to government

security forces

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,

IOM (observer), ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Antoine NTAMOBWA

chancery: Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

FAX: [1] (202) 342-2578

telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James Howard YELLIN

embassy: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura

mailing address: B. P. 1720, Bujumbura

telephone: [257] 223454

FAX: [257] 222926

Flag description:

divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom)

and green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk

superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars

outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above,

two stars below)

Economy Burundi

Economy - overview:

Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an

underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly

agricultural with roughly 90% of the population dependent on

subsistence agriculture. Economic growth depends on coffee and tea

exports, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings. The

ability to pay for imports, therefore, rests primarily on weather

conditions and international coffee and tea prices. The Tutsi

minority, 14% of the population, dominates the government and the

coffee trade at the expense of the Hutu majority, 85% of the

population. Since October 1993 an ethnic-based war has resulted in

the death of over 200,000 persons, sent 800,000 refugees into

Tanzania, and displaced 525,000 others internally. Doubts about the

prospects for sustainable peace continue to impede development. Only

one in two children go to school, and approximately one in ten

adults has HIV/AIDS. Food, medicine, and electricity remain in short

supply.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $3.146 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 50% industry: 19% services: 31% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 70% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.8% highest 10%: 32.9% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

42.5 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

3.7 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

NA

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $125 million

expenditures: $176 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of

imported components; public works construction; food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

18% (2001)

Electricity - production:

155.4 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0.6% hydro: 99.4% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

177.5 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

33 million kWh; note - supplied by the Democratic Republic of the

Congo (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); beef, milk, hides

Exports:

$26 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, hides

Exports - partners:

Switzerland 28.8%, Germany 20.2%, Belgium 9.4%, Kenya 7.8%, Rwanda

6.5%, Netherlands 4.6% (2002)

Imports:

$135 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, petroleum products, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Belgium 12.4%, Saudi Arabia 12.3%, Tanzania 9.3%, Kenya 7.7%,

France 7.4%, India 4.5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.14 billion (2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

$92.7 million (2000)

Currency:

Burundi franc (BIF)

Currency code:

BIF

Exchange rates:

Burundi francs per US dollar - NA (2002), 830.35 (2001), 720.67

(2000), 563.56 (1999), 447.77 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Burundi

Telephones - main lines in use:

18,000 (2002)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

30,000 (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: primitive system

domestic: sparse system of open-wire, radiotelephone communications,

and low-capacity microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001)

Radios:

440,000 (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2001)

Televisions:

25,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.bi

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

6,000 (2002)

Transportation Burundi

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 14,480 km paved: 1,028 km unpaved: 13,452 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

Lake Tanganyika

Ports and harbors:

Bujumbura

Airports:

7 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Military Burundi

Military branches:

Army (including naval and air units), Gendarmerie

Military manpower - military age:

16 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,375,900 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 723,516 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 79,462 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$42.13 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

5.3% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Burundi

Disputes - international:

Tutsi, Hutu, and other conflicting ethnic groups, associated

political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces

continue fighting in the Great Lakes region, transcending the

boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and

Uganda to gain control over populated and natural resource areas;

government heads pledge to end conflict, but localized violence

continues despite UN peacekeeping efforts

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Cambodia

Introduction Cambodia

Background:

Following a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces

captured Phnom Penh in 1975 and ordered the evacuation of all cities

and towns; over 1 million displaced people died from execution or

enforced hardships. A 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge

into the countryside and touched off almost 20 years of fighting.

UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of

normalcy as did the rapid diminishment of the Khmer Rouge in the

mid-1990s. A coalition government, formed after national elections

in 1998, brought renewed political stability and the surrender of

remaining Khmer Rouge forces in 1998.

Geography Cambodia

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between

Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 181,040 sq km

land: 176,520 sq km

water: 4,520 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oklahoma

Land boundaries: total: 2,572 km border countries: Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km

Coastline: 443 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry season

(December to April); little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

highest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m

Natural resources:

timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower

potential

Land use: arable land: 20.96% permanent crops: 0.61% other: 78.43% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

2,700 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional droughts

Environment - current issues:

illegal logging activities throughout the country and strip mining

for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand have

resulted in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in particular,

destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural fisheries); soil

erosion; in rural areas, a majority of the population does not have

access to potable water; toxic waste delivery from Taiwan sparked

unrest in Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville) in December 1998

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and

Tonle Sap

People Cambodia

Population:

13,124,764

note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of

excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life

expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.3% (male 2,606,568; female 2,557,736)

15-64 years: 57.6% (male 3,599,216; female 3,962,520)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 148,287; female 250,437) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.2 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 20 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.8% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

27.28 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.26 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 75.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 66.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 84.96 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 57.92 years

male: 55.49 years

female: 60.47 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.58 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.7% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

170,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

12,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Cambodian(s)

adjective: Cambodian

Ethnic groups:

Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%

Religions:

Theravada Buddhist 95%, other 5%

Languages:

Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 69.9%

male: 80.5%

female: 60.3% (2003 est.)

Government Cambodia

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia

conventional short form: Cambodia

local short form: Kampuchea

local long form: Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea

former: Khmer Republic, Kampuchea Republic

Government type:

multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy established in

September 1993

Capital:

Phnom Penh

Administrative divisions:

20 provinces (khett, singular and plural) and 4 municipalities*

(krong, singular and plural); Banteay Mean Cheay, Batdambang,

Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot,

Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Keb*, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Otdar Mean Cheay,

Pailin*, Phnum Penh*, Pouthisat, Preah Seihanu*, Preah Vihear, Prey

Veng, Rotanah Kiri, Siem Reab, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev

Independence:

9 November 1953 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 9 November (1953)

Constitution:

promulgated 21 September 1993

Legal system:

primarily a civil law mixture of French-influenced codes from the

United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) period,

royal decrees, and acts of the legislature, with influences of

customary law and remnants of communist legal theory; increasing

influence of common law in recent years

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King Norodom SIHANOUK (reinstated 24 September 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 30 November 1998)

and Deputy Prime Ministers SAR KHENG (since 1993) and TOL LAH (since

1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is chosen by a Royal Throne Council;

following legislative elections, a member of the majority party or

majority coalition is named prime minister by the Chairman of the

National Assembly and appointed by the king

Legislative branch:

bicameral consists of the National Assembly (122 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Senate (61

seats; two members appointed by the monarch, two elected by the

National Assembly, and 57 elected by "functional constituencies";

members serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held 27 July 2003 (next to be

held in July 2007); Senate - last held 2 March 1999 (next to be held

in 2004)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CPP

47%, SRP 22%, FUNCINPEC 21%, other 10%; seats by party - CPP 73,

FUNCINPEC 26, SRP 24; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats

by party - CPP 31, FUNCINPEC 21, SRP 7, other 2 (2003)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Council of the Magistracy (provided for in the constitution

and formed in December 1997); Supreme Court (and lower courts)

exercises judicial authority

Political parties and leaders:

Buddhist Liberal Party or BLP [IENG MOULY]; Cambodian Pracheachon

Party or Cambodian People's Party or CPP [CHEA SIM]; Khmer Citizen

Party or KCP [NGUON SOEUR]; National United Front for an

Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia or

FUNCINPEC [Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH]; Sam Rangsi Party or SRP

(formerly Khmer Nation Party or KNP) [SAM RANGSI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), PCA, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador ROLAND ENG

FAX: [1] (202) 726-8381

telephone: [1] (202) 726-7742

chancery: 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Charles Aaron RAY embassy: 27 EO Street 240, Phnom Penh mailing address: Box P, APO AP 96546 telephone: [855] (23) 216-436/438 FAX: [855] (23) 216-437/811

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width), and blue

with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat outlined

in black in the center of the red band

Economy Cambodia

Economy - overview:

Cambodia's economy slowed dramatically in 1997-1998 due to the

regional economic crisis, civil violence, and political infighting.

Foreign investment and tourism fell off. In 1999, the first full

year of peace in 30 years, progress was made on economic reforms and

growth resumed at 5.0%. Despite severe flooding, GDP grew at 5.0% in

2000, 6.3% in 2001, and 5.2% in 2002. Tourism was Cambodia's fastest

growing industry, with arrivals up 34% in 2000 and up another 40% in

2001 before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US. Even

given these stout growth estimates, the long-term development of the

economy after decades of war remains a daunting challenge. The

population lacks education and productive skills, particularly in

the poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from an almost total

lack of basic infrastructure. Fear of renewed political instability

and corruption within the government discourage foreign investment

and delay foreign aid. The government is addressing these issues

with assistance from bilateral and multilateral donors.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $20.42 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 40% industry: 20% services: 40% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 36% (1997 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.9% highest 10%: 33.8% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.4 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

6 million (1998 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 80% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.8% (1999 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $396 million

expenditures: $607 million, including capital expenditures of $254

million (2001 est.)

Industries:

tourism, garments, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products,

rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

16% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

119 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 65% hydro: 35% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

110.6 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

3,600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

rice, rubber, corn, vegetables

Exports:

$1.38 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

timber, garments, rubber, rice, fish

Exports - partners:

US 60.2%, Germany 9.1%, UK 7.1%, Singapore 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$1.73 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, cigarettes, gold, construction materials,

machinery, motor vehicles

Imports - partners:

Thailand 24.8%, Singapore 16.9%, China 12.1%, Hong Kong 10.9%,

South Korea 5.5%, Vietnam 5.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$829 million (1999 est.)

Economic aid - recipient: $548 million pledged in grants and concessional loans for 2001 by international donors

Currency:

riel (KHR)

Currency code:

KHR

Exchange rates:

riels per US dollar - 3,912.08 (2002), 3,916.33 (2001), 3,840.75

(2000), 3,807.83 (1999), 3,744.42 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Cambodia

Telephones - main lines in use:

21,800 (mid-1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

80,000 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate landline and/or cellular service in

Phnom Penh and other provincial cities; rural areas have little

telephone service

domestic: NA

international: adequate but expensive landline and cellular service

available to all countries from Phnom Penh and major provincial

cities; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean

region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 7, FM 3, shortwave 3 (1999)

Radios:

1.34 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

6 (2003)

Televisions:

94,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.kh

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

10,000 (2002)

Transportation Cambodia

Railways: total: 602 km narrow gauge: 602 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 12,323 km

paved: 1,996 km

unpaved: 10,327 km (2000 est)

Waterways:

3,700 km

note: navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 m or less; 282 km

navigable to craft drawing as much as 1.8 m

Ports and harbors:

Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville), Kampot, Krong Kaoh Kong, Phnom Penh

Merchant marine:

total: 527 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,328,371 GRT/3,294,028 DWT

ships by type: bulk 49, cargo 412, chemical tanker 2, combination

bulk 4, container 17, liquefied gas 1, livestock carrier 2,

multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum

tanker 18, refrigerated cargo 11, roll on/roll off 7, short-sea

passenger 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Aruba 1, Belize 11, Bulgaria 3, Cambodia 194, Canada 4,

China 25, Cyprus 14, Egypt 10, Estonia 2, France 1, Georgia 1,

Germany 1, Gibraltar 1, Greece 13, Honduras 8, Hong Kong 12, Iceland

1, Indonesia 2, Iran 1, Ireland 1, Italy 2, Japan 2, Jordan 1, North

Korea, 1, South Korea, 25, Latvia 3, Lebanon 6, Liberia 7, Malaysia

1, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 4, Netherlands 1, Norway 1, Panama 10,

Romania 2, Russia 75, Saint Kitts and Nevis 4, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines 5, Singapore 17, Syria 20, Turkey 18, Ukraine 16, United

Arab Emirates 3, United Kingdom 1, United States 5, Vietnam 3 (2002

est.)

Airports:

21 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 13

Heliports:

2 (2002)

Military Cambodia

Military branches:

Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF): Army, Navy, Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 3,275,533 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,829,535 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 165,395 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$112 million (FY01 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3% (FY01 est.)

Transnational Issues Cambodia

Disputes - international:

completed boundary demarcation with Thailand; accuses Vietnam of

moving and destroying boundary markers and encroachments, initiating

border incidents; accuses Thailand of preventing access to Preah

Vihear temple ruins awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962;

maritime boundary with Vietnam hampered by dispute over offshore

islands

Illicit drugs:

narcotics-related corruption reportedly involving some in the

government, military, and police; possible small-scale opium,

heroin, and amphetamine production; large producer of cannabis for

the international market; vulnerable to money laundering due to its

cash-based economy and porous borders

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Cameroon

Introduction Cameroon

Background:

The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in

1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally enjoyed

stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture,

roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite

movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in

the hands of an ethnic oligarchy.

Geography Cameroon

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial

Guinea and Nigeria

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 N, 12 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 475,440 sq km

water: 6,000 sq km

land: 469,440 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,591 km

border countries: Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km,

Republic of the Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298

km, Nigeria 1,690 km

Coastline:

402 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 50 NM

Climate:

varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot

in north

Terrain:

diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in

center, mountains in west, plains in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Fako (on Cameroon Mountain) 4,095 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 12.81% permanent crops: 2.58% other: 84.61% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

330 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases from

Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoes

Environment - current issues:

water-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing;

desertification; poaching; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,

Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout the

country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of

current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest

mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano

People Cameroon

Population:

15,746,179

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.3% (male 3,372,129; female 3,291,295)

15-64 years: 54.5% (male 4,315,672; female 4,265,286)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 227,444; female 274,353) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.4 years

male: 18.2 years

female: 18.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.02% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

35.49 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

15.3 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 70.12 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 65.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 74.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 48.05 years

male: 47.15 years

female: 48.97 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.63 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

11.8% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

920,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

53,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Cameroonian(s)

adjective: Cameroonian

Ethnic groups:

Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani

10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%,

non-African less than 1%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Languages:

24 major African language groups, English (official), French

(official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79%

male: 84.7%

female: 73.4% (2003 est.)

Government Cameroon

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon

conventional short form: Cameroon

former: French Cameroon

Government type:

unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition

parties legalized in 1990)

note: preponderance of power remains with the president

Capital:

Yaounde

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord,

Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Ouest

Independence:

1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Republic Day (National Day), 20 May (1972)

Constitution:

20 May 1972 approved by referendum; 2 June 1972 formally adopted;

revised January 1996

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 12 October 1997 (next to be held NA October

2004); prime minister appointed by the president

head of government: Prime Minister Peter Mafany MUSONGE (since 19

September 1996)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from proposals submitted

by the prime minister

election results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote -

Paul BIYA 92.6%; note - supporters of the opposition candidates

boycotted the elections, making a comparison of vote shares

relatively meaningless

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180 seats;

members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms;

note - the president can either lengthen or shorten the term of the

legislature)

elections: last held 23 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

RDCP 133, SDF 21, UDC 5, other 21

note: the constitution calls for an upper chamber for the

legislature, to be called a Senate, but it has yet to be established

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); High Court

of Justice (consists of 9 judges and 6 substitute judges, elected by

the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Cameroonian Democratic Union or UDC [Adamou NDAM NJOYA]; Democratic

Rally of the Cameroon People or RDCP [Paul BIYA]; Movement for the

Defense of the Republic or MDR [Dakole DAISSALA]; Movement for the

Liberation and Development of Cameroon or MLDC [leader Marcel

YONDO]; Movement for the Youth of Cameroon or MYC [Dieudonne TINA];

National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Maigari BELLO

BOUBA]; Social Democratic Front or SDF [John FRU NDI]; Union of

Cameroonian Populations or UPC [Augustin Frederic KODOCK]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Southern Cameroon National Council [Frederick Ebong ALOBWEDE];

Human Rights Defense Group [Albert MUKONG, president]

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, C, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent),

ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UN Security Council

(temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jerome MENDOUGA

chancery: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

FAX: [1] (202) 387-3826

telephone: [1] (202) 265-8790

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador George McDade STAPLES

embassy: Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde

mailing address: P. O. Box 817, Yaounde; pouch: American Embassy,

Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520

telephone: [237] 223-05-12, 222-25-89, 222-17-94, 223-40-14

FAX: [237] 223-07-53

branch office(s): Douala

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow

with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the

popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Economy Cameroon

Economy - overview:

Because of its oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions,

Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity economies in

sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious problems

facing other underdeveloped countries, such as a top-heavy civil

service and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise.

Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World

Bank programs designed to spur business investment, increase

efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the

nation's banks. In June 2000, the government completed an

IMF-sponsored, three-year structural adjustment program; however,

the IMF is pressing for more reforms, including increased budget

transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs.

International oil and cocoa prices have considerable impact on the

economy.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $26.84 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 46% industry: 21% services: 33% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 48% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.9% highest 10%: 36.6% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

47.7 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 70%, industry and commerce 13%, other 17%

Unemployment rate:

30% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.2 billion

expenditures: $2.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Industries:

petroleum production and refining, food processing, light consumer

goods, textiles, lumber

Industrial production growth rate:

4.2% (1999 est.)

Electricity - production:

3.613 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 2.7% hydro: 97.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

3.36 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

76,650 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

22,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

200 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

55.22 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, root starches; livestock; timber

Exports: $1.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans, aluminum,

coffee, cotton

Exports - partners:

Italy 16.7%, Spain 16%, France 12.8%, US 8.3%, Netherlands 8.2%,

Taiwan 7.7%, China 5.2%, UK 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$1.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel, food

Imports - partners:

France 28.2%, Nigeria 12.8%, US 8%, Belgium 5.7%, Germany 5.3%,

Italy 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$8.6 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

on 23 January 2001, the Paris Club agreed to reduce Cameroon's debt

of $1.3 billion by $900 million; total debt relief now amounts to

$1.26 billion

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible

authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Currency code:

XAF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Cameroon

Telephones - main lines in use:

95,000 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

300,000 (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: available only to business and government

domestic: cable, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 3 (2002)

Radios:

2.27 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2002)

Televisions:

450,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.cm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

45,000

note: Cameroon also had more than 100 cyber-cafes in 2001 (December

2001)

Transportation Cameroon

Railways: total: 1,008 km narrow gauge: 1,008 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 34,300 km paved: 4,288 km unpaved: 30,012 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

2,090 km (of decreasing importance) (2002)

Pipelines:

gas 90 km; liquid petroleum gas 9 km; oil 1,124 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bonaberi, Douala, Garoua, Kribi, Tiko

Airports:

49 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 11 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 38 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 20 under 914 m: 11 (2002)

Military Cameroon

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes naval infantry), Air Force, National

Gendarmerie, Presidential Guard

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 3,799,841 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,928,285 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 179,586 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$118.6 million (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY98)

Transnational Issues Cameroon

Disputes - international:

ICJ ruled in 2002 on the Cameroon-Nigeria land and maritime

boundary by awarding the potentially petroleum-rich Bakassi

Peninsula and offshore region to Cameroon; Nigeria rejected cession

of the peninsula, but the parties have formed a Joint Border

Commission to resolve differences bilaterally and have commenced

with demarcation in less-contested sections of the boundary; Lake

Chad Commission continues to urge signatories Cameroon, Chad, Niger,

and Nigeria to ratify delimitation treaty over the lake region,

which remains the site of armed clashes among local populations and

militias; Nigeria agreed to ratify the treaty and relinquish

sovereignty of disputed lands to Cameroon by December 2003

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Canada

Introduction Canada

Background:

A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became

a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the

British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has

developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across

an unfortified border. Its paramount political problem continues to

be the relationship of the province of Quebec, with its

French-speaking residents and unique culture, to the remainder of

the country.

Geography Canada

Location:

Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the

east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the

north, north of the conterminous US

Geographic coordinates:

60 00 N, 95 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 9,984,670 sq km

land: 9,093,507 sq km

water: 891,163 sq km

Area - comparative:

somewhat larger than the US

Land boundaries: total: 8,893 km border countries: US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)

Coastline:

202,080 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Terrain:

mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash,

diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural

gas, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 4.94%

permanent crops: 0.02%

other: 95.04% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

7,200 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to

development; cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a

result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and

North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and

snow east of the mountains

Environment - current issues:

air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting lakes and

damaging forests; metal smelting, coal-burning utilities, and

vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest productivity;

ocean waters becoming contaminated due to agricultural, industrial,

mining, and forestry activities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law

of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location

between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately 85% of

the population is concentrated within 300 km of the US border

People Canada

Population:

32,207,113 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.5% (male 3,052,005; female 2,903,007)

15-64 years: 68.6% (male 11,099,907; female 10,984,903)

65 years and over: 12.9% (male 1,774,262; female 2,393,029) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 37.8 years male: 36.9 years female: 38.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.94% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.99 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.61 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

6.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.36 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.83 years

male: 76.44 years

female: 83.38 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.61 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

55,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 500 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Canadian(s)

adjective: Canadian

Ethnic groups:

British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%,

Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed

background 26%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 46%, Protestant 36%, other 18%

note: based on the 1991 census

Languages:

English 59.3% (official), French 23.2% (official), other 17.5%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97% (1986 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Canada

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Canada

Government type:

confederation with parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Ottawa

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces and 3 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia,

Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest

Territories*, Nova Scotia, Nunavut*, Ontario, Prince Edward Island,

Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*

Independence:

1 July 1867 (from UK)

National holiday:

Canada Day, 1 July (1867)

Constitution:

17 April 1982 (Constitution Act); originally, the machinery of the

government was set up in the British North America Act of 1867;

charter of rights and unwritten customs

Legal system:

based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law

system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Adrienne CLARKSON (since 7 October

1999)

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a

five-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House

of Commons is automatically designated prime minister by the

governor general

head of government: Prime Minister Paul MARTIN (since 12 December

2003); Deputy Prime Minister Anne MCLELLAN (since 12 December 2003)

cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister from among

the members of his own party sitting in Parliament

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat

(members appointed by the governor general with the advice of the

prime minister and serve until reaching 75 years of age; its normal

limit is 105 senators) and the House of Commons or Chambre des

Communes (301 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to

serve for up to five-year terms)

elections: House of Commons - last held 27 November 2000 (next to be

held by 2005)

election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party -

Liberal Party 41%, Canadian Alliance 26%, Bloc Quebecois 11%, New

Democratic Party 9%, Progressive Conservative Party 12%; seats by

party - Liberal Party 172, Canadian Alliance 66, Bloc Quebecois 38,

New Democratic Party 13, Progressive Conservative Party 12; note -

percent of vote by party as of January 2002 - Liberal Party 51%,

Canadian Alliance 10%, Bloc Quebecois 10%, New Democratic Party 9%,

Progressive Conservative Party 18%; seats by party - Liberal Party

172, Canadian Alliance 66, Bloc Quebecois 38, New Democratic Party

13, Progressive Conservative Party 12

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Canada (judges are appointed by the prime minister

through the governor general); Federal Court of Canada; Federal

Court of Appeal; Provincial Courts (these are named variously Court

of Appeal, Court of Queens Bench, Superior Court, Supreme Court, and

Court of Justice)

Political parties and leaders:

Bloc Quebecois [Gilles DUCEPPE]; Canadian Alliance [Stephen

HARPER]; Liberal Party [Paul MARTIN]; New Democratic Party [Jack

LAYTON]; Progressive Conservative Party [Peter MACKAY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, AfDB, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue

partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CDB, CE (observer), EAPC, EBRD,

ECE, ECLAC, ESA (cooperating state), FAO, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURCA,

MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OPCW, OSCE,

PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMEE,

UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOVIC, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael F. KERGIN

chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

FAX: [1] (202) 682-7726

telephone: [1] (202) 682-1740

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas,

Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and Seattle

consulate(s): Miami, Princeton, San Francisco, and San Jose

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Paul CELLUCCI

embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8

mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburgh, NY 13669-0430

telephone: [1] (613) 238-5335, 4470

FAX: [1] (613) 688-3097

consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto,

and Vancouver

Flag description:

two vertical bands of red (hoist and fly side, half width), with

white square between them; an 11-pointed red maple leaf is centered

in the white square; the official colors of Canada are red and white

Economy Canada

Economy - overview:

As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely

resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of

production, and high living standards. Since World War II, the

impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors

has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one

primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade

Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement

(NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in

trade and economic integration with the US. As a result of the close

cross-border relationship, the economic sluggishness in the United

States in 2001-02 had a negative impact on the Canadian economy.

Real growth averaged nearly 3% during 1993-2000, but declined in

2001, with moderate recovery in 2002. Unemployment is up, with

contraction in the manufacturing and natural resource sectors.

Nevertheless, given its great natural resources, skilled labor

force, and modern capital plant Canada enjoys solid economic

prospects. Two shadows loom, the first being the continuing

constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking areas,

which has been raising the specter of a split in the federation.

Another long-term concern is the flow south to the US of

professionals lured by higher pay, lower taxes, and the immense

high-tech infrastructure. A key strength in the economy is the

substantial trade surplus.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $934.1 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $29,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.3%

industry: 26.5%

services: 71.2% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 23.8% (1994)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31.5 (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

16.4 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: services 74%, manufacturing 15%, construction 5%, agriculture 3%, other 3% (2000)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $178.6 billion

expenditures: $161.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Industries:

transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed

minerals, food products; wood and paper products; fish products,

petroleum and natural gas

Industrial production growth rate:

2.2% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

566.3 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 28% hydro: 57.9% other: 1.3% (2001) nuclear: 12.9%

Electricity - consumption:

504.4 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

38.4 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

16.11 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

2.738 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1.703 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

2.008 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

1.145 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

5.112 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

186.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

82.25 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

109 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

4.46 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.691 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest products; fish

Exports:

$260.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft,

telecommunications equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers; wood

pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity, aluminum

Exports - partners:

US 87.7%, Japan 2%, UK 1.1% (2002)

Imports:

$229 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude oil,

chemicals, electricity, durable consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 62.6%, China 4.6%, Japan 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.9 billion $NA (2000)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $1.3 billion (1999)

Currency:

Canadian dollar (CAD)

Currency code:

CAD

Exchange rates:

Canadian dollars per US dollar - 1.57 (2002), 1.55 (2001), 1.49

(2000), 1.49 (1999), 1.48 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Canada

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,802,900 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8,751,300 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent service provided by modern technology

domestic: domestic satellite system with about 300 earth stations

international: 5 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations

- 5 Intelsat (4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and 2

Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 535, FM 53, shortwave 6 (1998)

Radios:

32.3 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

80 (plus many repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

21.5 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ca

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

760 (2000 est.)

Internet users:

16.84 million (2002)

Transportation Canada

Railways: total: 49,422 km standard gauge: 49,422 km 1.435-m gauge (129 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 1.408 million km

paved: 497,306 km (including 16,900 km of expressways)

unpaved: 911,494 km (2002)

Waterways:

3,000 km (including Saint Lawrence Seaway)

Pipelines:

crude and refined oil 23,564 km; natural gas 74,980 km

Ports and harbors:

Becancour (Quebec), Churchill, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, New

Westminster, Prince Rupert, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), St.

John's (Newfoundland), Sept Isles, Sydney, Trois-Rivieres, Thunder

Bay, Toronto, Vancouver, Windsor

Merchant marine:

total: 122 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,840,272 GRT/2,740,864 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 1, bulk 64, cargo 11, chemical tanker

6, combination bulk 2, combination ore/oil 1, container 1, passenger

2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 18, railcar carrier 2, roll

on/roll off 9, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 3, Monaco 16, United Kingdom 1, United States 1

(2002 est.)

Airports:

1,389 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 507 over 3,047 m: 18 2,438 to 3,047 m: 15 914 to 1,523 m: 245 under 914 m: 80 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 149

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 882 1,524 to 2,437 m: 73 914 to 1,523 m: 363 under 914 m: 446 (2002)

Heliports: 12 (2002)

Military Canada

Military branches:

Canadian Armed Forces (comprising Land Forces Command, Maritime

Command, Air Command, Communications Command, Training Command)

Military manpower - military age:

16 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 8,391,120 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 7,158,016 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 216,488 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$7.861 billion (FY01/02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.1% (FY01/02)

Transnational Issues Canada

Disputes - international:

managed maritime boundary disputes with the US at Dixon Entrance,

Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and around the disputed

Machias Seal Island and North Rock; uncontested dispute with Denmark

over Hans Island sovereignty in the Kennedy Channel between

Ellesmere Island and Greenland

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use of

hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of

high-quality marijuana indoors; transit point for heroin and cocaine

entering the US market; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering

because of its mature financial services sector

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Cape Verde

Introduction Cape Verde

Background:

The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the

Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading

center for African slaves and later an important coaling and

resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following

independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with

Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained

until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues

to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments.

Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused

significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result,

Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one.

Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Geography Cape Verde

Location:

Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west

of Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 N, 24 00 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 4,033 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 4,033 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

965 km

Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM contiguous zone: 24 NM

Climate:

temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and very erratic

Terrain:

steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island)

Natural resources: salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish

Land use: arable land: 9.68% permanent crops: 0.5% other: 89.82% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces obscuring

dust; volcanically and seismically active

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; demand for wood used as fuel has resulted in

deforestation; desertification; environmental damage has threatened

several species of birds and reptiles; illegal beach sand

extraction; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major

north-south sea routes; important communications station; important

sea and air refueling site

People Cape Verde

Population:

412,137 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41% (male 85,254; female 83,716)

15-64 years: 52.3% (male 103,690; female 111,992)

65 years and over: 6.7% (male 10,498; female 16,987) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.7 years

male: 17.9 years

female: 19.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.79% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

26.95 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.86 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-12.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 50.5 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 55.83 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.83 years

male: 66.53 years

female: 73.23 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.77 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.04% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

775 (2001)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

225 (as of 2001)

Nationality:

noun: Cape Verdean(s)

adjective: Cape Verdean

Ethnic groups:

Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs); Protestant

(mostly Church of the Nazarene)

Languages:

Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.6%

male: 85.8%

female: 69.2% (2003 est.)

Government Cape Verde

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cape Verde

conventional short form: Cape Verde

local short form: Cabo Verde

local long form: Republica de Cabo Verde

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Praia

Administrative divisions:

17 municipalities (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista,

Brava, Maio, Mosteiros, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande,

Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Domingos, Sao Filipe, Sao

Miguel, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal

Independence:

5 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 5 July (1975)

Constitution:

new constitution came into force 25 September 1992; underwent a

major revision on 23 November 1995, substantially increasing the

powers of the president, and a further revision in 1999, to create

the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de Justica)

Legal system:

derived from the legal system of Portugal

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pedro PIRES (since 22 March 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1

February 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 11 and 25 February 2001 (next to be held NA

February 2006); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly

and appointed by the president

election results: Pedro PIRES elected president; percent of vote -

Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 49.43%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 49.42%; note - the

election was won by only twelve votes

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (72 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 14 January 2001 (next to be held NA December

2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAICV 47.3%, MPD 39.8%,

ADM 6%, other 6.9%; seats by party - PAICV 40, MPD 30, ADM 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Supremo Tribunal de Justia

Political parties and leaders:

African Party for Independence of Cape Verde or PAICV [Jose Maria

Pereira NEVES, chairman]; Democratic Alliance for Change or ADM [Dr.

Eurico MONTEIRO] (a coalition of PCD, PTS, and UCID); Democratic

Christian Party or PDC [Manuel RODRIGUES, chairman]; Democratic

Renovation Party or PRD [Jacinto SANTOS, president]; Movement for

Democracy or MPD [Agostinho LOPES, president]; Party for Democratic

Convergence or PCD [Dr. Eurico MONTEIRO, president]; Party of Work

and Solidarity or PTS [Anibal MEDINA, president]; Social Democratic

Party or PSD [Joao ALEM, president]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW (signatory),

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

(observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jose BRITO

consulate(s) general: Boston

FAX: [1] (202) 965-1207

telephone: [1] (202) 965-6820

chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald C. JOHNSON

embassy: Rua Abilio m. Macedo 81, Praia

mailing address: C. P. 201, Praia

telephone: [238] 61 56 16, 61 56 17

FAX: [238] 61 13 55

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of light blue (top, double width), white

(with a horizontal red stripe in the middle third), and light blue;

a circle of 10 yellow five-pointed stars is centered on the hoist

end of the red stripe and extends into the upper and lower blue bands

Economy Cape Verde

Economy - overview:

This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource base,

including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term

drought. The economy is service-oriented, with commerce, transport,

tourism, and public services accounting for 72% of GDP. Although

nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of

agriculture in GDP in 2001 was only 11%, of which fishing accounts

for 1.5%. About 82% of food must be imported. The fishing potential,

mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape Verde annually

runs a high trade deficit, financed by foreign aid and remittances

from emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more than 20%.

Economic reforms are aimed at developing the private sector and

attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Prospects

for 2003 depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, tourism,

remittances, and the momentum of the government's development

program.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $600 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11% industry: 17% services: 72% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

30% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2002)

Labor force:

NA

Unemployment rate:

21% (2000 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $112 million

expenditures: $198 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

Industries:

food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments, salt

mining, ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

42.03 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

39.08 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee, peanuts; fish

Exports:

$30 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fuel, shoes, garments, fish, hides

Exports - partners:

Portugal 38.5%, UK 26.4%, France 23.1%, US 8.2% (2002)

Imports:

$220 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, industrial products, transport equipment, fuels

Imports - partners:

Portugal 49.1%, Netherlands 7.2%, Germany 5.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$325 million (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$136 million (1999)

Currency:

Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)

Currency code:

CVE

Exchange rates:

Cape Verdean escudos (CVE) per US dollar - NA (2002), 123.21

(2001), 115.88 (2000), 102.7 (1999), 98.16 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Cape Verde

Telephones - main lines in use:

60,935 (2002)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

28,119 (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: effective system, being improved

domestic: interisland microwave radio relay system with both analog

and digital exchanges; work is in progress on a submarine

fiber-optic cable system which is scheduled for completion in 2003

international: 2 coaxial submarine cables; HF radiotelephone to

Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

(Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 15 (and 17 repeaters), shortwave 0 (2002)

Radios:

100,000 (2002 est.)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (and 7 repeaters) (2002)

Televisions:

15,000 (2002 est.)

Internet country code:

.cv

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

12,000 (2002)

Transportation Cape Verde

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 1,100 km paved: 858 km unpaved: 242 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Mindelo, Praia, Tarrafal

Merchant marine:

total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,395 GRT/6,614 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: United Kingdom 1 (2002 est.)

Airports: 9 note: 3 airports are reported to be nonoperational (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 6 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Military Cape Verde

Military branches:

Army, Coast Guard

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 95,450 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 53,842 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$9.3 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.6% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Cape Verde

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

used as a transshipment point for illicit drugs moving from Latin

America and Asia destined for Western Europe; the lack of a

well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a

money-laundering center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Cayman Islands

Introduction Cayman Islands

Background:

The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British

during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered by Jamaica since

1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962 when the former

became independent.

Geography Cayman Islands

Location:

Caribbean, island group in Caribbean Sea, nearly one-half of the

way from Cuba to Honduras

Geographic coordinates:

19 30 N, 80 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 262 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 262 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

160 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool,

relatively dry winters (November to April)

Terrain:

low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: The Bluff 43 m

Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (July to November)

Environment - current issues: no natural fresh water resources; drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchments

Geography - note: important location between Cuba and Central America

People Cayman Islands

Population:

41,934 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.6% (male 4,525; female 4,541)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 14,463; female 15,157)

65 years and over: 7.7% (male 1,515; female 1,733) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.1 years

male: 35.8 years

female: 36.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.79% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

13.33 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

19.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2003

est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.64 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 9.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.67 years

male: 77.08 years

female: 82.3 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Caymanian(s)

adjective: Caymanian

Ethnic groups:

mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic

groups 20%

Religions:

United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist,

Church of God, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1970 est.)

Government Cayman Islands

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Cayman Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

British crown colony

Capital:

George Town

Administrative divisions:

8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake

Bay, West End, Western

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, first Monday in July

Constitution:

1959, revised 1972 and 1992

Legal system:

British common law and local statutes

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);

Governor Bruce DINWIDDY (since 29 May 2002)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor is

appointed by the monarch; the chief secretary is appointed by the

governor

head of government: Chief Secretary W. McKeeva BUSH (since NA

December 2001)

cabinet: Executive Council (three members appointed by the governor,

four members elected by the Legislative Assembly)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (18 seats, three appointed members

from the Executive Council and 15 elected by popular vote; members

serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 8 November 2000 (next to be held NA November

2004)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - NA

Judicial branch:

Summary Court; Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

there are no formal political parties but the following loose

groupings act as political organizations; National Team [leader NA];

Democratic Alliance [leader NA]; Team Cayman [leader NA]; United

Democratic Party [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO

(associate)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag;

the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield with

three stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the

bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

Economy Cayman Islands

Economy - overview:

With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore

financial center. More than 40,000 companies were registered in the

Cayman Islands as of 1998, including almost 600 banks and trust

companies; banking assets exceed $500 billion. A stock exchange was

opened in 1997. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70%

of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is

aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North

America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 1.2 million in 1997, with

600,000 from the US. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer

goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest

outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the

world.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.27 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $35,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 3.2%

services: 95.4% (1994 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (2002)

Labor force:

19,820 (1995)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 1.4%, industry 12.6%, services 86% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

4.1% (1997)

Budget:

revenues: $265.2 million

expenditures: $248.9 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997)

Industries:

tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction

materials, furniture

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

381.9 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

355.2 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, fruit; livestock, turtle farming

Exports:

$1.2 million (1999)

Exports - commodities:

turtle products, manufactured consumer goods

Exports - partners:

mostly US

Imports:

$457.4 million (1999)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactured goods

Imports - partners:

US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Japan

Debt - external:

$70 million (1996)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Caymanian dollar (KYD)

Currency code:

KYD

Exchange rates:

Caymanian dollars per US dollar - 0.82 (29 October 2001), 0.83 (3

November 1995), 0.85 (22 November 1993)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Cayman Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

19,000 (1995)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,534 (1995)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: 1 submarine coaxial cable; satellite earth station -

1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

36,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 with cable system

Televisions:

7,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ky

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

16 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Cayman Islands

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 785 km paved: 785 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Cayman Brac, George Town

Merchant marine:

total: 123 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,402,058 GRT/3,792,094 DWT

ships by type: bulk 22, cargo 5, chemical tanker 31, container 2,

liquefied gas 1, petroleum tanker 21, refrigerated cargo 35, roll

on/roll off 5, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Bahrain 2, China 1, Germany 4, Greece 27, Hong Kong 3,

Italy 2, Japan 1, Norway 14, Sweden 13, United Kingdom 15, United

States 35 (2002 est.)

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Cayman Islands

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Royal Cayman Islands Police

Force (RCIPF)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Cayman Islands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

offshore financial center; vulnerable to drug transshipment to the

US and Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Central African Republic

Introduction Central African Republic

Background:

The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African

Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades

of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was

established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. In March 2003 a

military coup deposed the civilian government of President

Ange-Felix PATASSE and has since established a new government.

Geography Central African Republic

Location:

Central Africa, north of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

7 00 N, 21 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 622,984 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 622,984 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,203 km

border countries: Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Democratic

Republic of the Congo 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 467 km, Sudan

1,165 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers

Terrain:

vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in

northeast and southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m

highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,420 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 3.1%

permanent crops: 0.14%

other: 96.76% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are

common

Environment - current issues:

tap water is not potable; poaching has diminished its reputation as

one of the last great wildlife refuges; desertification;

deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa

People Central African Republic

Population:

3,683,538

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.1% (male 799,241; female 788,370)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 969,581; female 1,000,740)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 53,322; female 72,284) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.9 years

male: 17.6 years

female: 18.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.62% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

35.93 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

19.73 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 93.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 86.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 100.35 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 41.71 years

male: 40.18 years

female: 43.29 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.68 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

12.9% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

250,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

22,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Central African(s)

adjective: Central African

Ethnic groups:

Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%, Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%,

Yakoma 4%, other 2%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim

15%

note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the

Christian majority

Languages:

French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language),

tribal languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 51%

male: 63.3%

female: 39.9% (2003 est.)

Government Central African Republic

Country name:

conventional long form: Central African Republic

conventional short form: none

local short form: none

local long form: Republique Centrafricaine

former: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire

abbreviation: CAR

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Bangui

Administrative divisions:

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic

prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture

economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**,

Basse-Kotto, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei,

Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham,

Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga

Independence:

13 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 1 December (1958)

Constitution:

passed by referendum 29 December 1994; adopted 7 January 1995

Legal system:

based on French law

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Francois BOZIZE (since 15 March 2003 coup)

head of government: Prime Minister Abel GOUMBA (since NA March 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers

elections: NA; current president assumed power following a coup on

15 March 2003 in which former President Ange-Felix PATASSE was

overthrown (President BOZIZE has stated that elections will be held

by NA 2004); prime minister appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (109 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; note -

there were 85 seats in the National Assembly before the 1998

election)

elections: last held 22-23 November and 13 December 1998 (next to be

held NA 2003)

election results: percent of vote by party - MLPC 43%, RDC 18%, MDD

9%, FPP 6%, PSD 5%, ADP 4%, PUN 3%, FODEM 2%, PLD 2%, UPR 1%, FC 1%,

independents 6%; seats by party - MLPC 47, RDC 20, MDD 8, FPP 7, PSD

6, ADP 5, PUN 3, FODEM 2, PLD 2, UPR 1, FC 1, independents 7

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court (3 judges

appointed by the president, 3 by the president of the National

Assembly, and 3 by fellow judges); Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts;

Inferior Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP [Jacques MBOLIEDAS];

Central African Democratic Assembly or RDC [Andre KOLINGBA]; Civic

Forum or FC [Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA]; Democratic Forum for

Modernity or FODEM [Charles MASSI]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLD

[Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON]; Movement for Democracy and Development or

MDD [David DACKO]; Movement for the Liberation of the Central

African People or MLPC [the party of deposed president, Ange-Felix

PATASSE]; Patriotic Front for Progress or FPP [Abel GOUMBA];

People's Union for the Republic or UPR [Pierre Sammy MAKFOY];

National Unity Party or PUN [Jean-Paul NGOUPANDE]; Social Democratic

Party or PSD [Enoch LAKOUE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC (observer), OPCW (signatory), UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Emmanuel TOUABOY

FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893

telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800

chancery: 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mattie R. SHARPLESS embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui mailing address: B. P. 924, Bangui telephone: [236] 61 02 00 FAX: [236] 61 44 94

Flag description:

four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow

with a vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed

star on the hoist side of the blue band

Economy Central African Republic

Economy - overview:

Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the

backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with

more than 70% of the population living in outlying areas. The

agricultural sector generates half of GDP. Timber has accounted for

about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry for 54%.

Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's

landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely

unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic

policies. Factional fighting between the government and its

opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization, with GDP growth

likely to be no more than 1.3% in 2003. Distribution of income is

extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international

community can only partially meet humanitarian needs.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $4.296 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 55%

industry: 20%

services: 25% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.7% highest 10%: 47.7% (1993)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

61.3 (1993)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Unemployment rate:

8% (23% for Bangui) (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries:

diamond mining, logging, brewing, textiles, footwear, assembly of

bicycles and motorcycles

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2002)

Electricity - production:

106 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 19.8% hydro: 80.2% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

98.63 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc (tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber

Exports:

$134 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco

Exports - partners:

Belgium 66.8%, Spain 6.4%, Kazakhstan 4% (2002)

Imports:

$102 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical

equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

France 30%, US 5.2%, Cameroon 4.5%, Germany 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$881.4 million (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA $73 million; note - traditional budget subsidies from France

(2000 est.)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible

authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Currency code:

XAF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Central African Republic

Telephones - main lines in use:

9,500 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

710 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system

domestic: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and

low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 1 (2002)

Radios:

283,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2001)

Televisions:

18,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.cf

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

2,000 (2002)

Transportation Central African Republic

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 23,810 km paved: 643 km unpaved: 23,167 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

900 km

note: traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft

dugouts; Oubangui is the most important river, navigable all year to

craft drawing 0.6 m or less; 282 km navigable to craft drawing as

much as 1.8 m

Ports and harbors:

Bangui, Nola, Salo, Nzinga

Airports:

50 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 47 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 13 (2002)

Military Central African Republic

Military branches:

Central African Armed Forces (FACA) (including Republican Guard,

Ground Forces, Naval Forces, and Air Force), Presidential Security

Guard, Gendarmerie, National Police

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 858,671 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 449,466 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$13.43 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.1% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Central African Republic

Disputes - international:

internal political instabilities with fighting and violence overlap

into Chad and CAR, leaving refugees and rebel groups in both

countries; violent ethnic skirmishes persist along the border with

Sudan

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Chad

Introduction Chad

Background:

Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three

decades of ethnic warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a

semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government

eventually suppressed or came to terms with most political-military

groups, settled a territorial dispute with Libya on terms favorable

to Chad, drafted a democratic constitution, and held multiparty

presidential and National Assembly elections in 1996 and 1997,

respectively. In 1998, a new rebellion broke out in northern Chad,

which continued to escalate throughout 2000. A peace agreement,

signed in January 2002 between the government and the rebels,

provides for the demobilization of the rebels and their

reintegration into the political system. Despite movement toward

democratic reform, power remains in the hands of a northern ethnic

oligarchy.

Geography Chad

Location:

Central Africa, south of Libya

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 19 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1.284 million sq km

water: 24,800 sq km

land: 1,259,200 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 5,968 km

border countries: Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197

km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical in south, desert in north

Terrain:

broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in

northwest, lowlands in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Djourab Depression 160 m

highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m

Natural resources:

petroleum (unexploited but exploration under way), uranium, natron,

kaolin, fish (Lake Chad)

Land use: arable land: 2.78% permanent crops: 0.02% other: 97.2% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

200 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts;

locust plagues

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in

rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the

Sahel

People Chad

Population:

9,253,493 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 47.9% (male 2,228,605; female 2,201,368)

15-64 years: 49.3% (male 2,171,169; female 2,393,184)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 105,686; female 153,481) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16 years

male: 15.2 years

female: 16.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.07% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

47.06 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

16.38 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 95.74 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 86.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 105 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 48.51 years

male: 46.97 years

female: 50.1 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.44 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.6% 5%-7% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

150,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

14,000 (confirmed AIDS cases, actual number far higher but

difficult to estimate) (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Chadian(s)

adjective: Chadian

Ethnic groups:

200 distinct groups; in the north and center: Arabs, Gorane

(Toubou, Daza, Kreda), Zaghawa, Kanembou, Ouaddai, Baguirmi,

Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Hausa, Boulala, and Maba, most of whom are

Muslim; in the south: Sara (Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye), Moundang,

Moussei, Massa, most of whom are Christian or animist; about 1,000

French citizens live in Chad

Religions:

Muslim 51%, Christian 35%, animist 7%, other 7%

Languages:

French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than

120 different languages and dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic

total population: 47.5%

male: 56%

female: 39.3% (2003 est.)

Government Chad

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Chad

conventional short form: Chad

local long form: Republique du Tchad

local short form: Tchad

Government type:

republic

Capital:

N'Djamena

Administrative divisions:

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture); Batha,

Biltine, Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac,

Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari,

Ouaddai, Salamat, Tandjile

note: instead of 14 prefectures, there may be a new administrative

structure of 28 departments (departments, singular - department),

and 1 city*; Assongha, Baguirmi, Bahr El Gazal, Bahr Koh, Batha

Oriental, Batha Occidental, Biltine, Borkou, Dababa, Ennedi, Guera,

Hadjer Lamis, Kabia, Kanem, Lac, Lac Iro, Logone Occidental, Logone

Oriental, Mandoul, Mayo-Boneye, Mayo-Dallah, Monts de Lam,

N'Djamena*, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile Oriental, Tandjile

Occidental, Tibesti

Independence:

11 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 11 August (1960)

Constitution:

passed by referendum 31 March 1996

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY (since 4 December

1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Moussa Faki MAHAMAT (since NA

July 2003)

cabinet: Council of State, members appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

election results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY reelected president; percent

of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 63%, Ngarlegy YORONGAR 16%, Saleh

KEBZABO 7%

note: government coalition - MPS, UNDR, and URD

elections: president elected by popular vote to serve five-year

term; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the

two candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second

round of voting; last held 20 May 2001 (next to be held NA 2006);

prime minister appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

bicameral according to constitution, consists of a National

Assembly (155 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms) and a Senate (not yet created and size unspecified,

members to serve six-year terms, one-third of membership renewable

every two years)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

MPS 110, RDP 12, FAR 9, RNDP 5, URD 5, UNDR 3, others 11

elections: National Assembly - last held 21 April 2002 (next to be

held in NA April 2006)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Federation Action for the Republic or FAR [Ngarlejy YORONGAR];

National Rally for Development and Progress or RNDP [Mamadou BISSO];

National Union for Democracy and Renewal or UNDR [Saleh KEBZABO];

Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS [Mahamat Saleh AHMAT, chairman]

(originally in opposition but now the party in power and the party

of the president); Union for Renewal and Democracy or URD [Gen.

Wadal Abdelkader KAMOUGUE]; Viva Rally for Development and Progress

or Viva RNDP [Delwa Kassire COUMAKOYE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW (signatory), UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hassaballah Abdelhadi Ahmat SOUBIANE

chancery: 2002 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1937

telephone: [1] (202) 462-4009

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher E. GOLDTHWAIT embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena telephone: [235] (51) 70-09 FAX: [235] (51) 56-54

Flag description:

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

similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of Andorra

and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms centered in

the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France

Economy Chad

Economy - overview:

Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be boosted

by major oilfield and pipeline projects that began in 2000. Over 80%

of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and stock raising

for its livelihood. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic provide the bulk

of Chad's export earnings, but Chad will begin to export oil in

2004. Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked

position, high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad

relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and

private sector investment projects. A consortium led by two US

companies has been investing $3.7 billion to develop oil reserves

estimated at 1 billion barrels in southern Chad. Oil production is

scheduled to come on stream in late 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $9.297 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 38% industry: 13% services: 49% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

80% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture more than 80% (subsistence farming, herding, and

fishing)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $198 million

expenditures: $218 million, including capital expenditures of $146

million (1998 est.)

Industries:

oil, cotton textiles, meatpacking, beer brewing, natron (sodium

carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (1995)

Electricity - production:

94.04 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

87.46 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels

Exports:

$197 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, cattle, gum arabic

Exports - partners:

Portugal 28.3%, Germany 13.6%, US 7.8%, Czech Republic 6.5%, France

5.8%, Nigeria 5.8%, Poland 5.5%, Spain 5.2%, Morocco 4.5% (2002)

Imports:

$570 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, industrial goods, petroleum

products, foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

France 31.5%, US 31.4%, Germany 5.5%, Nigeria 4.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.1 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$238.3 million; note - $125 million committed by Taiwan (August

1997); $30 million committed by African Development Bank; ODA $150

million

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible

authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Currency code:

XAF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Chad

Telephones - main lines in use:

9,700 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5,500 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: primitive system

domestic: fair system of radiotelephone communication stations

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 4, shortwave 5 (2002)

Radios:

1.67 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2002)

Televisions:

10,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.td

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

4,000 (2002)

Transportation Chad

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 33,400 km paved: 267 km unpaved: 33,133 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

2,000 km

Pipelines:

oil 205 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

50 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 7 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 43 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 20 under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Military Chad

Military branches:

Armed Forces (including National Army, Air Force, and Gendarmerie),

Rapid Intervention Force, National and Nomadic Guard (GNNT),

Presidential Security Guard, Police

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,940,328 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,015,982 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 86,953 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$40.74 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.9% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Chad

Disputes - international:

internal political instabilities with fighting and violence overlap

into Chad and Central African Republic, leaving refugees and rebel

groups in both countries; Chadian Aozou rebels reside in southern

Libya; Lake Chad Commission continues to urge signatories Cameroon,

Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to ratify delimitation treaty over lake

region, which remains the site of armed clashes among local

populations and militias; Chad rejects Nigerian request to

redemarcate boundary, the site of continuing cross-border incidents

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Chile

Introduction Chile

Background:

A three-year-old Marxist government was overthrown in 1973 by a

dictatorial military regime led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until

a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic

policies, first implemented by the PINOCHET dictatorship, led to

unprecedented growth in 1991-97 and have helped secure the country's

commitment to democratic and representative government.

Geography Chile

Location:

Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between

Argentina and Peru

Geographic coordinates:

30 00 S, 71 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 756,950 sq km

land: 748,800 sq km

note: includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez

water: 8,150 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

Land boundaries: total: 6,171 km border countries: Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 km

Coastline: 6,435 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200/350 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool

and damp in south

Terrain:

low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

Natural resources:

copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum,

hydropower

Land use: arable land: 2.65% permanent crops: 0.42% other: 96.93% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

18,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis

Environment - current issues:

widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural resources; air

pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution

from raw sewage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Nuclear

Test Ban

Geography - note:

strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and

Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage);

Atacama Desert is one of world's driest regions

People Chile

Population:

15,665,216 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.4% (male 2,112,251; female 2,018,099)

15-64 years: 66% (male 5,151,551; female 5,180,607)

65 years and over: 7.7% (male 499,441; female 703,267) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.5 years

male: 28.6 years

female: 30.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.05% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

16.1 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 9.68 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.35 years

male: 73.04 years

female: 79.82 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.09 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

20,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

220 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Chilean(s) adjective: Chilean

Ethnic groups:

white and white-Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish NEGL%

Languages:

Spanish

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.2%

male: 96.4%

female: 96.1% (2003 est.)

Government Chile

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Chile

conventional short form: Chile

local long form: Republica de Chile

local short form: Chile

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Santiago

Administrative divisions:

13 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos

Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio,

Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos,

Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana

(Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso

note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

Independence:

18 September 1810 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 September (1810)

Constitution:

11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981, amended 30 July 1989,

1993, and 1997

Legal system:

based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codes

influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of

legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

note: Chile is in the process of completely overhauling its criminal

justice system; a new, US-style adversarial system is being

gradually implemented throughout the country

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ricardo LAGOS Escobar (since 11 March

2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Ricardo LAGOS Escobar (since 11 March

2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

election results: Ricardo LAGOS Escobar elected president; percent

of vote - Ricardo LAGOS Escobar 51.32%, Joaquin LAVIN 48.68%

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 12 December 1999, with runoff election held 16

January 2000 (next to be held NA December 2005)

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the

Senate or Senado (49 seats, 38 elected by popular vote, 9 designated

members, and 2 former presidents who serve six-year terms and are

senators for life); elected members serve eight-year terms (one-half

elected every four years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de

Diputados (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - CPD 20 (PDC 12, PS 5, PPD 3), APC 16 (UDI 9, RN 7),

independents 2; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - CPD 62 (PDC 24, PPD 21, PS 11, PRSD 6), UDI

35, RN 22, independent 1

elections: Senate - last held 16 December 2001 (next to be held NA

December 2005); Chamber of Deputies - last held 16 December 2001

(next to be held NA December 2005)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the

president and ratified by the Senate from lists of candidates

provided by the court itself; the president of the Supreme Court is

elected by the 21-member court); Constitutional Tribunal

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Chile ("Alianza") or APC - including RN and UDI;

Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Adolfo ZALDIVAR]; Coalition of

Parties for Democracy ("Concertacion") or CPD - including PDC, PS,

PPD, PRSD; Communist Party or PC [Gladys MARIN]; Independent

Democratic Union or UDI [Pablo LONGUEIRA]; National Renewal or RN

[Sebastian PINERA]; Party for Democracy or PPD [Guido GIRARDI];

Radical Social Democratic Party or PRSD [Orlando CANTUARIAS];

Socialist Party or PS [Camilo ESCALONA]

Political pressure groups and leaders: revitalized university student federations at all major universities; Roman Catholic Church; United Labor Central or CUT includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor confederations

International organization participation:

APEC, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), NAM,

OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UN Security Council (temporary),

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNU,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Andres BIANCHI

chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New

York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador William R. BROWNFIELD embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago mailing address: APO AA 34033 telephone: [56] (2) 232-2600 FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue

square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of

the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the

center representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes

the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red stands for the

blood spilled to achieve independence; design was influenced by the

US flag

Economy Chile

Economy - overview:

Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level

of foreign trade. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation as a

role model for economic reform was strengthened when the democratic

government of Patricio AYLWIN - which took over from the military in

1990 - deepened the economic reform initiated by the military

government. Growth in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97, but fell

to half that level in 1998 because of tight monetary policies

implemented to keep the current account deficit in check and because

of lower export earnings - the latter a product of the global

financial crisis. A severe drought exacerbated the recession in

1999, reducing crop yields and causing hydroelectric shortfalls and

electricity rationing, and Chile experienced negative economic

growth for the first time in more than 15 years. Despite the effects

of the recession, Chile maintained its reputation for strong

financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the

strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. By the end of

1999, exports and economic activity had begun to recover, and growth

rebounded to 4.4% in 2000. Growth fell back to 2.8% in 2001 and 1.8%

in 2002, largely due to lackluster global growth and the devaluation

of the Argentine peso. Unemployment remains stubbornly high, putting

pressure on President LAGOS to improve living standards. One bright

spot was the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which

will take effect on 1 January 2004.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $156.1 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $10,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11% industry: 34% services: 56% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 21% (1998 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.3% highest 10%: 45.6% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56.7 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

5.9 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 14%, industry 27%, services 59% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.2% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $17 billion

expenditures: $17 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and

steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

-1.5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

41.66 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 47% hydro: 51.5% other: 1.4% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

40.13 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1.386 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

13,640 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

241,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

81.05 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

1.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

6.47 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

5.27 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

67.78 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, fruit; beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber

Exports:

$17.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copper, fish, fruits, paper and pulp, chemicals

Exports - partners:

US 19.1%, Japan 10.5%, China 6.7%, Mexico 5%, Italy 4.7%, UK 4.4%

(2002)

Imports:

$15.6 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, chemicals, motor vehicles, fuels, electrical

machinery, heavy industrial machinery, food

Imports - partners:

Argentina 18%, US 14.9%, Brazil 9.5%, China 6.5%, Germany 4.3%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$40.4 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA, $40 million (2001 est.)

Currency:

Chilean peso (CLP)

Currency code:

CLP

Exchange rates:

Chilean pesos per US dollar - 688.95 (2002), 634.94 (2001), 535.47

(2000), 508.78 (1999), 460.29 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Chile

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.603 million (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

944,225 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system based on extensive microwave

radio relay facilities

domestic: extensive microwave radio relay links; domestic satellite

system with 3 earth stations

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 180 (eight inactive), FM 64, shortwave 17 (one inactive) (1998)

Radios:

5.18 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

63 (plus 121 repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

3.15 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.cl

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

7 (2000)

Internet users:

3.1 million (2002)

Transportation Chile

Railways:

total: 6,585 km

broad gauge: 2,831 km 1.676-m gauge (1,317 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 3,754 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 79,814 km

paved: 15,484 km (including 294 km of expressways)

unpaved: 64,330 km (2000)

Waterways:

725 km

Pipelines:

gas 2,267 km; gas/liquid petroleum gas 42 km; liquid petroleum gas

531 km; oil 983 km; refined products 545 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Antofagasta, Arica, Chanaral, Coquimbo, Iquique, Puerto Montt,

Punta Arenas, San Antonio, San Vicente, Talcahuano, Valparaiso

Merchant marine:

total: 50 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 696,202 GRT/900,317 DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 6, chemical tanker 9, container 4,

liquefied gas 2, passenger 4, petroleum tanker 6, roll on/roll off

6, vehicle carrier 4

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Netherlands 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

363 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 71

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 21

914 to 1,523 m: 23

under 914 m: 15 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 292

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 60

under 914 m: 216 (2002)

Military Chile

Military branches:

Army of the Nation, National Navy (including naval air, coast

guard, and marines), Air Force of the Nation, Chilean Carabineros

(National Police), Investigations Police

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 4,154,636 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 3,070,140 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 131,324 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$2.5 billion (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.1% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Chile

Disputes - international:

Bolivia continues to press Chile and Peru to restore the Atacama

corridor ceded to Chile in 1884; dispute with Peru over the economic

zone delimited by the maritime boundary; Chile demands water rights

to Bolivia's Rio Lauca and Silala Spring; Beagle Channel islands

dispute resolved through Papal mediation in 1984, but armed

incidents persist since 1992 oil discovery; territorial claim in

Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps

Argentine and British claims

Illicit drugs:

a growing transshipment country for cocaine destined for the US and

Europe; economic prosperity and increasing trade have made Chile

more attractive to traffickers seeking to launder drug profits,

especially through the Iquique Free Trade Zone; imported precursors

passed on to Bolivia; domestic cocaine consumption is rising

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@China

Introduction China

Background:

For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the

rest of the world in the arts and sciences. But in the 19th and

early 20th centuries, China was beset by civil unrest, major

famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War

II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established a dictatorship that,

while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over

everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people.

After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping gradually introduced

market-oriented reforms and decentralized economic decision-making.

Output quadrupled by 2000. Political controls remain tight while

economic controls continue to be relaxed.

Geography China

Location:

Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea,

and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

35 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 9,596,960 sq km

land: 9,326,410 sq km

water: 270,550 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the US

Land boundaries:

total: 22,147.34 km

border countries: Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km,

Hong Kong 30 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea

1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia

4,677 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605

km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km

Coastline:

14,500 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north

Terrain:

mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas,

and hills in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Turpan Pendi -154 m

highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m (1999 est.)

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin, tungsten,

antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum,

lead, zinc, uranium, hydropower potential (world's largest)

Land use:

arable land: 13.31%

permanent crops: 1.2%

other: 85.49% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

525,800 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and eastern

coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes; droughts; land

subsidence

Environment - current issues:

air pollution (greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide particulates) from

reliance on coal produces acid rain; water shortages, particularly

in the north; water pollution from untreated wastes; deforestation;

estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1949 to soil

erosion and economic development; desertification; trade in

endangered species

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

world's fourth-largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US);

Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak;

People China

Population:

1,286,975,468 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.1% (male 155,473,656; female 141,737,406)

15-64 years: 69.5% (male 461,223,219; female 433,154,970)

65 years and over: 7.4% (male 44,954,643; female 50,431,574) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 31.5 years male: 31.2 years female: 31.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.6% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.96 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.74 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.09 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 25.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 25.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 24.91 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.22 years

male: 70.33 years

female: 74.28 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.7 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

850,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

30,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Chinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Chinese

Ethnic groups:

Han Chinese 91.9%, Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu,

Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1%

Religions:

Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Muslim 1%-2%, Christian 3%-4%

note: officially atheist (2002 est.)

Languages:

Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing

dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan

(Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages

(see Ethnic groups entry)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86%

male: 92.9%

female: 78.8% (2003 est.)

Government China

Country name:

conventional long form: People's Republic of China

conventional short form: China

local short form: Zhong Guo

abbreviation: PRC

local long form: Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

Beijing

Administrative divisions:

23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions*

(zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 4 municipalities** (shi,

singular and plural); Anhui, Beijing**, Chongqing**, Fujian, Gansu,

Guangdong, Guangxi*, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan,

Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol*,

Ningxia*, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai**, Shanxi, Sichuan,

Tianjin**, Xinjiang*, Xizang* (Tibet), Yunnan, Zhejiang; note -

China considers Taiwan its 23rd province; see separate entries for

the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau

Independence:

221 BC (unification under the Qin or Ch'in Dynasty 221 BC; Qing or

Ch'ing Dynasty replaced by the Republic on 12 February 1912;

People's Republic established 1 October 1949)

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, 1

October (1949)

Constitution:

most recent promulgation 4 December 1982

Legal system:

a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law;

rudimentary civil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal

codes in effect since 1 January 1980; continuing efforts are being

made to improve civil, administrative, criminal, and commercial law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003) and Vice

President ZENG Qinghong (since 15 March 2003)

elections: president and vice president elected by the National

People's Congress for five-year terms; elections last held 15-17

March 2003 (next to be held mid-March 2008); premier nominated by

the president, confirmed by the National People's Congress

head of government: Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003); Vice

Premiers HUANG Ju (since 17 March 2003), WU Yi (17 March 2003), ZENG

Peiyan (since 17 March 2003), and HUI Liangyu (since 17 March 2003)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the National People's Congress

(NPC)

election results: HU Jintao elected president by the Tenth National

People's Congress with a total of 2,937 votes (4 delegates voted

against him, 4 abstained, and 38 did not vote); ZENG Qinghong

elected vice president by the Tenth National People's Congress with

a total of 2,578 votes (177 delegates voted against him, 190

abstained, and 38 did not vote); 2 seats were vacant

Legislative branch:

unicameral National People's Congress or Quanguo Renmin Daibiao

Dahui (2,985 seats; members elected by municipal, regional, and

provincial people's congresses to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held NA December 2002-NA February 2003 (next to be

held late 2007-NA February 2008)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - NA

Judicial branch:

Supreme People's Court (judges appointed by the National People's

Congress); Local Peoples Courts (comprise higher, intermediate and

local courts); Special Peoples Courts (primarily military, maritime,

and railway transport courts)

Political parties and leaders:

Chinese Communist Party or CCP [HU Jintao, General Secretary of the

Central Committee]; eight registered small parties controlled by CCP

Political pressure groups and leaders:

no substantial political opposition groups exist, although the

government has identified the Falungong sect and the China Democracy

Party as potential rivals

International organization participation:

APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS,

CDB, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU,

LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (observer), OPCW, PCA, SCO, UN,

UN Security Council, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, IFC, UNHCR, UNIDO,

AfDB, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMOVIC, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCO,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador YANG Jiechi

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and

San Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 328-2582

telephone: [1] (202) 328-2500

chancery: 2300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Clark T. RANDT, Jr. embassy: Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, 100600 Beijing mailing address: PSC 461, Box 50, FPO AP 96521-0002 telephone: [86] (10) 6532-3831 FAX: [86] (10) 6532-6929 consulate(s) general: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenyang

Flag description:

red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow

five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of

the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner

Economy China

Economy - overview: In late 1978 the Chinese leadership began moving the economy from a sluggish, Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented system. Whereas the system operates within a political framework of strict Communist control, the economic influence of non-state organizations and individual citizens has been steadily increasing. The authorities switched to a system of household and village responsibility in agriculture in place of the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scale enterprises in services and light manufacturing, and opened the economy to increased foreign trade and investment. The result has been a quadrupling of GDP since 1978. In 2003, with its 1.3 billion people but a GDP of just $5,000 per capita, China stood as the second-largest economy in the world after the US (measured on a purchasing power parity basis). Agriculture and industry have posted major gains, especially in coastal areas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan, where foreign investment has helped spur output of both domestic and export goods. The leadership, however, often has experienced - as a result of its hybrid system - the worst results of socialism (bureaucracy and lassitude) and of capitalism (windfall gains and growing income disparities). China thus has periodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals. The government has struggled to (a) collect revenues due from provinces, businesses, and individuals; (b) reduce corruption and other economic crimes; and (c) keep afloat the large state-owned enterprises, many of which had been shielded from competition by subsidies and had been losing the ability to pay full wages and pensions. From 80 to 120 million surplus rural workers are adrift between the villages and the cities, many subsisting through part-time low-paying jobs. Popular resistance, changes in central policy, and loss of authority by rural cadres have weakened China's population control program, which is essential to maintaining long-term growth in living standards. Another long-term threat to growth is the deterioration in the environment, notably air pollution, soil erosion, and the steady fall of the water table especially in the north. China continues to lose arable land because of erosion and economic development. Beijing says it will intensify efforts to stimulate growth through spending on infrastructure - such as water control and power grids - and poverty relief and through rural tax reform aimed at eliminating arbitrary local levies on farmers. Accession to the World Trade Organization helps strengthen China's ability to maintain strong growth rates but at the same time puts additional pressure on the hybrid system of strong political controls and growing market influences. China has benefited from a huge expansion in computer internet use. Foreign investment remains a strong element in China's remarkable economic growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $5.989 trillion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

8% (official data) (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 15.2% industry and construction: 51.2% services: 33.6% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 10% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.4% highest 10%: 30.4% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40 (2001)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

744 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 50%, industry 22%, services 28% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

urban unemployment roughly 10%; substantial unemployment and

underemployment in rural areas (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $224.8 billion

expenditures: $267.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

Industries:

iron and steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles and

apparel, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, footwear, toys,

food processing, automobiles, consumer electronics,

telecommunications

Industrial production growth rate:

12.6% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

1.42 trillion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 80.2% hydro: 18.5% other: 0.1% (2001) nuclear: 1.2%

Electricity - consumption:

1.312 trillion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

10.3 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1.55 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

3.3 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

4.975 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

26.75 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

30.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

30.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.29 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, cotton, oilseed; pork; fish

Exports:

$325.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment; textiles and clothing, footwear, toys and

sporting goods; mineral fuels

Exports - partners:

US 21.5%, Hong Kong 18%, Japan 14.9%, South Korea 4.8% (2002)

Imports:

$295.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, plastics, iron and steel,

chemicals

Imports - partners:

Japan 18.1%, Taiwan 10.5%, South Korea 9.7%, US 9.2%, Germany 5.6%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$149.4 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

yuan (CNY)

note:: also referred to as the Renminbi (RMB)

Currency code:

CNY

Exchange rates:

yuan per US dollar - 8.28 (2002), 8.28 (2001), 8.28 (2000), 8.28

(1999), 8.28 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications China

Telephones - main lines in use:

135 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

65 million (January 2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic and international services are

increasingly available for private use; unevenly distributed

domestic system serves principal cities, industrial centers, and

many towns

domestic: interprovincial fiber-optic trunk lines and cellular

telephone systems have been installed; a domestic satellite system

with 55 earth stations is in place

international: satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (4 Pacific

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and

1 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions); several international

fiber-optic links to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Russia, and

Germany (2000)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 369, FM 259, shortwave 45 (1998)

Radios:

417 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 3,240 (of which 209 are operated by China Central Television, 31 are provincial TV stations and nearly 3,000 are local city stations) (1997)

Televisions:

400 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.cn

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2000)

Internet users:

45.8 million (2002)

Transportation China

Railways:

total: 71,600 km

standard gauge: 68,000 km 1.435-m gauge (14,600 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 3,600 km 1.000-m and 0.750-m gauge local industrial

lines (2002)

Highways:

total: 1,402,698 km

paved: 314,204 km (with at least 16,314 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,088,494 km (2000)

Waterways:

110,000 km (1999)

Pipelines:

gas 13,845 km; oil 15,143 km; refined products 3,280 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Huangpu, Lianyungang, Nanjing,

Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shantou, Shenzhen,

Tianjin, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Xingang, Yantai, Zhanjiang (2001)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,817 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 18,047,962 GRT/27,035,740 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 2, bulk 348, cargo 824, chemical tanker

28, combination bulk 10, combination ore/oil 2, container 150,

liquefied gas 28, multi-functional large-load carrier 6, passenger

6, passenger/cargo 47, petroleum tanker 267, refrigerated cargo 26,

roll on/roll off 21, short-sea passenger 42, specialized tanker 8,

vehicle carrier 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Croatia 1, Germany 1, Hong Kong 16, Japan 2, Panama 2,

South Korea 1, Spain 1, Taiwan 9, Tanzania 1, Turkey 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

500 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 351

over 3,047 m: 32

2,438 to 3,047 m: 108

1,524 to 2,437 m: 143

914 to 1,523 m: 29

under 914 m: 39 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 149

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 25

914 to 1,523 m: 48

under 914 m: 71 (2002)

Military China

Military branches:

People's Liberation Army (PLA): comprises ground forces, Navy

(including naval infantry and naval aviation), Air Force, and II

Artillery Corps (strategic missile force), People's Armed Police

Force (internal security troops, nominally a state security body but

included by the Chinese as part of the "armed forces" and considered

to be an adjunct to the PLA), militia

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 375,520,255 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 206 million (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 10,973,761 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$55.91 billion (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.3% (FY02)

Transnational Issues China

Disputes - international:

involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with Malaysia,

Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; claimants in

November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in

the South China Sea", a mechanism to ease tension but which fell

short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; much of the rugged,

militarized boundary with India is in dispute, but the two sides

have participated in more than 13 rounds of joint working group

sessions on this issue; India objects to Pakistan ceding lands to

China in 1965 boundary agreement that India believes are part of

disputed Kashmir; China, as well as Taiwan, claims

Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) islands;

negotiations with Tajikistan resolved the longstanding boundary

dispute; China and Kazakhstan have resolved their border dispute and

are working to delimit their large open borders to control

population migration, illegal activities, and trade; Kyrgyzstan's

constitutional court rules that 1,270 sq km ceded to China in 2000

delimitation agreement were legally transferred; certain islands in

Yalu and Tumen rivers are in uncontested dispute with North Korea

and a section of boundary around Mount Paektu is indefinite - China

objects to illegal migration of North Koreans into northern China;

China continues to seek a mutually acceptable solution to the

disputed alluvial islands with Russia at the confluence of the Amur

and Ussuri rivers and a small island on the Argun river as part of

the 2001 Treaty of Good Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation;

boundary agreements signed in 2002 with Tajikistan cedes 1,000 sq km

of Pamir Mountain range to China in return for China's relinquishing

claims to 28,000 sq km; demarcation of land boundary with Vietnam

continues but maritime boundary and joint fishing zone agreement

remains unratified; China occupies Paracel Islands also claimed by

Vietnam and Taiwan

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden

Triangle; growing domestic drug abuse problem; source country for

chemical precursors and methamphetamine

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Christmas Island

Introduction Christmas Island

Background:

Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed

and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began

in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958.

Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.

Geography Christmas Island

Location:

Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

10 30 S, 105 40 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 135 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 135 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

80 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 12 NM exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Murray Hill 361 m

Natural resources:

phosphate, beaches

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100%

note: mainly tropical rainforest; 63% of the island is a national

park (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime

hazard

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

People Christmas Island

Population: 433 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

-9% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Christmas Islander(s)

adjective: Christmas Island

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10%

note: no indigenous population (2001)

Religions:

Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997)

Languages:

English (official), Chinese, Malay

Literacy:

NA

Government Christmas Island

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Christmas Island

conventional short form: Christmas Island

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department

of Transport and Regional Services

Government type:

NA

Capital:

The Settlement

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

NA

Constitution:

NA

Legal system:

under the authority of the governor general of Australia and

Australian law

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Administrator William Leonard TAYLOR (since 4

February 1999)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed

by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and

Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected

by popular vote to serve one-year terms)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 9

elections: last held NA December 2002 (next to be held NA December

2003)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; District Court; Magistrate's Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used; note - in early 1986, the Christmas

Island Assembly held a design competition for an island flag,

however, the winning design has never been formally adopted as the

official flag of the territory

Economy Christmas Island

Economy - overview:

Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity,

but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine. In

1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of the government, a

$34 million casino opened in 1993. The casino closed in 1998. The

Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a

commercial space-launching site on the island, slated to begin

operation in 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

tourism 400 people, mining 100 people (1995)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries:

tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: NA% hydro: NA% other: NA% nuclear: NA%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Agriculture - products:

NA

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

phosphate

Exports - partners:

Australia, NZ

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods

Imports - partners:

principally Australia

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Australian dollar (AUD)

Currency code:

AUD

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.9354 (2002), 1.9320 (2001),

1.7173(2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Christmas Island

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: service provided by the Australian network

domestic: only analog mobile telephone service is available

international: satellite earth stations - one Intelsat earth station

provides telephone and telex service (2000)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

1,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

NA

Televisions:

600 (1997)

Internet country code:

.cx

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Christmas Island

Railways: 24 km to serve phosphate mines

Highways: total: 240 km paved: 30 km unpaved: 210 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Flying Fish Cove

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Christmas Island

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues Christmas Island

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Clipperton Island

Introduction Clipperton Island

Background:

This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who

made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in

1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually

awarded the island to France, which took possession in 1935.

Geography Clipperton Island

Location:

Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km

southwest of Mexico

Geographic coordinates:

10 17 N, 109 13 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 6 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 6 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

11.1 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, rains

May-October

Terrain:

coral atoll

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all coral) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

reef 12 km in circumference

People Clipperton Island

Population: uninhabited (July 2003 est.)

Government Clipperton Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Clipperton Island

local short form: Ile Clipperton

local long form: none

former: sometimes called Ile de la Passion

Dependency status:

possession of France; administered by France from French Polynesia

by a high commissioner of the Republic

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy Clipperton Island

Economy - overview:

Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the

territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity

is tuna fishing.

Transportation Clipperton Island

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military Clipperton Island

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Clipperton Island

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Introduction Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Background:

There are 27 coral islands in the group. Captain William Keeling

discovered the islands in 1609, but they remained uninhabited until

the 19th century. Annexed by the UK in 1857, they were transferred

to the Australian Government in 1955. The population on the two

inhabited islands generally is split between the ethnic Europeans on

West Island and the ethnic Malays on Home Island.

Geography Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest

of Indonesia, about halfway from Australia to Sri Lanka

Geographic coordinates:

12 30 S, 96 50 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 14 sq km

note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island

water: 0 sq km

land: 14 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 24 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

26 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical with high humidity, moderated by the southeast trade winds

for about nine months of the year

Terrain:

flat, low-lying coral atolls

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

cyclone season is October to April

Environment - current issues: fresh water resources are limited to rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs

Geography - note: islands are thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation

People Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Population: 630 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

0% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Cocos Islander(s)

adjective: Cocos Islander

Ethnic groups:

Europeans, Cocos Malays

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 80%, other 20% (2002 est.)

Languages:

Malay (Cocos dialect), English

Government Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands

conventional short form: Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the

Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services

Government type:

NA

Capital:

West Island

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

NA

Constitution:

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955

Legal system:

based upon the laws of Australia and local laws

Suffrage:

NA

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by the Australian governor general

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed

by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and

Australia

head of government: Administrator (nonresident) William Leonard

TAYLOR (since 4 February 1999)

cabinet: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council (7 seats)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Economy - overview:

Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop.

Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but

additional food and most other necessities must be imported from

Australia. There is a small tourist industry.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation: the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage workers; tourism employs others

Unemployment rate: 60% (2000 est.)

Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries:

copra products and tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: NA% hydro: NA% other: NA% nuclear: NA%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

copra

Exports - partners:

Australia (1999)

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Australia (1999)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Australian dollar (AUD)

Currency code:

AUD

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.9354 (2002), 1.9320 (2001),

1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998), 1.3439 (1997)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

287 (1992)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: connected within Australia's telecommunication

system

domestic: NA

international: telephone, telex, and facsimile communications with

Australia and elsewhere via satellite; 1 satellite earth station of

NA type (2002)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (2000)

Radios:

300 (1992)

Television broadcast stations:

NA

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.cc

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 15 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (2003)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; lagoon anchorage only

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; the territory does have

a five-person police force

Transnational Issues Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Colombia

Introduction Colombia

Background:

Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the

collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and

Venezuela). A 40-year insurgent campaign to overthrow the Colombian

Government escalated during the 1990s, undergirded in part by funds

from the drug trade. Although the violence is deadly and large

swaths of the countryside are under guerrilla influence, the

movement lacks the military strength or popular support necessary to

overthrow the government. An anti-insurgent army of paramilitaries

has grown to be several thousand strong in recent years, challenging

the insurgents for control of territory and illicit industries such

as the drug trade and the government's ability to exert its dominion

over rural areas. While Bogota steps up efforts to reassert

government control throughout the country, neighboring countries

worry about the violence spilling over their borders.

Geography Colombia

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama

and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between

Ecuador and Panama

Geographic coordinates:

4 00 N, 72 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 1,138,910 sq km

land: 1,038,700 sq km

note: includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, Serrana Bank, and

Serranilla Bank

water: 100,210 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 6,004 km

border countries: Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km,

Peru 1,496 km (est.), Venezuela 2,050 km

Coastline:

3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

Terrain:

flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains,

eastern lowland plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m

note: nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper,

emeralds, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 1.9%

other: 96.14% (1998 est.)

permanent crops: 1.96%

Irrigated land:

8,500 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes;

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse of

pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle

emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of

the Sea, Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific

Ocean and Caribbean Sea

People Colombia

Population:

41,662,073 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.3% (male 6,601,581; female 6,447,679)

15-64 years: 63.7% (male 12,931,093; female 13,626,333)

65 years and over: 4.9% (male 913,798; female 1,141,589) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.6 years

male: 24.8 years

female: 26.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.56% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

21.59 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 22.47 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 26.46 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.14 years

male: 67.29 years

female: 75.12 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.61 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

140,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,600 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Colombian(s)

adjective: Colombian

Ethnic groups:

mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed

black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%

Languages:

Spanish

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.5%

male: 92.4%

female: 92.6% (2003 est.)

Government Colombia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Colombia

conventional short form: Colombia

local short form: Colombia

local long form: Republica de Colombia

Government type:

republic; executive branch dominates government structure

Capital:

Bogota

Administrative divisions:

32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1

capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca,

Atlantico, Distrito Capital de Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas,

Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca,

Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte

de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y

Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes,

Vichada

Independence:

20 July 1810 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

Constitution:

5 July 1991

Legal system:

based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US

procedures was enacted in 1992-93; judicial review of executive and

legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7 August 2002);

Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7 August

2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet consists of a coalition of the two dominant parties

- the PL and PSC - and independents

elections: president and vice president elected by popular vote for

a four-year term; election last held 26 May 2002 (next to be held NA

May 2006)

election results: President Alvaro URIBE Velez received 53% of the

vote; Vice President Francisco SANTOS was elected on the same ticket

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or Senado

(102 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year

terms) and the House of Representatives or Camara de Representantes

(166 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year

terms)

elections: Senate - last held 10 March 2002 (next to be held NA

March 2006); House of Representatives - last held 10 March 2002

(next to be held NA March 2006)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - PL 28, PSC 13, independents and smaller parties (many

aligned with conservatives) 61; House of Representatives - percent

of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PL 54, PSC 21, independents

and other parties 91

Judicial branch:

four coequal, supreme judicial organs; Supreme Court of Justice or

Corte Suprema de Justical (highest court of criminal law; judges are

selected from the nominees of the Higher Council of Justice for

eight-year terms); Council of State (highest court of administrative

law, judges are selected from the nominees of the Higher Council of

Justice for eight-year terms); Constitutional Court (guards

integrity and supremacy of the constitution, rules on

constitutionality of laws, amendments to the constitution, and

international treaties); Higher Council of Justice (administers and

disciplines the civilian judiciary; members of the disciplinary

chamber resolve jurisdictional conflicts arising between other

courts; members are elected by three sister courts and Congress for

eight-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative Party or PSC [Carlos HOLGUIN Sardi]; Liberal Party or

PL [Piedad CORDOBA and Juan Manuel LOPEZ Cabrales]; Colombian

Communist Party or PCC [Jaime CAICEDO]; 19 of April Movement or M-19

[Antonio NAVARRO Wolff]

note: Colombia has about 60 formally recognized political parties,

most of which do not have a presence in either house of Congress

Political pressure groups and leaders:

two largest insurgent groups active in Colombia - Revolutionary

Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC and National Liberation Army or

ELN; largest anti-insurgent paramilitary group is United

Self-Defense Groups of Colombia or AUC

International organization participation:

BCIE, CAN, Caricom (observer), CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-3, G-24,

G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES,

LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Luis Alberto MORENO Mejia

chancery: 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,

New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and

Washington, DC

consulate(s): Atlanta

FAX: [1] (202) 232-8643

telephone: [1] (202) 387-8338

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Anne W. PATTERSON embassy: Calle 22D-BIS, numbers 47-51, Apartado Aereo 3831 mailing address: Carrera 45 #22D-45, Bogota, D.C., APO AA 34038 telephone: [57] (1) 315-0811 FAX: [57] (1) 315-2197

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and

red; similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the

Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center

Economy Colombia

Economy - overview:

Colombia's economy suffers from weak domestic and foreign demand,

austere government budgets, and serious internal armed conflict.

Other economic problems facing the new president URIBE range from

reforming the pension system to reducing high unemployment. Two of

Colombia's leading exports, oil and coffee, face an uncertain

future; new exploration is needed to offset declining oil

production, while coffee harvests and prices are depressed.

Colombian business leaders are calling for greater progress in

solving the conflict with insurgent groups. On the positive side,

several international financial institutions have praised the

economic reforms introduced by President URIBE and have pledged

enough funding to cover Colombia's debt servicing costs in 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $251.6 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $6,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 13% industry: 30% services: 57% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

55% (2001)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1%

highest 10%: 44% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

57.1 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

18.3 million (1999 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

17.4% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $24 billion

expenditures: $25.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages,

chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

42.99 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 26% hydro: 72.7% other: 1.3% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

39.81 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

210 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

40 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

614,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

252,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.8 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

5.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

5.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

132 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp

Exports:

$12.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, coffee, coal, apparel, bananas, cut flowers

Exports - partners:

US 44.8%, Venezuela 9.4%, Ecuador 6.8% (2002)

Imports:

$12.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods,

chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity

Imports - partners:

US 32.6%, Venezuela 7%, Mexico 5.3%, Japan 5.3%, Brazil 5.2%,

Germany 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$38.4 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Colombian peso (COP)

Currency code:

COP

Exchange rates:

Colombian pesos per US dollar - 2,504.24 (2002), 2,299.63 (2001),

2,087.9 (2000), 1,756.23 (1999), 1,426.04 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Colombia

Telephones - main lines in use:

5,433,565 (December 1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,800,229 (December 1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system in many respects

domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system; domestic

satellite system with 41 earth stations; fiber-optic network linking

50 cities

international: satellite earth stations - 6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat; 3

fully digitalized international switching centers; 8 submarine cables

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 454, FM 34, shortwave 27 (1999)

Radios:

21 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

60 (includes seven low-power stations) (1997)

Televisions:

4.59 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.co

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

18 (2000)

Internet users:

1.15 million (2002)

Transportation Colombia

Railways:

total: 3,304 km

standard gauge: 150 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 3,154 km 0.914-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 110,000 km

paved: 26,000 km

unpaved: 84,000 km (2000)

Waterways:

18,140 km (navigable by river boats) (April 1996)

Pipelines:

gas 4,360 km; oil 6,134 km; refined products 3,140 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bahia de Portete, Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Leticia,

Puerto Bolivar, San Andres, Santa Marta, Tumaco, Turbo

Merchant marine:

total: 15 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 51,445 GRT/55,930 DWT

ships by type: bulk 5, cargo 6, container 1, petroleum tanker 3

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

1,050 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 96 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 36 under 914 m: 11 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 38

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 954 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 51 under 914 m: 587 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 315

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Colombia

Military branches:

Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, including Marines

and Coast Guard), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana), National

Police (Policia Nacional)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 11,101,719 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 7,403,433 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 392,468 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$3.3 billion (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.4% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Colombia

Disputes - international:

Nicaragua filed a claim against Honduras in 1999 and against

Colombia in 2001 at the ICJ over disputed maritime boundary

involving 50,000 sq km in the Caribbean Sea, including the

Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank;

maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela;

Colombian drug activities penetrate Peruvian border area

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of coca, opium poppy, and cannabis; world's

leading coca cultivator (cultivation of coca in 2002 was 144,450

hectares, a 15% decline since 2001); potential production of opium

between 2001 and 2002 declined by 25% to 91 metric tons; potential

production of heroin declined to 11.3 metric tons; the world's

largest processor of coca derivatives into cocaine; supplier of

about 90% of the cocaine to the US market and the great majority of

cocaine to other international drug markets; important supplier of

heroin to the US market; active aerial eradication program; a

significant portion of non-US narcotics proceeds are either

laundered or invested in Colombia through the black market peso

exchange

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Comoros

Introduction Comoros

Background:

Unstable Comoros has endured 19 coups or attempted coups since

gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of

Anjouan and Moheli declared their independence from Comoros. In

1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power. He pledged to resolve

the secessionist crisis through a confederal arrangement named the

2000 Fomboni Accord. In December 2001, voters approved a new

constitution and presidential elections took place in the spring of

2002. Each island in the archipelago elected its own president and a

new union president was sworn in on May 26, 2002.

Geography Comoros

Location:

Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of the

Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern

Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

12 10 S, 44 15 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,170 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 2,170 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

340 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)

Terrain:

volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Le Kartala 2,360 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 34.98%

permanent crops: 17.94%

other: 47.08% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); Le

Kartala on Grand Comore is an active volcano

Environment - current issues:

soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on

slopes without proper terracing; deforestation

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note: important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel

People Comoros

Population:

632,948 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.9% (male 136,060; female 135,277)

15-64 years: 54.2% (male 169,121; female 173,822)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 8,863; female 9,805) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.6 years

male: 18.3 years

female: 18.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.96% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

38.5 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.86 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 79.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 70.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 88.32 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 61.18 years

male: 58.92 years

female: 63.5 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.21 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.12% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Comoran(s)

adjective: Comoran

Ethnic groups:

Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%

Languages:

Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili

and Arabic)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 56.5%

male: 63.6%

female: 49.3% (2003 est.)

Government Comoros

Country name:

conventional long form: Union of the Comoros

conventional short form: Comoros

local short form: Comores

local long form: Union des Comores

Government type:

independent republic

Capital:

Moroni

Administrative divisions:

3 islands; Grande Comore (Njazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Moheli

(Mwali); note - there are also four municipalities named Domoni,

Fomboni, Moroni, and Moutsamoudou

Independence:

6 July 1975 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 July (1975)

Constitution:

23 December 2001

note: a Transitional National Unity Government (GUNT) was formed on

20 January 2002 following the passing of the new constitution; the

GUNT governed until the presidential elections on 14 April 2002

Legal system:

French and Sharia (Islamic) law in a new consolidated code

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2002); note

- following a 1999 coup AZALI was appointed president; in January

2002 he resigned his position to run in the 14 April 2002

presidential elections; Prime Minister Hamada Madi BOLERO was

appointed interim president until replaced again by AZALI in May

2002 when BOLERO was appointed Minister of External Defense and

Territorial Security; the president is both the chief of state and

the head of government

election results: President AZALI Assoumani elected president with

75% of the vote

elections: as defined by the 2001 constitution, the presidency

rotates every four years among the elected presidents from the three

main islands in the Union; election last held 14 April 2002 (next to

be held NA April 2007); prime minister appointed by the president;

note - AZALI has not appointed a Prime Minister since he was sworn

into office in May 2002

head of government: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2002);

note - following a 1999 coup AZALI was appointed president; in

January 2002 he resigned his position to run in the 14 April 2002

presidential elections; Prime Minister Hamada Madi BOLERO was

appointed interim president until replaced again by AZALI in May

2002 when BOLERO was appointed Minister of External Defense and

Territorial Security; the president is both the chief of state and

the head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Union (30 seats; half the deputies are

selected by the individual islands' local assemblies and the other

half by universal suffrage; deputies serve for five years) note -

elections for the former legislature, the Federal Assembly,

dissolved in 1999, where held on 1 and 8 December 1996; the next

elections for the Assembly of the Union were scheduled to be held in

April 2003 but have yet to occur

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supremes (two members appointed by the

president, two members elected by the Federal Assembly, one elected

by the Council of each island, and others are former presidents of

the republic)

Political parties and leaders:

Forces pour l'Action Republicaine or FAR [Col. Abdourazak

ABDULHAMID]; Forum pour la Redressement National or FRN (alliance of

12 parties); Front Democratique or FD [Moustoifa Said CHEIKH]; Front

National pour la Justice or FNJ (Islamic party in opposition) [Ahmed

RACHID]; Movement des Citoyens pour la Republique or MCR [Mahamoud

MRADABI]; Mouvement Populaire Anjouanais or MPA (Anjouan separatist

movement) [leader NA]; Mouvement pour la Democratie et le Progress

or MDP-NGDC [Abbas DJOUSSOUF]; Movement pour le Socialisme et la

Democratie or MSD (splinter group of FD) [Abdou SOEFOU]; Parti

Comorien pour la Democratie et le Progress or PCDP [Ali MROUDJAE];

Rassemblement National pour le Development or RND (party of the

government) [Omar TAMOU, Abdoulhamid AFFRAITANE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (associate), ILO,

IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW (signatory),

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO, WTrO (applicant)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mahmoud M. ABOUD (ambassador to the US

and Canada and permanent representative to the UN)

chancery: (temporary) care of the Permanent Mission of the Union of

the Comoros to the United Nations, 420 East 50th Street, New York,

NY 10022

telephone: [1] (212) 972-8010 and 223-2711

FAX: [1] (212) 983-4712 and 715-0699

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the ambassador to

Mauritius is accredited to Comoros

Flag description:

four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and blue

with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered within

the triangle is a white crescent with the convex side facing the

hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a line

between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and the

four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago -

Mwali, Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mayotte (a territorial collectivity of

France, but claimed by Comoros); the crescent, stars, and color

green are traditional symbols of Islam

Economy Comoros

Economy - overview:

One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three

islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and

rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low

educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence

level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy

dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture,

including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP,

employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports.

The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the

main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. The government -

which is hampered by internal political disputes - is struggling to

upgrade education and technical training, to privatize commercial

and industrial enterprises, to improve health services, to diversify

exports, to promote tourism, and to reduce the high population

growth rate. Increased foreign support is essential if the goal of

4% annual GDP growth is to be met. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans

abroad help supplement GDP.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $441 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 40% industry: 4% services: 56% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

60% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.5% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

144,500 (1996 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 80%

Unemployment rate:

20% (1996 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $27.6 million

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (2001 est.)

Industries:

tourism, perfume distillation

Industrial production growth rate:

-2% (1999 est.)

Electricity - production:

21.27 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 90.6% hydro: 9.4% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

19.78 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: vanilla, cloves, perfume essences, copra, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca)

Exports:

$16.3 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

vanilla, ylang-ylang, cloves, perfume oil, copra

Exports - partners:

France 32.4%, Germany 19.4%, US 17.6%, Singapore 11.5%, Netherlands

6.5% (2002)

Imports:

$39.8 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

rice and other foodstuffs, consumer goods; petroleum products,

cement, transport equipment

Imports - partners:

France 34.3%, South Africa 12%, Japan 6.1%, Kenya 5.9%, UAE 5.8%,

Mauritius 4.9%, Thailand 4.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$232 million (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$10 million (2001 est.)

Currency:

Comoran franc (KMF)

Currency code:

KMF

Exchange rates:

Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar - 522.74 (2002), 549.78 (2001),

533.98 (2000), 461.78 (1999), 442.46 (1998)

note: prior to January 1999, the official rate was pegged to the

French franc at 75 Comoran francs per French franc; since 1 January

1999, the Comoran franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of 491.9677

Comoran francs per euro

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Comoros

Telephones - main lines in use:

7,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: sparse system of microwave radio relay and HF

radiotelephone communication stations

domestic: HF radiotelephone communications and microwave radio relay

international: HF radiotelephone communications to Madagascar and

Reunion

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001)

Radios:

90,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

NA

Televisions:

1,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.km

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

2,500 (2002)

Transportation Comoros

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 880 km paved: 673 km unpaved: 207 km (1999 est)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Fomboni, Moroni, Moutsamoudou

Merchant marine:

total: 28 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 432,132 GRT/796,734 DWT

ships by type: bulk 4, cargo 15, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker

5, refrigerated cargo 1, specialized tanker 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Malta 1, Pakistan 1, Turkey 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

4 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Military Comoros

Military branches:

Comoran Security Force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 150,079 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 89,090 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$6 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Comoros

Disputes - international: claims French-administered Mayotte

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Introduction Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Background:

Since 1997, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DROC; formerly

called Zaire) has been rent by ethnic strife and civil war, touched

off by a massive inflow in 1994 of refugees from the fighting in

Rwanda and Burundi. The government of former president MOBUTU Sese

Seko was toppled by a rebellion led by Laurent KABILA in May 1997;

his regime was subsequently challenged by a Rwanda- and

Uganda-backed rebellion in August 1998. Troops from Zimbabwe,

Angola, Namibia, Chad, and Sudan intervened to support the Kinshasa

regime. A cease-fire was signed on 10 July 1999 by the DROC,

Zimbabwe, Angola, Uganda, Namibia, Rwanda, and Congolese armed rebel

groups, but sporadic fighting continued. KABILA was assassinated on

16 January 2001 and his son Joseph KABILA was named head of state

ten days later. In October 2002, the new president was successful in

getting occupying Rwandan forces to withdraw from eastern Congo; two

months later, an agreement was signed by all remaining warring

parties to end the fighting and set up a government of national

unity.

Geography Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Location:

Central Africa, northeast of Angola

Geographic coordinates:

0 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,345,410 sq km

water: 77,810 sq km

land: 2,267,600 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 10,730 km

border countries: Angola 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary

of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province), Burundi 233 km, Central

African Republic 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Rwanda

217 km, Sudan 628 km, Tanzania 459 km, Uganda 765 km, Zambia 1,930 km

Coastline:

37 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: boundaries with neighbors

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier

in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north

of Equator - wet season April to October, dry season December to

February; south of Equator - wet season November to March, dry

season April to October

Terrain:

vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110

m

Natural resources:

cobalt, copper, cadmium, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds,

gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, germanium, uranium, radium,

bauxite, iron ore, coal, hydropower, timber

Land use:

arable land: 2.96%

permanent crops: 0.52%

other: 96.52% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

110 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts in south; Congo River floods (seasonal); in the

east, in the Great Rift Valley, there are active volcanoes

Environment - current issues:

poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution;

deforestation; refugees responsible for significant deforestation,

soil erosion, and wildlife poaching; mining of minerals (coltan - a

mineral used in creating capacitors, diamonds, and gold) causing

environmental damage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear

Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

straddles equator; has very narrow strip of land that controls the

lower Congo River and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean; dense

tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands

People Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Population:

56,625,039

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 48.3% (male 13,734,706; female 13,624,579)

15-64 years: 49.2% (male 13,648,155; female 14,203,077)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 583,366; female 831,156) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 15.8 years

female: 16.1 years (2002)

male: 15.4 years

Population growth rate:

2.9% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

45.12 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

14.87 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: fighting between the Congolese Government and Uganda- and

Rwanda-backed Congolese rebels spawned a regional war in DROC in

August 1998, which left 1.8 million Congolese internally displaced

and caused 300,000 Congolese refugees to flee to surrounding

countries (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 96.56 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 87.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 105.15 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 48.93 years

male: 46.83 years

female: 51.09 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.69 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

4.9% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.3 million (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

120,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Ethnic groups:

over 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu; the

four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the

Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about 45% of the population

Religions:

Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%,

other syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs 10%

Languages:

French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language),

Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write French, Lingala,

Kingwana, or Tshiluba

total population: 65.5%

male: 76.2%

female: 55.1% (2003 est.)

Government Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of the Congo

conventional short form: none

local short form: none

former: Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville,

Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire

local long form: Republique Democratique du Congo

abbreviation: DROC

Government type:

dictatorship; presumably undergoing a transition to representative

government

Capital:

Kinshasa

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces (provinces, singular - province) and one city*

(ville); Bandundu, Bas-Congo, Equateur, Kasai-Occidental,

Kasai-Oriental, Katanga, Kinshasa*, Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Orientale,

Sud-Kivu

Independence:

30 June 1960 (from Belgium)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 June (1960)

Constitution:

24 June 1967, amended August 1974, revised 15 February 1978,

amended April 1990; transitional constitution promulgated in April

1994; in November 1998, a draft constitution was approved by former

President Laurent KABILA but it was not ratified by a national

referendum; one outcome of the ongoing inter-Congolese dialogue is

to be a new constitution

Legal system:

based on Belgian civil law system and tribal law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Joseph KABILA (since 26 January 2001);

note - following the assassination of his father, Laurent Desire

KABILA, on 16 January 2001, Joseph KABILA succeeded to the

presidency; the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Joseph KABILA (since 26 January 2001);

note - following the assassination of his father, Laurent Desire

KABILA, on 16 January 2001, Joseph KABILA succeeded to the

presidency; the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: National Executive Council, appointed by the president

elections: prior to the overthrow of MOBUTU Sese Seko, the president

was elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last

held 29 July 1984 (next was scheduled to be held in May 1997);

formerly, there was also a prime minister who was elected by the

High Council of the Republic; note - a Transitional Government is

drafting a new constitution with free elections scheduled to be held

in NA 2005

note: Joseph KABILA succeeded his father, Laurent Desire KABILA,

following the latter's assassination in January 2001, negotiations

with rebel leaders led to the establishment of a Transitional

Government in July 2003 with free elections scheduled to be held in

NA 2005

election results: results of the last election were: MOBUTU Sese

Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga reelected president in 1984 without

opposition

Legislative branch:

a 300-member Transitional Constituent Assembly established in

August 2000

elections: NA; members of the Transitional Constituent Assembly were

appointed by former President Laurent Desire KABILA

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Social Christian Party or PDSC [Andre BO-BOLIKO]; Forces

for Renovation for Union and Solidarity or FONUS [Joseph

OLENGHANKOY]; National Congolese Lumumbist Movement or MNC [Francois

LUMUMBA]; Popular Movement of the Revolution or MPR (three factions:

MPR-Fait Prive [Catherine NZUZI wa Mbombo]; MPR/Vunduawe [Felix

VUNDUAWE]; MPR/Mananga [MANANGA Dintoka Mpholo]); Unified Lumumbast

Party or PALU [Antoine GIZENGA]; Union for Democracy and Social

Progress or UDPS [Etienne TSHISEKEDI wa Mulumba]; Union of

Federalists and Independent Republicans or UFERI (two factions:

UFERI [Lokambo OMOKOKO]; UFERI/OR [Adolph Kishwe MAYA])

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW (signatory), PCA, SADC,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Faida MITIFU FAX: [1] (202) 234-2609 telephone: [1] (202) 234-7690, 7691 chancery: 1800 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Aubrey HOOKS embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa mailing address: Unit 31550, APO AE 09828 telephone: [243] (88) 43608 FAX: [243] (88) 43467

Flag description:

light blue with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center and

a columnar arrangement of six small yellow five-pointed stars along

the hoist side

Economy Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Economy - overview:

The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - a nation

endowed with vast potential wealth - has declined drastically since

the mid-1980s. The war, which began in August 1998, has dramatically

reduced national output and government revenue, has increased

external debt, and has resulted in the deaths from war, famine, and

disease of perhaps 3.5 million people. Foreign businesses have

curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the

conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating

environment. The war has intensified the impact of such basic

problems as an uncertain legal framework, corruption, inflation, and

lack of openness in government economic policy and financial

operations. Conditions improved in late 2002 with the withdrawal of

a large portion of the invading foreign troops. A number of IMF and

World Bank missions have met with the government to help it develop

a coherent economic plan, and President KABILA has begun

implementing reforms. Much economic activity lies outside the GDP

data.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $34 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 55%

industry: 11%

services: 34% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

16% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

14.51 million (1993 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

NA

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $269 million

expenditures: $244 million, including capital expenditures of $24

million (1996 est.)

Industries:

mining (diamonds, copper, zinc), mineral processing, consumer

products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods

and beverages), cement

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

5.243 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 1.8% hydro: 98.2% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

3.839 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.097 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

60 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

14,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.538 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

104.8 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits; wood products

Exports:

$1.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, copper, crude oil, coffee, cobalt

Exports - partners:

Belgium 64.4%, US 13.4%, Zimbabwe 6.7%, Finland 4.9% (2002)

Imports:

$890 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, mining and other machinery, transport equipment, fuels

Imports - partners:

Belgium 14.6%, South Africa 14.2%, Nigeria 10.3%, France 9.5%,

Germany 7.3%, Netherlands 5.3%, Kenya 5.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$12.9 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$195.3 million (1995)

Currency:

Congolese franc (CDF)

Currency code:

CDF

Exchange rates:

Congolese francs per US dollar - 346.49 (2002), 206.62 (2001),

21.82 (2000), 4.02 (1999), 1.61 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15,000 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: poor

domestic: barely adequate wire and microwave radio relay service in

and between urban areas; domestic satellite system with 14 earth

stations

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 11, shortwave 2 (2001)

Radios:

18.03 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (2001)

Televisions:

6.478 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.cd

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2001)

Internet users:

6,000 (2002)

Transportation Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Railways:

total: 4,772 km

narrow gauge: 3,621 km 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified); 125 km

1.000-m gauge; 1,026 km 0.600-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 157,000 km (including 30 km of expressways)

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

15,000 km (including the Congo and its tributaries, and unconnected

lakes)

Pipelines:

gas 54 km; oil 71 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Banana, Boma, Bukavu, Bumba, Goma, Kalemie, Kindu, Kinshasa,

Kisangani, Matadi, Mbandaka

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

229 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 24 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 205 1,524 to 2,437 m: 19 914 to 1,523 m: 95 under 914 m: 91 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Special Security Battalion

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 12,292,933 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 6,267,752 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$250 million (FY97)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.6% (FY97)

Transnational Issues Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Disputes - international:

Democratic Republic of the Congo is in the grip of a civil war that

has drawn in military forces from neighboring states, with Uganda

and Rwanda supporting the rebel movements that occupy much of the

eastern portion of the state - Tutsi, Hutu, Lendu, Hema and other

conflicting ethnic groups, political rebels, and various government

forces continue fighting in Great Lakes region, transcending the

boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and

Uganda - heads of the Great Lakes states pledge to end conflict, but

localized violence continues despite UN peacekeeping efforts; most

of the Congo River boundary with the Republic of the Congo is

indefinite (no agreement has been reached on the division of the

river or its islands, except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for domestic consumption;

while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leaves the

banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a

well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a

money-laundering center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Congo, Republic of the

Introduction Congo, Republic of the

Background:

Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo

became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of

experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a

democratically elected government installed in 1992. A brief civil

war in 1997 restored former Marxist President SASSOU-NGUESSO, but

ushered in a period of ethnically based unrest. Southern-based rebel

groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003. The Republic of

Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers with

significant potential for offshore development.

Geography Congo, Republic of the

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola

and Gabon

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 S, 15 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 342,000 sq km

water: 500 sq km

land: 341,500 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 5,504 km

border countries: Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African

Republic 467 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Gabon

1,903 km

Coastline:

169 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to

October); constantly high temperatures and humidity; particularly

enervating climate astride the Equator

Terrain:

coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Berongou 903 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates,

natural gas, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 0.5% permanent crops: 0.13% other: 99.37% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

seasonal flooding

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the

dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber

94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or

along the railroad between them

People Congo, Republic of the

Population:

2,954,258

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.4% (male 570,491; female 563,079)

15-64 years: 58% (male 844,655; female 868,851)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 44,166; female 63,016) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.2 years

male: 19.8 years

female: 20.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.53% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

29.46 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

14.2 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 95.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 89.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 101.45 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 50.02 years

male: 49.04 years

female: 51.02 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

7.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

110,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Ethnic groups:

Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and other 3%

note: Europeans estimated at 8,500, mostly French, before the 1997

civil war; may be half that in 1998, following the widespread

destruction of foreign businesses in 1997

Religions:

Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%

Languages:

French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade

languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo has

the most users)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 83.8%

male: 89.6%

female: 78.4% (2003 est.)

Government Congo, Republic of the

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Congo

conventional short form: Congo (Brazzaville)

local short form: none

former: Middle Congo, Congo/Brazzaville, Congo

local long form: Republique du Congo

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Brazzaville

Administrative divisions:

9 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza,

Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux,

Pool, Sangha

Independence:

15 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 August (1960)

Constitution:

constitution approved by referendum 20 January 2002

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October

1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected president

Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief of state

and head of government

head of government: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October

1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected president

Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief of state

and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term

(eligible for a second seven-year term); election last held 10 March

2002 (next to be held NA 2009)

election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percent

of vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 89.4%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU

2.7%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (66 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the National

Assembly (137 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 11 July 2002 (next to be held NA July

2007); National Assembly - last held 27 May and 26 June 2002 (next

to be held by NA May 2007)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - FDP 56, other 10; National Assembly - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - FDP 83, UDR 6, UPADS 3, other 45

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

the most important of the many parties are the Democratic and

Patriotic Forces or FDP (an alliance of Convention for Alternative

Democracy, Congolese Labor Party or PCT, Liberal Republican Party,

National Union for Democracy and Progress, Patriotic Union for the

National Reconstruction, and Union for the National Renewal) [Denis

SASSOU-NGUESSO, president]; Congolese Movement for Democracy and

Integral Development or MCDDI [Michel MAMPOUYA]; Pan-African Union

for Social Development or UPADS [Martin MBERI]; Rally for Democracy

and Social Progress or RDPS [Jean-Pierre Thystere TCHICAYA,

president]; Rally for Democracy and the Republic or RDR [Raymond

Damasge NGOLLO]; Union for Democracy and Republic or UDR [leader

NA]; Union of Democratic Forces or UFD [Sebastian EBAO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Congolese Trade Union Congress or CSC; General Union of Congolese

Pupils and Students or UGEEC; Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women

or URFC; Union of Congolese Socialist Youth or UJSC

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW (signatory), UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,

WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Serge MOMBOULI

FAX: [1] (202) 726-1860

telephone: [1] (202) 726-5500

chancery: 4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robin R. SANDERS

embassy: NA

mailing address: NA

telephone: [243] (88) 43608

note: the embassy is temporarily collocated with the US Embassy in

the Democratic Republic of the Congo (US Embassy Kinshasa, 310

Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa)

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the

upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red;

uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Economy Congo, Republic of the

Economy - overview:

The economy is a mixture of village agriculture and handicrafts, an

industrial sector based largely on oil, support services, and a

government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. Oil

has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing a

major share of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s,

rapidly rising oil revenues enabled the government to finance

large-scale development projects with GDP growth averaging 5%

annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. The government has

mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil earnings, contributing to

a shortage of revenues. The 12 January 1994 devaluation of Franc

Zone currencies by 50% resulted in inflation of 61% in 1994, but

inflation has subsided since. Economic reform efforts continued with

the support of international organizations, notably the World Bank

and the IMF. The reform program came to a halt in June 1997 when

civil war erupted. Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, who returned to power when

the war ended in October 1997, publicly expressed interest in moving

forward on economic reforms and privatization and in renewing

cooperation with international financial institutions. However,

economic progress was badly hurt by slumping oil prices and the

resumption of armed conflict in December 1998, which worsened the

republic's budget deficit. The current administration presides over

an uneasy internal peace and faces difficult economic problems of

stimulating recovery and reducing poverty.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.5 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10%

industry: 48%

services: 42% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $870 million

expenditures: $970 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997 est.)

Industries:

petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil,

soap, flour, cigarettes

Industrial production growth rate:

0% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

358.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0.3% hydro: 99.7% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

633 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

300 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

275,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

93.5 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

495.5 million cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: cassava (tapioca), sugar, rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa; forest products

Exports:

$2.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds

Exports - partners:

Taiwan 28.1%, South Korea 20.4%, China 9.3%, US 8.4%, Germany 6.6%,

France 5.2% (2002)

Imports:

$730 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

France 22.1%, Italy 8.5%, Belgium 6%, US 5.2%, India 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$5 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$159.1 million (1995)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible

authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Currency code:

XAF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 697

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Congo, Republic of the

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,300 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: services barely adequate for government use;

key exchanges are in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo;

intercity lines frequently out of order

domestic: primary network consists of microwave radio relay and

coaxial cable

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 3 (2001)

Radios:

341,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2002)

Televisions:

33,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.cg

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

500 (2001)

Transportation Congo, Republic of the

Railways: total: 894 km narrow gauge: 894 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 12,800 km paved: 1,242 km unpaved: 11,558 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

1,120 km

note: the Congo and Ubangi (Oubangui) rivers provide 1,120 km of

commercially navigable water transport; other rivers are used for

local traffic only

Pipelines:

gas 53 km; oil 673 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Brazzaville, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo, Pointe-Noire

Airports:

31 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 27 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 11 (2002)

Military Congo, Republic of the

Military branches:

Army, Air Force, Navy, Gendarmerie, National Police

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 754,814 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 381,556 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 31,644 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$84 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.8% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Congo, Republic of the

Disputes - international:

most of the Congo River boundary with the Democratic Republic of

the Congo is indefinite (no agreement has been reached on the

division of the river or its islands, except in the Stanley

Pool/Pool Malebo area)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Cook Islands

Introduction Cook Islands

Background:

Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands

became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative

control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose

self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration

of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are

continuing problems.

Geography Cook Islands

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about

one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

21 14 S, 159 46 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 240 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 240 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

120 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Te Manga 652 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 17.39%

permanent crops: 13.04%

other: 69.57% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons (November to March)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated,

coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands consist of eight elevated,

fertile, volcanic isles where most of the populace lives

People Cook Islands

Population: 21,008 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

NA% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Cook Islander(s)

adjective: Cook Islander

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%,

Polynesian and non-European 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9%

Religions:

Christian (majority of populace are members of the Cook Islands

Christian Church)

Languages:

English (official), Maori

Literacy: definition: NA total population: 95% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Cook Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Cook Islands

former: Harvey Islands

Dependency status:

self-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands

is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains

responsibility for external affairs and defense, in consultation

with the Cook Islands

Government type:

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Avarua

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on

4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full

independence by unilateral action)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)

Constitution:

4 August 1965

Legal system:

based on New Zealand law and English common law

Suffrage:

NA years of age; universal adult

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Frederick GOODWIN (since NA); New Zealand High

Commissioner Kurt MEYER (since NA), representative of New Zealand

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the UK representative is

appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner is

appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition usually becomes prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Robert WOONTON (since 12

February 2002); Deputy Prime Minister Ngamau MUNOKOA (since 5

November 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively

responsible to Parliament

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (25 seats; members elected by popular vote to

serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 16 June 1999 (next to be held by NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

CIP 12, DAP 12, NAP 1

note: the House of Ariki (chiefs) advises on traditional matters and

maintains considerable influence, but has no legislative powers

Judicial branch:

High Court

Political parties and leaders:

Cook Islands People's Party or CIP [Geoffrey HENRY]; Democratic

Alliance Party or DAP [Terepai MAOATE]; New Alliance Party or NAP

[Norman GEORGE]; Cook Islands National Party or CIN [Teariki HEATHER]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AsDB, ESCAP (associate), FAO, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFRCS

(associate), IOC, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island)

centered in the outer half of the flag

Economy Cook Islands

Economy - overview:

Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands'

economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country

from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of

natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and

inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture provides the economic base

with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Manufacturing

activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and

handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants

and by foreign aid, overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s

and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated

public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent

reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of

economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt

restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $105 million (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.1% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17%

industry: 7.8%

services: 75.2% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.2% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

8,000 (1996)

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 29%, industry 15%, services 56% note: shortage of skilled labor (1995)

Unemployment rate:

13% (1996)

Budget:

revenues: $28 million

expenditures: $27 million, including capital expenditures of $3.3

million (FY 00/01 est.)

Industries:

fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2002)

Electricity - production:

27.43 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

25.51 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

450 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry

Exports:

$9.1 million (2000)

Exports - commodities:

copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls

and pearl shells; clothing

Exports - partners:

Australia 34%, Japan 27%, New Zealand 25%, US 8% (2000)

Imports:

$50.7 million (2000)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods

Imports - partners:

NZ 61%, Fiji 19%, US 9%, Australia 6%, Japan 2% (2000)

Debt - external:

$141 million (1996 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$13.1 million; note - New Zealand continues to furnish the greater

part (1995)

Currency:

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Currency code:

NZD

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.3535 (January 2002), 2.3776

(2001), 2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999), 1.8632 (1998), 1.5083 (1997)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Cook Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

5,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1994)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: the individual islands are connected by a combination of

satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF

radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small

exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and

fiber-optic cable

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

14,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (plus eight low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

4,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ck

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Cook Islands

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 320 km paved: 33 km unpaved: 287 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Avarua, Avatiu

Airports:

7 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Military Cook Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with

the Cook Islands and at its request

Transnational Issues Cook Islands

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Coral Sea Islands

Introduction Coral Sea Islands

Background:

Scattered over some 1 million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral

Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are

uninhabited except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis

Islets. Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy

many other islands and reefs.

Geography Coral Sea Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

18 00 S, 152 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: less than 3 sq km

note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea

area of about 780,000 sq km, with the Willis Islets the most

important

water: 0 sq km

land: less than 3 sq km

Area - comparative:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,095 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional tropical cyclones

Environment - current issues:

no permanent fresh water resources

Geography - note:

important nesting area for birds and turtles

People Coral Sea Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological

station (July 2003 est.)

Government Coral Sea Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory

conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the

Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories

Legal system:

the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply

Executive branch:

administered from Canberra by the Department of the Environment,

Sport, and Territories

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy Coral Sea Islands

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Communications Coral Sea Islands

Communications - note:

there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs

relaying data to the mainland

Transportation Coral Sea Islands

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military Coral Sea Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by

the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities

of visitors

Transnational Issues Coral Sea Islands

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Costa Rica

Introduction Costa Rica

Background:

Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th

century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its

democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural

country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology

and tourism sectors. The standard of living is relatively high. Land

ownership is widespread.

Geography Costa Rica

Location:

Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North

Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 84 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 51,100 sq km

water: 440 sq km

note: includes Isla del Coco

land: 50,660 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries: total: 639 km border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km

Coastline: 1,290 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy

season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Terrain:

coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100

volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m

Natural resources:

hydropower

Land use: arable land: 4.41% permanent crops: 5.48% other: 90.11% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,260 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent

flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active

volcanoes

Environment - current issues:

deforestation and land use change, largely a result of the clearing

of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal

marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air

pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Marine Life

Conservation

Geography - note:

four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San

Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu,

erupted destructively in 1963-65

People Costa Rica

Population:

3,896,092 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.1% (male 600,812; female 573,375)

15-64 years: 64.4% (male 1,269,667; female 1,241,097)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 98,156; female 112,985) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.4 years

male: 24.9 years

female: 25.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.56% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.4 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.31 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.51 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.56 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 11.49 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.43 years

male: 73.87 years

female: 79.11 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.38 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

11,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

890 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Costa Rican(s)

adjective: Costa Rican

Ethnic groups:

white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%,

other 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%,

other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 95.9%

female: 96.1% (2003 est.)

Government Costa Rica

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica

conventional short form: Costa Rica

local short form: Costa Rica

local long form: Republica de Costa Rica

Government type:

democratic republic

Capital:

San Jose

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago,

Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

7 November 1949

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative

acts in the Supreme Court; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Abel PACHECO (since 8 May 2002); First

Vice President Lineth SABORIO (since NA May 2002); Second Vice

President Luis FISHMAN (since NA May 2002); note - the president is

both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Abel PACHECO (since 8 May 2002); First

Vice President Lineth SABORIO (since NA May 2002); Second Vice

President Luis FISHMAN (since NA May 2002); note - the president is

both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president

elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 3 February

2002; run-off election held 7 April 2002 (next to be held NA

February 2006)

election results: Abel PACHECO elected president; percent of vote -

Abel PACHECO (PUSC) 58%; Rolando ARAYA (PLN) 42%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (57 seats;

members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 3 February 2002 (next to be held 3 February

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -

PUSC 19, PLN 17, PAC 14, PML 6, PRC 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (22 justices are elected for

eight-year terms by the Legislative Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Agricultural Labor Action or PALA [Carlos Alberto SOLIS Blanco];

Citizen Action Party or PAC [Otton SOLIS]; Costa Rican Renovation

Party or PRC [Justo OROZCO]; Democratic Force Party or PFD [Jose M.

NUNEZ]; Libertarian Movement Party or PML [Otto GUEVARA Guth];

National Christian Alliance Party or ANC [Alejandro MADRIGAL];

National Independent Party or PNI [Jorge GONZALEZ Marten]; National

Integration Party or PIN [Walter MUNOZ Cespedes]; National

Liberation Party or PLN [Sonia PICADO]; Social Christian Unity Party

or PUSC [Luis Manuel CHACON]

note: mainly a two-party system - PUSC and PLN - until the 3

February 2002 election in which the PAC captured a significant

percentage, forcing a run-off in April 2002

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers or CATD (Communist

Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; Confederated Union of

Workers or CUT (Communist Party affiliate); Costa Rican

Confederation of Democratic Workers or CCTD (Liberation Party

affiliate); Federation of Public Service Workers or FTSP; National

Association for Economic Development or ANFE; National Association

of Educators or ANDE; Rerum Novarum or CTRN (PLN affiliate) [Gilbert

Brown]

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL,

OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime DAREMBLUM Rosenstein

chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Durham (North

Carolina), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York,

Phoenix, San Antonio, San Francisco, St. Paul, and Tampa

consulate(s): Austin

FAX: [1] (202) 265-4795

telephone: [1] (202) 234-2945

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John J. DANILOVICH embassy: Calle 120 Avenida O, Pavas, San Jose mailing address: APO AA 34020 telephone: [506] 220-3939 FAX: [506] 220-2305

Flag description:

five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width),

white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk on

the hoist side of the red band; above the coat of arms a light blue

ribbon contains the words, AMERICA CENTRAL, and just below it near

the top of the coat of arms is a white ribbon with the words,

REPUBLICA COSTA RICA

Economy Costa Rica

Economy - overview:

Costa Rica's basically stable economy depends on tourism,

agriculture, and electronics exports. Poverty has been substantially

reduced over the past 15 years, and a strong social safety net has

been put into place. At the same time, distribution of income

remains severely unequal. Foreign investors remain attracted by the

country's political stability and high education levels, and tourism

continues to bring in foreign exchange. However, traditional export

sectors have not kept pace. Low coffee prices and an overabundance

of bananas have hurt the agricultural sector. The government

continues to grapple with its large deficit and massive internal

debt, with the need to modernize the state-owned electricity and

telecommunications sector, and with the problem of bringing down

inflation.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $32 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 9% industry: 30% services: 61% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 20.6% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.7% highest 10%: 34.6% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.9 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.9 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 20%, industry 22%, services 58% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.3% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.91 billion

expenditures: $2.35 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

microprocessors, food processing, textiles and clothing,

construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products

Industrial production growth rate:

2.9% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

6.839 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 1.5% hydro: 81.9% other: 16.6% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

6.109 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

379 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

128 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

37,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: coffee, pineapples, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber

Exports: $5.1 billion (2002)

Exports - commodities: coffee, bananas, sugar; pineapples; textiles, electronic components, medical equipment

Exports - partners:

US 31.5%, Netherlands 8.9%, UK 4.5% (2002)

Imports:

$6.4 billion (2002)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum

Imports - partners:

US 36.7%, Japan 4.4%, Mexico 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$4.8 billion (2002 est.)

Currency:

Costa Rican colon (CRC)

Currency code:

CRC

Exchange rates:

Costa Rican colones per US dollar - 359.82 (2002), 328.87 (2001),

308.19 (2000), 285.69 (1999), 257.23 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Costa Rica

Telephones - main lines in use:

450,000 (1998)

note: 584,000 installed in 1997, but only about 450,000 were in use

in 1998

Telephones - mobile cellular:

143,000 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: very good domestic telephone service

domestic: point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave,

fiber-optic, and coaxial cable link rural areas; Internet service is

available

international: connected to Central American Microwave System;

satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); two

submarine cables (1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 50, FM 43, shortwave 19 (1998)

Radios:

980,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

6 (plus 11 repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

525,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.cr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (of which only one is legal) (2000)

Internet users:

384,000 (2002)

Transportation Costa Rica

Railways: total: 950 km narrow gauge: 950 km 1.067-m gauge (260 km electrified) (2002)

Highways: total: 35,892 km paved: 7,896 km unpaved: 27,996 km (2000)

Waterways:

730 km (seasonally navigable)

Pipelines:

refined products 421 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Caldera, Golfito, Moin, Puerto Limon, Puerto Quepos, Puntarenas

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,716 GRT/ DWT

ships by type: passenger 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

151 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 30 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 19 under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 121 914 to 1,523 m: 28 under 914 m: 93 (2002)

Military Costa Rica

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Air Section, Ministry of

Public Forces (Fuerza Publica)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,080,254 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 722,043 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 41,453 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$69 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.6% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Costa Rica

Disputes - international: legal dispute over navigational rights of Rio San Juan on border with Nicaragua

Illicit drugs:

transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South America;

illicit production of cannabis on small, scattered plots; domestic

cocaine consumption is rising, particularly crack cocaine

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Cote d'Ivoire

Introduction Cote d'Ivoire

Background:

Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the development of

cocoa production for export, and foreign investment made Cote

d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the tropical African states,

but did not protect it from political turmoil. On 25 December 1999,

a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history -

overthrew the government led by President Henri Konan BEDIE. Junta

leader Robert GUEI held elections in late 2000, but excluded

prominent opposition leader Alassane OUATTARA, blatantly rigged the

polling results, and declared himself winner. Popular protest forced

GUEI to step aside and brought runner-up Laurent GBAGBO into power.

GBAGBO spent his first two years in office trying to consolidate

power to strengthen his weak mandate, but he was unable to appease

his opponents, who launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002.

Rebel forces claimed the northern half of the country and in January

2003 were granted ministerial positions in a unity government.

However, the central government has yet to exert control over the

northern regions and tension remains high between GBAGBO and rebel

leaders. Several thousand French and West African troops remain in

Cote d'Ivoire to maintain peace and help implement the peace accords.

Geography Cote d'Ivoire

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana

and Liberia

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 5 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 322,460 sq km

water: 4,460 sq km

land: 318,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 3,110 km

border countries: Burkina Faso 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km,

Liberia 716 km, Mali 532 km

Coastline:

515 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm

and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet

(June to October)

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m

highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt,

bauxite, copper, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 9.28% permanent crops: 13.84% other: 76.88% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

730 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during the rainy

season torrential flooding is possible

Environment - current issues: deforestation (most of the country's forests - once the largest in West Africa - have been heavily logged); water pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal region; apart

from the capital area, the forested interior is sparsely populated

People Cote d'Ivoire

Population:

16,962,491

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45.4% (male 3,796,393; female 3,902,210)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 4,541,997; female 4,347,531)

65 years and over: 2.2% (male 179,323; female 195,037) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17 years

male: 17.3 years

female: 16.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.15% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

40.01 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

18.41 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 98.33 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 80.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 115.29 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 42.65 years

male: 40.34 years

female: 45.04 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.51 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

9.7% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

770,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

75,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Ivorian(s)

adjective: Ivorian

Ethnic groups:

Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes 16.5%, Krous

11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 130,000 Lebanese and

20,000 French) (1998)

Religions:

Christian 20-30%, Muslim 35-40%, indigenous 25-40% (2001)

note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim

(70%) and Christian (20%)

Languages:

French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely

spoken

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 50.9%

male: 57.9%

female: 43.6% (2003 est.)

Government Cote d'Ivoire

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire

conventional short form: Cote d'Ivoire

local short form: Cote d'Ivoire

former: Ivory Coast

local long form: Republique de Cote d'Ivoire

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime established 1960

Capital:

Yamoussoukro; note - although Yamoussoukro has been the official

capital since 1983, Abidjan remains the commercial and

administrative center; the US, like other countries, maintains its

Embassy in Abidjan

Administrative divisions:

58 departments (departements, singular - departement); Abengourou,

Abidjan, Aboisso, Adiake, Adzope, Agboville, Agnibilekrou, Alepe,

Bocanda, Bangolo, Beoumi, Biankouma, Bondoukou, Bongouanou, Bouafle,

Bouake, Bouna, Boundiali, Dabakala, Dabou, Daloa, Danane, Daoukro,

Dimbokro, Divo, Duekoue, Ferkessedougou, Gagnoa, Grand-Bassam,

Grand-Lahou, Guiglo, Issia, Jacqueville, Katiola, Korhogo, Lakota,

Man, Mankono, Mbahiakro, Odienne, Oume, Sakassou, San-Pedro,

Sassandra, Seguela, Sinfra, Soubre, Tabou, Tanda, Tiebissou,

Tingrela, Tiassale, Touba, Toulepleu, Toumodi, Vavoua, Yamoussoukro,

Zuenoula

Independence:

7 August (1960) (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 August (1960)

Constitution:

3 November 1960; has been amended numerous times, last time 27 July

1998

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review

in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Laurent GBAGBO (since 26 October 2000);

note - took power following a popular overthrow of the interim

leader Gen. Robert GUEI who had claimed a dubious victory in

presidential elections; Gen. GUEI himself had assumed power on 25

December 1999, following a military coup against the government of

former President Henri Konan BEDIE

head of government: Prime Minister Seydou DIARRA (since 25 January

2003); note - appointed as transitional Prime Minister by President

GBAGBO as part of a French brokered peace plan

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 26 October 2000 (next to be held NA 2005); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: Laurent GBAGBO elected president; percent of vote

- Laurent GBAGBO 59.4%, Robert GUEI 32.7%, Francis WODIE 5.7%, other

2.2%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (225 seats;

members are elected in single- and multi-district elections by

direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: elections last held 10 December 2000 with by-elections on

14 January 2001 (next to be held NA 2005)

note: a Senate is scheduled to be created in the next full election

in 2005

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

FPI 96, PDCI-RDA 94, RDR 5, PIT 4, other 2, independents 22, vacant 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consists of four chambers: Judicial

Chamber for criminal cases, Audit Chamber for financial cases,

Constitutional Chamber for judicial review cases, and Administrative

Chamber for civil cases; there is no legal limit to the number of

members

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire-African Democratic Rally or

PDCI-RDA [Aime Henri Konan BEDIE]; Ivorian Popular Front or FPI

[Laurent GBAGBO]; Ivorian Worker's Party or PIT [Francis WODIE];

Rally of the Republicans or RDR [Alassane OUATTARA]; Union for

Democracy and Peace or UDPCI [leader NA]; over 20 smaller parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU,

WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pascal Dago KOKORA chancery: 3421 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 FAX: [1] (202) 462-9444 telephone: [1] (202) 797-0300

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Arlene RENDER

embassy: 5 Rue Jesse Owens, Abidjan

mailing address: B. P. 1712, Abidjan 01

telephone: [225] 20 21 09 79

FAX: [225] 20 22 32 59

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and

green; similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the

colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also

similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white,

and red; design was based on the flag of France

Economy Cote d'Ivoire

Economy - overview:

Cote d'Ivoire is among the world's largest producers and exporters

of coffee, cocoa beans, and palm oil. Consequently, the economy is

highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for these

products and to weather conditions. Despite government attempts to

diversify the economy, it is still largely dependent on agriculture

and related activities, which engage roughly 68% of the population.

After several years of lagging performance, the Ivorian economy

began a comeback in 1994, due to the 50% devaluation of the CFA

franc and improved prices for cocoa and coffee, growth in

nontraditional primary exports such as pineapples and rubber,

limited trade and banking liberalization, offshore oil and gas

discoveries, and generous external financing and debt rescheduling

by multilateral lenders and France. Moreover, government adherence

to donor-mandated reforms led to a jump in growth to 5% annually

during 1996-99. Growth was negative in 2000-02 because of the

difficulty of meeting the conditions of international donors,

continued low prices of key exports, and severe civil war fighting.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $24.03 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 29% industry: 22% services: 49% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 37% (1995)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.1% highest 10%: 28.8% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.7 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

68% agricultural (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13% in urban areas (1998)

Budget:

revenues: $1.72 billion

expenditures: $2.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $420

million (2001 est.)

Industries:

foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining, truck and bus

assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials, electricity

Industrial production growth rate:

15% (1998 est.)

Electricity - production:

4.605 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 61.9% hydro: 38.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

2.983 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.3 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

32,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

50 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

1.35 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.35 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

14.87 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: coffee, cocoa beans, bananas, palm kernels, corn, rice, manioc (tapioca), sweet potatoes, sugar, cotton, rubber; timber

Exports:

$4.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cocoa, coffee, timber, petroleum, cotton, bananas, pineapples, palm

oil, fish

Exports - partners:

France 14.5%, Netherlands 12.9%, US 7.6%, Germany 5.4%, Mali 4.6%,

Belgium 4.4%, Spain 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$2.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuel, capital equipment, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

France 22.7%, Nigeria 16.6%, China 7.9%, Italy 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$10.3 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA, $1 billion (1996 est.)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible

authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Currency code:

XOF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Cote d'Ivoire

Telephones - main lines in use:

263,700 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

450,000 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: well developed by African standards but

operating well below capacity

domestic: open-wire lines and microwave radio relay; 90% digitalized

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); 2 coaxial submarine cables (June 1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 3 (1998)

Radios:

2.26 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

14 (1999)

Televisions:

1.09 million (2000)

Internet country code:

.ci

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2001)

Internet users:

70,000 (2002)

Transportation Cote d'Ivoire

Railways:

total: 660 km

narrow gauge: 660 km 1.000-meter gauge

note: an additional 622 km of this railroad extends into Burkina

Faso (2002)

Highways: total: 50,400 km paved: 4,889 km unpaved: 45,511 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

980 km (navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoons)

Pipelines:

condensate 107 km; gas 223 km; oil 104 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Abidjan, Aboisso, Dabou, San-Pedro

Airports:

36 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 29

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Military Cote d'Ivoire

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Gendarmerie, Republican Guard

(includes Presidential Guard)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 4,035,462 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,110,276 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 198,115 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$143.5 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Cote d'Ivoire

Disputes - international:

rebel fighting extended to neighboring states and has driven out

nationals and foreign workers to nearby countries; the Ivorian

Government accuses Burkina Faso and Liberia of supporting Ivorian

rebels

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for local consumption;

transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin to

Europe and occasionally to the US, and for Latin American cocaine

destined for Europe and South Africa; while rampant corruption and

inadequate supervision leave the banking system vulnerable to money

laundering, the lack of a developed financial system limits the

country's utility as a major money-laundering center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Croatia

Introduction Croatia

Background:

In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known

after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became

a federal independent Communist state under the strong hand of

Marshal TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from

Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often

bitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared

from Croatian lands. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held

enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998.

Geography Croatia

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and

Herzegovina and Slovenia

Geographic coordinates:

45 10 N, 15 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 56,542 sq km

water: 128 sq km

land: 56,414 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 2,197 km

border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km,

Serbia and Montenegro (north) 241 km, Serbia and Montenegro (south)

25 km, Slovenia 670 km

Coastline:

5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km)

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with

hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast

Terrain:

geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low

mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Dinara 1,830 m

Natural resources:

oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, natural

asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 23.55% permanent crops: 2.24% other: 74.21% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues: air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid rain is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; landmine removal and reconstruction of infrastructure consequent to 1992-95 civil strife

Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and

Turkish Straits

People Croatia

Population:

4,422,248 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 415,873; female 394,414)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 1,465,488; female 1,454,778)

65 years and over: 15.6% (male 258,943; female 432,752) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.9 years

male: 37.1 years

female: 40.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.31% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.76 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

11.25 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.92 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 7.78 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.37 years

male: 70.76 years

female: 78.2 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.93 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

200 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 10 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Croat(s), Croatian(s)

adjective: Croatian

Ethnic groups:

Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, Bosniak 0.5%, Hungarian 0.4%, Slovene 0.3%,

Czech 0.2%, Roma 0.2%, Albanian 0.1%, Montenegrin 0.1%, others 4.1%

(2001)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, Muslim 1.3%, Protestant 0.3%,

others and unknown 6.2% (2001)

Languages:

Croatian 96%, other 4% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech,

Slovak, and German)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.5%

male: 99.4%

female: 97.8% (2003 est.)

Government Croatia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Croatia

conventional short form: Croatia

local short form: Hrvatska

local long form: Republika Hrvatska

Government type:

presidential/parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Zagreb

Administrative divisions:

20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city* (grad -

singular); Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska Zupanija, Brodsko-Posavska

Zupanija, Dubrovacko-Neretvanska Zupanija, Istarska Zupanija,

Karlovacka Zupanija, Koprivnicko-Krizevacka Zupanija,

Krapinsko-Zagorska Zupanija, Licko-Senjska Zupanija, Medimurska

Zupanija, Osjecko-Baranjska Zupanija, Pozesko-Slavonska Zupanija,

Primorsko-Goranska Zupanija, Sibensko-Kninska Zupanija,

Sisacko-Moslavacka Zupanija, Splitsko-Dalmatinska Zupanija,

Varazdinska Zupanija, Viroviticko-Podravska Zupanija,

Vukovarsko-Srijemska Zupanija, Zadarska Zupanija, Zagreb*,

Zagrebacka Zupanija

Independence:

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

National holiday:

Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

Constitution:

adopted on 22 December 1990

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Stjepan (Stipe) MESIC (since 18 February

2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Ivica RACAN (since 27 January

2000); Deputy Prime Ministers Goran GRANIC (since 27 January 2000),

Ante SIMONIC (since 30 July 2002), Zeljka ANTUNOVI (since 27 January

2000), Slavko LINIC (since 27 January 2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and

approved by the House of Representatives

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 7 February 2000 (next to be held NA 2005); prime

minister nominated by the president in line with the balance of

power in the Assembly

note: government coalition - SDP, HSLS, HSS, LP, HNS; a sixth party,

the Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS), withdrew in June 2001

election results: Stjepan MESIC elected president; percent of vote -

Stjepan MESIC (HNS) 56%, Drazen BUDISA (HSLS) 44%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly or Sabor (152 seats; note - one seat was added

in the November Parliamentary elections; members elected by popular

vote to serve four-year terms); note - House of Counties was

abolished in March 2001

election results: Assembly (then referred to as the House of

Representatives) - percent of vote by party - HDZ 43.4%, SDP 23%,

HNS 7.4%, HSS 6.57%, HSP 6%; seats by party - HDZ 66, SDP 34, HNS

10, HSS 9, HSP 7; note - these are preliminary results

elections: Assembly - last held 23 November 2003 (next to be held in

2007)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; judges for both courts

appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial Council of the

Republic, which is elected by the House of Representatives

Political parties and leaders:

Croatian Bloc or HB [Ivic PASALIC]; Croatian Christian Democratic

Union or HKDU [Anto KOVACEVIC]; Croatian Democratic Union or HDZ

[Ivo SANADER]; Croatian Party of Rights or HSP [Anto DJAPIC];

Croatian Peasant Party or HSS [Zlatko TOMCIC]; Croatian People's

Party or HNS [Vesna PUSIC]; Croatian Social Liberal Party or HSLS

[Drazen BUDISA]; Croatian True Revival Party or HIP [Miroslav

TUDJMAN]; Democratic Centre or DC [Mate GRANIC]; Istrian Democratic

Assembly or IDS [Ivan JAKOVCIC]; Liberal Party or LS [Ivo BANAC];

Party of Liberal Democrats or LIBRA [Goran GRANIC]; Social

Democratic Party of Croatia or SDP [Ivica RACAN]

note: the Social Democratic Party or SDP and the Croatian Social

Liberal Party or HSLS formed a coalition as did the HSS, HNS, LP,

and IDS, which together defeated the Croatian Democratic Union or

HDZ in the 2000 lower house parliamentary election; the IDS

subsequently left the governing coalition in June 2001 over its

inability to win greater autonomy for Istria

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA,

PFP, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMOGIP, UPU, WCO,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ivan GRDESIC

FAX: [1] (202) 588-8936

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

telephone: [1] (202) 588-5899

chancery: 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ralph FRANK

embassy: Thomasa Jeffersona 2, 10010 Zagreb

mailing address: use street address

telephone: [385] (1) 661-2200

FAX: [385] (1) 661-2373

Flag description:

red, white, and blue horizontal bands with Croatian coat of arms

(red and white checkered)

Economy Croatia

Economy - overview:

Before the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the Republic of Croatia,

after Slovenia, was the most prosperous and industrialized area,

with a per capita output perhaps one-third above the Yugoslav

average. The economy emerged from its mild recession in 2000 with

tourism the main factor, but massive structural unemployment remains

a key negative element. The government's failure to press the

economic reforms needed to spur growth is largely the result of

coalition politics and public resistance, particularly from the

trade unions. Opponents fear reforms would cut jobs, wages, and

social benefits. The government has a heavy backload of civil cases,

many involving tenure land. The country is likely to experience only

moderate growth without disciplined fiscal and structural reform.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $43.12 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $9,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9%

industry: 33%

services: 58% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.7% highest 10%: 23.3% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.7 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 13.2% NA, industry 25.4% NA, services 46.4% NA (2002)

Unemployment rate:

21.7% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $8.6 billion

expenditures: $9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal,

electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum, paper,

wood products, construction materials, textiles, shipbuilding,

petroleum and petroleum refining, food and beverages; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

2.8% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

12.12 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 33.6% hydro: 66% other: 0.4% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

14.27 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

386 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

3.386 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

29,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

89,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

93.6 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

1.76 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

2.84 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

1.08 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

34.36 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflower seed, barley, alfalfa, clover, olives, citrus, grapes, soybeans, potatoes; livestock, dairy products

Exports:

$4.9 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

transport equipment, textiles, chemicals, foodstuffs, fuels

Exports - partners:

Italy 22.4%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.4%, Germany 12.5%, Slovenia

8%, Austria 7.3% (2002)

Imports:

$10.7 billion c.i.f. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transport and electrical equipment, chemicals, fuels and

lubricants, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Italy 16.8%, Germany 16.4%, Slovenia 7.8%, Russia 6.8%, Austria

6.7%, France 5.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$16.5 billion (yearend 2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA $66 million (2000)

Currency:

kuna (HRK)

Currency code:

HRK

Exchange rates:

kuna per US dollar - 7.87 (2002), 8.34 (2001), 8.28 (2000), 7.11

(1999), 6.36 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Croatia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,721,139 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.3 million (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: reconstruction plan calls for replacement of all analog

circuits with digital and enlarging the network; a backup will be

included in the plan for the main trunk

international: digital international service is provided through the

main switch in Zagreb; Croatia participates in the Trans-Asia-Europe

(TEL) fiber-optic project, which consists of two fiber-optic trunk

connections with Slovenia and a fiber-optic trunk line from Rijeka

to Split and Dubrovnik; Croatia is also investing in ADRIA 1, a

joint fiber-optic project with Germany, Albania, and Greece (2000)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 16, FM 98, shortwave 5 (1999)

Radios:

1.51 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

36 (plus 321 repeaters) (September 1995)

Televisions:

1.22 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.hr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

9 (2000)

Internet users:

480,000 (2001)

Transportation Croatia

Railways: total: 2,296 km standard gauge: 2,296 km 1.435-m gauge (983 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 28,123 km

paved: 23,792 km (including 410 km of expressways)

unpaved: 4,331 km (2000)

Waterways:

785 km

note: (perennially navigable; large sections of Sava blocked by

downed bridges, silt, and debris)

Pipelines:

gas 1,374 km; oil 583 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Dubrovnik, Dugi Rat, Omisalj, Ploce, Pula, Rijeka, Sibenik, Split,

Vukovar (inland waterway port on Danube), Zadar

Merchant marine:

total: 56 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 765,830 GRT/1,188,948 DWT

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Hong Kong 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 14, cargo 16, chemical tanker 4, combination

bulk 5, multi-functional large-load carrier 3, passenger 1,

petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 6,

short-sea passenger 3

Airports:

59 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 16 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 9 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 4

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 43 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 34 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Croatia

Military branches:

Ground Forces (Hrvatska Vojska, HV), Naval Forces, Air and Air

Defense Forces

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,081,135 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 856,946 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 30,096 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$520 million (2002 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.39% (2002 est.)

Transnational Issues Croatia

Disputes - international:

discussions continue with Bosnia and Herzegovina on sections of the

Una River and villages at the base of Mount Pljesevica;

parliamentarians are far from ratifying the Croatia-Slovenia land

and maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most of

Pirin Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to

Croatia; in late 2002, Croatia and Serbia and Montenegro adopted an

interim agreement to settle the disputed Prevlaka Peninsula,

allowing the withdrawal of the UN monitoring mission (UNMOP), but

discussions could be complicated by the inability of Serbia and

Montenegro to come to an agreement on the economic aspects of the

new federal union; Croatia and Italy continue to debate bilateral

property and ethnic minority rights issues stemming from border

changes after the Second World War

Illicit drugs:

transit point along the Balkan route for Southwest Asian heroin to

Western Europe; has been used as a transit point for maritime

shipments of South American cocaine bound for Western Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Cuba

Introduction Cuba

Background:

Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his iron rule has

held the country together since then. Cuba's Communist revolution,

with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and

Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The country is now slowly

recovering from a severe economic recession in 1990, following the

withdrawal of former Soviet subsidies, worth $4 billion to $6

billion annually. Cuba portrays its difficulties as the result of

the US embargo in place since 1961. Illicit migration to the US -

using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, or falsified visas - is a

continuing problem. Some 2,500 Cubans attempted the crossing of the

Straits of Florida in 2002; the US Coast Guard apprehended about 60%

of the individuals.

Geography Cuba

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic

Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida

Geographic coordinates:

21 30 N, 80 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 110,860 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 110,860 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 29 km

border countries: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 29 km

note: Guantanamo Naval Base is leased by the US and thus remains

part of Cuba

Coastline:

3,735 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April);

rainy season (May to October)

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in

the southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Pico Turquino 2,005 m

Natural resources:

cobalt, nickel, iron ore, copper, manganese, salt, timber, silica,

petroleum, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 33.04%

other: 59.35% (1998 est.)

permanent crops: 7.61%

Irrigated land:

870 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to October (in

general, the country averages about one hurricane every other year);

droughts are common

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution; biodiversity loss; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the Greater

Antilles

People Cuba

Population:

11,263,429 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.1% (male 1,164,376; female 1,103,061)

15-64 years: 69.6% (male 3,932,604; female 3,909,523)

65 years and over: 10.2% (male 531,608; female 622,257) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.5 years

male: 33.9 years

female: 35.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.34% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

11.87 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.38 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.15 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 8.06 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.8 years

male: 74.38 years

female: 79.36 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.61 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,200 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

120 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Cuban(s) adjective: Cuban

Ethnic groups:

mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1%

Religions:

nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power;

Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also

represented

Languages:

Spanish

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

female: 96.9% (2003 est.)

male: 97.2%

total population: 97%

People - note:

illicit migration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to depart

the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien smugglers,

direct flights, or falsified visas; some 2,500 Cubans took to the

Straits of Florida in 2002; the US Coast Guard interdicted about 60%

of these migrants; Cubans also use non-maritime routes to enter the

US; some 1,500 Cubans arrived overland via the southwest border and

direct flights to Miami in 2002

Government Cuba

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cuba

conventional short form: Cuba

local short form: Cuba

local long form: Republica de Cuba

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

Havana

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special

municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila,

Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla

de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio,

Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara

Independence:

20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US

from 1898 to 1902)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 10 December (1898); note - 10 December 1898 is

the date of independence from Spain, 20 May 1902 is the date of

independence from US administration; Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953)

Constitution:

24 February 1976, amended July 1992 and June 2002

Legal system:

based on Spanish and American law, with large elements of Communist

legal theory; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of the Council of State and President of

the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister from

February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;

president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the

Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of

Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

elections: president and vice president elected by the National

Assembly; election last held 6 March 2003 (next to be held in 2008)

election results: Fidel CASTRO Ruz reelected president; percent of

legislative vote - 100%; Raul CASTRO Ruz elected vice president;

percent of legislative vote - 100%

cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the

Council of State, appointed by the National Assembly; note - there

is also a Council of State whose members are elected by the National

Assembly

head of government: President of the Council of State and President

of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister from

February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;

president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the

Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of

Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly of People's Power or Asemblea Nacional

del Poder Popular (609 seats, elected directly from slates approved

by special candidacy commissions; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 19 January 2003 (next to be held in 2008)

election results: percent of vote - PCC 97.6%; seats - PCC 609

Judicial branch:

People's Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo Popular (president, vice

president, and other judges are elected by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

only party - Cuban Communist Party or PCC [Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first

secretary]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS

(excluded from formal participation since 1962), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: none; note - Cuba has an Interests Section in the Swiss Embassy, headed by Principal Officer Dagoberto RODRIGUEZ Barrera (since August 2001); address: Cuban Interests Section, Swiss Embassy, 2630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone: [1] (202) 797-8518

Diplomatic representation from the US: none; note - the US has an Interests Section in the Swiss Embassy, headed by Principal Officer James C. CASON; address: USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana; telephone: [53] (7) 33-3551 through 3559 (operator assistance required); FAX: [53] (7) 33-3700; protecting power in Cuba is Switzerland

Flag description:

five equal horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom) alternating

with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the hoist side bears

a white, five-pointed star in the center; design influenced by the

US flag

Economy Cuba

Economy - overview:

The government continues to balance the need for economic loosening

against a desire for firm political control. It has undertaken

limited reforms in recent years to increase enterprise efficiency

and alleviate serious shortages of food, consumer goods, and

services but is unlikely to implement extensive changes. A major

feature of the economy is the dichotomy between relatively efficient

export enclaves and inefficient domestic sectors. The average

Cuban's standard of living remains at a lower level than before the

severe economic depression of the early 1990s, which was caused by

the loss of Soviet aid and domestic inefficiencies. High oil import

prices, recessions in key export markets, damage from Hurricanes

Isidore and Lili, and the tourist slump after 11 September 2001

hampered growth in 2002.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $30.69 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 7.6%

industry: 34.5%

services: 57.9% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force: 4.3 million note: state sector 78%, non-state sector 22% (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 24%, industry 25%, services 51% (1999)

Unemployment rate:

4.1% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $14.9 billion

expenditures: $15.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

sugar, petroleum, tobacco, chemicals, construction, services,

nickel, steel, cement, agricultural machinery, biotechnology

Industrial production growth rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

14.38 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 93.9% hydro: 0.6% other: 5.4% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

13.38 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

50,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

163,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

532 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

600 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

600 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

42.62 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

sugar, tobacco, citrus, coffee, rice, potatoes, beans; livestock

Exports:

$1.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, coffee

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 19.1%, Russia 18.1%, Canada 14.3%, Spain 9.5%, China

7.3% (2002)

Imports:

$4.8 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, food, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Spain 17.2%, China 12%, Italy 9.1%, France 7.6%, Mexico 7.3%,

Canada 6.2%, US 5.6%, Brazil 4.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$12.3 billion (convertible currency); another $15 billion -$20

billion owed to Russia (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$68.2 million (1997 est.)

Currency:

Cuban peso (CUP)

Currency code:

CUP

Exchange rates:

Cuban pesos per US dollar - 1.0000 (nonconvertible, official rate,

for international transactions, pegged to the US dollar);

convertible peso sold for domestic use at a rate of 1.00 US dollar

per 27 pesos by the Government of Cuba (2002)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Cuba

Telephones - main lines in use:

473,031 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,994 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: principal trunk system, end to end of country, is coaxial

cable; fiber-optic distribution in Havana and on Isla de la

Juventud; 2 microwave radio relay installations (one is old,

US-built; the other newer, built during the period of Soviet

support); both analog and digital mobile cellular service established

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic

Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 169, FM 55, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

3.9 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

58 (1997)

Televisions:

2.64 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.cu

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2001)

Internet users:

120,000 (2002)

Transportation Cuba

Railways:

total: 3,442 km

standard gauge: 3,442 km 1.435-m gauge (142 km electrified)

note: an additional 7,742 km of track is used by sugar plantations;

about 65% of this track is standard gauge; the rest is narrow gauge

(2002)

Highways:

total: 60,858 km

paved: 29,820 km (including 638 km of expressway)

unpaved: 31,038 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

240 km

Pipelines:

gas 49 km; oil 230 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Cienfuegos, Havana, Manzanillo, Mariel, Matanzas, Nuevitas,

Santiago de Cuba

Merchant marine:

total: 15 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 59,257 GRT/90,295 DWT

ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 5, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 1,

petroleum tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

161 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 70 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 22 under 914 m: 31 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 91 914 to 1,523 m: 28 under 914 m: 63 (2002)

Military Cuba

Military branches:

Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) including Revolutionary Army (ER),

Revolutionary Navy (MGR), Air and Air Defense Force (DAAFAR),

Territorial Militia Troops (MTT), and Youth Labor Army (EJT); note -

the Border Guard Troops (TGF) are controlled by the Interior Ministry

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 3,120,702 note: both sexes are liable for military service (2003 est.) females age 15-49: 3,049,927

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,923,967

females age 15-49: 1,875,412 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 81,095

females: 87,780 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

roughly 4% (FY95 est.)

Military - note:

Moscow, for decades the key military supporter and supplier of

Cuba, cut off almost all military aid by 1993

Transnational Issues Cuba

Disputes - international:

US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased to US and only mutual

agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease

Illicit drugs:

territorial waters and air space serve as transshipment zone for

cocaine and heroin bound for the US and Europe; established the

death penalty for certain drug-related crimes in 1999

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Cyprus

Introduction Cyprus

Background:

Independence from the UK was approved in 1960, with constitutional

guarantees by the Greek Cypriot majority to the Turkish Cypriot

minority. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government

was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled

almost 40% of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared

itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," but it is

recognized only by Turkey. UN-led direct talks between the two sides

to reach a comprehensive settlement to the division of the island

began in January 2002.

Geography Cyprus

Location:

Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

35 00 N, 33 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 9,250 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in the Turkish Cypriot

area)

water: 10 sq km

land: 9,240 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

648 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Terrain:

central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but

significant plains along southern coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Olympus 1,951 m

Natural resources:

copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth

pigment

Land use: arable land: 10.61% permanent crops: 4.65% other: 84.74% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

moderate earthquake activity; droughts

Environment - current issues:

water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal

disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's largest

aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution from

sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of wildlife

habitats from urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and

Sardinia)

People Cyprus

Population:

771,657 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 86,446; female 82,769)

15-64 years: 67% (male 261,404; female 255,409)

65 years and over: 11.1% (male 37,345; female 48,284) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.2 years

male: 33.1 years

female: 35.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.56% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.77 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.54 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 9.43 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.27 years

male: 74.94 years

female: 79.71 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.88 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 1,000 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Cypriot(s)

adjective: Cypriot

Ethnic groups:

Greek 85.2%, Turkish 11.6%, other 3.2% (2000)

Religions:

Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian Apostolic, and

other 4%

Languages:

Greek, Turkish, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.6%

male: 98.9%

female: 96.3% (2003 est.)

Government Cyprus

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Cyprus

conventional short form: Cyprus

note: the Turkish Cypriot area refers to itself as the "Turkish

Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC)

Government type:

republic

note: a disaggregation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the

island began following the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this

separation was further solidified after the Turkish intervention in

July 1974 after a Greek junta-based coup attempt gave the Turkish

Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots control the

only internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983

Turkish Cypriot "President" Rauf DENKTASH declared independence and

the formation of a "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC),

recognized only by Turkey; both sides publicly support a settlement

based on a federation (Greek Cypriot position) or confederation

(Turkish Cypriot position)

Capital:

Nicosia

Administrative divisions:

6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia,

Paphos; note - Turkish Cypriot area's administrative divisions

include Kyrenia, all but a small part of Famagusta, and small parts

of Lefkosa (Nicosia) and Larnaca

Independence:

16 August 1960 (from UK); note - Turkish Cypriot area proclaimed

self-rule on 13 February 1975

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriot area

celebrates 15 November (1983) as Independence Day

Constitution:

16 August 1960; negotiations to create the basis for a new or

revised constitution to govern the island and to better relations

between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently; in

1975 Turkish Cypriots created their own constitution and governing

bodies within the "Turkish Federated State of Cyprus," which was

renamed the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in 1983; a new

constitution for the Turkish Cypriot area passed by referendum on 5

May 1985

Legal system:

based on common law, with civil law modifications

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Tassos PAPADOPOULOS (since 1 March 2003);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the

1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot

head of government: President Tassos PAPADOPOULOS (since 1 March

2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the

1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and

vice president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 16 February 2003 (next to be held NA February

2008)

note: Rauf R. DENKTASH has been "president" of the Turkish Cypriot

area since 13 February 1975 ("president" elected by popular vote for

a five-year term); elections last held 15 April 2000 (next to be

held NA April 2005); results - Rauf R. DENKTASH reelected president

after the other contender withdrew; Dervis EROGLU has been "prime

minister" of the Turkish Cypriot area since 16 August 1996; there is

a Council of Ministers (cabinet) in the Turkish Cypriot area

election results: Tassos PAPADOPOULOS elected president; percent of

vote - Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 51.5%, Glafkos KLIRIDIS 38.8%, Alekos

MARKIDIS 6.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral - Greek Cypriot area: House of Representatives or Vouli

Antiprosopon (80 seats; 56 assigned to the Greek Cypriots, 24 to

Turkish Cypriots; note - only those assigned to Greek Cypriots are

filled; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year

terms); Turkish Cypriot area: Assembly of the Republic or Cumhuriyet

Meclisi (50 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

election results: Greek Cypriot area: House of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - AKEL 34.71%, DISY 34%, DIKO 14.84%, KISOS

6.51%, others 9.94%; seats by party - AKEL (Communist) 20, DISY 19,

DIKO 9, KISOS 4, others 4; Turkish Cypriot area: Assembly of the

Republic - percent of vote by party - UBP 40.3%, DP 22.6%, TKP

15.4%, CTP 13.4%, UDP 4.6%, YBH 2.5%, BP 1.2%; seats by party - UBP

24, DP 13, TKP 7, CTP 6

elections: Greek Cypriot area: last held 27 May 2001 (next to be

held NA May 2006); Turkish Cypriot area: last held 6 December 1998

(next to be held NA December 2003)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed jointly by the president and

vice president)

note: there is also a Supreme Court in the Turkish Cypriot area

Political parties and leaders:

Greek Cypriot area: Democratic Party or DIKO [Tassos PAPADOPOULOS];

Democratic Rally or DISY [Nikos ANASTASIADHIS]; Fighting Democratic

Movement or ADIK [Dinos MIKHAILIDIS]; Green Party of Cyprus [George

PERDIKIS]; New Horizons [Nikolaus KOUTSOU]; Restorative Party of the

Working People or AKEL (Communist Party) [Dimitrios CHRISTOFIAS];

Social Democrats Movement or KISOS (formerly United Democratic Union

of Cyprus or EDEK) [Yiannakis OMIROU]; United Democrats Movement or

EDE [George VASSILIOU]; Turkish Cypriot area: Communal Liberation

Party or TKP [Mustafa AKINCI]; Democratic Party or DP [Serder

DENKTASH]; National Birth Party or UDP [Enver EMIN]; National Unity

Party or UBP [Dervis EROGLU]; Our Party or BP [Okyay SADIKOGLU];

Patriotic Unity Movement or YBH [Izzet IZCAN]; Republican Turkish

Party or CTP [Mehmet ALI TALAT]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Cypriot Workers or SEK (pro-West); Confederation

of Revolutionary Labor Unions or Dev-Is; Federation of Turkish

Cypriot Labor Unions or Turk-Sen; Pan-Cyprian Labor Federation or

PEO (Communist controlled)

International organization participation:

Australia Group, C, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (associate),

IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, NSG, OAS

(observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Euripides L. EVRIVIADES

chancery: 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

FAX: [1] (202) 483-6710

note: representative of the Turkish Cypriot area in the US is Osman

ERTUG; office at 1667 K Street NW, Washington, DC; telephone [1]

(202) 887-6198

consulate(s): New York

consulate(s) general: New York

telephone: [1] (202) 462-5772

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael KLOSSON

embassy: corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, Engomi, 2407

Nicosia

mailing address: P. O. Box 24536, 1385 Nikosia

telephone: [357] (22) 776400

FAX: [357] (22) 780944

Flag description:

white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the name

Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green

crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches

symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek

and Turkish communities

note: the Turkish Cypriot flag has a horizontal red stripe at the

top and bottom between which is a red crescent and red star on a

white field

Economy Cyprus

Economy - overview:

The Greek Cypriot economy is prosperous but highly susceptible to

external shocks. Erratic growth rates over the past decade reflect

the economy's vulnerability to swings in tourist arrivals, caused by

political instability in the region and fluctuations in economic

conditions in Western Europe. Economic policy is focused on meeting

the criteria for admission to the EU. As in the Turkish sector,

water shortages are a perennial problem; a few desalination plants

are now online. The Turkish Cypriot economy has roughly one-third of

the per capita GDP of the south. Because it is recognized only by

Turkey, it has had much difficulty arranging foreign financing and

investment. It remains heavily dependent on agriculture and

government service, which together employ about half of the work

force. To compensate for the economy's weakness, Turkey provides

grants and loans to support economic development. Ankara provided

$200 million in 2002 and pledged $450 million for the 2003-05

period. Future events throughout the island will be highly

influenced by the outcome of negotiations on the UN-sponsored

agreement to unite the Greek and Turkish areas and by the

arrangements under which the island joins the EU.

GDP:

Greek Cypriot area: purchasing power parity - $9.4 billion (2001

est.); Turkish Cypriot area: purchasing power parity - $787 million

(2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

Greek Cypriot area: 1.7% (2001 est.); Turkish Cypriot area: 2.6%

(2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

Greek Cypriot area: purchasing power parity - $15,000 (2001 est.);

Turkish Cypriot area: purchasing power parity - $6,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

Greek Cypriot area: agriculture 4.6%; industry 19.9%; services 19.9%

Turkish Cypriot area: agriculture 75.5%; industry 20.7%; services

71% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

Greek Cypriot area: 2.8% (2001 est.); Turkish Cypriot area: 24.5%

(2002 est.)

Labor force:

Greek Cypriot area: 291,000; Turkish Cypriot area: 86,300 (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

Greek Cypriot area: services 73%, industry 22%, agriculture 5%

(2000); Turkish Cypriot area: services 56.4%, industry 22.8%,

agriculture 20.8% (1998)

Unemployment rate:

Greek Cypriot area: 3.3%; Turkish Cypriot area: 5.6% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: Greek Cypriot area - $4.4 billion, Turkish Cypriot area -

$231.3 million (2002 est.)

expenditures: $3.7 billion, Greek Cypriot area - $539 million,

including capital expenditures of $539 million, Turkish Cypriot area

- $432.8 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.)

Industries:

food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metal products, tourism, wood

products

Industrial production growth rate:

Greek Cypriot area: -1.4% (2002); Turkish Cypriot area: -0.3% (2002)

Electricity - production:

3.401 billion kWh; Turkish Cypriot area: NA kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% other: 0% (2001) hydro: 0% nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption: Greek Cypriot area: 3.163 billion kWh; Turkish Cypriot area: NA kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

49,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, citrus, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, vegetables

Exports:

Greek Cypriot area: $1.03 billion f.o.b. Turkish Cypriot area: $46

million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

Greek Cypriot area: citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals, cement,

clothing and cigarettes; Turkish Cypriot area: citrus, potatoes,

textiles

Exports - partners:

UK 28.2%, Greece 7%, UAE 5.3%, France 5.2% (2002)

Imports:

Greek Cypriot area: $3.9 billion f.o.b.; Turkish Cypriot area: $301

million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

Greek Cypriot area: consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants,

intermediate goods, machinery, transport equipment; Turkish Cypriot

area: food, minerals, chemicals, machinery

Imports - partners:

Russia 17.9%, Greece 7.4%, Germany 6.7%, France 6.6%, UK 6.6%,

Italy 6.6%, South Korea 5.7%, Japan 5.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

Greek Cypriot area: $8 billion; Turkish Cypriot area: $NA (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

Greek Cypriot area - $17 million (1998);; Turkish Cypriot area -

$700 million from Turkey in grants and loans (1990-97), which are

usually forgiven (1998)

Currency:

Greek Cypriot area: Cypriot pound (CYP); Turkish Cypriot area:

Turkish lira (TRL)

Currency code:

CYP; TRL

Exchange rates:

Cypriot pounds per US dollar - 0.61 (2002), 0.64 (2001), 0.62

(2000), 0.54 (1999), 0.52 (1998), Turkish lira per US dollar NA

(2002), 1,225,590 (2001), 625,218 (2000), 418,783 (1999), 260,724

(1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Cyprus

Telephones - main lines in use:

Greek Cypriot area: 405,000 (1998);; Turkish Cypriot area: 83,162

(1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

Greek Cypriot area: 68,000 (1998); Turkish Cypriot area: 70,000

(1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent in both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish

Cypriot areas

domestic: open-wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay

international: tropospheric scatter; 3 coaxial and 5 fiber-optic

submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat

Radio broadcast stations:

Greek Cypriot area: AM 7, FM 60, shortwave 1 (1998); Turkish

Cypriot area: AM 3, FM 11, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

Greek Cypriot area: 310,000 (1997); Turkish Cypriot area: 56,450

(1994)

Television broadcast stations:

Greek Cypriot area: 4 (plus 225 low-power repeaters) (September

1995);; Turkish Cypriot area: 4 (plus 5 repeaters) (September 1995)

Televisions:

Greek Cypriot area: 248,000 (1997); Turkish Cypriot area: 52,300

(1994)

Internet country code:

.cy

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

6 (2000)

Internet users:

150,000 (2002)

Transportation Cyprus

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 13,491 km

note: Greek Cypriot area: 11,141 km; Turkish Cypriot area: 2,350 km

unpaved: Greek Cypriot area: 4,713 km; Turkish Cypriot area: 980 km

(2000/1996)

paved: Greek Cypriot area: 6,428 km; Turkish Cypriot area: 1,370 km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Vasilikos

Merchant marine:

total: 1,180 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 23,106,229 GRT/37,032,163 DWT

ships by type: bulk 421, cargo 325, chemical tanker 25, combination

bulk 24, combination ore/oil 2, container 151, liquefied gas 2,

passenger 8, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 124, refrigerated

cargo 45, roll on/roll off 37, short-sea passenger 9, specialized

tanker 3, vehicle carrier 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Austria 12, Belgium 2, Bulgaria 2, Canada 3, Chile 2,

China 16, Croatia 2, Cuba 11, Finland 1, Germany 229, Greece 607,

Guam 1, Hong Kong 6, India 6, Iran 1, Ireland 1, Israel 5, Italy 1,

Japan 26, Latvia 14, Lebanon 1, Lithuania 2, Mexico 1, Monaco 10,

Netherlands 30, Norway 23, Panama 1, Philippines 2, Poland 19,

Portugal 2, Russia 57, Singapore 2, Slovenia 2, South Korea 4, Spain

7, Sudan 2, Sweden 6, Switzerland 4, Turkey 1, Ukraine 1, United

Arab Emirates 13, United Kingdom 6, United States 4, Vietnam 1 (2002

est.)

Airports:

16 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 3

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Heliports:

10 (2002)

Military Cyprus

Military branches:

Greek Cypriot area: Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG; including

air and naval elements), Greek Cypriot Police

Turkish Cypriot area: Turkish Cypriot Security Force (GKK)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 201,606 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 138,336 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 6,638 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$384 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.8% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Cyprus

Disputes - international:

hostilities in 1974 divided the island into two de facto autonomous

areas, a Greek Cypriot area controlled by the internationally

recognized Cypriot Government and a Turkish-Cypriot area, separated

by a UN buffer zone; UN deadline on sides accepting a federation

plan for reunification have expired, diminishing chances of

Turkish-Cypriot participation in EU membership in 2004

Illicit drugs:

minor transit point for heroin and hashish via air routes and

container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon and Turkey;

some cocaine transits as well; anti-money-laundering laws

strengthened but few convictions

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Czech Republic

Introduction Czech Republic

Background:

Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and

Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form

Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders

were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic

minorities within the republic, most notably the Sudeten Germans and

the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II, a truncated

Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968,

an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's

leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism

with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year

ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet

authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a

peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country

underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the

Czech Republic and Slovakia. Now a member of NATO, the Czech

Republic has moved toward integration in world markets, a

development that poses both opportunities and risks. In December

2002, the Czech Republic was invited to join the European Union

(EU). It is expected that the Czech Republic will accede to the EU

in 2004.

Geography Czech Republic

Location:

Central Europe, southeast of Germany

Geographic coordinates:

49 45 N, 15 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 78,866 sq km

water: 1,590 sq km

land: 77,276 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 1,881 km

border countries: Austria 362 km, Germany 646 km, Poland 658 km,

Slovakia 215 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Terrain:

Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains, hills, and plateaus

surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east consists of very

hilly country

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Elbe River 115 m highest point: Snezka 1,602 m

Natural resources: hard coal, soft coal, kaolin, clay, graphite, timber

Land use: arable land: 40% permanent crops: 3.04% other: 56.96% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

240 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues: air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid rain damaging forests; efforts to bring industry up to EU code should improve domestic pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategically located astride some of oldest and most

significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is a traditional

military corridor between the North European Plain and the Danube in

central Europe

People Czech Republic

Population:

10,249,216 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.4% (male 809,697; female 768,747)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 3,617,214; female 3,614,060)

65 years and over: 14% (male 554,922; female 884,576) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.4 years

male: 36.6 years

female: 40.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.08% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.01 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.74 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.37 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.85 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.18 years

male: 71.69 years

female: 78.87 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.18 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

500 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 10 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Czech(s)

adjective: Czech

Ethnic groups:

Czech 81.2%, Moravian 13.2%, Slovak 3.1%, Polish 0.6%, German 0.5%,

Silesian 0.4%, Roma 0.3%, Hungarian 0.2%, other 0.5% (1991)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 39.2%, Protestant 4.6%, Orthodox 3%, other 13.4%,

atheist 39.8%

Languages:

Czech

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 99.9% (1999 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Czech Republic

Country name:

conventional long form: Czech Republic

conventional short form: Czech Republic

local short form: Ceska Republika

local long form: Ceska Republika

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Prague

Administrative divisions:

13 regions (kraje, singular - kraj) and 1 capital city* (hlavni

mesto); Jihocesky Kraj, Jihomoravsky Kraj, Karlovarsky Kraj,

Kralovehradecky Kraj, Liberecky Kraj, Moravskoslezsky Kraj,

Olomoucky Kraj, Pardubicky Kraj, Plzensky Kraj, Praha*, Stredocesky

Kraj, Ustecky Kraj, Vysocina, Zlinsky Kraj

Independence:

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and

Slovakia)

National holiday:

Czech Founding Day, 28 October (1918)

Constitution:

ratified 16 December 1992; effective 1 January 1993

Legal system:

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to bring it in line

with Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March 2003)

note: the Czech Republic's first president Vaclav HAVEL stepped down

from office on 2 February 2003 having served exactly 10 years;

parliament finally elected a successor on 28 February 2003 after two

inconclusive elections in January 2003

head of government: Prime Minister Vladimir SPIDLA (since 12 July

2002), Deputy Prime Ministers Bohuslav SOBOTKA (since 20 August

2003), Cyril SVOBODA (since July 2002), Stanislav GROSS (since July

2002), Petr MARES (since July 2002)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of

the prime minister

election results: Vaclav KLAUS elected president on 28 February

2003; Vaclav KLAUS 142 votes, Jan SOKOL 124 votes (third round;

combined votes of both chambers of parliament)

elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;

last successful election held 28 February 2003 (after earlier

elections held 15 and 24 January 2003 were inconclusive); prime

minister appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or Senat

(81 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year

terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber of

Deputies or Poslanecka Snemovna (200 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - ODS 26, KDU-CSL 14, CSSD 11, US 9, KSCM 3, independents 18;

Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - CSSD 30.2%, ODS

24.5%, KSCM 18.5%, KDU-CSL & US-DEU coalition 14.3%, other minor

12.5%; seats by party - CSSD 70, ODS 58, KSCM 41, KDU-CSL 21, US-DEU

10

elections: Senate - last held in two rounds 25-26 October and 1-2

November 2002 (next to be held NA November 2004); Chamber of

Deputies - last held 14-15 June 2002 (next to be held by NA June

2006)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; chairman and deputy chairmen

are appointed by the president for a 10-year term

Political parties and leaders:

Christian and Democratic Union-Czechoslovak People's Party or

KDU-CSL [Miroslav KALOUSEK, chairman]; Civic Democratic Alliance or

ODA [Michael ZANTOVSKY, chairman]; Civic Democratic Party or ODS

[Mirek TOPOLANEK, chairman]; Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia

or KSCM [Miroslav GREBENICEK, chairman]; Communist Party of

Czechoslovakia or KSC [Miroslav STEPAN, chairman]; Czech National

Social Party of CSNS [Jan SULA, chairman]; Czech Social Democratic

Party or CSSD [Vladimir SPIDLA, chairman]; Freedom Union-Democratic

Union or US-DEU [Petr MARES, chairman]; Quad Coalition [Karel KUHNL,

chairman] (includes KDU-CSL, US, ODA, DEU)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions [Richard FALBR]

International organization participation:

ACCT (observer), Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD,

ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory),

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMEE,

UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate),

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Martin PALOUS

chancery: 3900 Spring of Freedom Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 966-8540

telephone: [1] (202) 274-9100

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Craig R. STAPLETON

embassy: Trziste 15, 11801 Prague 1

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [420] (2) 5753-0663

FAX: [420] (2) 5753-0583

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a blue

isosceles triangle based on the hoist side (identical to the flag of

the former Czechoslovakia)

Economy Czech Republic

Economy - overview:

One of the most stable and prosperous of the post-Communist states,

the Czech Republic has been recovering from recession since

mid-1999. Growth in 2000-03 was supported by exports to the EU,

primarily to Germany, and a near doubling of foreign direct

investment. Domestic demand is playing an ever more important role

in underpinning growth as interest rates drop and the availability

of credit cards and mortgages increases. High current account

deficits - averaging around 5% of GDP in the last several years -

could be a persistent problem. Inflation is under control. The EU

put the Czech Republic just behind Poland and Hungary in

preparations for accession, which will give further impetus and

direction to structural reform. Moves to complete banking,

telecommunications, and energy privatization will encourage

additional foreign investment, while intensified restructuring among

large enterprises and banks and improvements in the financial sector

should strengthen output growth. But revival in the European

economies remains essential to stepped-up growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $157.1 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $15,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.8%

industry: 41%

services: 55.2% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.3% highest 10%: 22.4% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

25.4 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

5.203 million (1999 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 5%, industry 35%, services 60% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.8% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $16.7 billion

expenditures: $18 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

metallurgy, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, glass,

armaments

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2002)

Electricity - production:

70.04 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 76.1% hydro: 2.9% other: 1% (2001) nuclear: 20%

Electricity - consumption:

55.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

18.92 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

9.38 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

7,419 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

175,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

26,670 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

192,300 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

17.25 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

160 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

9.892 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

1 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

9.521 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.057 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, poultry

Exports:

$40.8 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 44%, intermediate manufactures

25%, chemicals 7%, raw materials and fuel 7% (2000)

Exports - partners:

Germany 40.2%, Slovakia 7.1%, Austria 5.8%, UK 5.1%, Poland 5%,

France 4% (2002)

Imports:

$43.2 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 40%, intermediate manufactures

21%, raw materials and fuels 13%, chemicals 11% (2000)

Imports - partners:

Germany 39.1%, Slovakia 6%, Austria 5.6%, Italy 5.4%, France 5.3%,

Poland 4.1%, UK 4.1%, Russia 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$23.8 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$108 million; EU structural adjustment funds (2002)

Currency:

Czech koruna (CZK)

Currency code:

CZK

Exchange rates:

koruny per US dollar - 32.74 (2002), 38.04 (2001), 38.6 (2000),

34.57 (1999), 32.28 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Czech Republic

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.869 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4.346 million (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: privatization and modernization of the Czech

telecommunication system got a late start but is advancing steadily;

growth in the use of mobile cellular telephones is particularly

vigorous

domestic: 86% of exchanges now digital; existing copper subscriber

systems now being enhanced with Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line

(ADSL) equipment to accommodate Internet and other digital signals;

trunk systems include fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Atlantic

and Indian Ocean regions), 1 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 1

Globalstar

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 31, FM 304, shortwave 17 (2000)

Radios:

3,159,134 (December 2000)

Television broadcast stations:

150 (plus 1,434 repeaters) (2000)

Televisions:

3,405,834 (December 2000)

Internet country code:

.cz

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

more than 300 (2000)

Internet users:

2.69 million (2001)

Transportation Czech Republic

Railways:

total: 9,462 km

standard gauge: 9,363 km 1.435-m gauge (1,745 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 99 km 0.760-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 55,408 km

paved: 55,408 km (including 499 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways: 303 km note: the Labe (Elbe) is the principal river (2000)

Pipelines:

gas 7,020 km; oil 547 km; refined products 94 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Decin, Prague, Usti nad Labem

Airports:

144 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 44 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 under 914 m: 19 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 2

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 100 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 36 under 914 m: 62 (2002)

Heliports: 2 (2002)

Military Czech Republic

Military branches:

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Territorial Defense Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,622,192 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,002,202 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 67,777 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1,190.2 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.1% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Czech Republic

Disputes - international:

Liechtenstein's royal family claims restitution for 1,600 sq km of

land in the Czech Republic confiscated in 1918; individual Sudeten

German claims for restitution of property confiscated in connection

with their expulsion after World War II; Austria has minor dispute

with Czech Republic over the Temelin nuclear power plant and

post-World War II treatment of German-speaking minorities

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and minor transit

point for Latin American cocaine to Western Europe; producer of

synthetic drugs for local and regional markets; susceptible to money

laundering related to drug trafficking, organized crime

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Denmark

Introduction Denmark

Background:

Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European

power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is

participating in the general political and economic integration of

Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973.

However, the country has opted out of certain elements of the

European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic

and Monetary Union (EMU) and issues concerning certain justice and

home affairs.

Geography Denmark

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a

peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major

islands (Sjaelland and Fyn)

Geographic coordinates:

56 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 43,094 sq km

water: 700 sq km

note: includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest

of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major

islands of Sjaelland and Fyn), but excludes the Faroe Islands and

Greenland

land: 42,394 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts

Land boundaries: total: 68 km border countries: Germany 68 km

Coastline:

7,314 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers

Terrain:

low and flat to gently rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m

highest point: Yding Skovhoej 173 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, stone, gravel and

sand

Land use: arable land: 55.74% permanent crops: 0.19% other: 44.07% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

4,760 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of

Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are

protected from the sea by a system of dikes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant emissions;

nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; drinking and

surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of

the Sea

Geography - note:

controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and

North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in greater

Copenhagen

People Denmark

Population:

5,384,384 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.7% (male 516,872; female 490,543)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 1,809,138; female 1,762,577)

65 years and over: 15% (male 338,141; female 467,113) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.1 years

male: 38.1 years

female: 40.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.28% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

11.52 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.72 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.16 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.1 years

male: 74.48 years

female: 79.87 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.73 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,800 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Dane(s)

adjective: Danish

Ethnic groups:

Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%,

Muslim 2%

Languages:

Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small

minority)

note: English is the predominant second language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Denmark

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Denmark

conventional short form: Denmark

local short form: Danmark

local long form: Kongeriget Danmark

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Copenhagen

Administrative divisions:

metropolitan Denmark - 14 counties (amter, singular - amt) and 2

boroughs* (amtskommuner, singular - amtskomunes); Arhus, Bornholm,

Fredericksberg*, Frederiksborg, Fyn, Kobenhavn, Kobenhavns*,

Nordjylland, Ribe, Ringkobing, Roskilde, Sonderjylland, Storstrom,

Vejle, Vestsjalland, Viborg

note: see separate entries for the Faroe Islands and Greenland,

which are part of the Kingdom of Denmark and are self-governing

overseas administrative divisions

Independence:

first organized as a unified state in 10th century; in 1849 became

a constitutional monarchy

National holiday:

none designated; Constitution Day, 5 June is generally viewed as

the National Day

Constitution:

1849 was the original constitution; there was a major overhaul 5

June 1953, allowing for a unicameral legislature and a female chief

of state

Legal system:

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972); Heir

Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born 26

May 1968)

head of government: Prime Minister Anders Fogh RASMUSSEN (since 27

November 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by

Parliament

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Folketing (179 seats, including 2 from

Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands; members are elected by

popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 20 November 2001 (next to be held by November

2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Liberal Party 56, Social Democrats 52, Danish People's Party 22,

Conservative Party 16, Socialist People's Party 12, Social Liberal

Party 9, Christian People's Party 4, Unity List 4; note - does not

include the 2 seats from Greenland and the 2 seats from the Faroe

Islands

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch for life)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Democratic Party [Mimi JAKOBSEN]; Christian People's Party

[Marianne KARLSMOSE]; Conservative Party (sometimes known as

Conservative People's Party) [Bendt BENDTSEN]; Danish People's Party

[Pia KJAERSGAARD]; Liberal Party [Anders Fogh RASMUSSEN]; Social

Democratic Party [Mogens LYKKETOFT]; Social Liberal Party (sometimes

called the Radical Left) [Marianne JELVED, leader; Johannes LEBECH,

chairman]; Socialist People's Party [Holger K. NIELSEN]; Red-Green

Unity List (bloc includes Left Socialist Party, Communist Party of

Denmark, Socialist Workers' Party) [collective leadership]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE,

EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOGIP, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTSO,

UPU, WCO, WEU (observer), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ulrik Andreas FEDERSPIEL

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470

telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300

chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stuart A. BERNSTEIN

embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen

mailing address: PSC 73, APO AE 09716

telephone: [45] 35 55 31 44

FAX: [45] 35 43 02 23

Flag description:

red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the

vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side, and that

design element of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) was subsequently

adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway,

and Sweden

Economy Denmark

Economy - overview:

This thoroughly modern market economy features high-tech

agriculture, up-to-date small-scale and corporate industry,

extensive government welfare measures, comfortable living standards,

a stable currency, and high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark is

a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance

of payments surplus. Government objectives include streamlining the

bureaucracy and further privatization of state assets. The

government has been successful in meeting, and even exceeding, the

economic convergence criteria for participating in the third phase

(a common European currency) of the European Economic and Monetary

Union (EMU), but Denmark has decided not to join the 12 other EU

members in the euro; even so, the Danish Krone remains pegged to the

euro. Given the sluggish state of the European economy, growth in

2003 was a mere 1.1%.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $155.3 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $28,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 26%

services: 71% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 24% (2000 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

24.7 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.856 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 79%, industry 17%, agriculture 4% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.1% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $52.9 billion

expenditures: $51.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $500

million (2001 est.)

Industries:

food processing, machinery and equipment, textiles and clothing,

chemical products, electronics, construction, furniture and other

wood products, shipbuilding, windmills

Industrial production growth rate:

1.4% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

35.47 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 82.7% hydro: 0.1% other: 17.3% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

32.41 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

8.775 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

8.199 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

346,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

218,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

332,100 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

195,000 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.23 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

8.38 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

5.28 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

3.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

81.98 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets; pork, dairy products; fish

Exports:

$56.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and instruments, meat and meat products, dairy products,

fish, chemicals, furniture, ships, windmills

Exports - partners:

Germany 17.1%, Sweden 11.6%, UK 7.8%, US 6.8%, France 5.8%, Norway

5.7%, Japan 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$47.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, raw materials and semimanufactures for

industry, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

Germany 22.9%, Sweden 10.7%, UK 8.7%, Netherlands 7.8%, France 6%,

Norway 4.9%, Italy 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$21.7 billion (2000)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $1.63 billion (1999)

Currency:

Danish krone (DKK)

Currency code:

DKK

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner per US dollar - 7.89 (2002), 8.32 (2001), 8.08

(2000), 6.98 (1999), 6.7 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Denmark

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.785 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,444,016 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent telephone and telegraph services

domestic: buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay form

trunk network, 4 cellular mobile communications systems

international: 18 submarine fiber-optic cables linking Denmark with

Norway, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Faroe

Islands, Iceland, and Canada; satellite earth stations - 6 Intelsat,

10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat (Blaavand-Atlantic-East); note -

the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

share the Danish earth station and the Eik, Norway, station for

worldwide Inmarsat access (1997)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 355, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

6.02 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

26 (plus 51 repeaters) (1998)

Televisions:

3.121 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.dk

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

13 (2000)

Internet users:

3.37 million (2002)

Transportation Denmark

Railways:

total: 3,164 km

standard gauge: 2,324 km 1.435-m gauge (595 km electrified)

note:: total includes 840 km of suburban track (2002)

Highways:

total: 71,591 km

paved: 71,591 km (including 880 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways:

417 km

Pipelines:

condensate 12 km; gas 3,892 km; oil 455 km; oil/gas/water 2 km;

unknown (oil/water) 64 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Abenra, Alborg, Arhus, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Fredericia,

Frederikshavn, Hirtshals, Kolding, Odense, Roenne (Bornholm), Vejle

Merchant marine:

total: 282 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,714,557 GRT/8,715,716 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1, Greenland 1, Indonesia 1, Netherlands 1,

Norway 9, United Kingdom 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 5, cargo 85, chemical tanker 29, container 77,

liquefied gas 19, livestock carrier 5, petroleum tanker 28, railcar

carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 12, roll on/roll off 11, short-sea

passenger 6, specialized tanker 4

Airports:

104 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 28 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 76 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 71 (2002)

Military Denmark

Military branches:

Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air Force, Home

Guard

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,282,315 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,094,611 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 28,198 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$2.47 billion (FY99/00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY99/00)

Transnational Issues Denmark

Disputes - international:

Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Iceland, and

the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the

Rockall area); dispute with Iceland over the Faroe Islands'

fisheries median line boundary within 200 NM; disputes with Iceland,

the UK, and Ireland over the Faroe Islands continental shelf

boundary outside 200 NM; Faroese are considering proposals for full

independence; uncontested dispute with Canada over Hans Island

sovereignty in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and

Greenland

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Djibouti

Introduction Djibouti

Background:

The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became Djibouti in

1977. Hassan Gouled APTIDON installed an authoritarian one-party

state and proceeded to serve three consecutive six-year terms as

president. Unrest among the Afars minority during the 1990's led to

multi-party elections resulting in President Ismail Omar GUELLEH

attaining office in May 1999. A peace accord in 2001 ended the final

phases of a ten-year uprising by Afar rebels. Djibouti occupies a

very strategic geographic location at the mouth of the Red Sea and

serves as an important transshipment location for goods entering and

leaving the east African highlands. GUELLEH favors close ties to

France, which maintains a significant military presence in the

country.

Geography Djibouti

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between

Eritrea and Somalia

Geographic coordinates:

11 30 N, 43 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 23,000 sq km

water: 20 sq km

land: 22,980 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Land boundaries: total: 516 km border countries: Eritrea 109 km, Ethiopia 349 km, Somalia 58 km

Coastline: 314 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

desert; torrid, dry

Terrain:

coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m highest point: Moussa Ali 2,028 m

Natural resources: geothermal areas

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances from the

Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; limited arable land;

desertification; endangered species

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close to

Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia; mostly

wasteland; Lac Assal (Lake Assal) is the lowest point in Africa

People Djibouti

Population:

457,130 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.1% (male 98,796; female 98,202)

15-64 years: 53.9% (male 129,492; female 116,953)

65 years and over: 3% (male 6,933; female 6,754) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.3 years

male: 18.9 years

female: 17.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.13% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

40.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

19.45 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 106.96 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 98.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 114.8 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 43.13 years

male: 41.82 years

female: 44.48 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.56 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

11.75% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

37,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Djiboutian(s)

adjective: Djiboutian

Ethnic groups:

Somali 60%, Afar 35%, French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian 5%

Religions:

Muslim 94%, Christian 6%

Languages:

French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 67.9%

male: 78%

female: 58.4% (2003 est.)

Government Djibouti

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Djibouti

conventional short form: Djibouti

former: French Territory of the Afars and Issas, French Somaliland

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Djibouti

Administrative divisions:

5 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); 'Ali Sabih, Dikhil,

Djibouti, Obock, Tadjoura

Independence:

27 June 1977 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 June (1977)

Constitution:

multiparty constitution approved by referendum 4 September 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and

Islamic law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal adult

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister DILEITA Mohamed Dileita (since 4

March 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 9 April 1999 (next to be held NA 2005); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH elected president; percent of

vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH 74.4%, IDRIS Moussa Ahmed 25.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (65 seats;

members elected by popular vote for five-year terms)

elections: last held 10 January 2003 (next to be held NA January

2008)

election results: percent of vote - RPP 62.2%, FRUD 36.9%; seats -

RPP 65, FRUD 0; note - RPP (the ruling party) dominated the election

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic National Party or PND [ADEN Robleh Awaleh]; Democratic

Renewal Party or PRD [Abdillahi HAMARITEH]; Djibouti Development

Party or PDD [Mohamed Daoud CHEHEM]; Front pour la Restauration de

l'Unite Democratique or FRUD [Ali Mohamed DAOUD]; People's Progress

Assembly or RPP (governing party) [Ismail Omar GUELLEH]; Peoples

Social Democratic Party or PPSD [Moumin Bahdon FARAH]; Republican

Alliance for Democracy or ARD [Ahmed Dini AHMED]; Union for

Democracy and Justice or UDJ [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Union for Presidential Majority UMP (coalition includes RPP, FRUD,

PPSD and PND); Union for Democratic Changeover or UAD (opposition

coalition includes ARD, MRDD, UDJ, and PDD) [Ahmed Dini AHMED]

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador ROBLE Olhaye

FAX: [1] (202) 331-0302

telephone: [1] (202) 331-0270

chancery: Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Donald YAMAMOTO embassy: Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti mailing address: B. P. 185, Djibouti telephone: [253] 35 39 95 FAX: [253] 35 39 40

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green with

a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a red

five-pointed star in the center

Economy Djibouti

Economy - overview:

The economy is based on service activities connected with the

country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in

northeast Africa. Two-thirds of the inhabitants live in the capital

city, the remainder being mostly nomadic herders. Scanty rainfall

limits crop production to fruits and vegetables, and most food must

be imported. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for

the region and an international transshipment and refueling center.

It has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is,

therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help support

its balance of payments and to finance development projects. An

unemployment rate of 50% continues to be a major problem. Inflation

is not a concern, however, because of the fixed tie of the franc to

the US dollar. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% over

the last seven years because of recession, civil war, and a high

population growth rate (including immigrants and refugees). Faced

with a multitude of economic difficulties, the government has fallen

in arrears on long-term external debt and has been struggling to

meet the stipulations of foreign aid donors. Another factor limiting

growth is the negative impact on port activity now that Ethiopia has

more trade route options.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $619 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3.5% industry: 15.8% services: 80.7% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

50% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

282,000

Labor force - by occupation:

NA%

Unemployment rate:

50% (2000 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $135 million

expenditures: $182 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Industries:

construction, agricultural processing

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (1996 est.)

Electricity - production:

180 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

167.4 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

11,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels

Exports:

$70 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

reexports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit)

Exports - partners:

Somalia 56.7%, Yemen 24.4%, Pakistan 4.8%, Ethiopia 4.4%, UAE 4.1%

(2002)

Imports:

$255 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 18.2%, Ethiopia 10.5%, US 9.2%, France 8.6%, China

8.2%, Netherlands 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$366 million (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$36 million (2001)

Currency:

Djiboutian franc (DJF)

Currency code:

DJF

Exchange rates:

Djiboutian francs per US dollar - 177.72 (2002), 177.72 (2001),

177.72 (2000), 177.72 (1999), 177.72 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Djibouti

Telephones - main lines in use:

10,000 (2002)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5,000 (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone facilities in the city of Djibouti

are adequate as are the microwave radio relay connections to

outlying areas of the country

domestic: microwave radio relay network

international: submarine cable to Jiddah, Suez, Sicily, Marseilles,

Colombo, and Singapore; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat

(Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; Medarabtel regional microwave radio

relay telephone network

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2001)

Radios:

52,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2002)

Televisions:

28,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.dj

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

3,300 (2002)

Transportation Djibouti

Railways:

total: 100 km (Djibouti segment of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway)

narrow gauge: 100 km 1.000-m gauge

note: railway under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia (2002)

Highways:

total: 2,890 km

paved: 364 km

unpaved: 2,526 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Djibouti

Airports:

13 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1524 to 2437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Military Djibouti

Military branches:

Djibouti National Army (including Navy and Air Force)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 107,050 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 63,459 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$26.53 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.4% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Djibouti

Disputes - international:

Djibouti maintains economic ties and border accords with

"Somaliland" leadership while maintaining some political ties to

various factions in Somalia including the Somali Transitional

National Government in Mogadishu

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Dominica

Introduction Dominica

Background:

Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by

Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native

Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made

the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence,

Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical

administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the

first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office

for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are

the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.

Geography Dominica

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic

Ocean, about one-half of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and

Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

15 25 N, 61 20 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 754 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 754 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

148 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall

Terrain:

rugged mountains of volcanic origin

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Morne Diablatins 1,447 m

Natural resources: timber, hydropower, arable land

Land use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 16% other: 80% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be

expected during the late summer months

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its

spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected

by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the

Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and

include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in

the world

People Dominica

Population:

69,655 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.8% (male 9,807; female 9,571)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 23,024; female 21,768)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 2,226; female 3,259) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.4 years

male: 28.1 years

female: 28.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.63% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

16.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.99 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-16.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 20.29 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.12 years

male: 71.23 years

female: 77.15 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.99 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Dominican(s) adjective: Dominican

Ethnic groups:

black, mixed black and European, European, Syrian, Carib Amerindian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%,

Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%), none 2%, other 6%

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 94%

male: 94%

female: 94% (2003 est.)

Government Dominica

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Dominica

conventional short form: Dominica

Government type:

parliamentary democracy; republic within the Commonwealth

Capital:

Roseau

Administrative divisions:

10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John,

Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul,

Saint Peter

Independence:

3 November 1978 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 November (1978)

Constitution:

3 November 1978

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicholas LIVERPOOL (since 10 November

2003)

elections: president elected by the House of Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 1 October 2003 (next to be held

NA October 2008); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL elected president; percent of

legislative vote - NA%

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the

prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Pierre CHARLES (since 1 October

2000); note - assumed post after death of Prime Minister Roosevelt

DOUGLAS

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (30 seats, 9 appointed senators, 21

elected by popular vote; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 31 January 2000 (next to be held by 17 July

2005) note - tradition dictates that the election will be held

within five years of the last election, but technically it is five

years from the first seating of parliament (17 April 2000) plus a 90

day grace period

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party

-DLP 10, UWP 9, DFP 2

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the Court of Appeal

and the High Court (located in Saint Lucia; one of the six judges

must reside in Dominica and preside over the Court of Summary

Jurisdiction)

Political parties and leaders:

Dominica Freedom Party or DFP [Charles SAVARIN]; Dominica Labor

Party or DLP [Pierre CHARLES]; United Workers Party or UWP [Edison

JAMES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Dominica Liberation Movement or DLM (a small leftist party)

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO

(subscriber), ITU, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Swinburne LESTRADE chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781 consulate(s) general: New York FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791

Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; US interests are served by the embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados

Flag description:

green, with a centered cross of three equal bands - the vertical

part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the horizontal

part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in the center

of the cross is a red disk bearing a sisserou parrot encircled by 10

green, five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10 stars represent

the 10 administrative divisions (parishes)

Economy Dominica

Economy - overview:

The Dominican economy depends on agriculture, primarily bananas,

and remains highly vulnerable to climatic conditions and

international economic developments. Hurricane Luis devastated the

country's banana crop in 1995 after tropical storms wiped out a

quarter of the 1994 crop. The economy subsequently has been fueled

by increases in construction, soap production, and tourist arrivals.

Development of the tourism industry remains difficult however,

because of the rugged coastline, lack of beaches, and the absence of

an international airport. Economic growth is sluggish, and

unemployment is greater than 20%. The government has been attempting

to develop an offshore financial sector in order to diversify the

island's production base.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $380 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 18% industry: 24% services: 58% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

30% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

25,000

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 40%, industry and commerce 32%, services 28%

Unemployment rate:

23% (2000 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $73.9 million

expenditures: $84.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001)

Industries:

soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoes

Industrial production growth rate:

-10% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

72.41 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 47.1% hydro: 52.9% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

67.35 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, coconuts, cocoa; forest and fishery potential not exploited

Exports:

$50 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges

Exports - partners:

UK 36.1%, Jamaica 18%, US 7.5%, Antigua and Barbuda 6.4%, Guyana

5.4%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$135 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

China 23.9%, US 23.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.9%, South Korea 7.6%,

UK 7.3%, Japan 4.5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$161.5 million (2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

$24.4 million (1995)

Currency:

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Currency code:

XCD

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7

(2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Dominica

Telephones - main lines in use:

19,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

461 (1996)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: fully automatic network

international: microwave radio relay and SHF radiotelephone links to

Martinique and Guadeloupe; VHF and UHF radiotelephone links to Saint

Lucia

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 10, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

46,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

0 (however, there is one cable television company) (1997)

Televisions:

6,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.dm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

16 (2000)

Internet users:

2,000 (2000)

Transportation Dominica

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 780 km paved: 393 km unpaved: 387 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Portsmouth, Roseau

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Military Dominica

Military branches:

Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (including Special Service

Unit, Coast Guard)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Dominica

Disputes - international:

protests Venezuela's claim to give full effect to Aves Island,

which creates a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending over a

large portion of the Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe;

minor cannabis producer; anti-money-laundering enforcement is weak,

making the country particularly vulnerable to money laundering

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Dominican Republic

Introduction Dominican Republic

Background:

Explored and claimed by Columbus on his first voyage in 1492, the

island of Hispaniola became a springboard for Spanish conquest of

the Caribbean and the American mainland. In 1697, Spain recognized

French dominion over the western third of the island, which in 1804

became Haiti. The remainder of the island, by then known as Santo

Domingo, sought to gain its own independence in 1821, but was

conquered and ruled by the Haitians for 22 years; it finally

attained independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844. A legacy of

unsettled, mostly non-representative, rule for much of its

subsequent history was brought to an end in 1966 when Joaquin

BALAGUER became president. He maintained a tight grip on power for

most of the next 30 years when international reaction to flawed

elections forced him to curtail his term in 1996. Since then,

regular competitive elections have been held in which opposition

candidates have won the presidency. The Dominican economy has had

one of the fastest growth rates in the hemisphere over the past

decade.

Geography Dominican Republic

Location:

Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between

the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti

Geographic coordinates:

19 00 N, 70 40 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 48,730 sq km

land: 48,380 sq km

water: 350 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire

Land boundaries: total: 360 km border countries: Haiti 360 km

Coastline:

1,288 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 6 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal

variation in rainfall

Terrain:

rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m highest point: Pico Duarte 3,175 m

Natural resources: nickel, bauxite, gold, silver

Land use: arable land: 21.08% permanent crops: 9.92% other: 69% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

2,590 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe

storms from June to October; occasional flooding; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

water shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs;

deforestation; Hurricane Georges damage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (eastern two-thirds is the

Dominican Republic, western one-third is Haiti)

People Dominican Republic

Population:

8,715,602 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.6% (male 1,497,777; female 1,431,104)

15-64 years: 61.2% (male 2,719,505; female 2,614,495)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 212,045; female 240,676) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.5 years

male: 23.3 years

female: 23.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.36% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

23.94 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.88 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 34.19 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 31.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 36.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.96 years

male: 66.41 years

female: 69.58 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.92 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

130,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

7,800 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Dominican(s) adjective: Dominican

Ethnic groups:

white 16%, black 11%, mixed 73%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%

Languages:

Spanish

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.7%

male: 84.6%

female: 84.8% (2003 est.)

Government Dominican Republic

Country name:

conventional long form: Dominican Republic

conventional short form: none

local long form: Republica Dominicana

local short form: none

Government type:

representative democracy

Capital:

Santo Domingo

Administrative divisions:

29 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 district*

(distrito); Azua, Baoruco, Barahona, Dajabon, Distrito Nacional*,

Duarte, Elias Pina, El Seibo, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Independencia,

La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor

Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata,

Salcedo, Samana, Sanchez Ramirez, San Cristobal, San Juan, San Pedro

de Macoris, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Valverde

Independence:

27 February 1844 (from Haiti)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 February (1844)

Constitution:

28 November 1966

Legal system:

based on French civil codes

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal and compulsory; married persons

regardless of age

note: members of the armed forces and police cannot vote

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez (since 16

August 2000); Vice President Milagros ORTIZ-BOSCH (since 16 August

2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez (since

16 August 2000); Vice President Milagros ORTIZ-BOSCH (since 16

August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 16 May 2000

(next to be held NA May 2004)

election results: Raphael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez elected

president; percent of vote - Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez (PRD)

49.87%, Danilo MEDINA (PLD) 24.95%, Joaquin BALAGUER (PRSC) 24.6%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the

Senate or Senado (30 seats; members are elected by popular vote to

serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de

Diputados (149 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 16 May 2002 (next to be held NA May

2006); Chamber of Deputies - last held 16 May 2002 (next to be held

NA May 2006)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - PRD 24, PLD 3, PRSC 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote

by party - NA%; seats by party - PRD 83, PLD 49, PRSC 17

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are elected by a Council

made up of members of the legislative and executive branches with

the president presiding)

Political parties and leaders:

Dominican Liberation Party or PLD [Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna];

Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD [Hatuey DE CAMPS]; Social

Christian Reformist Party or PRSC [Eduardo ESTRELLA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Collective of Popular Organizations or COP

International organization participation:

ACP, Caricom (observer), ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, LAES, LAIA

(observer), NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory), PCA, RG,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo GUILIANI Cury consulate(s): Mobile and Ponce (Puerto Rico) consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Jacksonville, Mayaguez (Puerto Rico), Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) FAX: [1] (202) 265-8057 telephone: [1] (202) 332-6280 chancery: 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hans H. HERTELL embassy: corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro, Santo Domingo mailing address: Unit 5500, APO AA 34041-5500 telephone: [1] (809) 221-2171 FAX: [1] (809) 686-7437

Flag description:

a centered white cross that extends to the edges divides the flag

into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red,

and the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a small coat of

arms featuring a shield supported by an olive branch (left) and a

palm branch (right) is at the center of the cross; above the shield

a blue ribbon displays the motto, DIOS, PATRIA, LIBERTAD (God,

Fatherland, Liberty), and below the shield, REPUBLICA DOMINICANA

appears on a red ribbon

Economy Dominican Republic

Economy - overview:

The Dominican Republic's economy experienced dramatic growth over

the last decade, even though the economy was hit hard by Hurricane

Georges in 1998. Although the country has long been viewed primarily

as an exporter of sugar, coffee, and tobacco, in recent years the

service sector has overtaken agriculture as the economy's largest

employer, due to growth in tourism and free trade zones. The country

suffers from marked income inequality; the poorest half of the

population receives less than one-fifth of GNP, while the richest

10% enjoy nearly 40% of national income. Growth probably will slow

in 2003 with reduced tourism and expected low growth in the US

economy, the source of 87% of export revenues.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $53.78 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $6,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11% industry: 34% services: 55% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 25%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.1% highest 10%: 37.9% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

47.4 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.3 million - 2.6 million

Labor force - by occupation: services and government 58.7%, industry 24.3%, agriculture 17% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14.5% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.9 billion

expenditures: $3.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.1

billion (2001 est.)

Industries:

tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles,

cement, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

9.186 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 92% hydro: 7.6% other: 0.4% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

8.543 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

129,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef, eggs

Exports: $5.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities: ferronickel, sugar, gold, silver, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, meats, consumer goods

Exports - partners:

US 85%, Canada 1.6%, UK 1.6% (2002)

Imports:

$8.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and

pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

US 51.5%, Venezuela 9.6%, Mexico 5.1%, Spain 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$4.8 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$239.6 million (1995)

Currency:

Dominican peso (DOP)

Currency code:

DOP

Exchange rates:

Dominican pesos per US dollar - 18.61 (2002), 16.95 (2001), 16.42

(2000), 16.03 (1999), 15.27 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Dominican Republic

Telephones - main lines in use:

709,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

130,149 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: relatively efficient system based on islandwide microwave

radio relay network

international: 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth station -

1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 120, FM 56, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios:

1.44 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

25 (1997)

Televisions:

770,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.do

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

24 (2000)

Internet users:

186,000 (2002)

Transportation Dominican Republic

Railways:

total: 1,503 km

standard gauge: 375 km 1.435-m gauge

note:: 986 km also operated by sugar companies in 1.076-m, 0.889-m,

and 0.762-m gauges (2002)

narrow gauge: 142 km 0.762-m gauge

Highways: total: 12,600 km paved: 6,224 km unpaved: 6,376 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

crude oil 96 km; petroleum products 8 km

Ports and harbors:

Barahona, La Romana, Manzanillo, Puerto Plata, San Pedro de

Macoris, Santo Domingo

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,587 GRT/1,165 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

30 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 13 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 17 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Military Dominican Republic

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,319,419 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,453,705 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 89,073 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$180 million (FY98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.1% (FY98)

Transnational Issues Dominican Republic

Disputes - international: despite efforts to control illegal migration, destitute Haitians continue to cross into the Dominican Republic

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US

and Europe; has become a transshipment point for ecstasy from the

Netherlands and Belgium destined for US and Canada; substantial

money-laundering activity; Colombian narcotics traffickers favor the

Dominican Republic for illicit financial transactions

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@East Timor

Introduction East Timor

Background:

The Portuguese colony of Timor declared itself independent from

Portugal on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and occupied by

Indonesian forces nine days later. It was incorporated into

Indonesia in July 1976 as the province of East Timor. A campaign of

pacification followed over the next two decades, during which an

estimated 100,000 to 250,000 individuals lost their lives. On 30

August 1999, in a UN-supervised popular referendum, the people of

East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia. During 1999-2001,

pro-integrationist militias - supported by Indonesia - conducted

indiscriminate violence. On 20 May 2002, East Timor was

internationally recognized as an independent state and the world's

newest democracy.

Geography East Timor

Location:

Southeastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser Sunda

Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago; note -

East Timor includes the eastern half of the island of Timor, the

Oecussi (Ambeno) region on the northwest portion of the island of

Timor, and the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco

Geographic coordinates:

8 50 S, 125 55 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 15,007 sq km

land: NA sq km

water: NA sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Connecticut

Land boundaries: total: 228 km border countries: Indonesia 228 km

Coastline: 706 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: NA NM extended fishing zone: NA NM territorial sea: NA NM exclusive fishing zone: NA NM continental shelf: NA NM exclusive economic zone: NA NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons

Terrain:

mountainous

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m highest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m

Natural resources: gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble

Land use: arable land: NA% other: NA% permanent crops: NA%

Irrigated land:

1,065 sq km (est.)

Natural hazards:

floods and landslides are common; earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical

cyclones

Environment - current issues:

widespread use of slash and burn agriculture has led to

deforestation and soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

NA

Geography - note:

Timor comes from the Malay word for "Orient;" the island of Timor

is part of the Malay Archipelago and is the largest and easternmost

of the Lesser Sunda Islands

People East Timor

Population:

997,853

note: other estimates range as low as 800,000 (2002 est.) (July 2003

est.)

Age structure:

NA (2003 est.)

Median age: total: 19.7 years female: 19.6 years (2002) male: 19.8 years

Population growth rate:

2.13% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

27.75 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.41 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 50.47 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 43.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 57.05 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.2 years

female: 67.55 years (2003 est.)

male: 62.97 years

Total fertility rate:

3.79 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Timorese

adjective: Timorese

Ethnic groups:

Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian), Papuan, small Chinese minority

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, Muslim 4%, Protestant 3%, Hindu 0.5%, Buddhist,

Animist (1992 est.)

Languages:

Tetum (official), Portuguese (official), Indonesian, English

note: there are about 16 indigenous languages; Tetum, Galole,

Mambae, and Kemak are spoken by significant numbers of people

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 48% (2001)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government East Timor

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

conventional short form: East Timor

local short form: Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum]; Timor-Leste [Portuguese]

former: Portuguese Timor

local long form: Republika Demokratika Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum];

Republica Democratica de Timor-Leste [Portuguese]

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Dili

Administrative divisions:

13 administrative districts; Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro

(Maliana), Cova-Lima (Suai), Dili, Ermera, Lautem (Los Palos),

Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi (Same), Oecussi (Ambeno), Viqueque

Independence:

28 November 1975 (date of proclamation of independence from

Portugal); note - 20 May 2002 is the official date of international

recognition of East Timor's independence from Indonesia

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1975)

Constitution:

22 March 2002 (based on the Portuguese model)

Legal system:

UN-drafted legal system based on Indonesian law (2002)

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jose Alexander GUSMAO (since 20 May

2002); note - the president plays a largely symbolic role but is

able to veto some legislation; he often is referred to as Xanana

GUSMAO

head of government: Prime Minister Mari Bin Amude ALKATIRI (since 20

May 2002)

cabinet: Council of State

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 14 April 2002 (next to be held NA April 2007);

after the first legislative elections, the leader of the majority

party was appointed prime minister by the president, suggesting a

precedent for the future

election results: Jose Alexander GUSMAO elected president; percent

of vote - Jose Alexander GUSMAO 82.7%, Francisco Xavier do AMARAL

17.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (number of seats can vary, minimum

requirement of 52 and a maximum of 65 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - for its first term of

office, the National Parliament is comprised of 88 members on an

exceptional basis

elections: last held 30 August 2001 (next to be held NA August 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - FRETILIN 57.37%, PD

8.72%, PSD 8.18%, ASDT 7.84%, UDT 2.36%, PNT 2.21%, KOTA 2.13%, PPT

2.01%, PDC 1.98%, PST 1.78%, independents/other 5.42%; seats by

party - FRETILIN 55, PD 7, PSD 6, ASDT 6, PDC 2, UDT 2, KOTA 2, PNT

2, PPT 2, UDC/PDC 1, PST 1, PL 1, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice, one judge appointed by the National

Parliament and the rest appointed by the Superior Council for the

Judiciary

Political parties and leaders:

Associacao Social-Democrata Timorense or ASDT [Francisco Xavier do

AMARAL]; Christian Democratic Party of Timor or PDC [Antonio

XIMENES]; Christian Democratic Union of Timor or UDC [Vicente da

Silva GUTERRES]; Democratic Party or PD [Fernando de ARAUJO];

Liberal Party or PL [leader NA]; Maubere Democratic Party or PDM

[leader NA]; People's Party of Timor or PPT [Jacob XAVIER];

Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor or FRETILIN [Lu OLO];

Social Democrat Party of East Timor or PSD [Mario CARRASCALAO];

Socialist Party of Timor or PST [leader NA]; Sons of the Mountain

Warriors (also known as Association of Timorese Heroes) or KOTA

[Clementino dos Reis AMARAL]; Timor Democratic Union or UDT [Joao

CARRASCALAO]; Timor Labor Party or PTT [Paulo Freitas DA SILVA];

Timorese Nationalist Party or PNT [Abilio ARAUJO]; Timorese Popular

Democratic Association or APODETI [Frederico Almeida-Santos DA COSTA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

AsDB, IBRD, ICCt, IDA, IMF, Interpol, UN, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Luis GUTERRES

consulate(s) general: New York (the ambassador resides in New York)

(2003)

FAX: 202 965-1517

telephone: 202 965-1515

chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC 20007

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Grover Joseph REES

embassy: Vila 10, Avenida de Portugal, Farol, Dili

mailing address: Department of State, 8250 Dili Place, Washington,

DC 20521-8250

telephone: (670) 332-4684, 331-3205/3160/3472

FAX: (670) 331-3206

Flag description:

red, with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side)

superimposed on a slightly longer yellow arrowhead that extends to

the center of the flag; there is a white star in the center of the

black triangle

Economy East Timor

Economy - overview:

In late 1999, about 70% of the economic infrastructure of East

Timor was laid waste by Indonesian troops and anti-independence

militias, and 260,000 people fled westward. Over the next three

years, however, a massive international program, manned by 5,000

peacekeepers (8,000 at peak) and 1,300 police officers, led to

substantial reconstruction in both urban and rural areas. By

mid-2002, all but about 50,000 of the refugees had returned. The

country faces great challenges in continuing the rebuilding of

infrastructure and the strengthening of the infant civil

administration. One promising long-term project is the planned

development of oil resources in nearby waters.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $440 million (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

18% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $500 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 25.4% industry: 17.2% services: 57.4% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

42% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38 (2002 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

NA

Unemployment rate:

50% (including underemployment)

Budget:

revenues: $36 million

expenditures: $97 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2003 est.)

Industries:

printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth

Industrial production growth rate:

8.5%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Agriculture - products: coffee, rice, maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, soybeans, cabbage, mangoes, bananas, vanilla

Exports: $8 million (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities: coffee, sandalwood, marble; note - the potential for oil and vanilla exports

Exports - partners:

NA

Imports:

$237 million (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mainly food (2001)

Imports - partners:

NA

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$2.2 billion (1999-2002 est.)

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

IDR

Exchange rates:

see US dollar

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications East Timor

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

NA

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.tp

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Internet users:

NA

Transportation East Timor

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 3,800 km paved: 428 km unpaved: 3,372 km (1995)

Waterways:

NA

Pipelines:

NA

Ports and harbors:

NA

Merchant marine: total: NA ships by type: NA

Airports:

8 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,427 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Heliports:

1 (2002)

Military East Timor

Military branches:

The East Timor Defense Force or FALINTIL-FDTL comprises a

light-infantry Army and a small Naval component; note - plans are to

develop a force of 1,500 active personnel and 1,500 reserve

personnel over the next five years

Military manpower - military age:

18-21 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

NA

Military manpower - fit for military service:

NA

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

NA

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$4.4 million (FY03)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues East Timor

Disputes - international:

East Timor-Indonesia Boundary Committee meets regularly to survey

and delimit the land boundary; some East Timor refugees delay return

from camps in Indonesia; maritime delimitation and resource-sharing

agreements signed with Australia resolved dispute over "Timor Gap"

hydrocarbon reserves, but maritime agreement with Indonesia awaits

further discussions

Illicit drugs:

NA

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Ecuador

Introduction Ecuador

Background:

The "Republic of the Equator" was one of three countries that

emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being

Colombia and Venezuela). Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost

territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border

war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999.

Geography Ecuador

Location:

Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator,

between Colombia and Peru

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 S, 77 30 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 283,560 sq km

note: includes Galapagos Islands

water: 6,720 sq km

land: 276,840 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Nevada

Land boundaries: total: 2,010 km border countries: Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km

Coastline:

2,237 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: claims continental shelf between mainland and

Galapagos Islands

territorial sea: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations;

tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

Terrain:

coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), and

flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Chimborazo 6,267 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 5.69% permanent crops: 5.15% other: 89.16% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

8,650 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity; floods;

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically sensitive areas of the Galapagos Islands

Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world

People Ecuador

Population:

13,710,234 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.9% (male 2,430,303; female 2,351,166)

15-64 years: 60.6% (male 4,116,289; female 4,198,667)

65 years and over: 4.5% (male 284,082; female 329,727) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.5 years

male: 22 years

female: 23 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.91% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

24.94 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.29 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 31.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 26.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 37.28 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.89 years

male: 69.06 years

female: 74.86 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.99 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

20,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,700 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Ecuadorian(s)

adjective: Ecuadorian

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish

and others 7%, black 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%

Languages:

Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.5%

male: 94%

female: 91% (2003 est.)

Government Ecuador

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Ecuador

conventional short form: Ecuador

local short form: Ecuador

local long form: Republica del Ecuador

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Quito

Administrative divisions:

22 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay, Bolivar,

Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos,

Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo,

Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe

Independence:

24 May 1822 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)

Constitution:

10 August 1998

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal, compulsory for literate persons ages

18-65, optional for other eligible voters

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lucio GUTIERREZ (since 15 January 2003);

Vice President Alfredo PALACIO (since 15 January 2003); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

elections: the president and vice president are elected on the same

ticket by popular vote for four-year term (no reelection); election

last held 20 October 2002; runoff election held 24 November 2002

(next to be held NA October 2006)

head of government: President Lucio GUTIERREZ (since 15 January

2003); Vice President Alfredo PALACIO (since 15 January 2003); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

election results: results of the 24 November 2002 runoff election -

Lucio GUTIERREZ elected president; percent of vote - Lucio GUTIERREZ

54.3%; Alvaro NOBOA 45.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (100 seats;

members are popularly elected by province to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 20 October 2002 (next to be held NA October

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

PSC 25, PRE 15, ID 16, PRIAN 10, PSP 9, Pachakutik Movement 6, MPD

5, DP 4, PS 3, independents 7; note - defections by members of

National Congress are commonplace, resulting in frequent changes in

the numbers of seats held by the various parties

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (new justices are elected by the

full Supreme Court)

Political parties and leaders:

Concentration of Popular Forces or CFP [Averroes BUCARAM];

Democratic Left or ID [Rodrigo BORJA Cevallos]; National Action

Institutional Renewal Party or PRIAN [leader NA]; Pachakutik

Movement [Miguel LLUCO]; Patriotic Society Party or PSP [leader NA];

Popular Democracy or DP [Dr. Juan Manuel FUERTES]; Popular

Democratic Movement or MPD [Gustavo TERAN Acosta]; Radical Alfarista

Front or FRA [Fabian ALARCON, director]; Roldosist Party or PRE

[Abdala BUCARAM Ortiz, director]; Social Christian Party or PSC

[Pascual DEL CIOPPO]; Socialist Party or PS [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador or CONAIE

[Leonidas IZA, president]; Coordinator of Social Movements or CMS

[F. Napoleon SANTOS]; Federation of Indigenous Evangelists of

Ecuador or FEINE [Marco MURILLO, president]; National Federation of

Indigenous Afro-Ecuatorianos and Peasants or FENOCIN [Pedro DE LA

CRUZ, president]; Popular Front or FP [Luis VILLACIS]

International organization participation:

CAN, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Raul GANGOTENA Rivadeneira

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New

Orleans, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, and San Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 667-3482

telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200

chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie Anne KENNEY

embassy: Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria, Quito

mailing address: APO AA 34039

telephone: [593] (2) 256-2890

FAX: [593] (2) 250-2052

consulate(s) general: Guayaquil

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and red

with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag;

similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not bear

a coat of arms

Economy Ecuador

Economy - overview:

Ecuador has substantial oil resources and rich agricultural areas.

Because the country exports primary products such as oil, bananas,

and shrimp, fluctuations in world market prices can have a

substantial domestic impact. Ecuador joined the World Trade

Organization (WTrO) in 1996, but has failed to comply with many of

its accession commitments. The aftermath of El Nino and depressed

oil market of 1997-98 drove Ecuador's economy into a free-fall in

1999. The beginning of 1999 saw the banking sector collapse, which

helped precipitate an unprecedented default on external loans later

that year. Continued economic instability drove a 70% depreciation

of the currency throughout 1999, which forced a desperate government

to "dollarize" the currency regime in 2000. The move stabilized the

currency, but did not stave off the ouster of the government.

Gustavo NOBOA, who assumed the presidency in January 2000, has

managed to pass substantial economic reforms and mend relations with

international financial institutions. Ecuador completed its first

standby agreement since 1986 when the IMF Board approved a 10

December 2001 disbursement of $96 million, the final installment of

a $300 million standby credit agreement. In February 2003, newly

installed president Lucio GUTIERREZ faced a budget gap and massive

foreign debt. He has pledged to use oil revenues to pay off debt and

is seeking additional IMF support.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $42.65 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11% industry: 33% services: 56% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 70% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.2% highest 10%: 33.8% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43.7 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

3.7 million (urban)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 30%, industry 25%, services 45% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.7%; note - widespread underemployment (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $5.6 billion

expenditures: planned $5.6 billion, including capital expenditures

of $NA (2001 est.)

Industries:

petroleum, food processing, textiles, metal work, paper products,

wood products, chemicals, plastics, fishing, lumber

Industrial production growth rate:

5.1% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

75.23 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 81% hydro: 19% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

69.96 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

421,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

129,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

2.358 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

160 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

160 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

106.5 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca),

plantains, sugarcane; cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy

products; balsa wood; fish, shrimp

Exports:

$4.9 billion (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, bananas, shrimp, coffee, cocoa, cut flowers, fish

Exports - partners:

US 39%, Colombia 5.6%, South Korea 5.1%, Germany 5%, Italy 4.4%

(2002)

Imports:

$6 billion (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw materials, fuels; consumer

goods

Imports - partners:

US 28.6%, Colombia 14.4%, Japan 6%, Chile 4.5%, Brazil 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$14.4 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$120 million (2001)

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

sucres per US dollar - 25,000 (2002), 25,000 (2001), 24,988.4

(2000), 11,786.8 (1999), 5,446.57 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Ecuador

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,115,272 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

384,000 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally elementary but being expanded

domestic: facilities generally inadequate and unreliable

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 392, FM 35, shortwave 29 (2001)

Radios:

5 million (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

7 (plus 14 repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

2.5 million (2001)

Internet country code:

.ec

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

31 (2001)

Internet users:

328,000 (2002)

Transportation Ecuador

Railways: total: 966 km narrow gauge: 966 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 43,197 km paved: 8,164 km unpaved: 35,033 km (2000)

Waterways:

1,500 km

Pipelines:

gas 71 km; oil 1,575 km; refined products 1,185 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, La Libertad, Manta, Puerto Bolivar, San

Lorenzo

Merchant marine:

total: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 239,276 GRT/392,048 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Chile 1, Greece 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas 1,

passenger 3, petroleum tanker 23, specialized tanker 1

Airports:

205 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 61 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 18 under 914 m: 18 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 144 914 to 1,523 m: 31 under 914 m: 113 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Ecuador

Military branches:

Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Police

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 3,555,068 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,395,178 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 137,433 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$720 million (FY98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.4% (FY98)

Transnational Issues Ecuador

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

significant transit country for cocaine originating in Colombia and

Peru; importer of precursor chemicals used in production of illicit

narcotics; dollarization may raise the volume of money-laundering

activity, especially along the border with Colombia; increased

activity on the northern frontier by trafficking groups and

Colombian insurgents

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Egypt

Introduction Egypt

Background:

The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled

with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west,

allowed for the development of one of the world's great

civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C. and a series

of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last

native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were

replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who

introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who

ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the

Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the

conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the

completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important

world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt.

Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of

Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman

Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in

1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty following World War II. The

completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake

Nasser have altered the time-honored place of the Nile River in the

agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the

largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on

the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The

government has struggled to ready the economy for the new millennium

through economic reform and massive investment in communications and

physical infrastructure.

Geography Egypt

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and

the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the

Asian Sinai Peninsula

Geographic coordinates:

27 00 N, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,001,450 sq km

land: 995,450 sq km

water: 6,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,665 km

border countries: Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 266 km, Libya 1,115 km,

Sudan 1,273 km

Coastline:

2,450 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Terrain:

vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m

highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone,

gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc

Land use: arable land: 2.85% permanent crops: 0.47% other: 96.68% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

33,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes, flash floods, landslides;

hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring; dust storms,

sandstorms

Environment - current issues:

agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands;

increasing soil salination below Aswan High Dam; desertification;

oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and marine habitats;

other water pollution from agricultural pesticides, raw sewage, and

industrial effluents; very limited natural fresh water resources

away from the Nile which is the only perennial water source; rapid

growth in population overstraining the Nile and natural resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and

remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link

between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; size, and juxtaposition

to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics;

dependence on upstream neighbors; dominance of Nile basin issues;

prone to influxes of refugees

People Egypt

Population:

74,718,797 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.9% (male 12,964,852; female 12,346,808)

15-64 years: 61.9% (male 23,375,037; female 22,865,190)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 1,359,685; female 1,807,225) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 23.1 years male: 22.8 years female: 23.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.88% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

24.36 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.35 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 35.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 34.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 36.02 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.41 years

male: 67.94 years

female: 73 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.02 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Egyptian(s)

adjective: Egyptian

Ethnic groups:

Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%,

Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and

French) 1%

Religions:

Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated

classes

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 57.7%

male: 68.3%

female: 46.9% (2003 est.)

Government Egypt

Country name:

conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt

conventional short form: Egypt

local short form: Misr

former: United Arab Republic (with Syria)

local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Cairo

Administrative divisions:

26 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ad Daqahliyah,

Al Bahr al Ahmar, Al Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al

Iskandariyah, Al Isma'iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah, Al Minya, Al

Qahirah, Al Qalyubiyah, Al Wadi al Jadid, Ash Sharqiyah, As Suways,

Aswan, Asyut, Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa'id, Dumyat, Janub Sina', Kafr ash

Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal Sina', Suhaj

Independence:

28 February 1922 (from UK)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)

Constitution:

11 September 1971

Legal system:

based on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes;

judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees

validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14 October

1981)

head of government: Prime Minister Atef Mohammed ABEID (since 5

October 1999)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president nominated by the People's Assembly for a

six-year term, the nomination must then be validated by a national,

popular referendum; national referendum last held 26 September 1999

(next to be held NA October 2005); prime minister appointed by the

president

election results: national referendum validated President MUBARAK's

nomination by the People's Assembly to a fourth term

Legislative branch:

bicameral system consists of the People's Assembly or Majlis

al-Sha'b (454 seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 appointed by

the president; members serve five-year terms) and the Advisory

Council or Majlis al-Shura - which functions only in a consultative

role (264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the

president; members serve NA-year terms)

elections: People's Assembly - three-phase voting - last held 19

October, 29 October, 8 November 2000 (next to be held NA November

2005); Advisory Council - last held 7 June 1995 (next to be held NA)

election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NDP

88%, independents 8%, opposition 4%; seats by party - NDP 398, NWP

7, Tagammu 6, Nasserists 2, LSP 1, independents 38, undecided 2;

Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - NDP 99%, independents

1%; seats by party - NA

Judicial branch:

Supreme Constitutional Court

Political parties and leaders: Nasserist Arab Democratic Party or Nasserists [Dia' al-din DAWUD]; National Democratic Party or NDP [President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK] - governing party; National Progressive Unionist Grouping or Tagammu [Khalid MUHI AL-DIN]; New Wafd Party or NWP [No'man GOMA]; Socialist Liberal Party or LSP [leader NA] note: formation of political parties must be approved by the government

Political pressure groups and leaders: despite a constitutional ban against religious-based parties, the technically illegal Muslim Brotherhood constitutes MUBARAK's potentially most significant political opposition; MUBARAK tolerated limited political activity by the Brotherhood for his first two terms, but moved more aggressively since then to block its influence; civic society groups are sanctioned, but constrained in practical terms; trade unions and professional associations are officially sanctioned

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACC, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BSEC (observer), CAEU,

EBRD, ECA, ESCWA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAPEC,

OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNOMIG, UNRWA,

UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador M. Nabil FAHMY

chancery: 3521 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 244-4319

telephone: [1] (202) 895-5400

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador C. David WELCH

embassy: 5 Latin America St., Garden City, Cairo

mailing address: Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900

telephone: [20] (2) 797-3300

FAX: [20] (2) 797-3200

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with

the national emblem (a shield superimposed on a golden eagle facing

the hoist side above a scroll bearing the name of the country in

Arabic) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen,

which has a plain white band; also similar to the flag of Syria,

which has two green stars, and to the flag of Iraq, which has three

green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line

centered in the white band

Economy Egypt

Economy - overview:

Egypt improved its macroeconomic performance throughout most of the

last decade by following IMF advice on fiscal, monetary, and

structural reform policies. As a result, Egypt managed to tame

inflation, slash budget deficits, and attract more foreign

investment. In the past four years, however, the pace of reform has

slackened, and excessive spending on national infrastructure

projects has widened budget deficits again. Lower foreign exchange

earnings since 1998 resulted in pressure on the Egyptian pound and

periodic dollar shortages. Monetary pressures have increased since

11 September 2001 because of declines in tourism and Suez Canal

tolls, and Egypt has devalued the pound several times in the past

year. The development of a gas export market is a major bright spot

for future growth prospects. In the short term, regional tensions

will continue to affect tourism and hold back prospects for economic

expansion.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $289.8 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 17% industry: 34% services: 49% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 22.9% (FY 95/96 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.4% highest 10%: 25% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28.9 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

20.6 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 29%, industry 22%, services 49% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $21.5 billion

expenditures: $26.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.9

billion (2001)

Industries:

textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, hydrocarbons,

construction, cement, metals

Industrial production growth rate:

2.2% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

75.23 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 81% hydro: 19% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

69.96 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

816,900 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

562,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

3.308 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

21.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

21.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.264 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats

Exports:

$7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products,

chemicals

Exports - partners:

US 18.3%, Italy 13.7%, UK 8.4% (2002)

Imports:

$15.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, fuels

Imports - partners:

US 16.9%, Germany 7.9%, Italy 6.7%, France 6.5%, China 5%, UK 4.1%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$30.5 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA, $2.25 billion (1999)

Currency:

Egyptian pound (EGP)

Currency code:

EGP

Exchange rates:

Egyptian pounds per US dollar - 4.5 (2002), 3.97 (2001), 3.47

(2000), 3.4 (1999), 3.39 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Egypt

Telephones - main lines in use:

3,971,500 (December 1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

380,000 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: large system; underwent extensive upgrading

during 1990s and is reasonably modern; Internet access and cellular

service are available

domestic: principal centers at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah,

Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta are connected by coaxial cable and

microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean

and Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat; 5 coaxial submarine

cables; tropospheric scatter to Sudan; microwave radio relay to

Israel; a participant in Medarabtel and a signatory to Project

Oxygen (a global submarine fiber-optic cable system)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 42 (plus 15 repeaters), FM 14, shortwave 3 (1999)

Radios:

20.5 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

98 (September 1995)

Televisions:

7.7 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.eg

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

50 (2000)

Internet users:

600,000 (2002)

Transportation Egypt

Railways: total: 5,105 km standard gauge: 5,105 km 1.435-m gauge (42 km electrified) (2002)

Highways: total: 64,000 km paved: 49,984 km unpaved: 14,016 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

3,500 km

note: includes the Nile, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and

numerous smaller canals in the delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including

approaches), used by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 16.1 m of water

Pipelines:

condensate 327 km; condensate/gas 94 km; gas 6,145 km; liquid

petroleum gas 382 km; oil 5,726 km; oil/gas/water 36 km; water 62 km

(2003)

Ports and harbors:

Alexandria, Al Ghardaqah, Aswan, Asyut, Bur Safajah, Damietta,

Marsa Matruh, Port Said, Suez

Merchant marine:

total: 170 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,284,197 GRT/1,907,734 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 1, Germany 1, Greece 6, Lebanon 3, Monaco 1,

Ukraine 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 20, cargo 50, container 5, liquefied gas 1,

passenger 63, petroleum tanker 15, roll on/roll off 13, short-sea

passenger 3

Airports:

89 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 71

over 3,047 m: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 38

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 18

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 6

Heliports:

2 (2002)

Military Egypt

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Command

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 19,895,370 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 12,867,160 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 743,305 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$4.04 billion (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.1% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Egypt

Disputes - international:

Egypt and Sudan retain claims to administer the triangular areas

that extend north and south of the 1899 Treaty boundary along the

22nd Parallel, but have withdrawn their military presence - Egypt is

economically developing the "Hala'ib triangle" north of the Treaty

line

Illicit drugs:

transit point for Southwest Asian and Southeast Asian heroin and

opium moving to Europe, Africa, and the US; transit stop for

Nigerian couriers; concern as money-laundering site due to lax

banking regulations

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@El Salvador

Introduction El Salvador

Background:

El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the

Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost

about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the

government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for

military and political reforms.

Geography El Salvador

Location:

Middle America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between

Guatemala and Honduras

Geographic coordinates:

13 50 N, 88 55 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 21,040 sq km

water: 320 sq km

land: 20,720 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Land boundaries: total: 545 km border countries: Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 km

Coastline:

307 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to

April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 27.27%

permanent crops: 12.11%

other: 60.62% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

360 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes very

destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely susceptible

to hurricanes

Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline

on Caribbean Sea

People El Salvador

Population:

6,470,379 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.1% (male 1,224,024; female 1,173,667)

15-64 years: 57.9% (male 1,777,522; female 1,966,064)

65 years and over: 5.1% (male 147,482; female 181,620) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.1 years

male: 20 years

female: 22.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.81% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

27.9 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.01 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 29.59 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.62 years

male: 67.02 years

female: 74.4 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

24,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,100 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Salvadoran(s) adjective: Salvadoran

Ethnic groups:

mestizo 90%, Amerindian 1%, white 9%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 83%

note: there is extensive activity by Protestant groups throughout

the country; by the end of 1992, there were an estimated 1 million

Protestant evangelicals in El Salvador

Languages:

Spanish, Nahua (among some Amerindians)

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 80.2%

male: 82.8%

female: 77.7% (2003 est.)

Government El Salvador

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of El Salvador

conventional short form: El Salvador

local short form: El Salvador

local long form: Republica de El Salvador

Government type:

republic

Capital:

San Salvador

Administrative divisions:

14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);

Ahuachapan, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz,

La Union, Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Vicente,

Sonsonate, Usulutan

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

23 December 1983

Legal system:

based on civil and Roman law, with traces of common law; judicial

review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Francisco FLORES Perez (since 1 June

1999); Vice President Carlos QUINTANILLA Schmidt (since 1 June

1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Francisco FLORES Perez (since 1 June

1999); Vice President Carlos QUINTANILLA Schmidt (since 1 June

1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 7 March 1999

(next to be held NA March 2004)

election results: Francisco FLORES Perez elected president; percent

of vote - Francisco FLORES (ARENA) 52%, Facundo GUARDADO (FMLN) 29%,

Ruben ZAMORA (CD) 7.5%, other (no individual above 3%) 11.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (84 seats;

members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve three-year

terms)

elections: last held 16 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -

FMLN 31, ARENA 27, PCN 16, PDC 5, CD 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are selected by the

Legislative Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Rodolfo PARKER]; Democratic

Convergence or CD [Ruben ZAMORA, secretary general] (includes Social

Democratic Party or PSD [Juan MEDRANO, leader); Democratic Party or

PD [Jorge MELENDEZ]; Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front or

FMLN [Fabio CASTILLO]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLD [Kirio Waldo

SALGADO, president]; National Action Party or PAN [Gustavo Rogelio

SALINAS, secretary general]; National Conciliation Party or PCN

[Ciro CRUZ Zepeda, president]; National Republican Alliance or ARENA

[Walter ARAUJO]; Social Christian Union or USC (formed by the merger

of Christian Social Renewal Party or PRSC and Unity Movement or MU)

[Abraham RODRIGUEZ, president]

Political pressure groups and leaders: labor organizations - Electrical Industry Union of El Salvador or SIES; Federation of the Construction Industry, Similar Transport and other activities, or FESINCONTRANS; National Confederation of Salvadoran Workers or CNTS; National Union of Salvadoran Workers or UNTS; Port Industry Union of El Salvador or SIPES; Salvadoran Union of Ex-Petrolleros and Peasant Workers or USEPOC; Salvadoran Workers Central or CTS; Workers Union of Electrical Corporation or STCEL; business organizations - National Association of Small Enterprise or ANEP; Salvadoran Assembly Industry Association or ASIC; Salvadoran Industrial Association or ASI

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES,

LAIA (observer), MINURSO, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Rene Antonio LEON Rodriguez

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles,

Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC

FAX: [1] (202) 234-3834

telephone: [1] (202) 265-9671

chancery: 2308 California Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Rose M. LIKINS

embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La

Libertad, San Salvador

mailing address: Unit 3116, APO AA 34023

telephone: [503] 278-4444

FAX: [503] 278-6011

Flag description:

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

the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of

arms features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL

SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; similar to the flag of Nicaragua,

which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band - it

features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on

top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar to the flag of

Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern

centered in the white band

Economy El Salvador

Economy - overview:

In recent years, this Central American economy has been suffering

from a weak tax collection system, factory closings, the aftermaths

of Hurricane Mitch of 1998 and the devastating earthquakes of early

2001, and weak world coffee prices. On the bright side, inflation

has fallen to single digit levels, and total exports have grown

substantially. The trade deficit has been offset by annual

remittances of almost $2 billion from Salvadorans living abroad and

by external aid. The US dollar is now the legal tender. Because

competitor countries have fluctuating exchange rates, El Salvador

must face the challenge of raising productivity and lowering costs.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $29.41 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 10% industry: 30% services: 60% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 48% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.4% highest 10%: 39.3% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

52.2 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.8% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

2.35 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 30%, industry 15%, services 55% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10% - but the economy has much underemployment. (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.1 billion

expenditures: $2.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizer,

textiles, furniture, light metals

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

3.729 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 44% hydro: 30.9% other: 25.1% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

3.777 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

44 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

353 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

39,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: coffee, sugar, corn, rice, beans, oilseed, cotton, sorghum; shrimp; beef, dairy products

Exports: $3 billion (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities: offshore assembly exports, coffee, sugar, shrimp, textiles, chemicals, electricity

Exports - partners:

US 63.3%, Guatemala 12%, Honduras 6.8%, Nicaragua 4.5% (2002)

Imports:

$4.9 billion (2002)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods, fuels, foodstuffs,

petroleum, electricity

Imports - partners:

US 39%, Guatemala 10.1%, Mexico 7.2%, France 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$5.6 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

total $252 million; $57 million from US (1999 est.)

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

8.75 the US dollar is the legal tender

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications El Salvador

Telephones - main lines in use:

380,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

40,163 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 61 (plus 24 repeaters), FM 30, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

2.75 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

5 (1997)

Televisions:

600,000 (1990)

Internet country code:

.sv

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

4 (2000)

Internet users:

40,000 (2000)

Transportation El Salvador

Railways:

total: 283 km

narrow gauge: 283 km 0.914-m gauge

note: length of operational route reduced from 562 km to 283 km by

disuse and lack of maintenance (2002)

Highways:

total: 10,029 km

paved: 1,986 km (including 327 km of expressways)

unpaved: 8,043 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

Rio Lempa partially navigable

Ports and harbors:

Acajutla, Puerto Cutuco, La Libertad, La Union, Puerto El Triunfo

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

82 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 78 914 to 1,523 m: 17 under 914 m: 61 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military El Salvador

Military branches:

Army, Navy (FNES), Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,536,230 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 973,884 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 69,534 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$112 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.7% (FY99)

Transnational Issues El Salvador

Disputes - international:

in 1992, the ICJ ruled on the delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed

areas) along the El Salvador-Honduras boundary, but they remain

largely undemarcated; in 2002, El Salvador filed an application to

the ICJ to revise the decision on a section of bolsones; the ICJ

also advised a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the

Golfo de Fonseca with consideration of Honduran access to the

Pacific; El Salvador claims tiny Conejo Island, not mentioned by the

ICJ, off Honduras in the Golfo de Fonseca

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine; small amounts of marijuana

produced for local consumption; domestic cocaine abuse on the rise

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Equatorial Guinea

Introduction Equatorial Guinea

Background:

Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of

Spanish rule. President OBIANG NGUEM MBASOGO has ruled the tiny

country, composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands

and one of the smallest countries on the African continent, since he

seized power in a coup in 1979. Although nominally a constitutional

democracy since 1991, the 1996 and 2002 presidential elections - as

well as the 1999 legislative elections - were widely seen as being

flawed.

Geography Equatorial Guinea

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Cameroon and

Gabon

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 28,051 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 28,051 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries: total: 539 km border countries: Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 km

Coastline: 296 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

Terrain:

coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico Basile 3,008 m

Natural resources:

oil, petroleum, timber, small unexploited deposits of gold,

manganese, uranium, titanium, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 4.63%

permanent crops: 3.57%

other: 91.8% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

violent windstorms, flash floods

Environment - current issues:

tap water is not potable; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ship

Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

insular and continental regions rather widely separated

People Equatorial Guinea

Population:

510,473 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 108,179; female 107,164)

15-64 years: 54% (male 132,342; female 143,509)

65 years and over: 3.8% (male 8,576; female 10,703) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.7 years

male: 18 years

female: 19.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.44% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

36.94 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

12.54 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 89.02 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 82.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 95.25 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.75 years

male: 52.63 years

female: 56.93 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.75 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3.4% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5,900 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

370 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)

adjective: Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean

Ethnic groups:

Bioko (primarily Bubi, some Fernandinos), Rio Muni (primarily

Fang), Europeans less than 1,000, mostly Spanish

Religions:

nominally Christian and predominantly Roman Catholic, pagan

practices

Languages:

Spanish (official), French (official), pidgin English, Fang, Bubi,

Ibo

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85.7%

male: 93.3%

female: 78.4% (2003 est.)

Government Equatorial Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Equatorial Guinea

conventional short form: Equatorial Guinea

local short form: Guinea Ecuatorial

local long form: Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial

former: Spanish Guinea

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Malabo

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko

Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-Nzas

Independence:

12 October 1968 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 October (1968)

Constitution:

approved by national referendum 17 November 1991; amended January

1995

Legal system:

partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal custom

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal adult

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA

MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seized power in a military coup)

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 15 December 2002 (next to be held NA December

2009); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the

president

election results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president;

percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 97.1%, Celestino

Bonifacio BACALE 2.2%; elections marred by widespread fraud

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

head of government: Prime Minister Candido Muatetema RIVAS (since 26

February 2001); First Deputy Prime Minister Miguel OYONO NDONG

(since NA January 1998); Deputy Prime Minister Demetrio Elo NDONG

NZE FUMU (since NA January 1998)

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of People's Representatives or Camara de

Representantes del Pueblo (80 seats; members directly elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 7 March 1999 (next to be held NA March 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - PDGE 80%, UP 6%, CPDS

5%; seats by party - PDGE 75, UP 4 and CPDS 1

note: opposition parties have refused to take up their seats in the

House to protest widespread irregularities in the 1999 legislative

elections

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal

Political parties and leaders:

Convergence Party for Social Democracy or CPDS [Placido MIKO

Abogo]; Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea or PDGE (ruling

party) [Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO]; Party for Progress of

Equatorial Guinea or PPGE [Severo MOTO]; Popular Action of

Equatorial Guinea or APGE [Miguel Esono EMAN]; Popular Union or UP

[Andres Moises Bda ADA]; Progressive Democratic Alliance or ADP

[Victorino Bolekia BONAY]; Union of Independent Democrats of UDI

[Daniel OYONO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OAU, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WHO, WIPO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Teodoro Biyogo NSUE

chancery: 2020 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

FAX: [1] (202) 518-5252

telephone: [1] (202) 518-5700

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Equatorial Guinea (embassy

closed September 1995); the US ambassador to Cameroon is accredited

to Equatorial Guinea; the US State Department is considering opening

a Consulate Agency in Malabo

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a

blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of arms

centered in the white band; the coat of arms has six yellow

six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and five offshore

islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton tree and below

which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity,

Peace, Justice)

Economy Equatorial Guinea

Economy - overview:

The discovery and exploitation of large oil reserves have

contributed to dramatic economic growth in recent years. Forestry,

farming, and fishing are also major components of GDP. Subsistence

farming predominates. Although pre-independence Equatorial Guinea

counted on cocoa production for hard currency earnings, the neglect

of the rural economy under successive regimes has diminished

potential for agriculture-led growth (the government has stated its

intention to reinvest some oil revenue into agriculture). A number

of aid programs sponsored by the World Bank and the IMF have been

cut off since 1993 because of corruption and mismanagement. No

longer eligible for concessional financing because of large oil

revenues, the government has been unsuccessfully trying to agree on

a "shadow" fiscal management program with the World Bank and IMF.

Businesses, for the most part, are owned by government officials and

their family members. Undeveloped natural resources include

titanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. Growth

will remain strong in 2003, led by oil.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.27 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

20% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 20%

industry: 60%

services: 20% (1999 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Unemployment rate:

30% (1998 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $200 million

expenditures: $158 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

petroleum, fishing, sawmilling, natural gas

Industrial production growth rate:

30% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

23.56 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 94.3% hydro: 5.7% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

21.91 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

181,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

563.5 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

20 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

20 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

68.53 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: coffee, cocoa, rice, yams, cassava (tapioca), bananas, palm oil nuts; livestock; timber

Exports:

$2.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, methanol, timber, cocoa

Exports - partners:

US 28.3%, Spain 25.3%, China 17.4%, Canada 10.6%, France 4.9% (2002)

Imports:

$562 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum sector equipment, other equipment

Imports - partners:

US 29.1%, Spain 15.9%, UK 14.8%, France 10.4%, Norway 7.2%,

Netherlands 4.8%, Italy 4.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$248 million (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$33.8 million (1995)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible

authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Currency code:

XAF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 January - 31 December

Communications Equatorial Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

6,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

300 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: poor system with adequate government services

domestic: NA

international: international communications from Bata and Malabo to

African and European countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

(Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 5 (2002)

Radios:

180,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2002)

Televisions:

4,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.gq

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

900 (2002)

Transportation Equatorial Guinea

Railways:

total: 0 km

Highways:

total: 2,880 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

condensate 37 km; gas 39 km; liquid natural gas 4 km; oil 24 km

(2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bata, Luba, Malabo

Merchant marine:

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 7,571 GRT/9,670 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1, passenger/cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Equatorial Guinea

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Rapid Intervention Force, National Police

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 116,496 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 59,110 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$30 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.5% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Equatorial Guinea

Disputes - international:

in 2002, ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of

Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of

Guinea, but states have not yet agreed to abide by the decision;

creation of a maritime boundary in hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay with

Gabon is hampered by dispute over small islets on Mbane/Mbagne bank,

administered and occupied by Gabon since the 1970s

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Eritrea

Introduction Eritrea

Background:

Eritrea was awarded to Ethiopia in 1952 as part of a federation.

Ethiopia's annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years later

sparked a 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991 with

Eritrean rebels defeating governmental forces; independence was

overwhelmingly approved in a 1993 referendum. A two-and-a-half-year

border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN

auspices on 12 December 2000. Eritrea currently hosts a UN

peacekeeping operation that is monitoring the border region. An

international commission, organized to resolve the border dispute,

posted its findings in 2002 but final demarcation is on hold due to

Ethiopian objections.

Geography Eritrea

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 39 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 121,320 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 121,320 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total: 1,626 km

border countries: Djibouti 109 km, Ethiopia 912 km, Sudan 605 km

Coastline:

2,234 km total; mainland on Red Sea 1,151 km, islands in Red Sea

1,083 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the

central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually); semiarid in

western hills and lowlands; rainfall heaviest during June-September

except in coastal desert

Terrain:

dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending highlands,

descending on the east to a coastal desert plain, on the northwest

to hilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: near Kulul within the Denakil depression -75 m

highest point: Soira 3,018 m

Natural resources:

gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, possibly oil and natural gas, fish

Land use: arable land: 3.87% permanent crops: 0.02% other: 96.11% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

220 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

frequent droughts; locust swarms

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing; loss of

infrastructure from civil warfare

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest shipping

lanes; Eritrea retained the entire coastline of Ethiopia along the

Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopia on 24 May 1993

People Eritrea

Population:

4,362,254 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.7% (male 977,447; female 972,068)

15-64 years: 52% (male 1,121,077; female 1,147,109)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 71,620; female 72,933) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.6 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 17.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.28% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

39.44 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

13.23 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-13.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: UNHCR began repatriating about 150,000 Eritrean refugees from

Sudan in 2001 following the restoration of diplomatic relations

between the two countries in 2000 (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 76.32 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 68.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 83.78 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 53.18 years

male: 51.48 years

female: 54.92 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.74 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.8% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

55,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

350 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Eritrean(s)

adjective: Eritrean

Ethnic groups:

ethnic Tigrinya 50%, Tigre and Kunama 40%, Afar 4%, Saho (Red Sea

coast dwellers) 3%, other 3%

Religions:

Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant

Languages:

Afar, Arabic, Tigre and Kunama, Tigrinya, other Cushitic languages

Literacy: definition: NA total population: 58.6% male: 69.9% female: 47.6% (2003 est.)

Government Eritrea

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Eritrea

conventional short form: Eritrea

local long form: Hagere Ertra

former: Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia

local short form: Ertra

Government type:

transitional government

note: following a successful referendum on independence for the

Autonomous Region of Eritrea on 23-25 April 1993, a National

Assembly, composed entirely of the People's Front for Democracy and

Justice or PFDJ, was established as a transitional legislature; a

Constitutional Commission was also established to draft a

constitution; ISAIAS Afworki was elected president by the

transitional legislature; the constitution, ratified in May 1997,

did not enter into effect, pending parliamentary and presidential

elections; parliamentary elections had been scheduled to take place

in December 2001, but were postponed indefinitely; currently the

sole legal party is the People's Front for Democracy and Justice

(PFDJ)

Capital:

Asmara (formerly Asmera)

Administrative divisions:

6 regions (regions, singular - region); Central, Anelba, Southern

Red Sea, Northern Red Sea, Southern, Gash-Barka

Independence:

24 May 1993 (from Ethiopia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 May (1993)

Constitution:

the transitional constitution, decreed on 19 May 1993, was replaced

by a new constitution adopted on 23 May 1997, but not yet implemented

Legal system:

primary basis is the Ethiopian legal code of 1957, with revisions;

new civil, commercial, and penal codes have not yet been

promulgated; also relies on customary and post-independence-enacted

laws and, for civil cases involving Muslims, Sharia law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

and is head of the State Council and National Assembly

head of government: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly

cabinet: State Council is the collective executive authority;

members appointed by the president

elections: president elected by the National Assembly; election last

held 8 June 1993 (next election date uncertain as the National

Assembly did not hold a presidential election in December 2001 as

anticipated)

election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of

National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; term limits not

established)

elections: in May 1997, following the adoption of the new

constitution, 75 members of the PFDJ Central Committee (the old

Central Committee of the EPLF), 60 members of the 527-member

Constituent Assembly, that had been established in 1997 to discuss

and ratify the new constitution, and 15 representatives of Eritreans

living abroad were formed into a Transitional National Assembly to

serve as the country's legislative body until countrywide elections

to a National Assembly were held; although only 75 of 150 members of

the Transitional National Assembly were elected, the constitution

stipulates that once past the transition stage, all members of the

National Assembly will be elected by secret ballot of all eligible

voters; National Assembly elections scheduled for December 2001 were

postponed indefinitely

Judicial branch:

or High Court, regional, subregional, and village courts; also have

military and special courts

Political parties and leaders: People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ, the only party recognized by the government [ISAIAS Afworki]; note - a National Assembly committee drafted a law on political parties in January 2001, but the full National Assembly has not yet debated or voted on it

Political pressure groups and leaders: Eritrean Islamic Jihad or EIJ [leader NA] (also including Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement or EIJM (also known as the Abu Sihel Movement) [leader NA]); Eritrean Islamic Salvation or EIS (also known as the Arafa Movement) [leader NA]; Eritrean Liberation Front or ELF [ABDULLAH Muhammed]; Eritrean National Alliance or ENA (a coalition including EIJ, EIS, ELF, and a number of ELF factions) [HERUY Tedla Biru]; Eritrean Public Forum or EPF [ARADOM Iyob]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (associate), IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador GIRMA Asmerom

telephone: [1] (202) 319-1991

consulate(s) general: Oakland (California)

FAX: [1] (202) 319-1304

chancery: 1708 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald J. McCONNELL

embassy: Franklin D. Roosevelt Street, Asmara

mailing address: P. O. Box 211, Asmara

telephone: [291] (1) 120004

FAX: [291] (1) 127584

Flag description:

red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing the flag

into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the lower one

is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is centered on

the hoist side of the red triangle

Economy Eritrea

Economy - overview:

Since independence from Ethiopia on 24 May 1993, Eritrea has faced

the economic problems of a small, desperately poor country. Like the

economies of many African nations, the economy is largely based on

subsistence agriculture, with 80% of the population involved in

farming and herding. The Ethiopian-Eritrea war in 1998-2000 severely

hurt Eritrea's economy. GDP growth fell to zero in 1999 and to -1%

in 2000. The May 2000 Ethiopian offensive into northern Eritrea

caused some $600 million in property damage and loss, including

losses of $225 million in livestock and 55,000 homes. The attack

prevented planting of crops in Eritrea's most productive region,

causing food production to drop by 62%. Even during the war, Eritrea

developed its transportation infrastructure, asphalting new roads,

improving its ports, and repairing war damaged roads and bridges.

Since the war ended, the government has maintained a firm grip on

the economy, expanding the use of the military and party-owned

businesses to complete Eritrea's development agenda. Erratic

rainfall and the delayed demobilization of agriculturalists from the

military kept cereal production well below normal, holding down

growth in 2002. Eritrea's economic future depends upon its ability

to master social problems such as illiteracy, unemployment, and low

skills, and to open its economy to private enterprise so the

diaspora's money and expertise can foster economic growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $3.3 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 17% industry: 29% services: 54% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

53% (1993/94)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15% (2001)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 80%, industry and services 20%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $206.4 million

expenditures: $615.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

220.5 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

205.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh NA kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh NA kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: sorghum, lentils, vegetables, corn, cotton, tobacco, coffee, sisal; livestock, goats; fish

Exports:

$20 million f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

livestock, sorghum, textiles, food, small manufactures (2000)

Exports - partners:

Italy 36.9%, Germany 16.7%, France 10.3%, US 5.4%, Netherlands 5.2%

(2002)

Imports:

$500 million c.i.f. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, petroleum products, food, manufactured goods (2000)

Imports - partners:

Italy 27.1%, US 15.7%, Germany 7.2%, Ukraine 5.8%, Turkey 5.5%,

France 4.5%, Netherlands 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$311 million (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$77 million (1999)

Currency:

nakfa (ERN)

Currency code:

ERN

Exchange rates:

nakfa (ERN) per US dollar - 9.5 (January 2000), 7.6 (January 1999),

7.2 (March 1998 est.)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Eritrea

Telephones - main lines in use:

30,000 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA; note - mobile cellular service was introduced in May 2001

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate

domestic: very inadequate; most telephones are in Asmara; government

is seeking international tenders to improve the system (2002)

international: NA; note - international connections exist

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM NA, shortwave 2 (2000)

Radios:

345,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2000)

Televisions:

1,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.er

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2001)

Internet users:

10,000 (2002)

Transportation Eritrea

Railways:

total: 306 km

narrow gauge: 306 km 0.950-m gauge

note: railway is being rebuilt (2002)

Highways:

total: 4,010 km

paved: 874 km

unpaved: 3,136 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Assab (Aseb), Massawa (Mits'iwa)

Merchant marine:

total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 19,100 GRT/23,399 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 2, liquefied gas 1, petroleum tanker 1,

roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

18 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 14 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Eritrea

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$95.75 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

12% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Eritrea

Disputes - international:

Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by 2002 independent boundary

commission delimitation decision, but demarcation, scheduled to

begin in 2003, has been hampered by technical delays and Ethiopian

concerns that the decision ignored "human geography" and awarded

Badme, the focus of the 1998-2000 war, to Eritrea, demarcation of

the boundary has been postponed indefinately; UN Peacekeeping

Mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) monitors a 25 km wide

Temporary Security Zone in Eritrea until the demarcation; Sudan

accuses Eritrea of supporting Sudanese rebel groups; Eritrea

protests Yemeni fishing around the Hanish Islands awarded to Eritrea

by the ICJ in 1999

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Estonia

Introduction Estonia

Background:

After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule,

Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into

the USSR in 1940, it regained its freedom in 1991, with the collapse

of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994,

Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with

Western Europe. Estonia received invitations to join NATO and the EU

in 2002.

Geography Estonia

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland,

between Latvia and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

59 00 N, 26 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 45,226 sq km

note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea

water: 2,015 sq km

land: 43,211 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined

Land boundaries: total: 633 km border countries: Latvia 339 km, Russia 294 km

Coastline: 3,794 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: limits fixed in coordination with neighboring states territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

maritime, wet, moderate winters, cool summers

Terrain:

marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m

Natural resources:

oil shale, peat, phosphorite, clay, limestone, sand, dolomite,

arable land, sea mud

Land use: arable land: 26.5% permanent crops: 0.35% other: 73.15% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

sometimes flooding occurs in the spring

Environment - current issues:

air polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power

plants in northeast; however, the amount of pollutants emitted to

the air have fallen steadily, the emissions of 2000 were 80% less

than in 1980; the amount of unpurified wastewater discharged to

water bodies in 2000 was one twentieth the level of 1980; in

connection with the start-up of new water purification plants, the

pollution load of wastewater decreased; Estonia has more than 1,400

natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural

areas need to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain

locations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Ship Pollution, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore

lie more than 1,500 islands

People Estonia

Population:

1,408,556 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.8% (male 113,239; female 108,876)

15-64 years: 68.8% (male 467,041; female 501,805)

65 years and over: 15.4% (male 71,512; female 146,083) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.1 years

male: 34.7 years

female: 41.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.49% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.24 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

13.42 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female

total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.03 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 13.88 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.31 years

male: 64.36 years

female: 76.57 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.27 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 7,700 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Estonian(s)

adjective: Estonian

Ethnic groups:

Estonian 65.3%, Russian 28.1%, Ukrainian 2.5%, Belarusian 1.5%,

Finn 1%, other 1.6% (1998)

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran, Russian Orthodox, Estonian Orthodox, Baptist,

Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Word

of Life, Jewish

Languages:

Estonian (official), Russian, Ukrainian, Finnish, other

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.8% (2003 est.)

Government Estonia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Estonia

conventional short form: Estonia

local short form: Eesti

former: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form: Eesti Vabariik

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

Tallinn

Administrative divisions:

15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond): Harjumaa (Tallinn),

Hiiumaa (Kardla), Ida-Virumaa (Johvi), Jarvamaa (Paide), Jogevamaa

(Jogeva), Laanemaa (Haapsalu), Laane-Virumaa (Rakvere), Parnumaa

(Parnu), Polvamaa (Polva), Raplamaa (Rapla), Saaremaa (Kuressaare),

Tartumaa (Tartu), Valgamaa (Valga), Viljandimaa (Viljandi), Vorumaa

(Voru)

note: counties have the administrative center name following in

parentheses

Independence:

regained on 20 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February 1918 was

the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 20 August 1991 was the

date of reindependence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

adopted 28 June 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Arnold RUUTEL (since 8 October 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Juhan PARTS (since 10 April 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,

approved by Parliament

election results: Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September

2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following

Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's

successor; on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 188 votes

to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155; the remaining 24 ballots

were either left blank or invalid

elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if

he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds

of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up

of Parliament plus members of local governments) elects the

president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest

percentage of votes; election last held 21 September 2001 (next to

be held in the fall of 2006); prime minister nominated by the

president and approved by Parliament

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members are elected

by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - Center Party 25.4%, Res

Publica 24.6%, Reform Party 17.7%, Estonian People's Union 13%, Pro

Patria Union (Fatherland League) 7.3% People's Party Moodukad 7%;

seats by party - Center Party 28, Res Publica 28, Reform Party 19,

Estonian People's Union 13, Pro Patria Union 7, People's Party

Moodukad 6

elections: last held 2 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2007)

Judicial branch:

National Court (chairman appointed by Parliament for life)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) [Edgar SAVISAAR, chairman];

Estonian People's Union (Rahvaliit) [Villu REILJAN]; Estonian Reform

Party (Reformierakond) [Siim KALLAS]; Estonian United Russian

People's Party or EUVRP [leader NA]; Moderates (Moodukad) [Ivari

PADAR]; Pro Patria Union (Isamaaliit) [Tunne KELAM, chairman]; Res

Publica [Juhan PARTS]; Russian Baltic Party [Sergei IVANOV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, OAS (observer), OPCW,

OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU

(associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Juri LUIK

chancery: 1730 M Street NW, Suite 503, Washington, DC 20036

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108

telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph M. DeTHOMAS

embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [372] 668-8100

FAX: [372] 668-8134

Flag description:

pre-1940 flag restored by Supreme Soviet in May 1990 - three equal

horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white

Economy Estonia

Economy - overview:

Estonia, as a new member of the World Trade Organization, is

steadily moving toward a modern market economy with increasing ties

to the West, including the pegging of its currency to the euro. The

economy benefits from strong electronics and telecoms sectors. A

major goal is accession to the EU, possibly by 2004. The economy is

greatly influenced by developments in Finland, Sweden, and Germany,

three major trading partners. The high current account deficit

remains a concern.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $15.52 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $11,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.8%

industry: 28.6%

services: 65.6% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 29.8% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37 (1999)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

608,600 (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 20%, agriculture 11%, services 69% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12.4% (2001)

Budget:

revenues: $1.89 billion

expenditures: $1.89 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textile;

information technology, telecommunications

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

7.937 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99.8% hydro: 0.1% other: 0.2% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

6.192 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.19 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

5,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.27 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

1.27 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish

Exports:

$3.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 33%, wood and paper 15%, textiles 14%, food

products 8%, furniture 7%, metals, chemical products (2001)

Exports - partners:

Finland 19.2%, Sweden 13.2%, UK 10.6%, Latvia 7.4%, Germany 7.2%

(2002)

Imports:

$4.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 33.5%, chemical products 11.6%, textiles

10.3%, foodstuffs 9.4%, transportation equipment 8.9% (2001)

Imports - partners:

Russia 26.6%, Finland 18.9%, Germany 9.2%, Sweden 8.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$3.3 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$108 million (2000)

Currency:

Estonian kroon (EEK)

Currency code:

EEK

Exchange rates:

krooni per US dollar - 16.61 (2002), 17.56 (2001), 16.97 (2000),

14.68 (1999), 14.07 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Estonia

Telephones - main lines in use:

501,691 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

711,000 (yearend 2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: foreign investment in the form of joint

business ventures greatly improved telephone service; substantial

fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV, and radio traffic in

the digital mode; internet services are available throughout most of

the country - only about 11,000 subscriber requests were unfilled by

September 2000

domestic: a wide range of high quality voice, data, and internet

services is available throughout the country

international: fiber-optic cables to Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and

Russia provide worldwide packet-switched service; two international

switches are located in Tallinn (2001)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 98, shortwave 0 (2001)

Radios:

1.01 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (2001)

Televisions:

605,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ee

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

38 (2001)

Internet users:

429,700 (2002)

Transportation Estonia

Railways:

total: 968 km

broad gauge: 968 km 1.520-m/1.524-m gauge (132 km electrified)

note:: gauge being increased from 1.520-m to 1.524-m to reduce wear

on wheels and rail as lines are modernized (2002)

Highways:

total: 51,411 km

paved: 10,334 km (including 94 km of expressways)

unpaved: 41,077 km (2000)

Waterways:

320 km (perennially navigable) (2002)

Pipelines:

gas 859 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Haapsalu, Kunda, Muuga, Paldiski, Parnu, Tallinn

Merchant marine:

total: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 200,807 GRT/169,899 DWT

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Liberia 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 13, container 5, petroleum tanker 2,

roll on/roll off 6, short-sea passenger 5

Airports:

38 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 14 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 24 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Military Estonia

Military branches:

Estonia Defense Forces (including Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force),

Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), Volunteer

Defense League (Kaitseliit), Maritime Border Guard, Coast Guard

note: Border Guards and Ministry of Internal Affairs become part of

the Estonian Defense Forces in wartime; the Coast Guard is

subordinate to the Ministry of Defense in peacetime and the Estonian

Navy in wartime

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 360,440 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 283,278 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 11,123 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$155 million (2002 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2% (2002 est.)

Transnational Issues Estonia

Disputes - international:

Russia continues to reject signing and ratifying the joint December

1996 technical border agreement with Estonia

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for opiates and cannabis from Southwest Asia

and the Caucasus via Russia, cocaine from Latin America to Western

Europe and Scandinavia, and synthetic drugs from Western Europe to

Scandinavia; increasing domestic drug abuse problem; possible

precursor manufacturing and/or trafficking

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Ethiopia

Introduction Ethiopia

Background:

Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian monarchy

maintained its freedom from colonial rule, one exception being the

Italian occupation of 1936-41. In 1974 a military junta, the Derg,

deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had ruled since 1930) and

established a socialist state. Torn by bloody coups, uprisings,

wide-scale drought, and massive refugee problems, the regime was

finally toppled by a coalition of rebel forces, the Ethiopian

People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), in 1991. A

constitution was adopted in 1994 and Ethiopia's first multiparty

elections were held in 1995. A two and a half year border war with

Eritrea ended with a peace treaty on 12 December 2000. Final

demarcation of the boundary is currently on hold due to Ethiopian

objections to an international commission's finding requiring it to

surrender sensitive territory.

Geography Ethiopia

Location:

Eastern Africa, west of Somalia

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 38 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,127,127 sq km

water: 7,444 sq km

land: 1,119,683 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,328 km

border countries: Djibouti 349 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 861 km,

Somalia 1,600 km, Sudan 1,606 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation

Terrain:

high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift

Valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Denakil Depression -125 m

highest point: Ras Dejen 4,620 m

Natural resources:

small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural gas,

hydropower

Land use: arable land: 9.9% permanent crops: 0.65% other: 89.45% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,900 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes,

volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts

Environment - current issues: deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water shortages in some areas from water-intensive farming and poor management

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the

de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993; the Blue Nile, the

chief headstream of the Nile by water volume, rises in T'ana Hayk

(Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia; three major crops are believed to

have originated in Ethiopia: coffee, grain sorghum, and castor bean

People Ethiopia

Population:

66,557,553

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.8% (male 14,944,168; female 14,871,164)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 17,474,403; female 17,384,817)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 840,057; female 1,042,944) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.3 years

female: 17.4 years (2002)

male: 17.3 years

Population growth rate:

1.96% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

39.81 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

20.17 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: repatriation of Ethiopians who fled to Sudan for refuge from

war and famine in earlier years is expected to continue for several

years; some Sudanese and Somali refugees, who fled to Ethiopia from

the fighting or famine in their own countries, continue to return to

their homes (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 103.22 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 92.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 113.48 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 41.24 years

male: 40.39 years

female: 42.11 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.55 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6.4% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2.1 million (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

160,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Ethiopian(s)

adjective: Ethiopian

Ethnic groups:

Oromo 40%, Amhara and Tigre 32%, Sidamo 9%, Shankella 6%, Somali

6%, Afar 4%, Gurage 2%, other 1%

Religions:

Muslim 45%-50%, Ethiopian Orthodox 35%-40%, animist 12%, other 3%-8%

Languages:

Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromigna, Guaragigna, Somali, Arabic, other

local languages, English (major foreign language taught in schools)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42.7%

male: 50.3%

female: 35.1% (2003 est.)

Government Ethiopia

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

conventional short form: Ethiopia

local short form: Ityop'iya

former: Abyssinia, Italian East Africa

local long form: Ityop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik

abbreviation: FDRE

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

Addis Ababa

Administrative divisions:

9 ethnically-based states (kililoch, singular - kilil) and 2

self-governing administrations* (astedaderoch, singular -

astedader); Adis Abeba* (Addis Ababa), Afar, Amara (Amhara),

Binshangul Gumuz, Dire Dawa*, Gambela Hizboch (Gambela Peoples),

Hareri Hizb (Harari People), Oromiya (Oromia), Sumale (Somali),

Tigray, Ye Debub Biheroch Bihereseboch na Hizboch (Southern Nations,

Nationalities and Peoples)

Independence:

oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the

world - at least 2,000 years

National holiday:

National Day (defeat of MENGISTU regime), 28 May (1991)

Constitution:

ratified December 1994; effective 22 August 1995

Legal system:

currently transitional mix of national and regional courts

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President GIRMA Woldegiorgis (since 8 October 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since NA August

1995)

cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided for in the December 1994

constitution; ministers are selected by the prime minister and

approved by the House of People's Representatives

elections: president elected by the House of People's

Representatives for a six-year term; election last held 8 October

2001 (next to be held NA October 2007); prime minister designated by

the party in power following legislative elections

election results: GIRMA Woldegiorgis elected president; percent of

vote by the House of People's Representatives - 100%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Federation or upper

chamber (108 seats; members are chosen by state assemblies to serve

five-year terms) and the House of People's Representatives or lower

chamber (548 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote

from single-member districts to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 14 May 2000 (next to be held NA May 2005)

note: irregularities and violence at a number of polling stations

necessitated the rescheduling of voting in certain constituencies;

voting postponed in Somali regional state because of severe drought

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats by party - OPDO 177,

ANDM 134, TPLF 38, WGGPDO 27, EPRDF 19, SPDO 18, GNDM 15, KSPDO 10,

ANDP 8, GPRDF 7, SOPDM 7, BGPDUF 6, BMPDO 5, KAT 4, other regional

political groupings 22, independents 8; note - 43 seats unconfirmed

Judicial branch:

Federal Supreme Court (the president and vice president of the

Federal Supreme Court are recommended by the prime minister and

appointed by the House of People's Representatives; for other

federal judges, the prime minister submits to the House of People's

Representatives for appointment candidates selected by the Federal

Judicial Administrative Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Afar National Democratic Party or ANDP [leader NA]; Amhara National

Democratic Movement or ANDM [ADDISU Legesse]; Bench Madji People's

Democratic Organization or BMPDO [leader NA]; Benishangul Gumuz

People's Democratic Unity Front or BGPDUF [leader NA]; Ethiopian

People's Revolutionary Democratic Front or EPRDF [MELES Zenawi] (an

alliance of ANDM, OPDO, SEPDF, and TPLF); Gedeyo People's

Revolutionary Democratic Front or GPRDF [leader NA]; Gurage

Nationalities' Democratic Movement or GNDM [leader NA]; Kafa Shaka

People's Democratic Organization or KSPDO [leader NA]; Kembata,

Alabaa and Tembaro or KAT [leader NA]; Oromo People's Democratic

Organization or OPDO [JUNEDI Sado]; Sidamo People's Democratic

Organization or SPDO [leader NA]; South Omo People's Democratic

Movement or SOPDM [leader NA]; Tigrayan People's Liberation Front or

TPLF [MELES Zenawi]; Walayta, Gamo, Gofa, Dawro, and Konta People's

Democratic Organization or WGGPDO [leader NA]; dozens of small

parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Afar Revolutionary Democratic Union Front or ARDUF [leader NA];

Council of Alternative Forces for Peace and Democracy in Ethiopia or

CAFPDE [BEYANE Petros]; Southern Ethiopia People's Democratic

Coalition or SEPDC [BEYANE Petros]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO,

ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador KASSAHUN Ayele chancery: 3506 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles consulate(s): New York FAX: [1] (202) 686-9551 telephone: [1] (202) 364-1200

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Aurelia A. BRAZEAL embassy: Entoto Street, Addis Ababa mailing address: P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa telephone: [251] (1) 550666 FAX: [251] (1) 551328

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red with a

yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from the angles

between the points on a light blue disk centered on the three bands;

Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the three

main colors of her flag were so often adopted by other African

countries upon independence that they became known as the

pan-African colors

Economy Ethiopia

Economy - overview:

Ethiopia's poverty-stricken economy is based on agriculture, which

accounts for half of GDP, 85% of exports, and 80% of total

employment. The agricultural sector suffers from frequent drought

and poor cultivation practices. Coffee is critical to the Ethiopian

economy with exports of some $270 million in 2000/01, but

historically low prices have seen many farmers switching to qat to

supplement their income. The war with Eritrea in 1999-2000 and

recurrent drought have buffeted the economy, in particular coffee

production. In November 2001 Ethiopia qualified for debt relief from

the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Under

Ethiopia's land tenure system, the government owns all land and

provides long-term leases to the tenants; the system continues to

hamper growth in the industrial sector as entrepreneurs are unable

to use land as collateral for loans. Strong growth in 2002 resulted

from good rainfall early in the year, the cessation of hostilities,

and renewed foreign aid and debt relief. But drought struck again

late in 2002, and the World Food Program (WFP) estimates 14 million

Ethiopians need food immediately to survive into 2003. The

government estimates than annual growth of 7% is needed to reduce

poverty, yet the maintenance of 5% in 2003 will be quite difficult

(one estimate is for 1.5% growth).

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $48.53 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 52% industry: 11% services: 37% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

45% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 33.7% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2003 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and animal husbandry 80%, government and services 12%,

industry and construction 8% (1985)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $1.8 billion

expenditures: $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $600

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metals processing,

cement

Industrial production growth rate:

6.7% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

1.713 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 1.3% hydro: 97.6% other: 1.2% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.594 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

23,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

214,000 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

12.46 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseed, sugarcane, potatoes, qat; hides, cattle, sheep, goats

Exports:

$433 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, qat, gold, leather products, live animals, oilseeds

Exports - partners:

UK 16.2%, Djibouti 10.9%, Germany 7.6%, Italy 7.2%, Japan 6.7%,

Saudi Arabia 6.5%, US 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$1.63 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

food and live animals, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals,

machinery, motor vehicles, cereals, textiles

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 28.7%, China 6%, Italy 5.9%, India 4.8%, Germany 4.1%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$5.3 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$308 million (FY00/01)

Currency:

birr (ETB)

Currency code:

ETB

Exchange rates:

birr per US dollar - NA (2002), 8.46 (2001), 8.22 (2000), 7.94

(1999), 7.12 (1998)

note: since 24 October 2001 exchange rates are determined on a daily

basis via interbank transactions regulated by the Central Bank

Fiscal year:

8 July - 7 July

Communications Ethiopia

Telephones - main lines in use:

231,900 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17,800 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: open-wire and microwave radio relay system;

adequate for government use

domestic: open-wire; microwave radio relay; radio communication in

the HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies; two domestic satellites provide

the national trunk service

international: open-wire to Sudan and Djibouti; microwave radio

relay to Kenya and Djibouti; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat

(1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 8, FM 0, shortwave 1 (2001)

Radios:

15.2 million (2002)

Television broadcast stations:

1 plus 24 repeaters (2002)

Televisions:

682,000 (2002)

Internet country code:

.et

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

20,000 (2002)

Transportation Ethiopia

Railways:

total: 681 km (Ethiopian segment of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti

railroad)

narrow gauge: 681 km 1.000-m gauge

note: railway under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia (2002)

Highways: total: 31,571 km paved: 3,789 km unpaved: 27,782 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; Ethiopia is landlocked and was by agreement with Eritrea

using the ports of Assab and Massawa; since the border dispute with

Eritrea flared, Ethiopia has used the port of Djibouti for nearly

all of its imports

Merchant marine:

total: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 81,933 GRT/101,287 DWT

ships by type: cargo 5, container 1, petroleum tanker 1, roll

on/roll off 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

83 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 14 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 69 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 32 under 914 m: 21 (2002)

Military Ethiopia

Military branches:

Ethiopian National Defense Force (Ground Forces, Air Force,

militia, police)

note: Ethiopia is landlocked and has no navy; following the

secession of Eritrea, Ethiopian naval facilities remained in

Eritrean possession

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 15,388,318 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 8,040,381 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 714,165 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$800 million (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

12.6% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Ethiopia

Disputes - international:

Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by 2002 independent boundary

commission delimitation decision, but demarcation, scheduled to

begin in 2003, has been hampered by technical delays and Ethiopian

concerns that the decision ignored "human geography" and awarded

Badme, the focus of the 1998-2000 war, to Eritrea, demarcation of

the boundary has been postponed indefinately; Ethiopia maintains

only an administrative line and no international border with the

Oromo region of southern Somalia and maintains alliances with local

clans in opposition to the Transitional National Government in

Mogadishu; "Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities and

trade ties to land-locked Ethiopia; efforts to demarcate the porous

boundary with Sudan have been delayed by civil war there

Illicit drugs:

transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and Southeast Asia

and destined for Europe and North America as well as cocaine

destined for markets in southern Africa; cultivates qat (khat) for

local use and regional export, principally to Djibouti and Somalia

(legal in all three countries); the lack of a well-developed

financial system limits the country's utility as a money-laundering

center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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@Europa Island

Introduction Europa Island

Background:

A French possession since 1897, the island is heavily wooded; it is

the site of a small military garrison that staffs a weather station.

Geography Europa Island

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-half

of the way from southern Madagascar to southern Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

22 20 S, 40 22 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 28 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 28 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.16 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

22.2 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

low and flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 24 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (mangrove forests and woodlands) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

wildlife sanctuary

People Europa Island

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there is a small French military garrison and a few

meteorologists; visited by scientists (July 2003 est.)

Government Europa Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Europa Island

local short form: Ile Europa

local long form: none

Dependency status:

possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the

Republic, resident in Reunion

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy Europa Island

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Communications Europa Island

Communications - note: 1 meteorological station

Transportation Europa Island

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Europa Island

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Europa Island

Disputes - international: claimed by Madagascar

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Introduction Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Background:

Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first

landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in

1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until

1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the

islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first

between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The

UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval

garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April

1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed

seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced Argentine

surrender on 14 June 1982.

Geography Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Location:

Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east

of southern Argentina

Geographic coordinates:

51 45 S, 59 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 12,173 sq km

note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and

about 200 small islands

water: 0 sq km

land: 12,173 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,288 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200 NM

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on

more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 24 inches

in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and

February, but does not accumulate

Terrain:

rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m

Natural resources: fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (99% permanent pastures, 1% other) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

strong winds persist throughout the year

Environment - current issues:

overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer were

introduced to the islands in 2001 for commercial reasons; this is

the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the

Chornobyl disaster

Geography - note:

deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing

season

People Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Population: 2,967 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA%

Population growth rate:

2.44% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Falkland Islander(s)

adjective: Falkland Island

Ethnic groups:

British

Religions:

primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist

Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist

Languages:

English

Government Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Stanley

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)

Constitution:

3 October 1985; amended 1997 and 1998

Legal system:

English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch

head of government: Governor Howard PEARCE (since 3 December 2002);

Chief Executive Chris SIMPKINS (since NA March 2003); Financial

Secretary Derek F. HOWATT (since NA)

cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative

Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial

secretary), and the governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (10 seats - 2 ex officio, 8 elected

by popular vote, members serve four-year terms); presided over by

the governor

elections: last held 22 November 2001 (next to be held NA November

2005)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 8;

note - 71% voter turnout

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is a nonresident); Magistrates Court

(senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions);

Court of Summary Jurisdiction

Political parties and leaders:

none; all independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ICFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

the Falkland Island coat of arms centered on the outer half of the

flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the

major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew

discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the

motto DESIRE THE RIGHT

Economy Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Economy - overview:

The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep

farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic

activity. In 1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to

foreign trawlers operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing

zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which

goes to support the island's health, education, and welfare system.

Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports

domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Exports feature

shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage

stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for

defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil

exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic

surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000

barrels per day; to date no exploitable site has been identified. An

agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse

licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign

interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. Tourism, especially

eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in

2001. Another large source of income is interest paid on money the

government has in the bank. The British military presence also

provides a sizeable economic boost.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $75 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $25,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (1998)

Labor force:

1,100 (est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 95% (mostly sheepherding and fishing)

Unemployment rate:

full employment; labor shortage

Budget:

revenues: $66.2 million

expenditures: $67.9 million, including capital expenditures of $23.2

million (FY98/99 est.)

Industries:

fish and wool processing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

16.33 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

15.19 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

fodder and vegetable crops; sheep, dairy products

Exports:

$7.6 million (1995)

Exports - commodities:

wool, hides, meat

Exports - partners:

Spain 76.2%, UK 9.2%, US 7.1% (2002)

Imports:

$24.7 million (1995)

Imports - commodities:

fuel, food and drink, building materials, clothing

Imports - partners:

UK 57.9%, Spain 19.8%, Italy 16.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

none

Currency:

Falkland pound (FKP)

Currency code:

FKP

Exchange rates:

Falkland pounds per US dollar - 0.67 (2002), 0.69 (2001), 0.66

(2000), 0.62 (1999), 0.6 (1998); note - the Falkland pound is at par

with the British pound

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB

radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all

points on both islands

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

with links through London to other countries

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 7, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

1,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 2 (operated by the British Forces Broadcasting Service) note: cable television is available in Stanley (2002)

Televisions:

1,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.fk

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

NA; however one-half of all households are reported to have

internet access (2002)

Transportation Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 440 km paved: 50 km unpaved: 390 km (2002)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Stanley

note: the primary port is located in Stanley Harbour and known

locally as FIPASS (Falkland Interim Port and Storage System); the

facility consists of seven permanently moored barges providing 300

meters of berthing space; it was installed by the military after

1982 and handed over to the Falkland Islands Government in 1988

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

5 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Military Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Military branches:

British Forces Falkland Islands no regular indigenous military

forces; (includes Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy), Police

Force

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Disputes - international: claimed by Argentina whose forces briefly occupied it in 1982, but now declares it will no longer seek settlement by force

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Faroe Islands

Introduction Faroe Islands

Background:

The population of the Faroe Islands is largely descended from

Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have

been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. A high

degree of self-government was attained in 1948.

Geography Faroe Islands

Location:

Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the

North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to

Norway

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 7 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 1,399 sq km

water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams)

land: 1,399 sq km

Area - comparative:

eight times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,117 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line

territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy

Terrain:

rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m

Natural resources: fish, whales, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 2.14% permanent crops: 0% other: 97.86% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and

a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea

lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits

habitation to small coastal lowlands

People Faroe Islands

Population:

46,345 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22% (male 5,103; female 5,077)

15-64 years: 64.4% (male 15,822; female 14,002)

65 years and over: 13.7% (male 2,842; female 3,499) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.1 years

male: 34.5 years

female: 35.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.7% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

13.81 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.9 years

male: 75.44 years

female: 82.36 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.24 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Faroese (singular and plural)

adjective: Faroese

Ethnic groups:

Scandinavian

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran

Languages:

Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% note: similar to Denmark proper

Government Faroe Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Faroe Islands

local short form: Foroyar

local long form: none

Dependency status:

part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas

administrative division of Denmark since 1948

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Torshavn

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas

administrative division of Denmark); there are no first-order

administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there

are 49 municipalities

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas

administrative division of Denmark)

National holiday:

Olaifest, 29 July

Constitution:

5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Legal system:

Danish

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January

1972), represented by High Commissioner Birgit KLEIS, chief

administrative officer (since 1 November 2001)

election results: Anfinn KALLSBERG elected prime minister; percent

of parliamentary vote - 52.8%

note: coalition of People's Party, Republican Party, Home Rule

Party, and Center Party

elections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually

elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held

30 April 2002 (next to be held no later than April 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Anfinn KALLSBERG (since 15 May

1998)

cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (32 seats; members are

elected by popular vote on a proportional basis from the seven

constituencies to serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - Union Party 26%,

Republican Party 23.7%, Social Democrats 20.9%, People's Party 20.8%

Home Rule Party 4.4%, Center Party 4.2%; seats by party - Union

Party 8, Republican Party 8, Social Democrats 7, People's Party 7,

Home Rule Party 1, Center Party 1

note: election of 2 seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on

20 November 2001 (next to be held no later than November 2005);

results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican

Party 1, Union Party 1

elections: last held 30 April 2002 (next to be held no later than

April 2006)

Judicial branch:

none

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party [Tordur NICLASEN]; Home Rule Party [Helena Dam a

NEYSTABO]; People's Party [Oli BRECKMANN]; Republican Party

[Finnabogi ISAKSON]; Social Democratic Party [Joannes EIDESGAARD];

Union Party [Edmund JOENSEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

IMO (associate), NC, NIB

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag description:

white with a red cross outlined in blue extending to the edges of

the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted toward the hoist

side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Economy Faroe Islands

Economy - overview:

The Faroese economy has had a strong performance since 1994, mostly

as a result of increasing fish landings and high and stable export

prices. Unemployment is falling and there are signs of labor

shortages in several sectors. The positive economic development has

helped the Faroese Home Rule Government produce increasing budget

surpluses, which in turn help to reduce the large public debt, most

of it owed to Denmark. However, the total dependence on fishing

makes the Faroese economy extremely vulnerable, and the present

fishing efforts appear in excess of what is a sustainable level of

fishing in the long term. Oil finds close to the Faroese area give

hope for deposits in the immediate Faroese area, which may

eventually lay the basis for a more diversified economy and thus

lessen dependence on Danish economic assistance. Aided by a

substantial annual subsidy (15% of GDP) from Denmark, the Faroese

have a standard of living not far below the Danes and other

Scandinavians.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1 billion (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

10% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $22,000 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 27%

industry: 11%

services: 62% (1999)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.1% (1999)

Labor force:

24,250 (October 2000)

Labor force - by occupation: fishing, fish processing, and manufacturing 33%, construction and private services 33%, public services 34%

Unemployment rate:

1% (October 2000)

Budget:

revenues: $488 million

expenditures: $484 million, including capital expenditures of $21

million (1999)

Industries:

fishing, fish processing, shipbuilding, construction, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (1999 est.)

Electricity - production:

160.4 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 62.4% hydro: 37.6% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

149.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

4,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish

Exports:

$418 million f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products 94%, stamps, ships (1999)

Exports - partners:

Denmark 39.9%, UK 32.1%, Norway 7.4%, Netherlands 6.1% (2002)

Imports:

$469 million c.i.f. (1999)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 29%, consumer goods 36%, raw

materials and semi-manufactures 32%, fuels, fish and salt (1999)

Imports - partners:

Denmark 53.8%, Norway 24.2%, Iceland 5.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$64 million (1999)

Economic aid - recipient:

$55 million (annual subsidy from Denmark)

Currency:

Danish krone (DKK)

Currency code:

DKK

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner per US dollar - 7.89 (2002), 8.32 (2001), 8.08

(2000), 6.98 (1999), 6.7 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Faroe Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

24,851 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

10,761 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: good international communications; good

domestic facilities

domestic: digitalization was completed in 1998; both NMT (analog)

and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Orion; 1 fiber-optic

submarine cable to the Shetland Islands, linking the Faroe Islands

with Denmark and Iceland; fiber-optic submarine cable connection to

Canada-Europe cable

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

26,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (plus 43 low-power repeaters) (September 1995)

Televisions:

15,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.fo

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

3,000 (2000)

Transportation Faroe Islands

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 463 km paved: 454 km unpaved: 9 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Torshavn, Klaksvik, Tvoroyri, Runavik, Fuglafjordhur

Merchant marine:

total: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 100,951 GRT/139,396 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 3, Norway 1, United Kingdom 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1,

roll on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 1

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Faroe Islands

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; small Police Force and Coast

Guard are maintained

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Transnational Issues Faroe Islands

Disputes - international:

Faroese are considering proposals for full independence; Denmark

dispute with Iceland over the Faroe Islands fisheries median line

boundary of 200 NM; Denmark disputes with Iceland, the UK, and

Ireland over the Faroe Islands continental shelf boundary outside

200 NM

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Fiji

Introduction Fiji

Background:

Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a

British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military

coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as

dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers

brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). A 1990

constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to

heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic

difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority.

Amendments enacted in 1997 made the constitution more equitable.

Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by

an Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period

of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001

provided Fiji with a democratically elected government and gave a

mandate to the government of Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE.

Geography Fiji

Location:

Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds

of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

18 00 S, 175 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 18,270 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 18,270 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,129 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation;

rectilinear shelf claim added

Climate:

tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m

Natural resources: timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 10.95% permanent crops: 4.65% other: 84.4% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

cyclonic storms can occur from November to January

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note: includes 332 islands of which approximately 110 are inhabited

People Fiji

Population:

868,531 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32% (male 141,979; female 136,378)

15-64 years: 64.1% (male 278,759; female 278,150)

65 years and over: 3.8% (male 15,329; female 17,936) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.7 years

male: 23.3 years

female: 24.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.41% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

23.06 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.35 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 14.75 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.88 years

male: 66.43 years

female: 71.44 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.81 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

300 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Fijian(s)

adjective: Fijian

Ethnic groups:

Fijian 51% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture),

Indian 44%, European, other Pacific Islanders, overseas Chinese, and

other 5% (1998 est.)

Religions:

Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim

8%, other 2%

note: Fijians are mainly Christian, Indians are Hindu, and there is

a Muslim minority (1986)

Languages:

English (official), Fijian, Hindustani

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.7%

male: 95.5%

female: 91.9% (2003 est.)

Government Fiji

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands

conventional short form: Fiji

Government type:

republic

note: military coup leader Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA formally

declared Fiji a republic on 6 October 1987

Capital:

Suva

Administrative divisions:

4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*,

Western

Independence:

10 October 1970 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)

Constitution:

promulgated on 25 July 1990 and amended on 25 July 1997 to allow

nonethnic Fijians greater say in government and to make multiparty

government mandatory; entered into force 28 July 1998; note - the

May 1999 election was the first test of the amended constitution and

introduced open voting - not racially prescribed - for the first

time at the national level

Legal system:

based on British system

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda (since NA

2000); Vice President Jope SENILOLI (since NA 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10

September 2000)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the

members of Parliament and is responsible to Parliament; note - there

is also a Presidential Council that advises the president on matters

of national importance and a Great Council of Chiefs, which consists

of the highest ranking members of the traditional chief system

elections: president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a

five-year term; prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda elected president

by the Great Council of Chiefs; percent of vote - NA%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (34 seats; 24 appointed

by the Great Council of Chiefs, nine appointed by the president, and

one appointed by the council of Rotuma) and the House of

Representatives (71 seats; 23 reserved for ethnic Fijians, 19

reserved for ethnic Indians, three reserved for other ethnic groups,

one reserved for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the

whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 25 August through 1

September, 19 September 2001 (next to be held not later than

September 2006)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - FLP 34.8%, SDL 26%, NFP 10.1%, MV 9.9%, independents 2.7%,

other 16.5%; seats by party - NA

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Court of

Appeal; High Court; Magistrates' Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Bai Kei Viti Party or BKV [Ratu Tevita MOMOEDONU]; Conservative

Alliance Party/Matanitu Vanua or MV [Ratu Rakuita VAKALALABURE];

Dodonu Ni Taukei Party or DNT [Fereti S. DEWA]; Fiji Democratic

Party or FDP [Felipe BOLE] (a merger of the Christian Democrat

Alliance or VLV [Poesci Waqalevu BUNE], Fijian Association Party or

FAP [Adi Kuini SPEED], Fijian Political Party or SVT (primarily

Fijian) [Felipe BOLE], and New Labor Unity Party or NLUP [Tupeni

BABA]); Fiji Labor Party or FLP [Mahendra CHAUDRHRY]; General Voters

Party or GVP [leader NA] (became part of United General Party);

Girmit Heritage Party or GHP [leader NA]; Justice and Freedom Party

or AIM [leader NA]; Lio 'On Famor Rotuma Party or LFR [leader NA];

National Federation Party or NFP (primarily Indian) [Pramond RAE];

Nationalist Vanua Takolavo Party or NVTLP [Saula TELAWA]; Party of

National Unity or PANU [Meli BOGILEKA]; Party of the Truth or POTT

[leader NA]; United Fiji Party/Sogosogo Duavata ni Lewenivanua or

SDL [Laisenia QARASE]; United General Party or UGP [Millis Mick

BEDDOES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO

(subscriber), ITU, OPCW, PCA, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UPU, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Anare JALE FAX: [1] (202) 337-1996 telephone: [1] (202) 337-8320 chancery: 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 240, Washington, DC 20007

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador David L. LYON

embassy: 31 Loftus Street, Suva

mailing address: P. O. Box 218, Suva

telephone: [679] 331-4466

FAX: [679] 330-0081

Flag description:

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant

and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the

shield depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered by the

cross of Saint George featuring stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree,

bananas, and a white dove

Economy Fiji

Economy - overview:

Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of

the most developed of the Pacific island economies, though still

with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports and a growing tourist

industry - with 300,000 to 400,000 tourists annually - are the major

sources of foreign exchange. Sugar processing makes up one-third of

industrial activity. Long-term problems include low investment,

uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's ability to

manage its budget.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $4.822 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 17% industry: 25% services: 58% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

25.5% (1990-91)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

137,000 (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture, including subsistence agriculture 70% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (1999)

Budget:

revenues: $427.9 million

expenditures: $531.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small

cottage industries

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

520.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 18.5% hydro: 81.5% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

483.7 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

5,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish

Exports:

$442 million f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil

Exports - partners:

US 25.1%, Australia 19.5%, UK 10.6%, Japan 6.3%, Samoa 5.5% (2002)

Imports:

$642 million c.i.f. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum

products, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Australia 37.3%, New Zealand 17.2%, Singapore 16.1%, Japan 4.2%,

China 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$135.9 million (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$40.3 million (1995)

Currency:

Fijian dollar (FJD)

Currency code:

FJD

Exchange rates:

Fijian dollars per US dollar - 2.19 (2002), 2.28 (2001), 2.13

(2000), 1.97 (1999), 1.99 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Fiji

Telephones - main lines in use:

80,901 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5,200 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern local, interisland, and international

(wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose telephone,

telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio communications

center

domestic: NA

international: access to important cable links between US and Canada

as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite earth station - 1

Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 13, FM 40, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

541,476 (1999)

Television broadcast stations:

NA

Televisions:

88,110 (1999)

Internet country code:

.fj

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

15,000 (2002)

Transportation Fiji

Railways:

total: 597 km

narrow gauge: 597 km 0.600-m gauge

note: belongs to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation; used

to haul sugarcane during harvest season (May to September) (2002)

Highways: total: 3,440 km paved: 1,692 km unpaved: 1,748 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 203 km note: 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges

Ports and harbors:

Lambasa, Lautoka, Levuka, Malau, Savusavu, Suva, Vuda

Merchant marine:

total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 11,870 GRT/14,787 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, Singapore 4 (2002 est.)

ships by type: chemical tanker 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 1,

roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1

Airports:

27 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 24 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Military Fiji

Military branches:

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), includes ground forces,

naval division

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 235,546 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 129,432 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 9,359 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$39.21 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.2% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Fiji

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Finland

Introduction Finland

Background:

Finland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden from the

12th to the 19th centuries and an autonomous grand duchy of Russia

after 1809. It finally won its complete independence in 1917. During

World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and

resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of

territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a

remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a

diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now on

par with Western Europe. As a member of the European Union, Finland

was the only Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation

in January 1999.

Geography Finland

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and

Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

64 00 N, 26 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 337,030 sq km

water: 31,560 sq km

land: 305,470 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries: total: 2,628 km border countries: Norway 729 km, Sweden 586 km, Russia 1,313 km

Coastline:

1,126 km (excludes islands and coastal indentations)

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM; extends to continental shelf boundary

with Sweden

territorial sea: 12 NM (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 NM)

Climate:

cold temperate; potentially subarctic, but comparatively mild

because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current,

Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes

Terrain:

mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low

hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Halti 1,328 m

Natural resources:

timber, copper, zinc, iron ore, silver

Land use: arable land: 6.98% permanent crops: 0.01% other: 93.01% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

640 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to

acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural

chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national

capital on European continent; population concentrated on small

southwestern coastal plain

People Finland

Population:

5,190,785 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.7% (male 468,077; female 450,785)

15-64 years: 66.9% (male 1,753,760; female 1,719,253)

65 years and over: 15.4% (male 312,883; female 486,027) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.3 years

male: 38.8 years

female: 41.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.14% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.54 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.82 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.73 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.21 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.92 years

male: 74.28 years

female: 81.68 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.7 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,200 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Finn(s)

adjective: Finnish

Ethnic groups:

Finn 93%, Swede 6%, Sami 0.11%, Roma 0.12%, Tatar 0.02%

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 89%, Russian Orthodox 1%, none 9%, other 1%

Languages:

Finnish 93.4% (official), Swedish 5.9% (official), small Sami- and

Russian-speaking minorities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100% (1980 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Finland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Finland

conventional short form: Finland

local short form: Suomi

local long form: Suomen Tasavalta

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Helsinki

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces (laanit, singular - laani); Aland, Etela-Suomen Laani,

Ita-Suomen Laani, Lansi-Suomen Laani, Lappi, Oulun Laani

Independence:

6 December 1917 (from Russia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 December (1917)

Constitution:

1 March 2000

Legal system:

civil law system based on Swedish law; Supreme Court may request

legislation interpreting or modifying laws; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Matti VANHANEN (since 24 June

2003) and Deputy Prime Minister Antti KALLIOMAKI (since 17 April

2003); note - former Prime Minister Anneli JAATTEENMAKI resigned

cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the

president, responsible to Parliament

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 16 January 2000 and 6 February 2000 (next to be

held NA February 2006); prime minister and deputy prime minister

appointed from the majority party by the president after

parliamentary elections

note: government coalition - KESK, SDP, and SFP

election results: Tarja HALONEN elected president; percent of vote -

Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 51.6%, Esko AHO (Kesk) 48.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members are elected

by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - Kesk 24.7%, SDP 24.5%,

Kok 18.5%, VAS 9.9%, VIHR 8%, KD 5.3%, SFP 4.6%; seats by party -

Kesk 55, SDP 53, Kok 40, VAS 19, VIHR 14, KD 7, SFP 8, others 4

elections: last held 16 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2007)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus (judges appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party or Kesk [Matti VANHANEN]; Christian Democrats or KD

[Bjarne KALLIS]; Green League or VIHR [Osmo SOININVAARA]; Left

Alliance or VAS (Communist) composed of People's Democratic League

and Democratic Alternative [Suvi-Anne SIIMES]; National Coalition

(conservative) Party or Kok [Ville ITALA]; Social Democratic Party

or SDP [Paavo LIPPONEN]; Swedish People's Party or SFP [Jan-Erik

ENESTAM]

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE,

EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS

(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNMOP, UNTSO,

UPU, WCO, WEU (observer), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jukka Robert VALTASAARI

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 298-6030

telephone: [1] (202) 298-5800

chancery: 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bonnie McELVEEN-HUNTER

embassy: Itainen Puistotie 14A, FIN-00140, Helsinki

mailing address: APO AE 09723

telephone: [358] (9) 616250

FAX: [358] (9) 174681

Flag description:

white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag; the

vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style

of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Economy Finland

Economy - overview:

Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market economy,

with per capita output roughly that of the UK, France, Germany, and

Italy. Its key economic sector is manufacturing - principally the

wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics

industries. Trade is important, with exports equaling almost

one-third of GDP. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland

depends on imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for

manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development

is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products.

Forestry, an important export earner, provides a secondary

occupation for the rural population. Rapidly increasing integration

with Western Europe - Finland was one of the 11 countries joining

the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) on 1 January 1999 -

will dominate the economic picture over the next several years.

Growth in 2003 was held back by the global slowdown but will pick up

in 2004 provided the world economy suffers no further blows.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $133.8 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $25,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%

industry: 34%

services: 62% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.2% highest 10%: 21.6% (1991)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

25.6 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.6 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: public services 32%, industry 22%, commerce 14%, finance, insurance, and business services 10%, agriculture and forestry 8%, transport and communications 8%, construction 6%

Unemployment rate:

8.5% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $36.1 billion

expenditures: $31 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

metal products, electronics, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, copper

refining, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

71.2 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 39% hydro: 18.7% other: 11.8% (2001) nuclear: 30.4%

Electricity - consumption:

76.18 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.81 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

11.77 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

211,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

101,000 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

318,300 bbl/day (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

4.557 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

4.567 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; fish

Exports:

$40.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals; timber, paper, pulp

(1999)

Exports - partners:

Germany 11.8%, UK 9.6%, US 9%, Sweden 8.5%, Russia 6.6%,

Netherlands 4.6%, France 4.5% (2002)

Imports:

$31.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transport

equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics,

grains (1999)

Imports - partners:

Germany 14.5%, Sweden 10.9%, Russia 9.9%, UK 5.7%, France 4.3%,

Denmark 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$30 billion (December 1993)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $379 million (2001)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Finland

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,847,900 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,728,600 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system with excellent service

domestic: cable, microwave radio relay, and an extensive cellular

net provide domestic needs

international: 1 submarine cable; satellite earth stations - access

to Intelsat transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth

station, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note -

Finland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic

countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 186, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

7.7 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

120 (plus 431 repeaters) (1999)

Televisions:

3.2 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.fi

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2002)

Internet users:

2.69 million (2002)

Transportation Finland

Railways: total: 5,850 km broad gauge: 5,850 km 1.524-m gauge (2,400 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 77,943 km

paved: 50,305 km (including 750 km of expressways)

unpaved: 27,688 km (2001)

Waterways: 6,675 km note: includes Saimaa Canal; 3,700 km suitable for large ships

Pipelines:

gas 694 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Hamina, Helsinki, Kokkola, Kotka, Loviisa, Oulu, Pori, Rauma,

Turku, Uusikaupunki, Varkaus

Merchant marine:

total: 93 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,181,687 GRT/1,185,653 DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 24, chemical tanker 5, container 1,

passenger 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 32, short-sea

passenger 9

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1, Sweden 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

150 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 74 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 27 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 76 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 72 (2002)

Military Finland

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Frontier Guard (including Sea Guard)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,230,934 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,016,693 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 31,926 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.8 billion (FY98/99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2% (FY98/99)

Transnational Issues Finland

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@France

Introduction France

Background:

Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France

suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank

as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the

most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European

nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy

resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary

democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation

with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of

Europe, including the introduction of the euro in January 2002. At

present, France is at the forefront of European states seeking to

exploit the momentum of monetary union to advance the creation of a

more unified and capable European defense and security apparatus.

Geography France

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel,

between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the

Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain

Geographic coordinates:

46 00 N, 2 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 547,030 sq km

land: 545,630 sq km

note: includes only metropolitan France; excludes the overseas

administrative divisions

water: 1,400 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Colorado

Land boundaries:

total: 2,889 km

border countries: Andorra 56.6 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km,

Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km,

Switzerland 573 km

Coastline:

3,427 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 NM (does not apply to the Mediterranean)

Climate:

generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot

summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry,

north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral

Terrain:

mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west;

remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m

highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, potash, timber, fish

Land use: arable land: 33.3% permanent crops: 2.11% other: 64.59% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

20,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires

in south near the Mediterranean

Environment - current issues: some forest damage from acid rain (major forest damage occurred as a result of severe December 1999 windstorm); air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes, agricultural runoff

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

largest West European nation

People France

Population:

60,180,529 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.6% (male 5,725,170; female 5,449,991)

15-64 years: 65.1% (male 19,619,994; female 19,583,850)

65 years and over: 16.3% (male 4,006,857; female 5,794,667) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 38.3 years male: 36.8 years female: 39.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.42% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.54 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.05 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.37 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.89 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.28 years

male: 75.63 years

female: 83.11 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.85 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

100,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

800 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Ethnic groups:

Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese,

Basque minorities

Religions:

Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%,

unaffiliated 4%

Languages:

French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages

(Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1980 est.)

Government France

Country name:

conventional long form: French Republic

conventional short form: France

local long form: Republique Francaise

local short form: France

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Paris

Administrative divisions:

22 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine,

Auvergne, Basse-Normandie, Bourgogne, Bretagne, Centre,

Champagne-Ardenne, Corse, Franche-Comte, Haute-Normandie,

Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin, Lorraine,

Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la Loire, Picardie,

Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Rhone-Alpes

note: metropolitan France is divided into 22 regions (including the

"territorial collectivity" of Corse or Corsica) and is subdivided

into 96 departments; see separate entries for the overseas

departments (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion) and the

overseas territorial collectivities (Mayotte, Saint Pierre and

Miquelon)

Dependent areas:

Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French

Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands,

Juan de Nova Island, New Caledonia, Tromelin Island, Wallis and

Futuna

note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

Independence:

486 (unified by Clovis)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

28 September 1958, amended concerning election of president in

1962, amended to comply with provisions of 1992 EC Maastricht

Treaty, 1996 Amsterdam Treaty, 2000 Treaty of Nice; amended to

tighten immigration laws 1993

Legal system:

civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative

but not legislative acts

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN (since 7 May

2002)

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term

(changed from seven-year term in 2001); election last held 21 April

and 5 May 2002 (next to be held, first round NA April 2007, second

round NA May 2007); prime minister nominated by the National

Assembly majority and appointed by the president

election results: Jacques CHIRAC reelected president; percent of

vote, second ballot - Jacques CHIRAC (RPR) 81.96%, Jean-Marie LE PEN

(FN) 18.04%

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

suggestion of the prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat

(321 seats - 296 for metropolitan France, 13 for overseas

departments and territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad;

members are indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve

nine-year terms; elected by thirds every three years) and the

National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (577 seats; members are

elected by popular vote under a single-member majoritarian system to

serve five-year terms)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - RPR 83, PS 68, UDF 37, DL 35, RDES 16, PCF 16, other 66;

National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

UMP 355, PS 140, UDF 29, PCF 21, Radical Party 7, Greens 3, other 22

elections: Senate - last held 23 September 2001 (next to be held NA

September 2004); National Assembly - last held 8-16 June 2002 (next

to be held NA June 2007)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (judges are appointed

by the president from nominations of the High Council of the

Judiciary); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel (three

members appointed by the president, three appointed by the president

of the National Assembly, and three appointed by the president of

the Senate); Council of State or Conseil d'Etat

Political parties and leaders:

Citizen and Republican Movement or MCR [Jean Pierre CHEVENEMENT];

Democratic and European Social Rally or RDSE (mainly RAD and PRG)

[leader NA]; French Communist Party or PCF [Marie-George BUFFET];

Left Radical Party or PRG (previously Radical Socialist Party or PRS

and the Left Radical Movement or MRG) [Jean-Michel BAYLET]; Liberal

Democracy or DL (originally Republican Party or PR; now merged into

the UMP) [Alain MADELIN]; Movement for France or MPF [Philippe DE

VILLIERS]; Rally for France or RPF [Charles PASQUA]; Rally for the

Republic or RPR (merged into UMP) [Serge LEPELTIER]; Socialist Party

or PS [Francois HOLLANDE]; Greens [Martine BILLARD, Denis BAUPIN,

Stephane POCRAIN, Maryse ARDITI]; Union for French Democracy or UDF

(coalition of DL, CDS, UDF, RP, and other parties) [Francois

BAYROU]; Union for a Popular Movement or UMP (including RPR, DL, and

a part of UDF) [Alain JUPPE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

historically-Communist labor union (Confederation Generale du

Travail) or CGT, approximately 700,000 members (claimed);

left-leaning labor union (Confederation Francaise Democratique du

Travail) or CFDT, approximately 865,000 members (claimed, of which

810,000 are actively employed); independent labor union

(Confederation Generale du Travail - Force Ouvriere) or FO, 300,000

members (est.); independent white-collar union (Confederation

Generale des Cadres) or CGC, 196,000 members (claimed); employers'

union (Mouvement des Entreprises de France) or MEDEF, 750,000

companies as members (claimed)

International organization participation:

ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer), CDB

(non-regional), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECA (associate), ECE, ECLAC,

EIB, EMU, ESA, ESCAP, EU, FAO, G- 5, G- 7, G- 8, G-10, IADB, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,

ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MIPONUH,

MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOVIC,

UNOMIG, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WADB (nonregional), WCL, WCO, WEU,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jean-David LEVITTE

chancery: 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

FAX: [1] (202) 944-6166

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los

Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco

telephone: [1] (202) 944-6000

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Howard H. LEACH

embassy: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08

mailing address: PSC 116, APO AE 09777

telephone: [33] (1) 43-12-22-22

FAX: [33] (1) 42 66 97 83

consulate(s) general: Marseille, Strasbourg

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red;

known as the French Tricouleur (Tricolor); the design and/or colors

are similar to a number of other flags, including those of Belgium,

Chad, Ireland, Cote d'Ivoire, Luxembourg, and Netherlands; the

official flag for all French dependent areas

Economy France

Economy - overview:

France is in the midst of transition, from a well-to-do modern

economy that has featured extensive government ownership and

intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The

Socialist-led government has partially or fully privatized many

large companies, banks, and insurers, but still retains controlling

stakes in several leading firms, including Air France, France

Telecom, Renault, and Thales, and remains dominant in some sectors,

particularly power, public transport, and defense industries. The

telecommunications sector is gradually being opened to competition.

France's leaders remain committed to a capitalism in which they

maintain social equity by means of laws, tax policies, and social

spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of free markets

on public health and welfare. The current government has lowered

income taxes and introduced measures to boost employment. At the end

of 2002 the government was focusing on the problems of the high cost

of labor and labor market inflexibility resulting from the 35-hour

workweek and restrictions on lay-offs. The government was also

pushing for pension reforms and simplification of administrative

procedures. The tax burden remains one of the highest in Europe. The

current economic slowdown and inflexible budget items have pushed

the deficit above the EU's 3% debt limit. Business investment

remains listless because of low rates of capital utilization, high

debt, and the steep cost of capital.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.558 trillion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $26,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3% industry: 26% services: 71% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 6.4% (1999)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 25.1% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.7 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

26.6 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 71%, industry 25%, agriculture 4% (1997)

Unemployment rate:

9.1% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $286 billion

expenditures: $330 billion, including capital expenditures of $23

billion (2002 est.)

Industries:

machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft,

electronics; textiles, food processing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.3% (2002)

Electricity - production:

520.1 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 8.2% hydro: 14% other: 0.7% (2001) nuclear: 77.1%

Electricity - consumption:

415.3 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

72.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

4.2 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

34,920 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2.026 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

409,600 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

2.281 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

144.3 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

1.898 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

42.01 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

1.725 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

40.26 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

12.86 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; beef, dairy products; fish

Exports: $307.8 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics,

chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages

Exports - partners:

Germany 15%, UK 9.8%, Spain 9%, Italy 9%, US 7.8%, Belgium 6.9%

(2002)

Imports:

$303.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft, plastics,

chemicals

Imports - partners:

Germany 19.4%, Belgium 9.2%, Italy 8.8%, UK 7.3%, Netherlands 7%,

US 6.8%, Spain 6.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

NA (1998)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $6.3 billion (1997)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications France

Telephones - main lines in use:

34.86 million (yearend 1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

11.078 million (yearend 1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed

domestic: extensive cable and microwave radio relay; extensive

introduction of fiber-optic cable; domestic satellite system

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (with total of

5 antennas - 2 for Indian Ocean and 3 for Atlantic Ocean), NA

Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region); HF radiotelephone

communications with more than 20 countries

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 41, FM about 3,500 (this figure is an approximation and includes

many repeaters), shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

55.3 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

584 (plus 9,676 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

34.8 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.fr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

62 (2000)

Internet users:

16.97 million (2002)

Transportation France

Railways:

total: 32,682 km

standard gauge: 32,515 km 1.435-m gauge (14,104 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 167 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 894,000 km

paved: 894,000 km (including 11,500 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways:

14,932 km (6,969 km heavily traveled)

Pipelines:

gas 13,946 km; oil 3,024 km; refined products 4,889 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bordeaux, Boulogne, Cherbourg, Dijon, Dunkerque, La Pallice, Le

Havre, Lyon, Marseille, Mullhouse, Nates, Paris, Rouen, Saint

Nazaire, Saint Malo, Strasbourg

Merchant marine:

total: 35 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 749,570 GRT/939,134 DWT

ships by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 9, liquefied gas 4,

passenger 2, petroleum tanker 10, roll on/roll off 2, short-sea

passenger 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: French Polynesia 2, Greece 1, Japan 1, Norway 1, Sweden

9 (2002 est.)

Airports:

477 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 273 over 3,047 m: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 28 914 to 1,523 m: 80 under 914 m: 57 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 95

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 204 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 74 under 914 m: 128 (2002)

Heliports: 3 (2002)

Military France

Military branches:

Army (includes marines), Navy (includes naval air), Air Force

(includes Air Defense), National Gendarmerie

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 14,523,208 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 12,079,413 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 392,824 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$46.5 billion (2000)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.57% (2002)

Transnational Issues France

Disputes - international:

Madagascar claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands,

and Juan de Nova Island; Comoros claims Mayotte; Mauritius claims

Tromelin Island; territorial dispute between Suriname and French

Guiana; territorial claim in Antarctica (Adelie Land); Matthew and

Hunter Islands, east of New Caledonia, claimed by France and Vanuatu

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for and consumer of South American cocaine,

Southwest Asian heroin, and European synthetics

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@French Guiana

Introduction French Guiana

Background:

First settled by the French in 1604, French Guiana was the site of

notorious penal settlements until 1951. The European Space Agency

launches its communication satellites from Kourou.

Geography French Guiana

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between

Brazil and Suriname

Geographic coordinates:

4 00 N, 53 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 91,000 sq km

water: 1,850 sq km

land: 89,150 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries: total: 1,183 km border countries: Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km

Coastline: 378 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Bellevue de l'Inini 851 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, timber, gold (widely scattered), cinnabar, kaolin, fish

Land use:

arable land: 0.11% NEGL

permanent crops: 0.03%

other: 99.86% (90% forest, 10% other) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

high frequency of heavy showers and severe thunderstorms; flooding

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

mostly an unsettled wilderness; the only non-independent portion of

the South American continent

People French Guiana

Population:

186,917 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.9% (male 28,565; female 27,280)

15-64 years: 64.4% (male 64,836; female 55,498)

65 years and over: 5.7% (male 5,455; female 5,283) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.2 years

male: 29.2 years

female: 27.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.4% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

21.33 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.8 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

7.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.17 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 13.68 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.69 years

male: 73.36 years

female: 80.18 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.09 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: French Guianese (singular and plural)

adjective: French Guianese

Ethnic groups:

black or mulatto 66%, white 12%, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian

12%, other 10%

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

French

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 83%

male: 84%

female: 82% (1982 est.)

Government French Guiana

Country name:

conventional long form: Department of Guiana

conventional short form: French Guiana

local short form: Guyane

local long form: none

Dependency status:

overseas department of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Cayenne

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas department of France)

Independence:

none (overseas department of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French legal system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May

1995), represented by Prefect Ange MANCINI (since 31 July 2002)

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the

French Ministry of Interior; presidents of the General and Regional

Councils are appointed by the members of those councils

head of government: President of the General Council Joseph

HO-TEN-YOU (since 26 March 2001); President of the Regional Council

Antoine KARAM (since 22 March 1992)

cabinet: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and a

unicameral Regional Council or Conseil Regional (31 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: General Council - last held NA March 2000 (next to be

held NA 2006); Regional Council - last held 15 March 1998 (next to

be held NA 2004)

election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - PSG 5, various left-wing parties 5, independents 7,

other 2; Regional Council - percent of vote by party - PS 28.28%,

various left parties 22.56%, RPR 15.91%, independents 8.6%, Walwari

Committee 6%; seats by party - PS 11, various left parties 9, RPR 6,

independents 3, Walwari Committee 2

note: one seat was elected to the French Senate on 27 September 1998

(next to be held NA September 2007); results - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - NA; 2 seats were elected to the French

National Assembly on 9 June-16 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007);

results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - UMP/RPR

1, Walwari Committee 1

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel (highest local court based in

Martinique with jurisdiction over Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French

Guiana)

Political parties and leaders:

Guyanese Democratic Action or ADG [Andre LECANTE]; Guyanese

Socialist Party or PSG [Marie-Claude VERDAN]; Guyana Democratic

Forces or FDG [Georges OTHILY]; Popular National Guyanese Party or

PNPG [Jose DORCY]; Rally for the Republic or RPR [Roland

HO-WEN-SZE]; Socialist Party or PS [Pierre RIBARDIERE]; Walwari

Committee [Christine TAUBIRA-DELANON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

FZ, WCL, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas department of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas department of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy French Guiana

Economy - overview:

The economy is tied closely to the larger French economy through

subsidies and imports. Besides the French space center at Kourou

(which accounts for 25% of GDP), fishing and forestry are the most

important economic activities. Forest and woodland cover 90% of the

country. The large reserves of tropical hardwoods, not fully

exploited, support an expanding sawmill industry that provides sawn

logs for export. Cultivation of crops is limited to the coastal

area, where the population is largely concentrated; rice and manioc

are the major crops. French Guiana is heavily dependent on imports

of food and energy. Unemployment is a serious problem, particularly

among younger workers.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.26 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $14,400 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

58,800 (1997)

Labor force - by occupation: services, government, and commerce 60.6%, industry 21.2%, agriculture 18.2% (1980)

Unemployment rate:

22% (2001)

Budget:

revenues: $225 million

expenditures: $390 million, including capital expenditures of $105

million (1996)

Industries:

construction, shrimp processing, forestry products, rum, gold mining

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

455 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

423.2 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

6,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: corn, rice, manioc (tapioca), sugar, cocoa, vegetables, bananas; cattle, pigs, poultry

Exports:

$155 million f.o.b.

Exports - commodities:

shrimp, timber, gold, rum, rosewood essence, clothing

Exports - partners:

France 62%, Switzerland 7%, US 2% (2001)

Imports:

$625 million c.i.f.

Imports - commodities:

food (grains, processed meat), machinery and transport equipment,

fuels and chemicals

Imports - partners:

France 63%, US, Trinidad and Tobago, Italy (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.2 billion (1988)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

euro (EUR); French franc (FRF)

Currency code:

EUR; FRF

Exchange rates:

Euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications French Guiana

Telephones - main lines in use:

47,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: fair open-wire and microwave radio relay system international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 14 (including 6 repeaters), shortwave 6 (including 5 repeaters) (1998)

Radios:

104,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (plus eight low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

30,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.gf

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

2,000 (2000)

Transportation French Guiana

Railways: 0 km

Highways:

total: 722 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km (1996)

Waterways:

3,300 km navigable by native craft

note: 460 km navigable by small oceangoing vessels and coastal and

river steamers

Ports and harbors:

Cayenne, Degrad des Cannes, Saint-Laurent du Maroni

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

11 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Military French Guiana

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; French Forces, Gendarmerie

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 51,444 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 33,345 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues French Guiana

Disputes - international:

Suriname claims area between Riviere Litani and Riviere Marouini

(both headwaters of the Lawa)

Illicit drugs:

small amount of marijuana grown for local consumption; minor

transshipment point to Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@French Polynesia

Introduction French Polynesia

Background:

The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th

century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by

resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year

moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996.

Geography French Polynesia

Location:

Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of

the way from South America to Australia

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 S, 140 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 4,167 sq km (118 islands and atolls)

water: 507 sq km

land: 3,660 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than one-third the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,525 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical, but moderate

Terrain:

mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m

Natural resources: timber, fish, cobalt, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 1.64% permanent crops: 6.01% other: 92.35% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

occasional cyclonic storms in January

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

includes five archipelagoes (4 volcanic, 1 coral); Makatea in

French Polynesia is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in

the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati

and Nauru

People French Polynesia

Population:

262,125 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.3% (male 37,804; female 36,249)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 90,421; female 83,304)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 7,226; female 7,121) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.7 years

male: 27.1 years

female: 26.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.62% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.74 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.53 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.78 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 10.12 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.45 years

male: 73.08 years

female: 77.93 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.14 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: French Polynesian(s)

adjective: French Polynesian

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%

Religions:

Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no religion 6%

Languages:

French (official), Tahitian (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 14 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1977 est.)

Government French Polynesia

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of French Polynesia

conventional short form: French Polynesia

local short form: Polynesie Francaise

local long form: Territoire de la Polynesie Francaise

former: French Colony of Oceania

Dependency status:

overseas territory of France since 1946

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Papeete

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order

administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there

are 5 archipelagic divisions named Archipel des Marquises, Archipel

des Tuamotu, Archipel des Tubuai, Iles du Vent, and Iles Sous-le-Vent

note: Clipperton Island is administered by France from French

Polynesia

Independence:

none (overseas territory of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

based on French system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May

1995), represented by High Commissioner of the Republic Michel

MATHIEU (since 24 October 2001)

head of government: President of the Territorial Government of

French Polynesia Gaston FLOSSE (since 4 April 1991); President of

the Territorial Assembly Lucette TAERO (since 17 May 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president submits a list of members

of the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve as

ministers

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the

advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the

Territorial Government and the president of the Territorial Assembly

are elected by the members of the assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (49 seats

- changed from 41 seats for May 2001 election; members are elected

by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 6 May 2001 (next to be held NA May 2006)

note: one seat was elected to the French Senate on NA September 1998

(next to be held NA September 2007); results - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - NA; two seats were elected to the

French National Assembly on 9 June-16 June 2002 (next to be held NA

2007); results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

UMP/RPR 1, UMP 1

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

People's Rally for the Republic (Gaullist) 28, Independent Front for

the Liberation of Polynesia 13, New Fatherland Party 7, other 1

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court of the First Instance or

Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Administrative Law or

Tribunal Administratif

Political parties and leaders:

Independent Front for the Liberation of Polynesia (Tavini

Huiraatira) [Oscar TEMARU]; New Fatherland Party (Ai'a Api) [Emile

VERNAUDON]; People's Rally for the Republic of Polynesia or RPR

(Tahoeraa Huiraatira) [Gaston FLOSSE]; The New Star (Te Fetia Api)

[leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ESCAP (associate), FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

two narrow red horizontal bands encase a wide white band; centered

on the white band is a disk with blue and white wave pattern on the

lower half and gold and white ray pattern on the upper half; a

stylized red, blue and white ship rides on the wave pattern; the

French flag is used for official occasions

Economy French Polynesia

Economy - overview:

Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region,

French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence agricultural economy

to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either

employed by the military or supports the tourist industry. With the

halt of French nuclear testing in 1996, the military contribution to

the economy fell sharply. Tourism accounts for about one-fourth of

GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. Other sources

of income are pearl farming and deep-sea commercial fishing. The

small manufacturing sector primarily processes agricultural

products. The territory benefits substantially from development

agreements with France aimed principally at creating new businesses

and strengthening social services.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 18%

services: 76% (1997)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5%

Labor force:

70,000 (1996)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 13%, industry 19%, services 68% (1997)

Unemployment rate:

11.8% (1994)

Budget:

revenues: $1 billion

expenditures: $900 million, including capital expenditures of $185

million (1996)

Industries:

tourism, pearls, agricultural processing, handicrafts, phosphates

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

428.3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source:

fossil fuel: 60.7%

hydro: 39.3%

other: 0%; note - sun, wind, biomass (2001)

nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

398.3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

4,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits; poultry, beef, dairy products, coffee

Exports: $260 million f.o.b. (2000)

Exports - commodities: cultured pearls 50%, coconut products, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, shark meat (1997)

Exports - partners:

France 37.4%, Japan 35.5%, US 17.5% (2002)

Imports:

$1.2 billion f.o.b. (2000)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment

Imports - partners:

France 58.9%, Australia 12.2%, New Zealand 6.9%, US 6.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$367 million (1997)

Currency:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF); note - may adopt the

euro in 2003

Currency code:

XPF

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 126.41

(2002), 133.26 (2001), 129.44 (2000), 111.93 (1999), 107.25 (1998)

note: pegged at the rate of 119.25 XPF to the euro

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications French Polynesia

Telephones - main lines in use:

52,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5,427 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 14, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

128,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

7 (plus 17 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

40,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.pf

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

16,000 (2002)

Transportation French Polynesia

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 2,590 km paved: 1,735 km unpaved: 855 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Mataura, Papeete, Rikitea, Uturoa

Merchant marine:

total: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 12,679 GRT/13,915 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, passenger/cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 1,

roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

45 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 37 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 22 under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Military French Polynesia

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; French Forces (including

Army, Navy, Air Force), Gendarmerie

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues French Polynesia

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Introduction French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Background:

The Southern Lands consist of two archipelagos, Iles Crozet and

Iles Kerguelen, and two volcanic islands, Ile Amsterdam and Ile

Saint-Paul. They contain no permanent inhabitants and are visited

only by researchers studying the native fauna. The Antarctic portion

consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice of the Antarctic continent

discovered and claimed by the French in 1840.

Geography French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Location:

southeast of Africa, islands in the southern Indian Ocean, about

equidistant between Africa, Antarctica, and Australia; note - French

Southern and Antarctic Lands include Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul,

Iles Crozet, and Iles Kerguelen in the southern Indian Ocean, along

with the French-claimed sector of Antarctica, "Adelie Land"; the US

does not recognize the French claim to "Adelie Land"

Geographic coordinates:

43 00 S, 67 00 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 7,829 sq km

note: includes Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet and Iles

Kerguelen; excludes "Adelie Land" claim of about 500,000 sq km in

Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

water: 0 sq km

land: 7,829 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than 1.3 times the size of Delaware

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,232 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM from Iles Kerguelen only

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

antarctic

Terrain:

volcanic

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Ross on Iles Kerguelen 1,850 m

Natural resources: fish, crayfish

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are extinct volcanoes

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

islands component is widely scattered across remote locations in

the southern Indian Ocean

People French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants (July 2002 est.)

note: in 2002, there were 145 researchers whose numbers vary from

winter (July) to summer (January) (July 2003 est.)

Government French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of the French Southern and

Antarctic Lands

conventional short form: French Southern and Antarctic Lands

local long form: Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques

Francaises

local short form: Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises

Dependency status:

overseas territory of France since 1955; administered from Paris by

Administrateur Superieur Francois GARDE (since 24 May 2000),

assisted by Secretary General Jean-Yves HERMOSO (since NA)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order

administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there

are 3 districts named Ile Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, and Iles

Saint-Paul et Amsterdam; excludes "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica

that is not recognized by the US

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to servicing meteorological and

geophysical research stations and French and other fishing fleets.

The fish catches landed on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are

exported to France and Reunion.

Communications French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Internet country code: .tf

Transportation French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Merchant marine:

total: 73 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,596,194 GRT/5,924,475 DWT

ships by type: bulk 4, cargo 4, chemical tanker 14, container 15,

liquefied gas 5, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 17, roll on/roll off

11, vehicle carrier 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 2, France 62, Japan 3, Monaco 1, Norway 5,

Sweden 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

none (2002)

Military French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Disputes - international:

"Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica is not recognized by the US

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Gabon

Introduction Gabon

Background:

Ruled by autocratic presidents since independence from France in

1960, Gabon introduced a multiparty system and a new constitution in

the early 1990s that allowed for a more transparent electoral

process and for reforms of governmental institutions. A small

population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign

support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous black

African countries.

Geography Gabon

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator,

between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 S, 11 45 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 267,667 sq km

water: 10,000 sq km

land: 257,667 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Colorado

Land boundaries:

total: 2,551 km

border countries: Cameroon 298 km, Republic of the Congo 1,903 km,

Equatorial Guinea 350 km

Coastline:

885 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m

Natural resources: petroleum, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 1.26% permanent crops: 0.66% other: 98.08% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

150 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

a small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon

become one of Africa's wealthier countries; in general, these

circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its

pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity

People Gabon

Population:

1,321,560

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.3% (male 280,218; female 278,808)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 352,363; female 355,315)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 22,786; female 32,070) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.5 years

male: 18.3 years

female: 18.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.54% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

36.54 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

11.17 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 55.05 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 44.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 65.12 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 57.12 years

male: 55.45 years

female: 58.84 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.83 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

9% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

23,000 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Gabonese (singular and plural)

adjective: Gabonese

Ethnic groups:

Bantu tribes including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Bapounou,

Nzebi, Obamba), other Africans and Europeans 154,000, including

10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality

Religions:

Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%

Languages:

French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 63.2%

male: 73.7%

female: 53.3% (1995 est.)

Government Gabon

Country name:

conventional long form: Gabonese Republic

conventional short form: Gabon

local short form: Gabon

local long form: Republique Gabonaise

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties

legalized in 1990)

Capital:

Libreville

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie, Nyanga,

Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem

Independence:

17 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Founding of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), 12 March (1968)

Constitution:

adopted 14 March 1991

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review

of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President El Hadj Omar BONGO (since 2 December 1967)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Francois NTOUTOUME-EMANE

(since 23 January 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in

consultation with the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 6 December 1998 (next to be held NA 2005); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: President El Hadj Omar BONGO reelected; percent of

vote - El Hadj Omar BONGO 66.6%, Pierre MAMBOUNDOU 16.5%, Fr. Paul

M'BA-ABESSOLE 13.4%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (91 seats; members

elected by members of municipal councils and departmental

assemblies) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (120

seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held 9 and 23 December 2001

(next to be held NA December 2006); Senate - last held 26 January

and 9 February 1997 (next to be held in January 2004)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - PDG 86, RNB-RPG 8, PGP 3, ADERE 3, CLR 2, PUP

1, PSD 1, independents 13, others 3; Senate - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - PDG 53, RNB 20, PGP 4, ADERE 3, RDP 1,

CLR 1, independents 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consisting of three chambers -

Judicial, Administrative, and Accounts; Constitutional Court; Courts

of Appeal; Court of State Security; County Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Circle of Liberal Reformers or CLR [General Jean Boniface ASSELE];

Democratic and Republican Alliance or ADERE [Divungui-di-Ndinge

DIDJOB]; Gabonese Democratic Party or PDG, former sole party

[Simplice Nguedet MANZELA]; Gabonese Party for Progress or PGP

[Pierre-Louis AGONDJO-OKAWE,]; National Rally of Woodcutters-Rally

for Gabon or RNB-RPG (Bucherons) [Fr. Paul M'BA-ABESSOLE]; People's

Unity Party or PUP [Louis Gaston MAYILA]; Rally for Democracy and

Progress or RDP [Pierre EMBONI]; Social Democratic Party or PSD

[Pierre Claver MAGANGA-MOUSSAVOU]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jules Marius OGOUEBANDJA

consulate(s): New York

FAX: [1] (202) 332-0668

telephone: [1] (202) 797-1000

chancery: Suite 200, 2034 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth P. MOOREFIELD

embassy: Boulevard de la Mer, Libreville

mailing address: Centre Ville, B. P. 4000, Libreville

telephone: [241] 76 20 03 through 76 20 04, after hours - 74 34 92

FAX: [241] 74 55 07

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue

Economy Gabon

Economy - overview:

Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most nations of

sub-Saharan Africa. This has supported a sharp decline in extreme

poverty; yet because of high income inequality a large proportion of

the population remains poor. Gabon depended on timber and manganese

until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector

now accounts for 50% of GDP. Gabon continues to face fluctuating

prices for its oil, timber, and manganese exports. Despite the

abundance of natural wealth, poor fiscal management hobbles the

economy. Devaluation of its Francophone currency by 50% on 12

January 1994 sparked a one-time inflationary surge, to 35%; the rate

dropped to 6% in 1996. The IMF provided a one-year standby

arrangement in 1994-95, a three-year Enhanced Financing Facility

(EFF) at near commercial rates beginning in late 1995, and stand-by

credit of $119 million in October 2000. Those agreements mandate

progress in privatization and fiscal discipline. France provided

additional financial support in January 1997 after Gabon had met IMF

targets for mid-1996. In 1997, an IMF mission to Gabon criticized

the government for overspending on off-budget items, overborrowing

from the central bank, and slipping on its schedule for

privatization and administrative reform. The rebound of oil prices

in 1999-2000 helped growth, but drops in production hampered Gabon

from fully realizing potential gains. In December 2000, Gabon signed

a new agreement with the Paris Club to reschedule its official debt.

A follow-up bilateral repayment agreement with the US was signed in

December 2001. Short-term progress depends on an upbeat world

economy and fiscal and other adjustments in line with IMF policies.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $8.354 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $6,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 15%

industry: 60%

services: 25% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

600,000

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 60%, services 25%, industry 15%

Unemployment rate:

21% (1997 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.8 billion

expenditures: $1.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $310

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, and gold mining;

chemicals; ship repair; food and beverage; textile; lumbering and

plywood; cement.

Industrial production growth rate:

1.6% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

798.4 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 34.5% hydro: 65.5% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

742.5 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

301,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

2.45 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

80 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

80 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

66.47 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber; cattle; okoume (a tropical softwood); fish

Exports:

$2.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil 77%, timber, manganese, uranium (2001)

Exports - partners:

US 46.5%, France 11.6%, China 6.5%, Netherlands Antilles 5.8% (2002)

Imports:

$1.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, construction

materials

Imports - partners:

France 50.7%, US 6.3%, Netherlands 3.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$3.8 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$331 million (1995)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible

authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Currency code:

XAF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Gabon

Telephones - main lines in use:

39,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

120,000 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate service by African standards and

improving with the help of the growing mobile cell system

domestic: adequate system of cable, microwave radio relay,

tropospheric scatter, radiotelephone communication stations, and a

domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); fiber optic submarine cable to be in service in 2002

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 6, FM 7 (and 11 repeaters), shortwave 4 (2001)

Radios:

208,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (plus four low-power repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

63,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ga

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2001)

Internet users:

18,000 (2002)

Transportation Gabon

Railways: total: 814 km standard gauge: 814 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 8,464 km paved: 838 km unpaved: 7,626 km (2000 est.)

Waterways:

1,600 km (perennially navigable)

Pipelines:

gas 210 km; oil 1,426 km; water 3 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Cap Lopez, Kango, Lambarene, Libreville, Mayumba, Owendo,

Port-Gentil

Airports:

57 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 10 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 47 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 914 to 1,523 m: 15 under 914 m: 24 (2002)

Military Gabon

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Presidential (Republican) Guard (charged

with protecting the president and other senior officials), National

Gendarmerie, National Police

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 305,603 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 158,226 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 12,853 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$81.9 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Gabon

Disputes - international:

creation of a maritime boundary in hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay

with Equatorial Guinea is hampered by dispute over small islets on

Mbane/Mbagne bank, administered and occupied by Gabon since the 1970s

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Gambia, The

Introduction Gambia, The

Background:

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965; it formed a

short-lived federation of Senegambia with Senegal between 1982 and

1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation

treaty. A military coup in 1994 overthrew the president and banned

political activity, but a 1996 constitution and presidential

elections, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a

nominal return to civilian rule. The country undertook another round

of presidential and legislative elections in late 2001 and early

2002.

Geography Gambia, The

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

13 28 N, 16 34 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 11,300 sq km

land: 10,000 sq km

water: 1,300 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Delaware

Land boundaries: total: 740 km border countries: Senegal 740 km

Coastline: 80 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 18 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: not specified exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season

(November to May)

Terrain:

flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 53 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use: arable land: 19.5% permanent crops: 0.5% other: 80% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of

Africa

People Gambia, The

Population:

1,501,050 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.9% (male 338,497; female 335,503)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 390,150; female 396,763)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 20,836; female 19,301) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.4 years

male: 17.3 years

female: 17.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.03% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

40.77 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

12.35 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.08 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 74.93 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 68 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 81.67 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.38 years

male: 52.39 years

female: 56.44 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.53 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,400 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

400 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Gambian(s)

adjective: Gambian

Ethnic groups:

African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli

9%, other 4%), non-African 1%

Religions:

Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, indigenous beliefs 1%

Languages:

English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous

vernaculars

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 40.1%

male: 47.8%

female: 32.8% (2003 est.)

Government Gambia, The

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia

conventional short form: The Gambia

Government type:

republic under multiparty democratic rule

Capital:

Banjul

Administrative divisions:

5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Central River, Lower River, North

Bank, Upper River, Western

Independence:

18 February 1965 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

Constitution:

24 April 1970; suspended July 1994; rewritten and approved by

national referendum 8 August 1996; reestablished in January 1997

Legal system:

based on a composite of English common law, Koranic law, and

customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October

1996; note - from 1994 to 1996 he was Chairman of the Junta); Vice

President Isatou Njie SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18

October 1996; note - from 1994 to 1996 was he Chairman of the

Junta); Vice President Isatou Njie SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

the number of terms is not restricted; election last held 18 October

2001 (next to be held NA October 2006)

election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percent

of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 52.9%, Ousainou DARBOE 32.7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (53 seats; 48 elected by popular vote,

five appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 17 January 2002 (next to be held NA January

2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

APRC 45, PDOIS 2, NRP 1,

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC

[Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH]; Gambian People's Party-Progressive People's

Party-United Democratic Party or GPP-PPP-UDP Coalition [Ousainou

DARBOE]; National Convention Party or NCP [Sheriff DIBBA]; National

Reconciliation Party or NRP [Hamat N. K. BAH]; People's Democratic

Organization for Independence and Socialism or PDOIS [Sidia JATTA]

note: in August 2001, an independent electoral commission allowed

the reregistration of the GPP, NCP, and PPP, three parties banned

since 1996

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge D'Affaires Lena Manga

Sagnia SECK

chancery: Suite 905, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1379

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jackson McDONALD

embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul

mailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul

telephone: [220] 392856, 392858, 391971

FAX: [220] 392475

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges,

and green

Economy Gambia, The

Economy - overview:

The Gambia has no important mineral or other natural resources and

has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of the population depends

on crops and livestock for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing

activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides.

Reexport trade normally constitutes a major segment of economic

activity, but a 1999 government-imposed preshipment inspection plan,

and instability of the Gambian dalasi (currency) have drawn some of

the reexport trade away from The Gambia. The government's 1998

seizure of the private peanut firm Alimenta eliminated the largest

purchaser of Gambian groundnuts; the following two marketing seasons

have seen substantially lower prices and sales. A decline in tourism

in 2000 has also held back growth. Unemployment and underemployment

rates are extremely high. Shortrun economic progress remains highly

dependent on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on

responsible government economic management as forwarded by IMF

technical help and advice, and on expected growth in the

construction sector.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.582 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.7% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33%

industry: 13%

services: 54% (1999 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

400,000

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 75%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 6%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $90.5 million

expenditures: $80.9 million, including capital expenditures of $4.1

million (2001 est.)

Industries:

processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism; beverages;

agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking; clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

85.33 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

79.36 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,900 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava (tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats

Exports:

$138 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels, re-exports

Exports - partners:

France 21.9%, UK 19.1%, Malaysia 11.8%, Italy 11.1%, Germany 7.3%,

Belgium 6.3%, South Africa 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$225 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery and transport equipment

Imports - partners:

China 21.8%, Senegal 8.9%, Brazil 7.8%, UK 6.5%, Netherlands 5.4%,

India 4.9%, Belgium 4.5%, Hong Kong 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$476 million (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$45.4 million (1995)

Currency:

dalasi (GMD)

Currency code:

GMD

Exchange rates:

dalasi per US dollar - NA (2002), 15.69 (2001), 12.79 (2000), 11.4

(1999), 10.64 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Gambia, The

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,900 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5,624 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate; a packet switched data network is

available

domestic: adequate network of microwave radio relay and open-wire

international: microwave radio relay links to Senegal and

Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2001)

Radios:

196,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (government-owned) (1997)

Televisions:

5,000 (2000)

Internet country code:

.gm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2001)

Internet users:

5,000 (2001)

Transportation Gambia, The

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 2,700 km paved: 956 km unpaved: 1,744 km (1999)

Waterways:

400 km

Ports and harbors:

Banjul

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Military Gambia, The

Military branches:

Gambian National Army (GNA) (includes marine unit), National

Police, Presidential Guard

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 338,800 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 170,904 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.2 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.3% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Gambia, The

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Gaza Strip

Introduction Gaza Strip

Background:

The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government

Arrangements (the DOP), signed in Washington on 13 September 1993,

provided for a transitional period not exceeding five years of

Palestinian interim self-government in the Gaza Strip and the West

Bank. Under the DOP, Israel agreed to transfer certain powers and

responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, which includes the

Palestinian Legislative Council elected in January 1996, as part of

the interim self-governing arrangements in the West Bank and Gaza

Strip. A transfer of powers and responsibilities for the Gaza Strip

and Jericho took place pursuant to the Israel-PLO 4 May 1994 Cairo

Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area and in additional

areas of the West Bank pursuant to the Israel-PLO 28 September 1995

Interim Agreement, the Israel-PLO 15 January 1997 Protocol

Concerning Redeployment in Hebron, the Israel-PLO 23 October 1998

Wye River Memorandum, and the 4 September 1999 Sharm el-Sheikh

Agreement. The DOP provides that Israel will retain responsibility

during the transitional period for external and internal security

and for public order of settlements and Israeli citizens. Direct

negotiations to determine the permanent status of Gaza and West Bank

had begun in September 1999 after a three-year hiatus, but have been

derailed by a second intifadah that broke out in September 2000. The

resulting widespread violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip,

Israel's military response, and instability within the Palestinian

Authority continue to undermine progress toward a permanent

agreement.

Geography Gaza Strip

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and

Israel

Geographic coordinates:

31 25 N, 34 20 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 360 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 360 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 62 km border countries: Egypt 11 km, Israel 51 km

Coastline:

40 km

Maritime claims:

Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the

Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be

determined through further negotiation

Climate:

temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Terrain:

flat to rolling, sand- and dune-covered coastal plain

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Auda) 105 m

Natural resources:

arable land, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 26.32%

permanent crops: 39.47%

other: 34.21% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

120 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

droughts

Environment - current issues:

desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage treatment;

water-borne disease; soil degradation; depletion and contamination

of underground water resources

Geography - note:

there are 25 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites in the

Gaza Strip (February 2002 est.)

People Gaza Strip

Population:

1,274,868 (July 2002 est.)

note: in addition, there are more than 5,000 Israeli settlers in the

Gaza Strip (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 49.4% (male 322,658; female 307,026)

15-64 years: 47.9% (male 310,910; female 299,724)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 14,645; female 19,905) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 15.3 years

male: 15.1 years

female: 15.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.89% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

41.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.03 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.15 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 22.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 25.37 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.4 years

male: 70.13 years

female: 72.73 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.17 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Palestinian Arab and other 99.4%, Jewish 0.6%

Religions:

Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 98.7%, Christian 0.7%, Jewish 0.6%

Languages:

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians),

English (widely understood)

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Gaza Strip

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Gaza Strip local long form: none local short form: Qita Ghazzah

Economy Gaza Strip

Economy - overview:

Economic output in the Gaza Strip - under the responsibility of the

Palestinian Authority since the Cairo Agreement of May 1994 -

declined by about one-third between 1992 and 1996. The downturn was

largely the result of Israeli closure policies - the imposition of

generalized border closures in response to security incidents in

Israel - which disrupted previously established labor and commodity

market relationships between Israel and the WBGS (West Bank and Gaza

Strip). The most serious negative social effect of this downturn was

the emergence of high unemployment; unemployment in the WBGS during

the 1980s was generally under 5%; by 1995 it had risen to over 20%.

Israel's use of comprehensive closures decreased during the next few

years and, in 1998, Israel implemented new policies to reduce the

impact of closures and other security procedures on the movement of

Palestinian goods and labor. These changes fueled an almost

three-year-long economic recovery in the West Bank and Gaza Strip;

real GDP grew by 5% in 1998 and 6% in 1999. Recovery was upended in

the last quarter of 2000 with the outbreak of violence, triggering

tight Israeli closures of Palestinian self-rule areas and a severe

disruption of trade and labor movements. In 2001, and even more

severely in 2002, Israeli military measures in Palestinian Authority

areas resulted in the destruction of capital plant and

administrative structure, widespread business closures, and a sharp

drop in GDP. Another major loss has been the decline in income

earned by Palestinian workers in Israel. International aid of $2

billion in 2001-02 to the Gaza Strip and West Bank have prevented

the complete collapse of the economy.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $735 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-15% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 9% industry: 28% services: 63% (includes West Bank)

Population below poverty line:

60% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (includes West Bank) (2001 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

services 66%, industry 21%, agriculture 13% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

50% (includes West Bank) (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $930 million

expenditures: $1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $15

million (includes West Bank) (2000 est.)

Industries:

generally small family businesses that produce textiles, soap,

olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the Israelis

have established some small-scale modern industries in an industrial

center

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by Israel

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by Israel (2001)

Agriculture - products:

olives, citrus, vegetables; beef, dairy products

Exports:

$603 million f.o.b., includes West Bank

Exports - commodities:

citrus, flowers

Exports - partners:

Israel, Egypt, West Bank

Imports:

$1.9 billion c.i.f., includes West Bank

Imports - commodities:

food, consumer goods, construction materials

Imports - partners:

Israel, Egypt, West Bank

Debt - external:

$108 million (includes West Bank) (1997 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$800 million (includes West Bank) (2001 est.)

Currency:

new Israeli shekel (ILS)

Currency code:

ILS

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.7378 (2002), 4.2057 (2001),

4.0773 (2000), 4.1397 (1999), 3.8001 (1998), 3.4494 (1997)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Gaza Strip

Telephones - main lines in use:

95,729 (total for Gaza Strip and West Bank) (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: rudimentary telephone services provided by an open-wire

system

international: NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

NA; note - most Palestinian households have radios (1999)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (operated by the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation) (1997)

Televisions:

NA; note - most Palestinian households have televisions (1997)

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (1999)

Internet users:

60,000 (includes West Bank) (2001)

Transportation Gaza Strip

Railways:

total: NA km; note - one line, abandoned and in disrepair, little

trackage remains (2001 est.)

Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km note: small, poorly developed road network

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Gaza

Airports:

2 (2001)

note: includes Gaza International Airport (GIA), inaugurated on 24

November 1998 as part of agreements stipulated in the September 1995

Oslo II Accord and the 23 October 1998 Wye River Memorandum; GIA has

been largely closed since October 2000 by Israeli orders and its

runway was destroyed by the Israeli Defense Forces in December 2001

(2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Gaza Strip

Military branches:

in accordance with the peace agreement, the Palestinian Authority

is not permitted conventional military forces; there are, however, a

Public Security Force and a civil Police Force

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Gaza Strip

Disputes - international:

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status

subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent

status to be determined through further negotiation

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Georgia

Introduction Georgia

Background:

Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century.

Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian

revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until the

Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Ethnic separation in Abkhazia and

South Ossetia, poor governance, and Russian military bases deny the

government effective control over the entirety of the state's

internationally recognized territory. Despite myriad problems, some

progress on market reforms and democratization has been made. An

attempt by the government to manipulate legislative elections in

November 2003 touched off widespread protests that led to the

resignation of President Eduard SHEVARDNADZE.

Geography Georgia

Location:

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and

Russia

Geographic coordinates:

42 00 N, 43 30 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 69,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 69,700 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 1,461 km

border countries: Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km,

Turkey 252 km

Coastline:

310 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Terrain:

largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and

Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi (Kolkhida

Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in

the east; good soils in river valley flood plains, foothills of

Kolkhida Lowland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,201 m

Natural resources:

forests, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper, minor

coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for important

tea and citrus growth

Land use:

arable land: 11.21%

permanent crops: 4.09%

other: 84.7% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

4,700 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi; heavy pollution of Mtkvari

River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil

pollution from toxic chemicals

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategically located east of the Black Sea; Georgia controls much

of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them

People Georgia

Population:

4,934,413 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.6% (male 466,743; female 449,440)

15-64 years: 68.4% (male 1,628,757; female 1,744,922)

65 years and over: 13% (male 252,031; female 392,520) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.8 years

male: 32.6 years

female: 37 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.52% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

11.79 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

14.71 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 51.24 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 56.83 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.76 years

male: 61.33 years

female: 68.36 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.51 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 900 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Georgian(s)

adjective: Georgian

Ethnic groups:

Georgian 70.1%, Armenian 8.1%, Russian 6.3%, Azeri 5.7%, Ossetian

3%, Abkhaz 1.8%, other 5%

Religions:

Georgian Orthodox 65%, Muslim 11%, Russian Orthodox 10%, Armenian

Apostolic 8%, unknown 6%

Languages:

Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7%

note: Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 100%

female: 98% (1999 est.)

Government Georgia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Georgia

local short form: Sak'art'velo

former: Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form: none

Government type:

republic

Capital:

T'bilisi

Administrative divisions:

9 regions, (mkharebi, singular - mkhare), 9 cities* (k'alak'ebi,

singular - k'alak'i), and 2 autonomous republics** (avtomnoy

respubliki, singular - avtom respublika); Abkhazia or Ap'khazet'is

Avtonomiuri Respublika** (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis Avtonomiuri

Respublika** (Bat'umi), Chiat'ura*, Gori*, Guria, Imereti, Kakheti,

K'ut'aisi*, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, P'ot'i*,

Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Rust'avi*, Samegrelo and Zemo

Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli, T'bilisi*, Tqibuli*,

Tsqaltubo*, Zugdidi*

note: the administrative centers of the 2 autonomous republics are

shown in parentheses

Independence:

9 April 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note - 26 May 1918 is the date of

independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 is the date of

independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

adopted 17 October 1995

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nino BURJANADZE (acting president since

23 November 2003; formerly parliamentary speaker, she assumed the

presidency upon the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Nino BURJANADZE (acting president

since 23 November 2003; formerly parliamentary speaker, she assumed

the presidency upon the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers

election results: Eduard SHEVARDNADZE reelected president; percent

of vote - Eduard SHEVARDNADZE 80%; note - following the resignation

of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, Nino BURJANADZE became acting president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 9 April 2000 (next to be held 4 January 2004 to

replace Eduard SHEVARDNADZE)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Council (commonly referred to as Parliament) or

Umaghiesi Sabcho (235 seats; members are elected by popular vote to

serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party (from earlier 1999

elections) - CUG 41.7%, AGUR 25.2%, IWSG 7.1%, all other parties

received less than 7% each; seats by party - CUG 130, AGUR 64, IWSG

15, Labor 2, Abkhaz (government-in-exile) deputies 12, independents

12

elections: last held 2 November 2003 but results were invalidated

(next to be held spring 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges elected by the Supreme Council on the

president's recommendation); Constitutional Court

Political parties and leaders:

Citizen's Union of Georgia or CUG [Avtandil JORBENADZE]; Georgian

People's Front [Nodar NATADZE]; Georgian United Communist Party or

UCPG [Panteleimon GIORGADZE]; Greens [Giorgi GACHECHILADZE];

Industry Will Save Georgia or IWSG [Georgi TOPADZE]; Labor Party

[Shalva NATELASHVILI]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Irina

SARISHVILI-CHANTURIA]; New National Movement [Mikheil SAAKASHVILI];

New Right [Levaii GACHECHILADZE]; Republican Party [David

BERDZENISHVILI]; "Revival" Union Party or AGUR [Alsan ABASHIDZE];

Socialist Party or SPG [Irakli MINDELI]; Traditionalists [Akaki

ASATIANI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Georgian independent deputies from Abkhaz government in exile;

separatists in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia;

supporters of the late ousted President Zviad GAMSAKHURDYA

International organization participation:

BSEC, CE, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GUUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Levan MIKELADZE

chancery: Suite 300, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC

20009

FAX: [1] (202) 393-6060

telephone: [1] (202) 387-2390

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard M. MILES

embassy: #25 Atoneli Street, T'bilisi 380026

mailing address: 7060 Tbilisi Place, Washington, DC 20521-7060

telephone: [995] (32) 989-967/68

FAX: [995] (32) 933-759

Flag description:

maroon field with small rectangle in upper hoist side corner;

rectangle divided horizontally with black on top, white below

Economy Georgia

Economy - overview:

Georgia's main economic activities include the cultivation of

agricultural products such as citrus fruits, tea, hazelnuts, and

grapes; mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small

industrial sector producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages,

metals, machinery, and chemicals. The country imports the bulk of

its energy needs, including natural gas and oil products. Its only

sizable internal energy resource is hydropower. Despite the severe

damage the economy has suffered due to civil strife, Georgia, with

the help of the IMF and World Bank, has made substantial economic

gains since 1995, achieving positive GDP growth and curtailing

inflation. However, the Georgian Government suffers from limited

resources due to a chronic failure to collect tax revenues. Georgia

also suffers from energy shortages; it privatized the T'bilisi

distribution network in 1998, but collection rates are low, making

the venture unprofitable. The country is pinning its hopes for

long-term growth on its role as a transit state for pipelines and

trade. The start of construction on the Baku-T'bilisi-Ceyhan oil

pipeline and the Baku-T'bilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline will bring

much-needed investment and job opportunities.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $16.05 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,200 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 20% industry: 25% services: 55% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 54% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 27.9% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37.1 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.1 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 20%, agriculture 40%, services 40% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

17% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $499 million

expenditures: $554 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

steel, aircraft, machine tools, electrical appliances, mining

(manganese and copper), chemicals, wood products, wine

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2000)

Electricity - production:

7.27 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 19.7% hydro: 80.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

7.611 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

850 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

2,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

31,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

60 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.16 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

1.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, grapes, tea, hazlenuts, vegetables; livestock

Exports:

$515 million (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

scrap metal, machinery, chemicals; fuel reexports; citrus fruits,

tea, wine

Exports - partners:

Turkey 23%, Italy 12.1%, Russia 11.4%, Greece 8.5%, Netherlands

7.5%, Spain 5.9%, Turkmenistan 4.7%, Ukraine 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$750 million (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, machinery and parts, transport equipment, grain and other

foods, pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

Turkey 15.6%, Azerbaijan 11.2%, US 9.9%, Russia 9.1%, Germany 7.2%,

Italy 5.1%, Bulgaria 4.9%, Romania 4.3%, France 4.2%, Ukraine 4.1%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$1.7 billion (2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA $150 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

lari (GEL)

Currency code:

GEL

Exchange rates:

lari per US dollar - 2.2 (2002), 2.07 (2001), 1.98 (2000), 2.02

(1999), 1.39 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Georgia

Telephones - main lines in use:

620,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

185,500 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: local - T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi have cellular telephone

networks; urban telephone density is about 20 per 100 people; rural

telephone density is about 4 per 100 people; intercity facilities

include a fiber-optic line between T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi;

nationwide pager service is available

international: Georgia and Russia are working on a fiber-optic line

between P'ot'i and Sochi (Russia); present international service is

available by microwave, landline, and satellite through the Moscow

switch; international electronic mail and telex service are available

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 7, FM 12, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios:

3.02 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

12 (plus repeaters) (1998)

Televisions:

2.57 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ge

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

6 (2000)

Internet users:

25,000 (2002)

Transportation Georgia

Railways:

total: 1,612 km

broad gauge: 1,575 km 1.520-m gauge

narrow gauge: 37 km 0.912-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 20,362 km

paved: 19,038 km

unpaved: 1,325 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 1,495 km; oil 1,029 km; refined products 232 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bat'umi, P'ot'i, Sokhumi

Merchant marine:

total: 116 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 483,028 GRT/713,461 DWT

ships by type: bulk 16, cargo 72, chemical tanker 1, container 11,

petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 2,

specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belize 1, Bulgaria 1, Cyprus 1, Ecuador 1, Egypt 4,

Gibraltar 1, Greece 5, Jordan 1, Latvia 1, Liberia 1, Malta 1,

Panama 9, Romania 8, Russia 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Saudi Arabia 2, Syria 5, Turkey 2,

Ukraine 7, UAE 11, UK 1, US 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

40 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 22 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 4 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 18 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 under 914 m: 7 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 5

Transportation - note:

transportation network is in poor condition resulting from ethnic

conflict, criminal activities, and fuel shortages; network lacks

maintenance and repair

Military Georgia

Military branches:

Ground Forces (includes National Guard), combined Air and Air

Defense Forces, Naval Forces, Republic Security and Police Forces

(internal and border troops)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,302,815 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,028,913 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 43,359 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$23 million (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.59% (FY00)

Military - note:

a CIS peacekeeping force of Russian troops is deployed in the

Abkhazia region of Georgia together with a UN military observer

group; a Russian peacekeeping battalion is deployed in South Ossetia

Transnational Issues Georgia

Disputes - international:

boundary with Russia has been largely delimited, but not demarcated

with several small, strategic segments remaining in dispute and OSCE

observers monitoring volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the

Akhmeti region and the Argun Gorge in Abkhazia; Meshkheti Turks

scattered throughout the former Soviet Union seek to return to

Georgia; ethnic Armenian groups in Javakheti region of Georgia seek

greater autonomy, closer ties with Armenia

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for

domestic consumption; used as transshipment point for opiates via

Central Asia to Western Europe and Russia

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Germany

Introduction Germany

Background:

As Europe's largest economy and most populous nation, Germany

remains a key member of the continent's economic, political, and

defense organizations. European power struggles immersed the country

in two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century

and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied powers of the

US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the

Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal

Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic

(GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key Western economic

and security organizations, the EC, which became the EU, and NATO,

while the Communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led

Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War

allowed for German unification in 1990. Since then, Germany has

expended considerable funds to bring eastern productivity and wages

up to western standards. In January 2002, Germany and 11 other EU

countries introduced a common European currency, the euro.

Geography Germany

Location:

Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between

the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark

Geographic coordinates:

51 00 N, 9 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 357,021 sq km

water: 7,798 sq km

land: 349,223 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 3,621 km

border countries: Austria 784 km, Belgium 167 km, Czech Republic 646

km, Denmark 68 km, France 451 km, Luxembourg 138 km, Netherlands 577

km, Poland 456 km, Switzerland 334 km

Coastline:

2,389 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers;

occasional warm foehn wind

Terrain:

lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.54 m

highest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper, natural

gas, salt, nickel, arable land

Land use: arable land: 33.88% permanent crops: 0.65% other: 65.47% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

4,850 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries contribute to

air pollution; acid rain, resulting from sulfur dioxide emissions,

is damaging forests; pollution in the Baltic Sea from raw sewage and

industrial effluents from rivers in eastern Germany; hazardous waste

disposal; government established a mechanism for ending the use of

nuclear power over the next 15 years; government working to meet EU

commitment to identify nature preservation areas in line with the

EU's Flora, Fauna, and Habitat directive

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

strategic location on North European Plain and along the entrance

to the Baltic Sea

People Germany

Population:

82,398,326 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.9% (male 6,312,614; female 5,988,681)

15-64 years: 67.3% (male 28,213,316; female 27,240,648)

65 years and over: 17.8% (male 5,842,457; female 8,800,610) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 41.3 years male: 39.9 years female: 42.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.04% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

8.6 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.68 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.42 years

male: 75.46 years

female: 81.55 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.37 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

41,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

660 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: German(s)

adjective: German

Ethnic groups:

German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of

Serbo-Croatian, Italian, Russian, Greek, Polish, Spanish)

Religions:

Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or

other 28.3%

Languages:

German

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (1977 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Germany

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Republic of Germany

conventional short form: Germany

local short form: Deutschland

former: German Empire, German Republic, German Reich

local long form: Bundesrepublik Deutschland

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

Berlin

Administrative divisions:

16 states (Laender, singular - Land); Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bayern,

Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen,

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen,

Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt,

Schleswig-Holstein, Thueringen

Independence:

18 January 1871 (German Empire unification); divided into four

zones of occupation (UK, US, USSR, and later, France) in 1945

following World War II; Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or West

Germany) proclaimed 23 May 1949 and included the former UK, US, and

French zones; German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany)

proclaimed 7 October 1949 and included the former USSR zone;

unification of West Germany and East Germany took place 3 October

1990; all four powers formally relinquished rights 15 March 1991

National holiday:

Unity Day, 3 October (1990)

Constitution:

23 May 1949, known as Basic Law; became constitution of the united

German people 3 October 1990

Legal system:

civil law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review of

legislative acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Johannes RAU (since 1 July 1999)

elections: president elected for a five-year term by a Federal

Convention including all members of the Federal Assembly and an

equal number of delegates elected by the state parliaments; election

last held 23 May 1999 (next to be held 23 May 2004); chancellor

elected by an absolute majority of the Federal Assembly for a

four-year term; election last held 22 September 2002 (next to be

held NA September 2006)

head of government: Chancellor Gerhard SCHROEDER (since 27 October

1998)

cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by

the president on the recommendation of the chancellor

election results: Johannes RAU elected president; percent of Federal

Convention vote - 57.6%; Gerhard SCHROEDER elected chancellor;

percent of Federal Assembly vote 50.7%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or parlament consists of the Federal Assembly

or Bundestag (603 seats; elected by popular vote under a system

combining direct and proportional representation; a party must win

5% of the national vote or three direct mandates to gain

representation; members serve four-year terms) and the Federal

Council or Bundesrat (69 votes; state governments are directly

represented by votes; each has 3 to 6 votes depending on population

and are required to vote as a block)

elections: Federal Assembly - last held 22 September 2002 (next to

be held NA September 2006); note - there are no elections for the

Bundesrat; composition is determined by the composition of the

state-level governments; the composition of the Bundesrat has the

potential to change any time one of the 16 states holds an election

election results: Federal Assembly - percent of vote by party - SPD

38.5%, CDU/CSU 38.5%, Alliance '90/Greens 8.6%, FDP 7.4%, PDS 4%;

seats by party - SPD 251, CDU/CSU 248, Alliance '90/Greens 55, FDP

47, PDS 2; Federal Council - current composition - NA

Judicial branch:

Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht (half the

judges are elected by the Bundestag and half by the Bundesrat)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance '90/Greens [Angelika BEER and Reinhard BUETIKOFER];

Christian Democratic Union or CDU [Angela MERKEL]; Christian Social

Union or CSU [Edmund STOIBER, chairman]; Free Democratic Party or

FDP [Guido WESTERWELLE, chairman]; Party of Democratic Socialism or

PDS [Lothar BISKY]; Social Democratic Party or SPD [Gerhard

SCHROEDER, chairman]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

employers' organizations; expellee, refugee, trade unions, and

veterans groups

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS,

CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 5, G- 7,

G- 8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO,

ITU, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMSIL, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOVIC, UNOMIG, UPU,

WADB (nonregional), WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Wolfgang Friedrich ISCHINGER consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco FAX: [1] (202) 298-4249 telephone: [1] (202) 298-8140 chancery: 4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel R. COATS embassy: Neustaedtische Kirchstrasse 4-5, 10117 Berlin; note - a new embassy will be built near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin mailing address: PSC 120, Box 1000, APO AE 09265 telephone: [49] (30) 238-5174 FAX: [49] (30) 238-6290 consulate(s) general: Duesseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich

Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold

Economy Germany

Economy - overview:

Germany's affluent and technologically powerful economy has turned

in a weak performance throughout much of the 1990s and early 2000s.

The modernization and integration of the eastern German economy

continues to be a costly long-term problem, with annual transfers

from west to east amounting to roughly $70 billion. Germany's ageing

population, combined with high unemployment, has pushed social

security outlays to a level exceeding contributions from workers.

Structural rigidities in the labor market - including strict

regulations on laying off workers and the setting of wages on a

national basis - have made unemployment a chronic problem. Growth in

2002 and 2003 fell short of 1%. Corporate restructuring and growing

capital markets are setting the foundations that could allow Germany

to meet the long-term challenges of European economic integration

and globalization, particularly if labor market rigidities are

further addressed. In the short run, however, the fall in government

revenues and the rise in expenditures have raised the deficit above

the EU's 3% debt limit.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.16 trillion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $26,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 31%

services: 68% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.6% highest 10%: 25.1% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30 (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

41.9 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 33.4%, agriculture 2.8%, services 63.8% (1999)

Unemployment rate:

9.8% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $802 billion

expenditures: $825 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

among the world's largest and most technologically advanced

producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery,

vehicles, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages;

shipbuilding; textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

-2.1% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

544.8 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 61.8% hydro: 4.2% other: 4.1% (2001) nuclear: 29.9%

Electricity - consumption:

506.8 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

43.9 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

44 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

85,860 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2.813 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

404,300 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

3.081 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

327.3 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

22.16 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

94.34 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

6.674 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

78.73 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

298.3 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbages; cattle, pigs, poultry

Exports: $608 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals and manufactures,

foodstuffs, textiles

Exports - partners:

France 10.7%, US 10.3%, UK 8.4%, Italy 7.3%, Netherlands 6.1%,

Austria 5.1%, Belgium 4.8%, Spain 4.6%, Switzerland 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$487.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals

Imports - partners:

France 9.5%, Netherlands 8.2%, US 7.7%, UK 6.5%, Italy 6.4%,

Belgium 5.2%, Austria 4%, China 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $5.6 billion (1998)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999), 1.76 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Germany

Telephones - main lines in use:

50.9 million (March 2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

55.3 million (June 2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: Germany has one of the world's most

technologically advanced telecommunications systems; as a result of

intensive capital expenditures since reunification, the formerly

backward system of the eastern part of the country, dating back to

World War II, has been modernized and integrated with that of the

western part

domestic: Germany is served by an extensive system of automatic

telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic

cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic

satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available,

expanding rapidly, and includes roaming service to many foreign

countries

international: Germany's international service is excellent

worldwide, consisting of extensive land and undersea cable

facilities as well as earth stations in the INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

EUTELSAT, and INTERSPUTNIK satellite systems (2001)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 51, FM 787, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios:

77.8 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

373 (plus 8,042 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

51.4 million (1998)

Internet country code:

.de

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

200 (2001)

Internet users:

32.1 million (2002)

Transportation Germany

Railways:

total: 45,514 km (21,000 km electrified)

standard gauge: 45,276 km 1.435-m gauge (20,084 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 214 km 1.000-m gauge (16 km electrified); 24 km

0.750-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 230,735 km

paved: 230,735 km (including 11,515 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (1999)

Waterways:

7,500 km

note: major rivers include the Rhine and Elbe; Kiel Canal is an

important connection between the Baltic Sea and North Sea (1999)

Pipelines:

condensate 325 km; gas 25,289 km; oil 3,743 km; refined products

3,827 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Berlin, Bonn, Brake, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Cologne, Dresden,

Duisburg, Emden, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Kiel, Luebeck, Magdeburg,

Mannheim, Rostock, Stuttgart

Merchant marine:

total: 337 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,036,397 GRT/7,334,067 DWT

ships by type: cargo 94, chemical tanker 15, container 203,

liquefied gas 3, passenger 3, petroleum tanker 5, railcar carrier 2,

refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 4, short-sea passenger 7

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Chile 1, Finland 5, Iceland 1, Netherlands 3,

Switzerland 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

551 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 328 over 3,047 m: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 54 914 to 1,523 m: 69 under 914 m: 131 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 63

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 223 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 under 914 m: 189 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 31

Heliports: 40 (2002)

Military Germany

Military branches:

Army, Navy (including naval air arm), Air Force, Medical Corps,

Joint Support Service

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 20,509,838 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 17,399,936 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 472,946 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$38.8 billion (2002)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.38% (2002)

Transnational Issues Germany

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine

processors; transshipment point for and consumer of Southwest Asian

heroin, Latin American cocaine, and European-produced synthetic drugs

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Ghana

Introduction Ghana

Background:

Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and

the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first country

in colonial Africa to gain its independence. A long series of coups

resulted in the suspension of the constitution in 1981 and the

banning of political parties. A new constitution, restoring

multiparty politics, was approved in 1992. Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS, head

of state since 1981, won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996,

but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in

2000. He was succeeded by John KUFUOR, who defeated former Vice

President Atta MILLS in a free and fair election.

Geography Ghana

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire

and Togo

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 239,460 sq km

land: 230,940 sq km

water: 8,520 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,094 km

border countries: Burkina Faso 549 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo

877 km

Coastline:

539 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and

humid in southwest; hot and dry in north

Terrain:

mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Afadjato 880 m

Natural resources:

gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish,

rubber, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 15.82% permanent crops: 7.47% other: 76.71% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

110 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds occur from January to

March; droughts

Environment - current issues: recurrent drought in north severely affects agricultural activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake

People Ghana

Population:

20,467,747

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.9% (male 4,021,570; female 3,938,454)

15-64 years: 57.5% (male 5,859,940; female 5,909,910)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 350,045; female 387,828) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.8 years

male: 19.5 years

female: 20 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.45% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

25.84 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.53 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 53.02 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 49.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 55.97 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 56.53 years

male: 55.66 years

female: 57.43 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.32 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

360,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

28,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Ghanaian(s)

adjective: Ghanaian

Ethnic groups:

black African 98.5% (major tribes - Akan 44%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%,

Ewe 13%, Ga 8%, Gurma 3%, Yoruba 1%), European and other 1.5% (1998)

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 21%, Muslim 16%, Christian 63%

Languages:

English (official), African languages (including Akan,

Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

female: 67.1% (2003 est.)

male: 82.7%

total population: 74.8%

People - note:

there are 9,500 Liberians, 2,000 Sierra Leoneans, and 1,000

Togolese refugees residing in Ghana (2002)

Government Ghana

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Ghana

conventional short form: Ghana

former: Gold Coast

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

Accra

Administrative divisions:

10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra,

Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western

Independence:

6 March 1957 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 March (1957)

Constitution:

approved 28 April 1992

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7 January

2001); Vice President Alhaji Aliu MAHAMA (since 7 January 2001);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7 January

2001); Vice President Alhaji Aliu MAHAMA (since 7 January 2001);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president nominates members subject

to approval by Parliament

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 7 and 28

December 2000 (next to be held NA December 2004)

election results: John Agyekum KUFUOR elected president in runoff

election; percent of vote - John KUFUOR 56.4%, John Atta MILLS 43.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (200 seats; members are elected by direct,

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 7 December 2000 (next to be held NA December

2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NPP 100, NDC 92, PNC 3, CPP 1, independents 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Convention People's Party or CPP [Nii Noi DOWUONA, general

secretary]; Every Ghanaian Living Everywhere or EGLE [Owuraku AMOFA,

chairman]; Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP [Dan LARTY];

National Convention Party or NCP [Sarpong KUMA-KUMA]; National

Democratic Congress or NDC [Dr. Huudu YAHAYA, general secretary];

New Patriotic Party or NPP [Samuel Arthur ODOI-SYKES]; People's

Convention Party or PCP [P. K. DONKOH-AYIFI, acting chairman];

People's Heritage Party or PHP [Emmanuel Alexander ERSKINE];

People's National Convention or PNC [Edward MAHAMA]; Reform Party

[Kyeretwie OPUKU, general secretary]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAS

(observer), OAU, OPCW, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL,

UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNU, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alan J. KYEREMATEN

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527

telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520

chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Carlin YATES

embassy: 6th and 10th Lanes, 798/1 Osu, Accra

mailing address: P. O. Box 194, Accra

telephone: [233] (21) 775-347, 775-348

FAX: [233] (21) 701-813

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with a

large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; uses the

popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of

Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band

Economy Ghana

Economy - overview:

Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana has roughly twice the

per capita output of the poorer countries in West Africa. Even so,

Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and

technical assistance. Gold, timber, and cocoa production are major

sources of foreign exchange. The domestic economy continues to

revolve around subsistence agriculture, which accounts for 36% of

GDP and employs 60% of the work force, mainly small landholders.

Ghana opted for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country

(HIPC) program in 2002. Policy priorities include tighter monetary

and fiscal policies, accelerated privatization, and improvement of

social services.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $41.25 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 36% industry: 25% services: 39% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line: 31.4% (1992 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.2% highest 10%: 30.1% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.7 (1999)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

14.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

9 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 60%, industry 15%, services 25% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (1997 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.603 billion

expenditures: $1.975 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food

processing

Industrial production growth rate:

3.8% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

8.801 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 5% hydro: 95% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

8.835 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

300 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

950 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

7,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

38,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

8.255 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

11.89 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: cocoa, rice, coffee, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shea nuts, bananas; timber

Exports: $2.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore,

diamonds

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 14.8%, UK 9.9%, US 7%, Germany 6.6%, France 5.8%,

Nigeria 4.8%, Belgium 4.4%, Italy 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$2.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Nigeria 21.3%, UK 7.2%, US 6.6%, China 6.2%, Italy 6.1%, Cote

d'Ivoire 6.1%, Germany 4.7%, Netherlands 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$7.2 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$6.9 billion (1999)

Currency:

cedi (GHC)

Currency code:

GHC

Exchange rates:

cedis per US dollar - NA (2002), 7,170.76 (2001), 5,455.06 (2000),

2,669.3 (1999), 2,314.15 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Ghana

Telephones - main lines in use:

240,000 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

150,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: poor to fair system; Internet accessible; many

rural communities not yet connected; expansion of services is

underway

domestic: primarily microwave radio relay; wireless local loop has

been installed

international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); microwave radio relay link to Panaftel system connects Ghana

to its neighbors

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 49, shortwave 3 (2001)

Radios:

12.5 million (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

10 (2001)

Televisions:

1.9 million (2001)

Internet country code:

.gh

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

12 (2000)

Internet users:

200,000 (2002)

Transportation Ghana

Railways: total: 953 km narrow gauge: 953 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 39,409 km paved: 11,665 km unpaved: 27,744 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

1,293 km

note: Volta, Ankobra, and Tano Rivers provide 168 km of perennial

navigation for launches and lighters; Lake Volta provides 1,125 km

of arterial and feeder waterways

Pipelines:

refined products 74 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Takoradi, Tema

Merchant marine:

total: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 20,559 GRT/27,531 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Brazil 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Spain 1

(2002 est.)

ships by type: petroleum tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 6

Airports:

12 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Ghana

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 5,240,557 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,911,474 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 239,742 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$36.01 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.6% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Ghana

Disputes - international:

Ghana has received many refugees and returning nationals escaping

rebel fighting in Cote d'Ivoire

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;

major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and, to a

lesser extent, South American cocaine destined for Europe and the

US; widespread crime and corruption have made money laundering a

problem, but the lack of a well-developed financial infrastructure

limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Gibraltar

Introduction Gibraltar

Background:

Strategically important, Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain by

Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was

formally declared a colony in 1830. In referendums held in 1967 and

2002, Gibraltarians ignored Spanish pressure and voted

overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency.

Geography Gibraltar

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links

the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern

coast of Spain

Geographic coordinates:

36 8 N, 5 21 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 6.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 6.5 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 1.2 km border countries: Spain 1.2 km

Coastline:

12 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Terrain:

a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

limited natural freshwater resources: large concrete or natural

rock water catchments collect rainwater (no longer used for drinking

water) and adequate desalination plant

Geography - note:

strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North

Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

People Gibraltar

Population:

27,776 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 2,593; female 2,482)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 9,458; female 8,946)

65 years and over: 15.4% (male 1,873; female 2,424) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.8 years

male: 38.6 years

female: 39 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.22% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

11.09 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.93 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.31 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.92 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.38 years

male: 76.51 years

female: 82.4 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Gibraltarian(s)

adjective: Gibraltar

Ethnic groups:

Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese

Religions:

Roman Catholic 76.9%, Church of England 6.9%, Muslim 6.9%, Jewish

2.3%, none or other 7% (1991)

Languages:

English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish,

Italian, Portuguese

Literacy: definition: NA total population: above 80% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Gibraltar

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Gibraltar

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Gibraltar

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the national

referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or go with Spain

Constitution:

30 May 1969

Legal system:

English law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal, plus other UK subjects who have been

residents six months or more

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor and Commander-in-Chief Sir Francis RICHARDS

(since 27 May 2003)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually

appointed chief minister by the governor

head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 15 elected

members of the House of Assembly by the governor in consultation

with the chief minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (18 seats - 15 elected by popular

vote, one appointed for the Speaker, and two ex officio members;

members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 27 November 2003 (next to be held not later

than NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - GSD 58%, GSLP 41%;

seats by party - GSD 8, GSLP 7

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Gibraltar Liberal Party [Joseph GARCIA]; Gibraltar Social Democrats

or GSD [Peter CARUANA]; Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or GSLP

[Joseph John BOSSANO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives Organization;

Women's Association

International organization participation:

Interpol (subbureau)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a

three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging

from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band

Economy Gibraltar

Economy - overview:

Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore

banking, and its position as an international conference center. The

British military presence has been sharply reduced and now

contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared with 60% in

1984. The financial sector, tourism (almost 5 million visitors in

1998), shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also

generate revenue. The financial sector, the shipping sector, and

tourism each contribute 25%-30% of GDP. Telecommunications accounts

for another 10%. In recent years, Gibraltar has seen major

structural change from a public to a private sector economy, but

changes in government spending still have a major impact on the

level of employment.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $500 million (1997 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $17,500 (1997 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (1998)

Labor force:

14,800 (including non-Gibraltar laborers)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 60%, industry 40%, agriculture NEGL%

Unemployment rate:

2% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $307 million

expenditures: $284 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Industries:

tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

100 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

93 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

42,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

none

Exports:

$81.1 million f.o.b. (1997)

Exports - commodities:

(principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods 41%,

other 8%

Exports - partners:

UK 27.7%, Switzerland 14.3%, Germany 12%, France 6.9%, Spain 6.1%,

Turkmenistan 5%, Ukraine 4.6% (2002)

Imports:

$492 million c.i.f. (1997)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Germany 27.3%, Spain 21.8%, UK 12.1%, Italy 8% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA; note - if an agreement between Spain and the UK is reached,

could receive 50 million euros from the EU

Currency:

Gibraltar pound (GIP)

Currency code:

GIP

Exchange rates:

Gibraltar pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944 (2001),

0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998); note - the Gibraltar

pound is at par with the British pound

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Gibraltar

Telephones - main lines in use:

19,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,620 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate, automatic domestic system and

adequate international facilities

domestic: automatic exchange facilities

international: radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite

earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

37,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus three low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

10,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.gi

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Gibraltar

Highways: total: 29 km paved: 29 km unpaved: 0 km (2002)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

0 km

Ports and harbors:

Gibraltar

Merchant marine:

total: 114 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,008,140 GRT/1,435,595 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 1, Cyprus 1, France 2, Germany 55, Greece 6,

Ireland 1, Monaco 2, Norway 3, United Kingdom 13 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 58, chemical tanker 14, container 20,

multi-functional large-load carrier 3, passenger 2, petroleum tanker

13, roll on/roll off 2

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Gibraltar

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; British Army, Royal Navy,

Royal Air Force

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Gibraltar

Disputes - international:

Gibraltar residents vote overwhelmingly in referendum against

"total shared sovereignty" arrangement worked out between Spain and

UK to change 300-year rule over colony

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Glorioso Islands

Introduction Glorioso Islands

Background:

A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso Islands are composed

of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile Glorieuse and Ile du Lys)

and three rock islets. A military garrison operates a weather and

radio station on Ile Glorieuse.

Geography Glorioso Islands

Location:

Southern Africa, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of

Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

11 30 S, 47 20 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 5 sq km

note: includes Ile Glorieuse, Ile du Lys, Verte Rocks, Wreck Rock,

and South Rock

water: 0 sq km

land: 5 sq km

Area - comparative:

about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

35.2 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

low and flat

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 12 m

Natural resources: guano, coconuts

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all lush vegetation and coconut palms) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic cyclones

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system

People Glorioso Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there is a small French military garrison along with a few

meteorologists; visited by scientists (July 2003 est.)

Government Glorioso Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Glorioso Islands

local short form: Iles Glorieuses

local long form: none

Dependency status:

possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the

Republic, resident in Reunion

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (possession of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (possession of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy Glorioso Islands

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Communications Glorioso Islands

Communications - note: 1 meteorological station

Transportation Glorioso Islands

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Glorioso Islands

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Glorioso Islands

Disputes - international: claimed by Madagascar

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Greece

Introduction Greece

Background:

Greece achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829.

During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the

20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and

territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. Following the

defeat of Communist rebels in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. A

military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political

liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven

years. Democratic elections in 1974 and a referendum created a

parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy; Greece joined the

European Community or EC in 1981 (which became the EU in 1992).

Geography Greece

Location:

Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the

Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

39 00 N, 22 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 131,940 sq km

water: 1,140 sq km

land: 130,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alabama

Land boundaries:

total: 1,228 km

border countries: Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km,

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 246 km

Coastline:

13,676 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 6 NM

Climate:

temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas

or chains of islands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, lignite, magnesite, petroleum, marble, hydropower potential

Land use: arable land: 22.12% permanent crops: 8.47% other: 69.41% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

14,220 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

severe earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic

Treaty, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach

to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an archipelago

of about 2,000 islands

People Greece

Population:

10,665,989 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.7% (male 811,080; female 761,728)

15-64 years: 67% (male 3,578,320; female 3,557,800)

65 years and over: 18.3% (male 866,425; female 1,090,636) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.8 years

male: 38.6 years

female: 41 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.19% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.79 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.86 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.12 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 6.64 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.89 years

male: 76.32 years

female: 81.65 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.35 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,800 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Greek(s)

adjective: Greek

Ethnic groups:

Greek 98%, other 2%

note: the Greek Government states there are no ethnic divisions in

Greece

Religions:

Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Languages:

Greek 99% (official), English, French

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.5%

male: 98.6%

female: 96.5% (2003 est.)

Government Greece

Country name:

conventional long form: Hellenic Republic

conventional short form: Greece

local short form: Ellas or Ellada

former: Kingdom of Greece

local long form: Elliniki Dhimokratia

Government type:

parliamentary republic; monarchy rejected by referendum 8 December

1974

Capital:

Athens

Administrative divisions:

51 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos)and 1 autonomous region*;

Agion Oros* (Mt. Athos), Achaia, Aitolia kai Akarmania, Argolis,

Arkadia, Arta, Attiki, Chalkidiki, Chanion, Chios, Dodekanisos,

Drama, Evros, Evrytania, Evvoia, Florina, Fokidos, Fthiotis,

Grevena, Ileia, Imathia, Ioannina, Irakleion, Karditsa, Kastoria,

Kavala, Kefallinia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Korinthia, Kozani, Kyklades,

Lakonia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lefkas, Lesvos, Magnisia, Messinia, Pella,

Pieria, Preveza, Rethynnis, Rodopi, Samos, Serrai, Thesprotia,

Thessaloniki, Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakynthos

Independence:

1829 (from the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 March (1821)

Constitution:

11 June 1975; amended March 1986 and April 2001

Legal system:

based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil,

criminal, and administrative courts

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Konstandinos (Kostis) STEPHANOPOULOS

(since 10 March 1995)

elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;

election last held 8 February 2000 (next to be held by NA February

2005); prime minister appointed by the president

head of government: Prime Minister Konstandinos SIMITIS (since 19

January 1996)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of

the prime minister

election results: Konstandinos STEPHANOPOULOS reelected president;

percent of Parliament vote - 90%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats; members are

elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: elections last held 9 April 2000 (next to be held by NA

May 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - PASOK 43.8%, ND 42.7%,

KKE 5.5%, Coalition of the Left and Progress 3.2%; seats by party -

PASOK 158, ND 125, KKE 11, Coalition of the Left and Progress 6;

note - seats by party as of January 2002 - PASOK 156, ND 122, KKE

11, Coalition of the Left and Progress 6, independents 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Court; Special Supreme Tribunal; all judges

appointed for life by the president after consultation with a

judicial council

Political parties and leaders:

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) [Nikolaos

KONSTANTOPOULOS]; Communist Party of Greece or KKE [Aleka PAPARIGA];

New Democracy or ND (conservative) [Konstandinos KARAMANLIS];

Panhellenic Socialist Movement or PASOK [Konstandinos SIMITIS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU,

EU, FAO, G- 6, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

MINURSO, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNOMIG, UPU, WCO, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yeoryious SAVVAIDES

consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston, and New Orleans

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and

San Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324

telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300

chancery: 2221 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas J. MILLER embassy: 91 Vasilissis Sophias Avenue, 101 60 Athens mailing address: PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108 telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951 FAX: [30] (210) 645-6282 consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki

Flag description:

nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; there

is a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white

cross; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established

religion of the country

Economy Greece

Economy - overview:

Greece has a mixed capitalist economy with the public sector

accounting for half of GDP and with per capita GDP 70% of the

leading euro-zone economies. Tourism provides 15% of GDP. Immigrants

make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in menial jobs.

Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 3.3% of GDP.

The economy has improved steadily with economic growth averaging 4%

since 1997, exceeding EU growth by more than 1 percentage point.

Remaining challenges include the reduction of the public debt,

inflation, and unemployment; and further restructuring of the

economy, including privatizing several state enterprises,

undertaking pension and other reforms, and minimizing bureaucratic

inefficiencies. The Olympic Games will be held in Athens in mid-2004.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $203.3 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $19,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.1%

industry: 22.3%

services: 69.3% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 25.3% (1993 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.7 (1993)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4.37 million (2002 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 20%, agriculture 20%, services 59% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.3% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $45 billion

expenditures: $47.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Industries:

tourism; food and tobacco processing, textiles; chemicals, metal

products; mining, petroleum

Industrial production growth rate:

7% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

49.79 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 94.5% hydro: 3.8% other: 1.7% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

48.8 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.062 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

3.562 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

5,992 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

405,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

84,720 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

468,300 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

4.5 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

35 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

2.021 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

2.018 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

254.9 million cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; beef, dairy products

Exports: $12.6 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products,

chemicals, textiles

Exports - partners:

Germany 10.4%, Italy 8.5%, UK 6.3%, Bulgaria 5.4%, US 5.3%, Cyprus

4.7% (2002)

Imports:

$31.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Germany 12.2%, Italy 11.5%, Russia 7.4%, South Korea 6%, France

5.7%, Netherlands 5.6%, US 4.7%, Belgium 4.3%, UK 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$63.4 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$5.4 billion from EU

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 365.4 (2000),

305.65 (1999), 295.53 (1998)

note: in January 2001, the drachma became a participating currency

within the Eurosystem, and the euro market rate became applicable to

all transactions

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Greece

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.431 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

937,700 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate, modern networks reach all areas; good

mobile telephone and international service

domestic: microwave radio relay trunk system; extensive open-wire

connections; submarine cable to offshore islands

international: tropospheric scatter; 8 submarine cables; satellite

earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1

Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 26, FM 88, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios:

5.02 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

36 (plus 1,341 low-power repeaters); also two stations in the US

Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (1995)

Televisions:

2.54 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.gr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

27 (2000)

Internet users:

1.4 million (2002)

Transportation Greece

Railways:

total: 2,571 km (764 km electrified)

standard gauge: 1,565 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 961 km 1.000-m gauge; 22 km 0.750-m gauge

dual gauge: 23 km combined 1.435-m and 1.000-m gauges (three rail

system) (2002)

Highways:

total: 117,000 km

paved: 107,406 km (including 470 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,594 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

80 km

note: system consists of three coastal canals including the Corinth

Canal (6 km) which crosses the Isthmus of Corinth connecting the

Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and shortens the sea voyage

from the Adriatic to Peiraiefs (Piraeus) by 325 km; there are also

three unconnected rivers

Pipelines:

gas 1,531 km; oil 108 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Alexandroupolis, Elefsis, Irakleion (Crete), Kavala, Kerkyra,

Chalkis, Igoumenitsa, Lavrion, Patrai, Peiraiefs (Piraeus),

Thessaloniki, Volos

Merchant marine:

total: 813 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 29,173,608 GRT/51,184,723 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Ireland 1, Japan 1, Liberia 1, Norway 1, Panama 2,

Russia 1, Saudi Arabia 1, United Kingdom 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 289, cargo 59, chemical tanker 32, combination

bulk 6, combination ore/oil 4, container 47, liquefied gas 7,

passenger 14, petroleum tanker 281, refrigerated cargo 1, roll

on/roll off 18, short-sea passenger 49, specialized tanker 4,

vehicle carrier 2

Airports:

79 (note - new Athens airport at Spata opened in March 2001) (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 66 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 15 914 to 1,523 m: 17 under 914 m: 9 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Heliports: 7 (2002)

Military Greece

Military branches:

Hellenic Army, Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Air Force, Police, National

Guard

Military manpower - military age:

21 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,662,208 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,026,409 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 74,650 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$6.12 billion (FY99/00 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.91% (FY99/00 est.)

Transnational Issues Greece

Disputes - international:

Greece and Turkey have resumed discussions to resolve their complex

maritime, air, territorial, and boundary disputes in the Aegean Sea;

Cyprus question with Turkey; dispute with The Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia over its name

Illicit drugs:

a gateway to Europe for traffickers smuggling cannabis and heroin

from the Middle East and Southwest Asia to the West and precursor

chemicals to the East; some South American cocaine transits or is

consumed in Greece; money laundering related to drug trafficking and

organized crime

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Greenland

Introduction Greenland

Background:

The world's largest non-continental island, about 81% ice-capped,

Greenland was granted self-government in 1978 by the Danish

parliament. The law went into effect the following year. Denmark

continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs.

Geography Greenland

Location:

Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the

North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada

Geographic coordinates:

72 00 N, 40 00 W

Map references:

Arctic Region

Area:

total: 2,166,086 sq km

land: 2,166,086 sq km (410,449 sq km ice-free, 1,755,637 sq km

ice-covered) (2000 est.)

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

44,087 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line

territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters

Terrain:

flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow,

mountainous, barren, rocky coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Gunnbjorn 3,700 m

Natural resources:

zinc, lead, iron ore, coal, molybdenum, gold, platinum, uranium,

fish, seals, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island

Environment - current issues:

protection of the arctic environment; preservation of the Inuit

traditional way of life, including whaling and seal hunting

Geography - note:

dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe;

sparse population confined to small settlements along coast, but

close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital, Nuuk;

world's second largest ice cap

People Greenland

Population:

56,385 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.9% (male 7,463; female 7,161)

15-64 years: 68.3% (male 20,885; female 17,605)

65 years and over: 5.8% (male 1,508; female 1,763) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.1 years

male: 34.3 years

female: 31.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.01% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

16.09 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.66 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-8.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 18.09 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69 years

male: 65.44 years

female: 72.65 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.43 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

100 (1999)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Greenlander(s)

adjective: Greenlandic

Ethnic groups:

Greenlander 88% (Inuit and Greenland-born whites), Danish and

others 12% (January 2000)

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran

Languages:

Greenlandic (East Inuit), Danish, English

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% note: similar to Denmark proper

Government Greenland

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Greenland

local short form: Kalaallit Nunaat

local long form: none

Dependency status:

part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas

administrative division of Denmark since 1979

Government type:

parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Nuuk (Godthab)

Administrative divisions:

3 districts (landsdele); Avannaa (Nordgronland), Tunu

(Ostgronland), Kitaa (Vestgronland)

note: there are 18 municipalities in Greenland

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas

administrative division of Denmark since 1979)

note: foreign affairs is the responsibility of Denmark, but

Greenland actively participates in international agreements relating

to Greenland

National holiday:

June 21 (longest day)

Constitution:

5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Legal system:

Danish

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January

1972), represented by High Commissioner Gunnar MARTENS (since NA

1995)

note: government coalition - Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit

election results: Hans ENOKSEN elected prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Hans ENOKSEN (since 14 December

2002)

cabinet: Home Rule Government is elected by the Parliament

(Landstinget) on the basis of the strength of parties

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed

by the monarch; prime minister is elected by Parliament (usually the

leader of the majority party); election last held 3 December 2002

(next to be held NA December 2006)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Landstinget (31 seats; members are elected

by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve

four-year terms)

note: two representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or

Folketing on 20 November 2001 (next to be held no later than

November 2005); percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Siumut 1, Inuit Ataqatigiit 1

election results: percent of vote by party - Siumut 28.7%, Inuit

Ataqatigiit 25.5%, Atassut Party 20.4%, Demokratiit 15.6%,

Katusseqatigiit 5.3%; seats by party - Siumut 10, Inuit Ataqatigiit

8, Atassut 7, Demokratiit 5, Katusseqatigiit 1

elections: last held on 3 December 2002 (next to be held by NA

December 2006)

Judicial branch:

High Court or Landsret (appeals can be made to the Ostre Landsret

or Eastern Division of the High Court or Supreme Court in Copenhagen)

Political parties and leaders:

Akulliit Party [Bjarne KREUTZMANN]; Atassut Party (Solidarity, a

conservative party favoring continuing close relations with Denmark)

[Augusta SALLING]; Demokratiit [Per BERTHELSEN]; Inuit Ataqatigiit

or IA (Eskimo Brotherhood, a leftist party favoring complete

independence from Denmark rather than home rule) [Josef MOTZFELDT];

Issituup (Polar Party) [Nicolai HEINRICH]; Kattusseqatigiit

(Candidate List, an independent right-of-center party with no

official platform [leader NA]; Siumut (Forward Party, a social

democratic party advocating more distinct Greenlandic identity and

greater autonomy from Denmark) [Hans ENOKSEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

NC, NIB

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a large disk

slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of the disk is

red, the bottom half is white

Economy Greenland

Economy - overview:

The economy remains critically dependent on exports of fish and

substantial support from the Danish Government, which supplies about

half of government revenues. The public sector, including publicly

owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in

the economy. Despite several interesting hydrocarbon and minerals

exploration activities, it will take several years before production

can materialize. Tourism is the only sector offering any near-term

potential, and even this is limited due to a short season and high

costs.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.1 billion (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $20,000 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6% (1999 est.)

Labor force:

24,500 (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10% (2000 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $646 million

expenditures: $629 million, including capital expenditures of $85

million (1999)

Industries:

fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut), handicrafts,

hides and skins, small shipyards, mining

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

245 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source:

fossil fuel: 100%

note: Greenland is shifting its electricity production from fossil

fuel to hydropower production (2001)

hydro: 0%

other: 0%

nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

227.9 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

3,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep, reindeer; fish

Exports:

$364 million f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products 94% (prawns 63%)

Exports - partners:

Denmark 60.3%, Japan 15.5%, US 6%, Thailand 5%, Germany 4% (2002)

Imports:

$403 million c.i.f. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food,

petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Denmark 74.6%, Norway 14.2%, Russia 2.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$25 million (1999)

Economic aid - recipient:

$380 million subsidy from Denmark

Currency:

Danish krone (DKK)

Currency code:

DKK

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner per US dollar - 7.8947 (2002), 8.323 (2001), 8.083

(2000), 6.976 (1999), 6.701 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Greenland

Telephones - main lines in use:

25,617 (yearend 1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

12,676 (yearend 1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate domestic and international service

provided by satellite, cables and microwave radio relay; totally

digitalized in 1995

domestic: microwave radio relay and satellite

international: satellite earth stations - 12 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 2

Americom GE-2 (all Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 5, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

30,000 (1998 est.)

Television broadcast stations:

1 publicly-owned station, some local low-power stations, and three

AFRTS (US Air Force) stations (1997)

Televisions:

30,000 (1998 est.)

Internet country code:

.gl

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

20,000 (2002)

Transportation Greenland

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: NA (there are no roads between towns) (2003)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Aasiaat (Egedesminde), Ilulissat (Jakobshavn), Kangerlussuaq,

Nanortalik, Narsarsuaq, Nuuk (Godthab), Qaqortoq (Julianehab),

Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Tasiilaq (March 2001)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,593 GRT/3,640 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, passenger 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

14 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 9 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Greenland

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Transnational Issues Greenland

Disputes - international: uncontested dispute between Canada and Denmark over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Grenada

Introduction Grenada

Background:

One of the smallest independent countries in the western

hemisphere, Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19

October 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and

those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the

ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections

were reinstituted the following year.

Geography Grenada

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean,

north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

12 07 N, 61 40 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 344 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 344 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

121 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

volcanic in origin with central mountains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Natural resources: timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Land use: arable land: 5.88% permanent crops: 26.47% other: 67.65% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to

November

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is

divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada

People Grenada

Population:

89,258 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.1% (male 15,840; female 15,492)

15-64 years: 61.3% (male 28,941; female 25,735)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 1,502; female 1,748) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.5 years

male: 21 years

female: 20 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.08% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

22.87 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-14.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.12 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.63 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 14.18 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.52 years

male: 62.74 years

female: 66.31 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.45 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Grenadian(s)

adjective: Grenadian

Ethnic groups:

black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East Indian

5% , and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1970 est.)

Government Grenada

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Grenada

Government type:

constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style parliament

Capital:

Saint George's

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petit Martinique*,

Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark,

Saint Patrick

Independence:

7 February 1974 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

Constitution:

19 December 1973

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Daniel WILLIAMS (since 9 August 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Keith MITCHELL (since 22 June

1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 13-member body, 10

appointed by the government and three by the leader of the

opposition) and the House of Representatives (15 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 27 November 2003 (next to be held by NA

November 2008)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - NNP 8, NDC 7

Judicial branch:

West Indies Associate States Supreme Court (an associate judge

resides in Grenada)

Political parties and leaders:

Grenada United Labor Party or GULP [Herbert PREUDHOMME]; National

Democratic Congress or NDC [leader vacant]; New National Party or

NNP [George McGUIRE]; People Labor Movement or PLM [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO

(subscriber), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory),

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Denis G. ANTOINE consulate(s) general: New York FAX: [1] (202) 265-2468 telephone: [1] (202) 265-2561 chancery: 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: the ambassador to Barbados is accredited to

Grenada

embassy: Point Salines, Saint George's

mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's, Grenada, West Indies

telephone: [1] (473) 444-1173 through 1176

FAX: [1] (473) 444-4820

Flag description:

a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and

bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side), with a red

border around the flag; there are seven yellow, five-pointed stars

with three centered in the top red border, three centered in the

bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the center

of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the hoist-side

triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg,

after Indonesia); the seven stars represent the seven administrative

divisions

Economy Grenada

Economy - overview:

Grenada relies on tourism as its main source of foreign exchange,

especially since the construction of an international airport in

1985. Strong performances in construction and manufacturing,

together with the development of an offshore financial industry,

have also contributed to growth in national output.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $440 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 7.7% industry: 23.9% services: 68.4% (2000)

Population below poverty line:

32% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

42,300 (1996)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 62%, agriculture 24%, industry 14% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12.5% (2000)

Budget:

revenues: $85.8 million

expenditures: $102.1 million, including capital expenditures of $28

million (1997)

Industries:

food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism,

construction

Industrial production growth rate:

0.7% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

138 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

128.3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops, sugarcane, corn, vegetables

Exports:

$78 million (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities:

bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, mace

Exports - partners:

Germany 14%, US 13.6%, Bangladesh 9.7%, Netherlands 8.6%, Saint

Lucia 6.4%, Antigua and Barbuda 4.3%, France 4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$270 million (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals, fuel

Imports - partners:

US 30.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 27.3%, UK 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$196 million (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$8.3 million (1995)

Currency:

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Currency code:

XCD

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7

(2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Grenada

Telephones - main lines in use:

27,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

976 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic, islandwide telephone system

domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links

international: new SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and Tobago

and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

57,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1997)

Televisions:

33,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.gd

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

14 (2000)

Internet users:

5,200 (2002)

Transportation Grenada

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 1,040 km paved: 638 km unpaved: 402 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Grenville, Saint George's

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Grenada

Military branches:

Royal Grenada Police Force, Coast Guard

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Grenada

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

small-scale cannabis cultivation; lesser transshipment point for

marijuana and cocaine to US

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Guadeloupe

Introduction Guadeloupe

Background:

Guadeloupe has been a French possession since 1635. The island of

Saint Martin is shared with the Netherlands; its southern portion is

named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles and its

northern portion is named Saint-Martin and is part of Guadeloupe

Geography Guadeloupe

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic

Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

16 15 N, 61 35 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 1,780 sq km

note: Guadeloupe is an archipelago of nine inhabited islands,

including Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Desirade,

Iles des Saintes (2), Saint-Barthelemy, Iles de la Petite Terre, and

Saint-Martin (French part of the island of Saint Martin)

water: 74 sq km

land: 1,706 sq km

Area - comparative:

10 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 10.2 km border countries: Netherlands Antilles (Sint Maarten) 10.2 km

Coastline: 306 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity

Terrain:

Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains;

Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other

islands are volcanic in origin

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Soufriere 1,484 m

Natural resources: cultivable land, beaches and climate that foster tourism

Land use: arable land: 10.65% permanent crops: 4.14% other: 85.21% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (June to October); Soufriere de Guadeloupe is an active

volcano

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

a narrow channel, the Riviere Salee, divides Guadeloupe proper into

two islands: the larger, western Basse-Terre and the smaller,

eastern Grande-Terre

People Guadeloupe

Population:

440,189 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.7% (male 55,521; female 53,137)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 144,764; female 147,449)

65 years and over: 8.9% (male 16,443; female 22,875) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 31 years

male: 30.2 years

female: 31.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

16.16 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.04 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.07 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 10.33 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.53 years

male: 74.37 years

female: 80.84 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.92 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Guadeloupian(s)

adjective: Guadeloupe

Ethnic groups:

black or mulatto 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less

than 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 4%, Protestant 1%

Languages:

French (official) 99%, Creole patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 90%

male: 90%

female: 90% (1982 est.)

Government Guadeloupe

Country name:

conventional long form: Department of Guadeloupe

conventional short form: Guadeloupe

local short form: Guadeloupe

local long form: Departement de la Guadeloupe

Dependency status:

overseas department of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Basse-Terre

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas department of France)

Independence:

none (overseas department of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French legal system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May

1995), represented by Prefect Dominique VIAN (since 6 August 2002)

election results: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the

French Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the General and

Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils

head of government: President of the General Council Jacques GILLOT

(since 26 March 2001); President of the Regional Council Lucette

MICHAUX-CHEVRY (since 22 March 1992)

cabinet: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (42 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the

unicameral Regional Council or Conseil Regional (41 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: General Council - last held 22 March 1998 (next to be

held by NA 2004); Regional Council - last held 15 March 1998 (next

to be held NA 2004)

note: Guadeloupe elects two representatives to the French Senate;

elections last held NA September 1995 (next to be held NA September

2004); percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - RPR 1, FGPS

1; Guadeloupe elects four representatives to the French National

Assembly; elections last held 9 June-16 June 2002 (next to be held

NA 2007); percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - RPR 2, PS

1, different right parties 1

election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - left-wing candidates 11, PS 8, RPR 8, PPDG 6,

right-wing candidates 5, PCG 3, UDF 1; Regional Council - percent of

vote by party - RPR 48.03%, PS/PPDG/diverse left parties 24.49%, PCG

5.29%, diverse right parties 5.73%; seats by party - RPR 25,

PS/PPDG/diverse left parties 12, PCG 2, diverse right parties 2

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel with jurisdiction over Guadeloupe,

French Guiana, and Martinique

Political parties and leaders:

Communist Party of Guadeloupe or PCG [Mona CADOCE]; FGPS [Dominique

LARIFLA]; Progressive Democratic Party or PPDG [Henri BANGOU]; Rally

for the Republic or RPR (may have become UMP) [Lucette

MICHAUX-CHEVRY]; Socialist Party or PS [Georges LOUISOR]; Union for

French Democracy or UDF [Marcel ESDRAS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or KLPG;

General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers or CGT-G; General Union of

Guadeloupe Workers or UGTG; Movement for Independent Guadeloupe or

MPGI

International organization participation:

FZ, WCL, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas department of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas department of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy Guadeloupe

Economy - overview:

The Caribbean economy depends on agriculture, tourism, light

industry, and services. It also depends on France for large

subsidies and imports. Tourism is a key industry, with most tourists

from the US; an increasingly large number of cruise ships visit the

islands. The traditional sugarcane crop is slowly being replaced by

other crops, such as bananas (which now supply about 50% of export

earnings), eggplant, and flowers. Other vegetables and root crops

are cultivated for local consumption, although Guadeloupe is still

dependent on imported food, mainly from France. Light industry

features sugar and rum production. Most manufactured goods and fuel

are imported. Unemployment is especially high among the young.

Hurricanes periodically devastate the economy.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $3.7 billion (1997 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $9,000 (1997 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 15%

industry: 17%

services: 68% (1997 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

125,900 (1997)

Labor force - by occupation:

NA

Unemployment rate:

27.8% (1998)

Budget:

revenues: $225 million

expenditures: $390 million, including capital expenditures of $105

million (1996)

Industries:

construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.155 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.074 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: bananas, sugarcane, tropical fruits and vegetables; cattle, pigs, goats

Exports:

$140 million f.o.b. (1997)

Exports - commodities:

bananas, sugar, rum

Exports - partners:

France 60%, Martinique 18%, US 4% (1999)

Imports:

$1.7 billion c.i.f. (1997)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, fuels, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods,

construction materials

Imports - partners:

France 63%, Germany 4%, US 3%, Japan 2%, Netherlands Antilles 2%

(1999)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA; note - substantial annual French subsidies

Currency:

euro (EUR); French franc (FRF)

Currency code:

EUR; FRF

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854

(2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US dollar - 5.8995 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Guadeloupe

Telephones - main lines in use:

171,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic facilities inadequate

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); microwave radio relay to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and

Martinique

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 17, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

113,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

5 (plus several low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

118,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.gp

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2000)

Internet users:

4,000 (2000)

Transportation Guadeloupe

Railways:

NA km; privately owned, narrow-gauge plantation lines

Highways: total: 2,467 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (1998)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Basse-Terre, Gustavia (on Saint Barthelemy), Marigot, Pointe-a-Pitre

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,240 GRT/109 DWT

ships by type: passenger 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: France 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

9 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 8 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Guadeloupe

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; French Forces, Gendarmerie

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Guadeloupe

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Guam

Introduction Guam

Background:

Guam was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898. Captured by the Japanese

in 1941, it was retaken by the US three years later. The military

installation on the island is one of the most strategically

important US bases in the Pacific.

Geography Guam

Location:

Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of

the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

13 28 N, 144 47 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 549 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 549 sq km

Area - comparative:

three times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

125.5 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast

trade winds; dry season from January to June, rainy season from July

to December; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat

coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep

coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in

center, mountains in south

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

Natural resources:

fishing (largely undeveloped), tourism (especially from Japan)

Land use:

arable land: 10.91%

permanent crops: 10.91%

other: 78.18% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare, but

potentially very destructive typhoons (June - December)

Environment - current issues:

extirpation of native bird population by the rapid proliferation of

the brown tree snake, an exotic, invasive species

Geography - note:

largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago;

strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean

People Guam

Population:

163,941 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.1% (male 30,334; female 27,264)

15-64 years: 58.4% (male 50,258; female 45,538)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 5,269; female 5,278) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.2 years

male: 25.6 years

female: 24.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.89% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

23.19 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.29 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.14 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female

total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.46 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 6.62 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.27 years

male: 75.96 years

female: 80.9 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.62 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Guamanian(s)

adjective: Guamanian

Ethnic groups:

Chamorro 37%, Filipino 26%, white 10%, Chinese, Japanese, Korean,

and other 27%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, other 15% (1999 est.)

Languages:

English, Chamorro, Japanese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1990 est.)

Government Guam

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Guam

conventional short form: Guam

local long form: Guahan

Dependency status:

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations

between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of

Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Hagatna (Agana)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US)

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

National holiday:

Discovery Day, first Monday in March (1521)

Constitution:

Organic Act of 1 August 1950

Legal system:

modeled on US; US federal laws apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; US citizens, but do not vote in US

presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20

January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January

2001)

election results: Felix P. P. CAMACHO elected governor; percent of

vote - Felix P. P. CAMACHO (Republican Party) 55.4%, Robert A.

UNDERWOOD (Democratic Party) 44.6%

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same

ticket for a four-year term; governor and lieutenant governor

elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year term;

election last held 5 November 2002 (next to be held NA November 2006)

head of government: Governor Felix P. P. CAMACHO (since 6 January

2003) and Lieutenant Governor Kaleo MOYLAN (since 6 January 2003)

cabinet: executive departments; heads appointed by the governor with

the consent of the Guam legislature

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislature (15 seats; members are elected by popular

vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: last held 5 November 2002 (next to be held 2 November

2004)

note: Guam elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of

Representatives; election last held 5 November 2002 (next to be held

NA November 2004); results - Madeleine BORDALLO (Democratic Party)

was elected as delegate; percent of vote by party - Democratic Party

64.6%, Republican Party 35.4%; seats by party - Democratic Party 1

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Democratic Party 9, Republican Party 6

Judicial branch:

Federal District Court (judge is appointed by the president);

Territorial Superior Court (judges appointed for eight-year terms by

the governor)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party (controls the legislature) [speaker, Vicente (Ben)

PANGELINAN]; Republican Party (party of Governor CAMACHO) [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

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

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four

sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse

containing a beach scene, outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree

with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; US flag is the

national flag

Economy Guam

Economy - overview:

The economy depends on US military spending, tourism, and the

export of fish and handicrafts. Total US grants, wage payments, and

procurement outlays amounted to $1 billion in 1998. Over the past 20

years, the tourist industry has grown rapidly, creating a

construction boom for new hotels and the expansion of older ones.

More than 1 million tourists visit Guam each year. The industry has

recently suffered setbacks because of the continuing Japanese

slowdown; the Japanese normally make up almost 90% of the tourists.

Most food and industrial goods are imported. Guam faces the problem

of building up the civilian economic sector to offset the impact of

military downsizing.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $3.2 billion (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $21,000 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 7% industry: 15% services: 78% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

23% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0% (1999 est.)

Labor force:

60,000 (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: federal and territorial government 26%, private 74% (trade 24%, other services 40%, industry 10%) (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (2000 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $340 million

expenditures: $445 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services,

concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

830 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

771.9 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef

Exports:

$75.7 million f.o.b. (1999 est.)

Exports - commodities:

mostly transshipments of refined petroleum products; construction

materials, fish, food and beverage products

Exports - partners:

Japan 81.7%, South Korea 6.1%, Canada 2.4% (2002)

Imports:

$203 million f.o.b. (1999 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Imports - partners:

Singapore 40.5%, South Korea 21.7%, Japan 21.6%, Hong Kong 4.9%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

Guam receives large transfer payments from the US Federal Treasury

($143 million in 1997) into which Guamanians pay no income or excise

taxes; under the provisions of a special law of Congress, the Guam

Treasury, rather than the US Treasury, receives federal income taxes

paid by military and civilian Federal employees stationed in Guam

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications Guam

Telephones - main lines in use:

84,134 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

55,000 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system, integrated with US facilities

for direct dialing, including free use of 800 numbers

domestic: modern digital system, including cellular mobile service

and local access to the Internet

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific

Ocean); submarine cables to US and Japan (Guam is a trans-Pacific

communications hub for MCI, Sprint, AT&T, IT&E, and GTE, linking the

US and Asia)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 4, FM 7, shortwave 2 (2003)

Radios:

221,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

5 (1997)

Televisions:

106,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.gu

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

20 (2000)

Internet users:

5,000 (2000)

Transportation Guam

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 885 km

paved: 675 km

unpaved: 210 km

note: there are also 685 km of roads classified non-public,

including roads located on federal government installations

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Apra Harbor

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

5 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Guam

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Guam

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Guatemala

Introduction Guatemala

Background:

Guatemala was freed of Spanish colonial rule in 1821. During the

second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of

military and civilian governments as well as a 36-year guerrilla

war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally

ending the conflict, which had led to the death of more than 100,000

people and had created some 1 million refugees.

Geography Guatemala

Location:

Middle America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El

Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean

Sea) between Honduras and Belize

Geographic coordinates:

15 30 N, 90 15 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 108,890 sq km

water: 460 sq km

land: 108,430 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,687 km

border countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256

km, Mexico 962 km

Coastline:

400 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone

plateau (Peten)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 12.54% permanent crops: 5.03% other: 82.43% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,250 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent

earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and

other tropical storms

Environment - current issues:

deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol

Geography - note:

no natural harbors on west coast

People Guatemala

Population:

13,909,384 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.9% (male 3,052,658; female 2,908,428)

15-64 years: 53.8% (male 3,779,688; female 3,706,315)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 215,653; female 246,642) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.3 years

male: 18.1 years

female: 18.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.66% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

35.05 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.78 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 37.92 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 37.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 38.72 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 65.23 years

male: 64.31 years

female: 66.21 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.67 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

67,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,200 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Guatemalan(s)

adjective: Guatemalan

Ethnic groups:

Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish or assimilated Amerindian - in

local Spanish called Ladino), approximately 55%, Amerindian or

predominantly Amerindian, approximately 43%, whites and others 2%

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Languages:

Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized

Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam,

Garifuna, and Xinca)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 70.6%

male: 78%

female: 63.3% (2003 est.)

Government Guatemala

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guatemala

conventional short form: Guatemala

local short form: Guatemala

local long form: Republica de Guatemala

Government type:

constitutional democratic republic

Capital:

Guatemala

Administrative divisions:

22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta

Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso,

Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten,

Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa

Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; note - suspended 25 May

1993 by former President SERRANO; reinstated 5 June 1993 following

ouster of president; amended November 1993

Legal system:

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (active duty members of the armed forces

may not vote and are restricted to their barracks on election day)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera (since

14 January 2000); Vice President Juan Francisco REYES Lopez (since

14 January 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state

and head of government

head of government: President Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera

(since 14 January 2000); Vice President Juan Francisco REYES Lopez

(since 14 January 2000); note - the president is both the chief of

state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;

election last held 7 November 1999; runoff held 26 December 1999

(next to be held NA November 2003)

election results: Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera elected

president; percent of vote - Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera (FRG)

68%, Oscar BERGER Perdomo (PAN) 32%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress of the Republic or Congreso de la Republica

(140 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year

terms)

elections: last held 9 November 2003 (next to be held NA November

2007)

note: for the 9 November 2003 election, the number of congressional

seats increased to 140 from 113

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

GANA 49, FRG 42, UNE 33, PAN 16

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (thirteen

members serve concurrent five-year terms and elect a president of

the Court each year from among their number; the president of the

Supreme Court of Justice also supervises trial judges around the

country, who are named to five-year terms); Constitutional Court or

Corte de Constitutcionalidad (five judges are elected for concurrent

five-year terms by Congress, each serving one year as president of

the Constitutional Court; one is elected by Congress, one elected by

the Supreme Court of Justice, one appointed by the President, one

elected by Superior Counsel of Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala,

and one by Colegio de Abogados)

Political parties and leaders:

Authentic Integral Development or DIA [Eduardo SUGER]; Democratic

Union or UD [Rodolfo PAIZ Andrade]; Grand National Alliance or GANA

[leader NA]; Green Party or LOV [Rodolfo ROSALES Garcis-Salaz];

Guatemalan Christian Democracy or DCG [Vinicio CEREZO Arevalo];

Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity or URNG [Secretary General

Alba ESTELA Maldonado]; Guatemalan Republican Front or FRG [Efrain

RIOS Montt]; Movement for Guatemalan Unity or MGU [Jacobo ARBENZ

Villanueva]; Movement for Principals and Values or MPV [Francisco

BIANCHI]; National Advancement Party or PAN [Secretary General

Leonel LOPEZ Rodas]; National Unity for Hope or UNE [Alvarado COLOM

Caballeros]; New Nation Alliance or ANN, formed by an alliance of

DIA, URNG, and several splinter groups most of whom subsequently

defected [led by three co-equal partners - Nineth Varenca MONTENEGRO

Cottom, Rodolfo BAUER Paiz, and Jorge Antonio BALSELLS TUT]; Patriot

Party or PP [retired General Otto PEREZ Molina]; Progressive

Liberator Party or PLP [Acisclo VALLADARES Molina]; Reform Movement

or MR [Secretary General Alfredo SKINNER-KLEE]; Unionista Party

[leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Agrarian Owners Group or UNAGRO; Alliance Against Impunity or AAI;

Committee for Campesino Unity or CUC; Coordinating Committee of

Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations or

CACIF; Mutual Support Group or GAM

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL,

PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Antonio Fernando ARENALES Forno chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908 telephone: [1] (202) 745-4952

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John Randle HAMILTON embassy: 7-01 Avenida Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City mailing address: APO AA 34024 telephone: [502] 331-1541/55 FAX: [502] 334-8477

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and

light blue with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the

coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird)

and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE

1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed

on a pair of crossed rifles and a pair of crossed swords and framed

by a wreath

Economy Guatemala

Economy - overview:

The agricultural sector accounts for about one-fourth of GDP,

two-thirds of exports, and half of the labor force. Coffee, sugar,

and bananas are the main products. Former President ARZU (1996-2000)

worked to implement a program of economic liberalization and

political modernization. President PORTILLO has continued the

liberalization program but with more sporadic results. The 1996

signing of the peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war,

removed a major obstacle to foreign investment, but numerous

corruption scandals associated with the PORTILLO administration have

dampened investor confidence. The distribution of income remains

highly unequal, with perhaps 75% of the population below the poverty

line. Ongoing challenges include increasing the government revenues,

negotiating further assistance from international donors, upgrading

both government and private financial operations, and narrowing the

trade deficit. A free trade agreement between the US and Central

American countries promises greater access to US and neighboring

markets.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $53.2 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 23% industry: 20% services: 57% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 75% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.6% highest 10%: 46% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

55.8 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4.2 million (1999 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 50%, industry 15%, services 35% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.5% (1999 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.3 billion

expenditures: $2.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $750

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum,

metals, rubber, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

4.1% (1999)

Electricity - production:

6.237 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 51.9% hydro: 35.2% other: 12.9% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

5.559 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

336 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

95 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

21,080 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

61,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

263 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.543 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens

Exports: $2.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities: coffee, sugar, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom, meat, apparel, petroleum, electricity

Exports - partners:

US 58.7%, El Salvador 9.3%, Nicaragua 3.1% (2002)

Imports:

$5.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials,

grain, fertilizers, electricity

Imports - partners:

US 33.2%, Mexico 9.9%, South Korea 8.2%, El Salvador 5.7%, China 4%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$4.9 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$250 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed

Currency code:

GTQ; USD

Exchange rates:

quetzales per US dollar - 7.82 (2002), 7.86 (2001), 7.76 (2000),

7.39 (1999), 6.39 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Guatemala

Telephones - main lines in use:

665,061 (June 2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

663,296 (September 2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: fairly modern network centered in the city of

Guatemala

domestic: NA

international: connected to Central American Microwave System;

satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 130, FM 487, shortwave 15 (2000)

Radios:

835,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

26 (plus 27 repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

1.323 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.gt

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2000)

Internet users:

200,000 (2002)

Transportation Guatemala

Railways: total: 886 km narrow gauge: 886 km 0.914-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 14,118 km

paved: 4,871 km (including 74 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,247 km (1999)

Waterways:

990 km

note: 260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km navigable

during highwater season

Pipelines:

oil 480 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Champerico, Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, San Jose, Santo Tomas

de Castilla

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

466 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 455

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 115

under 914 m: 330 (2002)

Military Guatemala

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 3,320,077 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,167,270 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 151,294 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$120 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.6% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Guatemala

Disputes - international:

Guatemalan squatters continue to settle in Belize border region;

OAS brokered Differendum in 2002 creating small adjustment to land

boundary, large Guatemalan maritime corridor in Caribbean, joint

ecological park for disputed Sapodilla Cays, and substantial US-UK

financial package, but agreement was not brought to popular

referendum leaving Guatemalan claim to southern half of Belize intact

Illicit drugs:

major transit country for cocaine and heroin; minor producer of

illicit opium poppy and cannabis for mostly domestic consumption;

proximity to Mexico makes Guatemala a major staging area for drugs

(cocaine and heroin shipments); money laundering is a serious

problem; corruption is a major problem

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Guernsey

Introduction Guernsey

Background:

The island of Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the

last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy, which held sway

in both France and England. The islands were the only British soil

occupied by German troops in World War II.

Geography Guernsey

Location:

Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

49 28 N, 2 35 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 78 sq km

note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other

smaller islands

water: 0 sq km

land: 78 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

50 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are

overcast

Terrain:

mostly level with low hills in southwest

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Sark 114 m

Natural resources: cropland

Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% other: NA%

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port

People Guernsey

Population:

64,818 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.8% (male 5,216; female 5,061)

15-64 years: 66.8% (male 21,433; female 21,835)

65 years and over: 17.4% (male 4,705; female 6,568) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.2 years

male: 39.3 years

female: 41.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.34% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.43 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.84 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.43 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.04 years

male: 77.04 years

female: 83.14 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.37 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Ethnic groups:

UK and Norman-French descent

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational,

Methodist

Languages:

English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Guernsey

Country name:

conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey

conventional short form: Guernsey

Dependency status:

British crown dependency

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Saint Peter Port

Administrative divisions:

none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order

administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there

are 10 parishes including Saint Peter Port, Saint Sampson, Vale,

Castel, Saint Saviour, Saint Pierre du Bois, Torteval, Forest, Saint

Martin, Saint Andrew

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

English law and local statute; justice is administered by the Royal

Court

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor

appointed by the monarch; bailiff appointed by the monarch

head of government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander-in-Chief Lt.

Gen. Sir John FOLEY (since NA 2000) and Bailiff de Vic Graham CAREY

(since NA 1999)

cabinet: Advisory and Finance Committee appointed by the Assembly of

the States

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the States; consists of the bailiff, 10

Douzaine (parish council) representatives, 45 people's deputies

elected by popular vote, 2 representatives from Alderney, Her

Majesty's Procureur (Attorney General), Her Majesty's Comptroller

(Solicitor General) and Her Majesty's Greffier (Court Recorder and

Registrar General); note - Alderney and Sark have their own

parliaments

elections: last held 12 April 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - all independents

Judicial branch:

Royal Court

Political parties and leaders:

none; all independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag description:

white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England)

extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed cross of

William the Conqueror superimposed on the Saint George cross

Economy Guernsey

Economy - overview:

Financial services - banking, fund management, insurance, etc. -

account for about 55% of total income in this tiny Channel Island

economy. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes

and cut flowers, have been declining. Light tax and death duties

make Guernsey a popular tax haven. The evolving economic integration

of the EU nations is changing the rules of the game under which

Guernsey operates.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (1999 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.7% (1999 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $20,000 (1999 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 10%

services: 87% (2000)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.99% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

31,322 (2000)

Unemployment rate:

0.5% (1999 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $381.3 million

expenditures: $368.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

tourism, banking

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0% hydro: 0% other: 0% nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2002)

Agriculture - products:

tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit;

Guernsey cattle

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other

vegetables

Exports - partners:

UK (regarded as internal trade)

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

coal, gasoline, oil, machinery and equipment

Imports - partners:

UK (regarded as internal trade)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

British pound (GBP); note - there is also a Guernsey pound

Currency code:

GBP

Exchange rates:

Guernsey pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944 (2001),

0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998); note - the Guernsey

pound is at par with the British pound

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Guernsey

Telephones - main lines in use:

44,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

12,000 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: 1 submarine cable

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.gg

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Guernsey

Railways: 5 km

Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Saint Peter Port, Saint Sampson

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Guernsey

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Guernsey

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Guinea

Introduction Guinea

Background:

Independent from France since 1958, Guinea did not hold democratic

elections until 1993 when Gen. Lansana CONTE (head of the military

government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was

reelected in 1998. Unrest in Sierra Leone has spilled over into

Guinea, threatening stability and creating a humanitarian emergency.

Geography Guinea

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between

Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

Geographic coordinates:

11 00 N, 10 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 245,857 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 245,857 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries: total: 3,399 km border countries: Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Liberia 563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km

Coastline: 320 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to

November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May)

with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain:

generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Natural resources: bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish

Land use: arable land: 3.6% permanent crops: 2.44% other: 93.96% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

950 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry

season

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water;

desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing,

overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices have led to

environmental damage

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Niger and its important tributary the Milo have their sources

in the Guinean highlands

People Guinea

Population:

9,030,220 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.4% (male 2,027,970; female 1,986,300)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 2,358,566; female 2,372,384)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 124,382; female 160,618) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.7 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 17.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.37% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

42.5 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

15.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: as a result of conflict in neighboring countries, Guinea is

host to approximately 150,000 Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees

(2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 93.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 87.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 98.8 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 49.54 years

male: 48.28 years

female: 50.83 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.9 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.54% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

55,000 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

9,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Ethnic groups:

Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller ethnic groups 10%

Religions:

Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Languages:

French (official), each ethnic group has its own language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 35.9%

male: 49.9%

female: 21.9% (1995 est.)

Government Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guinea

conventional short form: Guinea

local short form: Guinee

former: French Guinea

local long form: Republique de Guinee

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Conakry

Administrative divisions:

33 prefectures and 1 special zone (zone special)*; Beyla, Boffa,

Boke, Conakry*, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Dubreka, Faranah,

Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane, Kindia,

Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma, Lola,

Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri, Telimele,

Tougue, Yomou

Independence:

2 October 1958 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 October (1958)

Constitution:

23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree; legal

codes currently being revised; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lansana CONTE (head of military

government since 5 April 1984, elected president 19 December 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister Lamine SIDIME (since 8 March 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast to be elected

president; election last held 14 December 1998 (next to be held NA

December 2003); the prime minister is appointed by the president

election results: Lansana CONTE reelected president; percent of vote

- Lansana CONTE (PUP) 56.1%, Mamadou Boye BA (UPR) 24.6%, Alpha

CONDE (RPG) 16.6%,

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale

Populaire (114 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to

serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 30 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - PUP 61.6%, UPR 26.6%,

other 11.8%; seats by party - PUP 85, UPR 20, other 9

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Guinea-African Democratic Rally or PDG-RDA [El

Hadj Ismael Mohamed Gassim GUSHEIN]; National Union for Progress or

UNP [Paul Louis FABER]; Party for Unity and Progress or PUP [Lansana

CONTE] - the governing party; People's Party of Guinea or PPG

[Pascal TOLNO]; Rally for the Guinean People or RPG [Alpha CONDE];

Union for Progress and Renewal or UPR [Siradiou DIALLO]; Union for

Progress of Guinea or UPG [Jean-Marie DORE, secretary-general];

Union of Republican Forces or UFR [Sidya TOURE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM,

OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMSIL,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Rafiou Alpha Oumar BARRY FAX: [1] (202) 478-3010 telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300 chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Barrie R. WALKLEY embassy: Rue Ka 038, Conakry mailing address: B. P. 603, Conakry telephone: [224] 41 15 20, 41 15 21, 41 15 23 FAX: [224] 41 15 22

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green;

uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Economy Guinea

Economy - overview:

Guinea possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural

resources, yet remains an underdeveloped nation. The country

possesses over 30% of the world's bauxite reserves and is the

second-largest bauxite producer. The mining sector accounted for

about 75% of exports in 1999. Long-run improvements in government

fiscal arrangements, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if

the country is to move out of poverty. The government made

encouraging progress in budget management in 1997-99, and reform

progress was praised in the World Bank/IMF October 2000 assessment.

However, fighting along the Sierra Leonean and Liberian borders has

caused major economic disruptions. In addition to direct defense

costs, the violence has led to a sharp decline in investor

confidence. Foreign mining companies have reduced expatriate staff,

while panic buying has created food shortages and inflation in local

markets. Multilateral aid - including Heavily Indebted Poor

Countries (HIPC) debt relief - and single digit inflation permitted

moderate 3.7% growth in 2002. Growth should strengthen in 2003

because of a slowly improving security situation and increased

investor confidence.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $18.69 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 25% industry: 37% services: 38% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 40% (1994 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% highest 10%: 32% (1994)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.3 (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

3 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 80%, industry and services 20% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $395.7 million

expenditures: $472.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

million (2000 est.)

Industries:

bauxite, gold, diamonds; alumina refining; light manufacturing and

agricultural processing industries

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (1994)

Electricity - production:

790.6 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 45.5% hydro: 54.5% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

735.2 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

8,600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca), bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber

Exports: $835 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

bauxite, alumina, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural

products

Exports - partners:

South Korea 17.8%, Spain 10.1%, Cameroon 9.7%, Belgium 9.6%, US

9.2%, Ireland 8.6%, France 7.1%, Russia 6.8%, Germany 5% (2002)

Imports:

$670 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment,

textiles, grain and other foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

France 18.7%, Cote d'Ivoire 11%, Italy 8.9%, US 8.2%, Belgium 7.6%,

China 5.6%, UK 5.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$3.4 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$359.2 million (1998)

Currency:

Guinean franc (GNF)

Currency code:

GNF

Exchange rates:

Guinean francs per US dollar - NA (2002), 1,950.56 (2001), 1,746.87

(2000), 1,387.4 (1999), 1,236.83 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

37,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

21,567 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: poor to fair system of open-wire lines, small

radiotelephone communication stations, and new microwave radio relay

system

domestic: microwave radio relay and radiotelephone communication

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 4 (one station is inactive), FM 1 (plus 7 repeaters), shortwave

3 (2001)

Radios:

357,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

6 low-power stations (2001)

Televisions:

85,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.gn

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

4 (2001)

Internet users:

15,000 (2002)

Transportation Guinea

Railways:

total: 1,115 km

standard gauge: 311 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 804 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 30,500 km

paved: 5,033 km

unpaved: 25,467 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

1,295 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft)

Ports and harbors:

Boke, Conakry, Kamsar

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

15 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Guinea

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Republican Guard, Presidential Guard,

paramilitary National Gendarmerie, National Police Force (Surete

National)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,056,520 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,038,428 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$154 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.3% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Guinea

Disputes - international:

domestic fighting among disparate rebel groups in Guinea, Liberia,

and Sierra Leone have created skirmishes, deaths, and refugees in

border areas

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Guinea-Bissau

Introduction Guinea-Bissau

Background:

In 1994, 20 years after independence from Portugal, the country's

first multiparty legislative and presidential elections were held.

An army uprising that triggered a bloody civil war in 1998 created

hundreds of thousands of displaced persons. A military junta ousted

the president in May 1999. An interim government turned over power

in February 2000 when opposition leader Kumba YALA took office

following two rounds of transparent presidential elections.

Guinea-Bissau's transition back to democracy will be complicated by

its crippled economy, devastated in the civil war.

Geography Guinea-Bissau

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea

and Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

12 00 N, 15 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 36,120 sq km

water: 8,120 sq km

land: 28,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries: total: 724 km border countries: Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Coastline: 350 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season

(June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to

May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain:

mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location in the northeast corner of the

country 300 m

Natural resources:

fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, unexploited deposits of petroleum

Land use: arable land: 10.67% permanent crops: 1.78% other: 87.55% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

170 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry

season; brush fires

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Law of the Sea, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

this small country is swampy along its western coast and low-lying

further inland

People Guinea-Bissau

Population:

1,360,827 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.9% (male 284,150; female 285,370)

15-64 years: 55.2% (male 358,891; female 392,703)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 17,285; female 22,428) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.8 years

male: 18.2 years

female: 19.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.02% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

38.41 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

16.62 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 110.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 99.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 120.99 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 46.97 years

male: 45.09 years

female: 48.91 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.8% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

17,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,200 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Ethnic groups:

African 99% (Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%,

Papel 7%), European and mulatto less than 1%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 50%, Muslim 45%, Christian 5%

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42.4%

male: 58.1%

female: 27.4% (2003 est.)

Government Guinea-Bissau

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau

conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau

local short form: Guine-Bissau

local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau

former: Portuguese Guinea

Government type:

republic, multiparty since mid-1991

Capital:

Bissau

Administrative divisions:

9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau,

Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali; note - Bolama may have

been renamed Bolama/Bijagos

Independence:

24 September 1973 (unilaterally declared by Guinea-Bissau); 10

September 1974 (recognized by Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 September (1973)

Constitution:

16 May 1984, amended 4 May 1991, 4 December 1991, 26 February 1993,

9 June 1993, and 1996

Legal system:

NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Henrique ROSA (interim; since 28

September 2003); note - a September 2003 coup overthrough the

elected government of Kumba YALA; General Verissimo Correia SEABRA

served as interim president from 14 to 28 September 2003

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 28 November 1999 and 16 January 2000 (next to be

held NA 2004); prime minister appointed by the president after

consultation with party leaders in the legislature

note: a bloodless coup led to the dissolution of the elected

government of Kumba YALA in September 2003; General Verissimo

Correia SEABRA served as interim president from 14 September 2003

until stepping aside on 28 September 2003 with the establishment of

a caretaker government

election results: Kumba YALA elected president; percent of vote,

second ballot - Kumba YALA (PRS) 72%, Malan Bacai SANHA (PAIGC) 28%

cabinet: NA

head of government: Prime Minister Artur SANHA (since 28 September

2003)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional

Popular (100 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve a

maximum of four years); note - President YALA dissolved the National

People's Assembly in November 2002, elections for a new legislature

were scheduled to fall in February 2003 but were then postponed to

April, then July, and were last scheduled to occur in September 2003

elections: last held 28 November 1999 (next to be held NA September

2003)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

PRS 37, RGB 27, PAIGC 25, 11 remaining seats went to 5 of the

remaining 10 parties that fielded candidates

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal da Justica (consists of nine

justices who are appointed by the president and serve at his

pleasure; final court of appeals in criminal and civil cases);

Regional Courts (one in each of nine regions; first court of appeals

for Sectoral Court decisions; hear all felony cases and civil cases

valued at over $1,000); 24 Sectoral Courts (judges are not

necessarily trained lawyers; they hear civil cases under $1,000 and

misdemeanor criminal cases)

Political parties and leaders:

African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde

or PAIGC [Francisco BENANTE]; Front for the Liberation and

Independence of Guinea or FLING [Francois MENDY]; Guinea-Bissau

Resistance-Ba Fata Movement or RGB-MB [Helder Vaz LOPES]; Guinean

Civic Forum or FCG [Antonieta Rosa GOMES]; International League for

Ecological Protection or LIPE [Alhaje Bubacar DJALO, president];

National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Abubacer BALDE,

secretary general]; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Victor

MANDINGA]; Social Renovation Party or PRS [Kumba YALA]; Union for

Change or UM [Jorge MANDINGA, president, Dr. Anne SAAD, secretary

general]; United Social Democratic Party or PUSD [Victor Sau'de

MARIA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW (signatory), UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Henrique

Adriano DA SILVA

chancery: 1511 K Street NW, Suite 519, Washington, DC 20005

FAX: [1] (202) 347-3954

telephone: [1] (202) 347-3950

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998 in the midst of

violent conflict between forces loyal to then President VIEIRA and

military-led junta; for the time being, US embassy Dakar is

responsible for covering Guinea-Bissau: telephone - [221] 823-4296;

FAX - [221] 822-5903

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a

vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed

star centered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors

of Ethiopia

Economy Guinea-Bissau

Economy - overview:

One of the 10 poorest countries in the world, Guinea-Bissau depends

mainly on farming and fishing. Cashew crops have increased

remarkably in recent years, and the country now ranks sixth in

cashew production. Guinea-Bissau exports fish and seafood along with

small amounts of peanuts, palm kernels, and timber. Rice is the

major crop and staple food. However, intermittent fighting between

Senegalese-backed government troops and a military junta destroyed

much of the country's infrastructure and caused widespread damage to

the economy in 1998; the civil war led to a 28% drop in GDP that

year, with partial recovery in 1999-2002. Before the war, trade

reform and price liberalization were the most successful part of the

country's structural adjustment program under IMF sponsorship. The

tightening of monetary policy and the development of the private

sector had also begun to reinvigorate the economy. Because of high

costs, the development of petroleum, phosphate, and other mineral

resources is not a near-term prospect. However, unexploited offshore

oil reserves could provide much-needed revenue in the long run. The

inequality of income distribution is one of the most extreme in the

world. The government and international donors continue to work out

plans to forward economic development from a lamentably low base.

Government drift and indecision, however, have resulted in low

growth in 2002 and dim prospects for 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $901.4 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-4.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 62%

industry: 12%

services: 26% (1999 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.5% highest 10%: 42.4% (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

480,000

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 82% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries:

agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Industrial production growth rate:

2.6% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

55 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

51.15 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; timber; fish

Exports:

$71 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cashew nuts, shrimp, peanuts, palm kernels, sawn lumber

Exports - partners:

India 51.5%, Uruguay 19.5%, Thailand 19.4% (2002)

Imports:

$59 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Senegal 19.6%, Portugal 19.1%, India 15.3%, Taiwan 5.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$941.5 million (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$115.4 million (1995)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible

authority is the Central Bank of the West African States; previously

the Guinea-Bissau peso (GWP) was used

Currency code:

XOF; GWP

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

note: as of 1 May 1997, Guinea-Bissau adopted the XOF franc as the

national currency; since 1 January 1999, the XOF franc is pegged to

the euro at a rate of 655.957 XOF francs per euro

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Guinea-Bissau

Telephones - main lines in use:

10,000 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system

domestic: combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines,

radiotelephone, and cellular communications

international: NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1 (transmitter out of service), FM 4, shortwave 0 (2002)

Radios:

49,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

NA (1997)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.gw

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2002)

Internet users:

4,000 (2002)

Transportation Guinea-Bissau

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 4,400 km paved: 453 km unpaved: 3,947 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

several rivers are accessible to coastal shipping

Ports and harbors:

Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

28 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 25

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 20 (2002)

Military Guinea-Bissau

Military branches:

People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP; includes Army, Navy, and

Air Force), paramilitary force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 318,711 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 181,318 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$5.6 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.8% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Guinea-Bissau

Disputes - international:

separatist war in Senegal's Casamance region results in refugees

and cross-border raids, arms smuggling and other illegal activities,

and political instability in Guinea-Bissau

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Guyana

Introduction Guyana

Background:

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had

become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to black

settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants

from India to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide

has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved

independence from the UK in 1966, but until the early 1990s it was

ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi

JAGAN was elected president, in what is considered the country's

first free and fair election since independence. Upon his death five

years later, he was succeeded by his wife Janet, who resigned in

1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was

reelected in 2001.

Geography Guyana

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between

Suriname and Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

5 00 N, 59 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 214,970 sq km

water: 18,120 sq km

land: 196,850 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Idaho

Land boundaries: total: 2,462 km border countries: Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Coastline:

459 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the outer edge of the continental

margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy

seasons (May to mid-August, mid-November to mid-January)

Terrain:

mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Roraima 2,835 m

Natural resources: bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Land use: arable land: 2.44% permanent crops: 0.08% other: 97.48% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,500 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons

Environment - current issues: water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals; deforestation

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname and

Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern territories

are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively

People Guyana

Population:

702,100

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27% (male 96,775; female 93,077)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 240,305; female 236,378)

65 years and over: 5.1% (male 15,755; female 19,810) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.7 years

male: 25.2 years

female: 26.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.44% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.87 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.27 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 37.55 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 33.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 41.64 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.09 years

male: 60.51 years

female: 65.79 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.7% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

18,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,300 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Guyanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Guyanese

Ethnic groups:

East Indian 50%, black 36%, Amerindian 7%, white, Chinese, and

mixed 7%

Religions:

Christian 50%, Hindu 35%, Muslim 10%, other 5%

Languages:

English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Hindi, Urdu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 98.8%

male: 99.1%

female: 98.5% (2003 est.)

Government Guyana

Country name:

conventional long form: Co-operative Republic of Guyana

conventional short form: Guyana

former: British Guiana

Government type:

republic within the Commonwealth

Capital:

Georgetown

Administrative divisions:

10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica, East

Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Mahaica-Berbice,

Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Demerara-Berbice, Upper

Takutu-Upper Essequibo

Independence:

26 May 1966 (from UK)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Constitution:

6 October 1980

Legal system:

based on English common law with certain admixtures of Roman-Dutch

law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August 1999);

note - assumed presidency after resignation of President JAGAN

head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since NA December

1997)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president,

responsible to the legislature

elections: president elected by the majority party in the National

Assembly following legislative elections, which must be held at

least every five years; elections last held 19 March 2001 (next to

be held by March 2006); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent of

legislative vote - NA%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (68 seats, 65 elected by popular vote,

1 elected Speaker of the National Assembly, and 2 nonvoting members

appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 19 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

PPP/C 34, PNC 27, GAP and WPA 2, ROAR 1, TUF 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature; Judicial Court of Appeal; High Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Guyana or AFG (includes Guyana Labor Party or GLP and

Working People's Alliance or WPA) [Rupert ROOPNARAINE]; Guyana

Action Party or GAP [Paul HARDY]; Guyana Labor Party or GLP [leader

NA]; People's National Congress or PNC/R [Robert Herman Orlando

CORBIN]; People's Progressive Party/Civic or PPP/C [Bharrat JAGDEO];

Rise, Organize, and Rebuild or ROAR [Ravi DEV]; The United Force or

TUF [Manzoor NADIR]; Working People's Alliance or WPA [Rupert

ROOPNARAINE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Civil Liberties Action Committee or CLAC; Guyana Council of Indian

Organizations or GCIO; Trades Union Congress or TUC

note: the GCIO and the CLAC are small and active but not well

organized

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL,

OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Ali Odeen ISHMAEL

chancery: 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 232-1297

telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ronald D. GODARD

embassy: 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown

mailing address: P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown

telephone: [592] 225-4900 through 4909

FAX: [592] 225-8497

Flag description:

green, with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side)

superimposed on a long, yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow, black

border between the red and yellow, and a narrow, white border

between the yellow and the green

Economy Guyana

Economy - overview:

The Guyanese economy has exhibited moderate economic growth in

2001-02, based on expansion in the agricultural and mining sectors,

a more favorable atmosphere for business initiatives, a more

realistic exchange rate, fairly low inflation, and the continued

support of international organizations. Chronic problems include a

shortage of skilled labor and a deficient infrastructure. The

government is juggling a sizable external debt against the urgent

need for expanded public investment. The bauxite mining sector

should benefit in the near term by restructuring and partial

privatization.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.628 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 35%

industry: 21%

services: 44% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

418,000 (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

9.1% (understated) (2000)

Budget:

revenues: $227 million

expenditures: $235.2 million, including capital expenditures of

$93.4 million (2000)

Industries:

bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining

Industrial production growth rate:

7.1% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

852 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99.4% hydro: 0.6% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

792.4 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: sugar, rice, wheat, vegetable oils; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish (shrimp)

Exports:

$500 million f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, gold, bauxite/alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum, timber

Exports - partners:

Canada 21.1%, US 17.9%, Netherlands Antilles 12.9%, UK 10.4%,

Jamaica 5.3%, Portugal 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$575 million c.i.f. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food

Imports - partners:

US 23.7%, Netherlands Antilles 20.2%, Trinidad and Tobago 15.2%,

Italy 6.3%, UK 5.1%, Cuba 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.2 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$84 million (1995), Heavily Indebted Poor Country Initiative (HIPC)

$253 million (1997)

Currency:

Guyanese dollar (GYD)

Currency code:

GYD

Exchange rates:

Guyanese dollars per US dollar - NA (2002), 187.32 (2001), 182.43

(2000), 178 (1999), 150.52 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Guyana

Telephones - main lines in use:

70,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6,100 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system for long-distance calling

domestic: microwave radio relay network for trunk lines

international: tropospheric scatter to Trinidad; satellite earth

station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 3, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

420,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 3 (one public station; two private stations which relay US satellite services) (1997)

Televisions:

46,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.gy

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2000)

Internet users:

95,000 (2002)

Transportation Guyana

Railways:

total: 187 km

standard gauge: 139 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 48 km 0.914-m gauge

note: all dedicated to ore transport (2001 est.)

Highways:

total: 7,970 km

paved: 590 km

unpaved: 7,380 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

5,900 km (total length of navigable waterways)

note: Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo rivers are navigable by

oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km, respectively

Ports and harbors:

Bartica, Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam, Parika

Merchant marine:

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,929 GRT/4,507 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

51 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 43 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 34 (2002)

Military Guyana

Military branches:

Guyana Defense Force (including Ground Forces, Coast Guard, and Air

Corps), Guyana Police Force, Guyana People's Militia, Guyana

National Service

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 207,890 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 156,174 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Guyana

Disputes - international:

all of the area west of the Essequibo (river) claimed by Venezuela;

Suriname claims area between New (Upper Courantyne) and

Courantyne/Kutari [Koetari] rivers (all headwaters of the

Courantyne); territorial sea boundary with Suriname is in dispute

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for narcotics from South America - primarily

Venezuela - to Europe and the US; producer of cannabis

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Haiti

Introduction Haiti

Background:

The native Arawak Amerindians - who inhabited the island of

Hispaniola when it was discovered by Columbus in 1492 - were

virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the

early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola,

and in 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the

island - Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and

sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the

Caribbean, but only through the heavy importation of African slaves

and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th

century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint

L'OUVERTURE and after a prolonged struggle, became the first black

republic to declare its independence in 1804. Haiti has been plagued

by political violence for most of its history since then, and it is

now one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Over

three decades of dictatorship followed by military rule ended in

1990 when Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE was elected president. Most of his

term was usurped by a military takeover, but he was able to return

to office in 1994 and oversee the installation of a close associate

to the presidency in 1996. ARISTIDE won a second term as president

in 2000, and took office early in 2001. However, a political crisis

stemming from fraudulent legislative elections in 2000 has not yet

been resolved.

Geography Haiti

Location:

Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between

the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the

Dominican Republic

Geographic coordinates:

19 00 N, 72 25 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 27,750 sq km

land: 27,560 sq km

water: 190 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries: total: 360 km border countries: Dominican Republic 360 km

Coastline: 1,771 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds

Terrain:

mostly rough and mountainous

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Chaine de la Selle 2,680 m

Natural resources: bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 20.32% permanent crops: 12.7% other: 66.98% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

750 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe

storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes;

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land is

being cleared for agriculture and used as fuel); soil erosion;

inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western

one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)

People Haiti

Population:

7,527,817

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.7% (male 1,637,853; female 1,575,893)

15-64 years: 53.6% (male 1,962,975; female 2,073,353)

65 years and over: 3.7% (male 131,784; female 145,959) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.9 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 18.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.67% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

34.06 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

13.36 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-4.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 76.01 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 70.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 81.59 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 51.61 years

male: 50.36 years

female: 52.92 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.86 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

250,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

30,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Haitian(s) adjective: Haitian

Ethnic groups:

black 95%, mulatto and white 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%,

Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3% (1982)

note: roughly half of the population also practices Voodoo

Languages:

French (official), Creole (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 52.9%

male: 54.8%

female: 51.2% (2003 est.)

Government Haiti

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Haiti

conventional short form: Haiti

local short form: Haiti

local long form: Republique d'Haiti

Government type:

elected government

Capital:

Port-au-Prince

Administrative divisions:

9 departments (departements, singular - departement); Artibonite,

Centre, Grand 'Anse, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Est

Independence:

1 January 1804 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 January (1804)

Constitution:

approved March 1987; suspended June 1988, with most articles

reinstated March 1989; in October 1991, government claimed to be

observing the constitution; return to constitutional rule, October

1994

Legal system:

based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE (since 7 February

2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Yvon NEPTUNE (since 4 March

2002); note - former Prime Minister CHERESTAL resigned in January

2002

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with

the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 26 November 2000 (next to be held NA 2005); prime

minister appointed by the president, ratified by the National

Assembly

election results: Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE elected president; percent

of vote - Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE 92%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale consists of the

Senate (27 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year

terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber of

Deputies (83 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held for two-thirds of seats 21 May 2000,

with runoffs on 9 July boycotted by the opposition; seven seats

still disputed; election for remaining one-third held on 26 November

2000 (next to be held NA 2002); Chamber of Deputies - last held 21

May 2000, with runoffs on 30 July boycotted by the opposition; one

vacant seat rerun 26 November 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - FL 26, independent 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote

by party - NA%; seats by party - FL 73, MOCHRENA 3, PLB 2, OPL 1,

vacant 1, other minor parties and independents 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour de Cassation

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for the Liberation and Advancement of Haiti or ALAH

[Reynold GEORGES]; Assembly of Progressive National Democrats or

RDNP [Leslie MANIGAT]; Convergence (opposition coalition composed of

ESPACE, OPL, and MOCHRENA) [Gerard PIERRE-CHARLES, Evans PAUL, Luc

MESADIEU, Victor BENOIT]; Democratic Consultation Group coalition or

ESPACE [Evans PAUL, Victor BENOIT] composed of the following

parties: National Congress of Democratic Movements or KONAKOM,

National Progressive Revolutionary Party or PANPRA, Generation 2004,

and Haiti Can; Haitian Christian Democratic Party or PDCH

[Marie-France CLAUDE]; Haitian Democratic Party or PADEM [Clark

PARENT]; Lavalas Family or FL [Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE]; Mobilization

for National Development or MDN [Hubert DE RONCERAY]; Movement for

National Reconstruction or MRN [Rene THEODORE]; Movement for the

Installation of Democracy in Haiti or MIDH [Marc BAZIN]; Movement

for the Organization of the Country or MOP [Gesner COMEAU and Jean

MOLIERE]; National Cooperative Action Movement or MKN [Volrick Remy

JOSEPH]; National Front for Change and Democracy or FNCD [Evans PAUL

and Turneb DELPE]; New Christian Movement for a New Haiti or

MOCHRENA [Luc MESADIEU]; Open the Gate or PLB [Renaud BERNARDIN];

Struggling People's Organization or OPL [Gerard PIERRE-CHARLES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Autonomous Haitian Workers or CATH; Confederation of Haitian

Workers or CTH; Federation of Workers Trade Unions or FOS; National

Popular Assembly or APN; Papaye Peasants Movement or MPP; Popular

Organizations Gathering Power or PROP; Roman Catholic Church

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, Caricom, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory), PCA, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chief of Mission Harry

Frantz LEO

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Juan

(Puerto Rico)

FAX: [1] (202) 745-7215

telephone: [1] (202) 332-4090

chancery: 2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador James B. Foley embassy: 5 Harry S Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince mailing address: P. O. Box 1761, Port-au-Prince telephone: [509] 222-0354, 222-0368, 222-0200, 222-0612 FAX: [509] 223-1641

Flag description:

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

white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a palm tree

flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing the motto

L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength)

Economy Haiti

Economy - overview:

About 80% of the population lives in abject poverty. Nearly 70% of

all Haitians depend on the agriculture sector, which consists mainly

of small-scale subsistence farming and employs about two-thirds of

the economically active work force. Following legislative elections

in May 2000, fraught with irregularities, international donors -

including the US and EU - suspended almost all aid to Haiti. The

economy shrank an estimated 1.2% in 2001 and an estimated 0.9% in

2002. The contraction will likely intensify in 2003 unless a

political agreement with donors is reached on economic policy.

Suspended aid and loan disbursements totaled more than $500 million

at the start of 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $10.6 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 30% industry: 20% services: 50% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

80% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.9% (2001 est.)

Labor force: 3.6 million note: shortage of skilled labor, unskilled labor abundant (1995)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 66%, services 25%, industry 9%

Unemployment rate:

widespread unemployment and underemployment; more than two-thirds

of the labor force do not have formal jobs (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $273 million

expenditures: $361 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Industries:

sugar refining, flour milling, textiles, cement, light assembly

industries based on imported parts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA

Electricity - production:

580 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 60.3% hydro: 39.7% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

539.4 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum; wood

Exports:

$298 million f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

manufactures, coffee, oils, cocoa

Exports - partners:

US 83.9%, Dominican Republic 6.6%, Canada 2.4% (2002)

Imports:

$1.14 billion c.i.f. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

food, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, fuels,

raw materials

Imports - partners:

US 53.4%, Dominican Republic 5.3%, Colombia 3.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.2 billion (1999)

Economic aid - recipient:

$120 million (FY02)

Currency:

gourde (HTG)

Currency code:

HTG

Exchange rates:

gourdes per US dollar - 29.25 (2002), 24.43 (2001), 21.17 (2000),

16.94 (1999), 16.77 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications Haiti

Telephones - main lines in use:

60,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

over 180,000 (January 2003)

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic facilities barely adequate;

international facilities slightly better

domestic: coaxial cable and microwave radio relay trunk service

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 41, FM 26, shortwave 0 (1999)

Radios:

415,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (plus a cable TV service) (1997)

Televisions:

38,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ht

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2000)

Internet users:

30,000 (2002)

Transportation Haiti

Railways:

total: 40 km

narrow gauge: 40 km 0.760-m gauge; single-track

note: privately owned industrial line; closed in early 1990s (2001

est.)

Highways:

total: 4,160 km

paved: 1,011 km

unpaved: 3,149 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

NEGL; less than 100 km navigable

Ports and harbors:

Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, Jacmel, Jeremie, Les Cayes, Miragoane,

Port-au-Prince, Port-de-Paix, Saint-Marc

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

12 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Military Haiti

Military branches:

Haitian National Police (HNP)

note: the regular Haitian Army, Navy, and Air Force have been

demobilized but still exist on paper until or unless they are

constitutionally abolished

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,735,845 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 944,474 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 94,349 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$50 million (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.3% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Haiti

Disputes - international:

despite efforts to control illegal migration, destitute Haitians

continue to cross into Dominican Republic; claims US-administered

Navassa Island

Illicit drugs:

major Caribbean transshipment point for cocaine en route to the US

and Europe; substantial money-laundering activity; Colombian

narcotics traffickers favor Haiti for illicit financial

transactions; pervasive corruption

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Introduction Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Background:

These uninhabited, barren, sub-Antarctic islands were transferred

from the UK to Australia in 1947. Populated by large numbers of seal

and bird species, the islands have been designated a nature preserve.

Geography Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Location:

islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from

Madagascar to Antarctica

Geographic coordinates:

53 06 S, 72 31 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 412 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 412 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

101.9 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

antarctic

Terrain:

Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by

a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak);

McDonald Islands - small and rocky

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Mawson Peak, on Big Ben 2,745 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island

Environment - current issues:

NA

People Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Population: uninhabited (July 2003 est.)

Government Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald

Islands

conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the

Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment

and Heritage

Legal system:

the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

the flag of Australia is used

Economy Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Economy - overview:

No indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government

allows limited fishing around the islands.

Communications Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Internet country code: .hm

Transportation Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts

fisheries patrols

Transnational Issues Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Holy See (Vatican City)

Introduction Holy See (Vatican City)

Background:

Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula

for more than a thousand years until the mid 19th century, when many

of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of

Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when

Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between a series of "prisoner"

popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties,

which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted

Roman Catholicism special status in Italy. In 1984, a concordat

between the Holy See and Italy modified certain of the earlier

treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the

Italian state religion. Present concerns of the Holy See include the

failing health of Pope John Paul II, interreligious dialogue and

reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of

rapid change and globalization. About 1 billion people worldwide

profess the Catholic faith.

Geography Holy See (Vatican City)

Location:

Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy)

Geographic coordinates:

41 54 N, 12 27 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 0.44 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 0.44 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 3.2 km border countries: Italy 3.2 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to mid-May) with hot, dry

summers (May to September)

Terrain:

low hill

Elevation extremes: lowest point: unnamed location 19 m highest point: unnamed location 75 m

Natural resources: none

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (urban area) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: none of the selected agreements

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution, Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

urban; landlocked; enclave in Rome, Italy; world's smallest state;

outside the Vatican City, 13 buildings in Rome and Castel Gandolfo

(the pope's summer residence) enjoy extraterritorial rights

People Holy See (Vatican City)

Population:

911 (July 2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.01% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: none

adjective: none

Ethnic groups:

Italians, Swiss, other

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

Italian, Latin, French, various other languages

Literacy: definition: NA total population: 100% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Holy See (Vatican City)

Country name:

conventional long form: The Holy See (State of the Vatican City)

conventional short form: Holy See (Vatican City)

local short form: Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano)

local long form: Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano)

Government type:

ecclesiastical

Capital:

Vatican City

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

11 February 1929 (from Italy)

note: on 11 February 1929, three treaties were signed with Italy

which, among other things, recognized the full sovereignty of the

Vatican and established its territorial extent; however, the origin

of the Papal States, which over the years have varied considerably

in extent, may be traced back to the 8th century

National holiday:

Coronation Day of Pope JOHN PAUL II, 22 October (1978)

Constitution:

Apostolic Constitution of 1967 (effective 1 March 1968)

Legal system:

based on Code of Canon Law and revisions to it

Suffrage:

limited to cardinals less than 80 years old

Executive branch:

chief of state: Pope JOHN PAUL II (since 16 October 1978)

head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo SODANO (since

2 December 1990)

cabinet: Pontifical Commission appointed by the pope

elections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals;

election last held 16 October 1978 (next to be held after the death

of the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope

election results: Karol WOJTYLA elected pope

Legislative branch:

unicameral Pontifical Commission

Judicial branch:

there are three tribunals responsible for civil and criminal

matters within Vatican City; three other tribunals rule on issues

pertaining to the Holy See

note: judicial duties were established by the Motu Proprio of Pius

XII on 1 May 1946

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none (exclusive of influence exercised by church officers)

International organization participation: CE (observer), IAEA, ICFTU, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM (guest), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, UPU, WHO (observer), WIPO, WToO (observer), WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Gabriel MONTALVO FAX: [1] (202) 337-4036 telephone: [1] (202) 333-7121 chancery: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador R. James "Jim" NICHOLSON embassy: Villa Domiziana, Via delle Terme Deciane 26, 00153 Rome mailing address: PSC 59, Box 66, APO AE 09624 telephone: [39] (06) 4674-3428 FAX: [39] (06) 5758346

Flag description:

two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the

crossed keys of Saint Peter and the papal miter centered in the

white band

Economy Holy See (Vatican City)

Economy - overview:

This unique, noncommercial economy is supported financially by an

annual tax on Roman Catholic dioceses throughout the world, as well

as by special collections (known as Peter's Pence); the sale of

postage stamps, coins, medals, and tourist mementos; fees for

admission to museums; and the sale of publications. Investments and

real estate income also account for a sizable portion of revenue.

The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to

those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome.

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

essentially services with a small amount of industry; note -

dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and 3,000 lay workers live

outside the Vatican

Budget:

revenues: $173.5 million

expenditures: $176.6 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001)

Industries:

printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps, a small

amount of mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and

financial activities

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by Italy

Economic aid - recipient:

none

Currency:

euro (EUR)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.1324 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854

(2000), 0.9386 (1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Holy See (Vatican City)

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic exchange

domestic: tied into Italian system

international: uses Italian system

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1996)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.va

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Holy See (Vatican City)

Railways:

total: 0.86 km

standard gauge: 0.86 km 1.435-m gauge

note: a spur of the Italian Railways system, serving Rome's Saint

Peter's station (2001 est.)

Highways:

none; all city streets

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

none (2002)

Heliports:

1 (2002)

Military Holy See (Vatican City)

Military branches:

Swiss Guards Corps (Corpo della Guardia Svizzera)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Italy; Swiss Papal Guards are

posted at entrances to the Vatican City to provide security and

protect the Pope

Transnational Issues Holy See (Vatican City)

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Honduras

Introduction Honduras

Background:

Part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras became an

independent nation in 1821. After two and one-half decades of mostly

military rule, a freely elected civilian government came to power in

1982. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for anti-Sandinista

contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government and an ally to

Salvadoran Government forces fighting against leftist guerrillas.

The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed

about 5,600 people and caused almost $1 billion in damage.

Geography Honduras

Location:

Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and

Nicaragua and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North Pacific Ocean),

between El Salvador and Nicaragua

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 86 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 112,090 sq km

land: 111,890 sq km

water: 200 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,520 km

border countries: Guatemala 256 km, El Salvador 342 km, Nicaragua

922 km

Coastline:

820 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: natural extension of territory or to 200 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains

Terrain:

mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m

Natural resources:

timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, antimony, coal,

fish, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 15.15% permanent crops: 3.13% other: 81.72% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

760 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; extremely susceptible to

damaging hurricanes and floods along the Caribbean coast

Environment - current issues:

urban population expanding; deforestation results from logging and

the clearing of land for agricultural purposes; further land

degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled development

and improper land use practices such as farming of marginal lands;

mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa (the country's largest

source of fresh water), as well as several rivers and streams, with

heavy metals

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

has only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean shoreline,

including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast

People Honduras

Population:

6,669,789

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.6% (male 1,414,791; female 1,357,537)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 1,811,757; female 1,843,456)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 114,791; female 127,457) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.8 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 19.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.32% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

31.67 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.44 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 29.96 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 26.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 33.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.65 years

male: 65.31 years

female: 68.06 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

57,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,300 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Honduran(s)

adjective: Honduran

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%, black

2%, white 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant minority

Languages:

Spanish, Amerindian dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.2%

male: 76.1%

female: 76.3% (2003 est.)

Government Honduras

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Honduras

conventional short form: Honduras

local short form: Honduras

local long form: Republica de Honduras

Government type:

democratic constitutional republic

Capital:

Tegucigalpa

Administrative divisions:

18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Atlantida,

Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso, Francisco

Morazan, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La Paz,

Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982; amended 1995

Legal system:

rooted in Roman and Spanish civil law with increasing influence of

English common law; recent judicial reforms include abandoning

Napoleonic legal codes in favor of the oral adversarial system;

accepts ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ricardo (Joest) MADURO (since 27 January

2002); First Vice President Vicente WILLIAMS Agasse (since 27

January 2002); Second Vice President Armida Villela Maria DE LOPEZ

Contreras (since 27 January 2002); Third Vice President Alberto DIAZ

Lobo (since 27 January 2002); note - the president is both the chief

of state and head of government

head of government: President Ricardo (Joest) MADURO (since 27

January 2002); First Vice President Vicente WILLIAMS Agasse (since

27 January 2002); Second Vice President Armida Villela Maria DE

LOPEZ Contreras (since 27 January 2002); Third Vice President

Alberto DIAZ Lobo (since 27 January 2002); note - the president is

both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;

election last held 25 November 2001 (next to be held NA November

2005)

election results: Ricardo (Joest) MADURO (PN) elected president -

52.2%, Raphael PINEDA Ponce (PL) 44.3%, others 3.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (128 seats;

members are elected proportionally to the number of votes their

party's presidential candidate receives to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 25 November 2001 (next to be held NA November

2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PN

61, PL 55, PUD 5, PDC 4, PINU-SD 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges are

elected for seven-year terms by the National Congress)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Dr. Hernan CORRALES Padilla];

Democratic Unification Party or PUD [leader NA]; Liberal Party or PL

[Roberto MICHELETTI Bain]; National Innovation and Unity

Party-Social Democratic Party or PINU-SD [Olban F. VALLADARES];

National Party of Honduras or PN [Raphael CALLEJAS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in Honduras or CODEH;

Confederation of Honduran Workers or CTH; Coordinating Committee of

Popular Organizations or CCOP; General Workers Confederation or CGT;

Honduran Council of Private Enterprise or COHEP; National

Association of Honduran Campesinos or ANACH; National Union of

Campesinos or UNC; Popular Bloc or BP; United Federation of Honduran

Workers or FUTH

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO

(subscriber), ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), MINURSO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL,

OPCW (signatory), PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mario Miguel CANAHUATI

honorary consulate(s): Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Jacksonville

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New

Orleans, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico),

Tampa

FAX: [1] (202) 966-9751

telephone: [1] (202) 966-2604

chancery: Suite 4-M, 3007 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Larry Leon PALMER embassy: Avenida La Paz, Apartado Postal No. 3453, Tegucigalpa mailing address: American Embassy, APO AA 34022, Tegucigalpa telephone: [504] 238-5114, 236-9320 FAX: [504] 236-9037

Flag description:

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

five blue, five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern centered in

the white band; the stars represent the members of the former

Federal Republic of Central America - Costa Rica, El Salvador,

Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; similar to the flag of El

Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words

REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white

band; also similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which features a

triangle encircled by the word REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and

AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom, centered in the white band

Economy Honduras

Economy - overview:

Honduras, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere

with an extraordinarily unequal distribution of income, is banking

on expanded trade privileges under the Enhanced Caribbean Basin

Initiative and on debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor

Countries (HIPC) initiative. While the country has met most of its

macroeconomic targets, it failed to meet the IMF's goals to

liberalize its energy and telecommunications sectors. Growth remains

dependent on the status of the US economy, its major trading

partner, on commodity prices, particularly coffee, and on reduction

of the high crime rate.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $16.29 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 14% industry: 32% services: 54% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 53% (1993 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.6% highest 10%: 42.7% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56.3 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.3 million (1997 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 34%, industry 21%, services 45% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

28% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $607 million

expenditures: $411.9 million, including capital expenditures of $106

million (1999 est.)

Industries:

sugar, coffee, textiles, clothing, wood products

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (1999 est.)

Electricity - production:

3.778 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 50.2% hydro: 49.8% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

3.822 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

308 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

29,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coffee, citrus; beef; timber; shrimp

Exports:

$1.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, bananas, shrimp, lobster, meat; zinc, lumber (2000)

Exports - partners:

US 69.5%, El Salvador 3%, Guatemala 2% (2002)

Imports:

$2.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, industrial raw materials,

chemical products, fuels, foodstuffs (2000)

Imports - partners:

US 55.3%, El Salvador 4.3%, Mexico 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$5.4 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$557.8 million (1999)

Currency:

lempira (HNL)

Currency code:

HNL

Exchange rates:

lempiras per US dollar - 16.43 (2002), 15.47 (2001), 14.84 (2000),

14.21 (1999), 13.39 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Honduras

Telephones - main lines in use:

234,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

14,427 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate system

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 241, FM 53, shortwave 12 (1998)

Radios:

2.45 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

11 (plus 17 repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

570,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.hn

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

8 (2000)

Internet users:

40,000 (2000)

Transportation Honduras

Railways: total: 699 km narrow gauge: 279 km 1.067-m gauge; 420 km 0.914-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 13,603 km paved: 2,775 km unpaved: 10,828 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

465 km (navigable by small craft)

Ports and harbors:

La Ceiba, Puerto Castilla, Puerto Cortes, San Lorenzo, Tela, Puerto

Lempira

Merchant marine:

total: 250 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 680,784 GRT/765,815 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Argentina 1, Bahrain 1, Belize 1, British Virgin

Islands 1, Bulgaria 1, China 8, Costa Rica 1, Cyprus 1, Egypt 6, El

Salvador 1, Germany 1, Greece 18, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 2, Italy 1,

Japan 7, Lebanon 4, Liberia 4, Maldives 2, Marshall Islands 1,

Mexico 1, Nigeria 1, Norway 1, Panama 14, Philippines 1, Romania 2,

Russia 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

1, Singapore 24, South Korea 12, Spain 1, Syria 1, Taiwan 4,

Tanzania 1, Trinidad and Tobago 1, Turkey 2, Turks and Caicos

Islands 1, United Arab Emirates 6, UK 1, US 5, Vanuatu 1, Vietnam 1,

Virgin Islands (UK) 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 18, cargo 140, chemical tanker 4, container 7,

livestock carrier 2, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum

tanker 55, refrigerated cargo 10, roll on/roll off 4, short-sea

passenger 4, specialized tanker 1

Airports:

115 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 12 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 103 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 18 under 914 m: 83 (2002)

Military Honduras

Military branches:

Army, Navy (including marines), Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,594,266 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 948,957 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 74,895 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$35 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.6% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Honduras

Disputes - international:

in 1992, ICJ ruled on the delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed

areas) along the El Salvador-Honduras border, but they still remain

largely undemarcated; in 2002, El Salvador filed an application to

the ICJ to revise the decision on a section of bolsones; the ICJ

also advised a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the

Golfo de Fonseca with consideration of Honduran access to the

Pacific; El Salvador claims tiny Conejo Island, not mentioned by the

ICJ, off Honduras in the Golfo de Fonseca; Honduras claims Sapodilla

Cays off the coast of Belize but agreed to creation of a joint

ecological park and Guatemalan corridor in the Caribbean in the 2002

Belize-Guatemala Differendum; Nicaragua filed a claim against

Honduras in 1999 and against Colombia in 2001 at the ICJ over a

complex maritime dispute in the Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for drugs and narcotics; illicit producer of

cannabis, cultivated on small plots and used principally for local

consumption; corruption is a major problem; some money-laundering

activity

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Hong Kong

Introduction Hong Kong

Background:

Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by China

the following year; various adjacent lands were added later in the

19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the UK on

19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special

Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997. In this

agreement, China has promised that, under its "one country, two

systems" formula, China's socialist economic system will not be

imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of

autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the

next 50 years.

Geography Hong Kong

Location:

Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Geographic coordinates:

22 15 N, 114 10 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 1,092 sq km

water: 50 sq km

land: 1,042 sq km

Area - comparative:

six times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 30 km border countries: China 30 km

Coastline:

733 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

tropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from

spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall

Terrain:

hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north

Elevation extremes: lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m

Natural resources:

outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar

Land use:

arable land: 5.05%

other: 93.94% (1998 est.)

permanent crops: 1.01%

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution from rapid urbanization

Environment - international agreements: party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship Pollution (associate member)

Geography - note: more than 200 islands

People Hong Kong

Population:

7,394,170 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.3% (male 680,973; female 599,309)

15-64 years: 71.7% (male 2,619,929; female 2,679,430)

65 years and over: 11% (male 375,058; female 439,471) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.5 years

male: 37.1 years

female: 37.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.22% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.71 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.19 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

7.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.63 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.44 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.93 years

male: 77.23 years

female: 82.83 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.32 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,600 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Chinese

adjective: Chinese

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 95%, other 5%

Religions:

eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%

Languages:

Chinese (Cantonese), English; both are official

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 94%

male: 97.1%

female: 90.5% (2003 est.)

Government Hong Kong

Country name:

conventional long form: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

conventional short form: Hong Kong

local short form: Xianggang

local long form: Xianggang Tebie Xingzhengqu

abbreviation: HK

Dependency status:

special administrative region of China

Government type:

limited democracy

Administrative divisions:

none (special administrative region of China)

Independence:

none (special administrative region of China)

National holiday:

National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic

of China), 1 October (1949); note - 1 July 1997 is celebrated as

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Constitution:

Basic Law approved in March 1990 by China's National People's

Congress is Hong Kong's "mini-constitution"

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

direct election 18 years of age; universal for permanent residents

living in the territory of Hong Kong for the past seven years;

indirect election limited to about 100,000 members of functional

constituencies and an 800-member election committee drawn from broad

regional groupings, municipal organizations, and central government

bodies

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003)

head of government: Chief Executive TUNG Chee-hwa (since 1 July 1997)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of three ex-officio members and

10 appointed members; ex-officio members are: Chief Secretary Donald

TSANG Yam-kuen (since 1 May 2001), Financial Secretary Antony LEUNG

(since 1 May 2001), and Secretary of Justice Elsie LEUNG (since 1

July 1997)

elections: TUNG Chee-Hwa was elected to a second term in March 2002

by an 800-member election committee dominated by pro-Beijing forces;

the next election is scheduled to be held in 2007

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council or LEGCO (60 seats; 30 indirectly

elected by functional constituencies, 24 elected by popular vote,

and 6 elected by an 800-member election committee; members serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 10 September 2000 (next to be held in September

2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Democratic Party 12, Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong

Kong 10, Liberal Party 7, Frontier Party 5, Hong Kong Progressive

Alliance 4, New Century Forum 2, Hong Kong Association for Democracy

and People's Livelihood 1, independents 19

Judicial branch:

Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Political parties and leaders:

Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood [Frederick FUNG

Kin-kee, chairman]; Citizens Party [Alex CHAN Kai-chung]; Democratic

Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong [Jasper TSANG Yok-sing,

chairman]; Democratic Party [Martin LEE Chu-ming, chairman];

Frontier Party [Emily LAU Wai-hing, chairwoman]; Hong Kong

Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood [leader NA]; Hong

Kong Progressive Alliance [Ambrose LAU Hon-chuen]; Liberal Party

[James TIEN Pei-chun, chairman]; New Century Forum [NQ Ching-fai,

chairman]

note: political blocs include: pro-democracy - Association for

Democracy and People's Livelihood, Citizens Party, Democratic Party,

Frontier Party; pro-Beijing - Democratic Alliance for the Betterment

of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Progressive Alliance, Liberal Party, New

Century Forum

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (pro-China); Chinese

Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; Confederation of Trade

Unions (pro-democracy) [LAU Chin-shek, president; LEE Cheuk-yan,

general secretary]; Federation of Hong Kong Industries; Federation

of Trade Unions (pro-China) [LEE Chark-tim, president]; Hong Kong

Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Democratic Movement in China

[Szeto WAH, chairman]; Hong Kong and Kowloon Trade Union Council

(pro-Taiwan); Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; Hong Kong

Professional Teachers' Union [CHEUNG Man-kwong, president]; Liberal

Democratic Federation [HU Fa-kuang, chairman]

International organization participation:

APEC, AsDB, BIS, ESCAP (associate), ICC, ICFTU, IHO, IMO

(associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ISO (correspondent), WCL,

WCO, WMO, WToO (associate), WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (special administrative region of China)

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Consul General James KEITH consulate(s) general: 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong mailing address: PSC 461, Box 1, FPO AP 96521-0006 telephone: [852] 2523-9011 FAX: [852] 2524-0860

Flag description: red with a stylized, white, five-petal bauhinia flower in the center

Economy Hong Kong

Economy - overview:

Hong Kong has a free market economy highly dependent on

international trade. Natural resources are limited, and food and raw

materials must be imported. Imports and exports, including

reexports, each exceed GDP in dollar value. Even before Hong Kong

reverted to Chinese administration on 1 July 1997 it had extensive

trade and investment ties with China. Hong Kong has been further

integrating its economy with China because China's growing openness

to the world economy has increased competitive pressure on Hong

Kong's service industries, and Hong Kong's re-export business from

China is a major driver of growth. Per capita GDP compares with the

level in the four big economies of Western Europe. GDP growth

averaged a strong 5% in 1989-1997, but Hong Kong suffered two

recessions in the past 6 years because of the Asian financial crisis

in 1998 and the global downturn of 2001-2002. The Severe Acute

Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak has also battered Hong Kong's

economy but the resumption of strong growth began in 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $198.5 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $27,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%

industry: 13.4%

services: 86.5% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

3.52 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels 31%, financing,

insurance, and real estate 13%, community and social services 12%,

manufacturing 6%, transport and communications 6%, construction 5%,

other 25% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.5% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $22.8 billion

expenditures: $30.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY02/03)

Industries:

textiles, clothing, tourism, banking, shipping, electronics,

plastics, toys, watches, clocks

Industrial production growth rate:

-9.7% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

30.48 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

37.12 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.581 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

10.36 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

257,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

680.9 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

680.9 million cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

fresh vegetables; poultry, fish, pork

Exports:

$200.3 billion f.o.b., including reexports (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electrical machinery and appliances, textiles, apparel, footwear,

watches and clocks, toys, plastics, precious stones

Exports - partners:

China 34%, US 19.5%, UK 5.5%, Japan 4.8% (2002)

Imports:

$208.1 billion (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, transport equipment, raw materials, semimanufactures,

petroleum, plastics, machinery, electrical equipment; a large share

is reexported

Imports - partners:

China 37.5%, Japan 12.2%, Taiwan 7.3%, US 6.2%, Singapore 5.3%,

South Korea 5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$49.5 billion (2002 est.)

Currency:

Hong Kong dollar (HKD)

Currency code:

HKD

Exchange rates:

Hong Kong dollars per US dollar - 7.8 (2002), 7.8 (2001), 7.79

(2000), 7.76 (1999), 7.75 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Hong Kong

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.839 million (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.7 million (December 1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern facilities provide excellent domestic

and international services

domestic: microwave radio relay links and extensive fiber-optic

network

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Pacific

Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); coaxial cable to Guangzhou, China; access

to 5 international submarine cables providing connections to ASEAN

member nations, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Middle East, and Western

Europe

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 7, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

4.45 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (plus two repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

1.84 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.hk

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

17 (2000)

Internet users:

4.35 million (2002)

Transportation Hong Kong

Railways:

total: 34 km

standard gauge: 34 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified and double-tracked)

note: connects to China railway system at Hong Kong-China border

(2001)

Highways: total: 1,831 km paved: 1,831 km unpaved: 0 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Hong Kong

Merchant marine:

total: 549 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 16,176,728 GRT/27,119,764 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 1, bulk 315, cargo 66, chemical tanker

15, combination bulk 2, container 86, liquefied gas 16,

multi-functional large-load carrier 1, petroleum tanker 40,

refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 2, short-sea passenger 1,

vehicle carrier 2, includes some foreign-owned ships registered here

as a flag of convenience: Belgium 5, Belize 1, British Virgin

Islands 1, China 115, Denmark 2, Germany 19, Greece 2, India 8,

Japan 8, Liberia 1, Malaysia 7, Norway 1, Panama 2, Philippines 5,

Singapore 7, South Korea 2, Taiwan 1, UK 27, Virgin Islands (UK) 1

note: (2002 est.)

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1523 m: 1 (2002)

Heliports: 2 (2002)

Military Hong Kong

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Hong Kong garrison of

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) including elements of the PLA

Ground Forces, PLA Navy, and PLA Air Force; these forces are under

the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission in Beijing

and under administrative control of the adjacent Guangzhou Military

Region

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,033,716 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,524,903 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 47,477 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA% (FY02)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of China

Transnational Issues Hong Kong

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

Makes strenuous law enforcement efforts, but faces serious

challenges in controlling transit of heroin and methamphetamine to

regional and world markets; modern banking system provides a conduit

for money laundering; rising indigenous use of synthetic drugs,

especially among young people

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Howland Island

Introduction Howland Island

Background:

Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the island was

officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies

mined for guano until about 1890. Earhart Light is a day beacon near

the middle of the west coast that was partially destroyed during

World War II, but has since been rebuilt; it is named in memory of

the famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART. The island is administered by the

US Department of the Interior as a National Wildlife Refuge.

Geography Howland Island

Location:

Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between

Hawaii and Australia

Geographic coordinates:

0 48 N, 176 38 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 1.6 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 1.6 sq km

Area - comparative:

about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

6.4 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Terrain:

low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow

fringing reef; depressed central area

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Natural resources:

guano (deposits worked until late 1800s), terrestrial and aquatic

wildlife

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime

hazard

Environment - current issues:

no natural fresh water resources

Geography - note:

almost totally covered with grasses, prostrate vines, and

low-growing shrubs; small area of trees in the center; primarily a

nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds,

and marine wildlife

People Howland Island

Population:

uninhabited

note: American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and

naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during

World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by

special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and

generally restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually

by US Fish and Wildlife Service (July 2003 est.)

Government Howland Island

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Howland Island

Dependency status:

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington,

DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the

Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system

Legal system:

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy Howland Island

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Transportation Howland Island

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one small boat

landing area along the middle of the west coast

Airports:

airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on the

round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred NOONAN - they left

Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island, but were never seen again; the

airstrip is no longer serviceable (2002)

Transportation - note:

Earhart Light is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast

that was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been

rebuilt; named in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART

Military Howland Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US

Coast Guard

Transnational Issues Howland Island

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Hungary

Introduction Hungary

Background:

Hungary was part of the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire, which

collapsed during World War I. The country fell under Communist rule

following World War II. In 1956, a revolt and announced withdrawal

from the Warsaw Pact were met with a massive military intervention

by Moscow. Under the leadership of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary

began liberalizing its economy, introducing so-called "goulash

Communism." Hungary held its first multiparty elections in 1990 and

initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and is

scheduled to accede to the EU along with nine other states on 1 May

2004. In an April 2003 referendum, 84 percent voted in favor of

joining the EU.

Geography Hungary

Location:

Central Europe, northwest of Romania

Geographic coordinates:

47 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 93,030 sq km

water: 690 sq km

land: 92,340 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 2,171 km

border countries: Austria 366 km, Croatia 329 km, Romania 443 km,

Serbia and Montenegro 151 km, Slovakia 677 km, Slovenia 102 km,

Ukraine 103 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on the

Slovakian border

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Tisza River 78 m

highest point: Kekes 1,014 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 52.2%

other: 45.34% (1998 est.)

permanent crops: 2.46%

Irrigated land:

2,100 sq km (1998 est.)

Environment - current issues: the approximation of Hungary's standards in waste management, energy efficiency, and air, soil, and water pollution with environmental requirements for EU accession will require large investments

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes between

Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and

Mediterranean basin; the north-south flowing Duna (Danube) and Tisza

Rivers divide the country into three large regions

People Hungary

Population:

10,045,407 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 832,033; female 787,336)

15-64 years: 69% (male 3,406,046; female 3,523,118)

65 years and over: 14.9% (male 544,099; female 952,775) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.4 years

male: 35.7 years

female: 41.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.29% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.32 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

13 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 9.73 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.17 years

male: 67.84 years

female: 76.81 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,800 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Hungarian(s)

adjective: Hungarian

Ethnic groups:

Hungarian 89.9%, Roma 4%, German 2.6%, Serb 2%, Slovak 0.8%,

Romanian 0.7%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 67.5%, Calvinist 20%, Lutheran 5%, atheist and other

7.5%

Languages:

Hungarian 98.2%, other 1.8%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.5%

female: 99.3% (2003 est.)

Government Hungary

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Hungary

conventional short form: Hungary

local short form: Magyarorszag

local long form: Magyar Koztarsasag

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Budapest

Administrative divisions:

19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 20 urban counties*

(singular - megyei varos), and 1 capital city** (fovaros);

Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Bekescsaba*, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen,

Budapest**, Csongrad, Debrecen*, Dunaujvaros*, Eger*, Fejer, Gyor*,

Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Hodmezovasarhely*,

Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Kaposvar*, Kecskemet*, Komarom-Esztergom,

Miskolc*, Nagykanizsa*, Nograd, Nyiregyhaza*, Pecs*, Pest, Somogy,

Sopron*, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Szeged*, Szekesfehervar*, Szolnok*,

Szombathely*, Tatabanya*, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Veszprem*, Zala,

Zalaegerszeg*

Independence:

1001 (unification by King Stephen I)

National holiday:

Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August

Constitution:

18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949, revised 19 April 1972; 18

October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals and

constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and

also established the principle of parliamentary oversight; 1997

amendment streamlined the judicial system

Legal system:

rule of law based on Western model

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Ferenc MADL (since 4 August 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Peter MEDGYESSY (since 27 May

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly on

the recommendation of the president

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 6 June 2000 (next to be held by

June 2005); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the

recommendation of the president

note: to be elected, the president must win two-thirds of

legislative vote in the first two rounds or a simple majority in the

third round

election results: Ferenc MADL elected president; percent of

legislative vote - NA% (but by a simple majority in the third round

of voting); Peter MEDGYESSY elected prime minister; percent of

legislative vote - NA%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (386 seats; members

are elected by popular vote under a system of proportional and

direct representation to serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party (5% or more of the vote

required for parliamentary representation in the first round) -

Fidesz/MDF 48.70%, MSzP 46.11%, SzDSz 4.92%, other 0.27%; seats by

party - Fidesz 164, MSzP 178, MDF 24, SzDSz 20

elections: last held 7 and 21 April 2002 (next to be held NA April

2006)

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly

for nine-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Free Democrats or SzDSz [Gabor KUNCZE]; Christian

Democratic People's Party or KDNP [Laszlo VARGA, chairman];

Hungarian Civic Alliance or Fidesz-MPP [Jozsef SZASER, chairman];

Hungarian Democratic Forum or MDF [Ibolya DAVID]; Hungarian

Democratic People's Party or MDNP [Erzsebet PUSZTAI, chairman];

Hungarian Justice and Life Party or MIEP [Istvan CSURKA, chairman];

Hungarian Socialist Party or MSzP [Laszlo KOVACS, chairman];

Hungarian Workers' Party or MMP [Gyula THURMER, chairman]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ABEDA, Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU

(applicant), FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

MINURSO, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNOMIG, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate), WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Andras SIMONYI chancery: 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York FAX: [1] (202) 966-8135 telephone: [1] (202) 362-6730

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nancy Goodman BRINKER embassy: 1054 Szabadsag ter 12, Budapest mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Budapest, 5270 Budapest Place, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270 telephone: [36] (1) 475-4400 FAX: [36] (1) 475-4764

Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green

Economy Hungary

Economy - overview:

Hungary has made the transition from a centrally planned to a

market economy, with a per capita income one-half that of the Big

Four European nations. Hungary continues to demonstrate strong

economic growth and to work toward accession to the European Union

in May 2004. The private sector accounts for over 80% of GDP.

Foreign ownership of and investment in Hungarian firms are

widespread, with cumulative foreign direct investment totaling more

than $23 billion since 1989. Hungarian sovereign debt was upgraded

in 2000 to the second-highest rating among all the Central European

transition economies. Inflation has declined substantially, from 14%

in 1998 to 4.7% in 2003; unemployment has persisted around the 6%

level. Germany is by far Hungary's largest economic partner.

Short-term issues include the reduction of the public sector deficit

to 3% in 2004 and avoiding unjustified increases in wages.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $134 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $13,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 4.1% industry: 33.8% services: 62.1% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line: 8.6% (1993 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.1% highest 10%: 20.5% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

24.4 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4.2 million (1997)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 65%, industry 27%, agriculture 8% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

5.8% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $13 billion

expenditures: $14.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods,

textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles

Industrial production growth rate:

3.1% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

34.39 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 60.1% hydro: 0.5% other: 0.3% (2001) nuclear: 39%

Electricity - consumption:

35.15 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

7.261 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

10.43 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

41,190 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

140,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

47,180 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

136,600 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

110.7 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

3.231 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

13.37 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

4 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

9.587 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

50.45 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets; pigs, cattle, poultry, dairy products

Exports: $31.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 57.6%, other manufactures 31.0%, food

products 7.5%, raw materials 1.9%, fuels and electricity 1.9% (2001)

Exports - partners:

Germany 34.3%, Austria 8.5%, Italy 5.5%, France 5.4%, US 4.9%, UK

4.5% (2002)

Imports:

$33.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 51.6%, other manufactures 35.3%, fuels and

electricity 8.2%, food products 2.9%, raw materials 2.0% (2001)

Imports - partners:

Germany 25.3%, Austria 7.7%, Italy 7.5%, Russia 6%, China 5%,

France 5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$31.5 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA $250 million (2000)

Currency:

forint (HUF)

Currency code:

HUF

Exchange rates:

forints per US dollar - 257.89 (2002), 286.49 (2001), 282.18

(2000), 237.15 (1999), 214.4 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Hungary

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.095 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.269 million (July 1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telephone system has been modernized and is

capable of satisfying all requests for telecommunication service

domestic: the system is digitalized and highly automated; trunk

services are carried by fiber-optic cable and digital microwave

radio relay; a program for fiber-optic subscriber connections was

initiated in 1996; heavy use is made of mobile cellular telephones

international: Hungary has fiber-optic cable connections with all

neighboring countries; the international switch is in Budapest;

satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian

Ocean regions), 1 Inmarsat, 1 very small aperture terminal (VSAT)

system of ground terminals

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 17, FM 57, shortwave 3 (1998)

Radios:

7.01 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

35 (plus 161 low-power repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

4.42 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.hu

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

16 (2000)

Internet users:

1.2 million (2001)

Transportation Hungary

Railways:

total: 7,875 km

broad gauge: 36 km 1.524-m gauge

standard gauge: 7,620 km 1.435-m gauge (2,628 km electrified)

note: Hungary and Austria jointly manage a cross-border,

standard-gauge railway connecting Gyor, Sopron, and Ebenfurt (Gysev

railroad) with a route length of 101 km in Hungary and 65 km in

Austria; 156 km of this line is electrified (2002)

narrow gauge: 219 km 0.760-m gauge

Highways:

total: 188,203 km

paved: 81,680 km (including 438 km of expressways)

unpaved: 106,523 km (1999)

Waterways:

1,373 km (permanently navigable) (1997)

Pipelines:

gas 4,397 km; oil 990 km; refined products 335 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Budapest, Dunaujvaros

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) 3,784 GRT/5,500 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1

Airports:

49 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 17 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 32 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 under 914 m: 8 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 16

Heliports: 5 (2002)

Military Hungary

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Air Forces

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,541,426 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,026,912 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 64,305 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.08 billion (2002 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.75% (2002 est.)

Transnational Issues Hungary

Disputes - international:

Hungary has yet to amend status law extending special social and

cultural benefits to ethnic Hungarians in neighboring states, who

protest the law

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and cannabis and for

South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; limited producer

of precursor chemicals, particularly for amphetamine and

methamphetamine; improving, but remains vulnerable to money

laundering related to organized crime and drug trafficking

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Iceland

Introduction Iceland

Background:

Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants

during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the

world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing,

established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was

subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja

volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused

widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the

island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited

home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence

attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion

are first-rate by world standards.

Geography Iceland

Location:

Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North

Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the UK

Geographic coordinates:

65 00 N, 18 00 W

Map references:

Arctic Region

Area:

total: 103,000 sq km

land: 100,250 sq km

water: 2,750 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kentucky

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

4,988 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy

winters; damp, cool summers

Terrain:

mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast

deeply indented by bays and fiords

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Hvannadalshnukur 2,119 m (at Vatnajokull glacier)

Natural resources:

fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite

Land use:

arable land: 1%

other: 70% (2001 est.)

forest and woodlands: 1%

permanent crops: 0%

permanent pastures: 28%

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

earthquakes and volcanic activity

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater

treatment

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Environmental Protection through Criminal Law, Hazardous Wastes,

Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Oil Pollution, Ozone Layer Protection, Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Ship Pollution, Transboundary Air Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost

European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in

the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental

Europe

People Iceland

Population:

280,798 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.7% (male 32,902; female 30,952)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 92,519; female 91,000)

65 years and over: 11.9% (male 14,973; female 18,452) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 34 years

male: 33.2 years

female: 34.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.49% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

14.13 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.95 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.5 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.8 years

male: 77.54 years

female: 82.22 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

220 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Icelander(s)

adjective: Icelandic

Ethnic groups:

homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94%,

population of foreign origin 6%

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 87.1%, other Protestant 4.1%, Roman Catholic

1.7%, other 7.1% (2002)

Languages:

Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German widely spoken

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.9% (1997 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Iceland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Iceland

conventional short form: Iceland

local short form: Island

local long form: Lydhveldidh Island

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

Reykjavik

Administrative divisions:

23 counties (syslur, singular - sysla) and 14 independent towns*

(kaupstadhir, singular - kaupstadhur); Akranes*, Akureyri*,

Arnessysla, Austur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Austur-Hunavatnssysla,

Austur-Skaftafellssysla, Borgarfjardharsysla, Dalasysla,

Eyjafjardharsysla, Gullbringusysla, Hafnarfjordhur*, Husavik*,

Isafjordhur*, Keflavik*, Kjosarsysla, Kopavogur*, Myrasysla,

Neskaupstadhur*, Nordhur-Isafjardharsysla, Nordhur-Mulasys-la,

Nordhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Olafsfjordhur*, Rangarvallasysla,

Reykjavik*, Saudharkrokur*, Seydhisfjordhur*, Siglufjordhur*,

Skagafjardharsysla, Snaefellsnes-og Hnappadalssysla, Strandasysla,

Sudhur-Mulasysla, Sudhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Vesttmannaeyjar*,

Vestur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Vestur-Hunavatnssysla,

Vestur-Isafjardharsysla, Vestur-Skaftafellssysla

note: there may be four other counties

Independence:

1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish Crown);

17 June 1944 (from Denmark)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 June (1944)

Constitution:

16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944

Legal system:

civil law system based on Danish law; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1 August

1996)

head of government: Prime Minister David ODDSSON (since 30 April

1991)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by

Parliament

election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON ran unopposed in 2000 and

was reelected

elections: president, which is largely a ceremonial post, elected by

popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 29 June 1996

(next to be held NA June 2004); President GRIMSSON ran unopposed in

June 2000 so there were no elections; prime minister appointed by

the president

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Althing (63 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - Independence Party

33.7%, Social Democratic Alliance 31.0%, Progressive Party 17.7%,

Left-Green Alliance 8.8%, Liberal Party 7.4%; seats by party -

Independence Party 22, Social Democratic Alliance 20, Progressive

Party 12, Left-Green Alliance 5, Liberal Party 4

elections: last held 10 May 2003 (next to be held by May 2007)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Haestirettur (justices are appointed for life by

the Minister of Justice); eight district courts (justices are

appointed for life by the Minister of Justice)

Political parties and leaders:

Independence Party or IP [David ODDSSON]; Left-Green Alliance or

LGP [Steingrimur SIGFUSSON]; Liberal Party or LP [Gudjon

KRISTJANSSON]; Progressive Party or PP [Halldor ASGRIMSSON]; Social

Democratic Alliance (includes People's Alliance or PA, Social

Democratic Party or SDP, Women's List)or SDA [Ossur SKARPHEDINSSON];

Social Democratic Party or SDP [Sighvatur BJORGVINSSON]; Women's

List or WL [Kristin ASTGEIRSDOTTIR]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, FAO, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA (observer), IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NATO, NC, NEA,

NIB, OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNU,

UPU, WCO, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Helgi AGUSTSSON

chancery: Suite 1200, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005-1704

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 265-6656

telephone: [1] (202) 265-6653

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James I. GADSDEN

embassy: Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik

mailing address: US Embassy, PSC 1003, Box 40, FPO AE 09728-0340

telephone: [354] 5629100

FAX: [354] 5629118

Flag description:

blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the edges of

the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist

side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Economy Iceland

Economy - overview:

Iceland's Scandinavian-type economy is basically capitalistic, yet

with an extensive welfare system (including generous housing

subsidies), low unemployment, and remarkably even distribution of

income. In the absence of other natural resources (except for

abundant hydrothermal and geothermal power), the economy depends

heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 70% of export

earnings and employs 12% of the work force. The economy remains

sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to fluctuations in

world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum,

and ferrosilicon. Government policies include reducing the budget

and current account deficits, limiting foreign borrowing, containing

inflation, revising agricultural and fishing policies, diversifying

the economy, and privatizing state-owned industries. The government

remains opposed to EU membership, primarily because of Icelanders'

concern about losing control over their fishing resources. Iceland's

economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service

industries in the last decade, and new developments in software

production, biotechnology, and financial services are taking place.

The tourism sector is also expanding, with the recent trends in

ecotourism and whale watching. Growth had been remarkably steady in

1996-2001 at 3%-5%, but could not be sustained in 2002 in an

environment of global recession. Growth resumed in 2003, and

inflation dropped back from 5% to 2%.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $8.444 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $30,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14% (includes fishing 12%)

industry: 21%

services: 65% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

159,000 (2000)

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 5.1%, fishing and fish processing 11.8%, manufacturing 12.9%, construction 10.7%, other services 59.5% (1999)

Unemployment rate:

2.8% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $3.5 billion

expenditures: $3.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $467

million (1999)

Industries:

fish processing; aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production,

geothermal power; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

0.2% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

7.894 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0.1% hydro: 82.5% other: 17.5% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

7.341 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

16,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

15,470 bbl/day (2001)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, green vegetables, chicken, pork, mutton; fish

Exports:

$2.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products 70%, animal products, aluminum, diatomite,

ferrosilicon

Exports - partners:

Germany 18.5%, UK 17.5%, Netherlands 11.4%, US 10.9%, Spain 5.2%,

Denmark 4.6%, Portugal 4.3%, Norway 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$2.1 billion (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, petroleum products; foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

US 10.9%, Germany 10.7%, Denmark 8.5%, Norway 8%, UK 7.5%,

Netherlands 6%, Sweden 5.9% (2002)

Debt - external:

$2.6 billion (1999)

Economic aid - donor:

$NA

Currency:

Icelandic krona (ISK)

Currency code:

ISK

Exchange rates:

Icelandic kronur per US dollar - 91.66 (2002), 97.42 (2001), 78.62

(2000), 72.34 (1999), 70.96 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Iceland

Telephones - main lines in use:

196,984 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

248,131 (221,231 GSM, 26,900 NMT) (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: extensive domestic service

domestic: the trunk network consists of coaxial and fiber-optic

cables and microwave radio relay links

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note -

Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic

countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM about 70 (including repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

260,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

14 (plus 156 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

98,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.is

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

20 (2001)

Internet users:

220,000 (2002)

Transportation Iceland

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 12,955 km

paved/oiled gravel: 3,863 km

unpaved: 9,092 km (2003)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Akureyri, Hornafjordhur, Isafjordhur, Keflavik, Raufarhofn,

Reykjavik, Seydhisfjordhur, Straumsvik, Vesttmannaeyjar

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,500 GRT/5,000 DWT

ships by type: chemical tanker 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

86 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 8 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 73

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 21

under 914 m: 49 (2002)

Military Iceland

Military branches:

no regular armed forces; Police, Coast Guard

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 71,157 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 62,552 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$0

Military - note:

defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF)

headquartered at Keflavik

Transnational Issues Iceland

Disputes - international:

Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Iceland, and

the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the

Rockall area); dispute with Denmark over the Faroe Islands'

fisheries median line boundary within 200 NM; disputes with Denmark,

the UK, and Ireland over the Faroe Islands continental shelf

boundary outside 200 NM

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@India

Introduction India

Background:

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, goes

back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest invaded

about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier inhabitants created

the classical Indian culture. Arab incursions starting in the 8th

century and Turkish in 12th were followed by European traders,

beginning in the late 15th century. By the 19th century, Britain had

assumed political control of virtually all Indian lands. Nonviolent

resistance to British colonialism under Mohandas GANDHI and

Jawaharlal NEHRU led to independence in 1947. The subcontinent was

divided into the secular state of India and the smaller Muslim state

of Pakistan. A third war between the two countries in 1971 resulted

in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh.

Fundamental concerns in India include the ongoing dispute with

Pakistan over Kashmir, massive overpopulation, environmental

degradation, extensive poverty, and ethnic and religious strife, all

this despite impressive gains in economic investment and output.

Geography India

Location:

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal,

between Burma and Pakistan

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 N, 77 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 3,287,590 sq km

land: 2,973,190 sq km

water: 314,400 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than one-third the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 14,103 km

border countries: Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463

km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km

Coastline:

7,000 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north

Terrain:

upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along

the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Kanchenjunga 8,598 m

Natural resources:

coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore, manganese,

mica, bauxite, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds,

petroleum, limestone, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 54.35%

permanent crops: 2.66%

other: 42.99% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

590,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive

flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air

pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water

pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap

water is not potable throughout the country; huge and growing

population is overstraining natural resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian Ocean

trade routes

People India

Population:

1,049,700,118 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32.2% (male 173,973,350; female 163,979,116)

15-64 years: 63% (male 342,620,712; female 319,259,867)

65 years and over: 4.8% (male 25,281,756; female 24,585,317) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 24.1 years male: 24.1 years female: 24.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.47% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

23.28 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 59.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 58.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 60.23 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.62 years

male: 62.92 years

female: 64.37 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3.97 million (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

310,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Indian(s)

adjective: Indian

Ethnic groups:

Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)

Religions:

Hindu 81.3%, Muslim 12%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other groups

including Buddhist, Jain, Parsi 2.5% (2000)

Languages:

English enjoys associate status but is the most important language

for national, political, and commercial communication; Hindi is the

national language and primary tongue of 30% of the people; there are

14 other official languages: Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu,

Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Kashmiri,

Sindhi, and Sanskrit; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu

spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official

language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 59.5%

male: 70.2%

female: 48.3% (2003 est.)

Government India

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of India

conventional short form: India

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

New Delhi

Administrative divisions:

28 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar Islands*,

Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh*,

Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*, Delhi*, Goa,

Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand,

Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,

Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Pondicherry*, Punjab,

Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh,

West Bengal

Independence:

15 August 1947 (from UK)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 26 January (1950)

Constitution:

26 January 1950

Legal system:

based on English common law; limited judicial review of legislative

acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Abdul KALAM (since 26 July 2002); Vice

President Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT (since 12 August 2002)

elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of

elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of

the states for a five-year term; election last held NA July 2002

(next to be held NA July 2007); vice president elected by both

houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last held 12

August 2002 (next to be held NA August 2007); prime minister elected

by parliamentary members of the majority party following legislative

elections; election last held NA October 1999 (next to be held NA

October 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Atal Bihari VAJPAYEE (since 19

March 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

election results: Abdul KALAM elected president; percent of

electoral college vote - NA%; Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT elected vice

president; percent of Parliament vote - 59.8%; Atal Bihari VAJPAYEE

elected prime minister; percent of vote - NA%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of the Council of States or

Rajya Sabha (a body consisting of not more than 250 members, up to

12 of which are appointed by the president, the remainder are chosen

by the elected members of the state and territorial assemblies;

members serve six-year terms) and the People's Assembly or Lok Sabha

(545 seats; 543 elected by popular vote, 2 appointed by the

president; members serve five-year terms)

elections: People's Assembly - last held 5 September through 3

October 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - BJP

alliance 40.8%, Congress (I) alliance 33.8%, other 25.4%; seats by

party - BJP alliance 304, Congress (I) alliance 134, other 107

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president and remain in

office until they reach the age of 65)

Political parties and leaders:

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or AIADMK [C. Jayalalitha

JAYARAM]; All India Forward Bloc or AIFB, [D. BISWAS (general

secretary)]; Asom Gana Parishad [Brindaban GOSWAMI]; Bahujan Samaj

Party or BSP [MAYAWATI]; Bharatiya Janata Party or BJP [Jana

KRISNAMURTHY]; Biju Janata Dal or BJD [Naveen PATNAIK]; Communist

Party of India or CPI [Ardhendu Bhushan BARDHAN]; Communist Party of

India/Marxist-Leninist or CPI/ML [Dipankar BHATTACHARYA]; Congress

(I) Party [Sonia GANDHI]; Dravida Munnetra Kazagham or DMK (a

regional party in Tamil Nadu) [M. KARUNANIDHI]; Indian National

League [Suliaman SAITH]; Janata Dal (Secular) [H. D. Deve GOWDA];

Janata Dal (United) or JDU [Sharad YADAV]; Kerala Congress (Mani

faction) [K. M. MANI]; Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or

MDMK [VAIKO]; Muslim League [G. M. BANATWALA]; Nationalist Congress

Party or NCP [Sharad PAWAR]; Rashtriya Janata Dal or RJD [Laloo

Prasad YADAV]; Revolutionary Socialist Party or RSP [Abani ROY];

Samajwadi Party or SP [Mulayam Singh YADAV]; Shiromani Akali Dal [G.

S. TOHRA]; Shiv Sena [Bal THACKERAY]; Tamil Maanila Congress [G. K.

VASAN]; Telugu Desam Party or TDP [Chandrababu NAIDU]; Trinamool

Congress [Mamata BANERJEE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations,

including Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Rashtriya

Swayamsevak Sangh; various separatist groups seeking greater

communal and/or regional autonomy, including the All Parties

Hurriyat Conference

International organization participation:

AfDB, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS,

C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G- 6, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA (observer), IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC,

NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOVIC, UNU, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lalit MANSINGH consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco FAX: [1] (202) 483-3972 telephone: [1] (202) 939-7000 chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; note - Embassy located at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert D. BLACKWILL embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [91] (11) 419-8000 FAX: [91] (11) 419-0017 consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay)

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange) (top),

white, and green with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in

the white band; similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small

orange disk centered in the white band

Economy India

Economy - overview:

India's economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern

agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a

multitude of support services. Overpopulation severely handicaps the

economy and about a quarter of the population is too poor to be able

to afford an adequate diet. Government controls have been reduced on

imports and foreign investment, and privatization of domestic output

has proceeded slowly. The economy has posted an excellent average

growth rate of 6% since 1990, reducing poverty by about 10

percentage points. India has large numbers of well-educated people

skilled in the English language; India is a major exporter of

software services and software workers; the information technology

sector leads the strong growth pattern. The World Bank and others

worry about the continuing public-sector budget deficit, running at

approximately 10% of GDP in 1997-2002. In 2003 the state-owned

Indian Bank substantially reduced non-performing loans, attracted

new customers, and turned a profit. Deep-rooted problems remain,

notably conflicts among political and cultural groups.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.664 trillion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 25% industry: 25% services: 50% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 25% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.5% highest 10%: 33.5% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37.8 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

406 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 60%, services 23%, industry 17% (1999)

Unemployment rate:

8.8% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $48.3 billion

expenditures: $78.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $14

(FY01/02 est.)

Industries:

textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation

equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

533.3 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 81.7% hydro: 14.5% other: 0.3% (2001) nuclear: 3.4%

Electricity - consumption:

497.2 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

321 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1.54 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

732,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2.13 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

4.33 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

22.75 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

22.75 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

542.4 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry; fish

Exports: $44.5 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

textile goods, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, chemicals,

leather manufactures

Exports - partners:

US 22.5%, UK 5.1%, UAE 5.1%, Hong Kong 4.5%, Germany 4.3%, China

4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$53.8 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, machinery, gems, fertilizer, chemicals

Imports - partners:

US 7.1%, Belgium 6.7%, China 4.6%, Singapore 4.6%, UK 4.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$100.6 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$2.9 billion (FY 98/99)

Currency:

Indian rupee (INR)

Currency code:

INR

Exchange rates:

Indian rupees per US dollar - 48.61 (2002), 47.19 (2001), 44.94

(2000), 43.06 (1999), 41.26 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications India

Telephones - main lines in use:

27.7 million (October 2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.93 million (November 2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: mediocre service; local and long distance

service provided throughout all regions of the country, with

services primarily concentrated in the urban areas; major objective

is to continue to expand and modernize long-distance network to keep

pace with rapidly growing number of local subscriber lines; steady

improvement is taking place with the recent admission of private and

private-public investors, but, with telephone density at about two

for each 100 persons and a waiting list of over 2 million, demand

for main line telephone service will not be satisfied for a very

long time

domestic: local service is provided by microwave radio relay and

coaxial cable, with open wire and obsolete electromechanical and

manual switchboard systems still in use in rural areas; starting in

the 1980s, a substantial amount of digital switch gear has been

introduced for local and long-distance service; long-distance

traffic is carried mostly by coaxial cable and low-capacity

microwave radio relay; since 1985 significant trunk capacity has

been added in the form of fiber-optic cable and a domestic satellite

system with 254 earth stations; mobile cellular service is provided

in four metropolitan cities

international: satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region); nine gateway exchanges

operating from Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta),

Chennai (Madras), Jalandhar, Kanpur, Gaidhinagar, Hyderabad, and

Ernakulam; 4 submarine cables - LOCOM linking Chennai (Madras) to

Penang; Indo-UAE-Gulf cable linking Mumbai (Bombay) to Al Fujayrah,

UAE; India-SEA-ME-WE-3, SEA-ME-WE-2 with landing sites at Cochin and

Mumbai (Bombay); Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) with

landing site at Mumbai (Bombay) (2000)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 153, FM 91, shortwave 68 (1998)

Radios:

116 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 562 (of which 82 stations have 1 kW or greater power and 480 stations have less than 1 kW of power) (1997)

Televisions:

63 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.in

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

43 (2000)

Internet users:

7 million (2002)

Transportation India

Railways:

total: 63,518 km (15,009 km electrified)

broad gauge: 45,142 km 1.676-m gauge

narrow gauge: 15,013 km 1.000-m gauge; 3,363 km 0.762-m gauge and

0.610-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 3,319,644 km paved: 1,517,077 km unpaved: 1,802,567 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

16,180 km

note: 3,631 km navigable by large vessels

Pipelines:

gas 5,798 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,195 km; oil 5,613 km; refined

products 5,567 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Chennai (Madras), Cochin, Jawaharal Nehru, Kandla, Kolkata

(Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay), Vishakhapatnam

Merchant marine:

total: 305 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,753,279 GRT/9,621,911 DWT

ships by type: bulk 100, cargo 82, chemical tanker 15, combination

bulk 2, combination ore/oil 2, container 10, liquefied gas 10,

passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 75, roll on/roll off 1,

short-sea passenger 2, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: China 1, UAE 10, UK 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

334 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 232 over 3,047 m: 14 2,438 to 3,047 m: 47 914 to 1,523 m: 73 under 914 m: 20 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 78

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 102 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 under 914 m: 48 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 42

Heliports: 19 (2002)

Military India

Military branches:

Army, Navy (including naval air arm), Air Force, Strategic Nuclear

Command (SNC), Coast Guard, various security or paramilitary forces

(including Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, Rashtriya Rifles,

National Security Guards, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Special

Frontier Force, Ladakh Scouts, Central Reserve Police Force, Central

Industrial Security Force, Railway Protection Force, Defense

Security Corps, and Indian Reserve Battalions)

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 288,251,975 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 169 million (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 11,035,174 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$11.52 billion (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.3% (FY02)

Transnational Issues India

Disputes - international:

much of the rugged, militarized boundary with China is in dispute,

but the two sides have participated in more than 13 rounds of joint

working group sessions on this issue; India objects to Pakistan

ceding lands to China in 1965 boundary agreement that India believes

are part of disputed Kashmir; with Pakistan, armed stand-off over

the status and sovereignty of Kashmir continues; disputes with

Pakistan over Indus River water sharing and the terminus of the Rann

of Kutch, which prevents maritime boundary delimitation; Joint

Border Committee with Nepal continues to work on resolution of

disputed boundary sections; dispute with Bangladesh over New

Moore/South Talpatty Island in the Bay of Bengal prevents maritime

boundary delimitation

Illicit drugs:

world's largest producer of licit opium for the pharmaceutical

trade, but an undetermined quantity of opium is diverted to illicit

international drug markets; transit point for illicit narcotics

produced in neighboring countries; illicit producer of methaqualone;

vulnerable to narcotics money laundering through the hawala system

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Indian Ocean

Introduction Indian Ocean

Background:

The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's five oceans

(after the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, but larger than the

Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean). Four critically important access

waterways are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb

(Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman), and Strait of

Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia).

Geography Indian Ocean

Location:

body of water between Africa, the Southern Ocean, Asia, and

Australia

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 80 00 E

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 68.556 million sq km

note: includes Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Flores Sea,

Great Australian Bight, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Java Sea,

Mozambique Channel, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Savu Sea, Strait of

Malacca, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

about 5.5 times the size of the US

Coastline:

66,526 km

Climate:

northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest monsoon (June to

October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June and

October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and January/February

in the southern Indian Ocean

Terrain:

surface dominated by counterclockwise gyre (broad, circular system

of currents) in the southern Indian Ocean; unique reversal of

surface currents in the northern Indian Ocean; low atmospheric

pressure over southwest Asia from hot, rising, summer air results in

the southwest monsoon and southwest-to-northeast winds and currents,

while high pressure over northern Asia from cold, falling, winter

air results in the northeast monsoon and northeast-to-southwest

winds and currents; ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Indian Ocean

Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian Ocean Ridge, Southwest

Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninetyeast Ridge

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Java Trench -7,258 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, fish, shrimp, sand and gravel aggregates,

placer deposits, polymetallic nodules

Natural hazards:

occasional icebergs pose navigational hazard in southern reaches

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include the dugong, seals, turtles, and

whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea

Geography - note:

major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Strait

of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and the Lombok Strait

Economy Indian Ocean

Economy - overview:

The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting the Middle

East, Africa, and East Asia with Europe and the Americas. It carries

a particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum products

from the oilfields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. Its fish are

of great and growing importance to the bordering countries for

domestic consumption and export. Fishing fleets from Russia, Japan,

South Korea, and Taiwan also exploit the Indian Ocean, mainly for

shrimp and tuna. Large reserves of hydrocarbons are being tapped in

the offshore areas of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and western

Australia. An estimated 40% of the world's offshore oil production

comes from the Indian Ocean. Beach sands rich in heavy minerals and

offshore placer deposits are actively exploited by bordering

countries, particularly India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka,

and Thailand.

Transportation Indian Ocean

Ports and harbors:

Chennai (Madras; India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Durban (South

Africa), Jakarta (Indonesia), Kolkata (Calcutta; India) Melbourne

(Australia), Mumbai (Bombay; India), Richards Bay (South Africa)

Transnational Issues Indian Ocean

Disputes - international: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Indonesia

Introduction Indonesia

Background:

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago; it achieved

independence from the Netherlands in 1949. Current issues include:

alleviating widespread poverty, implementing IMF-mandated reforms of

the banking sector, effecting a transition to a popularly-elected

government after four decades of authoritarianism, addressing

charges of cronyism and corruption, holding the military and police

accountable for human rights violations, and resolving growing

separatist pressures in Aceh and Papua.

Geography Indonesia

Location:

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the

Pacific Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

5 00 S, 120 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 1,919,440 sq km

water: 93,000 sq km

land: 1,826,440 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,830 km

border countries: East Timor 228 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New

Guinea 820 km

Coastline:

54,716 km

Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Puncak Jaya 5,030 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper,

fertile soils, coal, gold, silver

Land use: arable land: 9.9% permanent crops: 7.2% other: 82.9% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

48,150 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional floods, severe droughts, tsunamis, earthquakes,

volcanoes, forest fires

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage; air

pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest fires

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Marine Life

Conservation

Geography - note:

archipelago of more than 17,000 islands (6,000 inhabited);

straddles Equator; strategic location astride or along major sea

lanes from Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean

People Indonesia

Population:

234,893,453 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.7% (male 35,437,274; female 34,232,824)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 76,743,613; female 76,845,245)

65 years and over: 4.9% (male 5,086,465; female 6,548,032) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 25.8 years male: 25.4 years female: 26.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.52% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

21.49 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.26 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 38.09 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 32.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 43.5 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.94 years

male: 66.54 years

female: 71.47 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.5 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

120,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,600 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Indonesian(s)

adjective: Indonesian

Ethnic groups:

Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%,

other 26%

Religions:

Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist

1%, other 1% (1998)

Languages:

Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English,

Dutch, local dialects, the most widely spoken of which is Javanese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.5%

male: 92.9%

female: 84.1% (2003 est.)

Government Indonesia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Indonesia

conventional short form: Indonesia

local long form: Republik Indonesia

former: Netherlands East Indies; Dutch East Indies

local short form: Indonesia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Jakarta

Administrative divisions:

27 provinces (propinsi-propinsi, singular - propinsi), 2 special

regions* (daerah-daerah istimewa, singular - daerah istimewa), and 1

special capital city district** (daerah khusus ibukota); Aceh*,

Bali, Banten, Bengkulu, Gorontalo, Jakarta Raya**, Jambi, Jawa

Barat, Jawa Tengah, Jawa Timur, Kalimantan Barat, Kalimantan

Selatan, Kalimantan Tengah, Kalimantan Timur, Kepulauan Bangka

Belitung, Lampung, Maluku, Maluku Utara, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Nusa

Tenggara Timur, Papua, Riau, Sulawesi Selatan, Sulawesi Tengah,

Sulawesi Tenggara, Sulawesi Utara, Sumatera Barat, Sumatera Selatan,

Sumatera Utara, Yogyakarta*; note - with the implementation of

decentralization on 1 January 2001, the 357 districts (regencies)

have become the key administrative units responsible for providing

most government services

note: following the 30 August 1999 provincial referendum for

independence that was overwhelmingly approved by the people of Timor

Timur and the October 1999 concurrence of Indonesia's national

legislature, the name East Timor was adopted as the provisional name

for the political entity formerly known as Propinsi Timor Timur;

East Timor gained its formal independence on 20 May 2002

Independence:

17 August 1945 (proclaimed independence; on 27 December 1949,

Indonesia became legally independent from the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 August (1945)

Constitution:

August 1945, abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and

Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law, substantially modified by indigenous

concepts and by new criminal procedures code; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal and married persons regardless of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: President MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri (since 23 July

2001) and Vice President Hamzah HAZ (since 26 July 2001); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri (since 23 July

2001) and Vice President Hamzah HAZ (since 26 July 2001); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected separately by the

People's Consultative Assembly or MPR for five-year terms; selection

of president last held 23 July 2001; selection of vice president

last held 26 July 2001; next election to be held in July 2004; in

accordance with constitutional changes, the election of the

president and vice president will be by direct vote of the citizenry

note: the People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan

Rakyat or MPR) includes the House of Representatives (Dewan

Perwakilan Rakyat or DPR) plus 195 indirectly selected members; it

meets every five years to elect the president and vice president and

to approve broad outlines of national policy and also has yearly

meetings to consider constitutional and legislative changes;

constitutional amendments adopted in 2001 and 2002 provide for the

MPR to be restructured in 2004 and to consist entirely of

popularly-elected members who will be in the DPR and the new House

of Regional Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah or DPD); the

MPR will no longer formulate national policy

election results: MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri elected president, receiving

591 votes in favor (91 abstentions); Hamzah HAZ elected vice

president, receiving 340 votes in favor (237 against)

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat

(DPR) (500 seats; 462 elected by popular vote, 38 are appointed

military representatives until 2004 election when military seats

expire; members serve five-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - PDI-P 37.4%, Golkar

20.9%, PKB 17.4%, PPP 10.7%, PAN 7.3%, PBB 1.8%, other 4.5%; seats

by party - PDI-P 154, Golkar 120, PPP 58, PKB 51, PAN 35, PBB 14,

other 30; note - subsequent to the election, there has been a change

in the distribution of seats; the new distribution is: PDI-P 153,

Golkar 120, PPP 58, PKB 51, PAN 35, PBB 13, other 32

elections: last held 7 June 1999 (next to be held April 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Mahkamah Agung (justices appointed by the

president from a list of candidates approved by the legislature);

note - the Supreme Court is preparing to assume administrative

responsibility for the lower court system, currently run by the

Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; a separate Constitutional

Court was invested by the president on 16 August 2003

Political parties and leaders:

Crescent Moon and Star Party or PBB [Yusril Ihza MAHENDRA,

chairman]; Federation of Functional Groups or Golkar [Akbar

TANDJUNG, general chairman]; Indonesia Democracy Party-Struggle or

PDI-P [MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri, chairperson]; National Awakening Party

or PKB [Alwi SHIHAB, chairman]; National Mandate Party or PAN [Amien

RAIS, chairman]; Prosperous Justice Party or PKS [Hidayat NUR WAHID,

chairman]; United Development Party or PPP (federation of former

Islamic parties) [Hamzah HAZ, chairman]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, OIC,

OPCW, OPEC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH,

UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador SOEMADI Brotodiningrat

chancery: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and

San Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 775-5365

telephone: [1] (202) 775-5200

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ralph L. BOYCE

embassy: Jalan 1 Medan Merdeka Selatan 3-5, Jakarta 10110

mailing address: Unit 8129, Box 1, FPO AP 96520

telephone: [62] (21) 3435-9000

FAX: [62] (21) 385-7189

consulate(s) general: Surabaya

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the

flag of Monaco, which is shorter; also similar to the flag of

Poland, which is white (top) and red

Economy Indonesia

Economy - overview:

Indonesia, a vast polyglot nation, faces severe economic

development problems stemming from secessionist movements and the

low level of security in the regions; the lack of reliable legal

recourse in contract disputes; corruption; weaknesses in the banking

system; and strained relations with the IMF. Investor confidence

will remain low and few new jobs will be created under these

circumstances. In November 2001, Indonesia agreed with the IMF on a

series of economic reforms in 2002, thus enabling further IMF

disbursements. Negotiations with the IMF and bilateral donors

continued in 2002. Keys to future growth remain internal reform, the

build-up of the confidence of international donors and investors,

and a strong comeback in the global economy.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $714.2 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 17% industry: 41% services: 42% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

27% (1999)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4%

highest 10%: 26.7% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31.7 (1999)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

99 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 45%, industry 16%, services 39% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.6% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $26 billion

expenditures: $30 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

petroleum and natural gas; textiles, apparel, and footwear; mining,

cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood; rubber; food; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

4.9% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

95.78 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 86.9% hydro: 10.5% other: 2.5% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

89.08 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

1.451 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1.045 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

7.083 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

69 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

36.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

32.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.549 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra; poultry, beef, pork, eggs

Exports:

$52.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles, rubber

Exports - partners:

Japan 21.1%, US 13.2%, Singapore 9.4%, South Korea 7.2%, China

5.1%, Taiwan 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$32.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment; chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Japan 14.1%, Singapore 13.1%, US 8.5%, China 7.8%, South Korea

5.3%, Taiwan 5.1%, Australia 5.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$131 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$43 billion from IMF program and other official external financing

(1997-2000)

Currency:

Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

Currency code:

IDR

Exchange rates:

Indonesian rupiahs per US dollar - 9,311.19 (2002), 10,260.8

(2001), 8,421.77 (2000), 7,855.15 (1999), 10,013.6 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year; note - previously was 1 April - 31 March, but

starting with 2001, has been changed to calendar year

Communications Indonesia

Telephones - main lines in use:

5,588,310 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.07 million (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic service fair, international service

good

domestic: interisland microwave system and HF radio police net;

domestic satellite communications system

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 678, FM 43, shortwave 82 (1998)

Radios:

31.5 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

41 (1999)

Televisions:

13.75 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.id

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

24 (2000)

Internet users:

4.4 million (2002)

Transportation Indonesia

Railways:

total: 6,458 km

narrow gauge: 5,961 km 1.067-m gauge (125 km electrified); 497 km

0.750-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 342,700 km

paved: 158,670 km

unpaved: 184,030 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

21,579 km total

note: Sumatra 5,471 km, Java and Madura 820 km, Kalimantan 10,460

km, Sulawesi (Celebes) 241 km, Irian Jaya 4,587 km

Pipelines:

condensate 672 km; condensate/gas 125 km; gas 8,183 km; oil 7,429

km; oil/gas/water 66 km; refined products 1,329 km; water 72 km

(2003)

Ports and harbors:

Cilacap, Cirebon, Jakarta, Kupang, Makassar, Palembang, Semarang,

Surabaya

Merchant marine:

total: 710 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,045,673 GRT/4,106,508 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 1, Hong Kong 2, India 1, Japan 2, Malaysia 1,

Monaco 3, Panama 1, Philippines 1, Singapore 11, South Korea 1,

Switzerland 1, UK 2, US 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 42, cargo 400, chemical tanker 15, container 56,

liquefied gas 3, livestock carrier 1, passenger 9, passenger/cargo

13, petroleum tanker 127, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 16,

short-sea passenger 9, specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 6

Airports:

631 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 153 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 48 under 914 m: 43 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 46

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 478 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 25 under 914 m: 450 (2002)

Heliports: 9 (2002)

Military Indonesia

Military branches:

Army, Navy (including marines and naval air arm), Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 65,665,721 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 38,290,550 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 2,213,727 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1 billion (FY98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.3% (FY98)

Transnational Issues Indonesia

Disputes - international:

East Timor-Indonesia Boundary Committee continues to meet regularly

to survey and delimit land boundary; East Timor refugees delay

return from camps in Indonesia; maritime delimitations with

Australia and East Timor await further discussions; ICJ awarded

Sipadan and Ligitan islands to Malaysia in 2002; Indonesian

secessionists, squatters and illegal migrants create repatriation

problems for Papua New Guinea

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis largely for domestic use; possible

growing role as transshipment point for Golden Triangle heroin

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Iran

Introduction Iran

Background:

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979

after the ruling shah was forced into exile. Conservative clerical

forces established a theocratic system of government with ultimate

political authority vested in a learned religious scholar. A group

of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran on 4 November

1979 and held it until 20 January 1981. During 1980-88, Iran fought

a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq over disputed territory. Over the

past decade, popular dissatisfaction with the government, driven by

demographic changes, restrictive social policies, and poor economic

conditions, has created a powerful and enduring pressure for

political reform.

Geography Iran

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the

Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan

Geographic coordinates:

32 00 N, 53 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 1.648 million sq km

land: 1.636 million sq km

water: 12,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 5,440 km

border countries: Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km,

Azerbaijan-proper 432 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 179 km, Iraq

1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km

Coastline:

2,440 km; note - Iran also borders the Caspian Sea (740 km)

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: natural prolongation

exclusive economic zone: bilateral agreements or median lines in the

Persian Gulf

Climate:

mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast

Terrain:

rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts,

mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coasts

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

highest point: Kuh-e Damavand 5,671 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead,

manganese, zinc, sulfur

Land use: arable land: 10.17% permanent crops: 1.16% other: 88.67% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

75,620 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts, floods; dust storms, sandstorms; earthquakes

along western border and in the northeast

Environment - current issues:

air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle emissions,

refinery operations, and industrial effluents; deforestation;

overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the Persian Gulf;

wetland losses from drought; soil degradation (salination);

inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution from raw

sewage and industrial waste; urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the

Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location on the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, which

are vital maritime pathways for crude oil transport

People Iran

Population:

68,278,826 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.3% (male 10,279,588; female 9,727,668)

15-64 years: 65.9% (male 22,916,431; female 22,095,124)

65 years and over: 4.8% (male 1,625,113; female 1,634,902) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 22.9 years male: 22.7 years female: 23.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.08% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.54 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 44.17 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 44.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 44.31 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.35 years

male: 68.04 years

female: 70.73 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.99 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

20,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

290 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Iranian(s)

adjective: Iranian

Ethnic groups:

Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab

3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%

Religions:

Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 10%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian,

and Baha'i 1%

Languages:

Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%,

Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79.4%

male: 85.6%

female: 73% (2003 est.)

Government Iran

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Iran

conventional short form: Iran

local short form: Iran

former: Persia

local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran

Government type:

theocratic republic

Capital:

Tehran

Administrative divisions:

28 provinces (ostanha, singular - ostan); Ardabil, Azarbayjan-e

Gharbi, Azarbayjan-e Sharqi, Bushehr, Chahar Mahall va Bakhtiari,

Esfahan, Fars, Gilan, Golestan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman,

Kermanshah, Khorasan, Khuzestan, Kohkiluyeh va Buyer Ahmad,

Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi, Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan,

Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd, Zanjan

Independence:

1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 1 April (1979)

note: additional holidays celebrated widely in Iran include

Revolution Day, 11 February (1979); Noruz (New Year's Day), 21

March; Constitutional Monarchy Day, 5 August (1925)

Constitution:

2-3 December 1979; revised 1989 to expand powers of the presidency

and eliminate the prime ministership

Legal system:

the Constitution codifies Islamic principles of government

Suffrage:

15 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI

(since 4 June 1989)

elections: leader of the Islamic Revolution appointed for life by

the Assembly of Experts; president elected by popular vote for a

four-year term; election last held 8 June 2001 (next to be held June

2005)

election results: (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani reelected

president; percent of vote - (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani 77%

cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with

legislative approval; the Supreme Leader has some control over

appointments to the more sensitive ministries

head of government: President (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani (since

3 August 1997); First Vice President Dr. Mohammad Reza AREF-YAZDI

(since 26 August 2001)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly or

Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami (290 seats, note - changed from 270 seats

with the 18 February 2000 election; members elected by popular vote

to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 18 February 2000 with a runoff held 5 May 2000

(next to be held February 2004)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats by party - reformers

189, conservatives 54, independents 42, seats reserved for religious

minorities 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

a loose pro-reform coalition called the 2nd Khordad front achieved

considerable success at elections to the sixth Majles in early 2000,

and groups in the coalition include: Islamic Iran Participation

Front (IIPF); Executives of Construction Party (Kargozaran);

Solidarity Party; Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution Organization

(MIRO); and Militant Clerics Society (Ruhaniyun); a new apparently

conservative group, the Builders of Islamic Iran, emerged at the

local level in early 2003

Political pressure groups and leaders: active pro-reform student groups include the "Organization for Strengthening Unity"; groups that generally support the Islamic Republic include Ansar-e Hizballah, Muslim Students Following the Line of the Imam, Tehran Militant Clergy Association (Ruhaniyat), Islamic Coalition Association, and Islamic Engineers Society; opposition groups include Freedom Movement of Iran, the National Front, Marz-e Por Gohar, and various Monarchist organizations; armed political groups that have been almost completely repressed by the government include Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK), People's Fedayeen, Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, and Komala

International organization participation:

CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO

Diplomatic representation in the US: none; note - Iran has an Interests Section in the Pakistani Embassy; address: Iranian Interests Section, Pakistani Embassy, 2209 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone: [1] (202) 965-4990

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none; note - protecting power in Iran is Switzerland

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red; the

national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah in the

shape of a tulip, a symbol of martyrdom) in red is centered in the

white band; ALLAH AKBAR (God is Great) in white Arabic script is

repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11

times along the top edge of the red band

Economy Iran

Economy - overview:

Iran's economy is a mixture of central planning, state ownership of

oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture, and

small-scale private trading and service ventures. President KHATAMI

has continued to follow the market reform plans of former President

RAFSANJANI and has indicated that he will pursue diversification of

Iran's oil-reliant economy although he has made little progress

toward that goal. Relatively high oil prices in recent years have

enabled Iran to amass some $15 billion in foreign exchange reserves,

but have not solved Iran's structural economic problems, including

high unemployment and inflation.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $458.3 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $6,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 19% industry: 26% services: 55% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

40% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force: 21 million note: shortage of skilled labor (1998)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 30%, industry 25%, services 45% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

16.3% (2003 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $29.5 billion

expenditures: $31.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, cement and other construction

materials, food processing (particularly sugar refining and

vegetable oil production), metal fabricating, armaments

Industrial production growth rate:

5.5% excluding oil (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

124.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 97.1% hydro: 2.9% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

115.9 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

3.804 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1.277 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

94.39 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

61.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

65.59 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

110 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

4.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

24.8 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, fruits, nuts, cotton; dairy products, wool; caviar

Exports:

$24.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum 85%, carpets, fruits and nuts, iron and steel, chemicals

Exports - partners:

Japan 17.4%, China 8.6%, UAE 7.6%, Italy 6.6%, South Korea 4.9%,

South Africa 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$21.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods,

foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services, military

supplies

Imports - partners:

Germany 10.9%, Italy 9%, France 7.9%, China 7.4%, South Korea 6.5%,

UAE 4.4%, Japan 4.1%, Russia 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$8.7 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$408 million (2002 est.)

Currency:

Iranian rial (IRR)

Currency code:

IRR

Exchange rates:

rials per US dollar 6,906.96 (2002), 1,753.56 (2001), 1,764.43

(2000), 1,752.93 (1999), 1,751.86 (1998)

note: from 1997 to 2001, Iran had a multi-exchange-rate system; one

of these rates, the official floating exchange rate, by which most

essential goods were imported, averaged 1,750 rials per US dollar;

in March 2002, the multi-exchange-rate system was converged into one

rate at about 7,900 rials per US dollar

Fiscal year:

21 March - 20 March

Communications Iran

Telephones - main lines in use:

6.313 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

265,000 (August 1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate but currently being modernized and

expanded with the goal of not only improving the efficiency and

increasing the volume of the urban service but also bringing

telephone service to several thousand villages, not presently

connected

domestic: as a result of heavy investing in the telephone system

since 1994, the number of long-distance channels in the microwave

radio relay trunk has grown substantially; many villages have been

brought into the net; the number of main lines in the urban systems

has approximately doubled; and thousands of mobile cellular

subscribers are being served; moreover, the technical level of the

system has been raised by the installation of thousands of digital

switches

international: HF radio and microwave radio relay to Turkey,

Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Syria, Kuwait,

Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; submarine fiber-optic cable to UAE with

access to Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG);

Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line runs from Azerbaijan

through the northern portion of Iran to Turkmenistan with expansion

to Georgia and Azerbaijan; satellite earth stations - 9 Intelsat and

4 Inmarsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 72, FM 5, shortwave 5 (1998)

Radios:

17 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

28 (plus 450 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

4.61 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ir

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

100 (2002)

Internet users:

1.326 million (2002 est.)

Transportation Iran

Railways:

total: 7,201 km

broad gauge: 94 km 1.676-m gauge

standard gauge: 7,107 km 1.435-m gauge (146 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 167,157 km

paved: 94,109 km (including 890 km of expressways)

unpaved: 73,048 km (1998)

Waterways:

904 km

note: the Shatt al Arab is usually navigable by maritime traffic for

about 130 km; channel has been dredged to 3 m and is in use

Pipelines:

condensate/gas 212 km; gas 16,998 km; liquid petroleum gas 570 km;

oil 8,256 km; refined products 7,808 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Abadan (largely destroyed in fighting during 1980-88 war), Ahvaz,

Bandar 'Abbas, Bandar-e Anzali, Bushehr, Bandar-e Emam Khomeyni,

Bandar-e Lengeh, Bandar-e Mahshahr, Bandar-e Torkaman, Chabahar

(Bandar Beheshti), Jazireh-ye Khark, Jazireh-ye Lavan, Jazireh-ye

Sirri, Khorramshahr (limited operation since November 1992), Now

Shahr

Merchant marine:

total: 139 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,190,576 GRT/7,276,700 DWT

ships by type: bulk 43, cargo 34, chemical tanker 4, container 10,

liquefied gas 1, multi-functional large-load carrier 6, petroleum

tanker 30, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 9, short-sea

passenger 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

309 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 122 over 3,047 m: 39 2,438 to 3,047 m: 25 914 to 1,523 m: 27 under 914 m: 4 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 27

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 187 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 under 914 m: 39 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 138

Heliports: 13 (2002)

Military Iran

Military branches:

Islamic Republic of Iran regular forces (includes Ground Forces,

Navy, Air Force and Air Defense Command), Iranian Revolutionary

Guards Corps (IRGC) (includes Ground Forces, Air Force, Navy, Qods

[special operations], and Basij [Popular Mobilization Army] forces),

Law Enforcement Forces

Military manpower - military age:

21 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 20,343,063 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 12,094,551 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 870,711 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$9.7 billion (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.1% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Iran

Disputes - international:

Iran protests Afghanistan's limiting flow of dammed waters on

Helmand River tributaries in response to prolonged drought in

region; thousands of Afghan refugees still reside in Iran; despite

restored diplomatic relations in 1990, disputes with Iraq over

maritime and land boundaries, navigation channel, and other issues

from eight-year war persist; UAE engage direct talks and Arab League

support to resolve disputes over Iran's occupation of Tunb Islands

and Abu Musa Island; Iran insists on division of the Caspian Sea

into five equal sectors, while other littoral states have generally

agreed to equidistant seabed boundaries - Iran has threatened

Azerbaijanian hydrocarbon exploration in disputed waters

Illicit drugs:

despite substantial interdiction efforts, Iran remains a key

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin to Europe; domestic

narcotics consumption remains a persistent problem and Iranian press

reports estimate at least 2 million drug users in the country

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Iraq

Introduction Iraq

Background:

Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by Britain

during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a League

of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over the next

dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. A

"republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series of

military strongmen have ruled the country since then, the latest

being SADDAM Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an

inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990,

Iraq seized Kuwait, but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces

during the Gulf War of January-February 1991. Following Kuwait's

liberation, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap

all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow

UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC

resolutions over a period of 12 years resulted in the US-led

invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn

regime. Coalition forces remain in Iraq, helping to restore degraded

infrastructure and facilitating the establishment of a freely

elected government.

Geography Iraq

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait

Geographic coordinates:

33 00 N, 44 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 437,072 sq km

water: 4,910 sq km

land: 432,162 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Idaho

Land boundaries:

total: 3,650 km

border countries: Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi

Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km

Coastline:

58 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: not specified

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless

summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish

borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that

melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in

central and southern Iraq

Terrain:

mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south

with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran and

Turkey

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: unamed peak 3,611 m; note - this peak is not Gundah

Zhur 3,607 m or Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur

Land use: arable land: 11.89% permanent crops: 0.78% other: 87.33% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

35,250 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

dust storms, sandstorms, floods

Environment - current issues:

government water control projects have drained most of the

inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting

the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Marsh

Arabs, who inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been

displaced; furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses

serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate

supplies of potable water; development of the Tigris and Euphrates

rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian

Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation (salination) and

erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of the

Persian Gulf

People Iraq

Population:

24,683,313 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.7% (male 5,103,669; female 4,946,443)

15-64 years: 56.3% (male 7,033,268; female 6,855,644)

65 years and over: 3% (male 348,790; female 395,499) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19 years

male: 18.9 years

female: 19.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.78% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

33.66 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.84 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 55.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 48.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 61.09 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.81 years

male: 66.7 years

female: 68.99 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.52 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 1,000

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Iraqi(s)

adjective: Iraqi

Ethnic groups:

Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or other 5%

Religions:

Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%

Languages:

Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian, Armenian

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 40.4%

male: 55.9%

female: 24.4% (2003 est.)

Government Iraq

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Iraq

conventional short form: Iraq

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Iraqiyah

local short form: Al Iraq

Government type:

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime

by US-led coalition

Capital:

Baghdad

Administrative divisions:

18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Anbar, Al

Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Arbil, As Sulaymaniyah,

At Ta'mim, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Maysan,

Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit

Independence:

3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British

administration)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 17 July (1968)

Constitution:

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime

by US-led coalition

Legal system:

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime

by US-led coalition

Suffrage:

formerly 18 years of age; universal; note - in transition following

April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition

Executive branch:

chief of state: in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM

Husayn regime by US-led coalition

Legislative branch:

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime

by US-led coalition

Judicial branch:

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime

by US-led coalition

Political parties and leaders:

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime

by US-led coalition

Political pressure groups and leaders:

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime

by US-led coalition

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, EAPC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime

by US-led coalition

Diplomatic representation from the US:

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime

by US-led coalition

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with

three green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the

white band; the phrase ALLAHU AKBAR (God is Great) in green Arabic

script - Allahu to the right of the middle star and Akbar to the

left of the middle star - was added in January 1991 during the

Persian Gulf crisis; similar to the flag of Syria which has two

stars but no script and the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white

band; also similar to the flag of Egypt which has a symbolic eagle

centered in the white band

Economy Iraq

Economy - overview:

Iraq's economy is dominated by the oil sector, which has

traditionally provided about 95% of foreign exchange earnings. In

the 1980s financial problems caused by massive expenditures in the

eight-year war with Iran and damage to oil export facilities by Iran

led the government to implement austerity measures, borrow heavily,

and later reschedule foreign debt payments; Iraq suffered economic

losses from the war of at least $100 billion. After hostilities

ended in 1988, oil exports gradually increased with the construction

of new pipelines and restoration of damaged facilities. Iraq's

seizure of Kuwait in August 1990, subsequent international economic

sanctions, and damage from military action by an international

coalition beginning in January 1991 drastically reduced economic

activity. Although government policies supporting large military and

internal security forces and allocating resources to key supporters

of the regime have hurt the economy, implementation of the UN's

oil-for-food program beginning in December 1996 helped improve

conditions for the average Iraqi citizen. Iraq was allowed to export

limited amounts of oil in exchange for food, medicine, and some

infrastructure spare parts. In December 1999 the UN Security Council

authorized Iraq to export under the program as much oil as required

to meet humanitarian needs. Oil exports have recently been more than

three-quarters prewar level. However, 28% of Iraq's export revenues

under the program have been deducted to meet UN Compensation Fund

and UN administrative expenses. The drop in GDP in 2001-02 was

largely the result of the global economic slowdown and lower oil

prices. Per capita food imports increased significantly, while

medical supplies and health care services steadily improved. Per

capita output and living standards were still well below the prewar

level, but any estimates have a wide range of error. The military

victory of the US-led coalition in March-April 2003 resulted in the

shutdown of much of the central economic administrative structure

and the loss of a comparatively small amount of capital plant.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $58 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 13%

services: 81% (1993 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

70% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

6.5 million (2002 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries:

petroleum, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, food

processing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

36.01 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 98.4% hydro: 1.6% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

33.49 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

2.452 million bbl/day (2001 est.); note - production was disrupted

as a result of the March-April 2003 war (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

460,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

113.8 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

2.76 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

2.76 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.149 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep

Exports:

$13 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil

Exports - partners:

US 40.9%, Canada 8.2%, France 8.2%, Jordan 7.5%, Netherlands 6.4%,

Italy 5.4%, Morocco 4.7%, Spain 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$7.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, medicine, manufactures

Imports - partners:

Jordan 11%, France 8.8%, China 8.4%, Germany 7.6%, Russia 7.3%,

Australia 7.2%, Vietnam 6.6%, Italy 6.4%, Japan 5.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$120 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$327.5 million (1995)

Currency:

Iraqi dinar (IQD)

Currency code:

IQD

Exchange rates:

Iraqi dinars per US dollar - 0.31 (2002), 0.31 (2001), 0.31 (2000),

0.31 (1999), 0.31 (1998), note: fixed official rate since 1982;

market rate subject to wide fluctuations

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Iraq

Telephones - main lines in use: 675,000 (1997); note - an unknown number of telephone lines were damaged or destroyed during the March-April war

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA; service available in northern Iraq (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: an unknown number of telecommunication

facilities were damaged during the March-April 2003 war

domestic: the network consists of coaxial cables and microwave radio

relay links

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region),

and 1 Arabsat (inoperative); coaxial cable and microwave radio relay

to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey; Kuwait line is probably

nonoperational

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 19 (5 are inactive), FM 51, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios:

4.85 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

13 (1997); note - unknown number were destroyed during the

March-April 2003 war

Televisions:

1.75 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.iq

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

12,500 (2001)

Transportation Iraq

Railways: total: 1,963 km standard gauge: 1,963 km 1.435-m gauge (2003)

Highways: total: 45,550 km paved: 38,399 km unpaved: 7,151 km (2000 est.)

Waterways:

1,015 km

note: Shatt al Arab is usually navigable by maritime traffic for

about 130 km; channel has been dredged to 3 m and is in use; Tigris

and Euphrates Rivers have navigable sections for shallow-draft

boats; Shatt al Basrah canal was navigable by shallow-draft craft

before closing in 1991 because of the Gulf war

Pipelines:

gas 1,739 km; oil 5,418 km; refined products 1,343 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Umm Qasr, Khawr az Zubayr, and Al Basrah have limited functionality

Merchant marine:

total: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 119,433 GRT/170,221 DWT

ships by type: cargo 9, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum

tanker 6, roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

150 (2002); note - unknown number were damaged during the

March-April 2003 war

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 77

over 3,047 m: 21

2,438 to 3,047 m: 36

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 73

under 914 m: 11 (2002)

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 28

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

Heliports:

5 (2002)

Military Iraq

Military branches:

Army, Republican Guard, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force, Border

Guard Force, Fedayeen Saddam; note - with the defeat of Saddam

Hussein's regime in 2003, the data listed in the following entries

for Iraq is invalid, but is retained here for historical purposes

and until replaced by valid information related to the future Iraqi

Government (April 2003)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 6,339,458 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 3,541,467 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 292,930 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.3 billion (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Iraq

Disputes - international:

despite restored diplomatic relations in 1990, disputes with Iran

over maritime and land boundaries, navigation channel, and other

issues from eight-year war persist; land and Shatt al Arab boundary

demarcation put an end to claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah

islands, but no maritime boundary exists with Kuwait in the Persian

Gulf; Iraq protests Turkey's hydrological projects to regulate the

Tigris and Euphrates rivers upstream

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Ireland

Introduction Ireland

Background:

Celtic tribes settled on the island in the 4th century B.C.

Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were

finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014.

English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than

seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions

and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched

off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in

independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern

(Ulster) counties remained part of the United Kingdom. In 1948

Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the

European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the

peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain

against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland,

known as the Good Friday Agreement and approved in 1998, is

currently being implemented.

Geography Ireland

Location:

Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of Ireland in

the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain

Geographic coordinates:

53 00 N, 8 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 70,280 sq km

water: 1,390 sq km

land: 68,890 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries: total: 360 km border countries: UK 360 km

Coastline: 1,448 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild

winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the

time

Terrain:

mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills

and low mountains; sea cliffs on west coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

Natural resources:

zinc, lead, natural gas, barite, copper, gypsum, limestone,

dolomite, peat, silver

Land use:

arable land: 19.49%

permanent crops: 0.04%

other: 80.47% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

water pollution, especially of lakes, from agricultural runoff

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location on major air and sea routes between North

America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides

within 97 km of Dublin

People Ireland

Population:

3,924,140 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.2% (male 427,017; female 404,191)

15-64 years: 67.4% (male 1,322,982; female 1,322,429)

65 years and over: 11.4% (male 194,724; female 252,797) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.1 years

male: 32.2 years

female: 34 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.03% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

14.63 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.94 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.95 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.35 years

male: 74.58 years

female: 80.31 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.89 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,400 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective plural)

adjective: Irish

Ethnic groups:

Celtic, English

Religions:

Roman Catholic 91.6%, Church of Ireland 2.5%, other 5.9% (1998)

Languages:

English is the language generally used, Irish (Gaelic) spoken

mainly in areas located along the western seaboard

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98% (1981 est.)

male: NA

female: NA

Government Ireland

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Ireland

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Dublin

Administrative divisions:

26 counties; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway,

Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth,

Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary,

Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow

note: Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan are part of Ulster Province

Independence:

6 December 1921 (from UK by treaty)

National holiday:

Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

Constitution:

29 December 1937; adopted 1 July 1937 by plebiscite

Legal system:

based on English common law, substantially modified by indigenous

concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mary MCALEESE (since 11 November 1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Bertie AHERN (since 26 June 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with previous nomination

by the prime minister and approval of the House of Representatives

election results: Mary MCALEESE elected president; percent of vote -

Mary MCALEESE 44.8%, Mary BANOTTI 29.6%

note: government coalition - Fianna Fail and the Progressive

Democrats

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 31 October 1997 (next to be held NA November

2004); prime minister nominated by the House of Representatives and

appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or Seanad

Eireann (60 seats - 49 elected by the universities and from

candidates put forward by five vocational panels, 11 are nominated

by the prime minister; members serve five-year terms) and the House

of Representatives or Dail Eireann (166 seats; members are elected

by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve

five-year terms)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Fianna Fail 30, Fine Gael 15, Labor Party 5, Progressive

Democrats 4, independents and others 6; House of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - Fianna Fail 41.5%, Fine Gael 22.5%, Labor

Party 10.8%, Sinn Fein 6.5%, Progressive Democrats 4.0%, Green Party

3.8%, others 10.9%; seats by party - Fianna Fail 81, Fine Gael 31,

Labor Party 21, Progressive Democrats 8, Green Party 6, Sinn Fein 5,

others 14

elections: Senate - last held 16 and 17 July 2002 (next to be held

by July 2007); House of Representatives - last held 17 May 2002

(next to be held by May 2007)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the advice of

the prime minister and cabinet)

Political parties and leaders:

Fianna Fail [Bertie AHERN]; Fine Gael [Enda KENNY]; Green Party

[Trevor SARGENT]; Labor Party [Pat RABITTE]; Progressive Democrats

[Mary HARNEY]; Sinn Fein [Gerry ADAMS]; Socialist Party [Joe

HIGGINS]; The Workers' Party [Sean GARLAND]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC,

NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMEE,

UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (observer), WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Noel FAHEY; note - FAHEY has announced

that he will leave

chancery: 2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 232-5993

telephone: [1] (202) 462-3939

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard J. EGAN

embassy: 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [353] (1) 668-8777

FAX: [353] (1) 668-9946

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and

orange; similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and

has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green;

also similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors

of green (hoist side), white, and red

Economy Ireland

Economy - overview:

Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy with growth

averaging a robust 8% in 1995-2002. The global slowdown, especially

in the information technology sector, pressed growth down to 2.7% in

2003. Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by

industry and services. Industry accounts for 46% of GDP and about

80% of exports and employs 28% of the labor force. Although exports

remain the primary engine for Ireland's growth, the economy has also

benefited from a rise in consumer spending, construction, and

business investment. Per capita GDP is 10% above that of the four

big European economies. Over the past decade, the Irish Government

has implemented a series of national economic programs designed to

curb inflation, reduce government spending, increase labor force

skills, and promote foreign investment. Ireland joined in launching

the euro currency system in January 1999 along with 10 other EU

nations.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $113.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $29,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 5% industry: 46% services: 49% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

10% (1997 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 27.3% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

35.9 (1987)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.8 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 8%, industry 29%, services 64% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.3% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $30.7 billion

expenditures: $30.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.5

billion (2002)

Industries:

food products, brewing, textiles, clothing; chemicals,

pharmaceuticals, machinery, transportation equipment, glass and

crystal; software

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

23.53 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 95.9% hydro: 2.3% other: 1.7% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

21.63 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

285 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

38 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

174,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

27,450 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

178,600 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

815 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

4.199 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

3.384 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

9.911 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat; beef, dairy products

Exports:

$86.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals;

live animals, animal products (1999)

Exports - partners:

UK 23.3%, US 16.7%, Belgium 14.6%, Germany 7.3%, France 5% (2002)

Imports:

$48.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

data processing equipment, other machinery and equipment,

chemicals; petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, clothing

Imports - partners:

UK 41.1%, US 15.3%, Germany 6.8% (2002)

Debt - external:

$11 billion (1998)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $283 million (2001)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999), 0.7 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Ireland

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.6 million (2002)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3 million (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern digital system using cable and microwave

radio relay

domestic: microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 9, FM 106, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

2.55 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (many low-power repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

1.82 million (2001)

Internet country code:

.ie

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

22 (2000)

Internet users:

1.31 million (2002)

Transportation Ireland

Railways:

total: 3,312 km

broad gauge: 1,947 km 1.600-m gauge (46 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,365 km 0.914-m gauge (operated by the Irish Peat

Board to transport peat to power stations and briquetting plants)

(2002)

Highways:

total: 92,500 km

paved: 87,043 km (including 115 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,457 km (2000 est.)

Waterways:

700 km (limited facilities for commercial traffic) (1998)

Pipelines:

gas 1,795 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Arklow, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Foynes, Galway, Limerick, New Ross,

Waterford

Merchant marine:

total: 26 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 110,913 GRT/128,017 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 2 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 4, cargo 20, container 1, short-sea passenger 1

Airports:

36 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 16 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 20 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 17 (2002)

Military Ireland

Military branches:

Army (including Naval Service and Air Corps), National Police

(Garda Siochana)

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,020,182 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 821,378 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 31,437 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$700 million (FY00/01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.9% (FY00/01)

Transnational Issues Ireland

Disputes - international: disputes with Iceland, Denmark, and the UK over the Faroe Islands continental shelf boundary outside 200 NM

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for and consumer of hashish from North Africa

to the UK and Netherlands and of European-produced synthetic drugs;

minor transshipment point for heroin and cocaine destined for

Western Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Israel

Introduction Israel

Background:

Following World War II, the British withdrew from their mandate of

Palestine, and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and Jewish

states, an arrangement rejected by the Arabs. Subsequently, the

Israelis defeated the Arabs in a series of wars without ending the

deep tensions between the two sides. The territories occupied by

Israel since the 1967 war are not included in the Israel country

profile, unless otherwise noted. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew

from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty.

Outstanding territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved

in the 26 October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. In addition,

on 25 May 2000, Israel withdrew unilaterally from southern Lebanon,

which it had occupied since 1982. In keeping with the framework

established at the Madrid Conference in October 1991, bilateral

negotiations were conducted between Israel and Palestinian

representatives (from the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip)

and Syria to achieve a permanent settlement. But progress toward a

permanent status agreement has been undermined by the outbreak of

Palestinian-Israeli violence since September 2000.

Geography Israel

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and

Lebanon

Geographic coordinates:

31 30 N, 34 45 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 20,770 sq km

water: 440 sq km

land: 20,330 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,017 km

border countries: Egypt 266 km, Gaza Strip 51 km, Jordan 238 km,

Lebanon 79 km, Syria 76 km, West Bank 307 km

Coastline:

273 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: to depth of exploitation territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas

Terrain:

Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains;

Jordan Rift Valley

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point: Har Meron 1,208 m

Natural resources:

timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium

bromide, clays, sand

Land use: arable land: 17.02% permanent crops: 4.17% other: 78.81% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,990 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts; periodic

earthquakes

Environment - current issues: limited arable land and natural fresh water resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,

Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Marine Life

Conservation

Geography - note:

there are 242 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites in

the West Bank, 42 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 25 in the

Gaza Strip, and 29 in East Jerusalem (February 2002 est.); Sea of

Galilee is an important freshwater source

People Israel

Population:

6,116,533 (July 2002 est.)

note: includes about 187,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank,

about 20,000 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, more than 5,000

in the Gaza Strip, and fewer than 177,000 in East Jerusalem

(February 2003 est.) (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.9% (male 842,885; female 803,864)

15-64 years: 63.2% (male 1,941,440; female 1,922,512)

65 years and over: 9.9% (male 260,315; female 345,517) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.9 years

male: 28.1 years

female: 29.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.39% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

18.67 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.2 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.37 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 8.14 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.02 years

male: 76.95 years

female: 81.19 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.5 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,400 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Israeli(s)

adjective: Israeli

Ethnic groups:

Jewish 80.1% (Europe/America-born 32.1%, Israel-born 20.8%,

Africa-born 14.6%, Asia-born 12.6%), non-Jewish 19.9% (mostly Arab)

(1996 est.)

Religions:

Jewish 80.1%, Muslim 14.6% (mostly Sunni Muslim), Christian 2.1%,

other 3.2% (1996 est.)

Languages:

Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority,

English most commonly used foreign language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.4%

male: 97.3%

female: 93.6% (2003 est.)

Government Israel

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Israel

conventional short form: Israel

local short form: Yisra'el

local long form: Medinat Yisra'el

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Jerusalem; note - Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in

1950, but the US, like nearly all other countries, maintains its

Embassy in Tel Aviv

Administrative divisions:

6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa, Jerusalem,

Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv

Independence:

14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British

administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared

independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and

the holiday may occur in April or May

Constitution:

no formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are

filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic Laws of

the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law

Legal system:

mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and, in

personal matters, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal systems; in

December 1985, Israel informed the UN Secretariat that it would no

longer accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Moshe KATSAV (since 31 July 2000)

elections: president elected by the Knesset for a seven-year term;

election last held 31 July 2000 (next to be held NA 2007); following

legislative elections, the president assigns a Knesset member -

traditionally the leader of the largest party - the task of forming

a governing coalition; election last held 28 January 2003 (next to

be held fall of 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Ariel SHARON (since 7 March 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the

Knesset

election results: Moshe KATSAV elected president by the 120-member

Knesset with a total of 60 votes, other candidate, Shimon PERES,

received 57 votes (there were three abstentions); Ariel SHARON

continues as prime minister after Likud Party victory in January

2003 Knesset elections; Likud won 38 seats and then formed coalition

government with Shinui, the National Religious Party, and the

National Union

Legislative branch:

unicameral Knesset or parliament (120 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 28 January 2003 (next to be held fall of 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - Likud Party 29.4%,

Labor 14.5%, Shinui 12.3%, Shas 8.2%, National Union 5.5%, Meretz

5.2%, United Torah Judaism 4.3%, National Religious Party 4.2%,

Democratic Front for Peace and Equality 3.0%, One Nation 2.8%,

National Democratic Alliance 2.3%, YBA 2.2%, United Arab List 2.1%,

Green Leaf Party 1.2%, Herut 1.2%, other 1.6%; seats by party -

Likud 38, Labor 19, Shinui 15, Shas 11, National Union 7, Meretz 6,

National Religious Party 6, United Torah Judaism 5, Democratic Front

for Peace and Equality 3, One Nation 3, National Democratic Alliance

3, YBA 2, United Arab List 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices appointed for life by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party [Dan MERIDOR]; Democratic Front for Peace and Equality

(Hadash) [Muhammad BARAKA]; Democratic Movement [Roman BRONFMAN];

Gesher [David LEVI]; Green Leaf Party [Boaz WACHTEL and Shlomi

SANDAK]; Herut [Michael KLEINER]; Labor Party [Binyamin

BEN-ELIEZER]; Likud Party [Ariel SHARON]; Meimad [Rabbi Michael

MELCHIOR]; Meretz [Yossi SARID]; National Democratic Alliance

(Balad) [Azmi BISHARA]; National Religious Party [Yitzhak LEVY];

National Union [Benyamin ELON] (includes Tekuma and Moledet); One

Israel [Ra'anan COHEN]; One Nation [Amir PERETZ]; Shas [Eliyahu

YISHAI]; Shinui [Tommy LAPID]; United Arab List [Abd al-Malik

DAHAMSHAH]; United Torah Judaism [Meir PORUSH]; Yisra'el Ba'Aliya or

YBA [Natan SHARANSKY]; Yisra'el Beiteinu [Avigdor LIEBERMAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Israeli nationalists advocating Jewish settlement on the West Bank

and Gaza Strip; Peace Now supports territorial concessions in the

West Bank and Gaza Strip; Yesha (settler) Council promotes settler

interests and opposes territorial compromise; B'Tselem monitors

human rights abuses

International organization participation:

BSEC (observer), CE (observer), CERN (observer), EBRD, ECE, FAO,

IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS (associate), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

OAS (observer), OPCW (signatory), OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel AYALON consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco FAX: [1] (202) 364-5607 telephone: [1] (202) 364-5500 chancery: 3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel C. KURTZER embassy: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv mailing address: PSC 98, Box 29, APO AE 09830 telephone: [972] (3) 519-7457/7369/7454/7458/7453 FAX: [972] (3) 517-4390 consulate(s) general: Jerusalem; note - an independent US mission, established in 1928, whose members are not accredited to a foreign government

Flag description:

white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the

Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal

blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag

Economy Israel

Economy - overview:

Israel has a technologically advanced market economy with

substantial government participation. It depends on imports of crude

oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Despite limited

natural resources, Israel has intensively developed its agricultural

and industrial sectors over the past 20 years. Israel imports

significant quantities of grain but is largely self-sufficient in

other agricultural products. Cut diamonds, high-technology

equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) are the

leading exports. Israel usually posts sizable current account

deficits, which are covered by large transfer payments from abroad

and by foreign loans. Roughly half of the government's external debt

is owed to the US, which is its major source of economic and

military aid. The influx of Jewish immigrants from the former USSR

during the period 1989-99, coupled with the opening of new markets

at the end of the Cold War, energized Israel's economy, which grew

rapidly in the early 1990s; growth began moderating in 1996 when the

government imposed tighter fiscal and monetary policies and the

immigration bonus petered out. Growth was a strong 7.2% in 2000, but

the bitter Israeli-Palestinian conflict, difficulties in the

high-technology, construction, and tourist sectors, and fiscal

austerity in the face of growing inflation led to small declines in

GDP in 2001 and 2002.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $117.4 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $19,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3% industry: 30% services: 67% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 18% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.4% highest 10%: 28.3% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

35.5 (2001)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.5 million (2002 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: public services 31.2%, manufacturing 20.2%, finance and business 13.1%, commerce 12.8%, construction 7.5%, personal and other services 6.4%, transport, storage, and communications 6.2%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 2.6% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

10.4% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $38.5 billion

expenditures: $45.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

high-technology projects (including aviation, communications,

computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics), wood

and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, and

tobacco, caustic soda, cement, diamond cutting

Industrial production growth rate:

-1.5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

42.24 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99.9% hydro: 0.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

37.82 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.457 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

80 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

260,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.92 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

10 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

10 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

20.81 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products

Exports:

$28.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural

products, chemicals, textiles and apparel

Exports - partners:

US 39.2%, Belgium 6.5%, Germany 4.4%, UK 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$30.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough

diamonds, fuels, grain, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 21.6%, Belgium 8.9%, Germany 6.7%, UK 6.6%, Switzerland 4.9%,

Italy 4.5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$42.8 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$720 million from US (2001 est.)

Currency:

new Israeli shekel (ILS); note - NIS is the currency abbreviation;

ILS is the International Organization for Standarization (ISO) code

for the NIS

Currency code:

ILS

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.74 (2002), 4.21 (2001), 4.08

(2000), 4.14 (1999), 3.8 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Israel

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.8 million (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.5 million (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: most highly developed system in the Middle East

although not the largest

domestic: good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay;

all systems are digital

international: 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 23, FM 15, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

3.07 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

17 (plus 36 low-power repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

1.69 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.il

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

21 (2000)

Internet users:

1.94 million (2001)

Transportation Israel

Railways: total: 640 km standard gauge: 640 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 16,281 km

paved: 16,281 km (including 56 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 100 km; oil 1,509 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Ashdod, Ashqelon, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa, Tel Aviv-Yafo

Merchant marine:

total: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 705,897 GRT/823,605 DWT

ships by type: container 17, roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

52 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 28 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 4 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 24 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 20 (2002)

Heliports: 3 (2002)

Military Israel

Military branches:

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) (includes ground, naval, and air

components with Air Defense Forces), Pioneer Fighting Youth (Nahal);

note - historically there have been no separate Israeli military

services

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 1,562,716 note: both sexes are liable for military service (2003 est.) females age 15-49: 1,516,505

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,279,277

females age 15-49: 1,237,926 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 51,080

females: 53,496 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$8.97 billion (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

8.75% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Israel

Disputes - international:

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status

subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent

status to be determined through further negotiation; Golan Heights

is Israeli-occupied (Lebanon claims the Shab'a Farms area of Golan

Heights)

Illicit drugs:

increasingly concerned about cocaine and heroin abuse; drugs arrive

in country from Lebanon and, increasingly, from Jordan

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Italy

Introduction Italy

Background:

Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the city-states of the

peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King

Victor EMMANUEL. An era of parliamentary government came to a close

in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist

dictatorship. His disastrous alliance with Nazi Germany led to

Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the

monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter

member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has

been at the forefront of European economic and political

unification, joining the European Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent

problems include illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption,

high unemployment, and the low incomes and technical standards of

southern Italy compared with the prosperous north.

Geography Italy

Location:

Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central

Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia

Geographic coordinates:

42 50 N, 12 50 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 301,230 sq km

note: includes Sardinia and Sicily

water: 7,210 sq km

land: 294,020 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Arizona

Land boundaries:

total: 1,932.2 km

border countries: Austria 430 km, France 488 km, Holy See (Vatican

City) 3.2 km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 232 km, Switzerland 740 km

Coastline:

7,600 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in south

Terrain:

mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur 4,748 m (a

secondary peak of Mont Blanc)

Natural resources:

mercury, potash, marble, sulfur, natural gas and crude oil

reserves, fish, coal, arable land

Land use: arable land: 28.07% permanent crops: 9.25% other: 62.68% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

26,980 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches,

earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venice

Environment - current issues: air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as

southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe

People Italy

Population:

57,998,353 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14% (male 4,193,412; female 3,947,679)

15-64 years: 67.2% (male 19,625,428; female 19,337,861)

65 years and over: 18.8% (male 4,516,995; female 6,376,978) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 41 years male: 39.4 years female: 42.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.11% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.18 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.12 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.19 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 6.82 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.4 years

male: 76.47 years

female: 82.52 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.26 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

100,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Italian(s)

adjective: Italian

Ethnic groups:

Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and

Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and

Greek-Italians in the south)

Religions:

predominately Roman Catholic with mature Protestant and Jewish

communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community

Languages:

Italian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are

predominantly German speaking), French (small French-speaking

minority in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking

minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99%

female: 98.3% (2003 est.)

Government Italy

Country name:

conventional long form: Italian Republic

conventional short form: Italy

local long form: Repubblica Italiana

former: Kingdom of Italy

local short form: Italia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Rome

Administrative divisions:

20 regions (regioni, singular - regione); Abruzzi, Basilicata,

Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio,

Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte, Puglia, Sardegna,

Sicilia, Toscana, Trentino-Alto Adige, Umbria, Valle d'Aosta, Veneto

Independence:

17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed; Italy was not finally

unified until 1870)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 2 June (1946)

Constitution:

1 January 1948

Legal system:

based on civil law system; appeals treated as new trials; judicial

review under certain conditions in Constitutional Court; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (except in senatorial elections, where

minimum age is 25)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Carlo Azeglio CIAMPI (since 13 May 1999)

elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of

both houses of Parliament and 58 regional representatives for a

seven-year term; election last held 13 May 1999 (next to be held NA

May 2006); prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed

by Parliament

head of government: Prime Minister (referred to in Italy as the

president of the Council of Ministers) Silvio BERLUSCONI (since 10

June 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and

approved by the president

election results: Carlo Azeglio CIAMPI elected president; percent of

electoral college vote - 70%

note: a five-party government coalition includes Forza Italia,

National Alliance, Northern League, Democratic Christian Center,

United Christian Democrats

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlamento consists of the Senate or Senato

della Repubblica (315 seats elected by popular vote of which 232 are

directly elected and 83 are elected by regional proportional

representation; in addition, there are a small number of

senators-for-life including former presidents of the republic;

members serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camera

dei Deputati (630 seats; 475 are directly elected, 155 by regional

proportional representation; members serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 13 May 2001 (next to be held NA 2006);

Chamber of Deputies - last held 13 May 2001 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - House of Liberties 177 (Forza Italia 82, National Alliance

46, CCD-CDU 29, Northern League 17, others 3), Olive Tree 128

(Democrats of the Left 62, Daisy Alliance 42, Sunflower Alliance 16,

Italian Communist Party 3, independents 5), non-affiliated with

either coalition 10, senators for life 9; Chamber of Deputies -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - House of Liberties

367 (Forza Italia 189, National Alliance 96, CCD-CDU 40, Northern

League 30, others 12), Olive Tree 248 (Democrats of the Left 138,

Daisy Alliance 76, Sunflower Alliance 18, Italian Communist Party 9,

independents 7), non-affiliated with either coalition 15

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court or Corte Costituzionale (composed of 15

judges: one-third appointed by the president, one-third elected by

Parliament, one-third elected by the ordinary and administrative

Supreme Courts)

Political parties and leaders:

Center-Left Olive Tree Coalition [Francesco RUTELLI] - Democrats of

the Left, Daisy Alliance (including Italian Popular Party, Italian

Renewal, Union of Democrats for Europe, The Democrats), Sunflower

Alliance (including Green Federation, Italian Democratic

Socialists), Italian Communist Party; Center-Right Freedom House

Coalition [Silvio BERLUSCONI] (formerly House of Liberties and

Freedom Alliance) - Forza Italia, National Alliance, The Whiteflower

Alliance (includes Christian Democratic Center, United Christian

Democrats), Northern League; Christian Democratic Center or CCD

[Marco FOLLINI]; Democrats of the Left or DS [Piero FASSINO]; Forza

Italia or FI [Silvio BERLUSCONI]; Green Federation [Alfonso Pecoraro

SCANIO]; Italian Communist Party or PdCI [Armando COSSUTTA]; Italian

Popular Party or PPI [Pierluigi CASTAGNETTI]; Italian Renewal or RI

[Lamberto DINI]; Italian Social Democrats or SDI [Enrico BOSELLI];

Socialist Movement-Tricolor Flame or MS-Fiamma [Pino RAUTI];

National Alliance or AN [Gianfranco FINI]; Northern League or NL

[Umberto BOSSI]; Southern Tyrols People's Party or SVP (German

speakers) [Siegfried BRUGGER]; Sunflower Alliance (includes Green

Federation, Italian Social Democrats); The Daisy Alliance (includes

Italian Popular Party, Italian Renewal, Union of Democrats for

Europe, The Democrats); The Democrats [Arturo PARISI]; The Radicals

(formerly Pannella Reformers and Autonomous List) [Marco PANNELLA];

The Whiteflower Alliance (includes Christian Democratic Center,

United Christian Democrats); Union of Democrats for Europe or UDEUR

[Clemente MASTELLA]; United Christian Democrats or CDU [Rocco

BUTTIGLIONE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Italian manufacturers and merchants associations (Confindustria,

Confcommercio); organized farm groups (Confcoltivatori,

Confagricoltura); Roman Catholic Church; three major trade union

confederations (Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro or CGIL

[Sergio COFFERATI] which is left wing, Confederazione Italiana dei

Sindacati Lavoratori or CISL [Savino PEZZOTTA], which is Roman

Catholic centrist, and Unione Italiana del Lavoro or UIL [Pietro

LARIZZA] which is lay centrist)

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CDB, CE, CEI,

CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 7, G- 8,

G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS

(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO,

WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sergio VENTO consulate(s): Detroit consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and San Francisco FAX: [1] (202) 518-2151 telephone: [1] (202) 612-4400 chancery: 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Melvin F. SEMBLER embassy: Via Vittorio Veneto 119/A, 00187-Rome mailing address: PSC 59, Box 100, APO AE 09624 telephone: [39] (06) 46741 FAX: [39] (06) 488-2672, 4674-2356 consulate(s) general: Florence, Milan, Naples

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red;

similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist

side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of the Cote

d'Ivoire, which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side),

white, and green

note: inspired by the French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon in

1797

Economy Italy

Economy - overview:

Italy has a diversified industrial economy with roughly the same

total and per capita output as France and the UK. This capitalistic

economy remains divided into a developed industrial north, dominated

by private companies, and a less developed, welfare-dependent

agricultural south, with 20% unemployment. Most raw materials needed

by industry and more than 75% of energy requirements are imported.

Over the past decade, Italy has pursued a tight fiscal policy in

order to meet the requirements of the Economic and Monetary Unions

and has benefited from lower interest and inflation rates. The

current government has enacted numerous short-term reforms aimed at

improving competitiveness and long-term growth. Italy has moved

slowly, however, on implementing needed structural reforms, such as

lightening the high tax burden and overhauling Italy's rigid labor

market and over-generous pension system, because of the current

economic slowdown and opposition from labor unions.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.455 trillion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $25,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.4%

industry: 30%

services: 67.6% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.1% highest 10%: 26.6% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

27.3 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

23.6 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 63%, industry 32%, agriculture 5% (2001)

Unemployment rate:

9.1% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $504 billion

expenditures: $517 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing,

textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics

Industrial production growth rate:

-2.8% (2002)

Electricity - production:

258.8 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 78.6% hydro: 18.4% other: 3% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

289.1 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

556 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

48.93 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

79,460 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1.866 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

456,600 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

2.158 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

586.6 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

15.49 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

71.18 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

61 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

54.78 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

209.7 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, grain, olives; beef, dairy products; fish

Exports:

$259.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

engineering products, textiles and clothing, production machinery,

motor vehicles, transport equipment, chemicals; food, beverages and

tobacco; minerals and nonferrous metals

Exports - partners:

Germany 13.7%, France 12.2%, US 9.8%, UK 6.9%, Spain 6.4% (2002)

Imports:

$238.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

engineering products, chemicals, transport equipment, energy

products, minerals and nonferrous metals, textiles and clothing;

food, beverages and tobacco

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.8%, France 11.3%, Netherlands 5.9%, UK 5%, US 4.9%,

Spain 4.6%, Belgium 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

NA

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $1 billion (2002 est.)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Italy

Telephones - main lines in use:

25 million (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

20.5 million (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern, well developed, fast; fully automated

telephone, telex, and data services

domestic: high-capacity cable and microwave radio relay trunks

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (with a total

of 5 antennas - 3 for Atlantic Ocean and 2 for Indian Ocean), 1

Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), and NA Eutelsat; 21 submarine

cables

Radio broadcast stations:

AM about 100, FM about 4,600, shortwave 9 (1998)

Radios:

50.5 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

358 (plus 4,728 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

30.3 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.it

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

93 (Italy and Holy See) (2000)

Internet users:

19.25 million (2001)

Transportation Italy

Railways:

total: 19,493 km

standard gauge: 18,090 km 1.435-m gauge (11,375 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 88 km 1.000-m gauge (88 km electrified); 1,315 km

0.950-m gauge (189 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 479,688 km

paved: 479,688 km (including 6,621 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (1999)

Waterways:

2,400 km

note: serves various types of commercial traffic, although of

limited overall value (2002)

Pipelines:

gas 17,448 km; oil 1,245 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Augusta (Sicily), Bagnoli, Bari, Brindisi, Gela, Genoa, La Spezia,

Livorno, Milazzo, Naples, Porto Foxi, Porto Torres (Sardinia),

Salerno, Savona, Taranto, Trieste, Venice (2001)

Merchant marine:

total: 462 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 8,518,900 GRT/9,963,040 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Croatia 1, Denmark 4, France 1, Greece 3, Man, Isle of

1, Monaco 7, Netherlands 6, Norway 1, Panama 2, Spain 1, Switzerland

1, Taiwan 15, Turkey 1, UK 6, US 12 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 43, cargo 39, chemical tanker 98, combination

ore/oil 5, container 28, liquefied gas 39, multi-functional

large-load carrier 1, passenger 14, petroleum tanker 67,

refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 60, short-sea passenger 32,

specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 22

Airports:

134 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 96 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 34 914 to 1,523 m: 30 under 914 m: 12 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 38 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 18 under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Heliports: 4 (2002)

Military Italy

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 14,450,147 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 12,349,356 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 291,529 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$20.2 billion (2002)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.64% (2002)

Transnational Issues Italy

Disputes - international:

Croatia and Italy continue to debate bilateral property and ethnic

minority rights issues stemming from border changes after the Second

World War

Illicit drugs:

important gateway for and consumer of Latin American cocaine and

Southwest Asian heroin entering the European market; money

laundering by organized crime and from smuggling

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Jamaica

Introduction Jamaica

Background:

Jamaica gained full independence within the British Commonwealth in

1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to

recurrent violence and a dropoff in tourism. Elections in 1980 saw

the democratic socialists voted out of office. Subsequent

governments have been open market oriented. Political violence

marred elections during the 1990s.

Geography Jamaica

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 N, 77 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 10,991 sq km

land: 10,831 sq km

water: 160 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,022 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to edge of the continental margin

contiguous zone: 24 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior

Terrain:

mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m

Natural resources: bauxite, gypsum, limestone

Land use: arable land: 16.07% permanent crops: 9.23% other: 74.7% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (especially July to November)

Environment - current issues: heavy rates of deforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the

main sea lanes for the Panama Canal

People Jamaica

Population:

2,695,867 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.6% (male 395,074; female 376,870)

15-64 years: 64.5% (male 870,486; female 869,431)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 82,022; female 101,984) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.5 years

male: 25.8 years

female: 27.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.61% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.35 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.42 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-5.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 14.3 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.85 years

male: 73.84 years

female: 77.97 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.01 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

20,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

980 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Jamaican(s)

adjective: Jamaican

Ethnic groups:

black 90.9%, East Indian 1.3%, white 0.2%, Chinese 0.2%, mixed

7.3%, other 0.1%

Religions:

Protestant 61.3% (Church of God 21.2%, Baptist 8.8%, Anglican 5.5%,

Seventh-Day Adventist 9%, Pentecostal 7.6%, Methodist 2.7%, United

Church 2.7%, Brethren 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.6%, Moravian 1.1%),

Roman Catholic 4%, other, including some spiritual cults 34.7%

Languages:

English, patois English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 87.9%

male: 84.1%

female: 91.6% (2003 est.)

Government Jamaica

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Jamaica

Government type:

constitutional parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Kingston

Administrative divisions:

14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland,

Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint

James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland

Independence:

6 August 1962 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, first Monday in August (1962)

Constitution:

6 August 1962

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Sir Howard Felix COOKE (since 1

August 1991)

head of government: Prime Minister Percival James PATTERSON (since

30 March 1992)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime

minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House

of Representatives is appointed prime minister by the governor

general; the deputy prime minister is recommended by the prime

minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 21-member body

appointed by the governor general on the recommendations of the

prime minister and the leader of the opposition; ruling party is

allocated 13 seats, and the opposition is allocated eight seats) and

the House of Representatives (60 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 16 October 2002 (next to be held NA October

2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - PNP 52%, JLP 47.3%;

seats by party - PNP 34, JLP 26

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the governor general on the

advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Jamaica Labor Party or JLP [Edward SEAGA]; National Democratic

Movement or NDM [Bruce GOLDING]; People's National Party or PNP

[Percival James PATTERSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

New Beginnings Movement or NBM; Rastafarians (black

religious/racial cultists, pan-Africanists)

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-77, IADB, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, NAM,

OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Seymour MULLINGS

consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 452-0081

telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660

chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sue McCourt COBB

embassy: Jamaica Mutual Life Center, 2 Oxford Road, 3rd floor,

Kingston 5

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [1] (876) 929-4850 through 4859

FAX: [1] (876) 935-6001

Flag description:

diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles - green

(top and bottom) and black (hoist side and outer side)

Economy Jamaica

Economy - overview:

The economy, which depends heavily on tourism and bauxite, has been

stagnant since 1995. After five years of recession, the economy

inched ahead, by 0.8% in 2000, 1.7% in 2001, and 0.8% in 2002; the

global economic slowdown, particularly in the United States after

the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, has stunted the economic

recovery. Serious problems include: high interest rates; increased

foreign competition; a pressured, sometimes sliding, exchange rate;

a widening merchandise trade deficit; and a growing internal debt,

the result of government bailouts to various ailing sectors of the

economy, particularly the financial sector. Depressed economic

conditions have led to increased civil unrest, including serious

violent crime. Jamaica's medium-term prospects will depend upon

encouraging investment and tourism, maintaining a competitive

exchange rate, selling off reacquired firms, and implementing proper

fiscal and monetary policies.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $10.08 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 31% services: 63% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 34.2% (1992 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.7% highest 10%: 30.3% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37.9 (2000)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.13 million (1998)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 60%, agriculture 21%, industry 19% (1998)

Unemployment rate:

15.4% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.23 billion

expenditures: $2.56 billion, including capital expenditures of

$232.5 million (FY 99/00 est.)

Industries:

tourism, bauxite, textiles, food processing, light manufactures,

rum, cement, metal, paper, chemical products

Industrial production growth rate:

-2% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

6.272 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 96.8% hydro: 1.8% other: 1.5% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

5.833 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

66,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, potatoes, vegetables; poultry, goats, milk

Exports:

$1.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

alumina, bauxite; sugar, bananas, rum

Exports - partners:

US 28.1%, Canada 12.2%, Norway 10.7%, UK 10.5%, Germany 7%,

Netherlands 5.6% (2002)

Imports:

$3.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, fuel,

food, chemicals, fertilizers

Imports - partners:

US 45%, Trinidad and Tobago 11%, Japan 4.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$5.3 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

NA

Currency:

Jamaican dollar (JMD)

Currency code:

JMD

Exchange rates:

Jamaican dollars per US dollar - 48.42 (2002), 46 (2001), 42.7

(2000), 39.04 (1999), 36.55 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Jamaica

Telephones - main lines in use:

353,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

54,640 (1996)

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully automatic domestic telephone network

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); 3 coaxial submarine cables

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 10, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

1.215 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

7 (1997)

Televisions:

460,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.jm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

21 (2000)

Internet users:

100,000 (2002)

Transportation Jamaica

Railways:

total: 272 km

standard gauge: 272 km 1.435-m gauge; note - 207 km, belonging to

the Jamaica Railway Corporation, were in common carrier service but

are no longer operational; the remaining track is privately owned

and used to transport bauxite (2002)

Highways: total: 18,700 km paved: 13,109 km unpaved: 5,591 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

petroleum products 10 km

Ports and harbors:

Alligator Pond, Discovery Bay, Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios,

Port Antonio, Rocky Point, Port Esquivel (Longswharf)

Merchant marine:

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 50,536 GRT/62,868 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 2,

short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Latvia 2, US 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

35 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 24 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 22 (2002)

Military Jamaica

Military branches:

Jamaica Defense Force (including Ground Forces, Coast Guard, and

Air Wing), Jamaica Constabulary Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 755,698 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 528,689 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 27,398 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$30 million (FY95/96 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Jamaica

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for cocaine from South America to North

America and Europe; illicit cultivation of cannabis; government has

an active manual cannabis eradication program; corruption is a major

concern; substantial money-laundering activity; Colombian narcotics

traffickers favor Jamaica for illicit financial transactions

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Jan Mayen

Introduction Jan Mayen

Background:

This desolate, mountainous island was named after a Dutch whaling

captain who indisputably discovered it in 1614 (earlier claims are

inconclusive). Visited only occasionally by seal hunters and

trappers over the following centuries, the island came under

Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Haakon VII

Toppen/Beerenberg volcano resumed activity in 1970; it is the

northernmost active volcano on earth.

Geography Jan Mayen

Location:

Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian

Sea, northeast of Iceland

Geographic coordinates:

71 00 N, 8 00 W

Map references:

Arctic Region

Area:

total: 373 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 373 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

124.1 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 10 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation territorial sea: 4 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog

Terrain:

volcanic island, partly covered by glaciers

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m highest point: Haakon VII Toppen/Beerenberg 2,277 m

Natural resources: none

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

dominated by the volcano Haakon VII Toppen/Beerenberg; volcanic

activity resumed in 1970

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

barren volcanic island with some moss and grass

People Jan Mayen

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: personnel operate the Long Range Navigation (Loran-C) base and

the weather and coastal services radio station (July 2003 est.)

Government Jan Mayen

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Jan Mayen

Dependency status:

territory of Norway; since August 1994, administered from Oslo

through the county governor (fylkesmann) of Nordland; however,

authority has been delegated to a station commander of the Norwegian

Defense Communication Service

Legal system:

the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of Norway is used

Economy Jan Mayen

Economy - overview:

Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural

resources. Economic activity is limited to providing services for

employees of Norway's radio and meteorological stations located on

the island.

Communications Jan Mayen

Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA note: there is one radio and meteorological station (1998)

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 13 (Jan Mayen and Svalbard) (2000)

Transportation Jan Mayen

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Jan Mayen

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Norway

Transnational Issues Jan Mayen

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Japan

Introduction Japan

Background:

While retaining its time-honored culture, Japan rapidly absorbed

Western technology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an

economic power and a staunch ally of the US. While the emperor

retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, actual power rests

in networks of powerful politicians, bureaucrats, and business

executives. The economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the

1990s following three decades of unprecedented growth.

Geography Japan

Location:

Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the

Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula

Geographic coordinates:

36 00 N, 138 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 377,835 sq km

note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto,

Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and

Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto)

water: 3,091 sq km

land: 374,744 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than California

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

29,751 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM; between 3 NM and 12 NM in the international

straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and Eastern and

Western Channels of the Korea or Tsushima Strait

Climate:

varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north

Terrain:

mostly rugged and mountainous

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m highest point: Mount Fuji 3,776 m

Natural resources: negligible mineral resources, fish

Land use: arable land: 12.13% permanent crops: 1.01% other: 86.86% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

26,790 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic

occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis; typhoons

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain;

acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and

threatening aquatic life; Japan is one of the largest consumers of

fish and tropical timber, contributing to the depletion of these

resources in Asia and elsewhere

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

Geography - note:

strategic location in northeast Asia

People Japan

Population:

127,214,499 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.4% (male 9,368,132; female 8,906,024)

15-64 years: 67% (male 42,852,204; female 42,368,109)

65 years and over: 18.6% (male 9,945,638; female 13,774,392) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 42 years male: 40.3 years female: 43.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.11% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.61 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.55 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 3.56 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.93 years

male: 77.63 years

female: 84.41 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.38 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

12,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

430 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Japanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Japanese

Ethnic groups:

Japanese 99%, others 1% (Korean 511,262, Chinese 244,241, Brazilian

182,232, Filipino 89,851, other 237,914) (2000)

Religions:

observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including

Christian 0.7%)

Languages:

Japanese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (1995 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Japan

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Japan

Government type:

constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government

Capital:

Tokyo

Administrative divisions:

47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka,

Fukushima, Gifu, Gumma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki,

Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto,

Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita,

Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka,

Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata,

Yamaguchi, Yamanashi

Independence:

660 BC (traditional founding by Emperor Jimmu)

National holiday:

Birthday of Emperor AKIHITO, 23 December (1933)

Constitution:

3 May 1947

Legal system:

modeled after European civil law system with English-American

influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court;

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)

note: following the resignation of Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI,

Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected as the new president of the majority

Liberal Democratic Party and soon thereafter designated by the Diet

to become the next prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the Diet designates the

prime minister; the constitution requires that the prime minister

must command a parliamentary majority; therefore, following

legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of

a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes

prime minister

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 26 April

2001)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Diet or Kokkai consists of the House of Councillors or

Sangi-in (247 seats - members elected for six-year terms; half

reelected every three years; 149 members in multi-seat

constituencies and 98 by proportional representation); House of

Representatives or Shugi-in (480 seats - members elected for

four-year terms; 300 in single-seat constituencies; 180 members by

proportional representation in 11 regional blocs)

election results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - LDP 110, DPJ 59, Komeito 23, JCP 20, SDP 8,

Liberal Party 8, Conservative Party 5, independents 14; distribution

of seats as of July 2001 was: LDP 115, DPJ 60, Komeito 24, JCP 20,

SDP 8, Liberal Party 8 (merged with DPJ in 2003), independents 6,

others 6; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - LDP

49.38%, DPJ 36.88%, Komeito 7.09%, JCP 1.88%, SDP 1.25%, NCP .84%;

seats by party - LDP 237, DPJ 177, Komeito 34, JCP 9, SDP 6, NCP 4,

others 13; distribution of seats as of 13 November 2003 was: LDP

244, DPJ 177, Komeito 34, JCP 9, SDP 6, others 10

elections: House of Councillors - last held 29 July 2001 (next to be

held in July 2004); House of Representatives - last held 9 November

2003 (next election has not been scheduled)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the monarch after

designation by the cabinet; all other justices are appointed by the

cabinet)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Japan or DPJ [Naoto KAN, leader; Katsuya OKADA,

secretary general]; Japan Communist Party or JCP [Kazuo SHII,

chairman; Tadayoshi ICHIDA, secretary general]; Komeito [Takenori

KANZAKI, president; Tetsuzo FUYUSHIBA, secretary general]; Liberal

Democratic Party or LDP [Junichiro KOIZUMI, president; Shinzo ABE,

secretary general]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Mizuho

FUKUSHIMA, chairperson; Seiji MATAICHI, secretary general]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue

partner), Australia Group, BIS, CE (observer), CERN (observer), CP,

EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),

OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMISET, UNMOVIC, UNRWA, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ryozo KATO

FAX: [1] (202) 328-2187

consulate(s): Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands)

consulate(s) general: Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver,

Detroit, Hagatna (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City (Missouri),

Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Portland (Oregon), San

Francisco, and Seattle

chancery: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 238-6700

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Howard H. BAKER, Jr. embassy: 10-5 Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 mailing address: Unit 45004, Box 258, APO AP 96337-5004 telephone: [81] (03) 3224-5000 FAX: [81] (03) 3505-1862 consulate(s) general: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo consulate(s): Fukuoka, Nagoya

Flag description:

white with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in

the center

Economy Japan

Economy - overview:

Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of

high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (1% of

GDP) helped Japan advance with extraordinary rapidity to the rank of

second-most-technologically-powerful economy in the world after the

US and third-largest economy after the US and China. One notable

characteristic of the economy is the working together of

manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors in closely-knit groups

called keiretsu. A second basic feature has been the guarantee of

lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor

force. Both features are now eroding. Industry, the most important

sector of the economy, is heavily dependent on imported raw

materials and fuels. The much smaller agricultural sector is highly

subsidized and protected, with crop yields among the highest in the

world. Usually self-sufficient in rice, Japan must import about 50%

of its requirements of other grain and fodder crops. Japan maintains

one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly

15% of the global catch. For three decades overall real economic

growth had been spectacular: a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5%

average in the 1970s, and a 4% average in the 1980s. Growth slowed

markedly in the 1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the

aftereffects of overinvestment during the late 1980s and

contractionary domestic policies intended to wring speculative

excesses from the stock and real estate markets. Government efforts

to revive economic growth have met with little success and were

further hampered in 2000-2003 by the slowing of the US, European,

and Asian economies. Japan's huge government debt, which is

approaching 150% of GDP, and the ageing of the population are two

major long-run problems. Robotics constitutes a key long-term

economic strength with Japan possessing 410,000 of the world's

720,000 "working robots." Internal conflict over the proper way to

reform the ailing banking system continues.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $3.651 trillion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $28,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 30.9%

services: 67.7% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.8% highest 10%: 21.7% (1993)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

24.9 (1993)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

67.7 million (December 2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 70%, industry 25%, agriculture 5% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.4% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $441 billion

expenditures: $718 billion, including capital expenditures (public

works only) of about $0 NA (FY 01/02 est.)

Industries:

among world's largest and technologically advanced producers of

motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and

nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals; textiles, processed foods

Industrial production growth rate:

-1.4% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

1.037 trillion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 60% hydro: 8.4% other: 1.8% (2001) nuclear: 29.8%

Electricity - consumption:

964.2 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

17,330 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

5.29 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

93,360 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

5.449 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

29.29 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

2.519 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

80.42 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

77.73 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

20.02 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs; fish

Exports:

$383.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

motor vehicles, semiconductors, office machinery, chemicals

Exports - partners:

US 28.8%, China 9.6%, South Korea 6.9%, Taiwan 6.2%, Hong Kong 6.1%

(2002)

Imports:

$292.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles,

raw materials (2001)

Imports - partners:

China 18.3%, US 17.4%, South Korea 4.6%, Indonesia 4.2%, Australia

4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $9.1 billion (1999)

Currency:

yen (JPY)

Currency code:

JPY

Exchange rates:

yen per US dollar - 125.39 (2002), 121.53 (2001), 107.77 (2000),

113.91 (1999), 130.91 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Japan

Telephones - main lines in use:

60.381 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

63.88 million (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international service

domestic: high level of modern technology and excellent service of

every kind

international: satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (4 Pacific

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region), and

1 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions); submarine cables to

China, Philippines, Russia, and US (via Guam) (1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 215 plus 370 repeaters, FM 89 plus 485 repeaters, shortwave 21

(2001)

Radios:

120.5 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 211 plus 7,341 repeaters note: in addition, US Forces are served by 3 TV stations and 2 TV cable services (1999)

Televisions:

86.5 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.jp

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

73 (2000)

Internet users:

56 million (2002)

Transportation Japan

Railways:

total: 23,168 km (15,995 km electrified)

standard gauge: 3,204 km 1.435-m gauge (3,204 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 77 km 1.372-m gauge (77 km electrified); 19,855 km

1.067-m gauge (12,683 km electrified); 31 km 0.762-m gauge (31 km

electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 1,161,894 km

paved: 534,471 km (including 6,455 km of expressways)

unpaved: 627,423 km (1999)

Waterways: 1,770 km approximately note: seagoing craft ply all coastal inland seas

Pipelines:

gas 2,719 km; oil 170 km; oil/gas/water 60 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Akita, Amagasaki, Chiba, Hachinohe, Hakodate, Higashi-Harima,

Himeji, Hiroshima, Kawasaki, Kinuura, Kobe, Kushiro, Mizushima,

Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Sakai, Sakaide, Shimizu, Tokyo, Tomakomai

Merchant marine:

total: 594 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 10,467,142 GRT/13,335,833 DWT

ships by type: bulk 120, cargo 45, chemical tanker 18, combination

bulk 28, combination ore/oil 1, container 18, liquefied gas 52,

passenger 8, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 179, refrigerated

cargo 9, roll on/roll off 59, short-sea passenger 6, vehicle carrier

49

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: China 1, Panama 1, Singapore 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

172 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 141 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 37 914 to 1,523 m: 27 under 914 m: 32 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 38

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 31 over 3047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 26 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 3

Heliports: 15 (2002)

Military Japan

Military branches:

Ground Self-Defense Force (Army), Maritime Self-Defense Force

(Navy), Air Self-Defense Force (Air Force), Coast Guard

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 29,392,559 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 25,405,779 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 725,281 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$39.52 billion (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Japan

Disputes - international:

islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group

occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia,

claimed by Japan; Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do) disputed with

South Korea; Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Tai) claimed by China and Taiwan

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Jarvis Island

Introduction Jarvis Island

Background:

First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was

annexed by the US in 1858, but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano

had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889, but never

carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and

reclaimed the island in 1935. Abandoned after World War II, the

island is currently a National Wildlife Refuge administered by the

US Department of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the

middle of the west coast.

Geography Jarvis Island

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between

Hawaii and the Cook Islands

Geographic coordinates:

0 22 S, 160 03 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 4.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 4.5 sq km

Area - comparative:

about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

8 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Terrain:

sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 7 m

Natural resources:

guano (deposits worked until late 1800s), terrestrial and aquatic

wildlife

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island poses a maritime

hazard

Environment - current issues:

no natural fresh water resources

Geography - note:

sparse bunch grass, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs;

primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds,

shorebirds, and marine wildlife

People Jarvis Island

Population:

uninhabited

note: Millersville settlement on western side of island occasionally

used as a weather station from 1935 until World War II, when it was

abandoned; reoccupied in 1957 during the International Geophysical

Year by scientists who left in 1958; public entry is by special-use

permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally

restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually by US Fish

and Wildlife Service (July 2003 est.)

Government Jarvis Island

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Jarvis Island

Dependency status:

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington,

DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the

Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system

Legal system:

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy Jarvis Island

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Transportation Jarvis Island

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one small boat

landing area in the middle of the west coast and another near the

southwest corner of the island

Transportation - note:

there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast

Military Jarvis Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US

Coast Guard

Transnational Issues Jarvis Island

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Jersey

Introduction Jersey

Background:

The island of Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the

last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway in

both France and England. These islands were the only British soil

occupied by German troops in World War II.

Geography Jersey

Location:

Western Europe, island in the English Channel, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

49 15 N, 2 10 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 116 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 116 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

70 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

temperate; mild winters and cool summers

Terrain:

gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coast

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 143 m

Natural resources: arable land

Land use: arable land: NEGL% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of

population concentrated in Saint Helier

People Jersey

Population:

90,156 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.8% (male 8,292; female 7,744)

15-64 years: 67.2% (male 30,178; female 30,410)

65 years and over: 15% (male 5,858; female 7,674) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.8 years

male: 39.1 years

female: 40.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.4% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.44 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.17 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.77 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.43 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.8 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.93 years

male: 76.48 years

female: 81.57 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.57 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Ethnic groups:

UK and Norman-French descent

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Congregational New Church,

Methodist, Presbyterian

Languages:

English (official), French (official), Norman-French dialect spoken

in country districts

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Jersey

Country name:

conventional long form: Bailiwick of Jersey

conventional short form: Jersey

Dependency status:

British crown dependency

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Saint Helier

Administrative divisions:

none (British crown dependency)

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

English law and local statute; justice is administered by the Royal

Court

Suffrage:

NA years of age; universal adult

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor and

bailiff appointed by the monarch

head of government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Air

Chief Marshall Sir John CHESHIRE (since 24 January 2001) and Bailiff

Philip Martin BAILHACHE (since NA February 1995)

cabinet: committees appointed by the Assembly of the States

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the States (55 voting members - 12 senators

(elected for 6-year terms), 12 constables or heads of parishes

(elected for 3-year terms), 29 deputies (elected for 3-year terms);

the bailiff and the deputy bailiff; and 3 non-voting members - the

Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General, and the Solicitor General all

appointed by the monarch)

elections: last held NA (next to be held NA)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 52

Judicial branch:

Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the bailiff)

Political parties and leaders:

none; all independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag description:

white with a diagonal red cross extending to the corners of the

flag and in the upper quadrant, surmounted by a yellow crown, a red

shield holding the three lions of England in yellow

Economy Jersey

Economy - overview:

The economy is based largely on international financial services,

agriculture, and tourism. Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and

especially flowers are important export crops, shipped mostly to the

UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is known worldwide and

represents an important export income earner. Milk products go to

the UK and other EU countries. In 1996 the finance sector accounted

for about 60% of the island's output. Tourism, another mainstay of

the economy, accounts for 24% of GDP. In recent years, the

government has encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey, with

the result that an electronics industry has developed alongside the

traditional manufacturing of knitwear. All raw material and energy

requirements are imported, as well as a large share of Jersey's food

needs. Light taxes and death duties make the island a popular tax

haven.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.2 billion (1999 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $24,800 (1999 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 2%

services: 93% (1996)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.7% (1998)

Labor force:

57,050 (1996)

Unemployment rate:

0.7% (1998 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $601 million

expenditures: $588 million, including capital expenditures of $98

million (2000 est.)

Industries:

tourism, banking and finance, dairy

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes; beef, dairy products

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

light industrial and electrical goods, foodstuffs, textiles

Exports - partners:

UK

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs,

mineral fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

UK

Debt - external:

none

Economic aid - recipient:

none

Currency:

British pound (GBP); note - there is also a Jersey pound

Currency code:

GBP

Exchange rates:

Jersey pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944 (2001), 0.6596

(2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998); the Jersey pound is at par

with the British pound

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Jersey

Telephones - main lines in use:

65,500 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4,400 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: 3 submarine cables

Radio broadcast stations:

AM NA, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1997)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.je

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Jersey

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 577 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Gorey, Saint Aubin, Saint Helier

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Jersey

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Jersey

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Johnston Atoll

Introduction Johnston Atoll

Background:

Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed Johnston Atoll in

1858, but it was the US that mined the guano deposits until the late

1880s. The US Navy took over the atoll in 1934, and subsequently the

US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The site was used for

high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s, and until late

in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage and disposal site for

chemical weapons. Munitions destruction is now complete. Cleanup and

closure of the facility is progressing, with completion anticipated

in 2004.

Geography Johnston Atoll

Location:

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 717 NM (1328 km)

southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii, about one-third of the way from

Hawaii to the Marshall Islands

Geographic coordinates:

16 45 N, 169 31 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 2.8 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 2.8 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 4.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

34 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical, but generally dry; consistent northeast trade winds with

little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Summit Peak 5 m

Natural resources:

guano deposits worked until depletion about 1890, terrestrial and

aquatic wildlife

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

no natural fresh water resources

Geography - note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; Johnston Island and

Sand Island are natural islands, which have been expanded by coral

dredging; North Island (Akau) and East Island (Hikina) are manmade

islands formed from coral dredging; the egg-shaped reef is 34 km in

circumference; closed to the public; a former US nuclear weapons

test site; site of Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System

(JACADS); some low-growing vegetation

People Johnston Atoll

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: in previous years, there was an average of 1,100 US military

and civilian contractor personnel present; as of September 2001,

population had decreased significantly when US Army Chemical

Activity Pacific (USACAP) departed; as of January 2003 the island

population was just above 800 personnel, including US Air Force, US

Department of Defense civilian, and civilian contractor personnel

(January 2003 est.) (July 2003 est.)

Government Johnston Atoll

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Johnston Atoll

Dependency status:

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Honolulu, HI,

by Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, and the Fish and

Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the

National Wildlife Refuge system

Legal system:

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy Johnston Atoll

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to providing services to US military

personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and

manufactured goods must be imported.

Electricity - production:

44.2 million kWh; note - approximate annual production; there are

six 25,000 kWh generators operated by the base operating support

contractor (1999)

Electricity - consumption:

2.002 million kWh; note - approximate annual consumption

Communications Johnston Atoll

Telephone system:

general assessment: 33 commercial lines, 15 incoming and 18

outgoing; adequate telecommunications

domestic: 60-channel submarine cable (broken in January 2002), 24

DSN circuits by satellite, Automated Digital Network (AUTODIN) with

standard remote terminal, digital telephone switch, Military

Affiliated Radio System (MARS) station (scheduled for

decommissioning March 2003), UHF/VHF air-ground radio, a link to the

Pacific Consolidated Telecommunications Network (PCTN) satellite

international: NA (2002)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM NA, FM 7 (1 island-run morale, welfare, and recreation station

and 6 all-music digital radio stations broadcast over FM band),

shortwave NA (2002)

Television broadcast stations:

commercial satellite television system, with 30 channels (2002)

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 256 KB circuit to US Department of Defense-run Nonsecure Internet

Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET) (2002)

Transportation Johnston Atoll

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Johnston Island

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Military Johnston Atoll

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Johnston Atoll

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Jordan

Introduction Jordan

Background:

For most of its history since independence from British

administration in 1946, Jordan was ruled by King HUSSEIN (1953-99).

A pragmatic ruler, he successfully navigated competing pressures

from the major powers (US, USSR, and UK), various Arab states,

Israel, and a large internal Palestinian population, through several

wars and coup attempts. In 1989 he resumed parliamentary elections

and gradually permitted political liberalization; in 1994 a formal

peace treaty was signed with Israel. King ABDALLAH II - the eldest

son of King HUSSEIN and Princess MUNA - assumed the throne following

his father's death in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated

his power and established his domestic priorities, including an

aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to the World

Trade Organization in January 2000, and signed free trade agreements

with the United States in 2000, and with the European Free Trade

Association in 2001.

Geography Jordan

Location:

Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

31 00 N, 36 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 92,300 sq km

water: 329 sq km

land: 91,971 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 1,635 km

border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 744 km,

Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km

Coastline:

26 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Terrain:

mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift

Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point: Jabal Ram 1,734 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, potash, shale oil

Land use: arable land: 2.87% permanent crops: 1.52% other: 95.61% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

750 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

droughts; periodic earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing;

soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and as the Arab

country that shares the longest border with Israel and the occupied

West Bank

People Jordan

Population:

5,460,265 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.9% (male 1,001,174; female 959,157)

15-64 years: 60.5% (male 1,764,061; female 1,541,453)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 95,566; female 98,854) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.8 years

male: 22.4 years

female: 21.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.78% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

23.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

2.62 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

6.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.14 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female

total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 18.86 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 22.51 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.88 years

male: 75.42 years

female: 80.5 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 1,000

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Jordanian(s)

adjective: Jordanian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some

Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox,

Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several

small Shi'a Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle

classes

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.3%

male: 95.9%

female: 86.3% (2003 est.)

Government Jordan

Country name:

conventional long form: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

conventional short form: Jordan

local short form: Al Urdun

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah

former: Transjordan

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

'Amman

Administrative divisions:

12 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ajlun, Al

'Aqabah, Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az

Zarqa', Irbid, Jarash, Ma'an, Madaba

Independence:

25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British

administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 May (1946)

Constitution:

8 January 1952

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of

legislative acts in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999); Crown

Prince HAMZAH (half brother of the monarch, born 29 March 1980)

head of government: Prime Minister Faisal al-FAYEZ (since 25 October

2003)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultation

with the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed

by the monarch

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-'Umma consists of the

Senate, also called the House of Notables (Majlis al-Ayan) (40

seats; members appointed by the monarch from designated categories

of public figures; members serve four-year terms) and the House of

Representatives, also called the House of Deputies (Majlis

al-Nuwaab) (110 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis

of proportional representation to serve four-year terms; note - six

seats are reserved for women and are allocated by a special

electoral panel if no women are elected)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 17 June 2003, next

to be held NA 2007

note: the House of Representatives has been convened and dissolved

by the monarch several times since 1974; in November 1989, the first

parliamentary elections in 22 years were held; political parties

were not legalized until 1992; King Abdallah delayed the 2001

elections until 2003

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - independents and others 89.6%, Islamic Action Front 10.4%;

seats by party - independents and others 92, Islamic Action Front 18

(note - one of the six quota seats was given to a female IAF

candidate)

Judicial branch:

Court of Cassation; Supreme Court (court of final appeal)

Political parties and leaders:

Al-Umma (Nation) Party [Ahmad al-HANANDEH, secretary general]; Arab

Land Party [Dr. Muhammad al-'ORAN, secretary general]; Communist

Party [Munir HAMARINAH, secretary general]; Constitutional Front

[Mahdi al-TALL, secretary general]; Jordanian Democratic Popular

Unity Party [Sa'id DHIYAB, secretary general]; Jordanian Progressive

Party [Fawwaz al-ZUBI, secretary general]; Jordanian People's

Democratic (Hashd) Party [Salim al-NAHHAS, secretary general];

Islamic Action Front [Hazma MANSOUR, secretary general]; National

Action (Haqq) Party [Muhammad al-ZUBI, secretary general]; National

Constitutional Party [Abdul Hadi MAJALI, secretary general]; (Arab)

Socialist Ba'th Party [Taysif al-HIMSI, secretary general]; Pan-Arab

(Democratic) Movement [Mahmud al-NUWAYHI, secretary general]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Anti-Normalization Committee [Ali Abu SUKKAR, president vice

chairman]; Jordanian Bar Association [Saleh ARMOUTI, president];

Jordanian Press Association [Sayf al-SHARIF, president]; Muslim

Brotherhood [Abd-al-Majid DHUNAYBAT, secretary general]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE

(partner), PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Karim Tawfiq KAWAR chancery: 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 966-3110 telephone: [1] (202) 966-2664

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Edward William GNEHM, Jr. embassy: Abdoun, Amman mailing address: P. O. Box 354, Amman 11118 Jordan; Unit 70200, Box 5, APO AE 09892-0200 telephone: [962] (6) 5920101 FAX: [962] (6) 5920121

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top, the Abbassid Caliphate

of Islam), white (the Ummayyad Caliphate of Islam), and green (the

Fatimid Caliphate of Islam) with a red isosceles triangle

(representing the Great Arab Revolt of 1916) based on the hoist side

bearing a small white seven-pointed star symbolizing the seven

verses of the opening Sura (Al-Fatiha) of the Holy Koran; the seven

points on the star represent faith in One God, humanity, national

spirit, humility, social justice, virtue, and aspirations

Economy Jordan

Economy - overview:

Jordan is a small Arab country with inadequate supplies of water

and other natural resources such as oil. Debt, poverty, and

unemployment are fundamental problems, but King ABDALLAH since

assuming the throne in 1999 has undertaken some broad economic

reforms in a long-term effort to improve living standards. Amman in

the past three years has worked closely with the IMF, practiced

careful monetary policy, and made significant headway with

privatization. The government also has liberalized the trade regime

sufficiently to secure Jordan's membership in the WTrO (2000), a

free trade accord with US (2000), and an association agreement with

the EU (2001). These measures have helped improve productivity and

have put Jordan on the foreign investment map. The US-led war in

Iraq in 2003 dealt an economic blow to Jordan, which was dependent

on Iraq for discounted oil. It remains unclear how Jordan will

finance energy imports in the absence of such a deal. Other ongoing

challenges include fiscal adjustment to reduce the budget deficit

and broader investment incentives to promote job-creating ventures.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $22.63 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3.7% industry: 26% services: 70.3% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 30% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.3% highest 10%: 29.8% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.4 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.36 million (2002)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 82.5%, industry 12.5%, agriculture 5% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

16% official rate; actual rate is 25%-30% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.7 billion

expenditures: $3 billion, including capital expenditures of $614

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

phosphate mining, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement,

potash, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

7.091 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99.4% hydro: 0.6% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

6.86 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

2 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

267 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

40 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

103,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

445,000 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

290 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

290 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

3.256 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, citrus, tomatoes, melons, olives; sheep, goats, poultry

Exports: $2.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

phosphates, fertilizers, potash, agricultural products,

manufactures, pharmaceuticals

Exports - partners:

Iraq 20.1%, US 14.5%, India 8.1%, Saudi Arabia 5.4%, Israel 4.4%

(2002)

Imports:

$4.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, food, live animals,

manufactured goods

Imports - partners:

Iraq 13.4%, Germany 8.8%, US 8%, China 6%, France 4.2%, UK 4.1%,

Italy 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$8.2 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA, $553 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

Jordanian dinar (JOD)

Currency code:

JOD

Exchange rates:

Jordanian dinars per US dollar - 0.71 (2002), 0.71 (2001), 0.71

(2000), 0.71 (1999), 0.71 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Jordan

Telephones - main lines in use:

403,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

11,500 (1995)

Telephone system:

general assessment: service has improved recently with the

increased use of digital switching equipment, but better access to

the telephone system is needed in the rural areas and easier access

to pay telephones is needed by the urban public

domestic: microwave radio relay transmission and coaxial and

fiber-optic cable are employed on trunk lines; considerable use of

mobile cellular systems; Internet service is available

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat, 1 Arabsat, and

29 land and maritime Inmarsat terminals; fiber-optic cable to Saudi

Arabia and microwave radio relay link with Egypt and Syria;

connection to international submarine cable FLAG (Fiber-Optic Link

Around the Globe); participant in MEDARABTEL; international links

total about 4,000

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (1999)

Radios:

1.66 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

20 (plus 96 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

500,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.jo

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2000)

Internet users:

212,000 (2002)

Transportation Jordan

Railways: total: 505 km narrow gauge: 505 km 1.050-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 7,245 km paved: 7,245 km unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 10 km; oil 743 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Al 'Aqabah

Merchant marine:

total: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 63,522 GRT/79,776 DWT

ships by type: cargo 3, container 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll

on/roll off 3, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 6 (2002 est.)

Airports:

17 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 15 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 under 914 m: 1 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 1

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Heliports:

2 (2002)

Military Jordan

Military branches:

Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) (Royal Jordanian Land Force, Royal

Naval Force, Royal Jordanian Air Force, and Special Operations

Command or SOCOM); note - Public Security Directorate normally falls

under Ministry of Interior but comes under JAF in wartime or crisis

situations

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,577,136 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,113,787 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 58,840 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$757.5 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

8.6% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Jordan

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Juan de Nova Island

Introduction Juan de Nova Island

Background:

Named after a famous 15th century Spanish navigator and explorer,

the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been

exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military

garrison oversees a meteorological station.

Geography Juan de Nova Island

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-third

of the way between Madagascar and Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

17 03 S, 42 45 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 4.4 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 4.4 sq km

Area - comparative:

about seven times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

24.1 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

low and flat

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 10 m

Natural resources: guano deposits and other fertilizers

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (90% forest) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic cyclones

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

wildlife sanctuary

People Juan de Nova Island

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there is a small French military garrison along with a few

meteorologists; occasionally visited by scientists (July 2003 est.)

Government Juan de Nova Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Juan de Nova Island

local short form: Ile Juan de Nova

local long form: none

Dependency status:

possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the

Republic, resident in Reunion

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (possession of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (possession of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy Juan de Nova Island

Economy - overview:

Up to 12,000 tons of guano are mined per year.

Communications Juan de Nova Island

Communications - note: 1 meteorological station

Transportation Juan de Nova Island

Railways:

total: NA km; short line going to a jetty

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Juan de Nova Island

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Juan de Nova Island

Disputes - international: claimed by Madagascar

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Kazakhstan

Introduction Kazakhstan

Background:

Native Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who

migrated into the region in the 13th century, were rarely united as

a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th

century and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the

1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, Soviet citizens

were encouraged to help cultivate Kazakhstan's northern pastures.

This influx of immigrants (mostly Russians, but also some other

deported nationalities) skewed the ethnic mixture and enabled

non-Kazakhs to outnumber natives. Independence has caused many of

these newcomers to emigrate. Current issues include: developing a

cohesive national identity; expanding the development of the

country's vast energy resources and exporting them to world markets;

achieving a sustainable economic growth outside the oil, gas, and

mining sectors; and strengthening relations with neighboring states

and other foreign powers.

Geography Kazakhstan

Location:

Central Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of the Ural

River in eastern-most Europe

Geographic coordinates:

48 00 N, 68 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 2,717,300 sq km

water: 47,500 sq km

land: 2,669,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than four times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 12,012 km

border countries: China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,051 km, Russia 6,846

km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked); note - Kazakhstan borders the Aral Sea, now

split into two bodies of water (1,070 km), and the Caspian Sea

(1,894 km)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid

Terrain:

extends from the Volga to the Altai Mountains and from the plains

in western Siberia to oases and desert in Central Asia

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Vpadina Kaundy -132 m

highest point: Khan Tangiri Shyngy (Pik Khan-Tengri) 6,995 m

Natural resources:

major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore,

manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead,

zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium

Land use:

arable land: 11.23%

permanent crops: 0.05%

other: 88.72% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

23,320 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes in the south, mudslides around Almaty

Environment - current issues:

radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with its former

defense industries and test ranges throughout the country pose

health risks for humans and animals; industrial pollution is severe

in some cities; because the two main rivers which flowed into the

Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and

leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural

salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown

into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea; soil

pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salination from

poor infrastructure and wasteful irrigation practices

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

landlocked; Russia leases approximately 6,000 sq km of territory

enclosing the Baykonur Cosmodrome

People Kazakhstan

Population:

16,763,795 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.4% (male 2,161,510; female 2,089,780)

15-64 years: 66.8% (male 5,425,545; female 5,769,457)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 458,379; female 859,124) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.2 years

male: 26.6 years

female: 29.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.17% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

18.36 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.78 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-5.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 58.73 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 53.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 63.41 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.48 years

male: 58.16 years

female: 69.06 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.16 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 300 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Kazakhstani(s)

adjective: Kazakhstani

Ethnic groups:

Kazakh (Qazaq) 53.4%, Russian 30%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Uzbek 2.5%,

German 2.4%, Uighur 1.4%, other 6.6% (1999 census)

Religions:

Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%

Languages:

Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official, used in

everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic

communication") 95% (2001 est.)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.4%

male: 99.1%

female: 97.7% (1999 est.)

Government Kazakhstan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kazakhstan

conventional short form: Kazakhstan

local long form: Qazaqstan Respublikasy

former: Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

local short form: none

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Astana; note - the government moved from Almaty to Astana in

December 1998

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (oblystar, singular - oblys) and 3 cities* (qala,

singular - qalasy); Almaty Oblysy, Almaty Qalasy*, Aqmola Oblysy

(Astana), Aqtobe Oblysy, Astana Qalasy*, Atyrau Oblysy, Batys

Qazaqstan Oblysy (Oral), Bayqongyr Qalasy*, Mangghystau Oblysy

(Aqtau), Ongtustik Qazaqstan Oblysy (Shymkent), Pavlodar Oblysy,

Qaraghandy Oblysy, Qostanay Oblysy, Qyzylorda Oblysy, Shyghys

Qazaqstan Oblysy (Oskemen), Soltustik Qazaqstan Oblysy

(Petropavlovsk), Zhambyl Oblysy (Taraz)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their

administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center

name following in parentheses); in 1995 the Governments of

Kazakhstan and Russia entered into an agreement whereby Russia would

lease for a period of 20 years an area of 6,000 sq km enclosing the

Baykonur space launch facilities and the city of Bayqongyr

(Baykonyr, formerly Leninsk)

Independence:

16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 25 October (1990)

Constitution:

adopted by national referendum 30 August 1995; first

post-independence constitution was adopted 28 January 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV (chairman of the

Supreme Soviet from 22 February 1990, elected president 1 December

1991)

head of government: Prime Minister Daniyal AKHMETOV (since 13 June

2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

election results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president;

percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 81.7%, Serikbolsyn

ABDILDIN 12.1%, Gani KASYMOV 4.7%, Engels GABBASSOV 1.5%

note: President NAZARBAYEV expanded his presidential powers by

decree: only he can initiate constitutional amendments, appoint and

dismiss the government, dissolve Parliament, call referenda at his

discretion, and appoint administrative heads of regions and cities

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 10 January 1999, a year before it was previously

scheduled (next to be held NA 2006); note - President NAZARBAYEV's

previous term was extended to 2000 by a nationwide referendum held

30 April 1995; prime minister and first deputy prime minister

appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (39 seats - previously

47 seats; 7 senators are appointed by the president; other members

are popularly elected, two from each of the 14 oblasts, the capital

of Astana, and the city of Almaty, to serve six-year terms) and the

Majilis (77 seats; 10 out of the 77 Majilis members are elected from

the winning party's lists; members are popularly elected to serve

five-year terms)

election results: note - the election results are for the old Senate

structure; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NA; 16 seats up for election in 1999, candidates nominated by local

councils; Majilis - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Otan 23, Civic Party 13, Communist Party 3, Agrarian Party 3,

People's Cooperative Party 1, independents 34; note - most

independent candidates are affiliated with parastatal enterprises

and other pro-government institutions

elections: Senate - (indirect) last held 17 September 1999 (next to

be held NA December 2005); Majilis - last held 10 and 24 October and

26 December 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (44 members); Constitutional Council (7 members)

Political parties and leaders:

Agrarian Party [Romin MADINOV]; Ak Zhol Party "White Road" [Bulat

ABILOV, Uraz ZHANDOSOV, Zhanat YERTLESOVA, cofounders]; AUL

"Village" [leader NA]; Civic Party [Azat PERUASHEV, first

secretary]; Communist Party or KPK [Serikbolsyn ABDILDIN, first

secretary]; Otan "Fatherland" [Gani YESIMOV, chairman]; Patriots'

Party [Gani KASYMOV]

note: only seven parties in Kazakhstan have been registered under

the new political party law passed in July 2002

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Adil-Soz [Tamara KALEYEVA]; Alash [Sabet-Kazy AKATAY]; AZAMAT

"Citizen" Movement [Petr SVOIK, Murat AUEZOV, and Galym ABILSEITOV,

cochairmen]; Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan [Galymzhan ZHAKIYANOV,

Nurzhan SUBKHANBERDIN, cochairmen]; Labor and Worker's Movement

[Madel ISMAILOV, chairman]; Kazakhstan International Bureau on Human

Rights [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS, executive director]; Orleu "Development"

Movement [Seidakhmet KUTTYKADAM]; Pensioners Movement or Pokoleniye

[Irina SAVOSTINA, chairwoman]; People's Congress of Kazakhstan of

NKK [Olzhas SULEIMENOV, chairman]; People's Cooperative Party of

Kazakhstan [Umirzak SARSENOV]; Republican People's Party of

Kazakhstan or RNPK [Akezhan KAZHEGELDIN]; Socialist Party [Petr

SVOIK]

International organization participation:

AsDB, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,

IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (associate), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE,

PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kanat B. SAUDABAYEV

FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845

consulate(s): New York

telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488

chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Larry C. NAPPER

embassy: 99/97A Furmanova Street, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

480091

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [7] (3272) 63-39-21, 63-13-75, 50-76-23, 50-76-27

(emergency number)

FAX: [7] (3272) 63-38-83

Flag description:

sky blue background representing the endless sky and a gold sun

with 32 rays soaring above a golden steppe eagle in the center; on

the hoist side is a "national ornamentation" in gold

Economy Kazakhstan

Economy - overview:

Kazakhstan, the largest of the former Soviet republics in

territory, excluding Russia, possesses enormous fossil fuel reserves

as well as plentiful supplies of other minerals and metals. It also

is a large agricultural - livestock and grain - producer.

Kazakhstan's industrial sector rests on the extraction and

processing of these natural resources and also on a growing

machine-building sector specializing in construction equipment,

tractors, agricultural machinery, and some defense items. The

breakup of the USSR in December 1991 and the collapse in demand for

Kazakhstan's traditional heavy industry products resulted in a

short-term contraction of the economy, with the steepest annual

decline occurring in 1994. In 1995-97, the pace of the government

program of economic reform and privatization quickened, resulting in

a substantial shifting of assets into the private sector. Kazakhstan

enjoyed double-digit growth in 2000-01 - and a solid 9.5% in 2002 -

thanks largely to its booming energy sector, but also to economic

reform, good harvests, and foreign investment. The opening of the

Caspian Consortium pipeline in 2001, from western Kazakhstan's

Tengiz oilfield to the Black Sea, substantially raised export

capacity. The country has embarked upon an industrial policy

designed to diversify the economy away from overdependence on the

oil sector, by developing light industry. Additionally, the policy

aims to reduce the influence of foreign investment and foreign

personnel; the government has engaged in several disputes with

foreign oil companies over the terms of production agreements, and

tensions continue.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $120 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

9.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $7,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 9% industry: 40% services: 51% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 26% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 27.3% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

35.4 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

8.4 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 30%, agriculture 20%, services 50% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.8% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $4.2 billion

expenditures: $5.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper,

titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, iron and steel;

tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors,

construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

10% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

52.43 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 84.3% hydro: 15.7% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

48.36 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

3.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

3.2 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

798,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

195,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

2.709 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

10.08 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

14.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

4.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

8.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

920.3 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

grain (mostly spring wheat), cotton; livestock

Exports:

$10.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and oil products 58%, ferrous metals 24%, chemicals 5%,

machinery 3%, grain, wool, meat, coal (2001)

Exports - partners:

Russia 16.2%, Bermuda 12.1%, China 11.3%, Germany 8.8%, Italy 5.5%,

Ukraine 4.9%, France 4% (2002)

Imports:

$9.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 41%, metal products 28%, foodstuffs 8%

(2001)

Imports - partners:

Russia 37.1%, US 9.3%, China 9.3%, Germany 9.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$6.6 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$610 million in US assistance programs, 1992-2000

Currency:

tenge (KZT)

Currency code:

KZT

Exchange rates:

tenge per US dollar - 153.28 (2002), 146.74 (2001), 142.13 (2000),

119.52 (1999), 78.3 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Kazakhstan

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.92 million (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

400,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: service is poor; equipment antiquated

domestic: intercity by landline and microwave radio relay; mobile

cellular systems are available in most of Kazakhstan

international: international traffic with other former Soviet

republics and China carried by landline and microwave radio relay

and with other countries by satellite and by the Trans-Asia-Europe

(TAE) fiber-optic cable; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 60, FM 17, shortwave 9 (1998)

Radios:

6.47 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

12 (plus nine repeaters) (1998)

Televisions:

3.88 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.kz

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

10 (with their own international channels) (2001)

Internet users:

100,000 (2002)

Transportation Kazakhstan

Railways: total: 13,601 km broad gauge: 13,601 km 1.520-m gauge (3,661 km electrified) (2002)

Highways: total: 81,331 km paved: 77,020 km unpaved: 4,311 km (2000)

Waterways:

3,900 km

note: on the Syr Darya (Syrdariya) and Ertis (Irtysh) rivers

Pipelines:

condensate 640 km; gas 10,527 km; oil 9,771 km; refined products

1,187 km; water 1,465 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Aqtau (Shevchenko), Atyrau (Gur'yev), Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk),

Pavlodar, Semey (Semipalatinsk)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,064 GRT/646 DWT

ships by type: roll on/roll off 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: US 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

488 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 60

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 428

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 44

914 to 1,523 m: 103

under 914 m: 251 (2002)

Military Kazakhstan

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Naval Force, Border

Service, Republican Guard

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 4,580,754 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 3,658,815 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 174,111 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$221.8 million (Ministry of Defense expenditures) (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.9% (Ministry of Defense expenditures) (FY02)

Transnational Issues Kazakhstan

Disputes - international:

Kazakhstan and China have resolved their border dispute and are

working to delimit their large open borders to control population

migration, illegal activities, and trade; delimitation of boundary

with Russia is scheduled for completion in 2003 - delimitations with

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are complete with demarcations underway

- delimitation with Kyrgyzstan is largely complete; equidistant

seabed treaties have been signed with Azerbaijan and Russia in the

Caspian Sea but no resolution has been made on dividing the water

column among any of the littoral states; no resolution of Caspian

seabed boundary with Turkmenistan

Illicit drugs:

significant illicit cultivation of cannabis for CIS markets, as

well as limited cultivation of opium poppy and ephedra (for the drug

ephedrine); limited government eradication of illicit crops; transit

point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the rest of

Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Kenya

Introduction Kenya

Background:

Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA led

Kenya from independence until his death in 1978, when President

Daniel Toroitich arap MOI took power in a constitutional succession.

The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982 when

the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made itself the sole

legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure

for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured

opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992

and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud, but are viewed as

having generally reflected the will of the Kenyan people. President

MOI stepped down in December of 2002 following fair and peaceful

elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic,

united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition, defeated

KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA and assumed the presidency following a

campaign centered on an anticorruption platform.

Geography Kenya

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and

Tanzania

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 N, 38 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 582,650 sq km

water: 13,400 sq km

land: 569,250 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Nevada

Land boundaries:

total: 3,477 km

border countries: Ethiopia 861 km, Somalia 682 km, Sudan 232 km,

Tanzania 769 km, Uganda 933 km

Coastline:

536 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior

Terrain:

low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley;

fertile plateau in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m

Natural resources:

gold, limestone, soda ash, salt, rubies, fluorspar, garnets,

wildlife, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 7.03% permanent crops: 0.91% other: 92.06% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

670 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasons

Environment - current issues: water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine

Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful

agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on

Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography

supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic

value

People Kenya

Population:

31,639,091

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.3% (male 6,609,904; female 6,461,945)

15-64 years: 55.8% (male 8,900,615; female 8,766,698)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 389,918; female 510,011) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.4 years

female: 18.5 years (2002)

male: 18.2 years

Population growth rate:

1.27% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

28.81 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

16.01 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: according to UNHCR, by the end of 2001 Kenya was host to

220,000 refugees from neighboring countries, including: Somalia

145,000 and Sudan 68,000 (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 63.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 60.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 66.37 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 45.22 years

male: 45.02 years

female: 45.43 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.47 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

15% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2.5 million (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

190,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Kenyan(s)

adjective: Kenyan

Ethnic groups:

Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%,

Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab)

1%

Religions:

Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Muslim

10%, other 2%

note: a large majority of Kenyans are Christian, but estimates for

the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam or indigenous

beliefs vary widely

Languages:

English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous

languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85.1%

male: 90.6%

female: 79.7% (2003 est.)

Government Kenya

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kenya

conventional short form: Kenya

former: British East Africa

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Nairobi

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces and 1 area*; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi Area*,

North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western

Independence:

12 December 1963 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 December (1963)

Constitution:

12 December 1963, amended as a republic 1964; reissued with

amendments 1979, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1997, and 2001

Legal system:

based on Kenyan statutory law, Kenyan and English common law,

tribal law, and Islamic law; judicial review in High Court; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations; constitutional

amendment of 1982 making Kenya a de jure one-party state repealed in

1991

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002) and

Vice President Moody AWORI (since 25 September 2003); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002)

and Vice President Moody AWORI (since 25 September 2003); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

in addition to receiving the largest number of votes in absolute

terms, the presidential candidate must also win 25% or more of the

vote in at least five of Kenya's seven provinces and one area to

avoid a runoff; election last held 27 December 2002 (next to be held

NA December 2007); vice president appointed by the president

election results: President Mwai KIBAKI elected; percent of vote -

Mwai KIBAKI 63%, Uhuru KENYATTA 30%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Bunge (224 seats; 210 members

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms, 12 so-called

"nominated" members who are appointed by the president but selected

by the parties in proportion to their parliamentary vote totals, 2

ex-officio members)

elections: last held 27 December 2002 (next to be held by early 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NARC 125, KANU 64, FORD-P 14, other 7; ex-officio 2; seats appointed

by the president - NARC 7, KANU 4, FORD-P 1

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal (chief justice is appointed by the president); High

Court

Political parties and leaders:

Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-People or FORD-People

[Kimaniwa NYOIKE, chairman]; Kenya African National Union or KANU

[Uhuru KENYATTA]; National Rainbow Coalition or NARC [Mwai KIBAKI] -

the governing party

Political pressure groups and leaders:

human rights groups; labor unions; Muslim organizations; National

Convention Executive Council or NCEC, a proreform coalition of

political parties and nongovernment organizations [Kivutha KIBWANA];

Protestant National Council of Churches of Kenya or NCCK [Mutava

MUSYIMI]; Roman Catholic and other Christian churches; Supreme

Council of Kenya Muslims or SUPKEM [Shaykh Abdul Gafur al-BUSAIDY]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, EADB, ECA, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OPCW,

UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK,

UNMISET, UNMOP, UNU, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Yusuf Abdulraham NZIBO

consulate(s) general: offices in Los Angeles and New York are

closed; mission to the UN remains open

FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829

telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101

chancery: 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Johnnie CARSON

embassy: US Embassy, United Nations Ave., Gigiti; P. O. Box 606

Village Market Nairobi

mailing address: Box 21A, Unit 64100, APO AE 09831

telephone: [254] (2) 537-800

FAX: [254] (2) 537-810

Flag description:

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

red band is edged in white; a large warrior's shield covering

crossed spears is superimposed at the center

Economy Kenya

Economy - overview:

Kenya, the regional hub for trade and finance in East Africa, is

hampered by corruption and reliance upon several primary goods whose

prices remain low. Following strong economic growth in 1995 and

1996, Kenya's economy has stagnated, with GDP growth failing to keep

up with the rate of population growth. In 1997, the IMF suspended

Kenya's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Program due to the

government's failure to maintain reforms and curb corruption. A

severe drought from 1999 to 2000 compounded Kenya's problems,

causing water and energy rationing and reducing agricultural output.

As a result, GDP contracted by 0.3% in 2000. The IMF, which had

resumed loans in 2000 to help Kenya through the drought, again

halted lending in 2001 when the government failed to institute

several anticorruption measures. Despite the return of strong rains

in 2001, weak commodity prices, endemic corruption, and low

investment limited Kenya's economic growth to 1%. Growth fell below

1% in 2002 because of erratic rains, low investor confidence, meager

donor support, and political infighting up to the elections. In the

key December 27, 2002 elections, Daniel Arap MOI's 24-year-old reign

ended, and a new opposition government took on the formidable

economic problems facing the nation. Substantial donor support and

rooting out corruption are essential to making Kenya realize its

substantial economic potential.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $32.89 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 24% industry: 13% services: 63% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

50% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 37.2% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

44.9 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

10 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 75% 75%-80%

Unemployment rate:

40% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.91 billion

expenditures: $2.97 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries,

textiles, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products

processing; oil refining, cement; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

0.9% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

4.033 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 71% hydro: 17.7% other: 11.3% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

3.981 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

230 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

57,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables; dairy products, beef, pork, poultry, eggs

Exports: $2.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish,

cement

Exports - partners:

Uganda 18.3%, UK 12.9%, US 8%, Netherlands 7.6%, Pakistan 4.9%,

Tanzania 4.4%, Egypt 4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products, motor

vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics

Imports - partners:

UAE 12%, Saudi Arabia 8.7%, US 8.1%, UK 7.1%, South Africa 7.1%,

France 5.8%, China 5.5%, Japan 5%, India 4.8% (2002)

Debt - external:

$5.7 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$457 million (1997)

Currency:

Kenyan shilling (KES)

Currency code:

KES

Exchange rates:

Kenyan shillings per US dollar - 78.75 (2002), 78.56 (2001), 76.18

(2000), 70.33 (1999), 60.37 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Kenya

Telephones - main lines in use:

310,000 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

540,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: unreliable; little attempt to modernize except

for service to business

domestic: trunks are primarily microwave radio relay; business data

commonly transferred by a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) system

international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 24, FM 18, shortwave 6 (2001)

Radios:

3.07 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

8 (2002)

Televisions:

730,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ke

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

65 (2001)

Internet users:

500,000 (2002)

Transportation Kenya

Railways: total: 2,778 km narrow gauge: 2,778 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 63,942 km

paved: 7,737 km

unpaved: 56,205 km (2000)

Waterways:

NA

note: part of the Lake Victoria system is within the boundaries of

Kenya

Pipelines:

refined products 752 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Kisumu, Lamu, Mombasa

Merchant marine:

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,893 GRT/6,320 DWT

ships by type: petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

230 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 19 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 211 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 113 under 914 m: 83 (2002)

Military Kenya

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 8,096,142 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 5,017,501 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$185.2 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.8% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Kenya

Disputes - international:

Kenya's administrative boundary still extends into the Sudan,

creating the "Ilemi triangle"

Illicit drugs:

widespread harvesting of small plots of marijuana; transit country

for South Asian heroin destined for Europe and North America; Indian

methaqualone also transits on way to South Africa; significant

potential for money-laundering activity given the country's status

as a regional financial center, massive corruption, and relatively

high levels of narcotics-associated activities

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Kingman Reef

Introduction Kingman Reef

Background:

The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon served as a

way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa flights

during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on the reef,

which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant and diverse

marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding the reef out

to 12 NM around the reef were designated a US National Wildlife

Refuge.

Geography Kingman Reef

Location:

Oceania, reef in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between

Hawaii and American Samoa

Geographic coordinates:

6 24 N, 162 24 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 1 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 1 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical, but moderated by prevailing winds

Terrain:

low and nearly level

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 1 m

Natural resources: terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of about 1 meter

makes Kingman Reef a maritime hazard

Environment - current issues:

none

Geography - note:

barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed to the public

People Kingman Reef

Population: uninhabited (July 2003 est.)

Government Kingman Reef

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Kingman Reef

Dependency status:

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington,

DC, by the US Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the

Interior

note: on 1 September 2000, the Department of the Interior accepted

restoration of its administrative jurisdiction over Kingman Reef

from the Department of the Navy; Executive Order 3223 signed 18

January 2001 established Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge to be

administered by the Director, US Fish and Wildlife Service; this

refuge is managed to protect the terrestrial and aquatic wildlife of

Kingman Reef out to the 12-nautical-mile territorial sea limit

Legal system:

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy Kingman Reef

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Transportation Kingman Reef

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii and American

Samoa by Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937 and 1938

(2002)

Military Kingman Reef

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Kingman Reef

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Kiribati

Introduction Kiribati

Background:

The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the UK in 1971 and

complete independence in 1979 under the new name of Kiribati. The US

relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited Phoenix and Line

Island groups in a 1979 treaty of friendship with Kiribati.

Geography Kiribati

Location:

Oceania, group of 33 coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean, straddling

the equator; the capital Tarawa is about one-half of the way from

Hawaii to Australia; note - on 1 January 1995, Kiribati proclaimed

that all of its territory lies in the same time zone as its Gilbert

Islands group (GMT +12) even though the Phoenix Islands and the Line

Islands under its jurisdiction lie on the other side of the

International Date Line

Geographic coordinates:

1 25 N, 173 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 811 sq km

note: includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands,

Phoenix Islands

water: 0 sq km

land: 811 sq km

Area - comparative:

four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,143 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Banaba 81 m

Natural resources: phosphate (production discontinued in 1979)

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 50.68% other: 49.32% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March;

occasional tornadoes; low level of some of the islands make them

very sensitive to changes in sea level

Environment - current issues:

heavy pollution in lagoon of south Tarawa atoll due to heavy

migration mixed with traditional practices such as lagoon latrines

and open-pit dumping; ground water at risk

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone

Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island) in

Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the

Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia, and Nauru

People Kiribati

Population:

98,549 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.7% (male 19,839; female 19,333)

15-64 years: 57% (male 27,705; female 28,438)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 1,385; female 1,849) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.7 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 20.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.26% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

31.24 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 51.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 56.45 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.93 years

male: 57.97 years

female: 64.03 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.28 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural)

adjective: I-Kiribati

Ethnic groups:

predominantly Micronesian with some Polynesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 52%, Protestant (Congregational) 40%, some

Seventh-Day Adventist, Muslim, Baha'i, Latter-day Saints, and Church

of God (1999)

Languages:

I-Kiribati, English (official)

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Kiribati

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Kiribati

conventional short form: Kiribati

former: Gilbert Islands

note: pronounced keer-ree-bahss

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Tarawa

Administrative divisions:

3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands; note - in

addition, there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts, Line

Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21 island

councils - one for each of the inhabited islands (Abaiang, Abemama,

Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Kanton, Kiritimati,

Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea,

Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina)

Independence:

12 July 1979 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 July (1979)

Constitution:

12 July 1979

Legal system:

NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice

President NA; note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

elections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidential

candidates from among their members and then those candidates

compete in a general election; president is elected by popular vote

for a four-year term; election last held 4 July 2003 (next to be

held not later than July 2007); vice president appointed by the

president

election results: Anote TONG 47.4%, Harry TONG 43.5%, Banuera BERINA

9.1%

cabinet: 12-member Cabinet appointed by the president from among the

members of the House of Parliament

head of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice

President NA; note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Parliament or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (42 seats;

39 elected by popular vote, one ex officio member - the attorney

general, one appointed to represent Banaba, and one other; members

serve four-year terms)

elections: first round elections last held 29 November 2002; second

round elections held 6 December 2002 (next to be held by November

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

BTK 17, MTM 16, independents 7, other 2 (includes attorney general)

note: new legislative elections were held in two rounds - the first

round on 9 May 2003 and the second round on 14 May 2003

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal; High Court; 26 Magistrates' courts; judges at all

levels are appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Boutokaan Te Koaua Party or BTK [Taberannang TIMEON]; Maneaban Te

Mauri Party or MTM [Teburoro TITO]; Maurin Kiribati Pati or MKP

[leader NA]; National Progressive Party or NPP [Dr. Harry TONG]

note: there is no tradition of formally organized political parties

in Kiribati; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups

because they have no party headquarters, formal platforms, or party

structures

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS,

ILO, IMF, ITU, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WTrO

(applicant)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Kiribati does not have an embassy in the US; there is an honorary

consulate in Honolulu

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Kiribati; the ambassador to the

Marshall Islands is accredited to Kiribati

Flag description:

the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying over a

yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three horizontal

wavy white stripes to represent the ocean

Economy Kiribati

Economy - overview:

A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has few

natural resources. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were

exhausted at the time of independence from the UK in 1979. Copra and

fish now represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy

has fluctuated widely in recent years. Economic development is

constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure,

and remoteness from international markets. Tourism provides more

than one-fifth of GDP. The financial sector is at an early stage of

development as is the expansion of private sector initiatives.

Foreign financial aid from UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and

China is a critical supplement to GDP, equal to 25%-50% of GDP in

recent years. Remittances from workers abroad account for more than

$5 million each year.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $79 million - supplemented by a nearly

equal amount from external sources (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $800 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 30%

industry: 7%

services: 63% (1998 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

7,870 economically active, not including subsistence farmers

Unemployment rate:

2%; underemployment 70% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $28.4 million

expenditures: $37.2 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

fishing, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

0.7% (1991 est.)

Electricity - production:

7 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

6.51 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

190 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

copra, taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; fish

Exports:

$6 million f.o.b. (1998)

Exports - commodities:

copra 62%, coconuts, seaweed, fish

Exports - partners:

Japan 56.7%, Thailand 16.6%, South Korea 16.3% (2002)

Imports:

$44 million c.i.f. (1999)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous manufactured

goods, fuel

Imports - partners:

France 28.7%, Australia 26.3%, Fiji 12.5%, Japan 9.5%, Latvia 5.4%,

US 4.6%, New Zealand 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$10 million (1999 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$15.5 million largely from UK and Japan (1995)

Currency:

Australian dollar (AUD)

Currency code:

AUD

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.84 (2002), 1.93 (2001), 1.72

(2000), 1.55 (1999), 1.59 (1998)

Fiscal year:

NA

Communications Kiribati

Telephones - main lines in use:

3,800 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

note: Kiribati is being linked to the Pacific Ocean Cooperative

Telecommunications Network, which should improve telephone service

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1

note: the shortwave station may be inactive (2002)

Radios:

17,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (not reported to be active) (2002)

Televisions:

1,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ki

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

1,000 (2000)

Transportation Kiribati

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 670 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

5 km (small network of canals in Line Islands)

Ports and harbors:

Banaba, Betio, English Harbour, Kanton

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) 1,291 GRT/1,295 DWT

ships by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

20 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Military Kiribati

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Police Force (carries out law

enforcement functions and paramilitary duties; small police posts

are on all islands)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Military - note:

Kiribati does not have military forces; defense assistance is

provided by Australia and NZ

Transnational Issues Kiribati

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Korea, North

Introduction Korea, North

Background:

Following World War II, Korea was split, with the northern half

coming under Communist domination and the southern portion becoming

Western-oriented. KIM Chong-il has ruled North Korea since his

father and the country's founder, president KIM Il-song, died in

1994. After decades of mismanagement, the North relies heavily on

international food aid to feed its population while continuing to

expend resources to maintain an army of about 1 million. North

Korea's long-range missile development and research into nuclear,

chemical, and biological weapons and massive conventional armed

forces are of major concern to the international community. In

December 2002, North Korea repudiated a 1994 agreement that shut

down its nuclear reactors and expelled UN monitors, further raising

fears it would produce nuclear weapons.

Geography Korea, North

Location:

Eastern Asia, northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the

Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and South Korea

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 127 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 120,540 sq km

water: 130 sq km

land: 120,410 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Mississippi

Land boundaries: total: 1,673 km border countries: China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km

Coastline:

2,495 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

note: military boundary line 50 NM in the Sea of Japan and the

exclusive economic zone limit in the Yellow Sea where all foreign

vessels and aircraft without permission are banned

Climate:

temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer

Terrain:

mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow valleys;

coastal plains wide in west, discontinuous in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m

highest point: Paektu-san 2,744 m

Natural resources:

coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron ore, copper,

gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 14.12% permanent crops: 2.49% other: 83.39% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

14,600 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding; occasional

typhoons during the early fall

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water; water-borne

disease; deforestation; soil erosion and degradation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of

the Sea

Geography - note:

strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and Russia;

mountainous interior is isolated and sparsely populated

People Korea, North

Population:

22,466,481 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25% (male 2,845,727; female 2,763,800)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 7,485,310; female 7,746,603)

65 years and over: 7.2% (male 541,155; female 1,083,886) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.1 years

male: 30 years

female: 32.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.07% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.61 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.93 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.5 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 25.66 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 27.45 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.79 years

male: 68.1 years

female: 73.61 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Ethnic groups:

racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese community and a few

ethnic Japanese

Religions:

traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, some Christian and

syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)

note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent;

government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of

religious freedom

Languages:

Korean

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write Korean

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99%

Government Korea, North

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic People's Republic of Korea

conventional short form: North Korea

local short form: none

local long form: Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk

note: the North Koreans generally use the term "Choson" to refer to

their country

abbreviation: DPRK

Government type:

authoritarian socialist; one-man dictatorship

Capital:

Pyongyang

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 4 special cities* (si,

singular and plural); Chagang-do (Chagang Province), Hamgyong-bukto

(North Hamgyong Province), Hamgyong-namdo (South Hamgyong Province),

Hwanghae-bukto (North Hwanghae Province), Hwanghae-namdo (South

Hwanghae Province), Kaesong-si* (Kaesong City), Kangwon-do (Kangwon

Province), Najin Sonbong-si*, Namp'o-si* (Namp'o City),

P'yongan-bukto (North P'yongan Province), P'yongan-namdo (South

P'yongan Province), P'yongyang-si* (Pyongyang City), Yanggang-do

(Yanggang Province)

Independence:

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

National holiday:

Founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), 9

September (1948)

Constitution:

adopted 1948, completely revised 27 December 1972, revised again in

April 1992 and September 1998

Legal system:

based on German civil law system with Japanese influences and

Communist legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: KIM Chong-il (since NA July 1994); note - on 3

September 2003, KIM Chong-il was reelected Chairman of the National

Defense Commission, a position accorded the nation's "highest

administrative authority"; KIM Yong-nam was reelected President of

the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium and given the responsibility

of representing the state and receiving diplomatic credentials

elections: premier elected by the Supreme People's Assembly;

election last held NA September 1998 (next to be held NA)

election results: HONG Song-nam elected premier; percent of Supreme

People's Assembly vote - NA%

cabinet: Cabinet (Naegak), members, except for the Minister of

People's Armed Forces, are appointed by the Supreme People's Assembly

head of government: Premier PAK Pong-chu (since 3 September 2003);

Vice Premiers KWAK Pom-ki (since 5 September 1998), CHON Sung-hun

(since 3 September 2003), NO Tu-chol (since 3 September 2003)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme People's Assembly or Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui (687

seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 3 August 2003 (next to be held in August 2008)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -

NA; the KWP approves a list of candidates who are elected without

opposition; some seats are held by minor parties

Judicial branch:

Central Court (judges are elected by the Supreme People's Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Chondoist Chongu Party [YU Mi-yong, chairwoman]; Social Democratic

Party [KIM Yong-tae, chairman]; major party - Korean Workers' Party

or KWP [KIM Chong-il, general secretary]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ARF (dialogue partner), ESCAP, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS,

IHO, IMO, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none; note - North Korea has a Permanent Mission to the UN in New

York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (Swedish Embassy in P'yongyang represents the US as consular

protecting power)

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue;

the red band is edged in white; on the hoist side of the red band is

a white disk with a red five-pointed star

Economy Korea, North

Economy - overview:

North Korea, one of the world's most centrally planned and isolated

economies, faces desperate economic conditions. Industrial capital

stock is nearly beyond repair as a result of years of

underinvestment and spare parts shortages. Industrial and power

output have declined in parallel. The nation has suffered its tenth

year of food shortages because of a lack of arable land; collective

farming; weather-related problems, including major drought in 2000;

and chronic shortages of fertilizer and fuel. Massive international

food aid deliveries have allowed the regime to escape mass

starvation since 1995-96, but the population remains the victim of

prolonged malnutrition and deteriorating living conditions.

Large-scale military spending eats up resources needed for

investment and civilian consumption. Recently, the regime has placed

emphasis on earning hard currency, developing information

technology, addressing power shortages, and attracting foreign aid,

but in no way at the expense of relinquishing central control over

key national assets or undergoing widespread market-oriented

reforms. In 2003, heightened political tensions with key donor

countries and general donor fatigue have held down the flow of

desperately needed food aid and have threatened fuel aid as well.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $22.26 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 30.4%

industry: 32.3%

services: 37.3% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

9.6 million

Labor force - by occupation:

agricultural 36%, nonagricultural 64%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries:

military products; machine building, electric power, chemicals;

mining (coal, iron ore, magnesite, graphite, copper, zinc, lead, and

precious metals), metallurgy; textiles, food processing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

30.01 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 29% hydro: 71% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

27.91 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

85,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, pulses; cattle, pigs, pork, eggs

Exports:

$842 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

minerals, metallurgical products, manufactures (including

armaments); textiles and fishery products

Exports - partners:

China 23.5%, Japan 19.9%, Costa Rica 12.4%, Brazil 6.5% (2002)

Imports:

$1.314 billion c.i.f. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, coking coal, machinery and equipment; textiles, grain

Imports - partners:

China 24.9%, Brazil 12.1%, India 9.2%, Thailand 9.2%, Germany 7.8%,

Japan 7.1%, Singapore 4.5%, Qatar 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$12 billion (1996 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA; note - nearly $300 million in food aid alone from US, South

Korea, Japan, and EU in 2001 plus much additional aid from the UN

and non-governmental organizations

Currency:

North Korean won (KPW)

Currency code:

KPW

Exchange rates:

official: North Korean won per US dollar - 150 (December 2002),

2.15 (December 2001), 2.15 (May 1994), 2.13 (May 1992), 2.14

(September 1991), 2.1 (January 1990); market: North Korean won per

US dollar - 300-600 (December 2002), 200 (December 2001)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Korea, North

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.1 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

and 1 Russian (Indian Ocean region); other international connections

through Moscow and Beijing

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 16, FM 14, shortwave 12 (1999)

Radios:

3.36 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

38 (1999)

Televisions:

1.2 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.kp

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Korea, North

Railways:

total: 5,214 km

standard gauge: 4,549 km 1.435-m gauge (3,500 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 665 km 0.762-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 31,200 km

paved: 1,997 km

unpaved: 29,203 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 2,253 km note: mostly navigable by small craft only

Pipelines:

oil 136 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Ch'ongjin, Haeju, Hungnam (Hamhung), Kimch'aek, Kosong, Najin,

Namp'o, Sinuiju, Songnim, Sonbong (formerly Unggi), Ungsang, Wonsan

Merchant marine:

total: 149 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 881,276 GRT/1,309,547 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 1, Greece 2, Pakistan 1, Singapore 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 8, cargo 120, combination bulk 2, container 1,

multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger 2, passenger/cargo

1, petroleum tanker 8, refrigerated cargo 4, short-sea passenger 2

Airports:

72 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 34 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 18 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 38 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Military Korea, North

Military branches:

Korean People's Army (includes Army, Navy, Air Force), Civil

Security Forces

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 6,103,615 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 3,654,223 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 180,875 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$5,217.4 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

33.9% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Korea, North

Disputes - international:

with China, certain islands in Yalu and Tumen rivers are in

uncontested dispute; a section of boundary around Paektu-san

(mountain) is indefinite; China objects to illegal migration of

North Koreans into northern China; Military Demarcation Line within

the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South

Korea since 1953

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Korea, South

Introduction Korea, South

Background:

After World War II, a republic was set up in the southern half of

the Korean Peninsula while a Communist-style government was

installed in the north. During the Korean War (1950-1953), US and

other UN forces intervened to defend South Korea from North Korean

attacks supported by the Chinese. An armistice was signed in 1953,

splitting the Peninsula along a demilitarized zone at about the 38th

parallel. Thereafter, South Korea achieved rapid economic growth

with per capita income rising to roughly 20 times the level of North

Korea. South Korea has maintained its commitment to democratize its

political processes. In June 2000, a historic first North-South

summit took place between the South's President KIM Dae-jung and the

North's leader KIM Chong-il.

Geography Korea, South

Location:

Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the

Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea

Geographic coordinates:

37 00 N, 127 30 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 98,480 sq km

land: 98,190 sq km

water: 290 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Indiana

Land boundaries: total: 238 km border countries: North Korea 238 km

Coastline:

2,413 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM; between 3 NM and 12 NM in the Korea Strait

continental shelf: not specified

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter

Terrain:

mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west and south

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m highest point: Halla-san 1,950 m

Natural resources: coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower potential

Land use: arable land: 17.44% permanent crops: 2.05% other: 80.51% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

11,590 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; low-level seismic

activity common in southwest

Environment - current issues:

air pollution in large cities; acid rain; water pollution from the

discharge of sewage and industrial effluents; drift net fishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

strategic location on Korea Strait

People Korea, South

Population:

48,289,037 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.6% (male 5,256,451; female 4,703,853)

15-64 years: 71.5% (male 17,527,407; female 16,991,229)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 1,512,157; female 2,297,940) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 33.2 years male: 32.2 years female: 34.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.66% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.6 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.03 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.12 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.31 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 7.77 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.36 years

male: 71.73 years

female: 79.32 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.56 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

4,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

220 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Korean(s) adjective: Korean

Ethnic groups:

homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Religions:

Christian 49%, Buddhist 47%, Confucianist 3%, Shamanist, Chondogyo

(Religion of the Heavenly Way), and other 1%

Languages:

Korean, English widely taught in junior high and high school

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.1%

male: 99.3%

female: 97% (2003 est.)

Government Korea, South

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Korea

conventional short form: South Korea

local short form: none

note: the South Koreans generally use the term "Han'guk" to refer to

their country

local long form: Taehan-min'guk

abbreviation: ROK

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Seoul

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 7 metropolitan cities*

(gwangyoksi, singular and plural); Cheju-do, Cholla-bukto,

Cholla-namdo, Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Ch'ungch'ong-namdo,

Inch'on-gwangyoksi*, Kangwon-do, Kwangju-gwangyoksi*, Kyonggi-do,

Kyongsang-bukto, Kyongsang-namdo, Pusan-gwangyoksi*,

Soul-t'ukpyolsi*, Taegu-gwangyoksi*, Taejon-gwangyoksi*,

Ulsan-gwangyoksi*

Independence:

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

Constitution:

17 July 1948

Legal system:

combines elements of continental European civil law systems,

Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President NO Mu-hyun (ROH Moo-hyun) (since 25

February 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister KO Kun (KOH Kun) (since 27

February 2003); Deputy Prime Ministers KIM Chin-p'yo (KIM Jin-pyo)

(since 27 February 2003) and YUN Tok-hong (since 6 March 2003)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime

minister's recommendation

elections: president elected by popular vote for a single five-year

term; election last held 19 December 2002 (next to be held NA

December 2007); prime minister appointed by the president; deputy

prime ministers appointed by the president on the prime minister's

recommendation

election results: results of the 19 December 2002 election - NO

Muh-hyun elected president, took office 25 February 2003; percent of

vote - NO Muh-hyun (MDP) 48.9%; YI Hoe-ch'ang (GNP) 46.6%; other 4.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Kukhoe (273 seats total - 227

elected by direct, popular vote; members serve four-year terms);

note - beginning in 2004, all members will be directly elected;

possible redistricting before 2004 may affect the number of seats in

the National Assembly

elections: last held 13 April 2000 (next to be held NA April 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

GNP 133, MDP 115, ULD 17, other 8; note - the distribution of seats

as of April 2003 was: GNP 153, MDP 101, ULD 11, DPP 1, PPR 1,

independents 5; one seat vacant

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices are appointed by the president with the

consent of the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic People's Party or DPP [leader NA]; Grand National Party

or GNP [CH'OE Pyong-ryol, chairman]; Millennium Democratic Party or

MDP [CHO Sun-hyong, chairman]; United Liberal Democrats or ULD [KIM

Chong-p'il, president]; Uri Party [KIM Kun-t'ae, chairman]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Federation of Korean Industries; Federation of Korean Trade Unions;

Korean Confederation of Trade Unions; Korean National Council of

Churches; Korean Traders Association; Korean Veterans' Association;

National Council of Labor Unions; National Democratic Alliance of

Korea; National Federation of Farmers' Associations; National

Federation of Student Associations

International organization participation:

AfDB, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner),

Australia Group, BIS, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IEA (observer), IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM (guest),

NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISET, UNMOGIP, UNOMIG,

UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador HAN Sung-chu (HAN Sung-joo)

consulate(s): New York, Tamuning (Guam)

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston,

Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle

FAX: [1] (202) 387-0205

telephone: [1] (202) 939-5600

chancery: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas C. HUBBARD embassy: 82 Sejong-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710 mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 15550, APO AP 96205-5550 telephone: [82] (2) 397-4114 FAX: [82] (2) 738-8845

Flag description:

white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the center;

there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching (Book of

Changes) in each corner of the white field

Economy Korea, South

Economy - overview:

As one of the Four Tigers of East Asia, South Korea has achieved an

incredible record of growth and integration into the high-tech

modern world economy. Three decades ago GDP per capita was

comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia.

Today its GDP per capita is 18 times North Korea's and equal to the

lesser economies of the European Union. This success through the

late 1980s was achieved by a system of close government/business

ties, including directed credit, import restrictions, sponsorship of

specific industries, and a strong labor effort. The government

promoted the import of raw materials and technology at the expense

of consumer goods and encouraged savings and investment over

consumption. The Asian financial crisis of 1997-99 exposed

longstanding weaknesses in South Korea's development model,

including high debt/equity ratios, massive foreign borrowing, and an

undisciplined financial sector. Growth plunged to a negative 6.6% in

1998, then strongly recovered to 10.8% in 1999 and 9.2% in 2000.

Growth fell back to 3.3% in 2001 because of the slowing global

economy, falling exports, and the perception that much-needed

corporate and financial reforms had stalled. Led by consumer

spending and exports, growth in 2002 was an impressive 6.2%, despite

anemic global growth, followed by moderate 2.8% growth in 2003. In

2003 the six-day work week was reduced to five days.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $941.5 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $19,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 4.4% industry: 41.6% services: 54% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 4% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% highest 10%: 24.8% (1998 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31.6 (1993)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

22 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 69%, industry 21.5%, agriculture 9.5% (2001)

Unemployment rate:

3.1% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $118.1 billion

expenditures: $95.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $22.6

billion (2000)

Industries:

electronics, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel,

textiles, clothing, footwear, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

290.7 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 62.4% hydro: 0.8% other: 0.2% (2001) nuclear: 36.6%

Electricity - consumption:

270.3 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2.14 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

804,700 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

2.965 million bbl/day (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

20.92 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

21.11 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; cattle, pigs, chickens, milk, eggs; fish

Exports: $162.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities: electronic products, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, steel, ships; textiles, clothing, footwear; fish

Exports - partners:

US 20.4%, China 14.7%, Japan 9.4%, Hong Kong 6.3% (2002)

Imports:

$148.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil, steel,

transport equipment, textiles, organic chemicals, grains

Imports - partners:

Japan 19.6%, US 15.2%, China 11.4%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$135.2 billion (yearend 2002 est.)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA $200 million

Currency:

South Korean won (KRW)

Currency code:

KRW

Exchange rates:

South Korean won per US dollar - 1,251.09 (2002), 1,290.99 (2001),

1,130.96 (2000), 1,188.82 (1999), 1,401.44 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Korea, South

Telephones - main lines in use:

24 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

28 million (September 2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international services

domestic: NA

international: fiber-optic submarine cable to China; the

Russia-Korea-Japan submarine cable; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (2 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat

(Pacific Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 104, FM 136, shortwave 5 (2001)

Radios:

47.5 million (2000)

Television broadcast stations:

121 (plus 850 repeater stations and the eight-channel American

Forces Korea Network) (1999)

Televisions:

15.9 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.kr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

11 (2000)

Internet users:

25.6 million (2002)

Transportation Korea, South

Railways: total: 3,125 km standard gauge: 3,125 km 1.435-m gauge (661 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 86,990 km

paved: 64,808 km (including 1,996 km of expressways)

unpaved: 22,182 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 1,609 km note: restricted to small native craft

Pipelines:

gas 1,433 km; refined products 827 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Chinhae, Inch'on, Kunsan, Masan, Mokp'o, P'ohang, Pusan,

Tonghae-hang, Ulsan, Yosu

Merchant marine:

total: 541 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,490,521 GRT/10,602,751 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, Bulgaria 1, China 1, Greece 1, Japan 1,

Malaysia 1, Norway 1, Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1,

UK 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 114, cargo 174, chemical tanker 63, combination

bulk 9, container 52, liquefied gas 17, passenger 3, petroleum

tanker 69, refrigerated cargo 21, roll on/roll off 6, short-sea

passenger 2, specialized tanker 6, vehicle carrier 5

Airports:

102 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 69 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 21 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 33 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 31 (2002)

Heliports: 204 (2002)

Military Korea, South

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Maritime Police

(Coast Guard)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 14,252,851 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 8,994,941 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 345,331 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$13,094.3 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.8% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Korea, South

Disputes - international:

Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone

has separated North from South Korea since 1953; Liancourt Rocks

(Take-shima/Tok-do) are disputed with Japan

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Kuwait

Introduction Kuwait

Background:

Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling

Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961.

Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following

several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a

ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four

days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure

damaged during 1990-91.

Geography Kuwait

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi

Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

29 30 N, 45 45 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 17,820 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 17,820 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries: total: 462 km border countries: Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km

Coastline:

499 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Terrain:

flat to slightly undulating desert plain

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: unnamed location 306 m

Natural resources: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas

Land use: arable land: 0.34% permanent crops: 0.06% other: 99.6% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

60 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy

rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms

occur throughout the year, but are most common between March and

August

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and

most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the

water; air and water pollution; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Marine

Dumping

Geography - note:

strategic location at head of Persian Gulf

People Kuwait

Population: 2,183,161 note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.9% (male 310,008; female 298,474)

15-64 years: 69.5% (male 970,282; female 547,753)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 36,306; female 20,338) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.9 years

male: 28.4 years

female: 21.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.34%

note: this rate reflects a return to pre-Gulf crisis immigration of

expatriates (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

21.83 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

2.45 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

14.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.77 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.79 male(s)/female

total population: 1.52 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.57 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 11.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.65 years

male: 75.72 years

female: 77.62 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.08 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.12% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Kuwaiti(s)

adjective: Kuwaiti

Ethnic groups:

Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%

Religions:

Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and

other 15%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 83.5%

male: 85.1%

female: 81.7% (2003 est.)

Government Kuwait

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Kuwait

conventional short form: Kuwait

local short form: Al Kuwayt

local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt

Government type:

nominal constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Kuwait

Administrative divisions:

5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al

Farwaniyah, Al 'Asimah, Al Jahra', Hawalli

Independence:

19 June 1961 (from UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 25 February (1950)

Constitution:

approved and promulgated 11 November 1962

Legal system:

civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

adult males who have been naturalized for 30 years or more or have

resided in Kuwait since before 1920 and their male descendants at

age 21

note: only 10% of all citizens are eligible to vote; in 1996,

naturalized citizens who do not meet the pre-1920 qualification but

have been naturalized for 30 years were eligible to vote for the

first time

Executive branch:

chief of state: Amir JABIR al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since 31

December 1977)

head of government: Prime Minister SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah

(since 13 July 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister NAWWAF al-Ahmad Al

Sabah (since 2003); Deputy Prime Ministers JABIR MUBARAK al-Hamad Al

Sabah (since 2001) and Muhammad Dayfallah al-SHARAR (since 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and

approved by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister and

deputy prime ministers appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 6 July 2003 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - Islamists 21,

government supporters 14, liberals 3, and independents 12; note -

all cabinet ministers are also ex officio members of the National

Assembly

Judicial branch:

High Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

none; formation of political parties is illegal

Political pressure groups and leaders:

several political groups act as de facto parties: Bedouins,

merchants, Sunni and Shi'a activists, and secular leftists and

nationalists

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC,

OPCW, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sheikh SALIM al-Abdallah Jabir Al Sabah

FAX: [1] (202) 966-0517

telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702

chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard H. JONES

embassy: Bayan, Area 14, Al-Masjed Al-Aqsa Street (near the Bayan

palace), Kuwait City

mailing address: P. O. Box 77 Safat, 13001 Safat, Kuwait Unit 69000,

APO AE 09880-9000

telephone: [965] 539-5307, ext. 2240

FAX: [965] 538-0282

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a

black trapezoid based on the hoist side

Economy Kuwait

Economy - overview:

Kuwait is a small, rich, relatively open economy with proved crude

oil reserves of about 98 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves.

Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues,

and 80% of government income. Kuwait's climate limits agricultural

development. Consequently, with the exception of fish, it depends

almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be

distilled or imported. Kuwait continues its discussions with foreign

oil companies to develop fields in the northern part of the country.

Oil production declined by an estimated 8% in 2002 but is expected

to return to the 2001 level in 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $36.85 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $17,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 60%

industry: 39.7%

services: 0.3% (2000)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.3 million

note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 80% of the labor force. (1998

est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA, industries NA, services NA

Unemployment rate:

7% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $11 billion

expenditures: $17.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 02/03)

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, desalination, food processing,

construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

-5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

31.49 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

29.29 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

2.117 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

273,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

97.68 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

9.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

9.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.548 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

practically no crops; fish

Exports:

$16 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and refined products, fertilizers

Exports - partners:

Japan 24.4%, South Korea 12.9%, US 11.9%, Singapore 10.1%, Taiwan

7%, Netherlands 4.5%, Pakistan 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$7.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing

Imports - partners:

US 13.1%, Japan 11.1%, Germany 9.7%, Saudi Arabia 6.6%, UK 6%,

Italy 5.4%, France 5.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$10.4 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

NA

Currency:

Kuwaiti dinar (KD)

Currency code:

KWD

Exchange rates:

Kuwaiti dinars per US dollar - 0.3 (2002), 0.31 (2001), 0.31

(2000), 0.3 (1999), 0.3 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Kuwait

Telephones - main lines in use:

412,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

210,000 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: the quality of service is excellent

domestic: new telephone exchanges provide a large capacity for new

subscribers; trunk traffic is carried by microwave radio relay,

coaxial cable, and open-wire and fiber-optic cable; a cellular

telephone system operates throughout Kuwait, and the country is well

supplied with pay telephones

international: coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Saudi

Arabia; linked to Bahrain, Qatar, UAE via the Fiber-Optic Gulf (FOG)

cable; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 2

Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 2 Arabsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 6, FM 11, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

1.175 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

13 (plus several satellite channels) (1997)

Televisions:

875,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.kw

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2000)

Internet users:

200,000 (2002)

Transportation Kuwait

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 4,450 km paved: 3,587 km unpaved: 863 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 169 km; oil 540 km; refined products 57 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Kuwait, Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina' al

Ahmadi, Mina' Su'ud

Merchant marine:

total: 39 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,273,628 GRT/3,638,645 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1, container 6, liquefied gas 6,

livestock carrier 5, petroleum tanker 19, roll on/roll off 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Monaco 1, Saudi Arabia 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

6 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

Heliports:

3 (2002)

Military Kuwait

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force (including Air Defense Force), National

Police Force, National Guard, Coast Guard

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 845,026 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 508,399 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 18,885 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $1,967.3 million (FY01) note: Kuwait is changing its fiscal year; the above figure is for July-March 2001; future budget years will be April-March annually

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 5.5% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Kuwait

Disputes - international:

the Kuwait 1994 land and Khawr 'Abd Allah channel boundary

demarcation ended Iraqi claims to Kuwait and Bubiyan and Warbah

islands; Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are negotiating maritime boundary

with Iran

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Kyrgyzstan

Introduction Kyrgyzstan

Background:

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud

nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864; it

achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Current

concerns include: privatization of state-owned enterprises,

expansion of democracy and political freedoms, interethnic

relations, and combating terrorism.

Geography Kyrgyzstan

Location:

Central Asia, west of China

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 N, 75 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 198,500 sq km

water: 7,200 sq km

land: 191,300 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Land boundaries:

total: 3,878 km

border countries: China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,051 km, Tajikistan 870

km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical in

southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone

Terrain:

peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins encompass

entire nation

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m

highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

Natural resources:

abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and rare earth

metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas; other

deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc

Land use:

arable land: 7.04%

permanent crops: 0.39%

note: Kyrgyzstan has the world's largest natural growth walnut

forest (1998 est.)

other: 92.57%

Irrigated land:

10,740 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues: water pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices

Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien Shan range;

many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes

People Kyrgyzstan

Population:

4,892,808 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.8% (male 836,593; female 819,615)

15-64 years: 59.9% (male 1,436,371; female 1,492,884)

65 years and over: 6.3% (male 117,405; female 189,940) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.7 years

male: 21.8 years

female: 23.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.46% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

26.06 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.1 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 75.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 65.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 84.72 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.66 years

male: 59.49 years

female: 68.03 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.12 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

over 500 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Kyrgyzstani(s)

adjective: Kyrgyzstani

Ethnic groups:

Kyrgyz 52.4%, Russian 18%, Uzbek 12.9%, Ukrainian 2.5%, German

2.4%, other 11.8%

Religions:

Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%

Languages:

Kyrgyz - official language, Russian - official language

note: in December 2001, the Kyrgyzstani legislature made Russian an

official language, equal in status to Kyrgyz

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 99%

female: 96% (1989 est.)

Government Kyrgyzstan

Country name:

conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic

conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan

local short form: none

former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Bishkek

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (oblastlar, singular - oblasty) and 1 city* (shaar);

Batken Oblasty, Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad

Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty, Ysyk-Kol Oblasty

(Karakol)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their

administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center

name following in parentheses)

Independence:

31 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 August (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 5 May 1993; note - amendment proposed by President AKAYEV

and passed in a national referendum on 2 February 2003 significantly

expands the powers of the president at the expense of the legislature

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Askar AKAYEV (since 28 October 1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Nikolay TANAYEV (since 22 May

2002); note - Prime Minister Kurmanbek BAKIYEV resigned on 22 May

2002 when five demonstrators were killed in a clash with police in

March of 2002

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

election results: Askar AKAYEV reelected president; percent of vote

- Askar AKAYEV 74%, Omurbek TEKEBAYEV 14%, other candidates 12%;

note - election marred by serious irregularities

elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;

elections last held 29 October 2000 (next to be held November or

December 2005); prime minister appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

bicameral Supreme Council or Zhogorku Kenesh consists of the

Assembly of People's Representatives (70 seats; members are elected

by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Legislative

Assembly (35 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

election results: Assembly of People's Representatives - percent of

vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; and Legislative Assembly -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; note - total

seats by party in the Supreme Council were as follows: Union of

Democratic Forces 12, Communists 6, My Country Party of Action 4,

independents 73, other 10

note: the legislature became bicameral for the 5 February 1995

elections; the 2000 election results include both the Assembly of

People's Representatives and the Legislative Assembly

elections: Assembly of People's Representatives - last held 20

February and 12 March 2000 (next to be held NA February 2005);

Legislative Assembly - last held 20 February and 12 March 2000 (next

to be held NA February 2005)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed for 10-year terms by the

Supreme Council on the recommendation of the president);

Constitutional Court; Higher Court of Arbitration

Political parties and leaders:

Agrarian Labor Party of Kyrgyzstan [Uson S. SYDYKOV]; Agrarian

Party of Kyrgyzstan [Arkin ALIYEV]; Ata-Meken or Fatherland [Omurbek

TEKEBAYEV]; Banner National Revival Party or ASABA [Chaprashty

BAZARBAY]; Democratic Movement of Kyrgyzstan or DDK [Jypar

JEKSHEYEV]; Democratic Women's Party of Kyrgyzstan [T. A.

SHAILIYEVA]; Dignity Party [Feliks KULOV]; Erkin Kyrgyzstan

Progressive and Democratic Party [Tursunbay Bakir UULU]; Justice

Party [Chingiz AYTMATOV]; Movement for the People's Salvation

[Jumgalbek AMAMBAYEV]; Mutual Help Movement or Ashar [Jumagazy

USUPOV]; My Country Party of Action [Almazbek ISMANKULOV]; National

Unity Democratic Movement or DDNE [Yury RAZGULYAYEV]; Party of

Communists of Kyrgyzstan or KCP [Absamat M. MASALIYEV]; Party of the

Veterans of the War in Afghanistan [leader NA]; Peasant Party

[leader NA]; People's Party [Melis ESHIMKANOV]; Republican Popular

Party of Kyrgyzstan [J. SHARSHENALIYEV]; Social Democratic Party or

PSD [J. IBRAMOV]; Union of Democratic Forces (composed of Social

Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan or PSD [J. IBRAMOV], Economic Revival

Party, and Birimdik Party)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Council of Free Trade Unions; Kyrgyz Committee on Human Rights

[Ramazan DYRYLDAYEV]; National Unity Democratic Movement; Union of

Entrepreneurs

International organization participation:

AsDB, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM (observer), OIC, OPCW

(signatory), OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNMIK, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bakyt ABDRISAYEV

FAX: [1] (202) 338-5139

consulate(s): New York

telephone: [1] (202) 338-5141

chancery: 1732 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen M. YOUNG

embassy: 171 Prospect Mira, 720016 Bishkek

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [996] (312) 551-241, (517) 777-217

FAX: [996] (312) 551-264

Flag description:

red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays

representing the 40 Kyrgyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run

counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the

sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized

representation of the roof of the traditional Kyrgyz yurt

Economy Kyrgyzstan

Economy - overview:

Kyrgyzstan is a small, poor, mountainous country with a

predominantly agricultural economy. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat

are the main agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton

are exported in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold,

mercury, uranium, and natural gas and electricity. Kyrgyzstan has

been fairly progressive in carrying out market reforms, such as an

improved regulatory system and land reform. Kyrgyzstan was the first

CIS country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. With

fits and starts, inflation has been lowered to an estimated 7% in

2001, 2.1% in 2002, and 4.0% in 2003. Much of the government's stock

in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe

after the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by

mid-1995 production began to recover and exports began to increase.

Growth was held down to 2.1% in 1998 largely because of the

spillover from Russia's economic difficulties, but moved ahead to

3.6% in 1999, 5% in 2000, and 5% again in 2001. The drop in output

at the Kumtor gold mine sparked a 0.5% decline in GDP in 2002 and

again in 2003. On the positive side, the government and the

international financial institutions have been engaged in a

comprehensive medium-term poverty reduction and economic growth

strategy. Further restructuring of domestic industry and success in

attracting foreign investment are keys to future growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $13.88 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 35% industry: 25% services: 40% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 55% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.2% highest 10%: 27.7% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.6 (1999)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.7 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 55%, industry 15%, services 30% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.2% (1999 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $207.4 million

expenditures: $238.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Industries:

small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement, shoes, sawn

logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, rare earth

metals

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

13.45 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 7.6% hydro: 92.4% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

10.46 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

2.25 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

200 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

2,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

16 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

2.016 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and berries; sheep, goats, cattle, wool

Exports:

$488 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, wool, meat, tobacco; gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas,

hydropower; machinery; shoes

Exports - partners:

Switzerland 19.9%, Russia 16.5%, UAE 14.2%, China 8.5%, Kazakhstan

7.6%, US 7.4%, Uzbekistan 5.7% (2002)

Imports:

$587 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Kazakhstan 21.1%, Russia 19.9%, Uzbekistan 10.2%, China 10.1%, US

8.1%, Germany 5.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.5 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$50 million from the US (2001)

Currency:

Kyrgyzstani som (KGS)

Currency code:

KGS

Exchange rates:

soms per US dollar - 46.94 (2002), 48.38 (2001), 47.7 (2000), 39.01

(1999), 20.84 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Kyrgyzstan

Telephones - main lines in use:

351,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: poorly developed; about 100,000 unsatisfied

applications for household telephones

domestic: principally microwave radio relay; one cellular provider,

probably limited to Bishkek region

international: connections with other CIS countries by landline or

microwave radio relay and with other countries by leased connections

with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; satellite

earth stations - 1 Intersputnik and 1 Intelsat; connected

internationally by the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 12 (plus 10 repeater stations), FM 14, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

520,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

NA (repeater stations throughout the country relay programs from

Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkey) (1997)

Televisions:

210,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.kg

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Internet users:

51,600 (2001)

Transportation Kyrgyzstan

Railways: total: 420 km broad gauge: 420 km 1.520-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 18,500 km

paved: 16,854 km (including 140 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,646 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

600 km (1990)

Pipelines:

gas 367 km; oil 13 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)

Airports:

68 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 18 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 50 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 36 (2002)

Military Kyrgyzstan

Military branches:

Army, Air and Air Defense, Security Forces, Border Troops

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,265,019 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,026,063 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 54,445 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$19.2 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Kyrgyzstan

Disputes - international:

Kyrgyzstan's constitutional court has ruled that 1,270 sq km ceded

to China in a 2000 delimitation agreement were legally transferred;

delimitation with Kazakhstan is largely complete with only minor

disputed areas; disputes in Isfara Valley delay completion of

delimitation with Tajikistan; serious disputes with Uzbekistan

around Uzbek enclaves mar progress on delimitation efforts

Illicit drugs:

limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy for CIS

markets; limited government eradication of illicit crops; transit

point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the rest of

Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Laos

Introduction Laos

Background:

In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government,

ending a six-century-old monarchy. Initial closer ties to Vietnam

and socialization were replaced with a gradual return to private

enterprise, a liberalization of foreign investment laws, and the

admission into ASEAN in 1997.

Geography Laos

Location:

Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

18 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 236,800 sq km

water: 6,000 sq km

land: 230,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Utah

Land boundaries:

total: 5,083 km

border countries: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km,

Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season

(December to April)

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Mekong River 70 m highest point: Phou Bia 2,817 m

Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Land use:

arable land: 3.47%

permanent crops: 0.23%

other: 96.3% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,640 sq km

note: rainy season irrigation - 2,169 sq km; dry season irrigation -

750 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

floods, droughts

Environment - current issues:

unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; a majority of the

population does not have access to potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly

forested; the Mekong forms a large part of the western boundary with

Thailand

People Laos

Population:

5,921,545 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 1,255,172; female 1,242,823)

15-64 years: 54.6% (male 1,592,697; female 1,639,431)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 87,192; female 104,230) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.5 years

male: 18.1 years

female: 18.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.45% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

36.93 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

12.39 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 88.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 78.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 99.1 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.3 years

male: 52.34 years

female: 56.33 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.94 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,400 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 150 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)

adjective: Lao or Laotian

Ethnic groups:

Lao Loum (lowland) 68%, Lao Theung (upland) 22%, Lao Soung

(highland) including the Hmong ("Meo") and the Yao (Mien) 9%, ethnic

Vietnamese/Chinese 1%

Religions:

Buddhist 60%, animist and other 40% (including various Christian

denominations 1.5%)

Languages:

Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 52.8%

male: 67.5%

female: 38.1% (2003 est.)

Government Laos

Country name:

conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic

conventional short form: Laos

local short form: none

local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

Vientiane

Administrative divisions:

16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural), 1 municipality*

(kampheng nakhon, singular and plural), and 1 special zone**

(khetphiset, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai,

Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang,

Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan*, Viangchan,

Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun**, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Independence:

19 July 1949 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

Constitution:

promulgated 14 August 1991

Legal system:

based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures,

and socialist practice

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Gen. KHAMTAI Siphandon (since 26 February

1998) and Vice President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 27

March 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister BOUNGNANG Volachit (since 27

March 2001); First Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli

(since NA May 2002), Deputy Prime Minister THONGLOUN Sisolit (since

27 March 2001), and Deputy Prime Minister SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since

26 February 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved

by the National Assembly

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 24 February 2002 (next to be held

NA 2007); prime minister appointed by the president with the

approval of the National Assembly for a five-year term

election results: KHAMTAI Siphandon elected president; percent of

National Assembly vote - NA%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (109 seats; members elected by popular

vote to serve five-year terms; note - total number of seats

increased from 99 to 109 for the 2002 election)

elections: last held 24 February 2002 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

LPRP or LPRP-approved (independent, non-party members) 109

Judicial branch:

People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme Court

is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the

National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the

People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National

Assembly Standing Committee)

Political parties and leaders:

Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [KHAMTAI Siphandon, party

president]; other parties proscribed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

noncommunist political groups proscribed; most opposition leaders

fled the country in 1975

International organization participation:

ACCT, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OPCW, PCA,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

(observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador PHANTHONG Phommahaxay

FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923

telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416

chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Douglas A. HARTWICK embassy: 19 Rue Bartholonie, B. P. 114, Vientiane mailing address: American Embassy, Box V, APO AP 96546 telephone: [856] (21) 212581, 212582, 212585 FAX: [856] (21) 212584

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red

with a large white disk centered in the blue band

Economy Laos

Economy - overview:

The government of Laos - one of the few remaining official

Communist states - began decentralizing control and encouraging

private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely

low base, were striking - growth averaged 7% in 1988-2001 except

during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis

beginning in 1997. Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains a

country with a primitive infrastructure; it has no railroads, a

rudimentary road system, and limited external and internal

telecommunications. Electricity is available in only a few urban

areas. Subsistence agriculture accounts for half of GDP and provides

80% of total employment. The economy will continue to benefit from

aid from the IMF and other international sources and from new

foreign investment in food processing and mining.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $10.4 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 53% industry: 23% services: 24% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 40% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.2% highest 10%: 30.6% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.4 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 80% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.7% (1997 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $211 million

expenditures: $462 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY98/99 est. est.)

Industries:

tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural

processing, construction, garments, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (1999 est.)

Electricity - production:

1.317 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 1.4% hydro: 98.6% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

824.7 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

400 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton; tea, peanuts, rice; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Exports:

$345 million (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

wood products, garments, electricity, coffee, tin

Exports - partners:

Vietnam 25.7%, Thailand 19%, France 7.5%, Germany 5.3% (2002)

Imports:

$555 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

Thailand 58.9%, Vietnam 12.3%, China 7.9% (2002)

Debt - external:

$2.53 billion (1999)

Economic aid - recipient:

$345 million (1999 est.)

Currency:

kip (LAK)

Currency code:

LAK

Exchange rates:

kips per US dollar - 7,562 (2002), 8,954.58 (2001), 7,887.64

(2000), 7,102.02 (1999), 3,298.33 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications Laos

Telephones - main lines in use:

25,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4,915 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving

with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional

48,000 expected by 2001; the government relies on a radiotelephone

network to communicate with remote areas

domestic: radiotelephone communications

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian

Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 12, FM 1, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios:

730,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (1999)

Televisions:

52,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.la

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

10,000 (2002)

Transportation Laos

Railways: 0 km

Highways:

total: 21,716 km

paved: 9,664 km

unpaved: 12,052 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

4,587 km approximately

note: primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,897 additional km are

intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m

Pipelines:

refined products 540 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

none

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,370 GRT/3,110 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

51 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 42

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 15

under 914 m: 26 (2002)

Military Laos

Military branches:

Lao People's Army (LPA; including Riverine Force), Air Force,

National Police Department

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,411,042 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 759,499 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 67,260 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$55 million (FY98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.2% (FY96)

Transnational Issues Laos

Disputes - international:

demarcation of boundaries with Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam is

nearing completion, but with Thailand several areas including Mekong

River islets remain in dispute; ongoing disputes with Thailand and

Vietnam over squatters

Illicit drugs:

world's third-largest illicit opium producer (estimated cultivation

in 2002 - 23,200 hectares, a 5% increase over 2001; estimated

potential production in 2002 - 180 metric tons, a 10% decrease from

2001); potential heroin producer; transshipment point for heroin and

methamphetamine produced in Burma; illicit producer of cannabis;

growing methamphetamine abuse problem

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Latvia

Introduction Latvia

Background:

After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars,

Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its

independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the

Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to

Moscow. Latvia continues to revamp its economy for eventual

integration into various Western European political and economic

institutions and was invited to join NATO and the EU in 2002.

Geography Latvia

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and

Lithuania

Geographic coordinates:

57 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 64,589 sq km

water: 1,000 sq km

land: 63,589 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,150 km

border countries: Belarus 141 km, Estonia 339 km, Lithuania 453 km,

Russia 217 km

Coastline:

531 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

maritime; wet, moderate winters

Terrain:

low plain

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Gaizinkalns 312 m

Natural resources: peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, wood, arable land

Land use: arable land: 29.01% permanent crops: 0.48% other: 70.51% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

200 sq km

note: land in Latvia is often too wet, and in need of drainage, not

irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land

has been improved by drainage (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service

industries after the country regained independence; the main

environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality

and sewage system, household and hazardous waste management, and

reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession

negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of

EU environmental directives by 2010

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

most of the country is composed of fertile, low-lying plains, with

some hills in the east

People Latvia

Population:

2,348,784 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.1% (male 180,976; female 172,988)

15-64 years: 68.9% (male 774,133; female 844,856)

65 years and over: 16% (male 122,850; female 252,981) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 39 years

male: 35.5 years

female: 42.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.73% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

8.55 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

14.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female

total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 16.74 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.31 years

male: 63.46 years

female: 75.45 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.2 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Latvian(s)

adjective: Latvian

Ethnic groups:

Latvian 57.7%, Russian 29.6%, Belarusian 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.7%,

Polish 2.5%, Lithuanian 1.4%, other 2%

Religions:

Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox

Languages:

Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian, other

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.8% (2003 est.)

Government Latvia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Latvia

conventional short form: Latvia

local short form: Latvija

former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form: Latvijas Republika

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Riga

Administrative divisions:

26 counties (singular - rajons) and 7 municipalities*: Aizkraukles

Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons,

Daugavpils*, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons,

Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgava*, Jelgavas Rajons, Jurmala*, Kraslavas

Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Liepaja*, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons,

Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preilu Rajons,

Rezekne*, Rezeknes Rajons, Riga*, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu

Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils*,

Ventspils Rajons

Independence:

21 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 is

the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 21 August 1991 is the

date of independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

the 1991 Constitutional Law, which supplements the 1922

constitution, provides for basic rights and freedoms

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA (since 8 July 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Einars REPSE (since 7 November

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and

appointed by the Parliament

elections: president reelected by Parliament for a four-year term;

election last held 20 June 2003 (next to be held by June 2007);

prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA reelected president;

parliamentary vote - Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA 88 of 94 votes cast

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members are elected by

direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 5 October 2002 (next to be held NA October 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - New Era 23.9%, PCTVL

18.9%, People's Party 16.7%, ZZS 9.5%, First Party 7.6%, LNNK 5.4%;

seats by party - New Era 26, PCTVL 24, People's Party 21, ZZS 12,

First Party 10, LNNK 7

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by Parliament)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of the Greens and Farmers Union or ZZS [Augusts BRIGMANIS

(Farmer's Union); Indulis EMSIS (Green Party)]; CENTER Political

Alliance [Juris CELMINS]; First Party of Latvia [Eriks JEKABSONS];

For Fatherland and Freedom or LNNK [Maris GRINBLATS]; For Human

Rights in a United Latvia or PCTVL [Janis JURKANS], a coalition of

the People's Harmony Party or TSP, the Latvian Socialist Party or

LSP, and the Equal Rights Movement; Freedom Party [Ziedonis CEVERS];

Land of Mara [Irena SAPROVSKA]; Latvian Rebirth Party [Andris

RUBINS]; Latvian Social-Democratic Workers Party (Social Democrats)

or LSDSP [Juris BOJARS]; Latvia's Way Union or LC [Janis NAGLIS];

Light of Latgale or LG [Rihards EIGIMS]; New Era Party [Einars

REPSE]; Our Land Party [Ilmars ANCANS]; Party of Latvians [Aivars

GARDA]; People's Party [Andris SKELE]; Progressive Center Party

[Inta STAMGUTE]; Russian Party [Mihails GAVRILOVS]; Social

Democratic Union or SDS [Egils BALDZENS]; Social Democratic Welfare

Party or SLP [Juris ZURAVLOVS]; United Republican Party of Latvia or

LARP [Eriks Andrejs SAULUNS, Janis PUKIS, Sarmite JEGERE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE,

PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate partner),

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Aivis RONIS

FAX: [1] (202) 726-6785

telephone: [1] (202) 726-8213, 8214

chancery: 4325 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Brian E. CARLSON

embassy: 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510

mailing address: American Embassy Riga, PSC 78, Box Riga, APO AE

09723

telephone: [371] 703-6200

FAX: [371] 781-0047

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and

maroon

Economy Latvia

Economy - overview:

Latvia's transitional economy recovered from the 1998 Russian

financial crisis, largely due to the SKELE government's budget

stringency and a gradual reorientation of exports toward EU

countries, lessening Latvia's trade dependency on Russia. The

majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized,

although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large

enterprises. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization

in February 1999. Preparing for EU membership continues as a top

foreign policy goal. The current account and internal government

deficits remain major concerns, but the government's efforts to

increase efficiency in revenue collection may lessen the budget

deficit.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $20.99 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.5%

industry: 26%

services: 69.5% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.9% highest 10%: 25.9% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32 (1999)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.1 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 15%, industry 25%, services 60% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.4 billion

expenditures: $2.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

buses, vans, street and railroad cars, synthetic fibers,

agricultural machinery, fertilizers, washing machines, radios,

electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles; note -

dependent on imports for energy and raw materials

Industrial production growth rate:

5.7% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

4.365 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 29.1% hydro: 70.9% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

6.046 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

703 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

2.69 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

44,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

1.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Exports:

$2.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

wood and wood products, machinery and equipment, metals, textiles,

foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

UK 21.6%, Sweden 13.1%, Germany 12.5%, US 6.4%, Lithuania 5.9%,

Russia 4.6%, Estonia 4.2%, Denmark 4% (2002)

Imports:

$3.9 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, vehicles

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.9%, Russia 15.1%, Finland 6.6%, Lithuania 6.4%, Sweden

5.5%, Italy 4.8%, Estonia 4.8% (2002)

Debt - external:

$3.4 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$96.2 million (1995)

Currency:

Latvian lat (LVL)

Currency code:

LVL

Exchange rates:

lati per US dollar - 0.62 (2002), 0.63 (2001), 0.61 (2000), 0.59

(1999), 0.59 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Latvia

Telephones - main lines in use:

734,693 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

401,263 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate, but is being modernized to provide

an international capability independent of the Moscow international

switch; more facilities are being installed for individual use

domestic: expansion underway in intercity trunk line connections,

rural exchanges, and mobile systems; still many unsatisfied

subscriber applications

international: international connections are now available via cable

and a satellite earth station at Riga, enabling direct connections

for most calls (1998)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 8, FM 56, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

1.76 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

44 (plus 31 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

1.22 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.lv

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

41 (2001)

Internet users:

312,000 (2001)

Transportation Latvia

Railways:

total: 2,347 km

broad gauge: 2,314 km 1.520-m gauge (270 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 73,202 km

paved: 28,256 km

unpaved: 44,946 km (2000)

Waterways:

300 km (perennially navigable)

Pipelines:

gas 1,097 km; oil 412 km; refined products 421 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Liepaja, Riga, Ventspils

Merchant marine:

total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 52,607 GRT/35,650 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 3 (2002 est.)

ships by type: cargo 2, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 3,

roll on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 1

Airports:

38 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 22

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Military Latvia

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guard,

National Guard

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 592,562 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 465,788 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 19,477 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$87 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.2% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Latvia

Disputes - international:

the Russian Duma refuses to ratify boundary delimitation treaty

with Latvia; the Latvian Parliament has not ratified its 1998

maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns

over oil exploration rights

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for opiates and cannabis from Central and

Southwest Asia to Western Europe and Scandinavia and Latin American

cocaine and some synthetics from Western Europe to CIS; money

laundering remains a concern despite changes to banking legislation

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Lebanon

Introduction Lebanon

Background:

Lebanon has made progress toward rebuilding its political

institutions since 1991 and the end of the devastating 16-year civil

war. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national

reconciliation - the Lebanese have established a more equitable

political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater say in

the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions

in the government. Since the end of the war, the Lebanese have

conducted several successful elections, most of the militias have

been weakened or disbanded, and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have

extended central government authority over about two-thirds of the

country. Hizballah, the radical Shi'a party, retains its weapons.

Syria maintains about 16,000 troops in Lebanon, based mainly east of

Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Syria's troop deployment was

legitimized by the Arab League during Lebanon's civil war and in the

Ta'if Accord. Damascus justifies its continued military presence in

Lebanon by citing Beirut's requests and the failure of the Lebanese

Government to implement all of the constitutional reforms in the

Ta'if Accord. Israel's withdrawal from its security zone in southern

Lebanon in May 2000, however, has emboldened some Lebanese

Christians and Druze to demand that Syria withdraw its forces as

well.

Geography Lebanon

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and

Syria

Geographic coordinates:

33 50 N, 35 50 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 10,400 sq km

water: 170 sq km

land: 10,230 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries: total: 454 km border countries: Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km

Coastline:

225 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers;

Lebanon mountains experience heavy winter snows

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain; El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and

Anti-Lebanon Mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Qurnat as Sawda' 3,088 m

Natural resources:

limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit

region, arable land

Land use: arable land: 17.6% permanent crops: 12.51% other: 69.89% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,200 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

dust storms, sandstorms

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in

Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial wastes;

pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous

Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,

Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

Nahr el Litani only major river in Near East not crossing an

international boundary; rugged terrain historically helped isolate,

protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion,

clan, and ethnicity

People Lebanon

Population:

3,727,703 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.1% (male 514,447; female 494,166)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 1,177,773; female 1,286,433)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 115,693; female 139,191) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.4 years

male: 25.4 years

female: 27.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.34% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.32 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.43 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 29.22 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.07 years

male: 69.64 years

female: 74.61 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.09% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Lebanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Lebanese

Ethnic groups:

Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%

Religions:

Muslim 70% (including Shi'a, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or

Nusayri), Christian 30% (including Orthodox Christian, Catholic,

Protestant), Jewish NEGL%

Languages:

Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 87.4%

male: 93.1%

female: 82.2% (2003 est.)

Government Lebanon

Country name:

conventional long form: Lebanese Republic

conventional short form: Lebanon

local short form: Lubnan

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Beirut

Administrative divisions:

6 governorates (mohafazat, singular - mohafazah); Beyrouth, Beqaa,

Liban-Nord, Liban-Sud, Mont-Liban, Nabatiye

Independence:

22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French

administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 November (1943)

Constitution:

23 May 1926, amended a number of times, most recently Charter of

Lebanese National Reconciliation (Ta'if Accord) of October 1989

Legal system:

mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and civil law;

no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; compulsory for all males; authorized for women at

age 21 with elementary education

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Emile LAHUD (since 24 November 1998)

head of government: Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI (since 23 October

2000); Deputy Prime Minister Issam FARES (since 23 October 2000);

note - HARIRI resigned on 15 April 2003, but was reappointed the

next day

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with

the president and members of the National Assembly

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a six-year

term; election last held 15 October 1998 (next to be held NA 2004);

prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president

in consultation with the National Assembly; by custom, the president

is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, and

the speaker of the legislature is a Shi'a Muslim

election results: Emile LAHUD elected president; National Assembly

vote - 118 votes in favor, 0 against, 10 abstentions

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Majlis Alnuwab (Arabic) or

Assemblee Nationale (French) (128 seats; members elected by popular

vote on the basis of sectarian proportional representation to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 27 August and 3 September 2000 (next to be held

NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - Muslim 57% (of which

Sunni 25%, Sh'ite 25%, Druze 6%, Alawite less than 1%), Christian

43% (of which Maronite 23%); seats by party - Muslim 64 (of which

Sunni 27, Sh'ite 27, Druze 8, Alawite 2), Christian 64 (of which

Maronite 34)

Judicial branch:

four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and commercial

cases and one court for criminal cases); Constitutional Council

(called for in Ta'if Accord - rules on constitutionality of laws);

Supreme Council (hears charges against the president and prime

minister as needed)

Political parties and leaders: political party activity is organized along largely sectarian lines; numerous political groupings exist, consisting of individual political figures and followers motivated by religious, clan, and economic considerations

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACCT, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC,

PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Farid ABBOUD

consulate(s) general: Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles

FAX: [1] (202) 939-6324

telephone: [1] (202) 939-6320

chancery: 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vincent Martin BATTLE

embassy: Awkar, Lebanon

mailing address: P. O. Box 70840, Awkar, Lebanon; PSC 815, Box 2,

FPO AE 09836-0002

telephone: 011-961-4-543-600/542-600

FAX: 011-961-4-544-136

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of red (top), white (double width), and red

with a green cedar tree centered in the white band

Economy Lebanon

Economy - overview:

The 1975-91 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic

infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended

Lebanon's position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub.

Peace enabled the central government to restore control in Beirut,

begin collecting taxes, and regain access to key port and government

facilities. Economic recovery was helped by a financially sound

banking system and resilient small- and medium-scale manufacturers.

Family remittances, banking services, manufactured and farm exports,

and international aid provided the main sources of foreign exchange.

Lebanon's economy made impressive gains since the launch in 1993 of

"Horizon 2000," the government's $20 billion reconstruction program.

Real GDP grew 8% in 1994, 7% in 1995, 4% in 1996 and in 1997, but

slowed to 1.2% in 1998, -1.6% in 1999, -0.6% in 2000, 0.8% in 2001,

and 1.5% in 2002. During the 1990s annual inflation fell to almost

0% from more than 100%. Lebanon has rebuilt much of its war-torn

physical and financial infrastructure. The government nonetheless

faces serious challenges in the economic arena. It has funded

reconstruction by borrowing heavily - mostly from domestic banks. In

order to reduce the ballooning national debt, the re-installed

HARIRI government began an economic austerity program to rein in

government expenditures, increase revenue collection, and privatize

state enterprises. The HARIRI government met with international

donors at the Paris II conference in November 2002 to seek bilateral

assistance restructuring its domestic debt at lower rates of

interest. While privatization of state-owned enterprises had not

occurred by the end of 2002, the government had successfully avoided

a currency devaluation and debt default in 2002.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $17.61 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 12% industry: 21% services: 67% (2000)

Population below poverty line:

28% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.5 million

note: in addition, there are as many as 1 million foreign workers

(2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services NA%, industry NA%, agriculture NA%

Unemployment rate:

18% (1997 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $3.1 billion

expenditures: $5.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

banking; food processing; jewelry; cement; textiles; mineral and

chemical products; wood and furniture products; oil refining; metal

fabricating

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

6.728 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 97.2% hydro: 2.8% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

7.44 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1.183 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

107,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco; sheep, goats

Exports:

$1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

foodstuffs and tobacco, textiles, chemicals, precious stones, metal

products, electrical products, jewelry, paper products

Exports - partners:

Switzerland 10.8%, Saudi Arabia 9%, UAE 8.6%, US 6.7%, Jordan 4.6%,

Turkey 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$6 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, electrical products, vehicles, minerals, chemicals,

textiles, fuels

Imports - partners:

Italy 11.3%, France 10.7%, Germany 8.4%, US 5.6%, Syria 5.4%, China

4.8%, Belgium 4.5%, UK 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$9.3 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$3.5 billion (pledges 1997-2001) $4.2 billion in pledges November

2002 Paris II Aid Conference

Currency:

Lebanese pound (LBP)

Currency code:

LBP

Exchange rates:

Lebanese pounds per US dollar - 1,507.5 (2002), 1,507.5 (2001),

1,507.5 (2000), 1,507.84 (1999), 1,516.13 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Lebanon

Telephones - main lines in use:

700,000 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

580,000 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications system severely damaged by

civil war; rebuilding well underway

domestic: primarily microwave radio relay and cable

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Atlantic Ocean) (erratic operations); coaxial cable to Syria;

microwave radio relay to Syria but inoperable beyond Syria to

Jordan; 3 submarine coaxial cables

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 20, FM 22, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios:

2.85 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

15 (plus 5 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

1.18 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.lb

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

22 (2000)

Internet users:

300,000 (2001)

Transportation Lebanon

Railways:

total: 401 km

standard gauge: 319 km 1.435-m

note: rail system is unusable because of damage in civil war (2002)

narrow gauge: 82 km 1.050-m

Highways: total: 7,300 km paved: 6,198 km unpaved: 1,102 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

oil 209 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Antilyas, Batroun, Beirut, Chekka, El Mina, Ez Zahrani, Jbail,

Jounie, Naqoura, Sidon, Tripoli, Tyre

Merchant marine:

total: 56 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 230,142 GRT/306,442 DWT

ships by type: bulk 5, cargo 28, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk

1, container 4, liquefied gas 1, livestock carrier 9, roll on/roll

off 4, vehicle carrier 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: France 1, Greece 10, Netherlands 4, Panama 1, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Spain 1, Syria 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

8 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Lebanon

Military branches:

Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF; includes Army, Navy, and Air Force)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,025,984 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 630,657 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$541 million (2002)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.8% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Lebanon

Disputes - international:

Syrian troops in central and eastern Lebanon since October 1976;

Lebanese Government claims Shab'a Farms area of Israeli-occupied

Golan Heights

Illicit drugs:

cannabis cultivation dramatically reduced to 2,500 hectares in

2002; opium poppy cultivation minimal; small amounts of Latin

American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin transit country on way

to US and European markets

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Lesotho

Introduction Lesotho

Background:

Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence

from the UK in 1966. King MOSHOESHOE was exiled in 1990.

Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after 23 years of

military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny

following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody South

African military intervention. Constitutional reforms have since

restored political stability; peaceful parliamentary elections were

held in 2002.

Geography Lesotho

Location:

Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

29 30 S, 28 30 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 30,355 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 30,355 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries: total: 909 km border countries: South Africa 909 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Terrain:

mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m

highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m

Natural resources:

water, agricultural and grazing land, some diamonds and other

minerals

Land use: arable land: 10.71% permanent crops: 0% other: 89.29% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues: population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, and soil exhaustion; desertification; Highlands Water Project controls, stores, and redirects water to South Africa

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

landlocked, completely surrounded by South Africa; mountainous,

more than 80% of the country is 1,800 meters above sea level

People Lesotho

Population:

1,861,959

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.7% (male 353,554; female 349,092)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 516,017; female 541,694)

65 years and over: 5.5% (male 41,735; female 59,867) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.8 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 20.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.19% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

27.26 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

24.58 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 86.21 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 80.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 91.28 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 36.94 years

male: 36.76 years

female: 37.13 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.52 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

31% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

360,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

25,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

adjective: Basotho

Ethnic groups:

Sotho 99.7%, Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3%,

Religions:

Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%

Languages:

Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.8%

male: 74.5%

female: 94.5% (2003 est.)

Government Lesotho

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Lesotho

conventional short form: Lesotho

former: Basutoland

Government type:

parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Maseru

Administrative divisions:

10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohales

Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka

Independence:

4 October 1966 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 October (1966)

Constitution:

2 April 1993

Legal system:

based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial review of

legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996); note -

King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November 1990 to

February 1995, while his father was in exile

head of government: Prime Minister Pakalitha MOSISILI (since 23 May

1998)

cabinet: Cabinet

elections: none; according to the constitution, the leader of the

majority party in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister;

the monarch is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution,

which came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is

a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative

powers; under traditional law the college of chiefs has the power to

determine who is next in the line of succession, who shall serve as

regent in the event that the successor is not of mature age, and may

even depose the monarch

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (33 members - 22

principal chiefs and 11 other members appointed by the ruling party)

and the Assembly (120 seats, 80 by direct popular vote and 40 by

proportional vote; members elected by popular vote for five-year

terms); note - number of seats in the Assembly rose from 80 to 120

in the May 2002 election

elections: last held 25 May 2002 (next to be held NA May 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - LCD 54%, BNP 21%, LPC

7%, other 18%; seats by party - LCD 76, BNP 21, LPC 5, other 18

Judicial branch:

High Court (chief justice appointed by the monarch); Court of

Appeal; Magistrate's Court; customary or traditional court

Political parties and leaders:

Basotho Congress Party or BCP [Tseliso MAKHAKHE]; Basotho National

Party or BNP [Maj. Gen. Justine Metsing LEKHANYA]; Lesotho Congress

for Democracy or LCD [Phebe MOTEBANO, chairwoman; Pakalitha

MOSISILI, leader] - the governing party; Lesotho People's Congress

or LPC [Kelebone MAOPE]; United Democratic Party or UDP [Charles

MOFELI]; Marematlou Freedom Party or MFP and Setlamo Alliance

[Vincent MALEBO]; Progressive National Party or PNP [Chief Peete

Nkoebe PEETE]; Sefate Democratic Party or SDP [Bofihla NKUEBE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SACU,

SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Molelekeng E. RAPOLAKI

FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815

telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533 through 5536

chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert G. LOFTIS embassy: 254 Kingsway, Maseru West (Consular Section) mailing address: P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho telephone: [266] 312666 FAX: [266] 310116

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper half

is white, bearing the brown silhouette of a large shield with

crossed spear and club; the lower half is a diagonal blue band with

a green triangle in the corner

Economy Lesotho

Economy - overview:

Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho relies on remittances

from miners employed in South Africa and customs duties from the

Southern Africa Customs Union for the majority of government

revenue, but the government has strengthened its tax system to

reduce dependency on customs duties. Completion of a major

hydropower facility in January 1998 now permits the sale of water to

South Africa, also generating royalties for Lesotho. As the number

of mineworkers has declined steadily over the past several years, a

small manufacturing base has developed based on farm products that

support the milling, canning, leather, and jute industries and a

rapidly growing apparel-assembly sector. The economy is still

primarily based on subsistence agriculture, especially livestock,

although drought has decreased agricultural activity. The extreme

inequality in the distribution of income remains a major drawback.

Lesotho has signed an Interim Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility

with the IMF.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $5.106 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 20% industry: 46% services: 34% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 49% (1999)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.9% highest 10%: 43.4%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56 (1986-87)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

838,000

Labor force - by occupation: 86% of resident population engaged in subsistence agriculture; roughly 35% of the active male wage earners work in South Africa

Unemployment rate:

45% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $76 million

expenditures: $80 million, including capital expenditures of $15

million (FY 99/00 est.)

Industries:

food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts;

construction; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

15.5% (1999)

Electricity - production:

0 kWh NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2001)

Electricity - consumption:

40 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

40 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,500 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley; livestock

Exports:

$422 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactures 75% (clothing, footwear, road vehicles), wool and

mohair, food and live animals (2000)

Exports - partners:

US 97.5%, Canada 0.9%, France 0.6% (2002)

Imports:

$738 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food; building materials, vehicles, machinery, medicines, petroleum

products (2000)

Imports - partners:

Hong Kong 51.9%, China 25%, France 3.9% (2002)

Debt - external:

$735 million (2002)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA $4.4 million

Economic aid - recipient:

$41.5 million (2000)

Currency:

loti (LSL); South African rand (ZAR)

Currency code:

LSL; ZAR

Exchange rates:

maloti per US dollar - 10.54 (2002), 8.61 (2001), 6.94 (2000), 6.11

(1999), 5.53 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Lesotho

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,200 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

21,600 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: rudimentary system

domestic: consists of a few landlines, a small microwave radio relay

system, and a minor radiotelephone communication system; a cellular

mobile telephone system is growing

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

NA (2002)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2000)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.ls

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

5,000 (2002)

Transportation Lesotho

Railways:

total: 2.6 km; note - owned by, operated by, and included in the

statistics of South Africa

narrow gauge: 2.6 km 1.067-m gauge (1995)

Highways:

total: 5,940 km

paved: 1,087 km

unpaved: 4,853 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

28 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 24 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 20 (2002)

Military Lesotho

Military branches:

Lesotho Defense Force (LDF; including Army and Air Wing), Royal

Lesotho Mounted Police

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 459,723 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 250,560 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$34 million (1999)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Military - note:

the Lesotho Government in 1999 began an open debate on the future

structure, size, and role of the armed forces, especially

considering the Lesotho Defense Force's (LDF) history of intervening

in political affairs

Transnational Issues Lesotho

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Liberia

Introduction Liberia

Background:

Eight years of civil strife were brought to a close in 1997 when

free and open presidential and legislative elections were held.

President TAYLOR now holds strong executive power with no real

political opposition. Years of fighting, coupled with the flight of

most businesses, have disrupted formal economic activity. A still

unsettled domestic security situation has slowed the process of

rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn

country. In 2001, the UN imposed sanctions on Liberian diamonds,

along with an arms embargo and a travel ban on government officials,

for Liberia's support of the rebel insurgency in Sierra Leone.

Renewed rebel activity has further eroded stability and economic

activity. A regional peace initiative commenced in the spring of

2003 but was disrupted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL)

indictment of President TAYLOR on war crimes charges.

Geography Liberia

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote

d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone

Geographic coordinates:

6 30 N, 9 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 111,370 sq km

water: 15,050 sq km

land: 96,320 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,585 km

border countries: Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone

306 km

Coastline:

579 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold

nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and

low mountains in northeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Wuteve 1,380 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 1.97% permanent crops: 2.08% other: 95.95% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to March)

Environment - current issues: tropical rain forest deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; pollution of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 signed, but not ratified: Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

facing the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline is characterized by

lagoons, mangrove swamps, and river-deposited sandbars; the inland

grassy plateau supports limited agriculture

People Liberia

Population:

3,317,176 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.4% (male 724,960; female 716,831)

15-64 years: 53% (male 858,191; female 898,851)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 59,539; female 58,804) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.1 years

male: 17.7 years

female: 18.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.67% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

45.28 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

17.84 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-10.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: 200,000 Liberian refugees are in surrounding countries though

slowly returning (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.01 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 132.18 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 125.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 139.03 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 48.15 years

male: 47.03 years

female: 49.3 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.23 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

9% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

125,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Liberian(s)

adjective: Liberian

Ethnic groups:

indigenous African tribes 95% (including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru,

Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, Dei, Bella,

Mandingo, and Mende), Americo-Liberians 2.5% (descendants of

immigrants from the US who had been slaves), Congo People 2.5%

(descendants of immigrants from the Caribbean who had been slaves)

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Languages:

English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages, of which a

few can be written and are used in correspondence

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 57.5%

male: 73.3%

female: 41.6%

note: (2003 est.)

Government Liberia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Liberia

conventional short form: Liberia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Monrovia

Administrative divisions:

15 counties; Bomi, Bong, Gparbolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount,

Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba,

River Cess, River Gee, Sinoe

Independence:

26 July 1847

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 July (1847)

Constitution:

6 January 1986

Legal system:

dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for

the modern sector and customary law based on unwritten tribal

practices for indigenous sector

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Gyude BRYANT (since 14 October 2003);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Gyude BRYANT (since 14 October 2003);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and confirmed by the

Senate

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term

(renewable); election last held 19 July 1997 (next to be held NA

2005)

note:: a UN-brokered cease fire among waring factions and the

Liberian government resulted in the August 2003 resignation of

former president Charles TAYLOR; a jointly agreed upon replacement,

President Gyude BRYANT, assumed office as chairman of the National

Transitional Government on 14 October 2003

election results: Charles Ghankay TAYLOR elected president; percent

of vote - Charles Ghankay TAYLOR (NPP) 75.3%, Ellen Johnson SIRLEAF

(UP) 9.6%, Alhaji KROMAH (ALCOP) 4%, other 11.1%; note - Taylor

stepped down in August 2003

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (26 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve nine-year terms) and the

House of Representatives (64 seats; members elected by popular vote

to serve six-year terms)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - NPP 21, UP 3, ALCOP 2; House of Representatives - percent of

vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NPP 49, UP 7, ALCOP 3,

Alliance of Political Parties 2, UPP 2, LPP 1

elections: Senate - last held 19 July 1997 (next to be held NA

2006); House of Representatives - last held 19 July 1997 (next to be

held 14 October 2003)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Political Parties (a coalition of LAP and LUP) [leader

NA]; All Liberia Coalition Party or ALCOP [Peter KERBAY]; Liberian

Action Party or LAP [C. Gyude BRYANT]; Liberian People's Party or

LPP [Koffa NAGBE]; Liberia Unification Party or LUP [leader NA];

National Patriotic Party or NPP [Cyril ALLEN] - governing party;

United People's Party or UPP [Wesley JOHNSON]; Unity Party or UP

[Charles CLARKE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge D'Affaires Aaron B.

KOLLIE

chancery: 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 723-0436

telephone: [1] (202) 723-0437

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John William BLANEY III

embassy: 111 United Nations Drive, P. O. Box 10-0098, Mamba Point,

1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [231] 226-370 through 226-380

FAX: [231] 226-148

Flag description:

11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating

with white; there is a white five-pointed star on a blue square in

the upper hoist-side corner; the design was based on the US flag

Economy Liberia

Economy - overview:

Civil war and misgovernment have destroyed much of Liberia's

economy, especially the infrastructure in and around Monrovia. Many

businessmen have fled the country, taking capital and expertise with

them. Some have returned; many will not. Richly endowed with water,

mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture,

Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products -

primarily raw timber and rubber. Local manufacturing, mainly foreign

owned, had been small in scope. The restoration of the

infrastructure and the raising of incomes in this ravaged economy

depend on the settlement of civil warfare, the implementation of

sound macro- and micro-economic policies, including the

encouragement of foreign investment, and generous support from donor

countries.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $3.116 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 74% industry: 7% services: 19% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

80%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15% (2002 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 70%, industry 8%, services 22% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA

Budget:

revenues: $85.4 million

expenditures: $90.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

rubber processing, palm oil processing, timber, diamonds

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

468.8 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

435.9 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

3,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, sugarcane, bananas; sheep, goats; timber

Exports:

$110 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

rubber, timber, iron, diamonds, cocoa, coffee

Exports - partners:

Germany 54.8%, Poland 8.9%, France 8.5%, China 4.9%, Italy 4.5%, US

4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$165 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured

goods; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

South Korea 30.3%, Japan 19.1%, Germany 15.6%, France 9.1%,

Singapore 7.9% (2002)

Debt - external:

$2.1 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$94 million (1999)

Currency:

Liberian dollar (LRD)

Currency code:

LRD

Exchange rates:

Liberian dollars per US dollar - NA (2002), 48.58 (2001), 40.95

(2000), 41.9 (1999), 41.51 (1998)

note: until December 1997, rates were based on a fixed relationship

with the US dollar; beginning in January 1998, rates are market

determined

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Liberia

Telephones - main lines in use:

6,700 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone and telegraph service via microwave

radio relay network; main center is Monrovia

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 7, shortwave 2 (2001)

Radios:

790,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus four low-power repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

70,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.lr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2001)

Internet users:

500 (2000)

Transportation Liberia

Railways:

total: 490 km

standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 145 km 1.067-m gauge

note: none of the railways are in operation (2002)

Highways: total: 10,600 km paved: 657 km unpaved: 9,943 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Buchanan, Greenville, Harper, Monrovia, Robertsport

Merchant marine:

total: 1,432 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 48,700,851 GRT/75,408,994 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 3, bulk 282, cargo 80, chemical tanker

163, combination bulk 12, combination ore/oil 24, container 357,

liquefied gas 82, multi-functional large-load carrier 4, passenger

6, petroleum tanker 286, refrigerated cargo 60, roll on/roll off 19,

short-sea passenger 4, specialized tanker 13, vehicle carrier 37

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Argentina 9, Australia 2, Austria 15, Belgium 9, Brazil

5, Canada 4, Cayman Islands 1, Chile 7, China 39, Croatia 11,

Denmark 4, Ecuador 1, Estonia 1, Germany 437, Greece 154, Hong Kong

69, India 5, Indonesia 1, Israel 1, Italy 5, Japan 90, Latvia 20,

Isle of Man 5, Monaco 56, Netherlands 12, NZ 1, Nigeria 1, Norway

103, Pakistan 1, Portugal 5, Russia 66, Saudi Arabia 21, Singapore

20, Slovenia 1, South Africa 1, South Korea 10, Spain 2, Sweden 9,

Switzerland 17, Taiwan 29, Turkey 3, Ukraine 4, UAE 12, UK 39, US

113, Uruguay 3, Vietnam 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

47 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 45 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 34 (2002)

Military Liberia

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 735,481 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 396,725 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$7.8 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.3% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Liberia

Disputes - international:

rebels and refugees contribute to border instabilities with Sierra

Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, and Guinea; the Ivorian Government accuses

Liberia of supporting Ivorian rebels

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin and

South American cocaine for the European and US markets; corruption,

criminal activity, arms-dealing, and diamond trade provide

significant potential for money laundering, but the lack of

well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a

major money-laundering center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Libya

Introduction Libya

Background:

Since he took power in a 1969 military coup, Col. Muammar Abu

Minyar al-QADHAFI has espoused his own political system - a

combination of socialism and Islam - which he calls the Third

International Theory. Viewing himself as a revolutionary leader, he

used oil funds during the 1970s and 1980s to promote his ideology

outside Libya, even supporting subversives and terrorists abroad to

hasten the end of Marxism and capitalism. Libyan military adventures

failed, e.g., the prolonged foray of Libyan troops into the Aozou

Strip in northern Chad was finally repulsed in 1987. Libyan support

for terrorism decreased after UN sanctions were imposed in 1992.

Those sanctions were suspended in April 1999.

Geography Libya

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and

Tunisia

Geographic coordinates:

25 00 N, 17 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,759,540 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 1,759,540 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 4,348 km

border countries: Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,115 km,

Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km

Coastline:

1,770 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 NM

note: Gulf of Sidra closing line - 32 degrees, 30 minutes north

Climate:

Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Terrain:

mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m highest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, gypsum

Land use: arable land: 1.03% permanent crops: 0.17% other: 98.8% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

4,700 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four

days in spring and fall; dust storms, sandstorms

Environment - current issues:

desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources; the

Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in

the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under

the Sahara to coastal cities

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note: more than 90% of the country is desert or semidesert

People Libya

Population: 5,499,074 note: includes 166,510 non-nationals (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.5% (male 970,026; female 929,174)

15-64 years: 61.4% (male 1,744,992; female 1,630,399)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 109,262; female 115,221) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.1 years

male: 22.2 years

female: 21.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.39% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

27.43 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

3.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 24.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 29.16 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.07 years

male: 73.91 years

female: 78.34 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.49 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

7,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Libyan(s)

adjective: Libyan

Ethnic groups:

Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians,

Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, Tunisians

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 97%

Languages:

Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major

cities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 82.6%

male: 92.4%

female: 72% (2003 est.)

Government Libya

Country name:

conventional long form: Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab

Jamahiriya

conventional short form: Libya

local short form: none

local long form: Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah

al Ishtirakiyah al Uzma

Government type:

Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the

populace through local councils; in fact, a military dictatorship

Capital:

Tripoli

Administrative divisions:

25 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ajdabiya, Al

'Aziziyah, Al Fatih, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jufrah, Al Khums, Al

Kufrah, An Nuqat al Khams, Ash Shati', Awbari, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi,

Darnah, Ghadamis, Gharyan, Misratah, Murzuq, Sabha, Sawfajjin, Surt,

Tarabulus, Tarhunah, Tubruq, Yafran, Zlitan; note - the 25

municipalities may have been replaced by 13 regions

Independence:

24 December 1951 (from Italy)

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 1 September (1969)

Constitution:

11 December 1969, amended 2 March 1977

Legal system:

based on Italian civil law system and Islamic law; separate

religious courts; no constitutional provision for judicial review of

legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar

al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969); note - holds no official title,

but is de facto chief of state

elections: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of

people's committees; head of government elected by the General

People's Congress; election last held 2 March 2000 (next to be held

NA)

election results: Mubarak al-SHAMEKH elected premier; percent of

General People's Congress vote - NA%

cabinet: General People's Committee established by the General

People's Congress

head of government: Secretary of the General People's Committee

(Premier) Mubarak al-SHAMEKH (since 2 March 2000)

Legislative branch:

unicameral General People's Congress (NA seats; members elected

indirectly through a hierarchy of people's committees)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

various Arab nationalist movements with almost negligible

memberships may be functioning clandestinely, as well as some

Islamic elements

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAU, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Libya does not have an embassy in the US

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US suspended all embassy activities in Tripoli on 2 May 1980

Flag description:

plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the state

religion)

Economy Libya

Economy - overview:

The socialist-oriented economy depends primarily upon revenues from

the oil sector, which contribute practically all export earnings and

about one-quarter of GDP. These oil revenues and a small population

give Libya one of the highest per capita GDPs in Africa, but little

of this income flows down to the lower orders of society. Import

restrictions and inefficient resource allocations have led to

periodic shortages of basic goods and foodstuffs. The nonoil

manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for about 20%

of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly agricultural products

to include the production of petrochemicals, iron, steel, and

aluminum. Climatic conditions and poor soils severely limit

agricultural output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food. Higher

oil prices in the last three years led to an increase in export

revenues, which has improved macroeconomic balances but has done

little to stimulate broad-based economic growth. Libya is making

slow progress toward economic liberalization and the upgrading of

economic infrastructure, but truly market-based reforms will be slow

in coming.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $33.36 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $6,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 9%

industry: 45%

services: 46% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

1.5 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 54%, industry 29%, agriculture 17% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (2001)

Budget:

revenues: $13.7 billion

expenditures: $8.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

20.18 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

18.77 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

1.429 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

216,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

29.75 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

6.18 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

5.41 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

770 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.321 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus, vegetables, peanuts, soybeans; cattle

Exports:

$11.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, refined petroleum products (1999)

Exports - partners:

Italy 42.6%, Germany 14.1%, Spain 13.6%, Turkey 6.9%, Switzerland

4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$6.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transport equipment, food, manufactured goods (1999)

Imports - partners:

Italy 25.6%, Germany 9.8%, South Korea 6.6%, UK 6.6%, Tunisia 6.5%,

Japan 6.4%, France 5.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$4.4 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$15 million (2000)

Currency:

Libyan dinar (LYD)

Currency code:

LYD

Exchange rates:

Libyan dinars per US dollar - 1.2 (2003), 0.6 (2002), 0.51 (2001),

0.5 (2000), 0.39 (1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Libya

Telephones - main lines in use:

500,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

20,000 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: telecommunications system is being modernized;

mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996

domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular,

tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth

stations

international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat,

and NA Intersputnik; submarine cables to France and Italy; microwave

radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece;

participant in Medarabtel (1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 16, FM 3, shortwave 3 (2002)

Radios:

1.35 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

12 (plus one low-power repeater) (1999)

Televisions:

730,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ly

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

20,000 (2001)

Transportation Libya

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 83,200 km paved: 47,590 km unpaved: 35,610 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

condensate 225 km; gas 3,196 km; oil 6,872 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Al Khums, Banghazi, Darnah, Marsa al Burayqah, Misratah, Ra's

Lanuf, Tobruk, Tripoli, Zuwarah

Merchant marine:

total: 21 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 130,081 GRT/115,480 DWT

ships by type: cargo 9, liquefied gas 3, petroleum tanker 1, roll

on/roll off 4, short-sea passenger 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Algeria 1, Kuwait 1, UAE 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

136 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 58

over 3,047 m: 23

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 22

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 78

under 914 m: 18 (2002)

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 39

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

Heliports:

1 (2002)

Military Libya

Military branches:

Armed Peoples on Duty (Army), Navy, Air and Air Defense Command

(includes Air Force)

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,546,432 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 914,649 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 61,511 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.3 billion (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.9% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Libya

Disputes - international:

Libya has claimed more than 32,000 sq km in southeastern Algeria

and about 25,000 sq km in Niger in currently dormant disputes;

various Chadian rebels from the Aozou region reside in southern Libya

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Liechtenstein

Introduction Liechtenstein

Background:

The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy

Roman Empire in 1719; it became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the

end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic

devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter

into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War

II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low

taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. However,

shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in

concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money

laundering.

Geography Liechtenstein

Location:

Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland

Geographic coordinates:

47 16 N, 9 32 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 160 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 160 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 76 km border countries: Austria 34.9 km, Switzerland 41.1 km

Coastline:

0 km (doubly landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool

to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m highest point: Grauspitz 2,599 m

Natural resources: hydroelectric potential, arable land

Land use: arable land: 25% permanent crops: 0% other: 75% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

along with Uzbekistan, one of only two doubly landlocked countries

in the world; variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation

People Liechtenstein

Population:

33,145 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.1% (male 2,979; female 3,008)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 11,646; female 11,740)

65 years and over: 11.3% (male 1,538; female 2,234) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.3 years

male: 37.9 years

female: 38.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.9% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.92 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.85 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

4.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 6.59 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.25 years

male: 75.63 years

female: 82.87 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.5 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Liechtensteiner(s)

adjective: Liechtenstein

Ethnic groups:

Alemannic 86%, Italian, Turkish, and other 14%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2%

(June 2002)

Languages:

German (official), Alemannic dialect

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (1981 est.)

Government Liechtenstein

Country name:

conventional long form: Principality of Liechtenstein

conventional short form: Liechtenstein

local short form: Liechtenstein

local long form: Fuerstentum Liechtenstein

Government type:

hereditary constitutional monarchy on a democratic and

parliamentary basis

Capital:

Vaduz

Administrative divisions:

11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen,

Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen,

Triesenberg, Vaduz

Independence:

23 January 1719 Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established;

12 July 1806 established independence from the Holy Roman Empire

National holiday:

Assumption Day, 15 August

Constitution:

5 October 1921

Legal system:

local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,

with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November 1989,

assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince

ALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party in the Diet is usually

appointed the head of government by the monarch and the leader of

the largest minority party in the Diet is usually appointed the

deputy head of government by the monarch

cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch

head of government: Head of Government Otmar HASLER (since 5 April

2001) and Deputy Head of Government Rita KIEBER-BECK (since 5 April

2001)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Landtag (25 seats; members are elected by

direct, popular vote under proportional representation to serve

four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - FBP 49.90%, VU 41.35%,

FL 8.71%; seats by party - FBP 13, VU 11, FL 1

elections: last held 11 February 2001 (next to be held by NA 2005)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Court of Appeal or

Obergericht

Political parties and leaders:

Fatherland Union or VU [Oswald KRANZ]; Progressive Citizens' Party

or FBP [Ernst WALCH]; The Free List or FL [Dr. Pepo FRICK, Karin

JENNY, Rene HASLER]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, IAEA, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, ITU,

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WIPO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Claudia FRITSCHE chancery: 1300 Eye Street NW, Suite 550W, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 216-0460 FAX: [1] (202) 216-0459

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein, but the US

Ambassador to Switzerland is also accredited to Liechtenstein

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown

on the hoist side of the blue band

Economy Liechtenstein

Economy - overview:

Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein

has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized,

free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and

living standards on a par with its large European neighbors. The

Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of

small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% -

and easy incorporation rules have induced many holding or so-called

letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein,

providing 30% of state revenues. The country participates in a

customs union with Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its

national currency. It imports more than 90% of its energy

requirements. Liechtenstein has been a member of the European

Economic Area (an organization serving as a bridge between the

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the EU) since May 1995.

The government is working to harmonize its economic policies with

those of an integrated Europe.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $825 million (1999 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

11% (1999 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $25,000 (1999 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: 40%

services: NA% (1999)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (2001)

Labor force:

29,000 of which 19,000 are foreigners; 13,000 commute from Austria,

Switzerland, and Germany to work each day (37256)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 47.4%, services 51.3%, agriculture 1.3% (37256 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1.3% (37500)

Budget:

revenues: $424.2 million

expenditures: $414.1 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Industries:

electronics, metal manufacturing, dental products, ceramics,

pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, tourism,

optical instruments

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0% other: 0% (2002) hydro: 0% nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2002)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, corn, potatoes; livestock, dairy products

Exports:

$2.47 billion (1996)

Exports - commodities:

small specialty machinery, connectors for audio and video, parts

for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware, prepared foodstuffs,

electronic equipment, optical products

Exports - partners:

EU 62.6% (Germany 24.3%, Austria 9.5%, France 8.9%, Italy 6.6%, UK

4.6%), US 18.9%, Switzerland 15.7%

Imports:

$917.3 million (1996)

Imports - commodities:

agricultural products, raw materials, machinery, metal goods,

textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles

Imports - partners:

EU, Switzerland

Debt - external:

$0 (2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

none

Currency:

Swiss franc (CHF)

Currency code:

CHF

Exchange rates:

Swiss francs per US dollar - 1.5586 (2002), 1.6876 (2001), 1.6888

(2000), 1.5022 (1999), 1.4498 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Liechtenstein

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,072 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic telephone system

domestic: NA

international: linked to Swiss networks by cable and microwave radio

relay

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

21,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

NA (linked to Swiss networks) (1997)

Televisions:

12,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.li

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

44 (Liechtenstein and Switzerland) (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Liechtenstein

Railways:

total: 18.5 km

standard gauge: 18.5 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified)

note: owned, operated, and included in statistics of Austrian

Federal Railways (2002)

Highways: total: 250 km paved: 250 km unpaved: 0 km

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 20 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

none (2002)

Military Liechtenstein

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Switzerland

Transnational Issues Liechtenstein

Disputes - international:

Liechtenstein's royal family claims restitution for 1,600 sq km of

land in the Czech Republic confiscated in 1918

Illicit drugs:

multilateral organizations engaged in issuing international

guidelines for financial sector oversight found gaps in

Liechtenstein's financial services controls that made it vulnerable

to money laundering, but Liechtenstein has become less attractive as

a haven for illicit funds, based on implementation in 2001 of new

anti-money-laundering legislation and improved mutual legal

assistance cooperation with other countries

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Lithuania

Introduction Lithuania

Background:

Independent between the two World Wars, Lithuania was annexed by

the USSR in 1940. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of

the Soviet republics to declare its independence, but this

proclamation was not generally recognized until September of 1991

(following the abortive coup in Moscow). The last Russian troops

withdrew in 1993. Lithuania subsequently has restructured its

economy for eventual integration into Western European institutions

and was invited to join NATO and the EU in 2002.

Geography Lithuania

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

56 00 N, 24 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 65,200 sq km

water: NA sq km

land: NA sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total: 1,273 km

border countries: Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km,

Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km

Coastline:

99 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

transitional, between maritime and continental; wet, moderate

winters and summers

Terrain:

lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Juozapines/Kalnas 292 m

Natural resources: peat, arable land

Land use: arable land: 45.46% permanent crops: 0.93% other: 53.61% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

90 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues: contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

fertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that are

ancient glacial deposits

People Lithuania

Population:

3,592,561 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.6% (male 323,776; female 310,087)

15-64 years: 68.4% (male 1,188,171; female 1,268,035)

65 years and over: 14% (male 169,513; female 332,979) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.6 years

male: 33.9 years

female: 39.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.23% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.48 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

12.89 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.51 male(s)/female

total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.17 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 16.21 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.6 years

male: 63.78 years

female: 75.7 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.43 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 1,300 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Lithuanian(s)

adjective: Lithuanian

Ethnic groups:

Lithuanian 80.6%, Russian 8.7%, Polish 7%, Belarusian 1.6%, other

2.1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic (primarily), Lutheran, Russian Orthodox, Protestant,

Evangelical Christian Baptist, Muslim, Jewish

Languages:

Lithuanian (official), Polish, Russian

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.6% (2003 est.)

Government Lithuania

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Lithuania

conventional short form: Lithuania

local short form: Lietuva

former: Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form: Lietuvos Respublika

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Vilnius

Administrative divisions:

10 counties (apskritys, singular - apskritis); Alytaus, Kauno,

Klaipedos, Marijampoles, Panevezio, Siauliu, Taurages, Telsiu,

Utenos, Vilniaus

Independence:

11 March 1990 (independence declared from Soviet Union); 6

September 1991 (Soviet Union recognizes Lithuania's independence)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 February (1918); note - 16 February 1918 is

the date of independence from German, Austrian, Prussian, and

Russian occupation, 11 March 1990 is the date of independence from

the Soviet Union

Constitution:

adopted 25 October 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system; legislative acts can be appealed to the

constitutional court

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Rolandas PAKSAS (since 26 February 2003)

head of government: Premier Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS (since 3

July 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

nomination of the premier

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 22 December 2002 and 5 January 2003 (next to be

held in late 2007); premier appointed by the president on the

approval of the Parliament

election results: Rolandas PAKSAS elected president; percent of vote

- Rolandas PAKSAS 54.9%, Valdas ADAMKUS 45.1%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Seimas (141 seats, 71 members are directly

elected by popular vote, 70 are elected by proportional

representation; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 8 October 2000 (next to be held NA October 2004)

note: the voting results from the 2000 elections do not correspond

to the make up of the Seimas, which has evolved into a number of

factions, each made up of members of several parties

election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democratic

Coalition 31.1%, New Union-Social Liberals 19.6%, Liberal Union

17.2%, TS 8.6%, remaining parties all less than 5%; seats by faction

- Social Democratic Coalition 51, New Union-Social Liberals 25,

United Political Group-Group of Liberals 24, Liberal Democrats 13,

Conservatives 9, Farmers and New Democracy Parties 8, Mixed Group 6,

independent 1 (four seats unfilled as of 1 June 2003)

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; judges for

all courts appointed by the President

Political parties and leaders:

Electoral Action of Lithuanian Poles [Valdemar TOMASZEVSKI,

chairman]; Homeland Union/Conservative Party or TS [Andrius

KUBILIUS, chairman]; Lithuanian Center Union or LCS [Kestutis

GLAVECKAS, chairman]; Lithuanian Christian Democrats or LKD [Kazys

BOBELIS]; Lithuanian Farmer's Party or LUP [Ramunas KARBAUSKIS,

chairman]; Lithuanian Green Party [Rimantas BRAZIULIS]; Lithuanian

Liberal Youth [Neringa MOROZAITE]; Lithuanian National Democratic

Party [Vygintas GONTIS]; Lithuanian Social Democratic Coalition

[Algirdas BRAZAUSKAS, chairman] consists of the Lithuanian

Democratic Labor Party or LDDP, the Lithuanian Social Democratic

Party or LSDP, and New Democracy; Moderate Conservative Union

[Gediminas VAGNORIUS]; Modern Christian Democratic Union [Vytautas

BOGUSIS, chairman]; New Democracy and Farmer's Union [Kazimiera

PRUNSKIENE, chairman]; New Union-Social Liberals [Arturas

PAULAUSKAS, chairman]; Young Lithuania [Arnoldas PLATELIS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT (observer), BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant),

FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IFC,

IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU,

OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vygaudas USACKAS

chancery: 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

consulate(s) general: Chicago and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 328-0466

telephone: [1] (202) 234-5860

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John F. TEFFT

embassy: Akmenu 6, 2600 Vilnius

mailing address: American Embassy, Vilnius, PSC 78, Box V, APO AE

09723

telephone: [370] (5) 266 5500

FAX: [370] (5) 266 5510

Flag description:

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

Economy Lithuania

Economy - overview:

Lithuania, the Baltic state that has conducted the most trade with

Russia, has slowly rebounded from the 1998 Russian financial crisis.

Unemployment remains high, still 10.7% in 2003, but is improving.

Growing domestic consumption and increased investment have furthered

recovery. Trade has been increasingly oriented toward the West.

Lithuania has gained membership in the World Trade Organization and

has moved ahead with plans to join the EU. Privatization of the

large, state-owned utilities, particularly in the energy sector, is

nearing completion. Overall, more than 80% of enterprises have been

privatized. Foreign government and business support have helped in

the transition from the old command economy to a market economy.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $30.08 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8%

industry: 31%

services: 61% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.1% highest 10%: 25.6% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34 (1999)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.5 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 30%, agriculture 20%, services 50% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12.5% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.59 billion

expenditures: $1.77 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

metal-cutting machine tools, electric motors, television sets,

refrigerators and freezers, petroleum refining, shipbuilding (small

ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing, fertilizers,

agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic components,

computers, amber

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

14.62 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 16.5% hydro: 5.7% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 77.7%

Electricity - consumption:

8.683 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

6.3 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1.389 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

4,594 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

72,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

2.76 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

2.76 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: grain, potatoes, sugar beets, flax, vegetables; beef, milk, eggs; fish

Exports:

$5.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

mineral products 23%, textiles and clothing 16%, machinery and

equipment 11%, chemicals 6%, wood and wood products 5%, foodstuffs

5% (2001)

Exports - partners:

Latvia 12.8%, Germany 12%, UK 7.6%, Poland 6.3%, US 5.9%, France

5.8%, Russia 5.7%, Sweden 5%, Denmark 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$6.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral products 21%, machinery and equipment 17%, transport

equipment 11%, chemicals 9%, textiles and clothing 9%, metals 5%

(2001)

Imports - partners:

Russia 24.1%, Germany 20.3%, Italy 5.9%, Poland 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$5.8 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$228.5 million (1995)

Currency:

litas (LTL)

Currency code:

LTL

Exchange rates:

litai per US dollar - 3.68 (2002), 4 (2001), 4 (2000), 4 (1999), 4

(1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Lithuania

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.142 million (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

500,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate, but is being modernized to provide

an improved international capability and better residential access

domestic: a national, fiber-optic cable, interurban, trunk system is

nearing completion; rural exchanges are being improved and expanded;

mobile cellular systems are being installed; access to the Internet

is available; still many unsatisfied telephone subscriber

applications

international: landline connections to Latvia and Poland; major

international connections to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway by

submarine cable for further transmission by satellite

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 29, FM 142, shortwave 1 (2001)

Radios:

1.9 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

27

note: Lithuania has approximately 27 broadcasting stations, but may

have as many as 100 transmitters, including repeater stations (2001)

Televisions:

1.7 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.lt

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

32 (2001)

Internet users:

341,000 (2001)

Transportation Lithuania

Railways:

total: 1,998 km

broad gauge: 1,807 km 1.524-m gauge (122 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 169 km 0.750-m gauge (all service suspended) (2002)

standard gauge: 22 km 1.435-m gauge

Highways:

total: 75,243 km

paved: 68,697 km (including 417 km of expressways)

unpaved: 6,546 km (2000)

Waterways:

600 km (perennially navigable)

Pipelines:

gas 1,698 km; oil 331 km; refined products 109 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Butinge, Kaunas, Klaipeda

Merchant marine:

total: 51 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 303,910 GRT/328,380 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 13 (2002 est.)

ships by type: cargo 23, combination bulk 8, petroleum tanker 2,

refrigerated cargo 11, roll on/roll off 3, short-sea passenger 4

Airports:

87 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 22 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 65 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 57 (2002)

Military Lithuania

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force, National Volunteer

Defense Forces (SKAT)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 937,055 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 735,536 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 29,420 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$230.8 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.9% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Lithuania

Disputes - international:

in May 2003, the Russian Parliament ratified a 1997 land and

maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, which had ratified the

treaty in 1999, legalizing limits of former Soviet republic borders;

the Latvian Parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary

treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil

exploration rights; discussions are still ongoing among Russia,

Lithuania, and the EU concerning a simplified transit document for

residents of the Kaliningrad coastal exclave to transit through

Lithuania to Russia

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for opiates and other illicit drugs from

Southwest Asia, Latin America, and Western Europe to Western Europe

and Scandinavia; limited production of methamphetamine and ecstasy;

susceptible to money laundering despite changes to banking

legislation

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Luxembourg

Introduction Luxembourg

Background:

Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 and an

independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than half of

its territory to Belgium in 1839, but gained a larger measure of

autonomy. Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun by Germany

in both World Wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it entered

into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the following

year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries

of the European Economic Community (later the European Union) and in

1999 it joined the euro currency area.

Geography Luxembourg

Location:

Western Europe, between France and Germany

Geographic coordinates:

49 45 N, 6 10 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 2,586 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 2,586 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries: total: 359 km border countries: Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

modified continental with mild winters, cool summers

Terrain:

mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands

to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle

flood plain in the southeast

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Moselle River 133 m highest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m

Natural resources:

iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land

Land use:

arable land: 25%

other: 75% (includes Belgium) (1998 est.)

permanent crops: 0%

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (includes Belgium) (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

air and water pollution in urban areas, soil pollution of farmland

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

Geography - note:

landlocked; the only Grand Duchy in the world

People Luxembourg

Population:

454,157 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.9% (male 44,182; female 41,640)

15-64 years: 66.9% (male 152,963; female 151,061)

65 years and over: 14.2% (male 26,060; female 38,251) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.1 years

male: 37.2 years

female: 38.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.23% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

11.92 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.78 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

9.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.84 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.66 years

male: 74.38 years

female: 81.15 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.7 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Luxembourger(s)

adjective: Luxembourg

Ethnic groups:

Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian,

Slavs (from Montenegro, Albania, and Kososvo) and European (guest

and resident workers)

Religions:

87% Roman Catholic, 13% Protestants, Jews, and Muslims (2000)

Languages:

Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative

language), French (administrative language)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2000 est.)

Government Luxembourg

Country name:

conventional long form: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

conventional short form: Luxembourg

local short form: Luxembourg

local long form: Grand Duche de Luxembourg

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Luxembourg

Administrative divisions:

3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Independence:

1839 (from the Netherlands)

National holiday:

National Day (Birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte) 23 June

Constitution:

17 October 1868, occasional revisions

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000); Heir

Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November 1981)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 1

January 1995) and Vice Prime Minister Lydie POLFER (since 7 August

1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister and

appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following popular

elections to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority

party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed

prime minister by the monarch; the deputy prime minister is

appointed by the monarch; they are responsible to the Chamber of

Deputies

note: government coalition - CSV and DP

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60 seats;

members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 13 June 1999 (next to be held by June 2004)

note: there is also a Council of State that serves as an advisory

body to the Chamber of Deputies; the Council of State has 21 members

appointed by the Grand Duke on the advice of the prime minister

election results: percent of vote by party - CSV 29.79%, DP 21.58%,

LSAP 23.75%, ADR 10.36%, Green Party 9.09%, the Left 3.77%; seats by

party - CSV 19, DP 15, LSAP 13, ADR 6, Green Party 5, the Left 2

Judicial branch:

judicial courts and tribunals (3 Justices of the Peace, 2 district

courts, and 1 Supreme Court of Appeals); administrative courts and

tribunals (State Prosecutor's Office, administrative courts and

tribunals, and the Constitutional Court); judges for all courts are

appointed for life by the monarch

Political parties and leaders:

Action Committee for Democracy and Justice or ADR [Robert MEHLEN];

Christian Social People's Party or CSV (known also as Christian

Social Party or PCS) [Erna HENNICOT-SCHOEPGES]; Democratic Party or

DP [Lydie POLFER]; Green Party [Abbes JACOBY and Felix BRAS];

Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party or LSAP [Jean ASSELBORN];

Marxist and Reformed Communist Party DEI LENK (the Left) [no formal

leadership]; other minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

ABBL (bankers' association); ALEBA (financial sector trade union);

Centrale Paysanne (federation of agricultural producers); CEP

(professional sector chamber); CGFP (trade union representing civil

service); Chambre de Commerce (Chamber of Commerce); Chambre des

Metiers (Chamber of Artisans); FEDIL (federation of industrialists);

LCGP (center-right trade union); OGBL (center-left trade union)

International organization participation:

ACCT, Australia Group, Benelux, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, EU,

FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NATO, NEA, NSG,

OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO,

WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Arlette CONZEMIUS-PACCOURD

chancery: 2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: New York and San Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 328-8270

telephone: [1] (202) 265-4171

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Peter TERPELUK, Jr. embassy: 22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg City mailing address: American Embassy Luxembourg, Unit 1410, APO AE 09126-1410 (official mail); American Embassy Luxembourg, PSC 9, Box 9500, APO AE 09123 (personal mail) telephone: [352] 46 01 23 FAX: [352] 46 14 01

Flag description:

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

similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and

is shorter; design was based on the flag of France

Economy Luxembourg

Economy - overview:

This stable, high-income economy features solid growth, low

inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, initially

dominated by steel, has become increasingly diversified to include

chemicals, rubber, and other products. Growth in the financial

sector, which now accounts for about 22% of GDP, has more than

compensated for the decline in steel. Most banks are foreign-owned

and have extensive foreign dealings. Agriculture is based on small

family-owned farms. The economy depends on foreign and trans-border

workers for more than 30% of its labor force. Although Luxembourg,

like all EU members, has suffered from the global economic slump,

the country has maintained a fairly strong growth rate and enjoys an

extraordinarily high standard of living.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $21.94 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $48,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 30%

services: 69% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

262,300 (of whom 87,400 are foreign cross-border workers primarily

from France, Belgium, and Germany) (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 90.1%, industry 8%, agriculture 1.9% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.1% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $5.5 billion

expenditures: $5.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $760

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, metal

products, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum

Industrial production growth rate:

0% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

457 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 57.3% hydro: 25.2% other: 17.5% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

6.07 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

744 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

6.389 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

50,650 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

634 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

50,700 bbl/day (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

865 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

867 million cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, wine grapes; livestock products

Exports: $10.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, steel products, chemicals, rubber

products, glass

Exports - partners:

Germany 23.9%, France 20.1%, Belgium 10.5%, UK 8.7%, Italy 6.1%,

Spain 4.5%, Netherlands 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$13.25 billion c.i.f. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods

Imports - partners:

Belgium 29.7%, Germany 23%, France 13.2%, Taiwan 6.7%, Netherlands

4.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $160 million (1999)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Luxembourg

Telephones - main lines in use:

314,700 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

215,741 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed, completely automated and

efficient system, mainly buried cables

domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; buried cable

international: 3 channels leased on TAT-6 coaxial submarine cable

(Europe to North America)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 2 (1999)

Radios:

285,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

5 (1999)

Televisions:

285,000 (1998 est.)

Internet country code:

.lu

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

8 (2000)

Internet users:

100,000 (2001)

Transportation Luxembourg

Railways: total: 274 km standard gauge: 274 km 1.435-m gauge (242 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 5,189 km

paved: 5,189 km (including 114 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways:

37 km (on the Moselle)

Pipelines:

gas 155 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Mertert

Merchant marine:

total: 60 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,507,258 GRT/2,118,597 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, chemical tanker 12, container 8, liquefied

gas 18, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 10, roll on/roll off 8

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 21, Finland 3, France 8, Germany 10, Monaco 1,

Netherlands 3, Norway 1, United Kingdom 9, United States 3 (2002

est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Heliports:

1 (2002)

Military Luxembourg

Military branches:

Army, Grand Ducal Police

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 114,326 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 93,994 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 2,636 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$147.8 million (FY01/02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.8% (FY01/02)

Transnational Issues Luxembourg

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Macau

Introduction Macau

Background:

Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the

first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement

signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the

Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 20 December

1999. China has promised that, under its "one country, two systems"

formula, China's socialist economic system will not be practiced in

Macau and that Macau will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all

matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Geography Macau

Location:

Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Geographic coordinates:

22 10 N, 113 33 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 25.4 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 25.4 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 0.34 km border countries: China 0.34 km

Coastline:

41 km

Maritime claims:

not specified

Climate:

subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers

Terrain:

generally flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Coloane Alto 172.4 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% note: "green areas" represent 22.4% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

essentially urban; one causeway and two bridges connect the two

islands of Coloane and Taipa to the peninsula on mainland

People Macau

Population:

469,903 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.9% (male 51,078; female 47,118)

15-64 years: 71.8% (male 159,500; female 178,043)

65 years and over: 7.3% (male 13,930; female 20,234) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.1 years

male: 32.9 years

female: 33.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.72% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.07 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

3.85 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

8.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.42 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.01 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.87 years

male: 79.05 years

female: 84.82 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.32 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Chinese

adjective: Chinese

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 95%, Macanese (mixed Portuguese and Asian ancestry),

Portuguese, other

Religions:

Buddhist 50%, Roman Catholic 15%, none and other 35% (1997 est.)

Languages:

Portuguese, Chinese (Cantonese)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.5%

male: 97.2%

female: 92% (2003 est.)

Government Macau

Country name:

conventional long form: Macau Special Administrative Region

conventional short form: Macau

local short form: Aomen (Chinese); Macau (Portuguese)

local long form: Aomen Tebie Xingzhengqu (Chinese); Regiao

Administrativa Especial de Macau (Portuguese)

Dependency status:

special administrative region of China

Government type:

limited democracy

Administrative divisions:

none (special administrative region of China)

Independence:

none (special administrative region of China)

National holiday:

National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic

of China), 1 October (1949); note - 20 December 1999 is celebrated

as Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Constitution:

Basic Law, approved in March 1993 by China's National People's

Congress, is Macau's "mini-constitution"

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system

Suffrage:

direct election 18 years of age, universal for permanent residents

living in Macau for the past seven years; indirect election limited

to organizations registered as "corporate voters" (257 are currently

registered) and a 300-member Election Committee drawn from broad

regional groupings, municipal organizations, and central government

bodies

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003)

elections: chief executive chosen by a 200-member selection

committee for up to two five-year terms

cabinet: Executive Council consists of all five government

secretaries, three legislators, and two businessmen

head of government: Chief Executive Edmund HO Hau-wah (since 20

December 1999)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council or LEGCO (27 seats; 10 elected by

popular vote, 10 by indirect vote, and 7 appointed by the chief

executive; members serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats by political bloc -

Entertainment Industry 3, pro-democracy 2, pro-Beijing Labor Union

2, pro-Beijing Neighborhood Association 2, pro-business 1

elections: last held 23 September 2001 (next to be held NA 2005)

Judicial branch:

The Court of Final Appeal in the Macau Special Administrative Region

Political parties and leaders:

there are no formal political parties, however, there are civic

associations that, for purposes of legislative voting, join together

to form political blocs

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Catholic Church [Domingos LAM, bishop]; Macau Society of Tourism

and Entertainment or STDM [Stanley HO, managing director]; Union for

Democracy Development [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong, leader]

International organization participation:

ESCAP (associate), IHO, IMO (associate), Interpol (sub-bureau), ISO

(correspondent), UNESCO (associate), WCO, WMO, WToO (associate), WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (special administrative region of China)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US has no offices in Macau; US interests are monitored by the

US Consulate General in Hong Kong

Flag description:

light green with a lotus flower above a stylized bridge and water

in white, beneath an arc of five gold, five-pointed stars: one large

in center of arc and four smaller

Economy Macau

Economy - overview:

Macau's economy four years after reversion to China remains one of

the most open in the world. The territory's net exports of goods and

services account for 39% of GDP with tourism and apparel exports as

the mainstays. Although the territory was hit hard by the 1998 Asian

financial crisis and the global downturn in 2001, its economy grew

an estimated 9.5% in 2002. A rapid rise in the number of mainland

visitors because of China's easing of restrictions on travel drove

the recovery. The budget also returned to surplus in 2002 because of

the surge in visitors from China and a hike in taxes on gambling

profits, which generated about 63% of government revenue. The

liberalization of Macao's gambling monopoly may contribute to GDP

growth, as the three companies awarded gambling licenses have

pledged to invest $2.2 billion - roughly 33% of GDP - in the

territory. Much of Macau's textile industry may move to the mainland

as the Multi-Fiber Agreement is phased out. The territory may have

to rely more on gambling and trade-related services to generate

growth. Growth fell to 4% in 2003, according to early government

forecasts, with the drop in large measure due to concerns over the

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $8.6 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

9.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $18,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 12%

services: 87% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-2.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

214,000 (2002)

Labor force - by occupation: restaurants and hotels 12%, manufacturing 20%, other services and agriculture 68% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.3% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $1.41 billion

expenditures: $1.19 billion, including capital expenditures of $194

million (2002)

Industries:

tourism, gambling, clothing, textiles, electronics, footwear, toys

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.611 billion kWh (2002)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.688 billion kWh (2002)

Electricity - exports:

1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

193 million kWh (2002)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables, livestock

Exports:

$2.36 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, textiles, footwear, cement, machines, and parts

Exports - partners:

US 48.6%, China 15.5%, Germany 7.4%, Hong Kong 5.8%, UK 5.4% (2002)

Imports:

$2.53 billion c.i.f. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

clothing, textiles, yarn, foodstuffs, fuel, automobiles, capital

goods

Imports - partners:

China 41.7%, Hong Kong 14.5%, Japan 6.7%, Taiwan 6.6%, South Korea

5%, France 4.3%, US 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$255 million (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

pataca (MOP)

Currency code:

MOP

Exchange rates:

patacas per US dollar - 8.03 (2002), 8.03 (2001), 8.03 (2000), 7.99

(1999), 7.98 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Macau

Telephones - main lines in use:

176,902 (November 2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

158,251 (November 2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: fairly modern communication facilities

maintained for domestic and international services

domestic: NA

international: HF radiotelephone communication facility; access to

international communications carriers provided via Hong Kong and

China; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

160,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2003)

Televisions:

49,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.mo

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

101,000 (2002)

Transportation Macau

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 271 km paved: 271 km unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Macau

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Military Macau

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; responsibility for defense

reverted to China on 20 December 1999; there is a local police force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 130,228 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 71,826 (2003 est.)

Transnational Issues Macau

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic

Introduction Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Background:

International recognition of The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia's (F.Y.R.O.M.) independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was

delayed by Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it

considered a Hellenic name and symbols. Greece finally lifted its

trade blockade in 1995, and the two countries agreed to normalize

relations, despite continued disagreement over F.Y.R.O.M.'s use of

"Macedonia." F.Y.R.O.M.'s large Albanian minority, an ethnic

Albanian armed insurgency in F.Y.R.O.M. in 2001, and the status of

neighboring Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic tension.

Geography Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Location:

Southeastern Europe, north of Greece

Geographic coordinates:

41 50 N, 22 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 25,333 sq km

water: 477 sq km

land: 24,856 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Vermont

Land boundaries:

total: 766 km

border countries: Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 246 km,

Serbia and Montenegro 221 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

warm, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with

heavy snowfall

Terrain:

mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; three

large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by

the Vardar River

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Vardar River 50 m

highest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,753 m

Natural resources:

chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron

ore, asbestos, sulfur, timber, arable land

Land use: arable land: 23.59% permanent crops: 1.85% other: 74.56% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

550 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

high seismic risks

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from metallurgical plants

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central

Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe

People Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Population:

2,063,122

note: a census was taken 1-15 November 2002, but results are not yet

available (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 235,102; female 217,574)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 700,929; female 691,552)

65 years and over: 10.6% (male 96,039; female 121,926) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.5 years

male: 31.4 years

female: 33.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.4% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

13.2 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.78 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.14 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 13.08 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.49 years

male: 72.23 years

female: 76.94 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.75 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 100 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Macedonian(s)

adjective: Macedonian

Ethnic groups:

Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.8%, Roma 2.7%, Serb

1.8%, other 2.3% (1994)

Religions:

Macedonian Orthodox 67%, Muslim 30%, other 3%

Languages:

Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other

3%

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Country name:

conventional long form: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

conventional short form: none

local long form: Republika Makedonija

abbreviation: F.Y.R.O.M.

local short form: Makedonija

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Skopje

Administrative divisions:

123 municipalities (opstini, singular - opstina); Aracinovo, Bac,

Belcista, Berovo, Bistrica, Bitola, Blatec, Bogdanci, Bogomila,

Bogovinje, Bosilovo, Brvenica, Cair (Skopje), Capari, Caska,

Cegrane, Centar (Skopje), Centar Zupa, Cesinovo, Cucer-Sandevo,

Debar, Delcevo, Delogozdi, Demir Hisar, Demir Kapija, Dobrusevo,

Dolna Banjica, Dolneni, Dorce Petrov (Skopje), Drugovo, Dzepciste,

Gazi Baba (Skopje), Gevgelija, Gostivar, Gradsko, Ilinden, Izvor,

Jegunovce, Kamenjane, Karbinci, Karpos (Skopje), Kavadarci, Kicevo,

Kisela Voda (Skopje), Klecevce, Kocani, Konce, Kondovo, Konopiste,

Kosel, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krivogastani, Krusevo, Kuklis,

Kukurecani, Kumanovo, Labunista, Lipkovo, Lozovo, Lukovo, Makedonska

Kamenica, Makedonski Brod, Mavrovi Anovi, Meseista, Miravci, Mogila,

Murtino, Negotino, Negotino-Polosko, Novaci, Novo Selo, Oblesevo,

Ohrid, Orasac, Orizari, Oslomej, Pehcevo, Petrovec, Plasnica,

Podares, Prilep, Probistip, Radovis, Rankovce, Resen, Rosoman,

Rostusa, Samokov, Saraj, Sipkovica, Sopiste, Sopotnica, Srbinovo,

Star Dojran, Staravina, Staro Nagoricane, Stip, Struga, Strumica,

Studenicani, Suto Orizari (Skopje), Sveti Nikole, Tearce, Tetovo,

Topolcani, Valandovo, Vasilevo, Velesta, Veles, Vevcani, Vinica,

Vitoliste, Vranestica, Vrapciste, Vratnica, Vrutok, Zajas,

Zelenikovo, Zeleno, Zitose, Zletovo, Zrnovci

note: the seven municipalities followed by Skopje in parentheses

collectively constitute "greater Skopje"

Independence:

8 September 1991 referendum by registered voters endorsing

independence (from Yugoslavia)

National holiday:

Uprising Day, 2 August (1903); note - also known as Saint Elijah's

Day and Ilinden

Constitution:

adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991

note: in November of 2001, the Macedonian Parliament approved a

series of new constitutional amendments strengthening minority rights

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Boris TRAJKOVSKI (since 15 December 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since 1

November 2002)

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 14 November 1999 (next to be held NA October

2004); prime minister elected by the Assembly; election last held 1

November 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: Boris TRAJKOVSKI elected president on second-round

ballot; percent of vote - Boris TRAJKOVSKI 52.4%, Tito PETKOVSKI

46.2%; Branko CRVENKOVSKI elected prime minister by Parliament with

72% of the vote

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of all

the deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by the

government coalition parties SDSM, LDP, and DUI (or BDI)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly or Sobranie (120 seats - 85 members are elected

by popular vote, 35 members come from lists of candidates submitted

by parties based on the percentage that a party gains from the

overall vote; all serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Together for Macedonia coalition (SDSM and LDP) 60, VMRO-DPMNE 33,

Democratic Union for Integration 16, Democratic Party of Albanians

7, Party for Democratic Prosperity 2, National Democratic Party 1,

Socialist Party of Macedonia 1

elections: last held 15 September 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court - Parliament appoints the judges; Constitutional

Court - Parliament appoints the judges; Republican Judicial Council

- Parliament appoints the judges

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Alternative or DA [Vasil TUPURKOVSKI, president];

Democratic Union for Integration or DUI (also BDI) [Ali AHMETI];

Democratic Party of Albanians or PDSH [Arben XHAFERI, president];

Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization-Democratic Party for

Macedonian National Unity or VMRO-DPMNE [Ljubco GEORGIEVSKI,

president]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization-True

Macedonian Reform Option or VMRO-VMRO [Boris ZMEJKOVSKI]; Internal

Macedonian Revolutionary Organization-Macedonian [Boris STOJMENOV];

Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Risto PENOV]; Liberal Party [Stojan

ANDOV]; National Democratic Party or PDK [Kastriot HAXHIREXHA];

Party for Democratic Prosperity or PPD [Abdurrahman HALITI];

Social-Democratic Alliance of Macedonia or SDSM [Branko CRVENKOVSKI,

president]; Socialist Party of Macedonia or SP [Ljubisav IVANOV,

president]; Together for Macedonia coalition (including the SDSM and

LDP) [Branko CRVENKOVSKI]; Union of Romanies of Macedonia or SRM

[leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO, ITU, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nikola DIMITROV chancery: Suite 302, 1101 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 consulate(s) general: New York FAX: [1] (202) 337-3093 telephone: [1] (202) 337-3063

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Laurence Edward BUTLER embassy: Bul. Ilinden bb, 91000 Skopje mailing address: American Embassy Skopje, Department of State, 7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch) telephone: [389] 116-180 FAX: [389] 117-103

Flag description:

a yellow sun with eight broadening rays extending to the edges of

the red field

Economy Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Economy - overview:

At independence in November 1991, Macedonia was the least developed

of the Yugoslav republics, producing a mere 5% of the total federal

output of goods and services. The collapse of Yugoslavia ended

transfer payments from the center and eliminated advantages from

inclusion in a de facto free trade area. An absence of

infrastructure, UN sanctions on Yugoslavia, one of its largest

markets, and a Greek economic embargo over a dispute about the

country's constitutional name and flag hindered economic growth

until 1996. GDP subsequently rose each year through 2000. However,

the leadership's commitment to economic reform, free trade, and

regional integration was undermined by the ethnic Albanian

insurgency of 2001. The economy shrank 4.5% because of decreased

trade, intermittent border closures, increased deficit spending on

security needs, and investor uncertainty. Growth barely recovered in

2002 to 0.3%, then rose to 2.8% in 2003. Unemployment at one-third

of the workforce remains the most critical economic problem. But

even this issue is overshadowed by the fragile political situation.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $10.57 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11% industry: 31% services: 58% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

24% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.1 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

37% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.13 billion

expenditures: $1.02 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

coal, metallic chromium, lead, zinc, ferronickel, textiles, wood

products, tobacco, food processing, buses

Industrial production growth rate:

-5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

6.465 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 83.7% hydro: 16.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

6.112 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

100 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: rice, tobacco, wheat, corn, millet, cotton, sesame, mulberry leaves, citrus, vegetables; beef, pork, poultry, mutton

Exports:

$1.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

food, beverages, tobacco; miscellaneous manufactures, iron and steel

Exports - partners:

Germany 19.2%, Italy 9.2%, US 6.7%, Croatia 5.5%, Greece 4.6% (2002)

Imports:

$1.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; food products

Imports - partners:

Greece 19.4%, Germany 14.4%, Bulgaria 7.5%, Slovenia 6.9%, Italy

6.9%, Turkey 5.9%, Ukraine 5%, Austria 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.3 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$150 million (2001 est.)

Currency:

Macedonian denar (MKD)

Currency code:

MKD

Exchange rates:

Macedonian denars per US dollar - 64.35 (2002), 68.04 (2001), 65.9

(2000), 56.9 (1999), 54.46 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Telephones - main lines in use:

408,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

12,362 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 29, FM 20, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

410,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

31 (plus 166 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

510,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.mk

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

6 (2000)

Internet users:

100,000 (2001)

Transportation Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Railways: total: 699 km standard gauge: 699 km 1.435-m gauge (233 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 8,684 km

paved: 5,540 km (including 133 km of expressways)

unpaved: 3,144 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

note: lake transport only, on the Greek and Albanian borders

Pipelines:

gas 268 km; oil 120 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

18 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Military Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Military branches:

Army (ARM), Air and Air Defense Forces, Police Force

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 553,988 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 446,726 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 17,909 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$200 million (FY01/02 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

6% (FY01/02 est.)

Transnational Issues Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Disputes - international:

the Albanian government calls for the protection of the rights of

ethnic Albanians in F.Y.R.O.M. while continuing to seek regional

cooperation; ethnic Albanians in Kosovo continue to protest 2000

F.Y.R.O.M.-Serbia and Montenegro boundary treaty, which transfers

small tracts of land to F.Y.R.O.M.; dispute with Greece over

country's name persists

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish;

minor transit point for South American cocaine destined for Europe;

while money laundering is a problem on a local level due to

organized crime activities, the lack of a well-developed financial

infrastructure limits the country's utility as a money-laundering

center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Madagascar

Introduction Madagascar

Background:

Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony

in 1886, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free

presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17

years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential

race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was

returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was

contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc

RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In

April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the

winner.

Geography Madagascar

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 47 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 587,040 sq km

water: 5,500 sq km

land: 581,540 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Arizona

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

4,828 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or 100 NM from the 2,500-m deep isobath

Climate:

tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m

Natural resources:

graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands,

semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 4.41% permanent crops: 0.93% other: 94.66% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

10,900 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic cyclones

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing;

desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and

other organic wastes; several species of flora and fauna unique to

the island are endangered

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique

Channel

People Madagascar

Population:

16,979,744 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45% (male 3,822,823; female 3,807,958)

15-64 years: 51.9% (male 4,366,748; female 4,452,686)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 243,411; female 286,118) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.4 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 17.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.03% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

42.16 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

11.88 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 80.21 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 71.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 88.63 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 56.14 years

male: 53.82 years

female: 58.53 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.73 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

22,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

870 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Malagasy (singular and plural)

adjective: Malagasy

Ethnic groups:

Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed

African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka,

Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%

Languages:

French (official), Malagasy (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 68.9%

male: 75.5%

female: 62.5% (2003 est.)

Government Madagascar

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Madagascar

conventional short form: Madagascar

local short form: Madagascar

former: Malagasy Republic

local long form: Republique de Madagascar

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Antananarivo

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa,

Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara

Independence:

26 June 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 June (1960)

Constitution:

19 August 1992 by national referendum

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Marc RAVALOMANANA (since 6 May 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Jacques SYLLA (27 May 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 16 December 2001 (next to be held NA November

2006); prime minister appointed by the president from a list of

candidates nominated by the National Assembly

election results: percent of vote - Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA) 40.89%,

Marc RAVALOMANANA 46.21%; note - on 29 April 2002, the High

Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner by 51.5%

after a recount; RATSIRIKA's prime minister was put under house

arrest on 27 May 2002, and SYLLA was appointed the new prime

minister by President RAVALOMANANA

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (160 seats;

members are directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year

terms); note - the legislature is scheduled to become a bicameral

Parliament with the establishment of a Senate; two-thirds of the

seats of this Senate will be filled by regional assemblies whose

members will be elected by popular vote; the remaining one-third of

the seats will be appointed by the president; the total number of

seats will be determined by the National Assembly; all members will

serve four-year terms

elections: National Assembly - last held 15 December 2002 (next to

be held NA 2006)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - TIM 103, FP 22, AREMA 3, LEADER/Fanilo 2, RPSD

5, others 3, independents 22

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; High Constitutional Court or Haute

Cour Constitutionnelle

Political parties and leaders:

Association for the Rebirth of Madagascar or AREMA [leader vacant];

Economic Liberalism and Democratic Action for National Recovery or

LEADER/Fanilo [Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO]; I Love Madagascar or TIM

[leader NA]; National Union or FP [leader NA]; Renewal of the Social

Democratic Party or RPSD [Evariste MARSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Federalist Movement; National Council of Christian Churches or FFKM

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Rajaonarivony NARISOA

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 483-7603

telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525, 5526

chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Wanda L. NESBITT

embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo 101

mailing address: B. P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo

telephone: [261] (20) 22-212-57, 22-212-73, 22-209-56

FAX: [261] (20) 22-345-39

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical

white band of the same width on hoist side

Economy Madagascar

Economy - overview:

Having discarded past socialist economic policies, Madagascar has

since the mid 1990s followed a World Bank and IMF led policy of

privatization and liberalization, which has placed the country on a

slow and steady growth path. Agriculture, including fishing and

forestry, is a mainstay of the economy, accounting for one-fourth of

GDP and employing four-fifths of the population. Export earnings

primarily are earned in the small industrial sector, which features

textile manufacturing and agriculture processing. Deforestation and

erosion, aggravated by the use of firewood as the primary source of

fuel are serious concerns. The separatist political crisis of 2002

undermined macroeconomic stability, with the estimated drop in

output being subject to a wide margin of error. Poverty reduction

will be the centerpiece of economic policy for the next few years.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $12.59 billion (2002)

GDP - real growth rate:

-11.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 25% industry: 12% services: 63% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

71% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 29% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38.1 (1999)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.4% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

7.3 million (2000)

Unemployment rate:

5.9% (1998)

Budget:

revenues: $553 million

expenditures: $735 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Industries:

meat processing, soap, breweries, tanneries, sugar, textiles,

glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum,

tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

830.2 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 36.1% hydro: 63.9% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

772.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts; livestock products

Exports: $700 million f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar; cotton cloth, chromite,

petroleum products

Exports - partners:

France 34%, US 24.6%, Netherlands 6%, Germany 5.9%, Mauritius 4%

(2002)

Imports:

$985 million f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, petroleum, consumer goods, food

Imports - partners:

France 17.2%, Iran 11%, Mauritius 10.6%, Bahrain 9.4%, Hong Kong

6.9%, South Africa 5.9%, China 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$4.6 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$838 million (1997)

Currency:

Malagasy franc (MGF)

Currency code:

MGF

Exchange rates:

Malagasy francs per US dollar - 6,831.96 (2002), 6,588.49 (2001),

6,767.48 (2000), 6,283.77 (1999), 5,441.4 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Madagascar

Telephones - main lines in use:

55,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

63,100 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: system is above average for the region

domestic: open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay,

and tropospheric scatter links connect regions

international: submarine cable to Bahrain; satellite earth stations

- 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean

region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2 (plus a number of repeater stations), FM 9, shortwave 6 (2001)

Radios:

3.05 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus 36 repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

325,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.mg

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

35,000 (2002)

Transportation Madagascar

Railways: total: 732 km narrow gauge: 732 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 49,827 km paved: 5,780 km unpaved: 44,047 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

of local importance only

Ports and harbors:

Antsiranana, Antsohimbondrona, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara

Merchant marine:

total: 11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 14,865 GRT/17,936 DWT

ships by type: cargo 8, chemical tanker 1, roll on/roll off 2 (2002

est.)

Airports:

121 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 29 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 20 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 92 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 46 under 914 m: 44 (2002)

Military Madagascar

Military branches:

People's Armed Forces (comprising Intervention Force, Development

Force, Aeronaval [Navy and Air] Force), Gendarmerie, Presidential

Security Regiment

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 3,880,332 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,300,587 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 163,864 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$52.3 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.2% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Madagascar

Disputes - international:

claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, and Juan

de Nova Island (all administered by France)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used

mostly for domestic consumption; transshipment point for heroin

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Malawi

Introduction Malawi

Background:

Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became

the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of

one-party rule, the country held multiparty elections in 1994 under

a provisional constitution, which took full effect the following

year. National multiparty elections were held again in 1999.

Geography Malawi

Location:

Southern Africa, east of Zambia

Geographic coordinates:

13 30 S, 34 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 118,480 sq km

water: 24,400 sq km

land: 94,080 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries: total: 2,881 km border countries: Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to

November)

Terrain:

narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some

mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Shire River and international

boundary with Mozambique 37 m

highest point: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m

Natural resources:

limestone, arable land, hydropower, unexploited deposits of

uranium, coal, and bauxite

Land use: arable land: 19.93% permanent crops: 1.33% other: 78.74% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

280 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues: deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes; siltation of spawning grounds endangers fish populations

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country's most

prominent physical feature

People Malawi

Population:

11,651,239

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.8% (male 2,748,058; female 2,698,052)

15-64 years: 50.5% (male 2,911,892; female 2,973,723)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 128,722; female 190,792) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.4 years

male: 16.1 years

female: 16.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.21% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

44.7 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

22.64 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 105.15 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 100.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 109.36 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 37.98 years

male: 37.57 years

female: 38.39 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.1 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

15% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

850,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

80,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Malawian(s)

adjective: Malawian

Ethnic groups:

Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde,

Asian, European

Religions:

Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs

3%, other 2%

Languages:

English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages important

regionally

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 62.7%

male: 76.1%

female: 49.8% (2003 est.)

Government Malawi

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Malawi

conventional short form: Malawi

former: British Central African Protectorate, Nyasaland

Protectorate, Nyasaland

Government type:

multiparty democracy

Capital:

Lilongwe

Administrative divisions:

27 districts; Balaka, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa,

Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Likoma, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe),

Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay,

Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Phalombe, Rumphi, Salima, Thyolo, Zomba

Independence:

6 July 1964 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (Republic Day), 6 July (1964)

Constitution:

18 May 1994

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of

legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bakili MULUZI (since 21 May 1994); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Bakili MULUZI (since 21 May 1994);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: 46-member Cabinet named by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 15 June 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: Bakili MULUZI reelected president; percent of vote

- Bakili MULUZI (UDF) 51.4%, Gwandaguluwe CHAKUAMBA (MCP-AFORD) 44.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (193 seats; members elected by popular

vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 15 June 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - UDF 48%, MCP 34%, AFORD

15%, others 3%; seats by party - UDF 96, MCP 61, AFORD 30, others 6

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Appeal; High Court (chief justice appointed by the

president, puisne judges appointed on the advice of the Judicial

Service Commission); magistrate's courts

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Democracy or AFORD [Chakufwa CHIHANA]; Malawi Congress

Party or MCP [John TEMBO, president; Gwanda CHAKUAMBA, vice

president]; Malawi Democratic Party or MDP [Kampelo KALUA]; United

Democratic Front or UDF [Bakili MULUZI] - governing party

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Democratic Alliance [Brown MPINGANJIRA]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent),

ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIK,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Paul Tony Steven KANDIERO

FAX: [1] (202) 265-0976

telephone: [1] (202) 797-1007

chancery: 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen BROWN embassy: Area 40, Plot 24, Kenyatta Road mailing address: P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi telephone: [265] (1) 773 166 FAX: [265] (1) 770 471

Flag description:

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

radiant, rising, red sun centered in the black band

Government - note:

the executive exerts considerable influence over the legislature

Economy Malawi

Economy - overview:

Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed

countries. The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90%

of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounted for

nearly 40% of GDP and 88% of export revenues in 2001. The economy

depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF,

the World Bank, and individual donor nations. In late 2000, Malawi

was approved for relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries

(HIPC) program. In November 2002 the World Bank approved a $50

million drought recovery package, which is to be used for famine

relief. The government faces strong challenges, e.g., to fully

develop a market economy, to improve educational facilities, to face

up to environmental problems, to deal with the rapidly growing

problem of HIV/AIDS, and to satisfy foreign donors that fiscal

discipline is being tightened. The performance of the tobacco sector

is key to short-term growth as tobacco accounts for over 50% of

exports.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $6.811 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 37% industry: 16% services: 47% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

54% (FY 90/91 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

27.4% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

4.5 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 86% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $490 million

expenditures: $523 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 99/00 est.)

Industries:

tobacco, tea, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.8% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

769.2 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 3.3% hydro: 96.7% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

715.3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

5,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (tapioca), sorghum, pulses; groundnuts, Macadamia nuts; cattle, goats

Exports: $435 million f.o.b. (201)

Exports - commodities:

tobacco 60%, tea, sugar, cotton, coffee, peanuts, wood products,

apparel

Exports - partners:

US 17.3%, Germany 13.6%, South Africa 10.2%, Egypt 6.2%, Japan 6%,

Netherlands 5.5%, Russia 4.8%, UK 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$505 million f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods,

transportation equipment

Imports - partners:

South Africa 44.4%, Zambia 12.7%, US 5.6%, India 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$2.9 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$540 million (1999)

Currency:

Malawian kwacha (MWK)

Currency code:

MWK

Exchange rates:

Malawian kwachas per US dollar - 76.69 (2002), 72.2 (2001), 59.54

(2000), 44.09 (1999), 31.07 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Malawi

Telephones - main lines in use:

45,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

49,000 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: system employs open-wire lines, microwave radio relay

links, and radiotelephone communications stations

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 9, FM 5 (plus 15 repeater stations), shortwave 2 (plus a third

station held in standby status) (2001)

Radios:

2.6 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2001)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.mw

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2002)

Internet users:

35,000 (2002)

Transportation Malawi

Railways: total: 797 km narrow gauge: 797 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 28,400 km paved: 5,254 km unpaved: 23,146 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 144 km note: on Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and Shire Riverall

Ports and harbors:

Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Chilumba

Airports:

43 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 37

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 22 (2002)

Military Malawi

Military branches:

Army (including Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (including

paramilitary Mobile Force Unit)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,625,495 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,347,248 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$13.01 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.7% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Malawi

Disputes - international: dispute with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River remain dormant

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Malaysia

Introduction Malaysia

Background:

Malaysia was formed in 1963 through a federation of the former

British colonies of Malaya and Singapore, including the East

Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of

Borneo. The first several years of the country's history were marred

by Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia, Philippine claims to

Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the federation in 1965.

Geography Malaysia

Location:

Southeastern Asia, peninsula and northern one-third of the island

of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and the South China Sea, south of

Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

2 30 N, 112 30 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 329,750 sq km

water: 1,200 sq km

land: 328,550 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries: total: 2,669 km border countries: Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km

Coastline:

4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation;

specified boundary in the South China Sea

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast

(October to February) monsoons

Terrain:

coastal plains rising to hills and mountains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,100 m

Natural resources: tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite

Land use: arable land: 5.54% permanent crops: 17.61% other: 76.85% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

3,650 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding, landslides, forest fires

Environment - current issues: air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China

Sea

People Malaysia

Population:

23,092,940 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.7% (male 4,001,507; female 3,777,896)

15-64 years: 61.9% (male 7,163,252; female 7,131,745)

65 years and over: 4.4% (male 447,230; female 571,310) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.6 years

male: 23 years

female: 24.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.86% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

23.7 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.12 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: does not reflect net flow of an unknown number of illegal

immigrants from other countries in the region (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 19 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 21.97 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.67 years

male: 69.01 years

female: 74.51 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.13 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

42,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,500 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Malaysian(s)

adjective: Malaysian

Ethnic groups:

Malay and other indigenous 58%, Chinese 24%, Indian 8%, others 10%

(2000)

Religions:

Muslim, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu, Christian, Sikh; note - in

addition, Shamanism is practiced in East Malaysia

Languages:

Bahasa Melayu (official), English, Chinese dialects (Cantonese,

Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu,

Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai; note - in addition, in East Malaysia

several indigenous languages are spoken, the largest are Iban and

Kadazan

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.9%

male: 92.4%

female: 85.4% (2003 est.)

Government Malaysia

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Malaysia former: Federation of Malaysia

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

note: Malaya (what is now Peninsular Malaysia) formed 31 August

1957; Federation of Malaysia (Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore)

formed 9 July 1963 (Singapore left the federation on 9 August 1965);

nominally headed by the paramount ruler and a bicameral Parliament

consisting of a nonelected upper house and an elected lower house;

Peninsular Malaysian states - hereditary rulers in all but Melaka,

George Town (Penang), Sabah, and Sarawak, where governors are

appointed by the Malaysian Government; powers of state governments

are limited by the federal constitution; under terms of the

federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain certain constitutional

prerogatives (e.g., the right to maintain their own immigration

controls); Sabah - holds 20 seats in House of Representatives, with

foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers

delegated to federal government; Sarawak - holds 28 seats in House

of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal

security, and other powers delegated to federal government

Capital:

Kuala Lumpur

Administrative divisions:

13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 3 federal

territories* (wilayah-wilayah persekutuan, singular - wilayah

persekutuan); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri

Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Putrajaya*, Sabah,

Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan*

note: the city of Kuala Lumpur is within the federal territory of

Wilayah Persekutuan; the terms therefore are not interchangeable;

Independence:

31 August 1957 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day/Malaysia Day, 31 August (1957)

Constitution:

31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in

the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Paramount Ruler Tuanku SYED SIRAJUDDIN ibni

Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, the Raja of Perlis (since 12

December 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister ABDULLAH bin Ahmad Badawi (since

31 October 2003); Deputy Prime Minister NA (since 31 October 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the

members of Parliament with consent of the paramount ruler

election results: Tuanku SYED SIRAJUDDIN ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed

Putra Jamalullail elected paramount ruler

elections: paramount ruler elected by and from the hereditary rulers

of nine of the states for five-year terms; election last held 12

December 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); prime minister designated

from among the members of the House of Representatives; following

legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins a plurality

of seats in the House of Representatives becomes prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of the Senate or Dewan

Negara (69 seats; 43 appointed by the paramount ruler, 26 appointed

by the state legislatures) and the House of Representatives or Dewan

Rakyat (193 seats; members elected by popular vote weighted toward

the rural Malay population to serve five-year terms)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - BN 56%, other 44%; seats by party - BN 148, PAS 27, DAP 10,

Keadilan 5, PBS 3

elections: House of Representatives - last held 29 November 1999

(next must be held by November 2004)

Judicial branch:

Federal Court (judges appointed by the paramount ruler on the

advice of the prime minister)

Political parties and leaders:

ruling coalition parties: Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Party or PGRM

[LIM Kheng Yaik]; Liberal Democratic Party (Parti Liberal Demokratik

- Sabah) or LDP [CHONG Kah Kiat]; Malaysian Chinese Association

(Persatuan China Malaysia) or MCA [LING Ong Ka Ting]; Malaysian

Indian Congress (Kongresi India Malaysia) or MIC [S. Samy VELLU];

Parti Bangsa Dayak Sarawak or PBDS [Leo MOGGIE]; Parti Bersatu Sabah

or PBS [Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan]; Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu or

PBB [Patinggi Haji Abdul TAIB Mahmud]; Sabah Progressive Party

(Parti Progresif Sabah) or SAPP [YONG Teck Lee]; Sarawak United

People's Party (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak) or SUPP [WONG Soon

Kah]; United Malays National Organization or UMNO [ABDULLAH Ahmad

Badawi]; United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organization

(Pertubuhan Pasko Momogun Kadazan Dusun Bersatu) or UPKO [leader

NA]; opposition parties: Democratic Action Party (Parti Tindakan

Demokratik) or DAP [KERK Kim Hock]; Islamic Party of Malaysia (Parti

Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang]; National Justice Party

(Parti Keadilan Nasional) or Keadilan [WAN AZIZAH Wan Ismael];

National Front (Barisan Nasional) or BN (the ruling coalition

dominated by the UMNO and includes MCA, MIC, PGRM, PBDS, SUPP, PBB,

PBS, LDP, SAPP, UPKO) [ABDULLAH Ahmad Badawi]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA,

UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK,

UNMISET, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador GHAZZALI bin Sheikh Abdul Khalid

chancery: 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 572-9882

telephone: [1] (202) 572-9700

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Marie T. HUHTALA embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur mailing address: P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur; American Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152 telephone: [60] (3) 2168-5000 FAX: [60] (3) 2142-2207

Flag description:

14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white

(bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner

bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the

crescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design

was based on the flag of the US

Economy Malaysia

Economy - overview:

Malaysia, a middle-income country, transformed itself from 1971

through the late 1990s from a producer of raw materials into an

emerging multi-sector economy. Growth was almost exclusively driven

by exports - particularly of electronics - and, as a result Malaysia

was hard hit by the global economic downturn and the slump in the

Information Technology (IT) sector in 2001. GDP in 2001 grew only

0.5% due to an estimated 11% contraction in exports, but a

substantial fiscal stimulus package mitigated the worst of the

recession and the economy rebounded in 2002. Healthy foreign

exchange reserves and relatively small external debt make it

unlikely that Malaysia will experience a crisis similar to the one

in 1997, but the economy remains vulnerable to a more protracted

slowdown in Japan and the US, top export destinations and key

sources of foreign investment.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $198.4 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 12% industry: 40% services: 48% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 8% (1998 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.7% highest 10%: 38.4% (1997 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

49.2 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

9.9 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: local trade and tourism 28%, manufacturing 27%, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 16%, services 10%, government 10%, construction 9% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.8% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $20.3 billion

expenditures: $27.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $9.4

billion (2001 est.)

Industries:

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and

manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining

and smelting, logging and processing timber; Sabah - logging,

petroleum production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum

production and refining, logging

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

68.34 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 89.5% hydro: 10.5% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

63.48 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

75 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

729,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

472,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

3.729 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

53.66 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

31.25 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

22.41 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.23 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah -

subsistence crops, rubber, timber, coconuts, rice; Sarawak - rubber,

pepper; timber

Exports:

$95.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electronic equipment, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and

wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals (2000)

Exports - partners:

US 21%, Singapore 17.4%, Japan 10.9%, China 6.5%, Hong Kong 5%,

Thailand 4% (2002)

Imports:

$76.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics, vehicles,

iron and steel products, chemicals (2000)

Imports - partners:

Japan 16.9%, Singapore 15.9%, US 15.5%, China 7.3%, South Korea 5%,

Taiwan 4.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$47.5 billion (2002 est.)

Currency:

ringgit (MYR)

Currency code:

MYR

Exchange rates:

ringgits per US dollar - 3.8 (2002), 3.8 (2001), 3.8 (2000), 3.8

(1999), 3.92 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Malaysia

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.6 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5 million (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system; international service excellent

domestic: good intercity service provided on Peninsular Malaysia

mainly by microwave radio relay; adequate intercity microwave radio

relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; domestic

satellite system with 2 earth stations

international: submarine cables to India, Hong Kong, and Singapore;

satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific

Ocean) (2001)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 35, FM 391, shortwave 15 (2001)

Radios:

10.9 million (1999)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus 15 high-power repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

10.8 million (1999)

Internet country code:

.my

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

7 (2000)

Internet users:

5.7 million (2002)

Transportation Malaysia

Railways:

total: 2,418 km

standard gauge: 57 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 2,361 km 1.000-m gauge (150 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 65,877 km

paved: 49,935 km (including 1,192 km of expressways)

unpaved: 15,942 km (1999)

Waterways:

7,296 km

note: Peninsular Malaysia 3,209 km, Sabah 1,569 km, Sarawak 2,518 km

Pipelines:

condensate 279 km; gas 5,047 km; oil 1,841 km; refined products 114

km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bintulu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuching, Kudat, Labuan, Lahad

Datu, Lumut, Miri, Pasir Gudang, George Town (Penang), Port Dickson,

Port Kelang, Sandakan, Sibu, Tanjung Berhala, Tanjung Kidurong, Tawau

Merchant marine:

total: 366 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,111,476 GRT/7,242,323 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, China 1, Germany 2, Hong Kong 15,

Indonesia 3, Japan 4, Monaco 1, Philippines 2, Singapore 78, South

Korea 2, Vietnam 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 62, cargo 103, chemical tanker 37, container 69,

liquefied gas 23, livestock carrier 1, passenger 2, petroleum tanker

55, roll on/roll off 5, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 8

Airports:

114 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 35 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 7 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 79 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 72 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Malaysia

Military branches:

Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force,

Royal Malaysian Police Field Force, Marine Police, Sarawak Border

Scouts

Military manpower - military age:

21 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 6,067,155 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 3,672,517 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 218,216 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.69 billion (FY00 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.03% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Malaysia

Disputes - international:

involved in complex dispute over Spratly Islands with China,

Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and possibly Brunei; claimants in

November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in

the South China Sea," a mechanism to ease tension but which fell

short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; disputes over

deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation

on Johor, maritime boundaries, and Singapore-occupied Pedra Branca

Island/Pulau Batu Putih persist - parties agree to ICJ arbitration

on island dispute within three years; ICJ awarded Ligitan and

Sipadan islands off the coast of Sabah, also claimed by Indonesia

and Philippines, to Malaysia; a small section of the

Malaysia-Thailand boundary in the Kolok River remains in dispute

Illicit drugs:

transit point for some illicit drugs; drug trafficking prosecuted

vigorously and carries severe penalties

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Maldives

Introduction Maldives

Background:

The Maldives were long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then

under British protection. They became a republic in 1968, three

years after independence. Tourism and fishing are being developed on

the archipelago.

Geography Maldives

Location:

Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest

of India

Geographic coordinates:

3 15 N, 73 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 300 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 300 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

644 km

Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM contiguous zone: 24 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March);

rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)

Terrain:

flat, with white sandy beaches

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Wilingili island in the Addu

Atoll 2.4 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 3.33%

permanent crops: 6.67%

other: 90% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level rise

Environment - current issues: depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies; global warming and sea level rise; coral reef bleaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited islands,

plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with strategic

location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean

People Maldives

Population:

329,684 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.9% (male 75,991; female 71,826)

15-64 years: 52.1% (male 87,734; female 84,150)

65 years and over: 3% (male 5,073; female 4,910) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.3 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 17.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.91% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

36.71 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.65 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 60.13 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 61.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 59.23 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.3 years

male: 62.07 years

female: 64.6 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.26 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Maldivian(s)

adjective: Maldivian

Ethnic groups:

South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs

Religions:

Sunni Muslim

Languages:

Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic),

English spoken by most government officials

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.2%

male: 97.1%

female: 97.3% (2003 est.)

Government Maldives

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Maldives

conventional short form: Maldives

local short form: Dhivehi Raajje

local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Male

Administrative divisions:

19 atolls (atholhu, singular and plural) and 1 other first-order

administrative division*; Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu, Faafu, Gaafu Alifu,

Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu, Laamu,

Lhaviyani, Maale*, Meemu, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Vaavu

Independence:

26 July 1965 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 July (1965)

Constitution:

adopted January 1998

Legal system:

based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law

primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November

1978); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

elections: president nominated by the Majlis and then the nomination

must be ratified by a national referendum (at least a 51% approval

margin is required); president elected for a five-year term;

election last held 16 October 1998 (next to be held NA October 2003)

election results: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected in

referendum held 17 October 2003; percent of popular vote - Maumoon

Abdul GAYOOM 90.3%

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president; note -

need not be members of Majlis

head of government: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11

November 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Council or Majlis (50 seats; 42 elected by

popular vote, 8 appointed by the president; members serve five-year

terms)

elections: last held 20 November 1999 (next to be held NA November

2004)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 42

Judicial branch:

High Court

Political parties and leaders:

although political parties are not banned, none exist

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Maldives does not have an embassy in the US, but does have a

Permanent Mission to the UN in New York; permanent representative is

Dr. Mohamed LATHEEF

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Maldives; the US Ambassador to

Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits there

Flag description:

red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical

white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side

of the flag

Economy Maldives

Economy - overview:

Tourism, Maldives largest industry, accounts for 20% of GDP and

more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90%

of government tax revenue comes from import duties and

tourism-related taxes. Almost 400,000 tourists visited the islands

in 1998. Fishing is a second leading sector. The Maldivian

Government began an economic reform program in 1989 initially by

lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private

sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more

foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a

lesser role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability

of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple

foods must be imported. Industry, which consists mainly of garment

production, boat building, and handicrafts, accounts for about 18%

of GDP. Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and

possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area

is one meter or less above sea level.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.25 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 20%

industry: 18%

services: 62% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

88,000 (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 22%, industry 18%, services 60% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

NEGL%

Budget:

revenues: $224 million (excluding foreign grants)

expenditures: $282 million, including capital expenditures of $80

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut

processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand

mining

Industrial production growth rate:

4.4% (1996 est.)

Electricity - production:

117 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

108.8 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

3,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish

Exports:

$110 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish, clothing

Exports - partners:

US 51.7%, Sri Lanka 16.2%, Thailand 9.3%, Japan 7.6%, UK 4.6% (2002)

Imports:

$395 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Singapore 25.6%, Sri Lanka 15%, UAE 14.5%, India 6.6%, Malaysia

5.7%, Thailand 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$281 million (2003 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

rufiyaa (MVR)

Currency code:

MVR

Exchange rates:

rufiyaa per US dollar - 12.8 (2002), 12.24 (2001), 11.77 (2000),

11.77 (1999), 11.77 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Maldives

Telephones - main lines in use:

21,000 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,290 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: minimal domestic and international facilities

domestic: interatoll communication through microwave links; all

inhabited islands are connected with telephone and fax service

international: satellite earth station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

35,000 (1999)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

10,000 (1999)

Internet country code:

.mv

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

6,000 (2001)

Transportation Maldives

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Gan, Male

Merchant marine:

total: 15 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 42,689 GRT/56,132 DWT

ships by type: cargo 13, petroleum tanker 1, short-sea passenger 1

(2002 est.)

Airports:

5 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Military Maldives

Military branches:

National Security Service

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 78,025 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 43,386 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$34.46 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

8.6% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Maldives

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Mali

Introduction Mali

Background:

The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France in

1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few

months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed

Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 with a

transitional government and in 1992 when Mali's first democratic

presidential election was held. After his reelection in 1997,

President Alpha KONARE continued to push through political and

economic reforms and to fight corruption. In keeping with Mali's

two-term constitutional limit, he stepped down in 2002 and was

succeeded by Amadou TOURE.

Geography Mali

Location:

Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

Geographic coordinates:

17 00 N, 4 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1.24 million sq km

water: 20,000 sq km

land: 1.22 million sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 7,243 km

border countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea

858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km,

Senegal 419 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid,

and mild June to November; cool and dry November to February

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in

south, rugged hills in northeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Senegal River 23 m

highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

Natural resources:

gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, hydropower

note: bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are

known but not exploited

Land use:

arable land: 3.77%

permanent crops: 0.04%

other: 96.19% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,380 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons; recurring

droughts; occasional Niger River flooding

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate supplies

of potable water; poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Nuclear

Test Ban

Geography - note:

landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern,

cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the

northern, arid Saharan

People Mali

Population:

11,626,219 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 47.2% (male 2,759,802; female 2,727,226)

15-64 years: 49.8% (male 2,771,532; female 3,017,348)

65 years and over: 3% (male 161,983; female 188,328) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.3 years

male: 15.7 years

female: 16.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.82% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

47.79 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

19.21 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 119.2 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 112.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 125.72 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 45.43 years

male: 44.7 years

female: 46.19 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.66 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.7% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

110,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Malian(s)

adjective: Malian

Ethnic groups:

Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%,

Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Religions:

Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%

Languages:

French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 46.4%

male: 53.5%

female: 39.6% (2003 est.)

Government Mali

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Mali

conventional short form: Mali

local short form: Mali

former: French Sudan and Sudanese Republic

local long form: Republique de Mali

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Bamako

Administrative divisions:

8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal,

Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou

Independence:

22 September 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 September (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 12 January 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review

of legislative acts in Constitutional Court (which was formally

established on 9 March 1994); has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed Ag HAMANI (since 9

June 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term

(two-term limit); election last held 12 May 2002 (next to be held NA

May 2007); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Amadou Toumani TOURE elected president; percent of

vote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 64.4%, Soumaila CISSE 35.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (147 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 14 July and 28 July 2002 (next to be held NA

July 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Hope 2002 coalition 66, ADEMA 51, other 30

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Democracy or ADEMA [Diounconda Traore KEITA, party

chairman]; Block of Alternative for the Renewal of Africa or BARA

[Yoro DIAKITE]; Democratic and Social Convention or CDS [Mamadou

Bakary SANGARE, chairman]; Hope 2002 [leader NA]; Movement for the

Independence, Renaissance and Integration of Africa or MIRIA

[Mohamed Lamine TRAORE, Mouhamedou DICKO]; National Congress for

Democratic Initiative or CNID [Mountaga TALL, chairman]; Party for

Democracy and Progress or PDP [Me Idrissa TRAORE]; Party for

National Renewal or PARENA [Yoro DIAKITE, chairman; Tiebile DRAME,

secretary general]; Rally for Democracy and Labor or RDT [Ali

GNANGADO]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Almamy SYLLA,

chairman]; Rally for Mali or RPM [Ibrahim Bonbasor KEITA, chairman];

Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally or US/RDA [Mamadou Bamou

TOURE, secretary general]; Union of Democratic Forces for Progress

or UFDP [Youssouf TOURE, secretary general]; Union for Democracy and

Development or UDD [Moussa Balla COULIBALY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Patriotic Movement of the Ghanda Koye or MPGK; United Movement and

Fronts of Azawad or MFUA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional),

WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Abdoulaye DIOP FAX: [1] (202) 332-6603 telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950 chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Vicki HUDDLESTONE embassy: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, Bamako mailing address: B. P. 34, Bamako telephone: [223] (2) 223-833 FAX: [223] (2) 223-712

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red;

uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Economy Mali

Economy - overview:

Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of its

land area desert or semidesert and with a highly unequal

distribution of income. Economic activity is largely confined to the

riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population is

nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and

fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm

commodities. Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and vulnerable

to fluctuations in world prices for cotton, its main export, along

with gold. The government has continued its successful

implementation of an IMF-recommended structural adjustment program

that is helping the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign

investment. Mali's adherence to economic reform and the 50%

devaluation of the African franc in January 1994 have pushed up

economic growth to a sturdy 5% average in 1996-2002. Worker

remittances and external trade routes have been jeopardized by

continued unrest in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $9.775 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 45% industry: 17% services: 38% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

64% average; 30% of the total population living in urban areas; 70%

of the total population living in rural areas) (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.8%

highest 10%: 40.4% (1994)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.5 (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

3.93 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and fishing 80% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14.6% urban areas; 5.3% rural areas (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $764 million

expenditures: $828 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

food processing; construction; phosphate and gold mining

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

480.2 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 41.7% hydro: 58.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption: 446.6 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports: 0 kWh; note - recent hydropower developments may be providing electricity to Senegal and Mauritania (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; cattle, sheep, goats

Exports:

$680 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, gold, livestock

Exports - partners:

Thailand 13.9%, Italy 9.8%, India 7.7%, Brazil 5.5%, Germany 5%,

Spain 4.9%, Portugal 4.3%, Taiwan 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$630 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, machinery and equipment, construction materials,

foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

Cote d'Ivoire 17.1%, France 13.5%, Senegal 6.5%, Germany 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$3.3 billion (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$596.4 million (2001)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible

authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Currency code:

XOF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Mali

Telephones - main lines in use:

45,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

40,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic system unreliable but improving;

provides only minimal service

domestic: network consists of microwave radio relay, open-wire, and

radiotelephone communications stations; expansion of microwave radio

relay in progress

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 28, shortwave 1 note: the shortwave station in Bamako has seven frequencies and five transmitters and relays broadcasts for China Radio International (2001)

Radios:

570,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

45,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ml

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

13 (2001)

Internet users:

30,000 (2002)

Transportation Mali

Railways: total: 729 km narrow gauge: 729 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 15,100 km paved: 1,827 km unpaved: 13,273 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

1,815 km

Ports and harbors:

Koulikoro

Airports:

26 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Military Mali

Military branches:

Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Guard,

National Police (Surete Nationale)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,441,769 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,400,711 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$419.7 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

15% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Mali

Disputes - international: armed bandits based in Mali attack southern Algerian towns

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Malta

Introduction Malta

Background:

Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The

island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and

remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A

decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the

island has become a freight transshipment point, financial center,

and tourist destination. It is an official candidate for EU

membership.

Geography Malta

Location:

Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily

(Italy)

Geographic coordinates:

35 50 N, 14 35 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 316 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 316 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

196.8 km (does not include 56.01 km for the island of Gozo)

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive fishing zone: 25 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)

Natural resources: limestone, salt, arable land

Land use: arable land: 31.25% permanent crops: 3.13% other: 65.62% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest

islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) being

inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and Tunisia are

discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf

between their countries, particularly for oil exploration

People Malta

Population:

400,420 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.5% (male 40,448; female 37,623)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 136,221; female 134,142)

65 years and over: 13% (male 21,730; female 30,256) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.2 years

male: 35.6 years

female: 38.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.73% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.75 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.8 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.09 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.62 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.87 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.43 years

male: 75.94 years

female: 81.14 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective: Maltese

Ethnic groups:

Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with

strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 98%

Languages:

Maltese (official), English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 92.8%

male: 92%

female: 93.6% (2003 est.)

Government Malta

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Malta

conventional short form: Malta

local short form: Malta

local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Valletta

Administrative divisions: none (administered directly from Valletta); note - Local Councils carry out administrative orders

Independence:

21 September 1964 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September (1964)

Constitution:

1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974 and

again in 1987

Legal system:

based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Guido DE MARCO (since 4 April 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Eddie FENECH ADAMI (since 6

September 1998); Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 4 April

1999)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the

prime minister

elections: president elected by the House of Representatives for a

five-year term; election last held NA April 1999 (next to be held by

April 2004); following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually

appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the

deputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the advice of

the prime minister

election results: Guido DE MARCO elected president; percent of House

of Representatives vote - 54%

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives (usually 65 seats; note -

additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular

vote to ensure a legislative majority; members are elected by

popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 12 April 2003 (next to be held by April 2008)

election results: percent of vote by party - PN 51.7%, MLP 47.6%, AD

0.7%; seats by party - PN 34, MLP 31

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts are

appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

Political parties and leaders:

Alternativa Demokratika/Alliance for Social Justice or AD [Harry

VASSALLO]; Malta Labor Party or MLP [Alfred SANT]; Nationalist Party

or PN [Edward FENECH ADAMI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

C, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John LOWELL consulate(s): New York FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470 telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611, 3612 chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Anthony H. GIOIA

embassy: 3rd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana,

Malta VLT 01

mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta, Malta

telephone: [356] 21-235-960

FAX: [356] 2124-3229

Flag description:

two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the

upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross,

edged in red

Economy Malta

Economy - overview:

Major resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and

a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food

needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has no domestic energy

sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing

(especially electronics and textiles), and tourism. Malta is

privatizing state-controlled firms and liberalizing markets in order

to prepare for membership in the European Union. The island remains

divided politically, however, over the question of joining the EU.

Continued sluggishness in the global economy is holding back

exports, tourism, and overall growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $6.818 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $17,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.8%

industry: 25.5%

services: 71.7% (1999)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

160,000 (2002 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 24%, services 71%, agriculture 5% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.5 billion

expenditures: $1.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

Industries:

tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction; food

and beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.768 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.644 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs

Exports:

$2 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactures

Exports - partners:

Singapore 17.3%, US 11.4%, UK 9.4%, Germany 9%, France 7.2%, China

6.5%, Italy 6% (2002)

Imports:

$2.8 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured and

semi-manufactured goods; food, drink, and tobacco

Imports - partners:

Italy 18.3%, France 12.1%, South Korea 11.3%, UK 7.5%, Singapore

5.3%, Germany 5.2%, Japan 5%, US 4.6%, Spain 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$130 million (1997)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Maltese lira (MTL)

Currency code:

MTL

Exchange rates:

Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.43 (2002), 0.45 (2001), 0.44 (2000),

0.4 (1999), 0.39 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Malta

Telephones - main lines in use:

187,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17,691 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic system satisfies normal requirements

domestic: submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands

international: 2 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 18, shortwave 6 (1999)

Radios:

255,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

6 (2000)

Televisions:

280,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.mt

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

6 (2002)

Internet users:

59,000 (2002)

Transportation Malta

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 2,254 km paved: 1,972 km unpaved: 282 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Marsaxlokk, Valletta

Merchant marine:

total: 1,234 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 25,885,128 GRT/42,467,864 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 4, Austria 6, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 3,

Bulgaria 19, Canada 2, China 16, Croatia 14, Cuba 1, Cyprus 7,

Denmark 3, Estonia 5, Finland 1, Germany 54, Greece 627, Hong Kong

12, Iceland 3, India 10, Iran 2, Israel 26, Italy 36, Japan 2,

Latvia 24, Lebanon 6, Monaco 29, Netherlands 10, Nigeria 2, Norway

43, Poland 29, Portugal 2, Romania 15, Russia 85, Saudi Arabia 1,

Slovenia 2, South Korea 5, Spain 1, Switzerland 54, Syria 4, Turkey

84, Ukraine 25, UAE 3, UK 4, US 10 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 459, cargo 280, chemical tanker 45, combination

bulk 10, combination ore/oil 10, container 80, liquefied gas 3,

livestock carrier 3, multi-functional large-load carrier 1,

passenger 6, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 236, refrigerated

cargo 37, roll on/roll off 41, short-sea passenger 7, vehicle

carrier 15

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Military Malta

Military branches:

Armed Forces (including land forces [with subordinate air squadron

and maritime squadron] and the Revenue Security Corps), Maltese

Police Force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 99,312 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 79,080 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$60 million (2000 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.7% (2000)

Transnational Issues Malta

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western

Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Man, Isle of

Introduction Man, Isle of

Background:

Part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th

century when it was ceded to Scotland, the isle came under the

British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the almost

extinct Manx Celtic language.

Geography Man, Isle of

Location:

Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and

Ireland

Geographic coordinates:

54 15 N, 4 30 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 572 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 572 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

160 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate; cool summers and mild winters; overcast about one-third

of the time

Terrain:

hills in north and south bisected by central valley

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m highest point: Snaefell 621 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (permanent pastures, forests, mountain, and heathland)

(1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

waste disposal (both household and industrial); transboundary air

pollution

Geography - note:

one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest, and is a

bird sanctuary

People Man, Isle of

Population:

74,261 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.5% (male 6,637; female 6,337)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 24,373; female 24,165)

65 years and over: 17.1% (male 5,102; female 7,647) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.1 years

male: 37.8 years

female: 40.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.53% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

11.38 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

11.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

5.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.17 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 7.24 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.98 years

male: 74.62 years

female: 81.53 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Manxman (men), Manxwoman (women)

adjective: Manx

Ethnic groups:

Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society

of Friends

Languages:

English, Manx Gaelic

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Man, Isle of

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Isle of Man

Dependency status:

British crown dependency

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Douglas

Administrative divisions:

there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the

US Government, but there are 24 local authorities each with its own

elections

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

National holiday:

Tynwald Day, 5 July

Constitution:

unwritten; note - The Isle of Man Constitution Act, 1961, does not

embody the Manx Constitution

Legal system:

English common law and Manx statute

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Ian MACFADYEN (since 26

October 2002)

election results: Richard CORKILL elected chief minister by the

Tynwald

elections: the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed

by the monarch for a five-year term; the Chief Minister is elected

by the Tynwald; election last held 6 December 2001 (next to be held

NA December 2006)

head of government: Chief Minister Richard CORKILL (since 6 December

2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

bicameral Tynwald consists of the Legislative Council (an 11-member

body composed of the President of Tynwald, the Lord Bishop of Sodor

and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others named by the

House of Keys) and the House of Keys (24 seats; members are elected

by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Keys - last held 22 November 2001 (next to be

held NA November 2006)

election results: House of Keys - percent of vote by party - Man

Labor Party 17.3%, Alliance for Progressive Government 14.6%; seats

by party - Man Labor Party 2, Alliance for Progressive Government 3,

independents 19

Judicial branch:

High Court of Justice (justices are appointed by the Lord

Chancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant governor)

Political parties and leaders: Man Labor Party [leader NA]; Alliance for Progressive Government [leader NA]; Man Nationalist Party [leader NA] note: most members sit as independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag description:

red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center;

the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in

order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag,

a two-sided emblem is used

Economy Man, Isle of

Economy - overview:

Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the

economy. The government's policy of offering incentives to

high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on

the island has paid off in expanding employment opportunities in

high-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once

the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their shares of GDP.

Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access to

EU markets.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.6 billion (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

13.5%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $21,000 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 13%

services: 86% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (March 2003 est.)

Labor force:

36,610 (1998)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture, forestry and fishing 3%, manufacturing 11%,

construction 10%, transport and communication 8%, wholesale and

retail distribution 11%, professional and scientific services 18%,

public administration 6%, banking and finance 18%, tourism 2%,

entertainment and catering 3%, miscellaneous services 10%

Unemployment rate:

0.7% (March 2003)

Budget:

revenues: $485 million

expenditures: $463 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY00/01 est.)

Industries:

financial services, light manufacturing, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (FY 96/97)

Agriculture - products:

cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb

Exports - partners:

UK (2000 est.)

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

timber, fertilizers, fish

Imports - partners:

UK (2000)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

British pound (GBP); note - there is also a Manx pound

Currency code:

GBP

Exchange rates:

Manx pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944 (2001), 0.6596

(2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998); the Manx pound is at par with

the British pound

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Man, Isle of

Telephones - main lines in use:

51,000 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: landline, telefax, mobile cellular telephone system

international: fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, satellite

earth station, submarine cable

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

0 (receives broadcasts from the UK and satellite) (1999)

Televisions:

27,490 (1999)

Internet country code:

.im

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Man, Isle of

Railways: total: 60 km (35 km electrified) (2002)

Highways: total: 800 km paved: 800 km unpaved: 0 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Castletown, Douglas, Peel, Ramsey

Merchant marine:

total: 211 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,297,301 GRT/8,703,079 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 45, France 1, Germany 48, Greece 6, Hong Kong

10, Iceland 1, Italy 8, Monaco 7, Netherlands 3, Norway 5, Sweden 4,

Switzerland 2, UK 70, US 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 26, cargo 32, chemical tanker 20, combination

bulk 2, container 22, liquefied gas 38, petroleum tanker 49, roll

on/roll off 16, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 5

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Man, Isle of

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Man, Isle of

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Marshall Islands

Introduction Marshall Islands

Background:

After almost four decades under US administration as the

easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,

the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compact

of Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a result of US

nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and 1962. The

Marshall Islands have been home to the US Army Base Kwajalein

(USAKA) since 1964.

Geography Marshall Islands

Location:

Oceania, group of atolls and reefs in the North Pacific Ocean,

about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 N, 168 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 181.3 sq km

note: includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro,

Rongelap, and Utirik

water: 0 sq km

land: 181.3 sq km

Area - comparative:

about the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

370.4 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

wet season from May to November; hot and humid; islands border

typhoon belt

Terrain:

low coral limestone and sand islands

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

Natural resources: coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals

Land use: arable land: 16.67% permanent crops: 0% other: 83.33% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

infrequent typhoons

Environment - current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water; pollution of Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing vessels

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands;

Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the

famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test

range

People Marshall Islands

Population:

56,429 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.1% (male 11,233; female 10,819)

15-64 years: 58.2% (male 16,857; female 16,003)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 726; female 791) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.3 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 19.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.3% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

34.18 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.03 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-6.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 31.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 27.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 35.38 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.39 years

male: 67.49 years

female: 71.4 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.12 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)

adjective: Marshallese

Ethnic groups:

Micronesian

Religions:

Christian (mostly Protestant)

Languages:

English (widely spoken as a second language, both English and

Marshallese are official languages), two major Marshallese dialects

from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.7%

male: 93.6%

female: 93.7% (1999)

Government Marshall Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands

conventional short form: Marshall Islands

former: Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific

Islands)

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the

Compact of Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986

Capital:

Majuro

Administrative divisions:

33 municipalities; Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Arno, Aur,

Bikar, Bikini, Bokak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabat, Jaluit, Jemo,

Kili, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili,

Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongrik, Toke, Ujae, Ujelang, Utirik,

Wotho, Wotje

Independence:

21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)

Constitution:

1 May 1979

Legal system:

based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature,

municipal, common, and customary laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 3 January 2000);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 3 January

2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of

Parliament

elections: president elected by Parliament from among its own

members for a four-year term; election last held 15 November 1999

(next to be held NA November 2003)

election results: Kessai Hesa NOTE elected president; percent of

Parliament vote - 100%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Nitijela (33 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 17 November 2003 (next to be held not later

than November 2007)

note: the Council of Chiefs is a 12-member body that advises on

matters affecting customary law and practice

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; High Court

Political parties and leaders: traditionally there have been no formally organized political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures; the following two "groupings" have competed in legislative balloting in recent years - Kabua Party [Imata KABUA] and United Democratic Party or UDP [Litokwa TOMEING]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AsDB, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFC, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, ITU, OPCW (signatory), Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Banny DE BRUM chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: Honolulu FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236 telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. SENKO

embassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro

mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall

Islands 96960-1379

telephone: [692] 247-4011

FAX: [692] 247-4012

Flag description:

blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner -

orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays

and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes

Economy Marshall Islands

Economy - overview:

US Government assistance is the mainstay of this tiny island

economy. Agricultural production is primarily subsistence and is

concentrated on small farms; the most important commercial crops are

coconuts and breadfruit. Small-scale industry is limited to

handicrafts, tuna processing, and copra. The tourist industry, now a

small source of foreign exchange employing less than 10% of the

labor force, remains the best hope for future added income. The

islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports.

Under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US has

provided more than $1 billion in aid since 1986. Negotiations have

continued for an extended agreement. Government downsizing, drought,

a drop in construction, the decline in tourism and foreign

investment due to the Asian financial difficulties, and less income

from the renewal of fishing vessel licenses have held GDP growth to

an average of 1% over the past decade.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $115 million (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,600 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14%

industry: 16%

services: 70% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

28,698

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 21.4%, industry 20.9%, services 57.7%

Unemployment rate:

30.9% (1999 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $42 million

expenditures: $40 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999)

Industries:

copra, fish, tourism, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99% hydro: 0% nuclear: 0% other: 1% (solar)

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens

Exports:

$9 million f.o.b. (2000)

Exports - commodities:

copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish

Exports - partners:

US, Japan, Australia, China (2000)

Imports:

$54 million f.o.b. (2000)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels, beverages and tobacco

Imports - partners:

US, Japan, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Fiji, China, Philippines (2000)

Debt - external:

$86.5 million (FY 99/00 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

more than $1 billion from the US, 1986-2002

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is the legal tender

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications Marshall Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,186 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

489 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: digital switching equipment; modern services

include telex, cellular, internet, international calling, caller ID,

and leased data circuits

domestic: Majuro Atoll and Ebeye and Kwajalein islands have regular,

seven-digit, direct-dial telephones; other islands interconnected by

shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes)

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific

Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein

(2001)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0

note: additionally, the US Armed Forces Radio and Television

Services (Central Pacific Network) operate one FM and one AM station

on Kwajalein (2002)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

2 (both are US military stations) (2002)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.mh

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

900 (2002)

Transportation Marshall Islands

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: NA km

paved: 64.5 km

unpaved: NA km

note: paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise

stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads and tracks (2002)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Majuro

Merchant marine:

total: 342 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 14,471,690 GRT/23,802,896 DWT

note: the ship's register of the Marshall Islands is a flag of

convenience register since essentially none of the vessels on it is

owned domestically; includes the following foreign-owned ships

registered here as a flag of convenience: China 1, Cyprus 1, Denmark

9, Germany 70, Greece 54, Hong Kong 2, Japan 4, Monaco 8,

Netherlands 8, UK 3, US 87, Uruguay 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 86, cargo 18, chemical tanker 31, combination

bulk 4, combination ore/oil 7, container 69, liquefied gas 8,

multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger 6, petroleum tanker

106, roll on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 4

Airports:

15 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Marshall Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Police Force

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Marshall Islands

Disputes - international: claims US territory of Wake Island

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Martinique

Introduction Martinique

Background:

Colonized by France in 1635, the island has subsequently remained a

French possession except for three brief periods of foreign

occupation.

Geography Martinique

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic

Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

14 40 N, 61 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 1,100 sq km

water: 40 sq km

land: 1,060 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

350 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October);

vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on

average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid

Terrain:

mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m

Natural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land

Land use: arable land: 9.43% permanent crops: 11.32% other: 79.25% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (an average of one

major natural disaster every five years)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the island is dominated by Mount Pelee, which on 8 May 1902 erupted

and completely destroyed the city of Saint Pierre, killing 30,000

inhabitants

People Martinique

Population:

425,966 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.8% (male 49,310; female 47,908)

15-64 years: 66.9% (male 142,242; female 142,688)

65 years and over: 10.3% (male 19,656; female 24,162) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.7 years

male: 32 years

female: 33.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.85% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

14.96 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.41 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.44 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.72 years

male: 79.27 years

female: 78.16 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.79 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Martiniquais (singular and plural)

adjective: Martiniquais

Ethnic groups:

African and African-white-Indian mixture 90%, white 5%, East

Indian, Chinese less than 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 10.5%, Muslim 0.5%, Hindu 0.5%,

other 3.5% (1997)

Languages:

French, Creole patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.7%

male: 97.4%

female: 98.1% (2003 est.)

Government Martinique

Country name:

conventional long form: Department of Martinique

conventional short form: Martinique

local short form: Martinique

local long form: Departement de la Martinique

Dependency status:

overseas department of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Fort-de-France

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas department of France)

Independence:

none (overseas department of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French legal system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May

1995); Prefect Michel CADOT (since 21 June 2000)

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the

French Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the General and

Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils

head of government: President of the General Council Claude LISE

(since 22 March 1992); President of the Regional Council Alfred

MARIE-JEANNE (since NA March 1998)

cabinet: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (45 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and a

unicameral Regional Assembly or Conseil Regional (41 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: General Council - last held NA March 2000 (next to be

held NA 2006); Regional Assembly - last held on 15 March 1998 (next

to be held by March 2004)

election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - left-wing candidates 13, PPM 11, RPR 6, right-wing

candidates 5, PCM 3, UDF 3, PMS 2, independents 2; note - the PPM

won a plurality; Regional Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - RPR-UDF 14, MIM 13, PPM 7, left parties 4, PMS 3

note: Martinique elects 2 seats to the French Senate; elections last

held NA September 2001 (next to be held September 2004); results -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PPM 2; Martinique

also elects 4 seats to the French National Assembly; elections last

held, first round - 9 June 2002, second round - 16 June 2002 (next

to be held not later than June 2007); results - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - UMP-RPR 1, PS 1, MIM 1, left-wing

candidate 1 (candidacy of the left-wing candidate was found invalid

by the Constitutional Council; new elections will be called)

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Martinique Communist Party or PCM [Pierre SUEDILLE]; Martinique

Independence Movement or MIM [Alfred MARIE-JEANNE]; Martinique

Progressive Party or PPM [Camille DARSIERES]; Martinique Socialist

Party or PMS [Ernest WAN-AJOUHU]; Movement of Democrats and

Ecologists for a Sovereign Martinique or Modemas [Garcin MALSA];

Rally for the Republic or RPR [Michel CHARLONE]; Socialist

Revolution Group or GRS [Philippe PIERRE-CHARLES]; Union for French

Democracy or UDF [Jean MAREN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance or ARC; Central Union for

Martinique Workers or CSTM [Marc PULVAR]; Frantz Fanon Circle;

League of Workers and Peasants; Proletarian Action Group or GAP

International organization participation:

FZ, WCL, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas department of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas department of France)

Flag description:

a light blue background is divided into four quadrants by a white

cross; in the center of each rectangle is a white snake; the flag of

France is used for official occasions

Economy Martinique

Economy - overview:

The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light

industry. Agriculture accounts for about 6% of GDP and the small

industrial sector for 11%. Sugar production has declined, with most

of the sugarcane now used for the production of rum. Banana exports

are increasing, going mostly to France. The bulk of meat, vegetable,

and grain requirements must be imported, contributing to a chronic

trade deficit that requires large annual transfers of aid from

France. Tourism, which employs more than 11,000 people, has become

more important than agricultural exports as a source of foreign

exchange.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $4.5 billion (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $10,700 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 11%

services: 83% (1997 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (1990)

Labor force:

165,900 (1998)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 10%, industry 17%, services 73% (1997)

Unemployment rate:

27.2% (1998)

Budget:

revenues: $900 million

expenditures: $2.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $140

million (1996)

Industries:

construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.151 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.07 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

13,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane

Exports:

$250 million f.o.b. (1997)

Exports - commodities:

refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples (2001 est.)

Exports - partners:

France 45%, Guadeloupe 28% (2000)

Imports:

$2 billion c.i.f. (1997)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction materials,

vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods

Imports - partners:

France 62%, Venezuela 6%, Germany 4%, Italy 4%, US 3% (2000)

Debt - external:

$180 million (1994)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA; note - substantial annual aid from France

Currency:

euro (EUR)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 euros per US dollar - 1.0626 (2002),

1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US

dollar - 5.8995 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Martinique

Telephones - main lines in use:

170,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15,000 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic facilities are adequate

domestic: NA

international: microwave radio relay to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and

Saint Lucia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 14, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

82,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

11 (plus nine repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

66,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.mq

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

5,000 (2000)

Transportation Martinique

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 2,105 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Fort-de-France, La Trinite

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Martinique

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; French Forces (Army, Navy,

Air Force), Gendarmerie

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Martinique

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and

Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Mauritania

Introduction Mauritania

Background:

Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the southern

third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in 1976, but

relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario

guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. Opposition

parties were legalized and a new constitution approved in 1991. Two

multiparty presidential elections since then were widely seen as

flawed, but October 2001 legislative and municipal elections were

generally free and open. Mauritania remains, in reality, a one-party

state. The country continues to experience ethnic tensions between

its black minority population and the dominant Maur (Arab-Berber)

populace.

Geography Mauritania

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between

Senegal and Western Sahara

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 N, 12 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,030,700 sq km

land: 1,030,400 sq km

water: 300 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 5,074 km

border countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km,

Western Sahara 1,561 km

Coastline:

754 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty

Terrain:

mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Sebkha de Ndrhamcha -3 m highest point: Kediet Ijill 910 m

Natural resources: iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish

Land use: arable land: 0.48% permanent crops: 0.01% other: 99.51% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

490 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and

April; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought

are contributing to desertification; very limited natural fresh

water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only perennial

river

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

most of the population concentrated in the cities of Nouakchott and

Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the southern part of the

country

People Mauritania

Population:

2,912,584 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46% (male 671,080; female 668,408)

15-64 years: 51.8% (male 743,573; female 764,358)

65 years and over: 2.2% (male 26,669; female 38,496) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.9 years

male: 16.6 years

female: 17.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.91% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

42.16 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

13.04 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 73.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 70.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 76.62 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 51.93 years

male: 49.78 years

female: 54.13 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.08 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.8% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,600 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

610 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Mauritanian(s) adjective: Mauritanian

Ethnic groups:

mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%

Religions:

Muslim 100%

Languages:

Hassaniya Arabic (official), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof (official),

French

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 41.7%

male: 51.8%

female: 31.9% (2003 est.)

Government Mauritania

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania

conventional short form: Mauritania

local short form: Muritaniyah

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Nouakchott

Administrative divisions:

12 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 capital district*;

Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh

Ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Nouakchott*, Tagant, Tiris

Zemmour, Trarza

Independence:

28 November 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1960)

Constitution:

12 July 1991

Legal system:

a combination of Shari'a (Islamic law) and French civil law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA (since 12

December 1984)

head of government: Prime Minister Sghair Ould M'BARECK (since 6

July 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 7 November 2003 (next to be held NA 2009); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA reelected

for a third term with 60.8% of the vote

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate or Majlis al-Shuyukh

(56 seats, a part of the seats up for election every two years;

members elected by municipal leaders to serve six-year terms) and

the National Assembly or Majlis al-Watani (81 seats; members elected

by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 12 April 2002 (next to be held NA

April 2004); National Assembly - last held 19 and 26 October 2001

(next to be held NA 2006)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - PRDS 54, RFD 1, UNDD 1; National Assembly - percent of vote

by party - PRDS 79%, RDU 3.5%, UDP 3.5%, AC 5%, UFP 3.5%, FP 1.5%;

seats by party - PRDS 64, UDP 3, RDU 3, AC 4, RFD 3, UFP 3, and FP 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Court of Appeals; lower courts

Political parties and leaders:

Action for Change or AC [Messoud Ould BOULKHEIR]; Alliance for

Justice and Democracy or AJD [Kebe ABDOULAYE]; Democratic and Social

Republican Party or PRDS (ruling party) [President Maaouya Ould Sid

Ahmed TAYA]; Mauritanian Party for Renewal and Concorde or PMRC

[Molaye El Hassen Ould JIYID]; National Union for Democracy and

Development or UNDD [Tidjane KOITA]; Party for Liberty, Equality and

Justice or PLEJ [Daouda M'BAGNIGA]; Popular Front or FP [Ch'bih Ould

CHEIKH MALAININE]; Popular Progress Alliance or APP [Mohamed El

Hafed Ould ISMAEL]; Popular Social and Democratic Union or UPSD

[Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH]; Progress Force Union or UFP [Mohamed

Ould MAOULOUD]; Rally of Democratic Forces or RFD [Ahmed Ould

DADDAH]; Rally for Democracy and Unity or RDU [Ahmed Ould SIDI

BABA]; Union for Democracy and Progress or UDP [Naha Mint MOUKNASS]

note: the Action for Change party was banned in January 2002;

parties legalized by constitution ratified 12 July 1991, however,

politics continue to be tribally based

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Arab nationalists; Ba'athists; General Confederation of Mauritanian

Workers or CGTM [Abdallahi Ould MOHAMED, secretary general];

Independent Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CLTM [Samory

Ould BEYE]; Islamists; Mauritanian Workers Union or UTM [Mohamed Ely

Ould BRAHIM, secretary general]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, ECA, FAO, G-77,

IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending

member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM,

OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamedou Ould MICHEL

chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623

telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON

embassy: Rue Abdallaye (between Presidency building and Spanish

Embassy), Nouakchott

mailing address: BP 222, Nouakchott

telephone: [222] 25-26-60, 25-26-63, 25-11-41, 25-11-45

FAX: [222] 25-25-92

Flag description:

green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal

crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent,

star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

Economy Mauritania

Economy - overview:

Half the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for

a livelihood, even though many of the nomads and subsistence farmers

were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and

1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account

for nearly 40% of total exports. The decline in world demand for

this ore, however, has led to cutbacks in production. The nation's

coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, but

overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue.

The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986.

In the past, drought and economic mismanagement resulted in a

buildup of foreign debt. In February 2000, Mauritania qualified for

debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC)

initiative and in December 2001 received strong support from donor

and lending countries at a triennial Consultative Group review. In

2001, exploratory oil wells in tracts 80 km offshore indicated

potential extraction at current world oil prices. A new investment

code approved in December 2001 improved the opportunities for direct

foreign investment. Ongoing negotiations with the IMF involve

problems of economic reforms and fiscal discipline. Substantial oil

production and exports probably will not begin until 2005.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $4.891 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 25% industry: 29% services: 46% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 50% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.5% highest 10%: 30.2% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37.3 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

786,000 (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 50%, services 40%, industry 10% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

21% (1999 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $421 million

expenditures: $378 million, including capital expenditures of $154

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

157.4 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 85.9% hydro: 14.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

146.3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn, dates; cattle, sheep

Exports:

$355 million f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

iron ore, fish and fish products, gold

Exports - partners:

Italy 14.3%, France 14%, Spain 11.7%, Germany 10.9%, Belgium 9.9%,

Japan 7.1% (2002)

Imports:

$360 million f.o.b. (2000)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital goods,

foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

France 18.5%, Belgium 7.8%, China 7%, Spain 5.9%, Germany 5.2%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$2.5 billion (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$220 million (2000)

Currency:

ouguiya (MRO)

Currency code:

MRO

Exchange rates:

ouguiyas per US dollar - ouguiyas per US dollar - 254.350 (December

2001), 238.923 (2000), 209.514 (1999), 188.476 (1998), 151.853

(1997), 137.222 (1996)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Mauritania

Telephones - main lines in use:

26,500 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

35,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: limited system of cable and open-wire lines,

minor microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone communications

stations (improvements being made)

domestic: mostly cable and open-wire lines; a recently completed

domestic satellite telecommunications system links Nouakchott with

regional capitals

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean) and 2 Arabsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 14, shortwave 1 (2001)

Radios:

410,000 (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2002)

Televisions:

98,000 (2001)

Internet country code:

.mr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2001)

Internet users:

7,500 (2001)

Transportation Mauritania

Railways: 717 km standard gauge: 717 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 7,720 km paved: 830 km unpaved: 6,890 km (2000)

Waterways:

note: ferry traffic on the Senegal River

Ports and harbors:

Bogue, Kaedi, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Rosso

Merchant marine:

none (2002)

Airports:

26 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 16 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Military Mauritania

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard,

National Police, Presidential Guard

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 665,112 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 322,288 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$37.11 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.7% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Mauritania

Disputes - international: Mauritanian claims to Western Sahara have been dormant in recent years

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Mauritius

Introduction Mauritius

Background:

Discovered by the Portuguese in 1505, Mauritius was subsequently

held by the Dutch, French, and British before independence was

attained in 1968. A stable democracy with regular free elections and

a positive human rights record, the country has attracted

considerable foreign investment and has earned one of Africa's

highest per capita incomes. Recent poor weather and declining sugar

prices have slowed economic growth, leading to some protests over

standards of living in the Creole community.

Geography Mauritius

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

20 17 S, 57 33 E

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 2,040 sq km

note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint

Brandon), and Rodrigues

water: 10 sq km

land: 2,030 sq km

Area - comparative:

almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

177 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May

to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)

Terrain:

small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling

central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Piton 828 m

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use: arable land: 49.26% permanent crops: 2.96% other: 47.78% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

200 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs

that may pose maritime hazards

Environment - current issues:

water pollution, degradation of coral reefs

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the main island, from which the country derives its name, is of

volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs

People Mauritius

Population:

1,210,447 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.1% (male 153,401; female 150,399)

15-64 years: 68.5% (male 413,660; female 415,534)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 30,673; female 46,780) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.8 years

male: 29.1 years

female: 30.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.84% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

16.1 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.81 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.11 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 18.98 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.8 years

male: 67.82 years

female: 75.85 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

700 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Mauritian(s)

adjective: Mauritian

Ethnic groups:

Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian

2%

Religions:

Hindu 52%, Christian 28.3% (Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 2.3%),

Muslim 16.6%, other 3.1%

Languages:

English (official), Creole, French (official), Hindi, Urdu, Hakka,

Bhojpuri

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85.6%

male: 88.6%

female: 82.7% (2003 est.)

Government Mauritius

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius

conventional short form: Mauritius

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Port Louis

Administrative divisions:

9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River,

Cargados Carajos Shoals*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses,

Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, Savanne

Independence:

12 March 1968 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 March (1968)

Constitution:

12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system with elements of English common

law in certain areas

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 7 October

2003) and Vice President (vacant; a new Vice President will be

determined by assembly elections on NA December 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Paul BERENGER (since 30 September

2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president and vice president elected by the National

Assembly for five-year terms; election last held 25 February 2002

(next to be held NA 2007); prime minister and deputy prime minister

appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly

election results: Karl OFFMANN elected president and Raouf BUNDHUN

elected vice president; percent of vote by the National Assembly -

NA%; note - Karl OFFMANN and Raouf BUNDHUN stepped down on 30

September 2003

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (66 seats; 62 elected by popular vote,

4 appointed by the election commission from the losing political

parties to give representation to various ethnic minorities; members

serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 September 2000 (next to be held by

September 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - MSM/MMM 52.3%, MLP/PMSD

36.9%, OPR 10.8%; seats by party - MSM/MMM 54, MLP/PMSD 6, OPR 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Hizbullah [Cehl Mohamed FAKEEMEEAH]; Mauritian Labor Party or MLP

[Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM]; Mauritian Militant Movement or MMM [Paul

BERENGER] - in coalition with MSM; Mauritian Social Democrat Party

or PMSD [Charles Xavier-Luc DUVAL]; Militant Socialist Movement or

MSM [Pravind JUGNAUTH] - governing party; Rodrigues Movement or MR

[Joseph (Nicholas) Von MALLY]; Rodrigues Peoples Organization or OPR

[Serge CLAIR]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

various labor unions

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC,

ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Usha JEETAH

FAX: [1] (202) 966-0983

telephone: [1] (202) 244-1491, 1492

chancery: 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 441, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John PRICE

embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis

mailing address: international mail: P. O. Box 544, Port Louis; US

mail: American Embassy, Port Louis, Department of State, Washington,

DC 20521-2450

telephone: [230] 202-4400

FAX: [230] 208-9534

Flag description:

four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green

Economy Mauritius

Economy - overview:

Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a

low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income

diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist

sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been in the order

of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in more

equitable income distribution, increased life expectancy, lowered

infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure. Sugarcane is

grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 25%

of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on

foreign investment. Mauritius has attracted more than 9,000 offshore

entities, many aimed at commerce in India and South Africa, and

investment in the banking sector alone has reached over $1 billion.

Mauritius, with its strong textile sector and responsible fiscal

management, has been well poised to take advantage of the Africa

Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The government is encouraging

foreign investment in the information technology field.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $12.15 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $10,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 33% services: 61% (1999 est.)

Population below poverty line:

10% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37 (1987 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

514,000 (1995)

Labor force - by occupation: construction and industry 36%, services 24%, agriculture and fishing 14%, trade, restaurants, hotels 16%, transportation and communication 7%, finance 3% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

8.8% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.1 billion

expenditures: $1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Industries:

food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, clothing;

chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical

machinery; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

1.311 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 90.8% hydro: 9.2% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.219 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

21,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses; cattle, goats; fish

Exports:

$1.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing and textiles, sugar, cut flowers, molasses

Exports - partners:

UK 27.7%, France 25.5%, US 16.4%, Madagascar 6.2%, Belgium 5% (2002)

Imports:

$1.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, capital equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum

products, chemicals

Imports - partners:

France 18.4%, South Africa 13.5%, India 7.8%, China 4.5%, UK 4.2%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$2.4 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$42 million (1997)

Currency:

Mauritian rupee (MUR)

Currency code:

MUR

Exchange rates:

Mauritian rupees per US dollar - 29.96 (2002), 29.13 (2001), 26.25

(2000), 25.19 (1999), 23.99 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Mauritius

Telephones - main lines in use:

280,900 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

180,000 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system with good service

domestic: primarily microwave radio relay trunk system

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean);

new microwave link to Reunion; HF radiotelephone links to several

countries

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 4, FM 9, shortwave 0 (2002)

Radios:

420,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (plus several repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

258,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.mu

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

158,000 (2002)

Transportation Mauritius

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 1,926 km

paved: 1,868 km (including 44 km of expressways)

unpaved: 58 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Port Louis

Merchant marine:

total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 23,455 GRT/27,102 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, combination bulk 4, passenger/cargo 1,

refrigerated cargo 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience:, Belgium 1, India 3, Norway 1, Switzerland 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

5 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Mauritius

Military branches:

National Police Force (includes the paramilitary Special Mobile

Force or SMF and National Coast Guard)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 341,029 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 171,556 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$9.712 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.2% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Mauritius

Disputes - international:

Mauritius claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered British

Indian Ocean Territory), and its former inhabitants, who reside

chiefly in Mauritius, but were granted UK citizenship and the right

to repatriation in 2001; claims French-administered Tromelin Island

Illicit drugs:

minor consumer and transshipment point for heroin from South Asia;

small amounts of cannabis produced and consumed locally; significant

offshore financial industry creates potential for money laundering,

but corruption levels are relatively low and the government appears

generally to be committed to regulating its banking industry

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Mayotte

Introduction Mayotte

Background:

Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of the

Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago

that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego

independence.

Geography Mayotte

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-half

of the way from northern Madagascar to northern Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

12 50 S, 45 10 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 374 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 374 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

185.2 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern

monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)

Terrain:

generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Benara 660 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: NA%

permanent crops: NA%

other: NA% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

cyclones during rainy season

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

part of Comoro Archipelago; 18 islands

People Mayotte

Population:

178,437 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.5% (male 41,632; female 41,301)

15-64 years: 51.8% (male 50,373; female 42,118)

65 years and over: 1.7% (male 1,502; female 1,511) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.9 years

male: 18.1 years

female: 15.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

4.25% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

42.86 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

7.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.2 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female

total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 65.98 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 59.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 72.32 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.6 years

male: 58.49 years

female: 62.78 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Mahorais (singular and plural)

adjective: Mahoran

Ethnic groups:

NA

Religions:

Muslim 97%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic)

Languages:

Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language) spoken by

35% of the population

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Mayotte

Country name:

conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte

conventional short form: Mayotte

Dependency status:

territorial collectivity of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Mamoutzou

Administrative divisions:

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Independence:

none (territorial collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May

1995), represented by Prefect Jean-Jacques BROT (since 3 July 2002)

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the

French Ministry of the Interior; president of the General Council

elected by the members of the General Council for a six-year term

head of government: President of the General Council Younoussa

BAMANA (since NA 1977)

cabinet: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held 7 October 2000 (next to be held NA 2003)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA

note: Mayotte elects one member of the French Senate; elections last

held 24 September 2001 (next to be held NA September 2007); results

- percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; Mayotte also

elects one member to the French National Assembly; elections last

held 16 June 2002 (next to be held as a special election on NA June

2005); results - percent of vote by party - UMP-RPR 55.08%, UDF

44.92%; seats by party - UMP-RPR 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Front or FD [Youssouf MOUSSA]; Mahoran Popular Movement

or MPM [Ahmed MADI]; Federation of Mahorans or RPR [Mansour

KAMARDINE]; Movement for Department Status Mayotte or MDM [Mouhoutar

SALIM]; Socialist Party or PS (local branch of French Parti

Socialiste) [Ibrahim ABUBACAR]; Union for French Democracy or UDF

[Henri JEAN-BAPTISTE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

FZ

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy Mayotte

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector,

including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not

self-sufficient and must import a large portion of its food

requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development

of the island are heavily dependent on French financial assistance,

an important supplement to GDP. Mayotte's remote location is an

obstacle to the development of tourism.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $85 million (1998 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $600 (1998 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

48,800 (2000)

Unemployment rate:

38% (1999)

Budget:

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $73 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1991 est.)

Industries:

newly created lobster and shrimp industry, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0% hydro: 0% other: 0% nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Agriculture - products:

vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), coffee, copra

Exports:

$3.44 million f.o.b. (1997)

Exports - commodities:

ylang-ylang (perfume essence), vanilla, copra, coconuts, coffee,

cinnamon

Exports - partners:

France 80%, Comoros 15%, Reunion (2000)

Imports:

$141.3 million f.o.b. (1997)

Imports - commodities:

food, machinery and equipment, transportation equipment, metals,

chemicals

Imports - partners:

France 66%, Africa 14%, Southeast Asia 11% (2000 est.)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$107.7 million; note - extensive French financial assistance (1995)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854

(2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US dollar - 5.8995 (1998),

5.8367 (1997)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Mayotte

Telephones - main lines in use:

12,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system administered by French Department

of Posts and Telecommunications

domestic: NA

international: microwave radio relay and HF radiotelephone

communications to Comoros (2001)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (2001)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

3 (2001)

Televisions:

3,500 (1994)

Internet country code:

.yt

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Mayotte

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 93 km paved: 72 km unpaved: 21 km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Dzaoudzi

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Mayotte

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France; small contingent of French

forces stationed on the island

Transnational Issues Mayotte

Disputes - international: claimed by Comoros

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Mexico

Introduction Mexico

Background:

The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under

Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early

in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994 threw

Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession in over

half a century. The nation continues to make an impressive recovery.

Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages,

underemployment for a large segment of the population, inequitable

income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the

largely Amerindian population in the impoverished southern states.

Elections held in July 2000 marked the first time since the 1910

Mexican Revolution that the opposition defeated the party in

government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Vicente FOX

of the National Action Party (PAN) was sworn in on 1 December 2000

as the first chief executive elected in free and fair elections.

Geography Mexico

Location:

Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico,

between Belize and the US and bordering the North Pacific Ocean,

between Guatemala and the US

Geographic coordinates:

23 00 N, 102 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 1,972,550 sq km

land: 1,923,040 sq km

water: 49,510 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries: total: 4,353 km border countries: Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,141 km

Coastline: 9,330 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

varies from tropical to desert

Terrain:

high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,700 m

Natural resources: petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber

Land use: arable land: 13.2% permanent crops: 1.1% other: 85.7% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

65,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive

earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific,

Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coasts

Environment - current issues:

scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities; rural to urban

migration; natural fresh water resources scarce and polluted in

north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme

southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in

urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification;

deteriorating agricultural lands; serious air and water pollution in

the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border; land

subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion

note: the government considers the lack of clean water and

deforestation national security issues

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on southern border of US; corn (maize), one of

the world's major grain crops, is thought to have originated in

Mexico

People Mexico

Population:

104,907,991 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32.3% (male 17,298,964; female 16,617,728)

15-64 years: 63.1% (male 32,217,513; female 33,932,603)

65 years and over: 4.6% (male 2,145,252; female 2,695,931) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 23.8 years male: 22.9 years female: 24.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.43% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

21.92 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.97 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 23.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 20.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 26.78 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.3 years

male: 69.26 years

female: 75.49 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.53 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

150,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,200 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Mexican(s)

adjective: Mexican

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly

Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%, other 5%

Languages:

Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous

languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.2%

male: 94%

female: 90.5% (2003 est.)

Government Mexico

Country name:

conventional long form: United Mexican States

conventional short form: Mexico

local short form: Mexico

local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

Mexico (Distrito Federal)

Administrative divisions:

31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district*

(distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California

Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Colima,

Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco,

Mexico, Michoacan de Ocampo, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca,

Puebla, Queretaro de Arteaga, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi,

Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz-Llave,

Yucatan, Zacatecas

Independence:

16 September 1810 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 September (1810)

Constitution:

5 February 1917

Legal system:

mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial

review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,

with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Vicente FOX Quesada (since 1 December

2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

election results: Vicente FOX Quesada elected president; percent of

vote - Vicente FOX Quesada (PAN) 42.52%, Francisco LABASTIDA Ochoa

(PRI) 36.1%, Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano (PRD) 16.64%, other 4.74%

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 2 July 2000 (next to be held NA July 2006)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of

attorney general requires consent of the Senate

head of government: President Vicente FOX Quesada (since 1 December

2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Union consists of the

Senate or Camara de Senadores (128 seats; 96 are elected by popular

vote to serve six-year terms, and 32 are allocated on the basis of

each party's popular vote) and the Federal Chamber of Deputies or

Camara Federal de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members are directly

elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; remaining 200

members are allocated on the basis of each party's popular vote,

also for three-year terms)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - PRI 60, PAN 46, PRD 15, PVEM 5, PT 1, CD 1; Chamber of

Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PRI 224,

PAN 153, PRD 95, other 28

elections: Senate - last held 2 July 2000 for all of the seats (next

to be held NA 2006); Chamber of Deputies - last held 6 July 2003

(next to be held NA 2006)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges are

appointed by the president with consent of the Senate)

Political parties and leaders:

Convergence for Democracy or CD [Dante DELGADO Ranauro];

Institutional Revolutionary Party or PRI [Dulce Maria SAURI

Riancho]; Mexican Green Ecological Party or PVEM [Jorge Emilio

GONZALEZ Martinez]; National Action Party or PAN [Luis Felipe BRAVO

Mena]; Party of the Democratic Revolution or PRD [Amalia GARCIA

Medina]; Party of the Nationalist Society or PSN [Gustavo RIOJAS

Santana]; Social Alliance Party or PAS [Guillermo CALDERON

Dominguez]; Workers Party or PT [Alberto ANAYA Gutierrez]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic or COPARMEX;

Confederation of Industrial Chambers or CONCAMIN; Confederation of

Mexican Workers or CTM; Confederation of National Chambers of

Commerce or CONCANACO; Coordinator for Foreign Trade Business

Organizations or COECE; Federation of Unions Providing Goods and

Services or FESEBES; National Chamber of Transformation Industries

or CANACINTRA; National Peasant Confederation or CNC; National Union

of Workers or UNT; Regional Confederation of Mexican Workers or

CROM; Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants or CROC;

Roman Catholic Church

International organization participation:

APEC, BCIE, BIS, Caricom (observer), CDB, CE (observer), EBRD,

ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-6, G-15, G-19, G-24, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA (observer), IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM

(observer), NEA, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UN Security

Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMOVIC,

UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Juan Jose BREMER Martino

FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698

consulate(s): Albuquerque, Brownsville (Texas), Calexico

(California), Corpus Christi, Del Rio (Texas), Detroit, Douglas

(Arizona), Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California), Indianapolis

(Indiana), Las Vegas, McAllen (Texas), Midland (Texas), Omaha,

Orlando, Oxnard (California), Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon),

Presidio (Texas), Raleigh, Saint Louis, Salt Lake City, San

Bernardino, Santa Ana (California), Seattle, Tucson, Yuma (Arizona)

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas,

Denver, El Paso, Houston, Laredo (Texas), Los Angeles, Miami, New

Orleans, New York, Nogales (Arizona), Phoenix, Sacramento, San

Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Antonio O. GARZA

embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico,

Distrito Federal

mailing address: P. O. Box 9000, Brownsville, TX 78520-0900

telephone: [52] (55) 5080-2000

FAX: [52] (55) 5080-2005, 5080-2834

consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana

consulate(s): Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red;

the coat of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its

beak) is centered in the white band

Economy Mexico

Economy - overview:

Mexico has a free market economy with a mixture of modern and

outmoded industry and agriculture, increasingly dominated by the

private sector. Recent administrations have expanded competition in

seaports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity, natural gas

distribution, and airports. Income distribution remains highly

unequal. Trade with the US and Canada has tripled since the

implementation of NAFTA in 1994. Following 6.9% growth in 2000, real

GDP fell 0.3% in 2001, recovering to only a plus 1% in 2002, with

the US slowdown the principal cause. Mexico implemented free trade

agreements with Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and the European

Free Trade Area in 2001, putting more than 90% of trade under free

trade agreements. Foreign direct investment reached $25 billion in

2001, of which $12.5 billion came from the purchase of Mexico's

second-largest bank, Banamex, by Citigroup.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $924.4 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 5% industry: 26% services: 69% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 40% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.6% highest 10%: 41.1% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

53.1 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

39.8 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 20%, industry 24%, services 56% (1998)

Unemployment rate:

urban - 3% plus considerable underemployment (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $136 billion

expenditures: $140 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum,

mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables,

tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

4.9% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

198.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 78.7% hydro: 14.2% other: 2.9% (2001) nuclear: 4.2%

Electricity - consumption:

186.7 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

77 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

2.068 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

3.59 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1.507 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

1.881 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

374,700 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

25.03 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

36.87 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

38.84 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

254 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

2.967 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

969.2 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes; beef, poultry, dairy products; wood products

Exports: $158.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities: manufactured goods, oil and oil products, silver, fruits, vegetables, coffee, cotton

Exports - partners:

US 82.7%, Canada 5.4%, Japan 1.1% (2002)

Imports:

$168.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

metalworking machines, steel mill products, agricultural machinery,

electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair parts for motor

vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts

Imports - partners:

US 70.6%, Germany 3.5%, Japan 2.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$150 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$1.166 billion (1995)

Currency:

Mexican peso (MXN)

Currency code:

MXN

Exchange rates:

Mexican pesos per US dollar - 9.66 (2002), 9.34 (2001), 9.46

(2000), 9.56 (1999), 9.14 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Mexico

Telephones - main lines in use:

12.332 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.02 million (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: low telephone density with about 12 main lines

per 100 persons; privatized in December 1990; the opening to

competition in January 1997 improved prospects for development

domestic: adequate telephone service for business and government,

but the population is poorly served; domestic satellite system with

120 earth stations; extensive microwave radio relay network;

considerable use of fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, and mobile

cellular service

international: satellite earth stations - 32 Intelsat, 2 Solidaridad

(giving Mexico improved access to South America, Central America,

and much of the US as well as enhancing domestic communications),

numerous Inmarsat mobile earth stations; linked to Central American

Microwave System of trunk connections; high capacity Columbus-2

fiber-optic submarine cable with access to the US, Virgin Islands,

Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, and Italy (1997)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 851, FM 598, shortwave 16 (2000)

Radios:

31 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

236 (plus repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

25.6 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.mx

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

51 (2000)

Internet users:

3.5 million (2002)

Transportation Mexico

Railways: total: 19,510 km standard gauge: 19,510 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 329,532 km

paved: 108,087 km (including 6,429 km of expressways)

unpaved: 221,445 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

2,900 km

note: navigable rivers and coastal canals

Pipelines:

crude oil 28,200 km; petroleum products 10,150 km; natural gas

13,254 km; petrochemical 1,400 km

Ports and harbors:

Acapulco, Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Ensenada, Guaymas, La Paz,

Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Progreso, Salina Cruz,

Tampico, Topolobampo, Tuxpan, Veracruz

Merchant marine:

total: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 636,271 GRT/933,686 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1, chemical tanker 4, combination

ore/oil 1, liquefied gas 3, petroleum tanker 26, roll on/roll off 8,

short-sea passenger 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Canada 2, Denmark 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

1,823 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 231

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 28

914 to 1,523 m: 82

under 914 m: 27 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 83

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1,592

under 914 m: 1,067 (2002)

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 454

1,524 to 2,437 m: 69

Heliports:

2 (2002)

Military Mexico

Military branches:

National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA) (including Army and Air

Force), Navy Secretariat (including Naval Air and Marines)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age

note: starting in 2000, females were allowed to volunteer for

military service (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 27,751,539 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 20,123,970 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 1,093,752 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$4 billion (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Mexico

Disputes - international: prolonged regional drought in the border region with the US has strained water-sharing arrangements

Illicit drugs:

illicit cultivation of opium poppy (cultivation in 2001 - 4,400

hectares; potential heroin production - 7 metric tons) and of

cannabis (in 2001 - 4,100 hectares); government eradication efforts

have been key in keeping illicit crop levels low; major supplier of

heroin and largest foreign supplier of marijuana and methamphetamine

to the US market; continues as the primary transshipment country for

US-bound cocaine from South America; major drug syndicates control

majority of drug trafficking throughout the country; growing

producer and distributor of ecstasy; significant money-laundering

center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Micronesia, Federated States of

Introduction Micronesia, Federated States of

Background:

In 1979 the Federated States of Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory

under US administration, adopted a constitution. In 1986

independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with

the US. Present concerns include large-scale unemployment,

overfishing, and overdependence on US aid.

Geography Micronesia, Federated States of

Location:

Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about

three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

6 55 N, 158 15 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 702 sq km

note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Yap Islands,

and Kosrae (Kosaie)

water: 0 sq km (fresh water only)

land: 702 sq km

Area - comparative:

four times the size of Washington, DC (land area only)

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

6,112 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern

islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with

occasionally severe damage

Terrain:

islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low,

coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m

Natural resources:

forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals

Land use:

arable land: 5.71%

permanent crops: 45.71%

other: 48.58% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons (June to December)

Environment - current issues:

overfishing, climate change, pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone

Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

four major island groups totaling 607 islands

People Micronesia, Federated States of

Population:

108,143 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.4% (male 21,163; female 20,335)

15-64 years: 58.5% (male 31,746; female 31,477)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 1,558; female 1,864) (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.04% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

26.47 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.1 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-20.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 32.39 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 35.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 28.97 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.13 years

male: 67.39 years

female: 70.95 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.5 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Micronesian(s) adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese

Ethnic groups:

nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups

Religions:

Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%

Languages:

English (official and common language), Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese,

Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89%

male: 91%

female: 88% (1980 est.)

Government Micronesia, Federated States of

Country name:

conventional long form: Federated States of Micronesia

conventional short form: none

abbreviation: FSM

former: Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts (Trust Territory of the

Pacific Islands)

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the

Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986;

economic provisions of the Compact are being renegotiated

Capital:

Palikir

Administrative divisions:

4 states; Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae (Kosaie), Pohnpei (Ponape), Yap

Independence:

3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)

Constitution:

10 May 1979

Legal system:

based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature,

municipal, common, and customary laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Joseph J. URUSEMAL (since 11 May 2003);

Vice President Redley KILLION; note - the president is both the

chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Joseph J. URUSEMAL (since 11 May

2003); Vice President Redley KILLION; note - the president is both

the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet

elections: president and vice president elected by Congress from

among the four senators at large for four-year terms; election last

held 11 May 2003 (next to be held NA May 2007); note - a proposed

constitutional amendment to establish popular elections for

president and vice president failed

election results: Joseph J. URUSEMAL elected president; percent of

Congress vote - NA%; Redley KILLION elected vice president; percent

of Congress vote - NA%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress (14 seats; members elected by popular vote;

four - one elected from each state to serve four-year terms; and 10

- elected from single-member districts delineated by population to

serve two-year terms)

elections: elections for four-year term seats last held 4 March 2003

(next to be held NA March 2007); elections for two-year term seats

last held 4 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2005)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 14

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

no formal parties

International organization participation:

ACP, AsDB, ESCAP, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IFRCS (associate),

IMF, IOC, ITU, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jesse Bibiano MAREHALAU telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383 consulate(s) general: Honolulu and Tamuning (Guam) FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391 chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Larry M. DINGER embassy: address NA, Kolonia mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941 telephone: [691] 320-2187 FAX: [691] 320-2186

Flag description:

light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars

are arranged in a diamond pattern

Economy Micronesia, Federated States of

Economy - overview:

Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and

fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting,

except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist

industry exists, but the remote location, a lack of adequate

facilities, and limited air connections hinder development. In

November 2002, the country experienced a further reduction in future

revenues from the Compact of Free Association - the agreement with

the US in which Micronesia received $1.3 billion in financial and

technical assistance over a 15-year period until 2001. The country's

medium-term economic outlook appears fragile due not only to the

reduction in US assistance but also to the slow growth of the

private sector. Geographical isolation and a poorly developed

infrastructure remain major impediments to long-term growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $277 million

note: $277 million $277 million GDP is supplemented by grant aid,

averaging perhaps $100 million annually (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 50% industry: 4% services: 46% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

26.7%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

two-thirds are government employees

Unemployment rate:

16% (1999 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $161 million ($69 million less grants)

expenditures: $160 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Industries:

tourism, construction, fish processing, specialized aquaculture,

craft items from shell, wood, and pearls

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0% nuclear: 0% other: 0% hydro: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Agriculture - products: black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), betel nuts, sweet potatoes; pigs, chickens

Exports:

$22 million (f.o.b.) (FY 99/00 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish, garments, bananas, black pepper

Exports - partners:

Japan, US, Guam (2000)

Imports:

$149 million f.o.b. (FY 99/00 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, beverages

Imports - partners:

US, Australia, Japan (2000)

Debt - external:

$53.1 million (FY 02/03 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US pledged $1.3

billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used 1

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications Micronesia, Federated States of

Telephones - main lines in use:

11,000 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

newly installed in Pohnpei and Yap

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used

mostly for government purposes)

international: satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

(2002)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 5, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

9,400 (1996)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1997)

Televisions:

2,800 (1999)

Internet country code:

.fm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

2,000 (2000)

Transportation Micronesia, Federated States of

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 240 km paved: 42 km unpaved: 198 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Colonia (Yap), Kolonia (Pohnpei), Lele, Moen

Merchant marine:

none

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: US 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

7 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Micronesia, Federated States of

Military - note:

Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a sovereign, self-governing

state in free association with the US; FSM is totally dependent on

the US for its defense

Transnational Issues Micronesia, Federated States of

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Midway Islands

Introduction Midway Islands

Background:

The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of

the trans-Pacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought

the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used

as a refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights. The US naval victory

over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning

points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval

station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a national

wildlife refuge. From 1996 to 2001 the refuge was open to the

public. It is now temporarily closed.

Geography Midway Islands

Location:

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-third of the

way from Honolulu to Tokyo

Geographic coordinates:

28 13 N, 177 22 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 6.2 sq km

note: includes Eastern Island, Sand Island, and Spit Island

water: 0 sq km

land: 6.2 sq km

Area - comparative:

about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

15 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

subtropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly winds

Terrain:

low, nearly level

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 13 m

Natural resources: wildlife, terrestrial and aquatic

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

a coral atoll managed as a national wildlife refuge and open to the

public for wildlife-related recreation in the form of wildlife

observation and photography, sport fishing, snorkeling, and scuba

diving; the refuge is temporarily closed for reorganization at

present (2003)

People Midway Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants; approximately 40 people make up the

staff of US Fish and Wildlife Service and their services cooperator

living at the atoll (July 2003 est.)

Government Midway Islands

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Midway Islands

Dependency status:

unincorporated territory of the US; formerly administered from

Washington, DC, by the US Navy, under Naval Facilities Engineering

Command, Pacific Division; this facility has been operationally

closed since 10 September 1993; on 31 October 1996, through a

presidential executive order, the jurisdiction and control of the

atoll was transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US

Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge

system

Legal system:

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy Midway Islands

Economy - overview:

The economy is based on providing support services for the national

wildlife refuge activities located on the islands. All food and

manufactured goods must be imported.

Transportation Midway Islands

Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

7.8 km

Ports and harbors:

Sand Island

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Military Midway Islands

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Midway Islands

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Moldova

Introduction Moldova

Background:

Formerly ruled by Romania, Moldova became part of the Soviet Union

at the close of World War II. Although independent from the USSR

since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east

of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population,

mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria"

republic. One of the poorest nations in Europe, Moldova became the

first former Soviet state to elect a Communist as its president in

2001.

Geography Moldova

Location:

Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania

Geographic coordinates:

47 00 N, 29 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 33,843 sq km

water: 472 sq km

land: 33,371 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries: total: 1,389 km border countries: Romania 450 km, Ukraine 939 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

moderate winters, warm summers

Terrain:

rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Dniester River 2 m highest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m

Natural resources: lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land, limestone

Land use: arable land: 54.08% permanent crops: 12.1% other: 33.82% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

3,070 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

landslides (57 cases in 1998)

Environment - current issues:

heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides

such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil

erosion from poor farming methods

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

landlocked; well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and

minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone

People Moldova

Population:

4,439,502 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.1% (male 477,063; female 459,992)

15-64 years: 68.7% (male 1,465,248; female 1,584,402)

65 years and over: 10.2% (male 168,068; female 284,729) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 32 years

male: 29.8 years

female: 34.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.13% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

14.31 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

12.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 41.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 38.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 44.81 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.88 years

male: 60.63 years

female: 69.35 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.74 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5,500 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 300 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Moldovan(s)

adjective: Moldovan

Ethnic groups:

Moldovan/Romanian 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13%, Jewish 1.5%,

Bulgarian 2%, Gagauz and other 5.2% (1989 est.)

note: internal disputes with ethnic Slavs in the Transnistrian region

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5% (2000)

Languages:

Moldovan (official, virtually the same as the Romanian language),

Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.1%

male: 99.6%

female: 98.7% (2003 est.)

Government Moldova

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Moldova

conventional short form: Moldova

local short form: none

former: Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova; Moldavia

local long form: Republica Moldova

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Chisinau

Administrative divisions:

9 counties (judetele, singular - judetul), 1 municipality*

(municipiul), 1 autonomous territorial unit** (unitate teritoriala

autonoma), and 1 territorial unit*** (unitate teritoriala); Balti,

Cahul, Chisinau, Chisinau*, Edinet, Gagauzia**, Lapusna, Orhei,

Soroca, Stinga Nistrului***, Tighina, Ungheni

Independence:

27 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 August (1991)

Constitution:

new constitution adopted 28 July 1994; replaces old Soviet

constitution of 1979

Legal system:

based on civil law system; Constitutional Court reviews legality of

legislative acts and governmental decisions of resolution; it is

unclear if Moldova accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction but accepts

many UN and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

(OSCE) documents

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Vladimir VORONIN (since 4 April 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Vasile TARLEV (since 15 April

2001), First Deputy Prime Minister Vasile IOVV (since NA 2002),

Deputy Prime Minister Stefan ODAGIU (since NA 2002)

cabinet: selected by prime minister, subject to approval of

Parliament

elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term;

election last held 4 April 2001 (next to be held NA 2005); note -

presidential elections were scheduled for December 2000, but in July

2000, Parliament canceled direct, popular elections; Parliament's

failure to chose a new president in December 2000 led to early

parliamentary elections in February 2001; prime minister designated

by the president, upon consultation with Parliament; note - within

15 days from designation, the prime minister-designate must request

a vote of confidence from the Parliament regarding his/her work

program and entire cabinet; prime minister designated 15 April 2001,

cabinet received a vote of confidence 19 April 2001

election results: Vladimir VORONIN elected president; parliamentary

votes - Vladimir VORONIN 71, Dumitru BRAGHIS 15, Valerian CHRISTEA

3; Vasile TARLEV designated prime minister; parliamentary votes of

confidence - 75 of 101

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Parlamentul (101 seats; parties and

electoral blocs, as well as independent candidates, elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 25 February 2001 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - PCM 50.1%, Braghis

Alliance 13.4%, PPCD 8.2%, other parties 28.3%; seats by party - PCM

71, Braghis Alliance 19, PPCD 11

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (the sole authority for

constitutional judicature)

Political parties and leaders:

Braghis Alliance [Dumitru BRAGHIS]; Communist Party or PCM

[Vladimir VORONIN, first chairman]; Popular Christian Democratic

Party or PPCD [Iurie ROSCA]; Social Democratic Union (composed of

Braghis Alliance and the Democratic Party of Moldova) [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GUUAM, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU,

OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mihail MANOLI FAX: [1] (202) 667-1204 telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130 chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela Hyde SMITH embassy: 103 Alexei Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [373] (2) 23-37-72 FAX: [373] (2) 23-30-44

Flag description:

same color scheme as Romania - three equal vertical bands of blue

(hoist side), yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a

Roman eagle of gold outlined in black with a red beak and talons

carrying a yellow cross in its beak and a green olive branch in its

right talons and a yellow scepter in its left talons; on its breast

is a shield divided horizontally red over blue with a stylized ox

head, star, rose, and crescent all in black-outlined yellow

Economy Moldova

Economy - overview:

Moldova remains a very poor country despite recent progress from

its small economic base. It enjoys a favorable climate and good

farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a result, the economy

depends heavily on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine,

and tobacco. Moldova must import all of its supplies of oil, coal,

and natural gas, largely from Russia. Energy shortages contributed

to sharp production declines after the breakup of the Soviet Union

in 1991. As part of an ambitious reform effort, Moldova introduced a

convertible currency, freed all prices, stopped issuing preferential

credits to state enterprises, backed steady land privatization,

removed export controls, and freed interest rates. The government

entered into agreements with the World Bank and the IMF to promote

growth and reduce poverty. The economy returned to positive growth,

of 2.1% in 2000, 6.1% in 2001, 7.2% in 2002, and 5.3% in 2003.

Further reforms will come slowly because of strong political forces

backing government controls. The economy remains vulnerable to

higher fuel prices, poor agricultural weather, and the skepticism of

foreign investors.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $11.51 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 28% industry: 23% services: 49% (2000)

Population below poverty line: 80% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.2% highest 10%: 30.7% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.6 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.7 million (1998)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 40%, industry 14%, services 46% (1998)

Unemployment rate:

8% (roughly 25% of working age Moldovans are employed abroad) (2002

est.)

Budget:

revenues: $536 million

expenditures: $594 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Industries:

food processing, agricultural machinery, foundry equipment,

refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, hosiery, sugar,

vegetable oil, shoes, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

9% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

3.394 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 90.6% hydro: 9.4% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

3.216 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

60 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

2.05 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

2.05 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: vegetables, fruits, wine, grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, tobacco; beef, milk

Exports:

$590 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

foodstuffs, textiles, machinery

Exports - partners:

Russia 35%, Italy 11.7%, Germany 8.8%, Ukraine 8.5%, Romania 5.7%,

US 5.2%, Belarus 4.5%, Spain 4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$980 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

mineral products and fuel 32%, machinery and equipment, chemicals,

textiles (2000)

Imports - partners:

Russia 23.9%, Ukraine 13.4%, Germany 12.6%, Italy 8.3%, Romania

8.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.3 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$100 million (2000)

Currency:

Moldovan leu (MDL)

Currency code:

MDL

Exchange rates:

lei per US dollar - NA (2002), 12.87 (2001), 12.43 (2000), 10.52

(1999), 5.37 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Moldova

Telephones - main lines in use:

627,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,200 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate, outmoded, poor service outside

Chisinau; some effort to modernize is under way

domestic: new subscribers face long wait for service; mobile

cellular telephone service being introduced

international: service through Romania and Russia via landline;

satellite earth stations - Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 7, FM 50, shortwave 3 (1998)

Radios:

3.22 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus 30 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

1.26 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.md

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (1999)

Internet users:

15,000 (2000)

Transportation Moldova

Railways: total: 1,300 km broad gauge: 1,300 km 1.520-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 12,657 km paved: 11,012 km unpaved: 1,645 km (1999)

Waterways:

424 km (1994)

Pipelines:

gas 606 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

36 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 28

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Military Moldova

Military branches:

Ground Forces (includes Air and Air Defense Forces), Republic

Security Forces (includes paramilitary Internal Troops and Border

Troops)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,180,874 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 936,629 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 44,084 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$6.4 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.4% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Moldova

Disputes - international:

difficulties with the Transnistria region complicate border

crossing and customs with Ukraine, facilitating smuggling, arms

transfers, and other illegal activities

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for CIS

consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs from Southwest

Asia via Central Asia to Russia, Western Europe, and possibly the

US; widespread crime and underground economic activity

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Monaco

Introduction Monaco

Background:

Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a

railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then,

the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling

facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation

center.

Geography Monaco

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern

coast of France, near the border with Italy

Geographic coordinates:

43 44 N, 7 24 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 1.95 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 1.95 sq km

Area - comparative:

about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 4.4 km border countries: France 4.4 km

Coastline:

4.1 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers

Terrain:

hilly, rugged, rocky

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Mont Agel 140 m

Natural resources: none

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (urban area) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy See);

almost entirely urban

People Monaco

Population:

32,130 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.5% (male 2,551; female 2,445)

15-64 years: 62.1% (male 9,814; female 10,130)

65 years and over: 22.4% (male 2,937; female 4,253) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 45 years

male: 43 years

female: 47 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.44% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.46 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

12.82 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

7.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.63 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 6.52 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.27 years

male: 75.37 years

female: 83.37 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.76 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)

adjective: Monegasque or Monacan

Ethnic groups:

French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%

Languages:

French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque

Literacy: definition: NA total population: 99% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Monaco

Country name:

conventional long form: Principality of Monaco

conventional short form: Monaco

local short form: Monaco

local long form: Principaute de Monaco

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Monaco

Administrative divisions:

none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined

by the US Government, but there are four quarters (quartiers,

singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville,

Monte-Carlo

Independence:

1419 (beginning of the rule by the House of Grimaldi)

National holiday:

National Day (Prince of Monaco Holiday), 19 November

Constitution:

17 December 1962

Legal system:

based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Prince RAINIER III (since 9 May 1949); Heir

Apparent Prince ALBERT Alexandre Louis Pierre, son of the monarch

(born 14 March 1958)

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state

appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national

candidates presented by the French Government

cabinet: Council of Government is under the authority of the monarch

head of government: Minister of State Patrick LECLERCQ (since 5

January 2000)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16

members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional

representation; to serve five-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

UNAM 21, UND 3

elections: last held 9 February 2003 (next to be held NA February

2008)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supreme (judges appointed by the monarch

on the basis of nominations by the National Council)

Political parties and leaders:

National and Democratic Union or UND [Jean-Louis CAMPORA]; Union

for Monaco or UPM (including National Union for the Future of Monaco

or UNAM [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ECE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IFRCS,

IHO, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNITAR, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Monaco does not have an embassy in the US

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Consul General in

Marseille (France) is accredited to Monaco

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the

flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is

white (top) and red

Economy Monaco

Economy - overview:

Monaco, situated on the French Mediterranean coast, is a popular

resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. In

2001, a major new construction project will extend the pier used by

cruise ships in the main harbor. The principality has successfully

sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added,

nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low

business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who

have established residence and for foreign companies that have set

up businesses and offices. The state retains monopolies in a number

of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal

service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in

prosperous French metropolitan areas. Monaco does not publish

national income figures; the estimates below are extremely rough.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $870 million (1999 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $27,000 (1999 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

30,540 (January 1994)

Unemployment rate:

3.1% (1998)

Budget:

revenues: $518 million

expenditures: $531 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1995)

Industries:

tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh

note: electricity supplied by France

Agriculture - products:

none

Exports:

$NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and

rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market

system through customs union with France

Imports:

$NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and

rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market

system through customs union with France

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

euro (EUR)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854

(2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US dollar - 5.8995 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Monaco

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,027 (1995)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern automatic telephone system

domestic: NA

international: no satellite earth stations; connected by cable into

the French communications system

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM NA, shortwave 8 (1998)

Radios:

34,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

5 (1998)

Televisions:

25,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.mc

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Monaco

Railways: total: 1.7 km standard gauge: 1.7 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 50 km paved: 50 km unpaved: 0 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Monaco

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

none; linked to airport in Nice, France, by helicopter service

(2002)

Heliports:

1 (shuttle service between the international airport at Nice,

France, and Monaco's heliport at Fontvieille) (2002)

Military Monaco

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Monaco

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Mongolia

Introduction Mongolia

Background:

The Mongols gained fame in the 13th century when under Genghis KHAN

they conquered a huge Eurasian empire. After his death the empire

was divided into several powerful Mongol states, but these broke

apart in the 14th century. The Mongols eventually retired to their

original steppe homelands and came under Chinese rule. Mongolia won

its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing. A Communist regime was

installed in 1924. During the early 1990s, the ex-Communist

Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) gradually yielded its

monopoly on power to the Democratic Union Coalition (DUC), which

defeated the MPRP in a national election in 1996. Over the next four

years, the DUC put forward a number of key reforms to modernize the

economy and to democratize the political system. The former

Communists were a strong opposition that stalled additional

restructuring and made implementation difficult. In 2000, the MPRP

won an overwhelming victory in the legislature - with 72 of the 76

seats - and completely reshuffled the government. While it continues

many of the reform policies, the MPRP has focused on social welfare

and public order priorities.

Geography Mongolia

Location:

Northern Asia, between China and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

46 00 N, 105 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 1.565 million sq km

water: 9,600 sq km

land: 1,555,400 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries: total: 8,162 km border countries: China 4,677 km, Russia 3,485 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges)

Terrain:

vast semidesert and desert plains, grassy steppe, mountains in west

and southwest; Gobi Desert in south-central

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Hoh Nuur 518 m

highest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Huyten Orgil) 4,374 m

Natural resources:

oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel,

zinc, wolfram, fluorspar, gold, silver, iron, phosphate

Land use: arable land: 0.84% permanent crops: 0% other: 99.16% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

840 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

dust storms, grassland and forest fires, drought, and "zud", which

is harsh winter conditions

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources in some areas; the policies

of former Communist regimes promoted rapid urbanization and

industrial growth that had negative effects on the environment; the

burning of soft coal in power plants and the lack of enforcement of

environmental laws severely polluted the air in Ulaanbaatar;

deforestation, overgrazing, and the converting of virgin land to

agricultural production increased soil erosion from wind and rain;

desertification and mining activities had a deleterious effect on

the environment

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia

People Mongolia

Population:

2,712,315 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.7% (male 423,081; female 408,119)

15-64 years: 65.7% (male 890,482; female 892,140)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 42,292; female 56,201) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.5 years

male: 23.2 years

female: 23.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.42% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

21.39 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.18 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 57.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 53.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 60.75 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.81 years

male: 61.63 years

female: 66.09 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.28 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 100 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Mongolian(s)

adjective: Mongolian

Ethnic groups:

Mongol (predominantly Khalkha) 85%, Turkic (of which Kazakh is the

largest group) 7%, Tungusic 4.6%, other (including Chinese and

Russian) 3.4% (1998)

Religions:

Tibetan Buddhist Lamaism 96%, Muslim (primarily in the southwest),

Shamanism, and Christian 4% (1998)

Languages:

Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian (1999)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.1%

male: 99.2%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

Government Mongolia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Mongolia

local short form: Mongol Uls

former: Outer Mongolia

local long form: none

Government type:

parliamentary

Capital:

Ulaanbaatar

Administrative divisions:

21 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 1 municipality*

(singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan

Uul, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan, Govi-Altay, Govi-Sumber,

Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Orhon, Ovorhangay, Selenge,

Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs

Independence:

11 July 1921 (from China)

National holiday:

Independence Day/Revolution Day, 11 July (1921)

Constitution:

12 February 1992

Legal system:

blend of Soviet, German, and US systems of law that combines

aspects of a parliamentary system with some aspects of a

presidential system; constitution ambiguous on judicial review of

legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Natsagiyn BAGABANDI (since 20 June 1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR (since 26 July

2000)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the State Great Hural in consultation

with the president

elections: president nominated by parties in the State Great Hural

and elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held

20 May 2001 (next to be held NA May 2005); following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is

usually elected prime minister by the State Great Hural; election

last held 2 July 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: Natsagiyn BAGABANDI reelected president; percent

of vote - Natsagiyn BAGABANDI (MPRP) 58.13%, Radnaasumbereliyn

GONCHIGDORJ (DP) 36.58%, Luvsandamba DASHNYAM (CWP) 3.54%, other

1.75%; Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR elected prime minister by a vote in the

State Great Hural of 68 to 3

Legislative branch:

unicameral State Great Hural (76 seats; members elected by popular

vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 2 July 2000 (next to be held NA July 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

MPRP 72, other 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (serves as appeals court for people's and provincial

courts but rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts; judges are

nominated by the General Council of Courts for approval by the

president)

Political parties and leaders:

Citizens' Will Party or CWP (also called Civil Will Party or Civil

Courage Party) [Sanjaasurengyn OYUN]; Democratic Party or DP [D.

DORLIGJAN]; Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party or MPRP [Nambaryn

ENKHBAYAR]; Mongolian New Socialist Democratic Party or MNSDP [B.

ERDENEBAT]; Mongolian Republican Party or MRP [B. JARGALSAIHAN]

note: the MPRP is the ruling party

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (observer), CP (provisional),

EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU,

MONUC, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ravdangiyn BOLD

chancery: 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 298-9227

telephone: [1] (202) 333-7117

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela J. Slutz

embassy: Micro Region 11, Big Ring Road, C.P.O. 1021, Ulaanbaatar 13

mailing address: PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002

telephone: [976] (11) 329095

FAX: [976] (11) 320776

Flag description:

three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and red;

centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national emblem

("soyombo" - a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric

representation for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang

symbol)

Economy Mongolia

Economy - overview:

Economic activity traditionally has been based on agriculture and

breeding of livestock. Mongolia also has extensive mineral deposits;

copper, coal, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold account for a

large part of industrial production. Soviet assistance, at its

height one-third of GDP, disappeared almost overnight in 1990-1991

at the time of the dismantlement of the USSR. Mongolia was driven

into deep recession, prolonged by the Mongolian People's

Revolutionary Party's (MPRP) reluctance to undertake serious

economic reform. The Democratic Coalition (DC) government embraced

free-market economics, eased price controls, liberalized domestic

and international trade, and attempted to restructure the banking

system and the energy sector. Major domestic privatization programs

were undertaken, as well as the fostering of foreign investment

through international tender of the oil distribution company, a

leading cashmere company, and banks. Reform was held back by the

ex-Communist MPRP opposition and by the political instability

brought about through four successive governments under the DC.

Economic growth picked up in 1997-1999 after stalling in 1996 due to

a series of natural disasters and declines in world prices of copper

and cashmere. In August and September 1999, the economy suffered

from a temporary Russian ban on exports of oil and oil products, and

Mongolia remains vulnerable in this sector. Mongolia joined the

World Trade Organization (WTrO) in 1997. The international donor

community pledged over $300 million per year at the Consultative

Group Meeting, held in Ulaanbaatar in June 1999. The MPRP

government, elected in July 2000, is anxious to improve the

investment climate; it must also deal with a heavy burden of

external debt. Falling prices for Mongolia's mainly primary sector

exports, widespread opposition to privatization, and adverse effects

of weather on agriculture in early 2000 and 2001 restrained real GDP

growth in 2000-2001. Despite drought problems in 2002, GDP rose

4.0%, followed by a solid 5.0% increase in 2003. The first

applications under the land privatization law have been marked by a

number of disputes over particular sites. Russia claims Mongolia

owes it $11 billion from the old Soviet period; any settlement could

substantially increase Mongolia's foreign debt burden.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $5.06 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 32% industry: 23% services: 45% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 36% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.9% highest 10%: 24.5% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33.2 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.4 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

primarily herding/agricultural

Unemployment rate:

20% (2000)

Budget:

revenues: $386 million

expenditures: $427 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

construction materials, mining (coal, copper, molybdenum,

fluorspar, and gold); oil; food and beverages, processing of animal

products

Industrial production growth rate:

4.1% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

2.225 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

2.194 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

25 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

196 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

8,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, potatoes, forage crops; sheep, goats, cattle, camels, horses

Exports: $501 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities: copper, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals

Exports - partners:

China 43.8%, US 33.6%, Russia 9.6% (2002)

Imports:

$659 million c.i.f. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, food products, industrial consumer

goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea

Imports - partners:

Russia 32%, China 19.4%, South Korea 12.1%, US 9.1%, Germany 4.7%,

Japan 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$913 million (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$208.7 million (1999 est.)

Currency:

togrog/tugrik (MNT)

Currency code:

MNT

Exchange rates:

togrogs/tugriks per US dollar - 1,134 (2002), 1,097.7 (2001),

1,076.67 (2000), 1,021.87 (1999), 840.83 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Mongolia

Telephones - main lines in use:

104,100 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

110,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: very low density: about 3.5 telephones for each

thousand persons

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian

Ocean Region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 7, FM 9, shortwave 4 (2001)

Radios:

155,900 (1999)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (plus 18 provincial repeaters and many low power repeaters) (1999)

Televisions:

168,800 (1999)

Internet country code:

.mn

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2001)

Internet users:

40,000 (2002)

Transportation Mongolia

Railways: 1,815 km broad gauge: 1,815 km 1.524-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 49,250 km paved: 1,724 km unpaved: 47,526 km (2000)

Waterways:

400 km (1999)

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

50 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 40 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Military Mongolia

Military branches:

Mongolian Armed Forces (includes General Purpose Forces, Air and

Air Defense Forces, Civil Defense Troops); note - Border Troops are

under Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs in peacetime

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 796,449 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 516,502 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 32,529 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$23.1 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.2% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Mongolia

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Montserrat

Introduction Montserrat

Background:

Much of this island has been devastated and two-thirds of the

population has fled abroad due to the eruption of the Soufriere

Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995.

Geography Montserrat

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

16 45 N, 62 12 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 102 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 102 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

40 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Chances Peak (in the Soufriere Hills volcanic

complex) 914 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 20%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 80% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (Soufriere

Hills volcano has erupted continuously since 1996)

Environment - current issues:

land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation

Geography - note:

the island is entirely volcanic in origin and contains seven active

volcanoes

People Montserrat

Population:

8,995

note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the

resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned

(July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.4% (male 1,062; female 1,041)

15-64 years: 65.3% (male 2,805; female 3,066)

65 years and over: 11.4% (male 537; female 484) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.8 years

male: 27.7 years

female: 27.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

4.5% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.57 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

34.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.11 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.77 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 9.05 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.36 years

male: 76.24 years

female: 80.59 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.8 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Montserratian(s) adjective: Montserratian

Ethnic groups:

black, white

Religions:

Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day

Adventist, other Christian denominations

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 97% (1970 est.)

Government Montserrat

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Montserrat

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity; interim

government buildings have been built at Brades Estate, in the Carr's

Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat)

Administrative divisions:

3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

present constitution came into force 19 December 1989

Legal system:

English common law and statutory law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor Anthony LONGRIGG (since NA May 2001)

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the

monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority

party usually becomes chief minister

head of government: Chief Minister John OSBORNE (since 5 April 2001)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief

minister, three other ministers, the attorney general, and the

finance secretary

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats, 9 popularly elected;

members serve five-year terms)

note: expanded in 2001 from 7 to 9 elected members with attorney

general and financial secretary sitting as ex-officio members

elections: last held NA April 2001 (next to be held by November 2006)

note: in 2001, the Elections Commission instituted a single

constituency/voter-at-large system whereby all eligible voters cast

ballots for all nine seats of the Legislative Council

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NPLM 7, NPP 2

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia, one judge of

the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the

High Court)

Political parties and leaders:

National Progressive Party or NPP [Reuben T. MEADE]; New People's

Liberation Movement or NPLM [John A. OSBORNE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), OECS

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the

flag; the coat of arms features a woman standing beside a yellow

harp with her arm around a black cross

Economy Montserrat

Economy - overview:

Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has put a

damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in June

1997 closed the airports and seaports, causing further economic and

social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled the

island. Some began to return in 1998, but lack of housing limited

the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the

lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops.

Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation

to the volcano and on public sector construction activity. The UK

has launched a three-year $122.8 million aid program to help

reconstruct the economy. Half of the island is expected to remain

uninhabitable for another decade.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $29 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.4%

industry: 13.6%

services: 81% (1996 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4,521 ; note - lowered by flight of people from volcanic activity

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

6% (1998 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $31.4 million

expenditures: $31.6 million, including capital expenditures of $8.4

million (1997 est.)

Industries:

tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

2.5 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

2.325 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers; livestock products

Exports: $700,000 (2001)

Exports - commodities: electronic components, plastic bags, apparel, hot peppers, live plants, cattle

Exports - partners:

US, Antigua and Barbuda

Imports:

$17 million (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured

goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials

Imports - partners:

US, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, Canada

Debt - external:

$8.9 million (1997)

Economic aid - recipient:

Country Policy Plan (2001) is a three-year program for spending

$122.8 million in British budgetary assistance

Currency:

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Currency code:

XCD

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7000 (fixed rate since

1976)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Montserrat

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

70 (1994)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

7,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

3,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ms

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

17 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Montserrat

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 227 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km

note: volcanic eruptions beginning in 1995 destroyed most of the

road system (2003)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Plymouth (abandoned), Little Bay (anchorages and ferry landing),

Carr's Bay

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

none; only airport was destroyed by volcanic activity; a helicopter

service to Antigua is used (2002)

Military Montserrat

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Montserrat

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the

US and Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Morocco

Introduction Morocco

Background:

Morocco's long struggle for independence from France ended in 1956.

The internationalized city of Tangier was turned over to the new

country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara

during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the

territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s

resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature in 1997.

Geography Morocco

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the

Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara

Geographic coordinates:

32 00 N, 5 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 446,550 sq km

land: 446,300 sq km

water: 250 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 2,017.9 km

border countries: Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain

(Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km

Coastline:

1,835 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior

Terrain:

northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of

bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m

highest point: Jbel Toubkal 4,165 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

Land use: arable land: 20.12% permanent crops: 2.05% other: 77.83% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

12,910 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to

earthquakes; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from

farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation);

water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation of reservoirs;

oil pollution of coastal waters

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar

People Morocco

Population:

31,689,265 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.2% (male 5,360,666; female 5,162,168)

15-64 years: 62% (male 9,766,222; female 9,876,647)

65 years and over: 4.8% (male 676,357; female 847,205) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 23 years

male: 22.5 years

female: 23.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.64% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

23.26 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.78 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 44.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 40.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 48.76 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.04 years

male: 67.77 years

female: 72.41 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.89 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Moroccan(s)

adjective: Moroccan

Ethnic groups:

Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Religions:

Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Languages:

Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of

business, government, and diplomacy

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 51.7%

male: 64.1%

female: 39.4% (2003 est.)

Government Morocco

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco

conventional short form: Morocco

local short form: Al Maghrib

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Rabat

Administrative divisions:

37 provinces and 2 wilayas*; Agadir, Al Hoceima, Azilal, Beni

Mellal, Ben Slimane, Boulemane, Casablanca*, Chaouen, El Jadida, El

Kelaa des Sraghna, Er Rachidia, Essaouira, Fes, Figuig, Guelmim,

Ifrane, Kenitra, Khemisset, Khenifra, Khouribga, Laayoune, Larache,

Marrakech, Meknes, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat-Sale*, Safi,

Settat, Sidi Kacem, Tanger, Tan-Tan, Taounate, Taroudannt, Tata,

Taza, Tetouan, Tiznit; three additional provinces of Ad Dakhla (Oued

Eddahab), Boujdour, and Es Smara as well as parts of Tan-Tan and

Laayoune fall within Moroccan-claimed Western Sahara

note: as part of a 1997 decentralization/regionalization law passed

by the legislature 16 new regions (provided below) were created

although full details and scope of the reorganization are limited :

Casablanca, Chaouia-Ourdigha, Doukkala-Abda, Fes-Boulmane,

Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Guelmim-Es Smara, Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia

El Hamra, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz, Meknes-Tafilalet, Oriental,

Oued Eddahab-Lagouira, Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer, Souss-Massa-Draa,

Tadla-Azilal, Tangier-Tetouan, Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate

Independence:

2 March 1956 (from France)

National holiday:

Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMED VI to the throne), 30 July

(1999)

Constitution:

10 March 1972, revised 4 September 1992, amended (to create

bicameral legislature) September 1996

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system;

judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of

Supreme Court

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (as of January 2003)

Executive branch:

chief of state: King MOHAMED VI (since 23 July 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Driss JETTOU (since 9 October

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed

by the monarch following legislative elections

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Chamber of

Counselors (270 seats; members elected indirectly by local councils,

professional organizations, and labor syndicates for nine-year

terms; one-third of the members are renewed every three years) and a

lower house or Chamber of Representatives (325 seats; members

elected by popular vote for five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Counselors - last held 15 September 2000 (next

to be held NA 2003); Chamber of Representatives - last held 27

September 2002 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: Chamber of Counselors - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - NA; Chamber of Representatives - percent of

vote by party - NA%; seats by party - USFP 50, PI 48, PJD 42, RNI

41, MP 27, MNP 18, UC 16, FFD 12, PND 12, PPS 11, UD 10, MDS 7, PSD

6, Al Ahd 5, ADL 4, GSU 3, PML 3, PRD 3, FC 2, PDI 2, PED 2, CNI 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed on the recommendation of the

Supreme Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Action Party or PA [Muhammad EL IDRISSI]; Alliance of Liberties or

ADL [Ali BELHAJ]; Annahj Addimocrati or Annahj [Abdellah EL HARIF];

Avant Garde Social Democratic Party or PADS [Ahmed BENJELLOUN];

Citizen Forces or FC [Abderrahman LAHJOUJI]; Citizen's Initiatives

for Development [Mohamed BENHAMOU]; Constitutional Union or UC

[Mohamed ABIED (interim)]; Democratic and Independence Party or PDI

[Abdelwahed MAACH]; Democratic and Social Movement or MDS [Mahmoud

ARCHANE]; Democratic Socialist Party or PSD [Aissa OUARDIGHI];

Democratic Union or UD [Bouazza IKKEN]; Environment and Development

Party or PED [Ahmed EL ALAMI]; Front of Democratic Forces or FFD

[Thami EL KHYARI]; Istiqlal Party (Independence Party) or PI [Abbas

El FASSI]; Justice and Development Party (formerly the

Constitutional and Democratic Popular Movement) or PJD [Abdelkrim EL

KHATIB]; Moroccan Liberal Party or PML [Mohamed ZIANE]; National

Democratic Party or PND [Abdallah KADIRI]; National Ittihadi

Congress Party or CNI [Abdelmajid BOUZOUBAA]; National Popular

Movement or MNP [Mahjoubi AHERDANE]; National Rally of Independents

or RNI [Ahmed OSMAN]; National Union of Popular Forces or UNFP

[Abdellah IBRAHIM]; Parti Al Ahd or Al Ahd [Najib EL OUAZZANI,

chairman]; Party of Progress and Socialism or PPS [Ismail ALAOUI];

Party of Renewal and Equity or PRE [Chakir ACHABAR]; Party of the

Unified Socialist Left or GSU [Mohamed Ben Said AIT IDDER]; Popular

Movement or MP [Mohamed LAENSER]; Reform and Development Party or

PRD [Abderrahmane EL KOUHEN]; Social Center Party or PSC [Lahcen

MADIH]; Socialist Union of Popular Forces or USFP [Abderrahman

EL-YOUSSOUFI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Democratic Confederation of Labor or CDT [Noubir AMAOUI]; General

Union of Moroccan Workers or UGTM [Abderrazzak AFILAL]; Moroccan

Employers Association or CGEM [Hassan CHAMI]; National Labor Union

of Morocco or UNMT [Abdelslam MAATI]; Union of Moroccan Workers or

UMT [Mahjoub BENSEDDIK]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, EBRD, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM,

OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Aziz MEKOUAR

consulate(s) general: New York

FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161

telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979 through 7982

chancery: 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ms. Margaret TUTWILER embassy: 2 Avenue de Mohamed El Fassi, Rabat mailing address: PSC 74, Box 021, APO AE 90718 telephone: [212] (37) 76 22 65 FAX: [212] (37) 76 56 61 consulate(s) general: Casablanca

Flag description:

red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as

Solomon's seal in the center of the flag; green is the traditional

color of Islam

Economy Morocco

Economy - overview:

Morocco faces the problems typical of developing countries -

restraining government spending, reducing constraints on private

activity and foreign trade, and achieving sustainable economic

growth. Following structural adjustment programs supported by the

IMF, World Bank, and the Paris Club, the dirham is now fully

convertible for current account transactions, and reforms of the

financial sector have been implemented. Droughts depressed activity

in the key agricultural sector and contributed to a stagnant economy

in 1999 and 2000. During that time, however, Morocco reported large

foreign exchange inflows from the sale of a mobile telephone license

and partial privatization of the state-owned telecommunications

company. Favorable rainfall in 2001 led to a growth of 6.5%. Good

harvest conditions continued to support GDP growth in 2002.

Formidable long-term challenges include: servicing the external

debt; modernizing the industrial sector; preparing the economy for

freer trade with the EU and US; and improving education and

attracting foreign investment to boost living standards and job

prospects for Morocco's youth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $121.8 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 15% industry: 33% services: 52% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line: 19% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% highest 10%: 30.9% (1998-99)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.5 (1998-99)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

11 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 50%, services 35%, industry 15% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

19% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $13.8 billion

expenditures: $14.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.1

billion (2001 est.)

Industries:

phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather

goods, textiles, construction, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

0.5% (1999 est.)

Electricity - production:

13.35 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 95.4% hydro: 4.6% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

14.61 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

2.2 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

167,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

900,000 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

50 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

50 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

665.4 million cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, citrus, wine, vegetables, olives; livestock

Exports:

$7.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

clothing, fish, inorganic chemicals, transistors, crude minerals,

fertilizers (including phosphates), petroleum products, fruits,

vegetables

Exports - partners:

France 26.5%, Spain 14.3%, UK 7.9%, Germany 5.8%, Italy 5.6%, US

4.8% (2002)

Imports:

$10.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications equipment,

wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics

Imports - partners:

France 20.9%, Spain 12.6%, Italy 6.3%, Germany 5.5%, US 4.6%, UK

4.1%, Saudi Arabia 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$17.7 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$565.6 million (1995)

Currency:

Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Currency code:

MAD

Exchange rates:

Moroccan dirhams per US dollar - 11.02 (2002), 11.3 (2001), 10.63

(2000), 9.8 (1999), 9.6 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Morocco

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.391 million (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

116,645 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system with all important capabilities;

however density is low with only 4.6 main lines available for each

100 persons

domestic: good system composed of open-wire lines, cables, and

microwave radio relay links; Internet available but expensive;

principal switching centers are Casablanca and Rabat; national

network nearly 100% digital using fiber-optic links; improved rural

service employs microwave radio relay

international: 7 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to

Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave

radio relay to Algeria; participant in Medarabtel; fiber-optic cable

link from Agadir to Algeria and Tunisia (1998)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 27, FM 25, shortwave 6 (1998)

Radios:

6.64 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

35 (plus 66 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

3.1 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ma

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

8 (2000)

Internet users:

400,000 (2002)

Transportation Morocco

Railways: total: 1,907 km standard gauge: 1,907 km 1.435-m gauge (1,003 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 57,707 km

paved: 32,547 km (including 481 km of expressways)

unpaved: 25,160 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 695 km; oil 285 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Agadir, El Jadida, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia,

Nador, Rabat, Safi, Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and

Melilla

Merchant marine:

total: 39 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 247,591 GRT/268,356 DWT

ships by type: cargo 8, chemical tanker 7, container 6, petroleum

tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 7, roll on/roll off 7, short-sea

passenger 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1, Hong Kong 1, Netherlands 2, Norway 2 (2002

est.)

Airports:

63 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 26 over 3,047 m: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 37 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 under 914 m: 11 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 14

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Morocco

Military branches:

Royal Armed Forces (includes Army, Navy, Air Force), Gendarmerie,

Auxiliary Forces

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 8,595,797 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 5,411,846 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 351,671 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.4 billion (FY99/00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Morocco

Disputes - international:

claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty remains

unresolved - UN-administered cease-fire has remained in effect since

September 1991, but attempts to hold a referendum have failed and

parties thus far have rejected other proposals; Morocco protests

Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and

Penon de Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de Alhucemas and

Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; Morocco also rejected

Spain's unilateral designation of a median line from the Canary

Islands in 2002 to set limits to undersea resource exploration and

refugee interdiction; Morocco allowed Spanish fishermen to fish

temporarily off the coast of Western Sahara after an oil spill

soiled Spanish fishing grounds

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of hashish; trafficking increasing for both

domestic and international drug markets; shipments of hashish mostly

directed to Western Europe; transit point for cocaine from South

America destined for Western Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Mozambique

Introduction Mozambique

Background:

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with

independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic

dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil

war hindered the country's development. The ruling party formally

abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year

provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A

UN-negotiated peace agreement with rebel forces ended the fighting

in 1992. Heavy flooding in both 1999 and 2000 severely hurt the

economy. Political stability and sound economic policies have

encouraged recent foreign investment.

Geography Mozambique

Location:

South-eastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between

South Africa and Tanzania

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 S, 35 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 801,590 sq km

water: 17,500 sq km

land: 784,090 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,571 km

border countries: Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland

105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km

Coastline:

2,470 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical to subtropical

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in

northwest, mountains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m

Natural resources:

coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite

Land use: arable land: 3.98% permanent crops: 0.29% other: 95.73% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,070 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods occur in central

and southern provinces

Environment - current issues: a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters; elephant poaching for ivory is a problem

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Zambezi flows through the north-central and most fertile part

of the country

People Mozambique

Population:

17,479,266

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected; the 1997

Mozambican census reported a population of 16,099,246 (July 2003

est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.1% (male 3,634,173; female 3,725,396)

15-64 years: 55.3% (male 4,712,891; female 4,945,123)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 189,778; female 271,905) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19 years

male: 18.7 years

female: 19.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.82% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

38.2 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

30.04 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 199 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 180.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 216.85 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 31.3 years

male: 30.98 years

female: 31.63 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.87 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

13% 12.6 to 16.4%, estimates vary (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.1 million (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

60,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Mozambican(s)

adjective: Mozambican

Ethnic groups:

indigenous tribal groups 99.66% (Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika, Sena,

Makua, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians

0.08%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%

Languages:

Portuguese (official), indigenous dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 47.8%

male: 63.5%

female: 32.7% (2003 est.)

Government Mozambique

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Mozambique

conventional short form: Mozambique

local short form: Mocambique

former: Portuguese East Africa

local long form: Republica de Mocambique

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Maputo

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 1 city*; Cabo

Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Maputo City*, Nampula,

Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia

Independence:

25 June 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 June (1975)

Constitution:

30 November 1990

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO (since 6

November 1986); note - before being popularly elected, CHISSANO was

elected president by Frelimo's Central Committee on 4 November 1986

(reelected by the Committee 30 July 1989)

head of government: Prime Minister Pascoal MOCUMBI (since 17

December 1994)

cabinet: Cabinet

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 3-5 December 1999 (next to be held NA 2004);

prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO reelected president;

percent of vote - Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO 52.29%, Afonso DHLAKAMA

47.71%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (250

seats; members are directly elected by popular vote on a secret

ballot to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 3-5 December 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - Frelimo 48.54%,

Renamo-UE 38.81%; seats by party - Frelimo 133, Renamo-UE 117

note: Renamo-UE ran as a multiparty coalition; none of the other

opposition parties received the 5% required to win parliamentary

seats; in September 2000, Renamo-UE member Raul DOMINGOS was

expelled from the party; he continues to hold his parliamentary seat

as an independent

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the court of final appeal; some of its professional

judges are appointed by the president and some are elected by the

Assembly); other courts include an Administrative Court, customs

courts, maritime courts, courts marshal, labor courts

note: although the constitution provides for the creation of a

separate Constitutional Court, one has never been established; in

its absence the Supreme Court reviews constitutional cases

Political parties and leaders:

Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frente de Liberatacao de

Mocambique) or Frelimo [Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO, president];

Mozambique National Resistance-Electoral Union (Resistencia Nacional

Mocambicana-Uniao Eleitoral) or Renamo-UE [Afonso DHLAKAMA,

president]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Institute for Peace and Democracy (Instituto para Paz e Democracia)

or IPADE [Raul DOMINGOS, president]; Etica [Abdul CARIMO Issa,

chairman]; Movement for Peace and Citizenship (Movimento para Paz e

Cidadania); Mozambican League of Human Rights (Liga Mocambicana dos

Direitos Humanos) or LDH [Alice MABOTE, president]; Human Rights and

Development (Direitos Humanos e Desenvolvimento) or DHD [Artemisia

FRANCO, secretary general]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISET, UPU, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Armando PANGUENE FAX: [1] (202) 835-0245 telephone: [1] (202) 293-7146 chancery: 1990 M Street NW, Suite 570, Washington, DC 20036

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sharon P. WILKINSON

embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kuanda 193, Maputo

mailing address: P. O. Box 783, Maputo

telephone: [258] (1) 492797

FAX: [258] (1) 490448

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with

a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is

edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed

star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an

open white book

Economy Mozambique

Economy - overview:

At independence in 1975, Mozambique was one of the world's poorest

countries. Socialist mismanagement and a brutal civil war from

1977-92 exacerbated the situation. In 1987, the government embarked

on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to stabilize the

economy. These steps, combined with donor assistance and with

political stability since the multi-party elections in 1994, have

led to dramatic improvements in the country's growth rate. Inflation

was brought to single digits during the late 1990s although it

returned to double digits in 2000-02. Fiscal reforms, including the

introduction of a value-added tax and reform of the customs service,

have improved the government's revenue collection abilities. In

spite of these gains, Mozambique remains dependent upon foreign

assistance for much of its annual budget, and the majority of the

population remains below the poverty line. Subsistence agriculture

continues to employ the vast majority of the country's workforce. A

substantial trade imbalance persists although the opening of the

MOZAL aluminum smelter, the country's largest foreign investment

project to date has increased export earnings. Additional investment

projects in titanium extraction and processing and garment

manufacturing should further close the import/export gap.

Mozambique's once substantial foreign debt has been reduced through

forgiveness and rescheduling under the IMF's Heavily Indebted Poor

Countries (HIPC) and Enhanced HIPC initiatives, and is now at a

manageable level.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $19.52 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 22% industry: 23% services: 55% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 70% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.5% highest 10%: 31.7% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.6 (1996-97)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

9.2 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 81%, industry 6%, services 13% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

21% (1997 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $393.1 million

expenditures: $1.025 billion, including capital expenditures of

$479.4 million (2001 est.)

Industries:

food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), aluminum,

petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

3.4% (2000)

Electricity - production:

7.193 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 2.9% hydro: 97.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.39 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

5.8 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

500 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

8,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

60 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

60 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

63.71 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (tapioca), corn,

coconuts, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits, potatoes, sunflowers;

beef, poultry

Exports:

$680 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

aluminum, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber; bulk

electricity

Exports - partners:

Belgium 24.3%, South Africa 9.1%, Germany 6.2% (2002)

Imports:

$1.18 billion c.i.f. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, metal products,

foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners:

South Africa 27.5%, France 8.9%, US 7%, Australia 6.9%, Japan 6%,

Malaysia 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$966 million (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$632.8 million (2001)

Currency:

metical (MZM)

Currency code:

MZM

Exchange rates:

meticais per US dollar - 23,678 (2002), 20,703.6 (2001), 15,447.1

(2000), 13,028.6 (1999), 12,110.2 (1998)

note: effective October 2000, the exchange rate is determined as the

weighted average of buying and selling exchange rates of all

transactions of commercial banks and stock exchanges with the public

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Mozambique

Telephones - main lines in use:

90,000 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

287,000 (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system but not available generally

(telephone density is only 16 telephones for each 1,000 persons)

domestic: the system consists of open-wire lines and trunk

connection by microwave radio relay and tropospheric scatter

international: satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (2 Atlantic

Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 13, FM 17, shortwave 11 (2001)

Radios:

730,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2001)

Televisions:

67,600 (2000)

Internet country code:

.mz

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

11 (2002)

Internet users:

22,500 (2000)

Transportation Mozambique

Railways: total: 3,123 km narrow gauge: 2,983 km 1.067-m gauge; 140 km 0.762-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 30,400 km paved: 5,685 km unpaved: 24,715 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

3,750 km (navigable routes)

Pipelines:

gas 189 km; refined products 292 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Beira, Inhambane, Maputo, Nacala, Pemba, Quelimane

Merchant marine:

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,125 GRT/7,024 DWT

ships by type: cargo 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

165 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 22 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 143 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 35 under 914 m: 91 (2002)

Military Mozambique

Military branches:

Army, Naval Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Special Forces,

Militia

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 4,142,449 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,373,444 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$35.1 million (2000 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1% (2000 est.)

Transnational Issues Mozambique

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

Southern African transit point for South Asian hashish, South Asian

heroin, and South American cocaine probably destined for the

European and South African markets; producer of cannabis (for local

consumption) and methaqualone (for export to South Africa);

corruption and poor regulatory capability makes the banking system

vulnerable to money laundering, but the lack of a well-developed

financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a

money-laundering center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Namibia

Introduction Namibia

Background:

South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during

World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War

II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist South-West

Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war

of independence for the area that was soon named Namibia, but it was

not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in

accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Independence

came in 1990 following multi-party elections and the establishment

of a constitution. President NUJOMA is currently serving his third

term as president.

Geography Namibia

Location:

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola

and South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

22 00 S, 17 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 825,418 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 825,418 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 3,936 km

border countries: Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa

967 km, Zambia 233 km

Coastline:

1,572 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Terrain:

mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in

east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Konigstein 2,606 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, zinc,

salt, vanadium, natural gas, hydropower, fish

note: suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 0.99%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 99.01% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

70 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

prolonged periods of drought

Environment - current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources; desertification; wildlife poaching; land degradation has led to few conservation areas

Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the

environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is

protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip

People Namibia

Population:

1,927,447

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.5% (male 414,559; female 404,346)

15-64 years: 54% (male 517,469; female 522,549)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 30,038; female 38,486) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.3 years

male: 17.9 years

female: 18.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.49% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

34.1 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

19.17 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 68.44 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 65.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 71.72 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 42.77 years

male: 44.27 years

female: 41.22 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.71 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

22.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

230,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

13,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Namibian(s)

adjective: Namibian

Ethnic groups:

black 87.5%, white 6%, mixed 6.5%

note: about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9%

to the Kavangos tribe; other ethnic groups are: Herero 7%, Damara

7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

Religions:

Christian 80% to 90% (Lutheran 50% at least), indigenous beliefs

10% to 20%

Languages:

English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of the

population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%,

indigenous languages: Oshivambo, Herero, Nama

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84%

male: 84.4%

female: 83.7% (2003 est.)

Government Namibia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Namibia

conventional short form: Namibia

former: German Southwest Africa, South-West Africa

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Windhoek

Administrative divisions:

13 regions; Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene,

Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa

Independence:

21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

Constitution:

ratified 9 February 1990; effective 12 March 1990

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA (since 21 March

1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Theo-Ben GURIRAB (since 28 August

2002)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members

of the National Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 30 November-1 December 1999 (next to be held NA

2004)

election results: Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA elected president; percent

of vote - Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA 77%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the National Council (26 seats;

two members are chosen from each regional council to serve six-year

terms) and the National Assembly (72 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: National Council - elections for regional councils, to

determine members of the National Council, held 30 November-1

December 1998 (next to be held by December 2004); National Assembly

- last held 30 November-1 December 1999 (next to be held by December

2004)

note: the National Council is primarily an advisory body

election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - SWAPO 21, DTA 4, UDF 1; National Assembly - percent

of vote by party - SWAPO 76%, COD 10%, DTA 9%, UDF 3%, MAG 1%, other

1%; seats by party - SWAPO 55, COD 7, DTA 7, UDF 2, MAG 1,

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

Congress of Democrats or COD [Ben ULENGA]; Democratic Turnhalle

Alliance of Namibia or DTA [Katuutire KAURA, president]; Monitor

Action Group or MAG [Kosie PRETORIUS]; South West Africa People's

Organization or SWAPO [Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA]; United Democratic

Front or UDF [Justus GAROEB]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO

(correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,

WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Leonard Nangolo IIPUMBU chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443 telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kevin J. McGUIRE embassy: Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek mailing address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek telephone: [264] (61) 221601 FAX: [264] (61) 229792

Flag description:

a large blue triangle with a yellow sunburst fills the upper left

section and an equal green triangle (solid) fills the lower right

section; the triangles are separated by a red stripe that is

contrasted by two narrow white-edge borders

Economy Namibia

Economy - overview:

The economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing

of minerals for export. Mining accounts for 20% of GDP. Rich

alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for

gem-quality diamonds. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of

nonfuel minerals in Africa, the world's fifth-largest producer of

uranium, and the producer of large quantities of lead, zinc, tin,

silver, and tungsten. The mining sector employs only about 3% of the

population while about half of the population depends on subsistence

agriculture for its livelihood. Namibia normally imports about 50%

of its cereal requirements; in drought years food shortages are a

major problem in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the

region, hides the great inequality of income distribution; nearly

one-third of Namibians had annual incomes of less than $1400 in

constant 1994 dollars, according to a 1993 study. The Namibian

economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar

pegged to the South African rand. Privatization of several

enterprises in coming years may stimulate long-run foreign

investment.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $13.15 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $6,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11% industry: 28% services: 61% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

50% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8% (2001)

Labor force:

725,000 (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 47%, industry 20%, services 33% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

35% (1998)

Budget:

revenues: $883 million

expenditures: $950 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998)

Industries:

meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products; mining (diamond,

lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

26.95 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0% hydro: 0% other: 0% nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

603.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

578 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

31.15 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

millet, sorghum, peanuts; livestock; fish

Exports:

$1.21 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium; cattle, processed

fish, karakul skins

Exports - partners:

EU 79%, US 4% (2001)

Imports:

$1.38 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs; petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment,

chemicals

Imports - partners:

US 50%, EU 31% (2001)

Debt - external:

$517 million (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA $160 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

Namibian dollar (NAD); South African rand (ZAR)

Currency code:

NAD; ZAR

Exchange rates:

Namibian dollars per US dollar - 10.54 (2002), 8.61 (2001), 6.94

(2000), 6.11 (1999), 5.53 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Namibia

Telephones - main lines in use:

110,200 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

82,000 (2000 est.)

Telephone system:

general assessment: good system; about 6 telephones for each 100

persons

domestic: good urban services; fair rural service; microwave radio

relay links major towns; connections to other populated places are

by open wire; 100% digital

international: fiber-optic cable to South Africa, microwave radio

relay link to Botswana, direct links to other neighboring countries;

connected to Africa ONE and South African Far East (SAFE) submarine

cables through South Africa; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat

(2002)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 39, shortwave 4 (2001)

Radios:

232,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

8 (plus about 20 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

60,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.na

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

45,000 (2002)

Transportation Namibia

Railways: total: 2,382 km narrow gauge: 2,382 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 66,467 km paved: 9,172 km unpaved: 57,285 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Luderitz, Walvis Bay

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

135 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 21

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 114

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 22

914 to 1,523 m: 71

under 914 m: 19 (2002)

Military Namibia

Military branches:

National Defense Force (Army, including Air Wing), Police

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 459,474 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 274,015 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$73.1 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.4% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Namibia

Disputes - international:

commission established with Botswana to resolve small residual

disputes along the Caprivi Strip, including the Situngu marshlands

along the Linyanti River; Botswana residents protest Namibia's

planned construction of the Okavango hydroelectric dam on Popa

Falls; managed dispute with South Africa over the location of the

boundary in the Orange River; dormant dispute remains where

Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe boundaries converge; Angolan

rebels and refugees still reside in Namibia

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Nauru

Introduction Nauru

Background:

Nauru's phosphate deposits began to be mined early in the 20th

century by a German-British consortium; the island was occupied by

Australian forces in World War I. Nauru achieved independence in

1968 and joined the UN in 1999. Nauru is the world's smallest

independent republic.

Geography Nauru

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall

Islands

Geographic coordinates:

0 32 S, 166 55 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 21 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 21 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

30 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; monsoonal; rainy season (November to February)

Terrain:

sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with

phosphate plateau in center

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location along plateau rim 61 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks collect

rainwater, but mostly dependent on a single, aging desalination

plant; intensive phosphate mining during the past 90 years - mainly

by a UK, Australia, and NZ consortium - has left the central 90% of

Nauru a wasteland and threatens limited remaining land resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the

Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and

Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator

People Nauru

Population:

12,570 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.9% (male 2,517; female 2,368)

15-64 years: 59.3% (male 3,681; female 3,779)

65 years and over: 1.8% (male 116; female 109) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.6 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 20 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.9% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

26.09 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.08 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.33 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 13 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 61.95 years

male: 58.41 years

female: 65.66 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.4 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Nauruan(s)

adjective: Nauruan

Ethnic groups:

Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%

Religions:

Christian (two-thirds Protestant, one-third Roman Catholic)

Languages:

Nauruan (official, a distinct Pacific Island language), English

widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and

commercial purposes

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Nauru

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Nauru

conventional short form: Nauru

former: Pleasant Island

Government type:

republic

Capital:

no official capital; government offices in Yaren District

Administrative divisions:

14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe, Buada,

Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren

Independence:

31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered UN

trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 January (1968)

Constitution:

29 January 1968

Legal system:

acts of the Nauru Parliament and British common law

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Rene HARRIS (since 8 August 2003) note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

elections: president elected by Parliament for a three-year term;

election last held 29 May 2003 (next to be held NA 2006)

note: Ludwig SCOTTY was removed from the presidency in a

no-confidence vote 8 August 2003; Rene HARRIS became president

election results: Ludwig SCOTTY elected president 29 May 2003;

Ludwig SCOTTY 10 parliamentary votes, Kinza CLODUMAR 7

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members

of Parliament

head of government: President Rene HARRIS (since 8 August 2003) note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (18 seats; members elected by popular vote to

serve three-year terms)

elections: last held 3 May 2003 (next to be held not later than May

2006)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - Nauru First Party

3, independents 15

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

loose multiparty system; Democratic Party [Kennan ADEANG]; Nauru

Party (informal) [leader NA]; Naoero Amo (Nauru First) Party [leader

NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW,

Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Nauru does not have an embassy in the US, but does have a UN office

at 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400 D, New York, New York 10017; telephone:

(212) 937-0074

consulate(s): Hagatna (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to Fiji

is accredited to Nauru

Flag description:

blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the center and

a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side;

the star indicates the country's location in relation to the Equator

(the yellow stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original

tribes of Nauru

Economy Nauru

Economy - overview:

Revenues of this tiny island have come from exports of phosphates,

but reserves are expected to be exhausted within a few years.

Phosphate production has declined since 1989, as demand has fallen

in traditional markets and as the marginal cost of extracting the

remaining phosphate increases, making it less internationally

competitive. While phosphates have given Nauruans one of the highest

per capita incomes in the Third World, few other resources exist

with most necessities being imported, including fresh water from

Australia. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of

income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. In

anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate deposits,

substantial amounts of phosphate income have been invested in trust

funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's

economic future. The government has been borrowing heavily from the

trusts to finance fiscal deficits. To cut costs the government has

called for a freeze on wages, a reduction of over-staffed public

service departments, privatization of numerous government agencies,

and closure of some overseas consulates. In recent years Nauru has

encouraged the registration of offshore banks and corporations. Tens

of billions of dollars have been channeled through their accounts.

Few comprehensive statistics on the Nauru economy exist, with

estimates of Nauru's GDP varying widely.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $60 million (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-3.6% (1993)

Labor force - by occupation: employed in mining phosphates, public administration, education, and transportation

Unemployment rate:

0%

Budget:

revenues: $23.4 million

expenditures: $64.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 95/96)

Industries:

phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

30 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

27.9 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

coconuts

Exports:

$27 million f.o.b. (1995)

Exports - commodities:

phosphates

Exports - partners:

India 46.1%, South Korea 18.3%, Australia 10.6%, New Zealand 7.8%,

Netherlands 5.6% (2002)

Imports:

$33 million c.i.f. (1995)

Imports - commodities:

food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery

Imports - partners:

Australia 59.3%, US 10.1%, Ireland 7.6%, Malaysia 6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$33.3 million

Economic aid - recipient:

$2.25 million from Australia (FY96/97 est.)

Currency:

Australian dollar (AUD)

Currency code:

AUD

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.2641 (2002) 1.9320 (2001),

1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Nauru

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

450 (1994)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate local and international radiotelephone

communication provided via Australian facilities

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

7,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

500 (1997)

Internet country code:

.nr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Nauru

Railways:

total: 5 km

note: gauge unknown; used to haul phosphates from the center of the

island to processing facilities on the southwest coast (2001)

Highways:

total: 30 km

paved: 24 km

unpaved: 6 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Nauru

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Nauru

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Nauru Police Force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 3,190 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,762 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Military - note:

Nauru maintains no defense forces; under an informal agreement,

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues Nauru

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

broad-based money-laundering center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Navassa Island

Introduction Navassa Island

Background:

This uninhabited island was claimed by the US in 1857 for its

guano, and mining took place between 1865 and 1898. The lighthouse,

built in 1917, was shut down in 1996 and administration of Navassa

Island transferred from the Coast Guard to the Department of the

Interior. A 1998 scientific expedition to the island described it as

a unique preserve of Caribbean biodiversity; the following year it

became a National Wildlife Refuge.

Geography Navassa Island

Location:

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, about one-fourth of the way

from Haiti to Jamaica

Geographic coordinates:

18 25 N, 75 02 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 5.2 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 5.2 sq km

Area - comparative:

about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

8 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

marine, tropical

Terrain:

raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to undulating; ringed by

vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 m high)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on southwest side 77 m

Natural resources:

guano

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo

Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock, but enough grassland to support goat

herds; dense stands of fig-like trees, scattered cactus

People Navassa Island

Population:

uninhabited

note: transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island

(July 2003 est.)

Government Navassa Island

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Navassa Island

Dependency status:

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington,

DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior;

in September 1996, the Coast Guard ceased operations and maintenance

of Navassa Island Light, a 46-meter-tall lighthouse on the southern

side of the island; there has also been a private claim advanced

against the island

Legal system:

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy Navassa Island

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Transportation Navassa Island

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military Navassa Island

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Navassa Island

Disputes - international: claimed by Haiti

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Nepal

Introduction Nepal

Background:

In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule

by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of

government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy

within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist

insurgency, launched in 1996, has gained traction and is threatening

to bring down the regime. In 2001, the Crown Prince massacred ten

members of the royal family, including the king and queen, and then

took his own life. In October 2002, the new king dismissed the prime

minister and his cabinet for "incompetence" after they dissolved the

parliament and were subsequently unable to hold elections because of

the ongoing insurgency. The country is now governed by the king and

his appointed cabinet, which has negotiated a cease-fire with the

Maoist insurgents, until elections can be held at some unspecified

future date.

Geography Nepal

Location:

Southern Asia, between China and India

Geographic coordinates:

28 00 N, 84 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 140,800 sq km

water: 4,000 sq km

land: 136,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Arkansas

Land boundaries: total: 2,926 km border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical

summers and mild winters in south

Terrain:

Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill

region, rugged Himalayas in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m

highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m (1999)

Natural resources:

quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of

lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore

Land use: arable land: 20.27% permanent crops: 0.49% other: 79.24% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

11,350 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, and famine

depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer

monsoons

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (overuse of wood for fuel and lack of alternatives);

contaminated water (with human and animal wastes, agricultural

runoff, and industrial effluents); wildlife conservation; vehicular

emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains

eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest - the

world's tallest - on the border with China

People Nepal

Population:

26,469,569 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.7% (male 5,424,396; female 5,080,171)

15-64 years: 56.7% (male 7,692,134; female 7,320,059)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 468,697; female 484,112) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.7 years

male: 19.6 years

female: 19.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.26% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

32.46 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.84 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 70.57 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 72.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 68.95 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 59 years

male: 59.36 years

female: 58.63 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.39 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

58,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,400 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Nepalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Nepalese

Ethnic groups:

Brahman, Chetri, Newar, Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Sherpa,

Tharu, and others (1995)

Religions:

Hinduism 86.2%, Buddhism 7.8%, Islam 3.8%, other 2.2%

note: only official Hindu state in the world (1995)

Languages:

Nepali (official; spoken by 90% of the population), about a dozen

other languages and about 30 major dialects; note - many in

government and business also speak English (1995)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 45.2%

male: 62.7%

female: 27.6% (2003 est.)

Government Nepal

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Nepal

conventional short form: Nepal

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Kathmandu

Administrative divisions:

14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri,

Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali,

Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti

Independence:

1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah)

National holiday:

Birthday of King GYANENDRA, 7 July (1946)

Constitution:

9 November 1990

Legal system:

based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King GYANENDRA Bir Bikram Shah (succeeded to the

throne 4 June 2001 following the death of his nephew, King DIPENDRA

Bir Bikram Shah)

head of government: Prime Minister Surya Bahadur THAPA (since 4 June

2003); note - Prime Minister CHAND resigned 30 May 2003

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority

coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

note: King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev died in a bloody shooting at

the royal palace on 1 June 2001 that also claimed the lives of most

of the royal family; King BIRENDRA's son, Crown Price DIPENDRA, is

believed to have been responsible for the shootings before fatally

wounding himself; immediately following the shootings and while

still clinging to life, DIPENDRA was crowned king; he died three

days later and was succeeded by his uncle

Legislative branch:

: bicameral Parliament consists of the National Council (60 seats; 35 appointed by the House of Representatives, 10 by the king, and 15 elected by an electoral college; one-third of the members elected every two years to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives (205 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) note: Nepal's Parliament was dissolved on 22 May 2002 election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NC 37.3%, CPN/UML 31.6%, NDP 10.4%, NSP 3.2%, Rastriya Jana Morcha 1.4%, Samyukta Janmorcha Nepal 0.8%, NWPP 0.5%, others 14.8%; seats by party - NC 113, CPN/UML 69, NDP 11, NSP 5, Rastriya Jana Morcha 5, Samyukta Janmorcha Nepal 1, NWPP 1 elections: House of Representatives - last held 3 and 17 May 1999 (next election NA)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Sarbochha Adalat (chief justice is appointed by

the monarch on recommendation of the Constitutional Council; the

other judges are appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of

the Judicial Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Communist Party of Nepal/United Marxist-Leninist or CPN/UML [Madhav

Kumar NEPAL, general secretary]; National Democratic Party or NDP

(also called Rastriya Prajantra Party or RPP) [Surya Bahadur THAPA,

chairman]; National People's Front (Rastriya Jana Morcha) [Chitra

Bahadur, chairman]; Nepal Sadbhavana (Goodwill) Party or NSP [Bhadri

Prasad MANDAL, acting party president]; Nepal Workers and Peasants

Party or NWPP [Narayan Man BIJUKCHHE, party chairman]; Nepali

Congress or NC [Girija Prasad KOIRALA, party president; Sushil

KOIRALA, general secretary]; Samyukta Janmorcha Nepal [Lila Mani

POKHAREL, general secretary]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Maoist guerrilla-based insurgency [Pushpa Kamal DAHAL also known as

Prahanda, chairman; and chief negotiator, Dr. Baburam BHATTARAI,

from Communist Party of Nepal/Maoist]; numerous small, left-leaning

student groups in the capital; several small, radical Nepalese

antimonarchist groups

International organization participation:

AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO

(correspondent), ITU, MONUC, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNTSO,

UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Jai Pratap RANA

FAX: [1] (202) 667-5534

consulate(s) general: New York

telephone: [1] (202) 667-4550

chancery: 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael E. MALINOWSKI

embassy: Panipokhari, Kathmandu

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [977] (1) 411179

FAX: [977] (1) 419963

Flag description:

red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping

right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized

moon and the larger, lower triangle bears a white 12-pointed sun

Economy Nepal

Economy - overview:

Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the

world with 42% of its population living below the poverty line.

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood

for over 80% of the population and accounting for 40% of GDP.

Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural

produce including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Textile and

carpet production, accounting for about 80% of foreign exchange

earnings in recent years, contracted in 2001-02 due to the overall

slowdown in the world economy and pressures by Maoist insurgents on

factory owners and workers. Security concerns in the wake of the

Maoist conflict and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the

US have led to a decrease in tourism, another key source of foreign

exchange. Since 1991, the government has been moving forward with

economic reforms, e.g., by reducing business licenses and

registration requirements to simplify investment procedures,

reducing subsidies, privatizing state industries, and laying off

civil servants. Nepal has considerable scope for exploiting its

potential in hydropower and tourism, areas of recent foreign

investment interest. Prospects for foreign trade or investment in

other sectors will remain poor, however, because of the small size

of the economy, its technological backwardness, its remoteness, its

landlocked geographic location, and its susceptibility to natural

disaster. The international community's role of funding more than

60% of Nepal's development budget and more than 28% of total

budgetary expenditures will likely continue as a major ingredient of

growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $37.32 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 40% industry: 20% services: 40% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 42% (1995-96)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.2% highest 10%: 29.8% (1995-96)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.7 (FY 95/96)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (2001 est.)

Labor force: 10 million note: severe lack of skilled labor (1996 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 81%, services 16%, industry 3%

Unemployment rate:

47% (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $665 million

expenditures: $1.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 99/00 est.)

Industries:

tourism, carpet, textile; small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed

mills; cigarette; cement and brick production

Industrial production growth rate:

8.7% (FY 99/00)

Electricity - production:

1.755 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 8.5% hydro: 91.5% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.764 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

95 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

227 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

16,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops; milk, water buffalo meat

Exports:

$720 million f.o.b., but does not include unrecorded border trade

with India (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, grain

Exports - partners:

India 47.5%, US 27.6%, Germany 7.5% (2002)

Imports:

$1.6 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

gold, machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer

Imports - partners:

India 21.2%, China 13%, UAE 11.1%, Singapore 8.5%, Hong Kong 5.9%,

Saudi Arabia 4.9%, Kuwait 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$2.55 billion (FY 00/01)

Economic aid - recipient:

$424 million (FY 00/01)

Currency:

Nepalese rupee (NPR)

Currency code:

NPR

Exchange rates:

Nepalese rupees per US dollar - 77.88 (2002), 74.95 (2001), 71.09

(2000), 68.24 (1999), 65.98 (1998)

Fiscal year:

16 July - 15 July

Communications Nepal

Telephones - main lines in use:

236,816 (January 2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: poor telephone and telegraph service; fair

radiotelephone communication service and mobile cellular telephone

network

domestic: NA

international: radiotelephone communications; microwave landline to

India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (January 2000)

Radios:

840,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus 9 repeaters) (1998)

Televisions:

130,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.np

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

6 (2000)

Internet users:

60,000 (2002)

Transportation Nepal

Railways: total: 59 km narrow gauge: 59 km 0.762-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 13,223 km paved: 4,073 km unpaved: 9,150 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

45 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 7 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 28 (2002)

Military Nepal

Military branches:

Royal Nepalese Army (includes Royal Nepalese Army Air Service),

Nepalese Police Force

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 6,674,014 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 3,467,511 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 303,222 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$57.22 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.1% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Nepal

Disputes - international:

joint border commission continues to work on small disputed

sections of boundary with India; India has instituted a stricter

border regime to restrict transit of Maoist insurgents

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic and international

drug markets; transit point for opiates from Southeast Asia to the

West

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Netherlands

Introduction Netherlands

Background:

The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium

seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained

neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by

Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the

Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The

country was a founding member of NATO and the EC (now the EU), and

participated in the introduction of the Economic and Monetary Union

(EMU) in 1999.

Geography Netherlands

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany

Geographic coordinates:

52 30 N, 5 45 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 41,526 sq km

water: 7,643 sq km

land: 33,883 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Land boundaries: total: 1,027 km border countries: Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km

Coastline: 451 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in

southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m

highest point: Vaalserberg 322 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 26.53%

other: 72.44% (1998 est.)

permanent crops: 1.03%

Irrigated land:

5,650 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and

nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air pollution from

vehicles and refining activities; acid rain

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

Geography - note:

located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or

Meuse, and Schelde)

People Netherlands

Population:

16,150,511 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.2% (male 1,501,127; female 1,436,453)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 5,576,141; female 5,389,764)

65 years and over: 13.9% (male 929,087; female 1,317,939) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.6 years

male: 37.7 years

female: 39.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.5% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

11.31 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.66 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.68 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.74 years

male: 75.85 years

female: 81.76 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

17,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

110 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)

adjective: Dutch

Ethnic groups:

Dutch 83%, other 17% (of which 9% are non-western origin mainly

Turks, Moroccans, Antilleans, Surinamese and Indonesians) (1999 est.)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 31%, Protestant 21%, Muslim 4.4%, other 3.6%,

unaffiliated 40% (1998)

Languages:

Dutch (official language), Frisian (official language)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (2000 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Netherlands

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of the Netherlands

conventional short form: Netherlands

local long form: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden

local short form: Nederland

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Amsterdam; The Hague is the seat of government

Administrative divisions:

12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie); Drenthe,

Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant,

Noord-Holland, Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland, Zuid-Holland

Dependent areas:

Aruba, Netherlands Antilles

Independence:

1579 (from Spain); note - the northern provinces of the Low Country

concluded the Union of Utrecht, but it was 1648 before Spain finally

recognized their independence

National holiday:

Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA in 1909 and accession

to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX in 1980), 30 April

Constitution:

adopted 1814; amended many times, last time 17 February 1983

Legal system:

civil law system incorporating French penal theory; constitution

does not permit judicial review of acts of the States General;

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980); Heir Apparent

WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of the monarch

head of government: Prime Minister Jan Peter BALKENENDE (since 22

July 2002) and Deputy Prime Ministers Gerrit ZALM (since 27 May

2003) and Thom DE GRAAF (since 27 May 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following Second

Chamber elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a

majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the

monarch; vice prime ministers appointed by the monarch

note: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heir

apparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the prime

minister on legislative and administrative policy

Legislative branch:

bicameral States General or Staten Generaal consists of the First

Chamber or Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly elected by the

country's 12 provincial councils for four-year terms) and the Second

Chamber or Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members directly elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: First Chamber - last held 25 May 2003 (next to be held NA

May 2007); Second Chamber - last held 22 January 2003 (next to be

held NA January 2007)

election results: First Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - CDA 23, PvdA 19, VVD 15, Green Party 5, Socialist

Party 4, D66 3, other 6; Second Chamber - percent of vote by party -

CDA 28.6%, PvdA 27.3%, VVD 12.9%, Socialist Party 6.3%, List Pim

Fortuyn 5.7%, Green Party 5.1%, D66 4.1%; seats by party - CDA 44,

PvdA 42, VVD 28, Socialist Party 9, List Pim Fortuyn 8, Green Party

8, D66 6, other 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (justices are nominated for life by the

monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Appeal or CDA [Maxime Jacques Marcel

VERHAGEN]; Christian Union Party [Andre ROUVOET]; Democrats 66 or

D66 [Boris DITTRICH]; Green Party [Femke HALSEMA]; Labor Party or

PvdA [Wouter BOS]; List Pim Fortuyn [Mat HERBEN]; People's Party for

Freedom and Democracy (Liberal) or VVD [Gerrit ZALM]; Socialist

Party [Jan MARIJNISSEN]; a host of minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Federation of Netherlands Trade Union Movement (comprising

Socialist and Catholic trade unions) and a Protestant trade union;

Federation of Catholic and Protestant Employers Associations;

Interchurch Peace Council or IKV; large multinational firms; the

nondenominational Federation of Netherlands Enterprises

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD,

ECE, ECLAC, EIB, EMU, ESA, ESCAP, EU, FAO, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Boudewijn J. VAN EENENNAAM

consulate(s): Boston

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York

FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430

telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300

chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Clifford M. SOBEL

embassy: Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ, The Hague

mailing address: PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715

telephone: [31] (70) 310-9209

FAX: [31] (70) 361-4688

consulate(s) general: Amsterdam

Flag description:

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

to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is longer;

one of the oldest flags in constant use, originating with William I,

Prince of Orange, in the latter half of the 16th century

Economy Netherlands

Economy - overview:

The Netherlands is a prosperous and open economy depending heavily

on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial

relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current

account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation

hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing,

chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly

mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of the labor

force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry

and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners,

began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country

continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting

foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in

2001-03, as part of the global economic slowdown, but for the four

years before that, annual growth averaged nearly 4%, well above the

EU average. The government is wrestling with a deteriorating budget

position, and is moving toward the EU 3% limit.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $437.8 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $27,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.1%

industry: 25.7%

services: 71.2% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 25.1% (1994)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.6 (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

7.2 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 73%, industry 23%, agriculture 4% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $134 billion

expenditures: $134 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical

machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction,

microelectronics, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

0% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

88.32 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 89.9% hydro: 0.1% other: 5.7% (2001) nuclear: 4.3%

Electricity - consumption:

99.42 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

4.209 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

21.49 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

46,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

895,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

1.418 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

2.284 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

88.06 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

77.75 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

49.72 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

49.28 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

20.78 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.693 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Exports:

$243.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs

Exports - partners:

Germany 25.1%, Belgium 12.7%, UK 10.7%, France 10.2%, Italy 6%, US

4.6% (2002)

Imports:

$201.1 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs,

clothing

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.8%, Belgium 9.7%, US 9.1%, UK 6.9%, France 5.5%, China

5.1%, Japan 4% (2002)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $3.5 billion (2000 est.)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Netherlands

Telephones - main lines in use:

9,132,400 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4,081,891 (April 1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed and well maintained

domestic: the existing system of multi-conductor cables is gradually

being replaced by fiber-optic cables; the density of cellular

telephone traffic is rapidly increasing and further modernization of

the system is expected in 2001, with the introduction of the third

generation of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)

international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1

Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions) (1996)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 4, FM 58, shortwave 3 (1998)

Radios:

15.3 million (1996)

Television broadcast stations:

21 (plus 26 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

8.1 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.nl

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

52 (2000)

Internet users:

9.73 million (2002)

Transportation Netherlands

Railways: total: 2,808 km standard gauge: 2,808 km 1.435-m gauge (2,061 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 116,500 km

paved: 104,850 km (including 2,235 km of expressways)

unpaved: 11,650 km (1999)

Waterways:

5,046 km (of which 3,745 km are canals)

note: 47% of total route length is usable by craft of

1,000-metric-ton capacity or larger

Pipelines:

condensate 325 km; gas 6,998 km; oil 590 km; refined products 716

km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Dordrecht, Eemshaven, Groningen, Haarlem,

IJmuiden, Maastricht, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Utrecht, Vlissingen

Merchant marine:

total: 616 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,664,711 GRT/5,226,912 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 1, Canada 1, Denmark 5, Finland 5, Germany 55,

Ireland 12, Norway 12, Sweden 17, UK 33, US 12 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 371, chemical tanker 51, container 70,

liquefied gas 13, livestock carrier 1, multi-functional large-load

carrier 15, passenger 10, petroleum tanker 24, refrigerated cargo

34, roll on/roll off 16, short-sea passenger 2, specialized tanker 6

Airports:

28 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 21 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 2 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Heliports:

1 (2002)

Military Netherlands

Military branches:

Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (including Naval Air

Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal

Constabulary

Military manpower - military age: 20 years of age (note - age 17 for cadets and midshipmen) (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 4,071,891 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 3,536,586 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 94,034

note: Netherlands has an all-volunteer, 74,100 force in 2001 (2003

est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$6.5 billion (FY00/01 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.5% (FY00/01 est.)

Transnational Issues Netherlands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major European producer of illicit amphetamine and other synthetic

drugs; important gateway for cocaine, heroin, and hashish entering

Europe; major source of US-bound ecstasy; large financial sector

vulnerable to money laundering

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Netherlands Antilles

Introduction Netherlands Antilles

Background:

Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, the island of Curacao

was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity

(and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th

century with the construction of oil refineries to service the newly

discovered Venezuelan oil fields. The island of Saint Martin is

shared with France; its northern portion is named Saint-Martin and

is part of Guadeloupe, and its southern portion is named Sint

Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles.

Geography Netherlands Antilles

Location:

Caribbean, two island groups in the Caribbean Sea - one includes

Curacao and Bonaire north of Venezuela; the other is east of the

Virgin Islands

Geographic coordinates:

12 15 N, 68 45 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 960 sq km

note: includes Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint

Maarten (Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin)

water: 0 sq km

land: 960 sq km

Area - comparative:

more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 10.2 km border countries: Guadeloupe (Saint Martin) 10.2 km

Coastline: 364 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

generally hilly, volcanic interiors

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Scenery 862 m

Natural resources: phosphates (Curacao only), salt (Bonaire only)

Land use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 0% other: 90% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt and are

rarely threatened; Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are

subject to hurricanes from July to October

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles are divided

geographically into the Leeward Islands (northern) group (Saba, Sint

Eustatius, and Sint Maarten) and the Windward Islands (southern)

group (Bonaire and Curacao)

People Netherlands Antilles

Population:

216,226 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.7% (male 27,383; female 26,122)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 69,233; female 75,956)

65 years and over: 8.1% (male 7,244; female 10,288) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.8 years

male: 30.3 years

female: 33.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.9% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

15.76 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.4 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.71 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 11.54 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.38 years

male: 73.16 years

female: 77.7 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.04 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Dutch Antillean(s) adjective: Dutch Antillean

Ethnic groups:

mixed black 85%, Carib Amerindian, white, East Asian

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Seventh-Day Adventist

Languages:

Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English

dialect) predominates, English widely spoken, Spanish

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.7%

male: 96.7%

female: 96.8% (2003 est.)

Government Netherlands Antilles

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Netherlands Antilles

local long form: none

former: Curacao and Dependencies

local short form: Nederlandse Antillen

Dependency status:

part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal

affairs granted in 1954; Dutch Government responsible for defense

and foreign affairs

Government type:

parliamentary

Capital:

Willemstad

Administrative divisions: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) note: each island has its own government

Independence:

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

National holiday:

Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA in 1909 and accession

to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX in 1980), 30 April

Constitution:

29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the Netherlands, as

amended

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law

influence

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30 April

1980), represented by Governor General Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since 1

July 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Mirna LOUISA-GODETT (since 11

August 2003)

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by

the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections,

the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister

by the Staten; election last held 18 January 2002 (next to be held

by NA 2006)

note: government coalition - PDB, DP-St. M, FOL, PLKP, PNP

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten

Legislative branch:

unicameral States or Staten (22 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

FOL 5, PAR 4, PNP 3, PLKP 2, DP-St.M 2, UPB 2, DP 1, MAN 1, PDB 1,

WIPM 1

note: the government of Prime Minister Mirna LOUISA-GODETT is a

coalition of several parties; current seats by party - PAR 4, PNP 3,

FOL 2, MAN 2, UPB 2, DP-St. M 2, PDB 1, SEA 1, WIPM 1, other 4

elections: last held 18 January 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

Judicial branch:

Joint High Court of Justice (judges appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Antillean Restructuring Party or PAR [Miguel POURIER]; C 93

[Stanley BROWN]; Democratic Party of Bonaire or PDB [Jopi ABRAHAM];

Democratic Party of Curacao or DP [Errol HERNANDEZ]; Democratic

Party of Sint Eustatius or DP-St. E [Julian WOODLEY]; Democratic

Party of Sint Maarten or DP-St. M [Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS];

Foundation Energetic Management Anti-Narcotics or FAME [Eric

LODEWIJKS]; Labor Party People's Crusade or PLKP [Errol COVA];

National People's Party or PNP [Susanne F. C. CAMELIA-ROMER]; New

Antilles Movement or MAN [Kenneth GIJSBERTHA]; Patriotic Union of

Bonaire or UPB [Ramon BOOI]; Patriotic Movement of Sint Maarten or

SPA [Vance JAMES, Jr.]; People's Party or PAPU [Richard Hodi]; Pro

Curacao Party or PPK [Winston LOURENS]; Saba Democratic Labor

Movement [Steve HASSELL]; Saba Unity Party [Carmen SIMMONDS]; St.

Eustatius Alliance or SEA [Kenneth VAN PUTTEN]; Serious Alternative

People's Party or Sapp [Julian ROLLOCKS]; Social Action Cause or KAS

[Benny DEMEI]; Windward Islands People's Movement or WIPM [Will

JOHNSTON]; Workers' Liberation Front or FOL [Anthony GODETT, Rignald

LAK, Editha WRIGHT]

note: political parties are indigenous to each island

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), ECLAC (associate), Interpol, IOC, UNESCO

(associate), WCL, WCO, WMO, WToO (associate)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Consul General Deborah A. BOLTON

consulate(s) general: J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad AN, Curacao

mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao

telephone: [599] (9) 4613066

FAX: [599] (9) 4616489

Flag description:

white, with a horizontal blue stripe in the center superimposed on

a vertical red band, also centered; five white, five-pointed stars

are arranged in an oval pattern in the center of the blue band; the

five stars represent the five main islands of Bonaire, Curacao,

Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten

Economy Netherlands Antilles

Economy - overview:

Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the mainstays

of this small economy, which is closely tied to the outside world.

Although GDP has declined or remained even in each of the past six

years, the islands enjoy a high per capita income and a

well-developed infrastructure compared with other countries in the

region. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, the US

and Mexico being the major suppliers. Poor soils and inadequate

water supplies hamper the development of agriculture.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.4 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $11,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 15%

services: 84% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

89,000

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 1%, industry 13%, services 86% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (1998 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $710.8 million

expenditures: $741.6 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997 est.)

Industries:

tourism (Curacao, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire), petroleum refining

(Curacao), petroleum transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire),

light manufacturing (Curacao)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.061 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

986.8 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

72,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit

Exports:

$553 million f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products

Exports - partners:

US 20.9%, Guatemala 12%, Venezuela 10.5%, Guyana 6.6%, Singapore

4.4%, Cuba 4% (2002)

Imports:

$1.43 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, food, manufactures

Imports - partners:

Venezuela 60.8%, Mexico 11.7%, US 9.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.35 billion (1996)

Economic aid - recipient:

IMF provided $61 million in 2000, and the Netherlands continued its

support with $40 million

Currency:

Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG)

Currency code:

ANG

Exchange rates:

Netherlands Antillean guilders per US dollar - 1.79 (2002), 1.79

(2001), 1.79 (2000), 1.79 (1999), 1.79 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Netherlands Antilles

Telephones - main lines in use:

76,000 (1995)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13,977 (1996)

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally adequate facilities

domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links

international: submarine cables - 2; satellite earth stations - 2

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 9, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

217,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 3 (there is also a cable service, which supplies programs received from various US satellite networks and two Venezuelan channels) (1997)

Televisions:

69,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.an

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

6

Internet users:

2,000 (2000)

Transportation Netherlands Antilles

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 600 km paved: 300 km unpaved: 300 km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Kralendijk, Philipsburg, Willemstad

Merchant marine:

total: 147 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,122,189 GRT/1,398,649 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 56, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk

1, combination ore/oil 3, container 27, liquefied gas 5,

multi-functional large-load carrier 15, passenger 1, refrigerated

cargo 27, roll on/roll off 8, specialized tanker 1

note: includes foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 3, Denmark 2, Germany 43, Monaco 8, Netherlands

52, New Zealand 1, Norway 3, Peru 1, Spain 1, Sweden 3, UK 5 (2002

est.)

Airports:

5 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 2038 to 3047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Netherlands Antilles

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Royal Netherlands Navy,

Marine Corps, Royal Netherlands Air Force, National Guard, Police

Force

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 55,155 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 30,840 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 1,643 (2003 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Transnational Issues Netherlands Antilles

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs bound for the US and

Europe; money-laundering center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@New Caledonia

Introduction New Caledonia

Background:

Settled by both Britain and France during the first half of the

19th century, the island was made a French possession in 1853. It

served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864. Agitation for

independence during the 1980s and early 1990s seems to have

dissipated.

Geography New Caledonia

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

21 30 S, 165 30 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 19,060 sq km

water: 485 sq km

land: 18,575 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,254 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid

Terrain:

coastal plains with interior mountains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m

Natural resources: nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copper

Land use: arable land: 0.38% permanent crops: 0.33% other: 99.29% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

160 sq km (1991)

Natural hazards:

cyclones, most frequent from November to March

Environment - current issues:

erosion caused by mining exploitation and forest fires

Geography - note:

consists of the main island of New Caledonia (one of the largest in

the Pacific Ocean), the archipelago of Iles Loyaute, and numerous

small, sparsely populated islands and atolls

People New Caledonia

Population:

210,798 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.7% (male 31,990; female 30,695)

15-64 years: 64.2% (male 68,093; female 67,205)

65 years and over: 6.1% (male 6,016; female 6,799) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.9 years

male: 26.7 years

female: 27.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.38% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.06 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.31 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 8.76 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.52 years

male: 70.57 years

female: 76.62 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.39 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: New Caledonian(s)

adjective: New Caledonian

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian 42.5%, European 37.1%, Wallisian 8.4%, Polynesian 3.8%,

Indonesian 3.6%, Vietnamese 1.6%, other 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%

Languages:

French (official), 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91%

male: 92%

female: 90% (1976 est.)

Government New Caledonia

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of New Caledonia and Dependencies

conventional short form: New Caledonia

local short form: Nouvelle-Caledonie

local long form: Territoire des Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances

Dependency status:

overseas territory of France since 1956

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Noumea

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order

administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there

are 3 provinces named Iles Loyaute, Nord, and Sud

Independence:

none (overseas territory of France); note - a referendum on

independence was held in 1998 but did not pass; a new referendum is

scheduled for 2014

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy to the

islands; formerly under French law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President of France Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May

1995), represented by High Commissioner Daniel CONSTANTIN (since 3

July 2002)

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the

advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the

government elected by the members of the Territorial Congress; note

- last election held 28 November 2002 when Pierre FROGIER was

reelected

head of government: President of the Government Pierre FROGIER

(since 5 April 2001)

cabinet: Consultative Committee

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Congress or Congres Territorial (54 seats;

members are members of the three Provincial Assemblies or Assemblees

Provinciales elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 9 May 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

RPCR 24, FLNKS 12, UNI 6, FCCI 4, FN 4, Alliance pour la Caledonie

3, LKS 1

note: New Caledonia elects 1 seat to the French Senate; elections

last held 24 September 2001 (next to be held NA September 2007);

results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; New

Caledonia also elects 2 seats to the French National Assembly;

elections last held 9 and 16 June 2002 (next to be held by June

2007); results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

UMP 2

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; County Courts; Joint Commerce

Tribunal Court; Children's Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance pour la Caledonie or APLC [Didier LE ROUX]; Federation des

Comites de Coordination des Independantistes or FCCI [Francois

BURCK]; Front National or FN [Guy GEORGE]; Front Uni de Liberation

Kanak or FULK [Ernest UNE]; Kanak Socialist Front for National

Liberation or FLNKS [leader NA] (includes PALIKA, UNI, UC, and UPM);

Parti de Liberation Kanak or PALIKA [Paul NEAOUTYINE and Elie

POIGOUNE]; Rally for Caledonia in the Republic (anti independent) or

RPCR [Jacques LAFLEUR]; Union Nationale pour l'Independance or UNI

[Paul NEAOUTYINE]; note - may no longer exist, but Paul NEAOUTYINE

has since become a president of Parti de Liberation Kanak or PALIKA;

Union Progressiste Melanesienne or UPM [Victor TUTUGORO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ESCAP (associate), FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WFTU, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy New Caledonia

Economy - overview:

New Caledonia has about 25% of the world's known nickel resources.

Only a small amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and

food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition to nickel,

substantial financial support from France - equal to more than

one-fourth of GDP - and tourism are keys to the health of the

economy. Substantial new investment in the nickel industry, combined

with the recovery of global nickel prices, brightens the economic

outlook for the next several years.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $3 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $14,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 30%

services: 65% (1997 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.6% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

79,395 (including 15,018 unemployed, 1996)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 7%, industry 23%, services 70% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

19% (1996)

Budget:

revenues: $861.3 million

expenditures: $735.3 million, including capital expenditures of $52

million (1996 est.)

Industries:

nickel mining and smelting

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.6% (1996)

Electricity - production:

1.613 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 76.3% hydro: 23.7% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.5 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

8,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables; beef, deer, other livestock products

Exports:

$400 million f.o.b. (2000)

Exports - commodities:

ferronickels, nickel ore, fish

Exports - partners:

Japan 20.6%, France 20.4%, Taiwan 16.3%, South Africa 11.3%, Spain

7.7%, South Korea 5.4%, Australia 5.4%, Italy 5.3% (2002)

Imports:

$1 billion f.o.b. (2000)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

France 52.8%, Australia 12.7%, Singapore 9.8% (2002)

Debt - external:

$79 million (1998 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$880 million annual subsidy from France

Currency:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF); note - may adopt the

euro in 2003

Currency code:

XPF

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 135.04

(January 2002), 133.26 (2001), 129.44 (2000), 111.93 (1999), 107.25

(1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications New Caledonia

Telephones - main lines in use:

47,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13,040 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

107,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

6 (plus 25 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

52,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.nc

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

24,000 (2001)

Transportation New Caledonia

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 4,825 km paved: 2,287 km unpaved: 2,538 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Mueo, Noumea, Thio

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,261 GRT/1,600 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Malaysia 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

30 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 9 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 21 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 9 (2002)

Heliports: 5 (2002)

Military New Caledonia

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; French Armed Forces

(including Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie); Police Force

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$192.3 million (FY96)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

5.3% (FY96)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues New Caledonia

Disputes - international: Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by France and Vanuatu

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@New Zealand

Introduction New Zealand

Background:

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In

1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the

Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen

Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the

British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of

land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native

peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent

dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars.

New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances

lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to

address longstanding Maori grievances.

Geography New Zealand

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 S, 174 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 268,680 sq km

note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands,

Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands

water: NA sq km

land: NA sq km

Area - comparative:

about the size of Colorado

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

15,134 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Terrain:

predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,754 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold,

limestone

Land use: arable land: 5.8% permanent crops: 6.44% other: 87.76% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

2,850 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by

species introduced from outside

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic Seals, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

about 80% of the population lives in cities; Wellington is the

southernmost national capital in the world

People New Zealand

Population:

3,951,307 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 443,837; female 423,118)

15-64 years: 66.5% (male 1,318,751; female 1,307,796)

65 years and over: 11.6% (male 199,722; female 258,083) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.1 years

male: 32.4 years

female: 33.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.09% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

14.14 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.54 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

4.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.07 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 6.96 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.32 years

male: 75.34 years

female: 81.44 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.79 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,200 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: New Zealander(s)

adjective: New Zealand

Ethnic groups:

New Zealand European 74.5%, Maori 9.7%, other European 4.6%,

Pacific Islander 3.8%, Asian and others 7.4%

Religions:

Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%,

Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 33% (1986)

Languages:

English (official), Maori (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (1980 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government New Zealand

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: New Zealand

abbreviation: NZ

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Wellington

Administrative divisions:

16 regions; Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Gisborne, Hawke's

Bay, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki,

Tasman, Waikato, Manawatu-Wanganui, Wellington, West Coast

Dependent areas:

Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau

Independence:

26 September 1907 (from UK)

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty

over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Constitution:

consists of a series of legal documents, including certain acts of

the UK and New Zealand Parliaments and The Constitution Act 1986

which is the principal formal charter

Legal system:

based on English law, with special land legislation and land courts

for the Maori; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Dame Silvia CARTWRIGHT (since 4

April 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Helen CLARK (since 10 December

1999) and Deputy Prime Minister Michael CULLEN (since NA July 2002)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy

prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives - commonly called Parliament

(120 seats; 69 members elected by popular vote in single-member

constituencies including 7 Maori constituencies, and 51 proportional

seats chosen from party lists, all to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held 27 July 2002 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NZLP 52, NP 27, NZFP 13, ACT New Zealand 9, Green Party 9, UF 8,

other 2

Judicial branch:

High Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

ACT New Zealand [Richard PREBBLE]; Alliance (a coalition of the New

Labor Party, Democratic Party, New Zealand Liberal Party, and Mana

Motuhake) [James (Jim) ANDERTON]; Green Party [Jeanette FITZSIMONS

and Rod DONALD]; National Party or NP [Don BRASH]; New Zealand First

Party or NZFP [Winston PETERS]; New Zealand Labor Party or NZLP

[Helen CLARK]; United Future or UF [Peter DUNNE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August

1986), APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner),

Australia Group, C, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NSG, OECD,

OPCW, PCA, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador L. John WOOD consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York FAX: [1] (202) 667-5227 telephone: [1] (202) 328-4800 chancery: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles J. SWINDELLS

embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington

mailing address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, APO AP

96531-1034

telephone: [64] (4) 462-6000

FAX: [64] (4) 472-3478

consulate(s) general: Auckland

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with

four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer

half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross

constellation

Economy New Zealand

Economy - overview:

Since 1984 the government has accomplished major economic

restructuring, transforming New Zealand from an agrarian economy

dependent on concessionary British market access to a more

industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This

dynamic growth has boosted real incomes (but left behind many at the

bottom of the ladder), broadened and deepened the technological

capabilities of the industrial sector, and contained inflationary

pressures. While per capita incomes have been rising, however, they

remain below the level of the four largest EU economies, and there

is some government concern that New Zealand is not closing the gap.

New Zealand is heavily dependent on trade - particularly in

agricultural products - to drive growth, and it has been affected by

the global economic slowdown and the slump in commodity prices. Thus

far the New Zealand economy has been relatively resilient, although

growth may slow to 2.5% in 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $78.4 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $20,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8%

industry: 23%

services: 69% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.3% highest 10%: 29.8% (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.92 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 65%, industry 25%, agriculture 10% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

5.3% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $29.2 billion

expenditures: $31.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002)

Industries:

food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery,

transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

37.51 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 31.6% hydro: 57.8% other: 10.7% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

34.88 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

42,160 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

132,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

30,220 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

119,700 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

89.62 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

6.504 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

6.504 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

58.94 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables; wool, beef, dairy products; fish

Exports:

$15 billion (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

dairy products, meat, wood and wood products, fish, machinery

Exports - partners:

Australia 20.3%, US 15.5%, Japan 11.5%, UK 4.8%, China 4.6%, South

Korea 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$12.5 billion (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles and aircraft, petroleum,

electronics, textiles, plastics

Imports - partners:

Australia 22.1%, US 13.6%, Japan 12%, China 8%, Germany 5.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$33 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $99.7 million

Currency:

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Currency code:

NZD

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.16 (2002), 2.38 (2001), 2.2

(2000), 1.89 (1999), 1.87 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications New Zealand

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.92 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.2 million (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international systems

domestic: NA

international: submarine cables to Australia and Fiji; satellite

earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 124, FM 290, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios:

3.75 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 41 (plus 52 medium-power repeaters and over 650 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

1.926 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.nz

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

36 (2000)

Internet users:

2.06 million (2002)

Transportation New Zealand

Railways: total: 3,898 km narrow gauge: 3,898 km 1.067-m gauge (506 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 92,053 km

paved: 57,809 km (including at least 190 km of expressways)

unpaved: 34,244 km (2000)

Waterways:

1,609 km

note: of little importance in satisfying total transportation

requirements

Pipelines:

gas 2,213 km; liquid petroleum gas 79 km; oil 160 km; refined

products 304 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Tauranga, Wellington

Merchant marine:

total: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 69,685 GRT/106,627 DWT

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 2, container 1, petroleum tanker 2,

roll on/roll off 1

Airports:

113 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 46 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 28 under 914 m: 5 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 67 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 26 under 914 m: 39 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military New Zealand

Military branches:

New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air

Force

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,021,770 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 859,505 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 26,803 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$605.7 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1% (FY02)

Transnational Issues New Zealand

Disputes - international: territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross Dependency)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Nicaragua

Introduction Nicaragua

Background:

The Pacific Coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony from

Panama in the early 16th century. Independence from Spain was

declared in 1821 and the country became an independent republic in

1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first half of the

19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region in

subsequent decades. Violent opposition to governmental manipulation

and corruption spread to all classes by 1978 and resulted in a

short-lived civil war that brought the Marxist Sandinista guerrillas

to power in 1979. Nicaraguan aid to leftist rebels in El Salvador

caused the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista contra guerrillas through

much of the 1980s. Free elections in 1990, 1996, and again in 2001

saw the Sandinistas defeated. The country has slowly rebuilt its

economy during the 1990s, but was hard hit by Hurricane Mitch in

1998.

Geography Nicaragua

Location:

Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North

Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 85 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 129,494 sq km

water: 9,240 sq km

land: 120,254 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the state of New York

Land boundaries: total: 1,231 km border countries: Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km

Coastline: 910 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: natural prolongation territorial sea: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Terrain:

extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior

mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mogoton 2,438 m

Natural resources:

gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish

Land use: arable land: 20.24% permanent crops: 2.38% other: 77.38% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

880 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides; extremely

susceptible to hurricanes

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

largest country in Central America; contains the largest freshwater

body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua

People Nicaragua

Population:

5,128,517 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.7% (male 984,719; female 949,282)

15-64 years: 59.2% (male 1,510,352; female 1,527,991)

65 years and over: 3% (male 68,332; female 87,841) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.4 years

male: 20 years

female: 20.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.03% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

26.29 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.69 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 31.39 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 27.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 35.08 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.68 years

male: 67.68 years

female: 71.79 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5,800 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

400 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Nicaraguan(s)

adjective: Nicaraguan

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black 9%,

Amerindian 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant

Languages:

Spanish (official)

note: English and indigenous languages on Atlantic coast

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 67.5%

male: 67.2%

female: 67.8% (2003 est.)

Government Nicaragua

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua

conventional short form: Nicaragua

local short form: Nicaragua

local long form: Republica de Nicaragua

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Managua

Administrative divisions:

15 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 2

autonomous regions* (regiones autonomistas, singular - region

autonomista); Atlantico Norte*, Atlantico Sur*, Boaco, Carazo,

Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz,

Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

9 January 1987, with reforms in 1995 and 2000

Legal system:

civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10 January

2002); Vice President Jose RIZO Castellon (since 10 January 2002);

note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10

January 2002); Vice President Jose RIZO Castellon (since 10 January

2002); note - the president is both chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 4 November

2001 (next to be held by November 2006)

election results: Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (PLC) elected president -

56.3%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 42.3%, Alberto SABORIO (PC)

1.4%; Jose RIZO Castellon elected vice president

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (93 seats;

members are elected by proportional representation to serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 4 November 2001 (next to be held by November

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - Liberal Alliance

(ruling party - includes PLC, PALI, PLIUN, and PUCA) 46.03%, FSLN

36.55%, PCCN 3.73%, PCN 2.12%, MRS 1.33%; seats by party - Liberal

Alliance 42, FSLN 36, PCCN 4, PCN 3, PRONAL 2, MRS 1, PRN 1, PC 1,

PLI 1, AU 1, UNO-96 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (16 judges elected for five-year

terms by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative Party of Nicaragua or PCN [Dr. Fernando AGUERO Rocha];

Independent Liberal Party or PLI [Virgilio GODOY]; Liberal Alliance

(ruling alliance including Liberal Constitutional Party or PLC, New

Liberal Party or PALI, Independent Liberal Party for National Unity

or PLIUN, and Central American Unionist Party or PUCA) [leader NA];

National Conservative Party or PC [Pedro SOLARZANO, Noel VIDAURRE];

National Project or PRONAL [Benjamin LANZAS]; Nicaraguan Party of

the Christian Path or PCCN [Guillermo OSORNO, Roberto RODRIGUEZ];

Nicaraguan Resistance Party or PRN [Salvador TALAVERA]; Sandinista

National Liberation Front or FSLN [Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra];

Sandinista Renovation Movement or MRS [Sergio RAMIREZ]; Unity

Alliance or AU [Alejandro SERRANO]; Union Nacional Opositora 96 or

UNO-96 [Alfredo CESAR Aguirre]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Workers Front or FNT is a Sandinista umbrella group of

eight labor unions including - Farm Workers Association or ATC,

Health Workers Federation or FETASALUD, Heroes and Martyrs

Confederation of Professional Associations or CONAPRO, National

Association of Educators of Nicaragua or ANDEN, National Union of

Employees or UNE, National Union of Farmers and Ranchers or UNAG,

Sandinista Workers Central or CST, and Union of Journalists of

Nicaragua or UPN; Permanent Congress of Workers or CPT is an

umbrella group of four non-Sandinista labor unions including -

Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers Central or CTN-A, Confederation of

Labor Unification or CUS, Independent General Confederation of Labor

or CGT-I, and Labor Action and Unity Central or CAUS; Nicaraguan

Workers' Central or CTN is an independent labor union; Superior

Council of Private Enterprise or COSEP is a confederation of

business groups

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,

PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Salvador STADTHAGEN (since 5 December

2003)

consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New

York

FAX: [1] (202) 939-6542

telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570

chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Barbara Calandra MOORE embassy: Apartado Postal 327, Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur, Managua mailing address: APO AA 34021 telephone: [505] 266-6010, 266-2298, 266-6013 FAX: [505] 266-9074

Flag description:

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

the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of

arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE

NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; similar to

the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by

the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in

the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five

blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band

Economy Nicaragua

Economy - overview:

Nicaragua, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries, faces low per

capita income, flagging socio-economic indicators, and huge external

debt. Distribution of income is one of the most unequal on the

globe. While the country has made progress toward macroeconomic

stability over the past few years, a banking crisis and scandal has

shaken the economy. Nicaragua will continue to be dependent on

international aid and debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor

Countries (HIPC) initiative. Donors have made aid conditional on the

openness of government financial operation, poverty alleviation, and

human rights. Nicaragua met the conditions for additional debt

service relief in December 2000. Growth should move up moderately in

2003 because of increased private investment and exports.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $11.16 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 30% industry: 26% services: 44% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 50% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.7% highest 10%: 48.8% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

60.3 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.7 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 43%, agriculture 42%, industry 15% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

24% plus considerable underemployment (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $726 million

expenditures: $908 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products, textiles,

clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear,

wood

Industrial production growth rate:

4.4% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

2.549 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 83.9% hydro: 7.7% other: 8.4% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

2.388 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

17 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

24,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, tobacco, sesame, soya, beans; beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products

Exports:

$637 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, shrimp and lobster, cotton, tobacco, bananas, beef, sugar,

gold

Exports - partners:

US 59.4%, El Salvador 7.5%, Honduras 4.8% (2002)

Imports:

$1.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, raw materials, petroleum products,

consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 23.7%, Costa Rica 10.3%, Venezuela 10.1%, Guatemala 7.8%, Mexico

6.7%, El Salvador 6%, South Korea 4.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$5.8 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

Substantial foreign support

Currency:

gold cordoba (NIO)

Currency code:

NIO

Exchange rates:

gold cordobas per US dollar - 14.25 (2002), 13.37 (2001), 12.68

(2000), 11.81 (1999), 10.58 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Nicaragua

Telephones - main lines in use:

140,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7,911 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate system being upgraded by foreign

investment

domestic: low-capacity microwave radio relay and wire system being

expanded; connected to Central American Microwave System

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic

Ocean region) and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 63, FM 32, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

1.24 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

320,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ni

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2000)

Internet users:

20,000 (2000)

Transportation Nicaragua

Railways: total: 6 km narrow gauge: 6 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 19,032 km paved: 2,094 km unpaved: 16,938 km (2000)

Waterways:

2,220 km (including 2 large lakes)

Pipelines:

oil 54 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bluefields, Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino,

Rama, San Juan del Sur

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

176 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 165 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 141 (2002)

Military Nicaragua

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,347,033 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 825,906 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 59,903 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$26 million (FY98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.2% (FY98)

Transnational Issues Nicaragua

Disputes - international:

territorial disputes with Colombia over the Archipelago de San

Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank region; with respect to

the maritime boundary question in the Golfo de Fonseca, the ICJ

referred to the line determined by the 1900 Honduras-Nicaragua Mixed

Boundary Commission and advised that some tripartite resolution

among El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua likely would be required;

legal dispute over navigational rights of San Juan River on border

with Costa Rica

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US and

transshipment point for arms-for-drugs dealing

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Niger

Introduction Niger

Background:

Not until 1993, 33 years after independence from France, did Niger

hold it's first free and open elections. A 1995 peace accord ended a

five-year Tuareg insurgency in the north. Coups in 1996 and 1999

were followed by the creation of a National Reconciliation Council

that effected a transition to civilian rule by December 1999.

Geography Niger

Location:

Western Africa, southeast of Algeria

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1.267 million sq km

water: 300 sq km

land: 1,266,700 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,697 km

border countries: Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km,

Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south

Terrain:

predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains

in south; hills in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Niger River 200 m

highest point: Mont Bagzane 2,022 m

Natural resources:

uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, petroleum

Land use: arable land: 3.94% permanent crops: 0% other: 96.06% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

660 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts

Environment - current issues: overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world: northern

four-fifths is desert, southern one-fifth is savanna, suitable for

livestock and limited agriculture

People Niger

Population:

11,058,590 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 47.6% (male 2,686,169; female 2,581,785)

15-64 years: 50.2% (male 2,710,554; female 2,842,319)

65 years and over: 2.2% (male 125,505; female 112,258) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.1 years

male: 15.6 years

female: 16.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.71% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

49.54 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

21.71 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 123.64 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 119.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 127.99 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 42.21 years

male: 42.29 years

female: 42.12 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

4% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

6,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Nigerien(s)

adjective: Nigerien

Ethnic groups:

Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri (Kanouri)

4.3%, Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%, about 1,200 French

expatriates

Religions:

Muslim 80%, remainder indigenous beliefs and Christian

Languages:

French (official), Hausa, Djerma

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 17.6%

male: 25.8%

female: 9.7% (2003 est.)

Government Niger

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Niger

conventional short form: Niger

local short form: Niger

local long form: Republique du Niger

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Niamey

Administrative divisions:

7 departments (departements, singular - departement) and 1 capital

district* (capitale district); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi,

Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder

Independence:

3 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 18 December (1958)

Constitution:

the constitution of January 1993 was revised by national referendum

on 12 May 1996 and again by referendum on 18 July 1999

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President TANDJA Mamadou (since 22 December 1999);

note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President TANDJA Mamadou (since 22 December

1999); note - the president is both chief of state and head of

government; Prime Minister Hama AMADOU (since 31 December 1999) was

appointed by the president and shares some executive

responsibilities with the president

cabinet: 23-member Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

last held 24 November 1999 (next to be held NA 2004); prime minister

appointed by the president

election results: TANDJA Mamadou elected president; percent of vote

- TANDJA Mamadou 59.9%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 40.1%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (83 seats, members elected by popular

vote for five-year terms)

elections: last held 24 November 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

MNSD-Nassara 38, CDS-Rahama 17, PNDS-Tarayya 16, RDP-Jama'a 8,

ANDPS-Zaman Lahiya 4

Judicial branch:

State Court or Cour d'Etat; Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Rally of the People-Jama'a or RDP-Jama'a [Hamid

ALGABID]; Democratic and Social Convention-Rahama or CDS-Rahama

[Mahamane OUSMANE]; National Movement for a Developing

Society-Nassara or MNSD-Nassara [Mamadou TANDJA, chairman]; Nigerien

Alliance for Democracy and Social Progress-Zaman Lahiya or

ANDPS-Zaman Lahiya [Moumouni Adamou DJERMAKOYE]; Nigerien Party for

Democracy and Socialism-Tarayya or PNDS-Tarayya [Mahamadou

ISSOUFOU]; Union of Democratic Patriots and Progressives-Chamoua or

UPDP-Chamoua [Professor Andre' SALIFOU, chairman]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph DIATTA FAX: [1] (202)483-3169 telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224 through 4227 chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Gail Dennise Thomas MATHIEU embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey telephone: [227] 72 26 61 through 72 26 64 FAX: [227] 73 31 67, 72-31-46

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with

a small orange disk (representing the sun) centered in the white

band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel

centered in the white band

Economy Niger

Economy - overview:

Niger is a poor, landlocked Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy

centers on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and reexport

trade, and increasingly less on uranium, because of declining world

demand. The 50% devaluation of the West African franc in January

1994 boosted exports of livestock, cowpeas, onions, and the products

of Niger's small cotton industry. The government relies on bilateral

and multilateral aid - which was suspended following the April 1999

coup d'etat - for operating expenses and public investment. In

2000-01, the World Bank approved a structural adjustment loan of

$105 million to help support fiscal reforms. However, reforms could

prove difficult given the government's bleak financial situation.

The IMF approved a $73 million poverty reduction and growth facility

for Niger in 2000 and announced $115 million in debt relief under

the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Further

disbursements of aid occurred in 2002. Future growth may be

sustained by exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral

resources.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $8.713 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 39% industry: 17% services: 44% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 63% (1993 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.8% highest 10%: 35.4% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.5 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

70,000 receive regular wages or salaries

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 6%, government 4%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $320 million - including $134 million from foreign sources

expenditures: $320 million, including capital expenditures of $178

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

uranium mining, cement, brick, textiles, food processing,

chemicals, slaughterhouses

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

242 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

325.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

100 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), rice; cattle, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, horses, poultry

Exports:

$293 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

Exports - partners:

France 39%, Nigeria 33.2%, Japan 17.1% (2002)

Imports:

$368 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

Imports - partners:

France 16.8%, Cote d'Ivoire 14.9%, China 9.8%, Nigeria 7.4%, US

5.2%, Japan 4.6%, India 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.6 billion (1999 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$341 million (1997)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible

authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Currency code:

XOF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Niger

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,000 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6,700 (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system of wire, radio telephone

communications, and microwave radio relay links concentrated in the

southwestern area of Niger

domestic: wire, radiotelephone communications, and microwave radio

relay; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations and 1 planned

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 5, FM 6, shortwave 4 (2001)

Radios:

680,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (2002)

Televisions:

125,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ne

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

12,000 (2002)

Transportation Niger

Railways: 0 km

Highways:

total: 10,100 km

paved: 798 km

unpaved: 9,302 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

300 km

note: the Niger River is navigable from Niamey to Gaya on the Benin

frontier from mid-December through March

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

27 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Niger

Military branches:

Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, National Intervention and Security

Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,379,485 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,288,396 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 119,367 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$20.54 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.1% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Niger

Disputes - international:

Libya claims about 25,000 sq km in a currently dormant dispute;

much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with Nigeria,

remains undemarcated but states accept 2001 arbitration over

disputed Niger River islands; Lake Chad Commission continues to urge

signatories Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to ratify

delimitation treaty over the lake region, which remains the site of

armed clashes among local populations and militias

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Nigeria

Introduction Nigeria

Background:

Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was

adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government

was completed. The president faces the daunting task of rebuilding a

petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through

corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In

addition, the OBASANJO administration must defuse longstanding

ethnic and religious tensions, if it is to build a sound foundation

for economic growth and political stability. Despite some

irregularities the April 2003 elections marked the first civilian

transfer of power in Nigeria's history.

Geography Nigeria

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and

Cameroon

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 923,768 sq km

water: 13,000 sq km

land: 910,768 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,047 km

border countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger

1,497 km

Coastline:

853 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north

Terrain:

southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains

in southeast, plains in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal, limestone,

lead, zinc, arable land

Land use: arable land: 30.96% permanent crops: 2.79% other: 66.25% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

2,330 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; flooding

Environment - current issues:

soil degradation; rapid deforestation; urban air and water

pollution; desertification; oil pollution - water, air, and soil;

has suffered serious damage from oil spills; loss of arable land;

rapid urbanization

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine

Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows southward

through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of

Guinea

People Nigeria

Population:

133,881,703

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.6% (male 29,322,774; female 28,990,702)

15-64 years: 53.6% (male 36,513,700; female 35,254,333)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 1,890,043; female 1,910,151) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 18 years male: 18.1 years female: 17.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.53% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

38.75 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

13.76 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 71.35 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 68.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 74.44 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 51.01 years

male: 50.89 years

female: 51.14 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.4 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

5.8% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3.5 million (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

170,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Nigerian(s)

adjective: Nigerian

Ethnic groups:

Nigeria, which is Africa's most populous country, is composed of

more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most populous and

politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo

(Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Religions:

Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Languages:

English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 68%

male: 75.7%

female: 60.6% (2003 est.)

Government Nigeria

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria

conventional short form: Nigeria

Government type:

republic transitioning from military to civilian rule

Capital:

Abuja; note - on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially

transferred from Lagos to Abuja; most federal government offices

have now made the move to Abuja

Administrative divisions:

36 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja Federal Capital Territory*,

Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross

River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna,

Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun,

Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara

Independence:

1 October 1960 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960)

Constitution:

new constitution adopted May 1999

Legal system:

based on English common law, Islamic Shariah law (only in some

northern states), and traditional law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Olusegun OBASANJO (since 29 May 1999);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Olusegun OBASANJO (since 29 May 1999);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Federal Executive Council

elections: president is elected by popular vote for no more than two

four-year terms; election last held 19 April 2003 (next to be held

NA 2007)

election results: Olusegun OBASANJO elected president; percent of

vote - Olusegun OBASANJO (PDP) 61.9%, Muhammadu BUHARI (ANPP) 31.2%,

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu OJUKWU (APGA) 3.3%, other 3.6%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of Senate (107 seats, three

from each state and one from the Federal Capital Territory; members

elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and House of

Representatives (346 seats, members elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 12 April 2003 (next to be held NA

2007); House of Representatives - last held 12 April 2003 (next to

be held NA 2007)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PDP 53.6%,

ANPP 27.9%, AD 9.7%; seats by party - PDP 73, ANPP 28, AD 6; House

of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDP 54.5%, ANPP

27.4%, AD 9.3%, other 8.8%; seats by party - PDP 213, ANPP 95, AD

31, other 7; note - two constituencies are not reported

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the President); Federal Court of

Appeal (judges are appointed by the federal government on the advice

of the Advisory Judicial Committee)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Democracy or AD [Alhaji Adamu ABDULKADIR]; All Nigeria

Peoples' Party or ANPP [Don ETIEBET]; All Progressives Grand

Alliance or APGA [Chekwas OKORIE]; National Democratic Party or NDP

[Aliyu Habu FARI]; Peoples Democratic Party or PDP [Audu OGBEH];

Peoples Redemption Party or PRP [Abdulkadir Balarabe MUSA]; Peoples

Salvation Party or PSP [Lawal MAITURARE]; United Nigeria Peoples

Party or UNPP [Saleh JAMBO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Nigerian Labor Congress or NLC [Adams OSHIOMOLE]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNMOVIC, UNU, UPU, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jibril Muhammad AMINU

consulate(s) general: Atlanta and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 775-1385

telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400

chancery: 3519 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Howard Franklin JETER

embassy: 7 Mambilla Drive, Abuja

mailing address: P. O. Box 554, Lagos

telephone: [234] (9) 523-0916/0906/5857/2235/2205

FAX: [234] (9) 523-0353

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green

Economy Nigeria

Economy - overview:

The oil-rich Nigerian economy, long hobbled by political

instability, corruption, and poor macroeconomic management, is

undergoing substantial reform under the new civilian administration.

Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy

away from overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which

provides 20% of GDP, 95% of foreign exchange earnings, and about 65%

of budgetary revenues. The largely subsistence agricultural sector

has failed to keep up with rapid population growth, and Nigeria,

once a large net exporter of food, now must import food. Following

the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in August 2000, Nigeria

received a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and a $1

billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on economic reforms.

The agreement was allowed to expire by the IMF in November 2001,

however, and Nigeria apparently received much less multilateral

assistance than expected in 2002. Nonetheless, increases in foreign

oil investment and oil production kept growth at 3% in 2002. The

government lacks the strength to implement the market-oriented

reforms urged by the IMF, such as modernization of the banking

system; to curb inflation by blocking excessive wage demands; and to

resolve regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the

oil industry. When the uncertainties in the global economy are added

in, estimates of Nigeria's prospects for 2003 must have a wide

margin of error.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $112.5 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 45% industry: 20% services: 35% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 60% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.6% highest 10%: 40.8% (1996-97)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.6 (1996-97)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

14.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

66 million (1999 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 70%, industry 10%, services 20% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

28% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $3.4 billion

expenditures: $3.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber,

wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction

materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing,

ceramics, steel

Industrial production growth rate:

0.4% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

15.67 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 61.9% hydro: 38.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

14.55 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

20 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

2.256 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

275,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

27 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

15.68 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

7.85 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

7.83 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

4.007 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; timber; fish

Exports:

$17.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 95%, cocoa, rubber

Exports - partners:

US 32.3%, Brazil 8.3%, Spain 7.2%, Indonesia 5.9%, France 5.6%,

India 4.6% (2002)

Imports:

$13.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured goods, food

and live animals

Imports - partners:

UK 9.6%, US 9.4%, China 9.3%, France 8.7%, Germany 6.8%, South

Korea 6.1%, Netherlands 5.2%, Italy 4.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$29.7 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA $250 million (1998)

Currency:

naira (NGN)

Currency code:

NGN

Exchange rates:

nairas per US dollar - NA (2002), 111.23 (2001), 101.7 (2000),

92.34 (1999), 21.89 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Nigeria

Telephones - main lines in use:

500,000 (2000 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

200,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: an inadequate system, further limited by poor

maintenance; major expansion is required and a start has been made

domestic: intercity traffic is carried by coaxial cable, microwave

radio relay, a domestic communications satellite system with 19

earth stations, and a coastal submarine cable; mobile cellular

facilities and the Internet are available

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); coaxial submarine cable SAFE (South

African Far East)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 83, FM 36, shortwave 11 (2001)

Radios:

23.5 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 3 (the government controls 2 of the broadcasting stations and 15 repeater stations) (2002)

Televisions:

6.9 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ng

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

11 (2000)

Internet users:

100,000 (2000)

Transportation Nigeria

Railways:

total: 3,557 km

narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge

standard gauge: 52 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 194,394 km

paved: 60,068 km (including 1,194 km of expressways)

unpaved: 134,326 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

8,575 km

note: consisting of the Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers

and creeks

Pipelines:

condensate 105 km; gas 1,660 km; oil 3,634 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Calabar, Lagos, Onne, Port Harcourt, Sapele, Warri

Merchant marine:

total: 44 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 327,689 GRT/607,560 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Bulgaria 1, Greece 1, Norway 1, Pakistan 1, Togo 1, US

1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 7, chemical tanker 5, petroleum tanker

29, roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1

Airports:

70 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 36 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 3 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 34 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 13 under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Nigeria

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 31,790,482 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 18,259,696 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 1,418,099 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$417.9 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Nigeria

Disputes - international:

ICJ ruled in 2002 on the Cameroon-Nigeria land and maritime

boundary by awarding the potentially petroleum-rich Bakassi

Peninsula and offshore region to Cameroon; Nigeria rejected the

cession of the peninsula but the parties formed a Joint Border

Commission to peaceably resolve the dispute and commence with

demarcation in other less-contested sections of the boundary;

several villages along the Okpara River are in dispute with Benin;

Lake Chad Commission continues to urge signatories Cameroon, Chad,

Niger, and Nigeria to ratify delimitation treaty over lake region,

which remains the site of armed clashes among local populations and

militias; Nigeria agreed to ratify the treaty and relinquish

sovereignty of disputed lands to Cameroon by December 2003

Illicit drugs:

a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for European, East

Asian, and North American markets; safehaven for Nigerian

narcotraffickers operating worldwide; major money-laundering center;

massive corruption and criminal activity, along with unwillingness

of the government to address the deficiencies in its

anti-money-laundering regime make money laundering a major problem

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Niue

Introduction Niue

Background:

Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences

between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest of the Cook

Islands, have caused it to be separately administered. The

population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200 in

1966 to about 2,100 in 2002), with substantial emigration to New

Zealand, 2,400 km to the southwest.

Geography Niue

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga

Geographic coordinates:

19 02 S, 169 52 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 260 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 260 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

64 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Terrain:

steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Natural resources: fish, arable land

Land use: arable land: 19.23% permanent crops: 7.69% other: 73.08% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues: increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note: one of world's largest coral islands

People Niue

Population: 2,145 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.01% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Niuean(s)

adjective: Niuean

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian (with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans)

Religions:

Ekalesia Niue (Niuean Church - a Protestant church closely related

to the London Missionary Society) 75%, Latter-Day Saints 10%, other

15% (mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day

Adventist)

Languages:

Niuean, a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan;

English

Literacy: definition: NA total population: 95% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Niue

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Niue former: Savage Island

Dependency status:

self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974;

Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains

responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these

responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised

at the request of the Government of Niue

Government type:

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Alofi

Administrative divisions:

none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as

defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the

second order

Independence:

on 19 October 1974, Niue became a self-governing parliamentary

government in free association with New Zealand

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty

over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Constitution:

19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Legal system:

English common law

note: Niue is self-governing, with the power to make its own laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); the UK

and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner

John BRYAN (since NA May 2000)

election results: Young VIVIAN elected premier; percent of

Legislative Assembly vote - Young VIVIAN (NPP) 70%, Hunukitama

HUNUKI (AI) 30%

elections: the monarch is hereditary; premier elected by the

Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held 1 May

2002 (next to be held NA May 2005)

head of government: Premier Young VIVIAN (since 1 May 2002)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and three ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve three-year terms; six elected from a common

roll and 14 are village representatives)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NPP 9, independents 11; note - all 20 seats were reelected

elections: last held 21 March 2002 (next to be held in March 2005)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of New Zealand; High Court of Niue

Political parties and leaders:

Niue People's Action Party or NPP [Young VIVIAN]; Alliance of

Independents or AI [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ESCAP (associate), FAO, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Flag description:

yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant;

the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large

one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of

the bold red cross

Economy Niue

Economy - overview:

The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of

geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population.

Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall

is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are

used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government

expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The

agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening,

although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists

primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil,

honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign

collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent

years has suffered a serious loss of population because of migration

of Niueans to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the

promotion of tourism and a financial services industry, although

Premier LAKATANI announced in February 2002 that Niue will shut down

the offshore banking industry. Economic aid from New Zealand in 2002

was about $2.6 million.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $7.6 million (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.3% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,600 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: 55%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (1995)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in

government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries:

tourism, handicrafts, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

2.79 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

20 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle

Exports: $137,200 (1999)

Exports - commodities: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit products, pawpaws, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts

Exports - partners:

NZ mainly, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia (2000)

Imports:

$2.38 million (1999)

Imports - commodities:

food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels,

lubricants, chemicals, drugs

Imports - partners:

NZ mainly, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Australia, US (2000)

Debt - external:

$418,000 (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$2.6 million from New Zealand (2002)

Currency:

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Currency code:

NZD

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.162 (2002), 2.3776 (2001),

2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999), 1.8629 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Niue

Telephones - main lines in use:

376 (1991)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1991)

Telephone system:

domestic: single-line telephone system connects all villages on

island

international: NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

1,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.nu

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Niue

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 234 km paved: 86 km unpaved: 148 km (2001)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Niue

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Transnational Issues Niue

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Norfolk Island

Introduction Norfolk Island

Background:

Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony

(1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, the

island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the

Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Geography Norfolk Island

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

29 02 S, 167 57 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 34.6 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 34.6 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

32 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons (especially May to July)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

most of the 32-km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs,

but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on

Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated

People Norfolk Island

Population: 1,853 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 20.2% 15-64 years: 63.9% 65 years and over: 15.9% (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.01% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Ethnic groups:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander,

Polynesians

Religions:

Anglican 37.4%, Uniting Church in Australia 14.5%, Roman Catholic

11.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.1%, none 12.2%, unknown 17.4%, other

3.9% (1996)

Languages:

English (official), Norfolk a mixture of 18th century English and

ancient Tahitian

Literacy:

NA

Government Norfolk Island

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island

conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; Canberra administers Commonwealth

responsibilities on Norfolk Island through the Department of

Environment, Sport, and Territories

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Kingston

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

Pitcairners Arrival Day, 8 June (1856)

Constitution:

Norfolk Island Act of 1979

Legal system:

based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and acts; English

common law applies in matters not covered by either Australian or

Norfolk Island law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); the UK

and Australia are represented by Administrator Anthony J. MESSNER

(since 4 August 1997)

election results: Geoffrey Robert GARDNER elected chief minister;

percent of Legislative Assembly vote - NA%

elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the

governor general of Australia; chief minister elected by the

Legislative Assembly for a term of not more than three years;

election last held 29 November 2001 (next to be held by December

2004)

head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister Geoffrey

Robert GARDNER (since 5 December 2001)

cabinet: Executive Council is made up of four of the nine members of

the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and

acts as an advisor to the administrator

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats; members elected by

electors who have nine equal votes each but only four votes can be

given to any one candidate; members serve three-year terms)

elections: last held 29 November 2001 (next to be held by December

2004)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a

large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider

white band

Economy Norfolk Island

Economy - overview:

Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily increased over

the years and has brought a level of prosperity unusual among

inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural sector has

become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

tourism NA%, subsistence agriculture NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $4.6 million

expenditures: $4.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 92/93)

Industries:

tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2002) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Agriculture - products:

Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables,

fruit; cattle, poultry

Exports:

$1.5 million f.o.b. (FY 91/92)

Exports - commodities:

postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm,

small quantities of avocados

Exports - partners:

Australia, other Pacific island countries, NZ, Asia, Europe

Imports:

$17.9 million c.i.f. (FY 91/92)

Imports - commodities:

NA

Imports - partners:

Australia, other Pacific island countries, NZ, Asia, Europe

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Australian dollar (AUD)

Currency code:

AUD

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.8406 (2002), 1.9320 (2001),

1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Norfolk Island

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,087 (1983)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1983)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: NA

international: radiotelephone service with Sydney (Australia)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

2,500 (1996)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (local programming station plus two repeaters that bring in

Australian programs by satellite) (1998)

Televisions:

1,200 (1996)

Internet country code:

.nf

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Norfolk Island

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 80 km paved: 53 km unpaved: 27 km (2001)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Norfolk Island

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues Norfolk Island

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Northern Mariana Islands

Introduction Northern Mariana Islands

Background:

Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the

Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the

1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer links

with the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A

covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US

was approved in 1975. A new government and constitution went into

effect in 1978.

Geography Northern Mariana Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters

of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

15 12 N, 145 45 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 477 sq km

note: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

water: 0 sq km

land: 477 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,482 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little

seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy

season July to October

Terrain:

southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing

coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use:

arable land: 15.22%

permanent crops: 6.52%

other: 78.26% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August

to November)

Environment - current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development

Geography - note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

People Northern Mariana Islands

Population:

80,006 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23.3% (male 9,483; female 9,168)

15-64 years: 74.8% (male 27,839; female 32,041)

65 years and over: 1.8% (male 748; female 727) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.4 years

male: 31 years

female: 30.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.37% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.97 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

2.44 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

16.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 6.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.16 years

male: 73.06 years

female: 79.44 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.75 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians, Caucasian, Japanese,

Chinese, Filipino, Korean

Religions:

Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs

and taboos may still be found)

Languages:

English, Chamorro, Carolinian

note: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at home

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 96% (1980 est.)

Government Northern Mariana Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands

former: Mariana Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific

Islands)

Dependency status:

commonwealth in political union with the US; federal funds to the

Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior,

Office of Insular Affairs

Government type:

commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor,

lieutenant governor, and legislature

Capital:

Saipan

Administrative divisions:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no

first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order;

Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Independence:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

National holiday:

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Constitution:

Covenant Agreement effective 4 November 1986 and the Constitution

of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1

January 1978

Legal system:

based on US system, except for customs, wages, immigration laws,

and taxation

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens

but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20

January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January

2001)

head of government: Governor Juan N. BABAUTA (since NA January

2002); Lieutenant Governor Diego T. BENEVENTE (since NA January 2002)

cabinet: NA

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same

ticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor elected

on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election

last held NA November 2001 (next to be held NA November 2005)

election results: Juan N. BABAUTA elected governor in a four-way

race; percent of vote - Juan N. BABAUTA (Republican Party) 49%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve four-year staggered terms) and the

House of Representatives (18 seats; members are elected by popular

vote to serve two-year terms)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Republican Party 4, Democratic Party 3, Reform Party 1,

independent 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - Covenant Party 9, Republican Party 7,

Democratic Party 1, independent 1

note: the Northern Mariana Islands does not have a nonvoting

delegate in the US Congress; instead, it has an elected official or

"resident representative" located in Washington, DC; seats by party

- Republican Party 1 (Pedro A. TENORIO)

elections: Senate - last held 5 November 2001 (next to be held NA

November 2003); House of Representatives - last held 1 November 2003

(next to be held NA November 2005)

Judicial branch:

Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Benigno

R. FITIAL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ESCAP (associate), Interpol (subbureau), SPC

Flag description:

blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on the gray

silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in

building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath

Economy Northern Mariana Islands

Economy - overview:

The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from

the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated

government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs

about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of

GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have

exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial

difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The

agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms

producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment

production is by far the most important industry with employment of

17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under

duty and quota exemptions.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $900 million

note: $900 million $900 million GDP estimate includes US subsidy

(2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $12,500 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.2% (1997 est.)

Labor force:

6,006 total indigenous labor force; 2,699 unemployed; 28,717

foreign workers

Labor force - by occupation:

NA

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $193 million

expenditures: $223 million, including capital expenditures of NA (FY

01/02 est.)

Industries:

tourism, construction, garments, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

garments

Exports - partners:

US (2000)

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

US, Japan (2000)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

extensive funding from US

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications Northern Mariana Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

21,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,200 (1995)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

1 (on Saipan and one station planned for Rota; in addition, two

cable services on Saipan provide varied programming from satellite

networks) (1997)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.mp

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2001)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Northern Mariana Islands

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 362 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (1991)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Saipan, Tinian

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

6 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

Heliports:

1 (2002)

Military Northern Mariana Islands

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Northern Mariana Islands

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Norway

Introduction Norway

Background:

Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the

adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversion

of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In

1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that was to last

for more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the

cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution.

Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its

constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king.

Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905

referendum granting Norway independence. Norway remained neutral in

World War I and proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War

II. Nevertheless, it was not able to avoid a five-year occupation by

Nazi Germany (1940-1945). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and

Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent

waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The

current focus is on containing spending on the extensive welfare

system and planning for the time when petroleum reserves are

depleted. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected

joining the EU.

Geography Norway

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic

Ocean, west of Sweden

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 324,220 sq km

land: 307,860 sq km

water: 16,360 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,544 km

border countries: Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 196 km

Coastline:

21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413 km, long

fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 16,093 km)

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 10 NM territorial sea: 4 NM continental shelf: 200 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder

interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy

year-round on west coast

Terrain:

glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by

fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented

by fjords; arctic tundra in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, copper, natural gas, pyrites, nickel, iron ore, zinc,

lead, fish, timber, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 2.94% permanent crops: 0% other: 97.06% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,270 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

rockslides, avalanches

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting

lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much

indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air

routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines

in world

People Norway

Population:

4,546,123 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.9% (male 465,320; female 439,095)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 1,501,608; female 1,462,590)

65 years and over: 14.9% (male 281,554; female 395,956) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.7 years

male: 36.7 years

female: 38.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.46% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.17 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.72 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.32 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.09 years

male: 76.15 years

female: 82.22 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.8 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,800 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Norwegian(s)

adjective: Norwegian

Ethnic groups:

Norwegian, Sami 20,000

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 86% (state church), other Protestant and Roman

Catholic 3%, other 1%, none and unknown 10% (1997)

Languages:

Norwegian (official)

note: small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Norway

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway

conventional short form: Norway

local short form: Norge

local long form: Kongeriket Norge

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Oslo

Administrative divisions:

19 provinces (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder,

Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland,

Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane,

Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold

Dependent areas:

Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

Independence:

7 June 1905 Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved; 26

October 1905 Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 17 May (1814); note - on 14 January 1814 Denmark

ceded Norway to Sweden; resisting Swedish domination, Norwegians

adopted a new constitution four months later; on 14 August 1814

Norway was proclaimed independent but in union with Sweden; on 7

June 1905 Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved

Constitution:

17 May 1814, modified in 1884

Legal system:

mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law

traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature

when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir

Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20

July 1973)

head of government: Prime Minister Kjell Magne BONDEVIK (since 19

October 2001)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of

Parliament

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following parliamentary

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the

monarch with the approval of the Parliament

Legislative branch:

modified unicameral Parliament or Storting (165 seats; members are

elected by popular vote by proportional representation to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 10 September 2001 (next to be held NA September

2005)

note: for certain purposes, the Parliament divides itself into two

chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership to an upper house

or Lagting

election results: percent of vote by party - Labor Party 24.3%,

Conservative Party 21.2%, Progress Party 14.6%, Socialist Left Party

12.5%, Christian People's Party 12.4%, Center Party 5.6%, Liberal

Party 3.9%, Coastal Party 1.7%, other 3.8%; seats by party - Labor

Party 43, Conservative Party 38, Progress Party 26, Socialist Left

Party 23, Christian People's Party 22, Center Party 10, Liberal

Party 2, Coastal Party 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (justices appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party [Aslaug Marie HAGA]; Christian People's Party [Valgerd

Svarstad HAUGLAND]; Coastal Party [Steinar BASTESEN]; Conservative

Party [Jan PETERSEN]; Labor Party [Jens STOLTENBERG]; Liberal Party

[Lars SPONHEIM]; Progress Party [Carl I. HAGEN]; Socialist Left

Party [Kristin HALVORSEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE,

EFTA, ESA, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO,

ITU, NAM (guest), NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Knut VOLLEBAEK

chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, and San

Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870

telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John D. ONG embassy: Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707 telephone: [47] (22) 44 85 50 FAX: [47] (22) 44 33 63

Flag description:

red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges

of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist

side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Economy Norway

Economy - overview:

The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare

capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and

government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as

the vital petroleum sector (through large-scale state enterprises).

The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum,

hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on

its oil production and international oil prices; in 1999, oil and

gas accounted for 35% of exports. Only Saudi Arabia and Russia

export more oil than Norway. Norway opted to stay out of the EU

during a referendum in November 1994. The government has moved ahead

with privatization. With arguably the highest quality of life

worldwide, Norwegians still worry about that time in the next two

decades when the oil and gas begin to run out. Accordingly, Norway

has been saving its oil-boosted budget surpluses in a Government

Petroleum Fund, which is invested abroad and now is valued at more

than $43 billion. GDP growth was a lackluster 1% in 2002 and 2003

against the background of a faltering European economy.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $149.1 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $33,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.9%

industry: 30.8%

services: 67.3% (2000)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.1% highest 10%: 21.8% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

25.8 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

2.4 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: services 74%, industry 22%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 4% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

3.9% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $71.7 billion

expenditures: $57.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper

products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

1.2% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

120.1 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0.4% hydro: 99.3% other: 0.4% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

115.3 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

7.162 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

10.76 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

3.408 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

171,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

3.466 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

88,870 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

9.859 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

54.6 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

4.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

50.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.716 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish

Exports:

$68.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals,

chemicals, ships, fish

Exports - partners:

UK 18.1%, Germany 13.8%, France 11%, US 9.2%, Netherlands 8.2%,

Sweden 8% (2002)

Imports:

$37.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Sweden 17.7%, Germany 13.4%, UK 7.8%, Denmark 7.7%, US 5.7%,

Netherlands 5.3%, France 4.2%, Italy 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$0 (Norway is a net external creditor)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $1.4 billion (1998)

Currency:

Norwegian krone (NOK)

Currency code:

NOK

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner per US dollar - 7.98 (2002), 8.99 (2001), 8.8

(2000), 7.8 (1999), 7.55 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Norway

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.735 million (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,080,408 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern in all respects; one of the most

advanced telecommunications networks in Europe

domestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; moreover, the

prevalence of rural areas encourages the wide use of cellular mobile

systems instead of fixed-wire systems

international: 2 buried coaxial cable systems; 4 coaxial submarine

cables; satellite earth stations - NA Eutelsat, NA Intelsat

(Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean

regions); note - Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with the

other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) (1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 5, FM at least 650, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

4.03 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

360 (plus 2,729 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

2.03 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.no

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

13 (2000)

Internet users:

2.68 million (2002)

Transportation Norway

Railways: total: 4,178 km standard gauge: 4,178 km 1.435-m gauge (2,518 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 91,454 km

paved: 69,505 km (including 143 km of expressways)

unpaved: 21,949 km (2000)

Waterways:

1,577 km (along west coast)

note: navigable by 2.4 m maximum draft vessels

Pipelines:

condensate 411 km; gas 6,199 km; oil 2,213 km; oil/gas/water 746

km; unknown (oil/water) 38 km; water 96 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bergen, Drammen, Floro, Hammerfest, Harstad, Haugesund,

Kristiansand, Larvik, Narvik, Oslo, Porsgrunn, Stavanger, Tromso,

Trondheim

Merchant marine:

total: 714 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 20,247,207 GRT/30,860,236 DWT

ships by type: bulk 68, cargo 136, chemical tanker 125, combination

bulk 5, combination ore/oil 32, container 19, liquefied gas 86,

multi-function large load carrier 1, passenger 6, petroleum tanker

127, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 44, short-sea passenger

20, specialized tanker 5, vehicle carrier 34

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, Denmark 14, Germany 11, Greece 10, Hong

Kong 7, Iceland 2, Japan 11, Lithuania 1, Monaco 42, Poland 1, Saudi

Arabia 3, Singapore 10, Sweden 42, Switzerland 2, UK 4, US 5 (2002

est.)

Airports:

102 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 66 2,438 to 3,047 m: 13 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 14 under 914 m: 26 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 36 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 29 (2002)

Military Norway

Military branches:

Norwegian Army, Royal Norwegian Navy (including Coast Artillery and

Coast Guard), Royal Norwegian Air Force, Home Guard

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,099,314 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 910,628 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 27,249 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$3.113 billion (FY98/99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.13% (2002)

Transnational Issues Norway

Disputes - international:

Norway asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land

and its continental shelf); despite recent discussions, Russia and

Norway continue to dispute their maritime limits in the Barents Sea

and Russia's fishing rights beyond Svalbard's territorial limits

within the Svalbard Treaty zone

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Oman

Introduction Oman

Background:

In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said ousted his father and has ruled as

sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened

the country to the outside world and has preserved a long-standing

political and military relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate,

independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations

with all Middle Eastern countries.

Geography Oman

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian

Gulf, between Yemen and UAE

Geographic coordinates:

21 00 N, 57 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 212,460 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 212,460 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kansas

Land boundaries: total: 1,374 km border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Coastline: 2,092 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong

southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Terrain:

central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium,

gypsum, natural gas

Land use: arable land: 0.08% permanent crops: 0.22% other: 99.7% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

620 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in

interior; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; very limited

natural fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous

Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait of

Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

People Oman

Population: 2,807,125 note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 603,664; female 580,469)

15-64 years: 55.4% (male 934,621; female 620,158)

65 years and over: 2.4% (male 36,504; female 31,709) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.4 years

male: 22.3 years

female: 16.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.38% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

37.47 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

3.97 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.51 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.15 male(s)/female

total population: 1.28 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.01 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 17.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 24.03 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.58 years

male: 70.4 years

female: 74.86 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.94 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,300 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Omani(s)

adjective: Omani

Ethnic groups:

Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan,

Bangladeshi), African

Religions:

Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu

Languages:

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Literacy: definition: NA total population: 75.8% male: 83.1% female: 67.2% (2003 est.)

Government Oman

Country name:

conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman

conventional short form: Oman

local long form: Saltanat Uman

former: Muscat and Oman

local short form: Uman

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

Muscat

Administrative divisions:

6 regions (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah) and 2 governorates*

(muhafazat, singular - muhafazah) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al

Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat, Musandam*, Zufar*; note -

the US Embassy in Oman reports that Masqat is a governorate, but

this has not been confirmed by the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN)

Independence:

1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

National holiday:

Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

Constitution:

none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal

decree promulgating a new basic law which, among other things,

clarifies the royal succession, provides for a prime minister, bars

ministers from holding interests in companies doing business with

the government, establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees

basic civil liberties for Omani citizens

Legal system:

based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the

monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

in Oman's most recent elections in 2000, limited to approximately

175,000 Omanis chosen by the government to vote in elections for the

Majlis al-Shura

Executive branch:

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al Said

(since 23 July 1970); note - the monarch is both the chief of state

and head of government

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al

Said (since 23 July 1970); note - the monarch is both the chief of

state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary

Legislative branch:

bicameral Majlis Oman consists of an upper chamber or Majlis

al-Dawla (48 seats; members appointed by the monarch; has advisory

powers only) and a lower chamber or Majlis al-Shura (83 seats;

members elected by limited suffrage for three-year term, however,

the monarch makes final selections and can negate election results;

body has some limited power to propose legislation, but otherwise

has only advisory powers)

elections: last held 4 October 2003 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: NA

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has

non-Islamic judges as well as traditional Islamic judges

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Muhammad bin Ali bin Thani AL-KHUSSAIBY

chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980 through 1981, 1988

FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard Lewis BALTIMORE III

embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat

mailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Al-Sultan Qaboos,

Muscat

telephone: [968] 698989, extension 203

FAX: [968] 699771

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width with

a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem

(a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords

in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band

Economy Oman

Economy - overview:

Oman's economic performance improved significantly in 2000 due

largely to the upturn in oil prices. The government is moving ahead

with privatization of its utilities, the development of a body of

commercial law to facilitate foreign investment, and increased

budgetary outlays. Oman continues to liberalize its markets and

joined the World Trade Organization (WTrO) in November 2000. GDP

growth improved in 2001 despite the global slowdown and then fell

back to 2.2% in 2002. In order to reduce unemployment, the

government is trying to replace expatriate workers with local

workers. Another government objective is the development of the

nation's gas resources.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $22.4 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 55%

services: 42% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

920,000 (2002 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $9.2 billion

expenditures: $6.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

crude oil production and refining, natural gas production,

construction, cement, copper

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

9.274 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

8.625 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

963,800 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

53,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

5.703 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

13.77 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

6.34 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

7.43 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

846.4 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish

Exports:

$10.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Exports - partners:

Japan 20.5%, South Korea 18.5%, China 14.1%, Thailand 11.7%, UAE

9.2%, Singapore 4.3%, US 4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$5.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food,

livestock, lubricants

Imports - partners:

UAE 27.5%, Japan 16.7%, UK 7.4%, US 6.9%, Germany 5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$5.7 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$76.4 million (1995)

Currency:

Omani rial (OMR)

Currency code:

OMR

Exchange rates:

Omani rials per US dollar - 0.38 (2002), 0.38 (2001), 0.38 (2000),

0.38 (1999), 0.38 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Oman

Telephones - main lines in use:

201,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

59,822 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system consisting of open-wire,

microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited

coaxial cable

domestic: open-wire, microwave, radiotelephone communications, and a

domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

and 1 Arabsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 9, shortwave 2 (1999)

Radios:

1.4 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

13 (plus 25 low-power repeaters) (1999)

Televisions:

1.6 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.om

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

120,000 (2002)

Transportation Oman

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 34,965 km

paved: 9,673 km (including 550 km of expressways)

unpaved: 25,292 km (2001)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 3,599 km; oil 3,187 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Matrah, Mina' al Fahl, Mina' Raysut

Merchant marine:

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 17,291 GRT/9,457 DWT

ships by type: container 1, passenger 2

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Singapore 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

139 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 6 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 133 914 to 1,523 m: 37 under 914 m: 32 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 55 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Oman

Military branches:

Royal Omani Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), Royal Omani Police

Military manpower - military age:

14 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 788,429 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 438,326 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 29,485 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$2.424 billion (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

12.2% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Oman

Disputes - international: boundary agreement signed and ratified with UAE in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah enclaves

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Pacific Ocean

Introduction Pacific Ocean

Background:

The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the world's five oceans

(followed by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and

Arctic Ocean). Strategically important access waterways include the

La Perouse, Tsugaru, Tsushima, Taiwan, Singapore, and Torres Straits.

Geography Pacific Ocean

Location:

body of water between the Southern Ocean, Asia, Australia, and the

Western Hemisphere

Geographic coordinates:

0 00 N, 160 00 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 155.557 million sq km

note: includes Bali Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East

China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Philippine Sea, Sea of

Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and other

tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28% of the global

surface; larger than the total land area of the world

Coastline:

135,663 km

Climate:

planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind patterns exhibit

remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade winds and

westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by seasonal

fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of

Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central America;

continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much less

pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same latitude

in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is monsoonal - a

rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden

winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the

winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian landmass back to

the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike southeast and

east Asia from May to December

Terrain:

surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated by a

clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents) and

in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; in

the northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of

Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarctica

reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the

eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the

western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the Mariana

Trench, which is the world's deepest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench -10,924 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel

aggregates, placer deposits, fish

Natural hazards:

surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity

sometimes referred to as the "Pacific Ring of Fire"; subject to

tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to

December (most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones

(hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and

Mexico from June to October (most common in August and September);

cyclical El Nino/La Nina phenomenon occurs in the equatorial

Pacific, influencing weather in the Western Hemisphere and the

western Pacific; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme

north from October to May; persistent fog in the northern Pacific

can be a maritime hazard from June to December

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter,

seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and

South China Sea

Geography - note:

the major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon

Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific

Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean;

dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the

southwestern Pacific Ocean

Economy Pacific Ocean

Economy - overview:

The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and

particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides

low-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing

grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel

for the construction industry. In 1996, over 60% of the world's fish

catch came from the Pacific Ocean. Exploitation of offshore oil and

gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy

supplies of US, Australia, NZ, China, and Peru. The high cost of

recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in

world prices for oil since 1985, has slowed but not stopped new

drillings.

Transportation Pacific Ocean

Ports and harbors:

Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Kao-hsiung (Taiwan), Los Angeles

(US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San Francisco (US),

Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney (Australia),

Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan)

Transportation - note:

Inside Passage offers protected waters from southeast Alaska to

Puget Sound (Washington state)

Transnational Issues Pacific Ocean

Disputes - international: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Pakistan

Introduction Pakistan

Background:

The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of

Pakistan (with two sections West and East) and largely Hindu India

was never satisfactorily resolved. A third war between these

countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan seceding and becoming

the separate nation of Bangladesh. A dispute over the state of

Kashmir is ongoing. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing,

Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998.

Geography Pakistan

Location:

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east

and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north

Geographic coordinates:

30 00 N, 70 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 803,940 sq km

land: 778,720 sq km

water: 25,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 6,774 km

border countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912

km, Iran 909 km

Coastline:

1,046 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north

Terrain:

flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest;

Balochistan plateau in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

Natural resources:

land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor

quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone

Land use: arable land: 27.81% permanent crops: 0.79% other: 71.4% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

180,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and

west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August)

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and

agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; a

majority of the population does not have access to potable water;

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routes

between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent

People Pakistan

Population:

150,694,740 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.3% (male 30,463,958; female 28,726,776)

15-64 years: 56.5% (male 43,571,093; female 41,651,872)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 3,051,674; female 3,229,367) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 19.8 years male: 19.7 years female: 20 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.01% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

29.59 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.79 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 76.53 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 76.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 76.95 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.2 years

male: 61.3 years

female: 63.14 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.1 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

78,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,500 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Pakistani(s)

adjective: Pakistani

Ethnic groups:

Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from

India at the time of partition and their descendants)

Religions:

Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other 3%

Languages:

Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu

8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English

(official and lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government

ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 45.7%

male: 59.8%

female: 30.6% (2003 est.)

Government Pakistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan

conventional short form: Pakistan

former: West Pakistan

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

Islamabad

Administrative divisions:

4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan,

Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**,

North-West Frontier Province, Punjab, Sindh

note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and

Kashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas

Independence:

14 August 1947 (from UK)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 23 March (1956)

Constitution:

10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with amendments 30

December 1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored on 31 December

2002

note: selected provisions of the Constitution pertaining to changes

President MUSHARRAF made while the Constitution was suspended,

remain contested by political opponents

Legal system:

based on English common law with provisions to accommodate

Pakistan's status as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; joint electorates and reserved

parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims

Executive branch:

note: following a military takeover on 12 October 1999, Chief of

Army Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee,

General Pervez MUSHARRAF, suspended Pakistan's constitution and

assumed the additional title of Chief Executive; exercising the

powers of the head of the government, he appointed an eight-member

National Security Council to function as Pakistan's supreme

governing body; on 12 May 2000, Pakistan's Supreme Court unanimously

validated the October 1999 coup and granted MUSHARRAF executive and

legislative authority for three years from the coup date; on 20 June

2001, MUSHARRAF named himself as president and was sworn in,

replacing Mohammad Rafiq TARAR; in a referendum held on 30 April

2002, MUSHARRAF's presidency was extended by five more years

chief of state: President Pervez MUSHARRAF (since 20 June 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan JAMALI (since

23 November 2002)

elections: the president is elected by Parliament for a five-year

term; note - in a referendum held on 30 April 2002, MUSHARRAF's

presidency was extended by five more years (next to be held NA

2007); the prime minister is selected by the National Assembly for a

four-year term (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: results are for the 10 October 2002 election for

prime minister - Mir Zafarullah Khan JAMALI elected prime minister

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the Prime Minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the Senate (100

seats - formerly 87; members indirectly elected by provincial

assemblies to serve four-year terms; and the National Assembly (342

seats - formerly 217; 60 seats represent women; 10 seats represent

minorities; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

election results: Senate results - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - PML/Q 40, PPPP 11, MMA 21, MQM/A 6, PML/N 4, NA 3,

PML/F 1, PkMAP 2, ANP 2, PPP/S 2, JWP 1, BNP-Awami 1, BNP-Mengal 1,

BNM/H 1, independents 4; National Assembly results - percent of

votes by party - NA%; seats by party - PML/Q 126, PPPP 81, MMA 63,

PML/N 19, MQM/A 17, NA 16, PML/F 5, PML/J 3, PPP/S 2, BNP 1, JWP 1,

PAT 1, PML/Z 1, PTI 1, MQM/H 1, PkMAP 1, independents 3

elections: Senate - last held 24 and 27 February 2003 (next to be

held by February 2007); National Assembly - last held 10 October

2002 (next to be held by October 2006)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president); Federal

Islamic or Shari'a Court

Political parties and leaders:

Awami National Party or ANP [Wali KHAN]; Balochistan National

Movement/Hayee Group or BNM/H [Dr. Hayee BALUCH]; Baluch National

Party or BNP [Sardar Akhtar MENGAL]; Baluch National Party/Awami or

BNP/Awami [Moheem Kahn BALOCH]; Jamhoori Watan Party or JWP [Akbar

Khan BUGTI]; Jamiat-al-Hadith or JAH [Sajid MIR]; Jamiat

Ulema-i-Islam, Fazlur Rehman faction or JUI/F [Fazlur REHMAN];

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Sami-ul-HAQ faction or JUI/S [Sami ul-HAQ];

Jamiat-i-Islami or JI [Qazi Hussain AHMED]; Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan,

Noorani faction or JUP/NO [Shah Ahmad NOORANI]; Millat Party or MP

[Farooq LEGHARI]; Mutahida Qaumi Movement, Altaf faction or MQM/A

[Altaf HUSSAIN]; Muhajir Quami Movement, Haqiqi faction or MQM/H

[Afaq AHMAD]; Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal Pakistan or MMA [leader NA];

National Alliance or NA [Farooq Ahmad Khan LEGHARI]; National

People's Party or NPP [Ghulam Mustapha JATOI]; Pakhtun Khwa Milli

Awami Party or PkMAP [Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI]; Pakhtun Quami Party or

PQP [Mohammed Afzal KHAN]; Pakistan Awami Tehrik or PAT [Tahir ul

QADRI]; Pakistan Democratic Party or PDP [Nawabadzada KHAN];

Pakistan Muslim League, Functional Group or PML/F [Pir PAGARO];

Pakistan Muslim League, Junejo faction or PML/J [Hamid Nasir

CHATTHA]; Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Sharif faction or PML/N

[Nawaz SHARIF]; Pakistan Muslim League, Quaid-l-Azam faction or

PML/Q [Chaudhry Shujjat HUSSEIN]; Pakistan Muslim League, Zia-ul-HAQ

or PML/Z [Ejaz ul-Haq]; Pakistan National Party or PNP [Hasil

BIZENJO]; Pakistan People's Party or PPP [Benazir BHUTTO]; Pakistan

People's Party/Sherpao or PPP/S [Aftab Ahmed Khan SHERPAO]; Pakistan

People's Party/Shaheed Bhutto or PPP/SB [Ghinva BHUTTO]; Pakistan

People's Party Parliamentarians or PPPP [Amin FAHIM]; Pakistan

Tehrik-e-Insaaf or PTI [Imran KHAN]; Tehrik-i-Islami [Allama Sajid

NAQVI]; Tehrik-i-Insaaf or PTI [Imran KHAN]

note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequently

Political pressure groups and leaders:

military remains most important political force; ulema (clergy),

landowners, industrialists, and small merchants also influential

International organization participation:

AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner), C (suspended), CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO,

G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, PCA, SAARC, UN, UN

Security Council (temporary), UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir QAZI

chancery: 2315 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

FAX: [1] (202) 387-0484

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York, and Sunnyvale

(California)

telephone: [1] (202) 939-6205

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Nancy J. POWELL

embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad

mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 62200, APO AE 09812-2200

telephone: [92] (51) 2080-0000

FAX: [92] (51) 2276427

consulate(s): Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar

Flag description:

green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of religious

minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are

centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are

traditional symbols of Islam

Economy Pakistan

Economy - overview:

Pakistan, an impoverished and underdeveloped country, suffers from

internal political disputes, low levels of foreign investment, and a

costly, ongoing confrontation with neighboring India. Pakistan's

economic prospects, although still marred by poor human development

indicators, continued to improve in 2002 following unprecedented

inflows of foreign assistance beginning in 2001. Foreign exchange

reserves have grown to record levels, supported largely by fast

growth in recorded worker remittances. Trade levels rebounded after

a sharp decline in late 2001. The government has made significant

inroads in macroeconomic reform since 2000, but progress is

beginning to slow. Although it is in the second year of its $1.3

billion IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, Islamabad

continues to require waivers for politically difficult reforms.

Long-term prospects remain uncertain as development spending remains

low, regional tensions remain high, and political tensions weaken

Pakistan's commitment to lender-recommended economic reforms. GDP

growth will continue to hinge on crop performance; dependence on

foreign oil leaves the import bill vulnerable to fluctuating oil

prices; and efforts to open and modernize the economy remain uneven.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $295.3 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.4% (FY01/02 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,000 (FY01/02 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 24% industry: 25% services: 51% (FY01/02 est.)

Population below poverty line: 35% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.1% highest 10%: 27.6% (1996-97)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41 (FY98/99)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

40.4 million

note: extensive export of labor, mostly to the Middle East, and use

of child labor (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 44%, industry 17%, services 39% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.8% plus substantial underemployment (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $12.6 billion

expenditures: $14.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY02/03 est.)

Industries:

textiles, and apparel, food processing, beverages, construction

materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp

Industrial production growth rate:

2.4% (FY01/02 est.)

Electricity - production:

66.96 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 68.8% hydro: 28.2% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 3%

Electricity - consumption:

62.27 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

62,870 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

365,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

297.1 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

23.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

23.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

695.6 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk, beef, mutton, eggs

Exports:

$9.8 billion f.o.b. (FY02/03 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles (garments, cotton cloth, and yarn), rice, leather, sports

goods, and carpets and rugs

Exports - partners:

US 24.5%, UAE 8.5%, UK 7.2%, Germany 4.9%, Hong Kong 4.8% (2002)

Imports:

$11.1 billion f.o.b. (FY02/03 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, chemicals, transportation

equipment, edible oils, pulses, iron an steel, tea

Imports - partners:

UAE 11.7%, Saudi Arabia 11.7%, Kuwait 6.7%, US 6.4%, China 6.2%,

Japan 6%, Malaysia 4.5%, Germany 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$32.3 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$2.4 billion (FY01/02)

Currency:

Pakistani rupee (PKR)

Currency code:

PKR

Exchange rates:

Pakistani rupees per US dollar - 59.72 (2002), 61.93 (2001), 53.65

(2000), 49.12 (1999), 44.94 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Pakistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.861 million (March 1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

158,000 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: the domestic system is mediocre, but improving;

service is adequate for government and business use, in part because

major businesses have established their own private systems; since

1988, the government has promoted investment in the national

telecommunications system on a priority basis, significantly

increasing network capacity; despite major improvements in trunk and

urban systems, telecommunication services are still not readily

available to the majority of the rural population

domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable,

cellular, and satellite networks

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway

exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay

to neighboring countries (1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 27, FM 1, shortwave 21 (1998)

Radios:

13.5 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

22 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

3.1 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.pk

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

30 (2000)

Internet users:

1.2 million (2000)

Transportation Pakistan

Railways:

total: 8,163 km

broad gauge: 7,718 km 1.676-m gauge (293 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 445 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 254,410 km

paved: 109,396 km (including 339 km of expressways)

unpaved: 145,014 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 9,945 km; oil 1,821 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Karachi, Port Muhammad bin Qasim

Merchant marine:

total: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 247,675 GRT/375,435 DWT

ships by type: cargo 14, container 3, petroleum tanker 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

124 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 87 over 3,047 m: 14 2,438 to 3,047 m: 21 914 to 1,523 m: 17 under 914 m: 3 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 32

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 37 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 19 (2002)

Heliports: 13 (2002)

Military Pakistan

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces, National Guard

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 38,133,733 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 23,328,575 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 1,767,502 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$2.964 billion (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.6% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Pakistan

Disputes - international:

thousands of Afghan refugees still reside in Pakistan; isolating

terrain and close ties among Pashtuns in Pakistan make cross-border

activities difficult to control; armed stand-off with India over the

status and sovereignty of Kashmir continues - India objects to

Pakistan ceding lands to China in 1965 boundary agreement that India

believes are part of disputed Kashmir; disputes with India over

Indus River water sharing and the terminus of the Rann of Kutch,

which prevents maritime boundary delimitation

Illicit drugs:

opium poppy cultivation practically eliminated; key transit point

for Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western markets; Afghan

narcotics continue to transit Federally Administered Tribal Areas,

Balochistan Province, and Karachi; financial crimes related to drug

trafficking, terrorism, corruption, and smuggling remain problems

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Palau

Introduction Palau

Background:

After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the

Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the

Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the

Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with

the US was approved in 1986, but not ratified until 1993. It entered

into force the following year, when the islands gained independence.

Geography Palau

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of

the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

7 30 N, 134 30 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 458 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 458 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,519 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM territorial sea: 3 NM extended fishing zone: 200 NM

Climate:

wet season May to November; hot and humid

Terrain:

varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of

Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier

reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Natural resources:

forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed

minerals

Land use:

arable land: 21.74%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 78.26% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons (June to December)

Environment - current issues:

inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the

marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing

practices, and overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six

island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II

battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands

People Palau

Population:

19,717 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 2,714; female 2,552)

15-64 years: 68.7% (male 7,352; female 6,197)

65 years and over: 4.6% (male 429; female 473) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.8 years

male: 31.8 years

female: 29.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.54% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.02 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female

total population: 1.14 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 17.55 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.5 years

male: 66.37 years

female: 72.82 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.47 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Palauan(s)

adjective: Palauan

Ethnic groups:

Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 70%,

Asian (mainly Filipinos, followed by Chinese, Taiwanese, and

Vietnamese) 28%, white 2% (2000 est.)

Religions:

Christian (Roman Catholics 49%, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's

Witnesses, the Assembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission, and

Latter-Day Saints), Modekngei religion (one-third of the population

observes this religion, which is indigenous to Palau)

Languages:

English and Palauan official in all states except Sonsoral

(Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are

official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92%

male: 93%

female: 90% (1980 est.)

Government Palau

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Palau

conventional short form: Palau

local short form: Belau

former: Palau District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)

local long form: Beluu er a Belau

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the

Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994

Capital:

Koror; note - a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast of

Koror

Administrative divisions:

16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatobohei, Kayangel, Koror,

Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar,

Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsoral

Independence:

1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)

Constitution:

1 January 1981

Legal system:

based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal,

common, and customary laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since 19

January 2001) and Vice President Sandra PIERANTOZZI (since 19

January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

head of government: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since 19

January 2001) and Vice President Sandra PIERANTOZZI (since 19

January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

cabinet: Cabinet

elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 7 November

2000 (next to be held NA November 2004)

election results: Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. elected president;

percent of vote - Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. 53%, Peter SUGIYAMA

46%; Sandra PIERANTOZZI elected vice president; percent of vote -

Sandra PIERANTOZZI 52%, Alan SEID 45%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consists of the

Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote on a population

basis to serve four-year terms) and the House of Delegates (16

seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA

November 2004); House of Delegates - last held 7 November 2000 (next

to be held NA November 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote - NA%; seats -

independents 9; House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA%; seats -

independents 16

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; National Court; Court of Common Pleas

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IOC,

Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA consulate(s): Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands) FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281 telephone: [1] (202) 452-6814 chancery: 1800 K Street NW, Suite 714, Washington, DC 20006

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: the Ambassador to the Philippines is accredited

to Palau

embassy: address NA, Koror

mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940

telephone: [680] 488-2920, 2990

FAX: [680] 488-2911

Flag description:

light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon) shifted

slightly to the hoist side

Economy Palau

Economy - overview:

The economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence agriculture

and fishing. The government is the major employer of the work force,

relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. Business and

tourist arrivals numbered 50,000 in FY00/01. The population enjoys a

per capita income twice that of the Philippines and much of

Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist sector have been

greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the

rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries, and the

willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $174 million

note: $174 million $174 million GDP estimate includes US subsidy

(2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $9,000 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

9,845 (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 20%, industry NA%, services NA% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

2.3% (2000 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $57.7 million

expenditures: $80.8 million, including capital expenditures of $17.1

million (FY 98/99 est.)

Industries:

tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction,

garment making

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production by source:

0%

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes

Exports:

$18 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

shellfish, tuna, copra, garments

Exports - partners:

US, Japan, Singapore (2000)

Imports:

$99 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

US, Guam, Japan, Singapore, Korea (2000)

Debt - external:

$0 (FY 99/00)

Economic aid - recipient:

$155.8 million ; note - the Compact of Free Association with the

US, entered into after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October

1994, provides Palau with up to $700 million in US aid over 15 years

in return for furnishing military facilities

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications Palau

Telephones - main lines in use:

6,700 (2002)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,000 (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2002)

Radios:

12,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

11,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.pw

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Transportation Palau

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 61 km paved: 36 km unpaved: 25 km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Koror

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Military Palau

Military branches:

NA

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US; under a Compact of Free

Association between Palau and the US, the US military is granted

access to the islands for 50 years

Transnational Issues Palau

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Palmyra Atoll

Introduction Palmyra Atoll

Background:

The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the US

included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the

archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not

include Palmyra Atoll, which is now privately owned by the Nature

Conservancy. This organization is managing the atoll as a nature

preserve. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12 nautical

mile US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and

Wildlife Service and were designated a National Wildlife Refuge in

January 2001.

Geography Palmyra Atoll

Location:

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between

Hawaii and American Samoa

Geographic coordinates:

5 52 N, 162 06 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 11.9 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 11.9 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

14.5 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

equatorial, hot, and very rainy

Terrain:

very low

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2 m

Natural resources: terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (forests and woodlands) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation, coconut trees, and

balsa-like trees up to 30 meters tall

People Palmyra Atoll

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants; 4 to 20 Nature Conservancy staff, US

Fish and Wildlife staff (July 2003 est.)

Government Palmyra Atoll

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Palmyra Atoll

Dependency status:

incorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but administered

from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US

Department of the Interior; the Office of Insular Affairs of the US

Department of the Interior continues to administer nine excluded

areas comprising certain tidal and submerged lands within the 12 NM

territorial sea or within the lagoon

Legal system:

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy Palmyra Atoll

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Transportation Palmyra Atoll

Highways:

most of the roads and many causeways built during World War II are

unserviceable and overgrown (2001)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

West Lagoon

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Palmyra Atoll

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Palmyra Atoll

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Panama

Introduction Panama

Background:

With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly

signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal

and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the

structure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by the

US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. On 7 September

1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal

from the US to Panama by the end of 1999. Certain portions of the

Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over

in the intervening years. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was

deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the

Canal, and remaining US military bases were turned over to Panama by

or on 31 December 1999.

Geography Panama

Location:

Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North

Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 N, 80 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 78,200 sq km

water: 2,210 sq km

land: 75,990 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries: total: 555 km border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km

Coastline: 2,490 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May

to January), short dry season (January to May)

Terrain:

interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland

plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Volcan de Chiriqui 3,475 m

Natural resources:

copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 6.72% permanent crops: 2.08% other: 91.2% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

320 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area

Environment - current issues: water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation and soil erosion threatens siltation of Panama Canal; air pollution in urban areas; mining threatens natural resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge

connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links

North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean

People Panama

Population:

2,960,784 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.6% (male 461,670; female 443,671)

15-64 years: 63.3% (male 950,089; female 924,038)

65 years and over: 6.1% (male 86,006; female 95,310) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.6 years

male: 25.4 years

female: 25.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.36% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

20.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.25 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.44 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 23.59 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.32 years

male: 69.97 years

female: 74.79 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.53 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

25,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,900 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Panamanian(s)

adjective: Panamanian

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed

(West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English 14%

note: many Panamanians bilingual

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.6%

male: 93.2%

female: 91.9% (2003 est.)

Government Panama

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Panama

conventional short form: Panama

local short form: Panama

local long form: Republica de Panama

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

Panama

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory*

(comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera,

Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*, and Veraguas

Independence:

3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28

November 1821)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 November (1903)

Constitution:

11 October 1972; major reforms adopted 1978, 1983 and 1994

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in

the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,

with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (since 1

September 1999); First Vice President Arturo Ulises VALLARINO (since

1 September 1999); Second Vice President Dominador "Kaiser"

Baldonero BAZAN Jimenez (since 1 September 1999); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (since

1 September 1999); First Vice President Arturo Ulises VALLARINO

(since 1 September 1999); Second Vice President Dominador "Kaiser"

Baldonero BAZAN Jimenez (since 1 September 1999); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 2 May 1999

(next to be held NA May 2004)

note: government coalition - PA, MOLIRENA, Democratic Change,

MORENA, PLN, PS

election results: Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez elected president;

percent of vote - Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (PA) 44%, Martin

TORRIJOS (PRD) 37%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (71 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

PRD 34, PA 18, PDC 5, PS 4, MOLIRENA 3, PLN 3, Democratic Change 2,

PRC 1, MORENA 1

note: legislators from outlying rural districts are chosen on a

plurality basis while districts located in more populous towns and

cities elect multiple legislators by means of a proportion-based

formula

elections: last held 2 May 1999 (next to be held NA May 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine judges

appointed for 10-year terms); five superior courts; three courts of

appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Arnulfista Party or PA [Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez]; Civic

Renewal Party or PRC [Serguei DE LA ROSA]; Democratic Change

[Ricardo MARTINELLI]; Democratic Revolutionary Party or PRD [Martin

TORRIJOS]; National Liberal Party or PLN [Raul ARANGO Gasteazopo];

National Renovation Movement or MORENA [Pedro VALLARINO Cox];

Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA [Ramon MORALES];

Popular Party or PP (formerly Christian Democratic Party or PDC)

[Ruben AROSEMENA]; Solidarity Party or PS [Samuel LEWIS Galindo]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chamber of Commerce; National Civic Crusade; National Council of

Organized Workers or CONATO; National Union of Construction and

Similar Workers (SUNTRACS); National Council of Private Enterprise

or CONEP; Panamanian Association of Business Executives or APEDE;

Panamanian Industrialists Society or SIP; Workers Confederation of

the Republic of Panama or CTRP

International organization participation:

ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,

PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto ALFARO Estripeaut

FAX: [1] (202) 483-8416

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New

York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Tampa

telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407

chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Linda Ellen WATT

embassy: Avenida Balboa and Calle 37, Apartado Postal 0816-02561,

Zona 5, Panama City 5

mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002

telephone: [507] 207-7000

FAX: [507] 227-1964

Flag description:

divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white

(hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain

red; the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with

a red five-pointed star in the center

Economy Panama

Economy - overview:

Panama's economy is based primarily on a well-developed services

sector that accounts for three-fourths of GDP. Services include

operating the Panama Canal, banking, the Colon Free Zone, insurance,

container ports, flagship registry, and tourism. A slump in Colon

Free Zone and agricultural exports, the global slowdown, and the

withdrawal of US military forces held back economic growth in

2000-02. The government has been backing public works programs, tax

reforms, new regional trade agreements, and development of tourism

in order to stimulate growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $18.06 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $6,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 7% industry: 17% services: 76% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 37% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.2% highest 10%: 35.7% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

48.5 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

1.1 million

note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled

labor (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 20.8%, industry 18%, services 61.2% (1995 est.)

Unemployment rate:

16% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.9 billion

expenditures: $2 billion, including capital expenditures of $471

million (2000 est.)

Industries:

construction, petroleum refining, brewing, cement and other

construction materials, sugar milling

Industrial production growth rate:

0.5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

4.039 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 37% hydro: 61.3% other: 1.7% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

3.681 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

118 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

43 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

52,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables; livestock; shrimp

Exports:

$5.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing (1999)

Exports - partners:

US 47.8%, Sweden 5.8%, Costa Rica 4.8%, Honduras 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$6.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, chemicals

(1999)

Imports - partners:

US 34.3%, Colombia 5.9%, Japan 5.4%, Costa Rica 4.2%, Venezuela

4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$7 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$197.1 million (1995)

Currency:

balboa (PAB); US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

PAB; USD

Exchange rates:

balboas per US dollar - 1 (2002), 1 (2001), 1 (2000), 1 (1999), 1

(1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Panama

Telephones - main lines in use:

396,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17,000 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic and international facilities well

developed

domestic: NA

international: 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth stations -

2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to the Central American

Microwave System

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 101, FM 134, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

815,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

38 (including repeaters) (1998)

Televisions:

510,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.pa

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

6 (2000)

Internet users:

45,000 (2000)

Transportation Panama

Railways:

total: 355 km

broad gauge: 76 km 1.524-m gauge

narrow gauge: 279 km 0.914-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 11,400 km

paved: 3,944 km (including 30 km of expressways)

unpaved: 7,456 km (1999)

Waterways: 882 km note: 800 km navigable by shallow draft vessels; 82 km Panama Canal

Pipelines:

crude oil 130 km (2001)

Ports and harbors:

Balboa, Cristobal, Coco Solo, Manzanillo (part of Colon area),

Vacamonte

Merchant marine:

total: 4,860 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 122,543,755 GRT/184,910,607

DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 5, bulk 1,443, cargo 846, chemical

tanker 376, combination bulk 72, combination ore/oil 17, container

588, liquefied gas 207, livestock carrier 6, multi-functional

large-load carrier 12, passenger 38, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum

tanker 537, railcar carrier 2, refrigerated cargo 287, roll on/roll

off 107, short-sea passenger 41, specialized tanker 33, vehicle

carrier 240

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Albania 2, Angola 1, Antigua and Barbuda 1, Argentina

11, Australia 13, Austria 2, The Bahamas 5, Belgium 2, Belize 6,

Brazil 6, British Virgin Islands 8, Cambodia 1, Canada 9, Chile 12,

China 259, Colombia 14, Croatia 2, Cuba 20, Cyprus 3, Denmark 3,

Dominican Republic 1, Ecuador 3, Egypt 16, Equatorial Guinea 1,

France 9, Germany 72, Greece 523, Haiti 1, Honduras 3, Hong Kong

299, Iceland 1, India 18, Indonesia 48, Ireland 1, Israel 5, Italy

9, Japan 1,642, Kenya 1, Kuwait 2, Latvia 8, Liberia 5, Lithuania 1,

Malaysia 18, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 1, Mexico 8, Monaco 112,

Netherlands 19, Netherlands Antilles 1, Nigeria 3, Norway 98,

Paraguay 1, Peru 15, Philippines 49, Poland 5, Portugal 7, Puerto

Rico 2, Romania 7, Russia 12, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent

and the Grenadines 5, Saudi Arabia 4, Seychelles 1, Singapore 112,

South Africa 3, South Korea 342, Spain 52, Sri Lanka 3, Sudan 1,

Sweden 2, Switzerland 81, Taiwan 334, Thailand 14, Trinidad and

Tobago 1, Tunisia 1, Turkey 4, Ukraine 1, UAE 54, UK 73, US 115,

Venezuela 6 (2002 est.)

Airports:

103 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 41 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 13 under 914 m: 21 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 62 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 50 (2002)

Military Panama

Military branches:

an amendment to the Constitution abolished the armed forces, but

there are security forces (Panamanian Public Forces or PPF includes

the Panamanian National Police, National Maritime Service, and

National Air Service)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 797,456 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 544,967 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$128 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.3% (FY99)

Military - note:

on 10 February 1990, the government of then President ENDARA

abolished Panama's military and reformed the security apparatus by

creating the Panamanian Public Forces; in October 1994, Panama's

Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting

the creation of a standing military force, but allowing the

temporary establishment of special police units to counter acts of

"external aggression"

Transnational Issues Panama

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

major cocaine transshipment point and primary money laundering

center for narcotics revenue; money-laundering activity is

especially heavy in the Colon Free Zone; offshore financial center;

negligible signs of coca cultivation; monitoring of financial

transactions is improving; official corruption remains a major

problem

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Papua New Guinea

Introduction Papua New Guinea

Background:

The eastern half of the island of New Guinea - second largest in

the world - was divided between Germany (north) and the UK (south)

in 1885. The latter area was transferred to Australia in 1902, which

occupied the northern portion during World War I and continued to

administer the combined areas until independence in 1975. A

nine-year secessionist revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in

1997, after claiming some 20,000 lives.

Geography Papua New Guinea

Location:

Oceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island

of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean,

east of Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 S, 147 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 462,840 sq km

land: 452,860 sq km

water: 9,980 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries: total: 820 km border countries: Indonesia 820 km

Coastline:

5,152 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon

(May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

Natural resources: gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil, fisheries

Land use: arable land: 0.13% permanent crops: 1.35% other: 98.52% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire"; the

country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes; mud

slides; tsunamis

Environment - current issues:

rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of growing

commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining

projects; severe drought

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of world's largest

swamps along southwest coast

People Papua New Guinea

Population:

5,295,816 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.4% (male 1,034,219; female 1,000,505)

15-64 years: 57.8% (male 1,582,983; female 1,479,436)

65 years and over: 3.8% (male 93,604; female 105,069) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.8 years

male: 21 years

female: 20.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.34% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

31.07 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 54.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 50.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 59.14 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.19 years

male: 62.07 years

female: 66.42 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.13 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.7% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

17,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

880 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Papua New Guinean(s)

adjective: Papua New Guinean

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%, Presbyterian/Methodist/London

Missionary Society 8%, Anglican 5%, Evangelical Alliance 4%,

Seventh-Day Adventist 1%, other Protestant 10%, indigenous beliefs

34%

Languages:

English spoken by 1%-2%, pidgin English widespread, Motu spoken in

Papua region

note: 715 indigenous languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 66%

male: 72.3%

female: 59.3% (2003 est.)

Government Papua New Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guinea

conventional short form: Papua New Guinea

abbreviation: PNG

former: Territory of Papua and New Guinea

Government type:

constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Port Moresby

Administrative divisions:

20 provinces; Bougainville, Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands,

East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay,

Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, Sandaun, Southern

Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain

Independence:

16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Constitution:

16 September 1975

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Sir Albert KIPALAN (since 13

November 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2

August 2002); Deputy Prime Minister Andrew BAING (since 15 November

2003)

cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor

general on the recommendation of the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the National Executive Council; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition usually is appointed prime minister by the

governor general

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament - sometimes referred to as the House

of Assembly (109 seats, 89 elected from open electorates and 20 from

provincial electorates; members elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 15-29 June 2002 and April and May 2003;

completed in May 2003 (voting in the Southern Highlands was not

completed during the June 2002 election period); next to be held not

later than June 2007

election results: percent of vote by party - PPP 15%, Pangu Pati

14%, NA 14%, PDM 8%, PNC 6%, PAP 5%, UP 3%, NP 1%, PUP 1%,

independents 33%; seats by party - PPP 16, Pangu Pati 15, NA 15, PDM

9, PNC 7, PAP 5, UP 3, NP 1, PUP 1, independents 37; note -

association with political parties is very fluid (2002)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor

general on the proposal of the National Executive Council after

consultation with the minister responsible for justice; other judges

are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

Melanesian Alliance Party or MAP [Bernard NAROKOBI]; National

Alliance or NA [Michael SOMARE, party leader; George MANOA, party

president]; National Front Party [leader NA]; National Party or NP

[leader NA]; Papua New Guinea Revival Party [John PUNDARI]; Papua

New Guinea United Party or Pangu Pati [Pate WAMP, party leader;

Chris HAIVETA, parliamentary leader]; People's Action Party or PAP

[Ted DIRO]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Sir Mekere

MORAUTA]; People's Labor Party or PLP [Peter YAMA]; People's

National Congress or PNC [Bill SKATE]; People's Progress Party or

PPP [Michael NALI]; People's Unity Party or PUP [leader NA]; United

Party or UP [Rimbiuk PATO]

note: 43 political parties registered to participate in the June

2002 elections

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (associate member),

C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO

(correspondent), ITU, NAM, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Evan Jeremy PAKI

chancery: 1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC

20036

FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679

telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert W. Fitts embassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresby mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby PI, US Department of State, Washington DC 20521-4240 telephone: [675] 321-1455 FAX: [675] 321-3423

Flag description:

divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle

is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower

triangle is black with five, white, five-pointed stars of the

Southern Cross constellation centered

Economy Papua New Guinea

Economy - overview:

Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but

exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain and the high cost

of developing infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence

livelihood for 85% of the population. Mineral deposits, including

oil, copper, and gold, account for 72% of export earnings. The

economy has faltered over the past three years but will probably

improve slightly in 2003. Former Prime Minister Mekere MORAUTA had

tried to restore integrity to state institutions, stabilize the

kina, restore stability to the national budget, privatize public

enterprises where appropriate, and ensure ongoing peace on

Bougainville. The government has had considerable success in

attracting international support, specifically gaining the backing

of the IMF and the World Bank in securing development assistance

loans. Significant challenges face Prime Minister Michael SOMARE,

including gaining further investor confidence, continuing efforts to

privatize government assets, and maintaining the support of members

of Parliament.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $10.86 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-3.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 32.1% industry: 35.8% services: 32.1% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 37% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.7% highest 10%: 40.5% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.9 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.3 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 85%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $894 million

expenditures: $1.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $344

million (2000 est.)

Industries:

copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip

production; mining of gold, silver, and copper; crude oil

production; construction, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA

Electricity - production:

1.496 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 54.1% hydro: 45.9% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.391 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

67,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

15,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

345.2 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

110 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

110 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

385.5 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, tea, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables; poultry, pork

Exports: $1.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities: oil, gold, copper ore, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, crayfish, prawns

Exports - partners:

Australia 23.7%, Japan 9.3%, China 5.3% (2002)

Imports:

$1.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels,

chemicals

Imports - partners:

Australia 49.3%, Singapore 18.8%, New Zealand 4.4%, Japan 4.2%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$2.8 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$400 million (1999 est.)

Currency:

kina (PGK)

Currency code:

PGK

Exchange rates:

kina per US dollar - 3.8 (2002), 3.39 (2001), 2.78 (2000), 2.57

(1999), 2.07 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Papua New Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

61,152 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,053 (1996)

Telephone system:

general assessment: services are adequate and being improved;

facilities provide radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio,

aeronautical radio, and international radio communication services

domestic: mostly radiotelephone

international: submarine cables to Australia and Guam; satellite

earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); international radio

communication service

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 8, FM 19, shortwave 28 (1998)

Radios:

410,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 3 (all in the Port Moresby area) note: additional stations at Mt. Hagen, Goroka, Lae, and Rabaul are planned (2002)

Televisions:

59,841 (1999)

Internet country code:

.pg

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2000)

Internet users:

135,000 (2001)

Transportation Papua New Guinea

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 19,600 km paved: 686 km unpaved: 18,914 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

10,940 km

Pipelines:

oil 264 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Kieta, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul

Merchant marine:

total: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 45,203 GRT/63,238 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Singapore 2, UK 7 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 12, chemical tanker 1, combination

ore/oil 2, container 1, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 3

Airports:

491 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 21 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 under 914 m: 1 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 4

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 470 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 56 under 914 m: 403 (2002)

Heliports: 2 (2002)

Military Papua New Guinea

Military branches:

Papua New Guinea Defense Force (includes Ground Force, Maritime

Operations Element, and Air Operations Element)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,370,419 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 757,421 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$40.21 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Papua New Guinea

Disputes - international: Indonesian secessionists, squatters, and illegal migrants create repatriation problems for Papua New Guinea

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Paracel Islands

Introduction Paracel Islands

Background:

The Paracel Islands are surrounded by productive fishing grounds

and by potential oil and gas reserves. In 1932, French Indochina

annexed the islands and set up a weather station on Pattle Island;

maintenance was continued by its successor, Vietnam. China has

occupied the Paracel Islands since 1974, when its troops seized a

South Vietnamese garrison occupying the western islands. The islands

are claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

Geography Paracel Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs in the South

China Sea, about one-third of the way from central Vietnam to the

northern Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

16 30 N, 112 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: NA sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: NA sq km

Area - comparative:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

518 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

mostly low and flat

Elevation extremes: lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

Natural resources: none

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

composed of 130 small coral islands and reefs divided into the

northeast Amphitrite Group and the western Crescent Group

People Paracel Islands

Population: no indigenous inhabitants note: there are scattered Chinese garrisons (July 2003 est.)

Government Paracel Islands

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Paracel Islands

Economy Paracel Islands

Economy - overview:

China announced plans in 1997 to open the islands for tourism.

Transportation Paracel Islands

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island

being expanded

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Paracel Islands

Military - note: occupied by China

Transnational Issues Paracel Islands

Disputes - international: occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Paraguay

Introduction Paraguay

Background:

In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70), Paraguay

lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. It

stagnated economically for the next half century. In the Chaco War

of 1932-35, large, economically important areas were won from

Bolivia. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER was

overthrown in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in political

infighting in recent years, relatively free and regular presidential

elections have been held since then.

Geography Paraguay

Location:

Central South America, northeast of Argentina

Geographic coordinates:

23 00 S, 58 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 406,750 sq km

water: 9,450 sq km

land: 397,300 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than California

Land boundaries: total: 3,920 km border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern

portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

Terrain:

grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco

region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river,

and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m

highest point: Cerro Pero (Cerro Tres Kandu) 842 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone

Land use: arable land: 5.54% permanent crops: 0.21% other: 94.25% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

670 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly

drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste disposal

present health risks for many urban residents; loss of wetlands

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil; population

concentrated in southern part of country

People Paraguay

Population:

6,036,900 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.4% (male 1,179,084; female 1,141,420)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 1,721,867; female 1,707,918)

65 years and over: 4.7% (male 132,145; female 154,466) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.9 years

male: 20.7 years

female: 21.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.54% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

30.14 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.64 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 27.71 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 22.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 32.63 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.4 years

male: 71.89 years

female: 77.03 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.02 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.11% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,000 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

220 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Paraguayan(s) adjective: Paraguayan

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, Mennonite, and other Protestant

Languages:

Spanish (official), Guarani (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94%

male: 94.9%

female: 93% (2003 est.)

Government Paraguay

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay

conventional short form: Paraguay

local short form: Paraguay

local long form: Republica del Paraguay

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

Asuncion

Administrative divisions:

17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1

capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*,

Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion,

Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari,

Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

Independence:

14 May 1811 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 14 May (1811)

Constitution:

promulgated 20 June 1992

Legal system:

based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial

review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 75

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS (since 15 August

2003); Vice President Luis CASTIGLIONI (since 15 August 2003); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS (since 15 August

2003); Vice President Luis CASTIGLIONI (since 15 August 2003); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 27 April

2003 (next to be held NA April 2008)

election results: Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS elected president; percent

of vote - Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS 37.1%, Julio Cesar Ramon FRANCO

Gomez 23.9%, Pedro Nicolas Maraa FADUL Niella 21.3%, Guillermo

SANCHEZ Guffanti 13.5%, other 4.2%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Chamber of Senators

or Camara de Senadores (45 seats; members are elected by popular

vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara

de Diputados (80 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators - last held 27 April 2003 (next to be

held NA May 2008); Chamber of Deputies - last held 27 April 2003

(next to be held NA May 2008)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - Colorado Party 16, PLRA 12, UNACE 7, MPQ 7,

PPS 2, PEN 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - Colorado Party 37, PLRA 21, UNACE 10, MPQ 10, PPS 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges

appointed on the proposal of the Counsel of Magistrates or Consejo

de la Magistratura)

Political parties and leaders:

Asociacion Nacional Republicana - Colorado Party or ANR [Nicanor

DUARTE FRUTOS]; Movimiento Patria Querida or MPQ [Pedro Nicolas

Maraa FADUL Niella]; Movimiento Union Nacional de Colorados Eticos

or UNACE [Lino Cesar OVIEDO Silva]; Partido Encuentro Nacional or

PEN [Diego ABENTE Brun]; Partido Liberal Radical Autentico or PLRA

[Julio Cesar FRANCO]; Partido Pais Solidario or PPS [Carlos Alberto

FILIZZOLA Pallares]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ahorristas Estafados or AE; National Workers Central or CNT;

Paraguayan Workers Confederation or CPT; Roman Catholic Church;

Unitary Workers Central or CUT

International organization participation:

ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MONUC, NAM (observer),

OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Leila Teresa RACHID COWLES

consulate(s) general: Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans,

New York

FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508

telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962

chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John F. KEANE embassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Casilla Postal 402, Asuncion mailing address: Unit 4711, APO AA 34036-0001 telephone: [595] (21) 213-715 FAX: [595] (21) 213-728

Flag description:

three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an

emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem

is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left)

bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a

green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within

two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears the seal

of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the

words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words

REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles)

Economy Paraguay

Economy - overview:

Paraguay has a market economy marked by a large informal sector.

The informal sector features both reexport of imported consumer

goods to neighboring countries as well as the activities of

thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. Because of

the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic measures

are difficult to obtain. A large percentage of the population

derives their living from agricultural activity, often on a

subsistence basis. The formal economy grew by an average of about 3%

annually in 1995-97; but GDP declined slightly in 1998, 1999, and

2000, rose slightly in 2001, only to fall again in 2002. On a per

capita basis, real income has stagnated at 1980 levels. Most

observers attribute Paraguay's poor economic performance to

political uncertainty, corruption, lack of progress on structural

reform, substantial internal and external debt, and deficient

infrastructure.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $25.19 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-2.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 27% industry: 27% services: 46% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 36% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.5% highest 10%: 43.8% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

57.7 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 45%

Unemployment rate:

18.2% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.3 billion

expenditures: $2 billion, including capital expenditures of $700

million (1999 est.)

Industries:

sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products

Industrial production growth rate:

0% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

44.89 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0% hydro: 99.9% other: 0.1% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

2.637 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

39.11 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

25,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber

Exports:

$2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

soybeans, feed, cotton, meat, edible oils, electricity

Exports - partners:

Brazil 25.1%, Argentina 23%, Chile 5.5%, Bermuda 4% (2002)

Imports:

$2.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

road vehicles, consumer goods, tobacco, petroleum products,

electrical machinery

Imports - partners:

Brazil 32.7%, Argentina 22.7%, US 18.1%, Hong Kong 4.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$3.2 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

guarani (PYG)

Currency code:

PYG

Exchange rates:

guarani per US dollar - 5,720.44 (2002), 4,105.92 (2001), 3,486.35

(2000), 3,119.07 (1999), 2,726.49 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Paraguay

Telephones - main lines in use:

290,475 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

510,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: meager telephone service; principal switching

center is Asuncion

domestic: fair microwave radio relay network

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 46, FM 27, shortwave 6 (three inactive) (1998)

Radios:

925,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (2001)

Televisions:

990,000 (2001)

Internet country code:

.py

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

4 (2000)

Internet users:

20,000 (2000)

Transportation Paraguay

Railways: total: 441 km standard gauge: 441 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 29,500 km paved: 14,986 km unpaved: 14,514 km (1999 est)

Waterways:

3,100 km

Ports and harbors:

Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion

Merchant marine:

total: 21 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 32,475 GRT/36,101 DWT

ships by type: cargo 14, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 3, roll

on/roll off 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Argentina 2, Japan 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

879 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 11

over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 868

1,524 to 2,437 m: 27

914 to 1,523 m: 323

under 914 m: 518 (2002)

Military Paraguay

Military branches:

Army, Navy (includes Naval Air and Marines), Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,465,781 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,056,437 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 61,706 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$125 million (FY98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY98)

Transnational Issues Paraguay

Disputes - international:

unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders

is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and drug trafficking,

and harbors Islamist militants

Illicit drugs:

major illicit producer of cannabis, most or all of which is

consumed in South America; transshipment country for Andean cocaine

headed for Brazil, other Southern Cone markets, Europe, and US;

corruption and some money-laundering activity, especially in the

Tri-Border Area

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Peru

Introduction Peru

Background:

Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean

civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was

captured by the Spanish conquistadores in 1533. Peruvian

independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces

defeated in 1824. After a dozen years of military rule, Peru

returned to democratic leadership in 1980, but experienced economic

problems and the growth of a violent insurgency. President Alberto

FUJIMORI's election in 1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic

turnaround in the economy and significant progress in curtailing

guerrilla activity. Nevertheless, the president's increasing

reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late

1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime. FUJIMORI

won reelection to a third term in the spring of 2000, but

international pressure and corruption scandals led to his ouster by

Congress in November of that year. A caretaker government oversaw

new elections in the spring of 2001, which ushered in Alejandro

TOLEDO as the new head of government.

Geography Peru

Location:

Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between

Chile and Ecuador

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 S, 76 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 1,285,220 sq km

water: 5,220 sq km

land: 1.28 million sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 5,536 km

border countries: Bolivia 900 km, Brazil 1,560 km, Chile 160 km,

Colombia 1,496 km (est.), Ecuador 1,420 km

Coastline:

2,414 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200 NM

territorial sea: 200 NM

Climate:

varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate to

frigid in Andes

Terrain:

western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center

(sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m

Natural resources:

copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal,

phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas

Land use: arable land: 2.85% permanent crops: 0.38% other: 96.77% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

11,950 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic activity

Environment - current issues: deforestation (some the result of illegal logging); overgrazing of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes

Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake,

with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316 m peak, is the

ultimate source of the Amazon River

People Peru

Population:

28,409,897 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.5% (male 4,828,531; female 4,678,008)

15-64 years: 61.5% (male 8,794,799; female 8,689,072)

65 years and over: 5% (male 652,375; female 767,112) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.5 years

male: 23.2 years

female: 23.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.61% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

22.81 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.69 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 36.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 31.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 42.04 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.88 years

male: 68.45 years

female: 73.43 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.81 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

53,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,900 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Peruvian(s)

adjective: Peruvian

Ethnic groups:

Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white

15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%

Languages:

Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 90.9%

male: 95.2%

female: 86.8% (2003 est.)

Government Peru

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Peru

conventional short form: Peru

local long form: Republica del Peru

local short form: Peru

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

Lima

Administrative divisions:

24 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1

constitutional province* (provincia constitucional); Amazonas,

Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao*, Cusco,

Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima,

Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin,

Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

note: some reports indicate that the 24 departments and 1

constitutional province are now being referred to as regions; Peru

is implementing a decentralization program whereby these 25

administrative divisions will begin to exercise greater governmental

authority over their territories; in November 2002, voters chose

their new regional presidents and other regional leaders; the

authority that the regional government will exercise has not yet

been clearly defined, but it will be devolved to the regions over

the course of several years

Independence:

28 July 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

Constitution:

31 December 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique (since 28 July

2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government; additionally two vice presidents are provided for by the

constitution, First Vice President Raul DIEZ Canseco (since 28 July

2001) and Second Vice President David WAISMAN (since 28 July 2001)

head of government: President Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique (since 28

July 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head

of government; additionally two vice presidents are provided for by

the constitution, First Vice President Raul DIEZ Canseco (since 28

July 2001) and Second Vice President David WAISMAN (since 28 July

2001)

note: Prime Minister Carlos FERRERO Costa (since 15 December 2003)

does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of the

president; note - Beatriz MERINO was asked to resign on 12 December

2003 and was replaced by Carlos FERRERO Costa three days later

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

special presidential and congressional elections held 8 April 2001,

with runoff election held 3 June 2001; next to be held 9 April 2006

election results: President Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique elected

president in runoff election; percent of vote - Alejandro TOLEDO

Manrique 53.1%, Alan GARCIA 46.9%

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress of the Republic of Peru or Congreso de la

Republica del Peru (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote

to serve five-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - Peru Posible 26.3%,

APRA 19.7%, Unidad Nacional 13.8%, FIM 11.0%, others 29.2%; seats by

party - Peru Posible 47, APRA 28, Unidad Nacional 17, FIM 11, others

17

elections: last held 8 April 2001 (next to be held 9 April 2006)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges are

appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary)

Political parties and leaders:

Peruvian Aprista Party or PAP [Alan GARCIA]; Independent Moralizing

Front or FIM [Fernando OLIVERA Vega]; National Unity (Unidad

Nacional) or UN [Lourdes FLORES Nano]; Peru Posible or PP [Luis

SOLARI]; Popular Action or AP [Javier DIAZ Orihuela]; Solucion

Popular [Carlos BOLANA]; Somos Peru or SP [Alberto ANDRADE]; Union

for Peru or UPP [Roger GUERRA Garcia]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

leftist guerrilla groups include Shining Path [Abimael GUZMAN

Reynoso (imprisoned), Gabriel MACARIO (top leader at-large)]; Tupac

Amaru Revolutionary Movement or MRTA [Victor POLAY (imprisoned),

Hugo AVALLENEDA Valdez (top leader at-large)]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, APEC, CAN, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA,

MONUC, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UNMEE, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)

chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles,

Miami, New York, Paterson (New Jersey), San Francisco, Washington

(DC)

FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124

telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John R. DAWSON

embassy: Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17s/n, Surco, Lima 33

mailing address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima),

APO AA 34031-5000

telephone: [51] (1) 434-3000

FAX: [51] (1) 434-3037

Flag description:

three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red

with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms

features a shield bearing a vicuna, cinchona tree (the source of

quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all

framed by a green wreath

Economy Peru

Economy - overview:

Thanks to foreign investment and the cooperation between the

government and the IMF and World Bank, growth was strong in 1994-97

and inflation was brought under control. In 1998, El Nino's impact

on agriculture, the financial crisis in Asia, and instability in

Brazilian markets undercut growth. The following year was again lean

year for Peru, with the aftermath of El Nino and the Asian financial

crisis working its way through the economy. Political instability

resulting from the presidential election and FUJIMORI's subsequent

departure from office limited growth in 2000. The downturn in the

global economy further curtailed growth in 2001. President TOLEDO,

who assumed the presidency in July 2001, has been working to

reinvigorate the economy and reduce unemployment. Economic growth in

2002 is estimated at 4.8%, led by construction in the retail and gas

sectors.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $138.8 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 10% industry: 27% services: 63% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 50% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.6% highest 10%: 35.4% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

46.2 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

7.5 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, construction, transport, services

Unemployment rate:

9.4%; widespread underemployment (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $10.4 billion

expenditures: $10.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, food

processing, cement, auto assembly, steel, shipbuilding, metal

fabrication

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

20.59 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 14.5% hydro: 84.7% other: 0.8% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

19.15 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

95,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

161,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

614.7 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

370 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

370 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

245.1 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: coffee, cotton, sugarcane, rice, wheat, potatoes, corn, plantains, coca; poultry, beef, dairy products, wool; fish

Exports: $7.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities: fish and fish products, gold, copper, zinc, crude petroleum and byproducts, lead, coffee, sugar, cotton

Exports - partners:

US 28.1%, China 10.5%, UK 7%, Switzerland 6.1%, Japan 5.6% (2002)

Imports:

$7.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum, iron and

steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

US 26.1%, Chile 7.9%, Spain 5.1%, Colombia 5%, Brazil 4.7%,

Venezuela 4.7%, Argentina 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$29.2 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$895.1 million (1995)

Currency:

nuevo sol (PEN)

Currency code:

PEN

Exchange rates:

nuevo sol per US dollar - 3.52 (2002), 3.51 (2001), 3.49 (2000),

3.38 (1999), 2.93 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Peru

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.8 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

504,995 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate for most requirements

domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system and a domestic

satellite system with 12 earth stations

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); Pan American submarine cable

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 472, FM 198, shortwave 189 (1999)

Radios:

6.65 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

13 (plus 112 repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

3.06 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.pe

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

10 (2000)

Internet users:

3 million (2002)

Transportation Peru

Railways:

total: 1,829 km

standard gauge: 1,515 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 314 km 0.914-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 72,900 km

paved: 9,331 km

unpaved: 63,569 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

8,808 km

note: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries of Amazon system and 208 km

of Lago Titicaca

Pipelines:

gas 388 km; oil 1,557 km; refined products 13 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Callao, Chimbote, Ilo, Matarani, Paita, Puerto Maldonado,

Salaverry, San Martin, Talara, Iquitos, Pucallpa, Yurimaguas

note: Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas are all on the upper reaches

of the Amazon and its tributaries

Merchant marine:

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 29,470 GRT/45,451 DWT

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: US 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1

Airports:

233 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 49 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 20 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 184 1,524 to 2,437 m: 23 914 to 1,523 m: 61 under 914 m: 100 (2002)

Military Peru

Military branches:

Army (Ejercito Peruano), Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru; includes

Naval Air, Marines, and Coast Guard), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea del

Peru; FAP), National Police (includes General Police, Security

Police, and Technical Police)

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 7,510,882 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 5,045,619 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 281,717 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1 billion (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.8% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Peru

Disputes - international:

Bolivia continues to press Chile and Peru to restore the Atacama

corridor ceded to Chile in 1884

Illicit drugs:

until 1996 the world's largest coca leaf producer; emerging opium

producer; cultivation of coca in Peru increased by 8% to 36,600

hectares between 2001 and the end of 2002; much of the cocaine base

is shipped to neighboring Colombia for processing into cocaine,

while finished cocaine is shipped out from Pacific ports to the

international drug market; increasing amounts of base and finished

cocaine, however, are being moved to Brazil and Bolivia for use in

the Southern Cone or transshipped to Europe and Africa

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Philippines

Introduction Philippines

Background:

The Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898 following the

Spanish-American War. They attained independence in 1946 after

Japanese occupation in World War II. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand

MARCOS ended in 1986, when a widespread popular rebellion forced him

into exile. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the

islands. The Philippines has had two electoral presidential

transitions since the removal of MARCOS. In January 2001, the

Supreme Court declared Joseph ESTRADA unable to rule in view of mass

resignations from his government and administered the oath of office

to Vice President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO as his constitutional

successor. The government continues to struggle with Muslim

insurgencies in the south.

Geography Philippines

Location:

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the

South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 122 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 300,000 sq km

water: 1,830 sq km

land: 298,170 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Arizona

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

36,289 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 NM from

coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also

claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 NM in

breadth

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest

monsoon (May to October)

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Natural resources:

timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

Land use:

arable land: 18.45%

permanent crops: 14.76%

other: 66.79% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

15,500 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to

six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active volcanoes;

destructive earthquakes; tsunamis

Environment - current issues:

uncontrolled deforestation in watershed areas; soil erosion; air

and water pollution in Manila; increasing pollution of coastal

mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear

Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber

83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main

water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes

Sea, and Luzon Strait

People Philippines

Population:

84,619,974 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.2% (male 15,625,480; female 15,028,498)

15-64 years: 59.9% (male 25,206,467; female 25,485,482)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 1,427,238; female 1,846,809) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 21.8 years male: 21.3 years female: 22.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.92% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

26.3 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.6 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.98 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 21.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 27.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.29 years

male: 66.44 years

female: 72.28 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.29 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,400 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

720 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Filipino(s)

adjective: Philippine

Ethnic groups:

Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3%

Languages:

two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English;

eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocan, Hiligaynon or

Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.9%

male: 96%

female: 95.8% (2003 est.)

Government Philippines

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines

conventional short form: Philippines

local short form: Pilipinas

local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Manila

Administrative divisions:

73 provinces and 61 chartered cities*; Abra, Agusan del Norte,

Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Angeles*, Antique, Aurora, Bacolod*,

Bago*, Baguio*, Bais*, Basilan, Basilan City*, Bataan, Batanes,

Batangas, Batangas City*, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan,

Butuan*, Cabanatuan*, Cadiz*, Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro*, Calbayog*,

Caloocan*, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Canlaon*,

Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cavite City*, Cebu, Cebu City*,

Cotabato*, Dagupan*, Danao*, Dapitan*, Davao City*, Davao del Norte,

Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dipolog*, Dumaguete*, Eastern Samar,

General Santos*, Gingoog*, Ifugao, Iligan*, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos

Sur, Iloilo, Iloilo City*, Iriga*, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao, La

Carlota*, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Laoag*,

Lapu-Lapu*, La Union, Legaspi*, Leyte, Lipa*, Lucena*, Maguindanao,

Mandaue*, Manila*, Marawi*, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental,

Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain,

Naga*, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern

Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Olongapo*, Ormoc*, Oroquieta*,

Ozamis*, Pagadian*, Palawan, Palayan*, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasay*,

Puerto Princesa*, Quezon, Quezon City*, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon,

Roxas*, Samar, San Carlos* (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos* (in

Pangasinan), San Jose*, San Pablo*, Silay*, Siquijor, Sorsogon,

South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao*,

Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacloban*, Tagaytay*,

Tagbilaran*, Tangub*, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi, Toledo*, Trece Martires*,

Zambales, Zamboanga*, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur

Independence:

12 June 1898 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day (from Spain), 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898

is the date of independence from Spain, 4 July 1946 is the date of

independence from the US

Constitution:

2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Legal system:

based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20 January

2001) and Vice President Teofisto GUINGONA (since 20 January 2001);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20

January 2001) and Vice President Teofisto GUINGONA (since 20 January

2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of the

Commission of Appointments

elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets

by popular vote for six-year terms; election last held 11 May 1998

(next to be held 16 May 2004)

election results: results of the last presidential election - Joseph

Ejercito ESTRADA elected president; percent of vote - approximately

40%; Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO elected vice president; percent of vote

- 55%; note - on 20 January 2001, Vice President Gloria

MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was sworn in as the constitutional successor to

President Joseph ESTRADA after the Supreme Court declared that

ESTRADA was unable to rule in view of the mass resignations from his

government; according to the Constitution, only in cases of death,

permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the

president, can the vice president serve for the unexpired term

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24

seats - one-half elected every three years; members elected by

popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of

Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan (214 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; note - additional

members may be appointed by the president but the Constitution

prohibits the House of Representatives from having more than 250

members)

elections: Senate - last held 14 May 2001 (next to be held 16 May

2004); House of Representatives - elections last held 14 May 2001

(next to be held 16 May 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Lakas 13, PDP-Laban/LDP 11; House of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Lakas 86, NPC 51,

LDP 21, LP 20, independents 10, other 26

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices are appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70

years of age)

Political parties and leaders:

Laban Ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino Democrats) or

LDP [Edgardo ANGARA, president, Agapito AQUINO, secretary general];

Lakas Ng Edsa (National Union of Christian Democrats) or Lakas [Jose

DE VENECIA, president]; Liberal Party or LP [Florencio ABAD,

president; Franklin DRILON, chairman]; National People's Coalition

or NPC [Eduardo COJUANGCO, chairman emeritus; Frisco SAN JUAN,

president; Faustino DY, chairman]; PDP-Laban [Aquilino PIMENTEL,

chairman; Jejomar BINAY, president]; PMP [Horacio MORALES,

president]; Aksyon Demokratiko Party [Raul ROCO, president]; Reporma

[Renato DE VILLA, chairman]; PROMDI [Emilio OSMENA, president]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS

(observer), OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISET, UNU,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Albert DEL ROSARIO consulate(s): San Diego consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, San Jose (Northern Mariana Islands), Tamuning (Guam) FAX: [1] (202) 328-7614 telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300 chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Francis J. RICCIARDONE

embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila

mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000

telephone: [63] (2) 523-1001

FAX: [63] (2) 522-4361

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a white

equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; in the center of the

triangle is a yellow sun with eight primary rays (each containing

three individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle is a small

yellow five-pointed star

Economy Philippines

Economy - overview:

In 1998, the Philippine economy - a mixture of agriculture, light

industry, and supporting services - deteriorated as a result of

spillover from the Asian financial crisis and poor weather

conditions. Growth fell to 0.6% in 1998 from 5% in 1997, but

recovered to about 3.3% in 1999, 4.5% in 2000, and 4.5% in 2001. In

2002, the Philippines recorded GDP growth of 4.4% but also incurred

a record budget deficit. As a result, the Philippines is burdened

with a public sector debt equal to more than 100% of GDP. Growth

eased to 3.8% in 2003. The government has promised economic reforms

including going forward with privatization, reforming the tax

system, and promoting additional trade integration within its

region. Considerable drive is required to update the educational

system and the road network.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $379.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 15% industry: 31% services: 54% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 40% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.5% highest 10%: 39.3% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

46.2 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

33.7 million (2002)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 45%, industry 15%, services 40% (2003 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.2% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $10.9 billion

expenditures: $15 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food

processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

45.21 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 55.6% hydro: 17.5% other: 26.9% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

42.04 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

8,460 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

343,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

164 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

10 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

10 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

104.6 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish

Exports:

$35.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

electronic equipment, machinery and transport equipment, garments,

coconut products, chemicals

Exports - partners:

US 26.2%, Japan 14.9%, China 7.4%, Taiwan 5.8%, Singapore 5.7%,

Hong Kong 5.3%, Malaysia 5.3%, Netherlands 5%, Germany 4.6%, South

Korea 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$33.5 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Japan 21.6%, US 18.6%, Singapore 7.8%, South Korea 7.5%, China

5.2%, Hong Kong 4.5%, Taiwan 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$60.3 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA, $1.1 billion (1998)

Currency:

Philippine peso (PHP)

Currency code:

PHP

Exchange rates:

Philippine pesos per US dollar - 51.67 (2002), 50.99 (2001), 44.19

(2000), 39.09 (1999), 40.89 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Philippines

Telephones - main lines in use:

6.98 million (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

11.35 million (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: good international radiotelephone and submarine

cable services; domestic and inter-island service adequate

domestic: domestic satellite system with 11 earth stations

international: 9 international gateways; satellite earth stations -

3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean); submarine cables to

Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan

Radio broadcast stations: AM 366, FM 290, shortwave 5 note: each shortwave station operates on multiple frequencies in the language of the target audience (2002)

Radios:

11.5 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

75 (2000)

Televisions:

3.7 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ph

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

33 (2000)

Internet users:

4.5 million (2002)

Transportation Philippines

Railways:

total: 897 km

narrow gauge: 897 km 1.067-m gauge (405 km are not in operation)

(2002)

Highways:

total: 201,994 km

paved: 42,419 km

unpaved: 159,575 km (2000)

Waterways: 3,219 km note: limited to vessels with a draft of less than 1.5 m

Pipelines:

gas 565 km; oil 135 km; refined products 100 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras Island, Iligan,

Iloilo, Jolo, Legaspi, Manila, Masao, Puerto Princesa, San Fernando,

Subic Bay, Zamboanga

Merchant marine:

total: 393 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,664,718 GRT/6,699,666 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 2, Canada 1, Germany 3, Greece 8, Hong Kong

13, Japan 47, Malaysia 19, Netherlands 14, Norway 8, Panama 3,

Singapore 12, South Korea 1, Taiwan 2, UK 7 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 111, cargo 105, chemical tanker 4, combination

bulk 8, container 8, liquefied gas 8, livestock carrier 9, passenger

5, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 42, refrigerated cargo 21,

roll on/roll off 16, short-sea passenger 27, specialized tanker 2,

vehicle carrier 18

Airports:

257 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 82 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 34 under 914 m: 13 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 26

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 175 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 71 under 914 m: 99 (2002)

Heliports: 2 (2002)

Military Philippines

Military branches:

Army, Navy (including Coast Guard and Marine Corps), Air Force,

paramilitary units

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 21,923,324 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 15,428,043 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 846,994 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$995 million (FY98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.5% (FY98)

Transnational Issues Philippines

Disputes - international:

involved in complex dispute over Spratly Islands with China,

Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and possibly Brunei; claimants in November

2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South

China Sea", a mechanism to ease tension but which fell short of a

legally binding "code of conduct"; Sultanate of Sulu granted

Philippines Government power of attorney to pursue its sovereignty

claim over Malaysia's Sabah State but Malaysia rejects claim

Illicit drugs:

exports locally-produced marijuana and hashish to East Asia, the

US, and other Western markets; serves as a transit point for heroin

and crystal methamphetamine

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Pitcairn Islands

Introduction Pitcairn Islands

Background:

Pitcairn Island was discovered in 1767 by the British and settled

in 1790 by the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Pitcairn was the first Pacific island to become a British colony (in

1838) and today remains the last vestige of that empire in the South

Pacific. Outmigration, primarily to New Zealand, has thinned the

population from a peak of 233 in 1937 to less than 50 today.

Geography Pitcairn Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about midway between

Peru and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

25 04 S, 130 06 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 47 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 47 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

51 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

tropical, hot, humid; modified by southeast trade winds; rainy

season (November to March)

Terrain:

rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pawala Valley Ridge 347 m

Natural resources:

miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish

note: manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver, and zinc have been

discovered offshore

Land use:

arable land: NA%

permanent crops: NA%

other: NA% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons (especially November to March)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (only a small portion of the original forest remains

because of burning and clearing for settlement)

Geography - note:

Britain's most isolated dependency; only the larger island of

Pitcairn is inhabited but it has no port or natural harbor; supplies

must be transported by rowed longboat from larger ships stationed

offshore

People Pitcairn Islands

Population: 47 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

NA%

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Pitcairn Islander(s) adjective: Pitcairn Islander

Ethnic groups:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives

Religions:

Seventh-Day Adventist 100%

Languages:

English (official), Pitcairnese (mixture of an 18th century English

dialect and a Tahitian dialect)

Literacy:

NA

Government Pitcairn Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands

conventional short form: Pitcairn Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Adamstown

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

1838; reformed 1904 with additional reforms in 1940; further

refined by the Local Government Ordinance of 1964

Legal system:

local island by-laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal with three years residency

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor

(nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands Richard FELL (since NA

December 2001); Commissioner (nonresident) Leon SALT (since NA);

serves as liaison between the governor and the Island Council

election results: Steve CHRISTIAN elected mayor; percent of vote -

NA%

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner and

commissioner appointed by the monarch; island magistrate elected by

popular vote for a three-year term; election last held NA December

1999 (next to be held NA December 2002)

head of government: Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Steve

CHRISTIAN (since 7 December 1999)

cabinet: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral Island Council (10 seats - 6 elected by popular vote, 1

appointed by the 6 elected members, 2 appointed by the governor, and

1 seat for the Island Secretary; members serve one-year terms)

elections: last held NA December 2002 (next to be held NA December

2003)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - all independents

Judicial branch:

Island Court (island magistrate presides over the court and is

elected every three years)

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

SPC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the

flag; the coat of arms is yellow, green, and light blue with a

shield featuring a yellow anchor

Economy Pitcairn Islands

Economy - overview:

The inhabitants of this tiny isolated economy exist on fishing,

subsistence farming, handicrafts, and postage stamps. The fertile

soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and

vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas, yams,

and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The major

sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to collectors and

the sale of handicrafts to passing ships.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

12 able-bodied men (1997)

Labor force - by occupation:

no business community in the usual sense; some public works;

subsistence farming and fishing

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $729,884

expenditures: $878,119, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY

94/95 est.)

Industries:

postage stamps, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh; note - electric power is provided by a small diesel-powered

generator

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Agriculture - products:

wide variety of fruits and vegetables, goats, chickens

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

fruits, vegetables, curios, stamps

Exports - partners:

NA (2000)

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour, sugar, other

foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

NA (2000)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Currency code:

NZD

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.162 (2002), 2.3776 (2001),

2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999), 1.8629 (1998), 1.5083 (1997)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Pitcairn Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

1 (there are 17 telephones on one party line) (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: only party line telephone service is available

for this small, closely related community

domestic: party line service only

international: radiotelephone

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

0 (1997)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.pn

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

NA

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Pitcairn Islands

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 6.4 km paved: 0 km unpaved: 6.4 km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Adamstown (on Bounty Bay)

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

none (2002)

Military Pitcairn Islands

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Pitcairn Islands

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Poland

Introduction Poland

Background:

Poland is an ancient nation that was conceived around the middle of

the 10th century. Its golden age occurred in the 16th century.

During the following century, the strengthening of the gentry and

internal disorders weakened the nation, until an agreement in 1772

between Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland. Poland

regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and

the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state

following the war, but its government was comparatively tolerant and

progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the

independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a

political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and

the presidency. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s

enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most

robust in Central Europe, but Poland currently suffers low GDP

growth and high unemployment. Solidarity suffered a major defeat in

the 2001 parliamentary elections when it failed to elect a single

deputy to the lower house of Parliament, and the new leaders of the

Solidarity Trade Union subsequently pledged to reduce the Trade

Union's political role. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and is scheduled

to accede to the European Union along with nine other states on 1

May 2004.

Geography Poland

Location:

Central Europe, east of Germany

Geographic coordinates:

52 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 312,685 sq km

water: 8,220 sq km

land: 304,465 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,788 km

border countries: Belarus 407 km, Czech Republic 658 km, Germany 456

km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 206 km, Slovakia

444 km, Ukraine 526 km

Coastline:

491 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with

frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and

thundershowers

Terrain:

mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m

highest point: Rysy 2,499 m

Natural resources:

coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber,

arable land

Land use: arable land: 45.81% permanent crops: 1.23% other: 52.96% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy industry

and increased environmental concern by post-Communist governments;

air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of sulfur dioxide

emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the resulting acid rain

has caused forest damage; water pollution from industrial and

municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal of hazardous

wastes; pollution levels should continue to decrease as industrial

establishments bring their facilities up to European Union code, but

at substantial cost to business and the government

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the

lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain

People Poland

Population:

38,622,660 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.5% (male 3,458,844; female 3,284,995)

15-64 years: 69.8% (male 13,407,012; female 13,547,728)

65 years and over: 12.7% (male 1,879,445; female 3,044,636) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 36 years male: 34.1 years female: 38 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.47 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.96 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.95 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 10.04 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.91 years

male: 69.77 years

female: 78.28 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.37 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Pole(s)

adjective: Polish

Ethnic groups:

Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Belarusian 0.5% (1990

est.)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox,

Protestant, and other 5%

Languages:

Polish

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

Government Poland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Poland

conventional short form: Poland

local short form: Polska

local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Warsaw

Administrative divisions:

16 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Dolnoslaskie,

Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lodzkie, Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Malopolskie,

Mazowieckie, Opolskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, Pomorskie, Slaskie,

Swietokrzyskie, Warminsko-Mazurskie, Wielkopolskie,

Zachodniopomorskie

Independence:

11 November 1918 (independent republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)

Constitution:

16 October 1997; adopted by the National Assembly 2 April 1997;

passed by national referendum 23 May 1997

Legal system:

mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover

Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced as part

of broader democratization process; limited judicial review of

legislative acts, but rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are

final; court decisions can be appealed to the European Court of

Justice in Strasbourg

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI (since 23 December

1995)

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 8 October 2000 (next to be held NA October 2005);

prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president

and confirmed by the Sejm

head of government: Prime Minister Leszek MILLER (SLD) (since 19

October 2001), Deputy Prime Ministers Marek POL (since 19 October

2001), Jerzy HAUSNER (since 11 June 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister and

the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, and

the Sejm approves the Council of Ministers

election results: Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI reelected president;

percent of popular vote - Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI 53.9%, Andrzej

OLECHOWSKI 17.3%, Marian KRZAKLEWSKI 15.6%, Lech WALESA 1%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Zgromadzenie Narodowe consists of

the Sejm (460 seats; members are elected under a complex system of

proportional representation to serve four-year terms) and the Senate

or Senat (100 seats; members are elected by a majority vote on a

provincial basis to serve four-year terms)

elections: Sejm elections last held 23 September 2001 (next to be

held by September 2005); Senate - last held 23 September 2001 (next

to be held by September 2005)

election results: Sejm - percent of vote by party - SLD-UP 41%, PO

12.7%, Samoobrona 10.2%, PiS 9.5%, PSL 9%, LPR 7.9%, AWSP 5.6% UW

3.1%, other 1%; seats by party (as of 25 April 2003) - SLD 193, PO

57, Samoobrona 39, PiS 43, PSL 39, LPR 28, UP 16, SKL 8, PLD 6, PBL

5, RKN 5, PP 3, ROP 3, German minorities 2, independents 13; note -

SLD and UP ran together on electoral lists in the 2001 elections,

but constitute separate parliamentary clubs in the Sejm; several

other deputies have left their parties and set up other

parliamentary factions; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - SLD-UP 75, AWSP (an electoral alliance of some 36

parties) 15, PSL 4, Samoobrona 2, LPR 2, independents 2

note: two seats are assigned to ethnic minority parties

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the National Council of the Judiciary for an

indefinite period); Constitutional Tribunal (judges are chosen by

the Sejm for nine-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Catholic-National Movement or RKN [Antoni MACIEREWICZ]; Citizens

Platform or PO [Donald TUSK]; Conservative Peasants Party or SKL-RNP

[Artur BALAZS]; Democratic Left Alliance or SLD [Leszek MILLER];

Freedom Union or UW [Wladyslaw FRASYNIUK]; German Minority of Lower

Silesia or MNSO [Henryk KROLL]; Law and Justice or PiS [Jaroslaw

KACZYNSKI]; League of Polish Families or LPR [Marek KOTLINOWSKI];

Movement for the Reconstruction of Poland or ROP [Jan OLSZEWSKI];

Peasant-Democratic Party or PLD [Roman JAGIELINSKI]; Polish Accord

or PP [Jan LOPUSZANSKI]; Polish Peasant Bloc or PBL [Wojciech

MOJZESOWICZ]; Polish Peasant Party or PSL [Jaroslaw KALINOWSKI];

Samoobrona [Andrzej LEPPER]; Social Movement or RS [Krzysztof

PIESIEWICZ]; Union of Labor or UP [Marek POL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

All Poland Trade Union Alliance or OPZZ (trade union) [Maciej

MANICKI]; Roman Catholic Church [Cardinal Jozef GLEMP]; Solidarity

Trade Union [Janusz SNIADEK]

International organization participation:

ACCT (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CE,

CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA (observer), IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (guest),

NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD,

UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK,

UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate), WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Przemyslaw GRUDZINSKI chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 FAX: [1] (202) 328-6270 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York telephone: [1] (202) 234-3800 through 3802

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher R. HILL embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw P1 mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, US Department of State, 5010 Warsaw Place, Washington, DC 20521-5010 (pouch) telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000 FAX: [48] (22) 504-2951 consulate(s) general: Krakow

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; similar to the

flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white

Economy Poland

Economy - overview:

Poland has steadfastly pursued a policy of economic liberalization

throughout the 1990s and today stands out as a success story among

transition economies. Even so, much remains to be done. The

privatization of small and medium state-owned companies and a

liberal law on establishing new firms has encouraged the development

of the private business sector, but legal and bureaucratic obstacles

alongside persistent corruption are hampering its further

development. Poland's agricultural sector remains handicapped by

structural problems, surplus labor, inefficient small farms, and

lack of investment. Restructuring and privatization of "sensitive

sectors" (e.g., coal, steel, railroads, and energy), while recently

initiated, have stalled due to a lack of political will on the part

of the government. Structural reforms in health care, education, the

pension system, and state administration have resulted in larger

than expected fiscal pressures. Further progress in public finance

depends mainly on privatization of Poland's remaining state sector,

the reduction of state employment, and an overhaul of the tax code

to incorporate the growing gray economy and farmers most of whom pay

no tax. The government's determination to enter the EU has shaped

most aspects of its economic policy and new legislation; in June

2003, 77% of the voters approved membership, now scheduled for May

2004. Improving Poland's export competitiveness and containing the

internal budget deficit are top priorities. Due to political

uncertainty, the zloty has recently depreciated in relation to the

euro and the dollar while currencies of the other euro-zone

aspirants have been appreciating. GDP per capita equals that of the

3 Baltic states.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $373.2 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $9,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3.8% industry: 35% services: 61.2% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line: 18.4% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.2% highest 10%: 24.7% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31.6 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

17.6 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 22.1%, agriculture 27.5%, services 50.4% (1999)

Unemployment rate:

18.1% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $49.6 billion

expenditures: $52.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999)

Industries:

machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals,

shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

0.3% (2001)

Electricity - production:

135 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 98.1% hydro: 1.5% other: 0.4% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

118.8 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

11.04 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

4.306 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

17,180 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

424,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

53,000 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

413,700 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

116.4 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

5.471 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

13.85 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

41 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

8.782 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

154.4 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, fruits, vegetables, wheat; poultry, eggs, pork

Exports:

$32.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 30.2%, intermediate manufactured

goods 25.5%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 20.9%, food and live

animals 8.5% (1999)

Exports - partners:

Germany 33%, Italy 5.7%, France 5%, UK 4.8%, Czech Republic 4.3%

(2002)

Imports:

$43.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 38.2%, intermediate manufactured

goods 20.8%, chemicals 14.3%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 9.5%

(1999)

Imports - partners:

Germany 29.9%, Italy 8.1%, Russia 7.4%, France 7.2%, Netherlands

5.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$64 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

EU structural adjustment funds

Currency:

zloty (PLN)

Currency code:

PLN

Exchange rates:

zlotych per US dollar - 3.99 (2002), 4.09 (2001), 4.35 (2000), 3.97

(1999), 3.48 (1998)

note: zlotych is the plural form of zloty

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Poland

Telephones - main lines in use:

8.07 million (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13 million (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: underdeveloped and outmoded system in the

process of being overhauled; partial privatization of the

state-owned telephone monopoly is underway; the long waiting list

for main line telephone service has resulted in a boom in mobile

cellular telephone use

domestic: cable, open-wire, and microwave radio relay; 3 cellular

networks; local exchanges 56.6% digital

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat, NA Eutelsat, 2

Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions), and 1 Intersputnik

(Atlantic Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 14, FM 777, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

20.2 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

179 (plus 256 repeaters) (September 1995)

Televisions:

13.05 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.pl

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

19 (2000)

Internet users:

6.4 million (2001)

Transportation Poland

Railways:

total: 23,420 km

broad gauge: 646 km 1.524-m gauge

standard gauge: 21,639 km 1.435-m gauge (11,626 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,135 km various gauges including 1.000-m, 0.785-m,

0.750-m, and 0.600-m (2002)

Highways:

total: 364,656 km

paved: 249,060 km (including 358 km of expressways)

unpaved: 115,596 km (2000)

Waterways:

3,812 km (navigable rivers and canals) (1996)

Pipelines:

gas 12,901 km; oil 737 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Gdansk, Gdynia, Gliwice, Kolobrzeg, Szczecin, Swinoujscie, Ustka,

Warsaw, Wroclaw

Merchant marine:

total: 14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 199,186 GRT/275,476 DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 2, chemical tanker 1, roll on/roll off

1, short-sea passenger 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

150 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 88 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 30 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 9 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 39

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 62 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 under 914 m: 43 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 15

Heliports: 3 (2002)

Military Poland

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 10,354,978 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 8,077,706 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 343,500 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$3.5 billion (2002)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.71% (2002)

Transnational Issues Poland

Disputes - international:

small boundary changes made with Slovakia in 2003

Illicit drugs:

major illicit producer of amphetamine for the international market;

minor transshipment point for Asian and Latin American illicit drugs

to Western Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Portugal

Introduction Portugal

Background:

Following its heyday as a world power during the 15th and 16th

centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the

destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the

Napoleonic Wars, and the independence in 1822 of Brazil as a colony.

A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy; for most of the next six

decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a

left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The

following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African

colonies. Portugal entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986.

Geography Portugal

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of

Spain

Geographic coordinates:

39 30 N, 8 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 92,391 sq km

land: 91,951 sq km

note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands

water: 440 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries: total: 1,214 km border countries: Spain 1,214 km

Coastline: 1,793 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in

south

Terrain:

mountainous north of the Tagus River, rolling plains in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in

the Azores 2,351 m

Natural resources:

fish, forests (cork), tungsten, iron ore, uranium ore, marble,

arable land, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 20.57% permanent crops: 7.74% other: 71.69% (1999 est.)

Irrigated land:

6,320 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

Azores subject to severe earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle

emissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areas

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life

Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental

Modification, Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western

sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

People Portugal

Population:

10,102,022 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.8% (male 874,198; female 825,742)

15-64 years: 67.2% (male 3,326,957; female 3,461,425)

65 years and over: 16% (male 651,697; female 962,003) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.6 years

male: 35.8 years

female: 39.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.17% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

11.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.21 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.73 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.35 years

male: 72.86 years

female: 80.07 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.49 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

27,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Portuguese (singular and plural)

adjective: Portuguese

Ethnic groups:

homogeneous Mediterranean stock; citizens of black African descent

who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than

100,000; since 1990 East Europeans have entered Portugal

Religions:

Roman Catholic 94%, Protestant (1995)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official - but locally used)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.3%

male: 95.5%

female: 91.3% (2003 est.)

Government Portugal

Country name:

conventional long form: Portuguese Republic

conventional short form: Portugal

local long form: Republica Portuguesa

local short form: Portugal

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Lisbon

Administrative divisions:

18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomous

regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro,

Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra,

Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa, Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto,

Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu

Independence:

1143 (independent republic proclaimed 5 October 1910)

National holiday:

Portugal Day, 10 June (1580)

Constitution:

25 April 1976, revised 30 October 1982, 1 June 1989, 5 November

1992, and 3 September 1997

Legal system:

civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the

constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jorge SAMPAIO (since 9 March 1996)

note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative

body to the president

head of government: Prime Minister Jose Manuel DURAO BARROSO (since

6 April 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 14 January 2001 (next to be held NA January

2006); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority

party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime

minister by the president

election results: Jorge SAMPAIO reelected president; percent of vote

- Jorge SAMPAIO (Socialist) 55.8%, Joaquim FERREIRA Do Amaral

(Social Democrat) 34.5%, Antonio ABREU (Communist) 5.1%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (230

seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 17 March 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - PSD 40.1%, PS 37.8%, PP

8.7%, PCP/PEV 6.9%, The Left Bloc 2.7%; seats by party - PSD 105, PS

96, PP 14, PCP/PEV 12, The Left Bloc 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica (judges appointed for

life by the Conselho Superior da Magistratura)

Political parties and leaders:

The Greens or PEV [no leader]; Popular Party or PP [Paulo PORTAS];

Portuguese Communist Party/The Greens or PCP/PEV [Carlos CARVALHAS];

Portuguese Socialist Party or PS [Eduardo Ferro RODRIGUES]; Social

Democratic Party or PSD [Jose Manuel DURAO BARROSO]; United

Democratic Coalition or CDU [Carlos CARVALHAS]; The Left Bloc [no

leader]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC,

EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO,

NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pedro Manuel Dos Reis Alves CATARINO

consulate(s): Los Angeles, New Bedford (Massachusetts), Providence

(Rhode Island)

consulate(s) general: Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), and San

Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726

telephone: [1] (202) 328-8610

chancery: 2125 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John N. PALMER embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon mailing address: PSC 83, APO AE 09726 telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300 FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109 consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Flag description:

two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red

(three-fifths) with the Portuguese coat of arms centered on the

dividing line

Economy Portugal

Economy - overview:

Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly service-based

economy since joining the European Community in 1986. Over the past

decade, successive governments have privatized many state-controlled

firms and liberalized key areas of the economy, including the

financial and telecommunications sectors. The country qualified for

the European Monetary Union (EMU) in 1998 and began circulating the

euro on 1 January 2002 along with 11 other EU member economies.

Economic growth has been above the EU average for much of the past

decade, but fell back in 2001-03. GDP per capita stands at 70% of

that of the leading EU economies. A poor educational system, in

particular, has been an obstacle to greater productivity and growth.

Portugal has been increasingly overshadowed by lower-cost producers

in Central Europe and Asia as a target for foreign direct

investment. The coalition government faces tough choices in its

attempts to boost Portugal's economic competitiveness and to keep

the budget deficit within the 3% EU ceiling.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $195.2 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $19,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.6%

industry: 28.7%

services: 67.7% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.1% highest 10%: 28.4% (1995 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

35.6 (1994-95)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

5.1 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 60%, industry 30%, agriculture 10% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.7% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $45 billion

expenditures: $48 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

textiles and footwear; wood pulp, paper, and cork; metalworking;

oil refining; chemicals; fish canning; wine; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

1.5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

44.32 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 64.5% hydro: 31.3% other: 4.1% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

41.48 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

3.479 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

3.743 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

339,800 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

28,830 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

357,300 bbl/day (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

2.542 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

2.553 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: grain, potatoes, olives, grapes; sheep, cattle, goats, poultry, beef, dairy products

Exports: $25.9 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

clothing and footwear, machinery, chemicals, cork and paper

products, hides

Exports - partners:

Spain 20.3%, Germany 18.4%, France 12.6%, UK 10.5%, US 5.8%, Italy

4.8%, Belgium 4.5% (2002)

Imports:

$39 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum, textiles,

agricultural products

Imports - partners:

Spain 28.1%, Germany 15%, France 10.2%, Italy 6.5%, UK 5.2%,

Netherlands 4.5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$13.1 billion (1997 est.)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $271 million (1995)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Portugal

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.3 million (yearend 1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,074,194 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: undergoing rapid development in recent years,

Portugal's telephone system, by the end of 1998, achieved a

state-of-the-art network with broadband, high-speed capabilities and

a main line telephone density of 53%

domestic: integrated network of coaxial cables, open-wire, microwave

radio relay, and domestic satellite earth stations

international: 6 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat;

tropospheric scatter to Azores; note - an earth station for Inmarsat

(Atlantic Ocean region) is planned

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 47, FM 172 (many are repeaters), shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

3.02 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 62 (plus 166 repeaters) note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands (1995)

Televisions:

3.31 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.pt

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

16 (2000)

Internet users:

4.4 million (2002)

Transportation Portugal

Railways:

total: 2,850 km

broad gauge: 2,576 km 1.668-m gauge (623 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 274 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 68,732 km

paved: 59,110 km (including 1441 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,622 km (2000)

Waterways:

820 km

note: relatively unimportant to national economy, used by

shallow-draft craft limited to 300 metric-ton or less cargo capacity

Pipelines:

gas 482 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Aveiro, Funchal (Madeira Islands), Horta (Azores), Leixoes, Lisbon,

Porto, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Praia da Vitoria (Azores), Setubal,

Viana do Castelo

Merchant marine:

total: 132 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 993,325 GRT/1,533,255 DWT

ships by type: bulk 11, cargo 62, chemical tanker 18, container 7,

liquefied gas 8, multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger 4,

petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 5,

short-sea passenger 3, vehicle carrier 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 1, British Virgin Islands 1, Cyprus 1, Denmark

6, Germany 20, Greece 1, Iceland 1, Italy 16, Lebanon 1, Liberia 1,

Monaco 2, Norway 5, Panama 5, Spain 22, Switzerland 8, UK 1, Virgin

Islands (UK) 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

66 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 40 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 15 under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 26 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 25 (2002)

Military Portugal

Military branches:

Army, Navy (PON) (includes Marines), Air Force, Republican Guard

(includes Fiscal Guard)

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,520,852 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,017,678 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 67,816 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.286 billion (FY99/00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.2% (FY99/00)

Transnational Issues Portugal

Disputes - international:

Portugal has periodically reasserted claims to territories around

the town of Olivenza, Spain

Illicit drugs:

gateway country for Latin American cocaine and Southwest Asian

heroin entering the European market; transshipment point for hashish

from North Africa to Europe; consumer of Southwest Asian heroin

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Puerto Rico

Introduction Puerto Rico

Background:

Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was

claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following Columbus' second

voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule

that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African

slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result

of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US

citizenship in 1917 and popularly elected governors have served

since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for

internal self-government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and

1998 voters chose to retain commonwealth status.

Geography Puerto Rico

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic

Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 N, 66 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 9,104 sq km

water: 145 sq km

land: 8,959 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

501 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains, with coastal plain belt in north; mountains

precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal

areas

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m

Natural resources: some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil

Land use: arable land: 3.72% permanent crops: 5.07% other: 91.21% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; hurricanes

Environment - current issues:

erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages

Geography - note:

important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to

the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural

harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central

mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry;

fertile coastal plain belt in north

People Puerto Rico

Population:

3,885,877 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.9% (male 454,908; female 434,555)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 1,212,764; female 1,322,356)

65 years and over: 11.9% (male 200,669; female 260,625) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.3 years

male: 31.6 years

female: 34.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.58% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.68 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9.38 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 10.3 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.26 years

male: 73.27 years

female: 81.44 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.02 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

7,397 (1997)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Puerto Rican

Ethnic groups:

white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%, Amerindian 0.4%,

Asian 0.2%, mixed and other 10.9%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

Languages:

Spanish, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.8%

male: 93.7%

female: 94% (2001)

Government Puerto Rico

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

conventional short form: Puerto Rico

Dependency status:

commonwealth associated with the US

Government type:

commonwealth

Capital:

San Juan

Administrative divisions:

none (commonwealth associated with the US); there are no

first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular -

municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas

Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta,

Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas,

Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio,

Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama,

Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao,

Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las

Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca,

Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce,

Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San

German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa

Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja,

Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco

Independence:

none (commonwealth associated with the US)

National holiday:

US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day,

25 July (1952)

Constitution:

ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952;

effective 25 July 1952

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal system of

justice

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens

but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20

January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January

2001)

election results: Sila M. CALDERON (PPD) elected governor; percent

of vote - 48.6%

note: residents of Puerto Rico do not vote for US president and vice

president

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same

ticket for four-year terms; governor elected by popular vote for a

four-year term; election last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held

2 November 2004)

head of government: Governor Sila M. CALDERON (since 2 January 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the

legislature

Legislative branch:

bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (28 seats;

members are directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year

terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats; members are

directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - PPD 19, PNP 8, PIP 1; House of Representatives - percent of

vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PPD 30, PNP 20, PIP 1

note: Puerto Rico elects, by popular vote, a resident commissioner

to serve a four-year term as a nonvoting representative in the US

House of Representatives; aside from not voting on the House floor,

he enjoys all the rights of a member of Congress; elections last

held 7 November 2000 (next to be held 2 November 2004); results -

percent of vote by party - PPD 49.3%; seats by party - PPD 1; Anibal

ACEVEDO-VILA elected resident commissioner

elections: Senate - last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held 2

November 2004); House of Representatives - last held 7 November 2000

(next to be held 2 November 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance composed of

two sections: a Superior Court and a Municipal Court (justices for

all these courts appointed by the governor with the consent of the

Senate)

Political parties and leaders:

National Democratic Party [Celeste BENITEZ]; National Republican

Party of Puerto Rico [Luis FERRE]; New Progressive Party or PNP

(pro-US statehood) [Carlos PESQUERA]; Popular Democratic Party or

PPD (pro-commonwealth) [Sila M. CALDERON]; Puerto Rican Independence

Party or PIP (pro-independence) [Ruben BERRIOS Martinez]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Armed Forces for National Liberation or FALN; Armed Forces of

Popular Resistance; Boricua Popular Army (also known as the

Macheteros); Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), ECLAC (associate), FAO (associate), ICFTU,

Interpol (subbureau), IOC, WCL, WFTU, WHO (associate), WToO

(associate)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (commonwealth associated with the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (commonwealth associated with the US)

Flag description:

five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating

with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears

a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; design initially

influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag, with the

colors of the bands and triangle reversed

Economy Puerto Rico

Economy - overview:

Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean

region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed agriculture as

the primary locus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by

duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have

invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage

laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and

other livestock products as the main source of income in the

agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important

source of income, with estimated arrivals of nearly 5 million

tourists in 1999. Growth fell off in 2001-02, largely due to the

slowdown in the US economy.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $43.01 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $11,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 45%

services: 54% (1999 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.3 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 3%, industry 20%, services 77% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $6.7 billion

expenditures: $9.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 99/00)

Industries:

pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

20.9 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99.2% hydro: 0.8% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

19.44 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

190,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

630 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

630 million cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock products, chickens

Exports: $46.9 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities: chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment

Exports - partners:

US 88.2%, UK 1.5%, Dominican Republic 1.4% (2001)

Imports:

$29.1 billion c.i.f. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food, fish, petroleum

products

Imports - partners:

US 53.5%, Ireland 16.3%, Japan 4.5% (2001)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Puerto Rico

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.322 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

169,265 (1996)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system, integrated with that of the US

by high-capacity submarine cable and Intelsat with high-speed data

capability

domestic: digital telephone system; cellular telephone service

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat; submarine cable

to US

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 72, FM 17, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

2.7 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

18 (plus three stations of the US Armed Forces Radio and Television

Service) (1997)

Televisions:

1.021 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.pr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

76 (2000)

Internet users:

600,000 (2002)

Transportation Puerto Rico

Railways: total: 96 km narrow gauge: 96 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 14,400 km paved: 14,400 km unpaved: 0 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Aguadilla, Arecibo, Fajardo, Guanica, Guayanilla, Guayama,

Mayaguez, Playa de Ponce, San Juan

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) 19,203 GRT/20,904 DWT

ships by type: container 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

31 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 19 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Military Puerto Rico

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary National Guard,

Police Force

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Puerto Rico

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Qatar

Introduction Qatar

Background:

Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed

itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling

into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas

revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy

was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by

the amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. He was overthrown by

his son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, in a bloodless

coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border

disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Oil and natural gas

revenues enable Qatar to have a per capita income not far below the

leading industrial countries of Western Europe.

Geography Qatar

Location:

Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

25 30 N, 51 15 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 11,437 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 11,437 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries: total: 60 km border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km

Coastline: 563 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM exclusive economic zone: as determined by bilateral agreements or the median line territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Qurayn Abu al Bawl 103 m

Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, fish

Land use: arable land: 1.27% permanent crops: 0.27% other: 98.46% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

130 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

Environment - current issues: limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleum

deposits

People Qatar

Population:

817,052 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.7% (male 102,938; female 98,934)

15-64 years: 72.4% (male 415,302; female 176,183)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 17,199; female 6,496) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.2 years

male: 36.4 years

female: 21.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.87% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

15.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.43 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

17.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 2.36 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 2.65 male(s)/female

total population: 1.9 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.03 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 23.59 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.14 years

male: 70.65 years

female: 75.76 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.02 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.09% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Qatari(s)

adjective: Qatari

Ethnic groups:

Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Religions:

Muslim 95%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 82.5%

male: 81.4%

female: 85% (2003 est.)

Government Qatar

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Qatar

conventional short form: Qatar

local short form: Qatar

note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation falls

between cutter and gutter, but not like guitar

local long form: Dawlat Qatar

Government type:

traditional monarchy

Capital:

Doha

Administrative divisions:

10 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al

Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan

al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Sa'id, Umm Salal

Independence:

3 September 1971 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

Constitution:

provisional constitution enacted 19 April 1972; in July 1999 Amir

HAMAD issued a decree forming a committee to draft a permanent

constitution; in the 29 April 2003 referendum, 96.6% of Qatari

voters approved the new constitution

Legal system:

discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civil

codes are being implemented; Islamic law dominates family and

personal matters

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (since 27 June 1995

when, as crown prince, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin Hamad

Al Thani, in a bloodless coup); Crown Prince JASIM bin Hamad bin

Khalifa Al Thani, third son of the monarch (selected crown prince by

the monarch 22 October 1996); note - Amir HAMAD also holds the

positions of minister of defense and commander-in-chief of the armed

forces

head of government: Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Khalifa Al Thani,

brother of the monarch (since 30 October 1996); Deputy Prime

Minister MUHAMMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, brother of the monarch

(since 20 January 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary

note: in April 2003, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member

Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has consultative powers aimed

at improving the provision of municipal services; the first election

for the CMC was held in March 1999

Legislative branch:

unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats; members

appointed)

note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there

were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their

terms extended every four years since; the new constitution provides

for a 45-member Consultative Council, or Majlis al-Shura; the public

would elect two-thirds of the Majlis al-Shura; the amir would

appoint the remaining members

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICRM, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer),

OIC, OPCW, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Badr Umar al-DAFA

telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600

consulate(s) general: Houston

FAX: [1] (202) 237-0061

chancery: 4200 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Maureen E. QUINN

embassy: Al-Luqtas District, 22 February Road, Doha

mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha

telephone: [974] 488 4101

FAX: [974] 488 4298

Flag description:

maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the

hoist side

Economy Qatar

Economy - overview:

Oil and gas account for more than 55% of GDP, roughly 85% of export

earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have given

Qatar a per capita GDP comparable to that of the leading West

European industrial countries. Proved oil reserves of 14.5 billion

barrels should ensure continued output at current levels for 23

years. Production and export of natural gas are becoming

increasingly important to the economy. Qatar's proved reserves of

natural gas exceed 17.9 trillion cubic meters, more than 5% of the

world total and third largest in the world. Long-term goals feature

the development of offshore natural gas reserves. Since 2000, Qatar

has consistently posted trade surpluses largely because of high oil

prices and increased natural gas exports, and Qatar's economy is

expected to receive an added boost as it begins to increase liquid

natural gas exports.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $15.91 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $20,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.4%

industry: 67.6%

services: 32% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2002)

Labor force:

280,122 (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.7% (2001)

Budget:

revenues: $5 billion

expenditures: $5.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.2

billion (FY 02/03 est.)

Industries:

crude oil production and refining, fertilizers, petrochemicals,

steel reinforcing bars, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

9.264 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

8.616 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

864,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

29,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

14.51 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

32.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

15.86 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

16.54 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

17.93 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish

Exports:

$10.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum products, fertilizers, steel

Exports - partners:

Japan 40.1%, South Korea 16.6%, Singapore 8.2%, US 4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$3.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

France 17.8%, Japan 10.1%, US 8.5%, UK 8.3%, Germany 8%, Italy

6.7%, UAE 5.1%, Saudi Arabia 4.1%, South Korea 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$15.4 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Qatari rial (QAR)

Currency code:

QAR

Exchange rates:

Qatari rials per US dollar - 3.64 (2002), 3.64 (2001), 3.64 (2000),

3.64 (1999), 3.64 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Qatar

Telephones - main lines in use:

142,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

43,476 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system centered in Doha

domestic: NA

international: tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio

relay to Saudi Arabia and UAE; submarine cable to Bahrain and UAE;

satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian

Ocean) and 1 Arabsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

256,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus three repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

230,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.qa

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

75,000 (2001)

Transportation Qatar

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 1,230 km paved: 1,107 km unpaved: 123 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

condensate 90 km; condensate/gas 209 km; gas 902 km; liquid

petroleum gas 87 km; oil 722 km; oil/gas/water 41 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Doha, Halul Island, Umm Sa'id (Musay'id)

Merchant marine:

total: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 638,815 GRT/995,096 DWT

ships by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 2, combination ore/oil 2,

container 7, petroleum tanker 5, roll on/roll off 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Kuwait 1, UAE 3 (2002 est.)

Airports:

4 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

914 to 1,523 m: 1

Heliports:

1 (2002)

Military Qatar

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 320,835 note: includes non-nationals (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 168,416 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 7,192 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$723 million (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

10% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Qatar

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Reunion

Introduction Reunion

Background:

The Portuguese discovered the uninhabited island in 1513. From the

17th to the 19th centuries, French immigration, supplemented by

influxes of Africans, Chinese, Malays, and Malabar Indians, gave the

island its ethnic mix. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 cost

the island its importance as a stopover on the East Indies trade

route.

Geography Reunion

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

21 06 S, 55 36 E

Map references:

World

Area:

total: 2,517 sq km

water: 10 sq km

land: 2,507 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

207 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool and dry

from May to November, hot and rainy from November to April

Terrain:

mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Piton des Neiges 3,069 m

Natural resources: fish, arable land, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 13.2% permanent crops: 2% other: 84.8% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

120 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic, devastating cyclones (December to April); Piton de la

Fournaise on the southeastern coast is an active volcano

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

this mountainous, volcanic island has an active volcano, Piton de

la Fournaise; there is a tropical cyclone center at Saint-Denis,

which is the monitoring station for the whole of the Indian Ocean

People Reunion

Population:

755,171 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.3% (male 121,119; female 115,501)

15-64 years: 62.8% (male 233,607; female 240,502)

65 years and over: 5.9% (male 18,036; female 26,406) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.4 years

male: 25.2 years

female: 27.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.47% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

20.17 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.13 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 8.89 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.43 years

male: 70.03 years

female: 77 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.53 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Reunionese (singular and plural)

adjective: Reunionese

Ethnic groups:

French, African, Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani, Indian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 86%, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist (1995)

Languages:

French (official), Creole widely used

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.9%

male: 87%

female: 90.8% (2003 est.)

Government Reunion

Country name:

conventional long form: Department of Reunion

conventional short form: Reunion

local short form: Ile de la Reunion

local long form: none

former: Bourbon Island

Dependency status:

overseas department of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Saint-Denis

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas department of France); there are no first-order

administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there

are 4 arrondissements, 24 communes, and 47 cantons

Independence:

none (overseas department of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May

1995), represented by Prefect Gonthier FRIEDERICI (since NA)

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the

French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the General and

Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils

head of government: President of the General Council Jean-Luc

POUDROUX (since NA March 1998) and President of the Regional Council

Paul VERGES (since NA March 1993)

cabinet: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council (49 seats; members are elected by

direct, popular vote to serve six-year terms) and a unicameral

Regional Council (45 seats; members are elected by direct, popular

vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: General Council - last held 15 and 22 March 1998 (next to

be held NA 2004); Regional Council - last held 15 March 1998 (next

to be held NA 2004)

election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - various right-wing candidates 13, PCR 10, PS 10,

UDF 8, RPR 6, other left-wing candidates 2; Regional Council -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PCR 19, UDF 9, RPR

8, various right-wing candidates 4, various left-wing candidates 5

note: Reunion elects three representatives to the French Senate;

elections last held NA 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); results -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; Reunion also

elects five deputies to the French National Assembly; elections last

held 9 June-16 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007); results -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - UMP-RPR 1, UMP 1,

PCR 1

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Communist Party of Reunion or PCR [Paul VERGES]; Rally for the

Republic or RPR [Andre Maurice PIHOUEE]; Socialist Party or PS

[Jean-Claude FRUTEAU]; Union for French Democracy or UDF [Gilbert

GERARD]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

FZ, InOC, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas department of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas department of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy Reunion

Economy - overview:

The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, but

services now dominate. Sugarcane has been the primary crop for more

than a century, and in some years it accounts for 85% of exports.

The government has been pushing the development of a tourist

industry to relieve high unemployment, which amounts to one-third of

the labor force. The gap in Reunion between the well-off and the

poor is extraordinary and accounts for the persistent social

tensions. The white and Indian communities are substantially better

off than other segments of the population, often approaching

European standards, whereas minority groups suffer the poverty and

unemployment typical of the poorer nations of the African continent.

The outbreak of severe rioting in February 1991 illustrates the

seriousness of socioeconomic tensions. The economic well-being of

Reunion depends heavily on continued financial assistance from

France.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $4.174 billion (1999 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8%

industry: 19%

services: 73% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

309,900 (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 13%, industry 12%, services 75% (2000)

Unemployment rate:

36% (1999 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.26 billion

expenditures: $2.62 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998)

Industries:

sugar, rum, cigarettes, handicraft items, flower oil extraction

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.08 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 55.5% hydro: 44.5% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.005 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

18,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, vanilla, tobacco, tropical fruits, vegetables, corn

Exports:

$214 million f.o.b. (1997)

Exports - commodities:

sugar 63%, rum and molasses 4%, perfume essences 2%, lobster 3%,

(1993)

Exports - partners:

France 74%, Japan 6%, Comoros 4% (2000)

Imports:

$2.5 billion c.i.f. (1997)

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, food, beverages, tobacco, machinery and

transportation equipment, raw materials, and petroleum products

Imports - partners:

France 64%, Bahrain 3%, Germany 3%, Italy 3% (2000)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA; note - substantial annual subsidies from France

Currency:

euro (EUR)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854

(2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US dollar - 5.8995 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Reunion

Telephones - main lines in use:

268,500 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

197,000 (September 2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system; principal center is Saint-Denis

domestic: modern open-wire and microwave radio relay network

international: radiotelephone communication to Comoros, France,

Madagascar; new microwave route to Mauritius; satellite earth

station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 55, shortwave 0 (2001)

Radios:

173,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

35 (plus 18 low-power repeaters) (2001)

Televisions:

127,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.re

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

10,000 (2000)

Transportation Reunion

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 2,724 km

paved: 1,300 km (including 73 km of four-lane road)

unpaved: 1,424 km (1994)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Le Port, Pointe des Galets

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Reunion

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; French forces (including

Army, Navy, Air Force, and Gendarmerie)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 198,341 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 101,116 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 6,795 (2003 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Reunion

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Romania

Introduction Romania

Background:

Soviet occupation following World War II led to the formation of a

Communist "peoples republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king.

The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power

in 1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly

oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown

and executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the

government until 1996, when they were swept from power by a

fractious coalition of centrist parties. Currently, the Social

Democratic Party forms a nominally minority government, which

governs with the support of the opposition Democratic Union of

Hungarians in Romania. Bucharest must address rampant corruption,

while invigorating lagging economic and democratic reforms, before

Romania can achieve its hope of joining the European Union.

Geography Romania

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and

Ukraine

Geographic coordinates:

46 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 237,500 sq km

land: 230,340 sq km

water: 7,160 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,508 km

border countries: Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km,

Serbia and Montenegro 476 km, Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (east)

169 km

Coastline:

225 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny

summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms

Terrain:

central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Plain of Moldavia

on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from the

Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m

Natural resources:

petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron

ore, salt, arable land, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 40.57% permanent crops: 2.4% other: 57.03% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

28,800 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure

and climate promote landslides

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution in

south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta

wetlands

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol

Geography - note:

controls most easily traversable land route between the Balkans,

Moldova, and Ukraine

People Romania

Population:

22,271,839 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.9% (male 1,932,204; female 1,838,240)

15-64 years: 69% (male 7,634,481; female 7,739,232)

65 years and over: 14% (male 1,290,343; female 1,837,339) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.4 years

male: 34 years

female: 37.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.21% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.79 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

12.25 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 18.4 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 20.31 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.62 years

male: 66.88 years

female: 74.59 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.36 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,500 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

350 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Romanian(s)

adjective: Romanian

Ethnic groups:

Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German

0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002)

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 87%, Protestant

6.8%, Catholic 5.6%, other (mostly Muslim) 0.4%, unaffiliated 0.2%

(2002)

Languages:

Romanian (official), Hungarian, German

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.4%

male: 99.1%

female: 97.7% (2003 est.)

Government Romania

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Romania local short form: Romania local long form: none

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Bucharest

Administrative divisions:

41 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality*

(municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud,

Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti*, Buzau, Calarasi,

Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati,

Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Ilfov,

Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare,

Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea

Independence:

9 May 1877 (independence proclaimed from Turkey; independence

recognized 13 July 1878 by the Treaty of Berlin; kingdom proclaimed

26 March 1881; republic proclaimed 30 December 1947)

National holiday:

Unification Day (of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December (1918)

Constitution:

8 December 1991

Legal system:

former mixture of civil law system and communist legal theory; is

now based on the constitution of France's Fifth Republic

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ion ILIESCU (since 20 December 2000)

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;

election last held 26 November 2000, with runoff between the top two

candidates held 10 December 2000 (next to be held NA

November/December 2004); prime minister appointed by the president

head of government: Prime Minister Adrian NASTASE (since 29 December

2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

election results: percent of vote - Ion ILIESCU 66.84%, Corneliu

Vadim TUDOR 33.16%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or Senat

(140 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote on a

proportional representation basis to serve four-year terms) and the

Chamber of Deputies or Adunarea Deputatilor (345 seats; members are

elected by direct, popular vote on a proportional representation

basis to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 26 November 2000 (next to be held in

the fall of 2004); Chamber of Deputies - last held 26 November 2000

(next to be held in the fall of 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PDSR (now PSD)

37.1%, PRM 21.0%, PD 7.6%, PNL 7.5%, UDMR 6.9%; seats by party - PSD

65, PRM 36, PNL 13, UDMR 12, PD 9, independents 5; Chamber of

Deputies - percent of vote by party - PDSR (now PSD) 36.6%, PRM

19.5%, PD 7.0%, PNL, 6.9%, UDMR 6.8%; seats by party - PSD 171, PRM

69, PD 29, PNL 27, UDMR 27, ethnic minorities 18, independents 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (judges are appointed by the president on

the recommendation of the Superior Council of Magistrates)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or PD [Traian BASESCU]; Democratic Union of

Hungarians in Romania or UDMR [Bela MARKO]; National Liberal Party

or PNL [Theodor STOLOJAN]; Romania Mare Party (Greater Romanian

Party) or PRM [Corneliu Vadim TUDOR]; Social Democratic Party or PSD

[Adrian NASTASE], formerly known as the Party of Social Democracy in

Romania or PDSR

Political pressure groups and leaders:

various human rights and professional associations

International organization participation:

ACCT, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU

(applicant), FAO, G- 9, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LAIA (observer), MONUC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sorin Dumitru DUCARU consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748 telephone: [1] (202) 332-4846, 4848, 4851 chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Michael E. GUEST embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest mailing address: American Embassy Bucharest, Department of State, 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260 (pouch) telephone: [40] (21) 210-4042 FAX: [40] (21) 210-0395 branch office(s): Cluj-Napoca

Flag description:

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

the national coat of arms that used to be centered in the yellow

band has been removed; now similar to the flag of Chad, also

resembles the flags of Andorra and Moldova

Economy Romania

Economy - overview:

Romania began the transition from Communism in 1989 with a largely

obsolete industrial base and a pattern of output unsuited to the

country's needs. The country emerged in 2000 from a punishing

three-year recession thanks to strong demand in EU export markets.

Despite the global slowdown in 2001-02, strong domestic activity in

construction, agriculture, and consumption have kept growth above

4%. An IMF Standby Agreement, signed in 2001, has been accompanied

by slow but palpable gains in privatization, deficit reduction, and

the curbing of inflation. Nonetheless, recent macroeconomic gains

have done little to address Romania's widespread poverty, while

corruption and red tape hinder foreign investment.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $169.3 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $7,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 15% industry: 35% services: 50% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 44.5% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.2% highest 10%: 25% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31.1 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

22.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

9.9 million (1999 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 40%, industry 25%, services 35% (1998)

Unemployment rate:

8.3% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $11.7 billion

expenditures: $12.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Industries:

textiles and footwear, light machinery and auto assembly, mining,

timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food

processing, petroleum refining

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2002)

Electricity - production:

50.86 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 62.5% hydro: 27.6% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 9.9%

Electricity - consumption:

46.1 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

400 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

127,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

215,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.055 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

14.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

19.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

5.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

111.1 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes, grapes; eggs, sheep

Exports: $13.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles and footwear, metals and metal products, machinery and

equipment, minerals and fuels

Exports - partners:

Italy 24.4%, Germany 15.5%, France 7.7%, UK 5.4%, US 5%, Turkey

4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$16.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 23%, fuels and minerals 12%, chemicals 9%,

textile and products 19% (1999)

Imports - partners:

Italy 20.2%, Germany 18.1%, France 6.6%, Russia 5.6%, Austria 4.9%,

Hungary 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$13.7 billion (2002 est.)

Currency:

leu (ROL)

Currency code:

ROL

Exchange rates:

lei per US dollar - 33,055.4 (2002), 29,060.8 (2001), 21,708.7

(2000), 15,332.8 (1999), 8,875.58 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Romania

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.777 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

645,500 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: poor domestic service, but improving

domestic: 90% of telephone network is automatic; trunk network is

mostly microwave radio relay, with some fiber-optic cable; about

one-third of exchange capacity is digital; roughly 3,300 villages

have no service

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat; new digital,

international, direct-dial exchanges operate in Bucharest; note -

Romania is an active participant in several international

telecommunication network projects (1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 40, FM 202, shortwave 3 (1998)

Radios:

7.2 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

48 (plus 392 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

5.25 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ro

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

38 (2000)

Internet users:

1 million (2002)

Transportation Romania

Railways:

total: 11,385 km (3,888 km electrified)

standard gauge: 10,898 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 427 km 0.760-m gauge (2002)

broad gage: 60 km 1.524-m gauge

Highways:

total: 198,603 km

paved: 98,308 km (including 113 km of expressways)

unpaved: 100,295 km (2000)

Waterways:

1,724 km (1984)

Pipelines:

gas 3,508 km; oil 2,427 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Braila, Constanta, Galati, Mangalia, Sulina, Tulcea

Merchant marine:

total: 61 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 494,670 GRT/650,863 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 1, Italy 5 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 39, container 1, passenger 1,

passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 4, railcar carrier 2, roll

on/roll off 4

Airports:

65 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 26

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 39

under 914 m: 25 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 12

Heliports:

1 (2002)

Military Romania

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (AMR), Paramilitary Forces,

Civil Defense, Border Guards

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 5,912,284 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 4,974,240 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 157,840 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$985 million (2002)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.47% (2002)

Transnational Issues Romania

Disputes - international:

has not resolved claims to Ukrainian-administered Zmyinyy (Snake)

Island and Black Sea maritime boundary despite ongoing talks based

on 1997 friendship treaty to find a solution in two years; joint

boundary commission is rectifying boundary with Bulgaria based on

shifts in Danube since last delimitation in 1920; Hungary has yet to

amend status law extending special social and cultural benefits to

ethnic Hungarians in Romania, who protest the law

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin transiting the

Balkan route and small amounts of Latin American cocaine bound for

Western Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Russia

Introduction Russia

Background:

Repeated devastating defeats of the Russian army in World War I led

to widespread rioting in the major cities of the Russian Empire and

to the overthrow in 1917 of the 300-year old Romanov Dynasty. The

Communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon after and formed

the USSR. The brutal rule of Josef STALIN (1928-53) strengthened

Russian dominance of the Soviet Union at a cost of tens of millions

of lives. The Soviet economy and society stagnated in the following

decades until General Secretary Mikhail GORBACHEV (1985-91)

introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in an

attempt to modernize Communism, but his initiatives inadvertently

released forces that by December 1991 splintered the USSR into 15

independent republics. Since then, Russia has struggled in its

efforts to build a democratic political system and market economy to

replace the strict social, political, and economic controls of the

Communist period. A determined guerrilla conflict still plagues

Russia in Chechnya.

Geography Russia

Location:

Northern Asia (that part west of the Urals is included with

Europe), bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North

Pacific Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

60 00 N, 100 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 17,075,200 sq km

water: 79,400 sq km

land: 16,995,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

approximately 1.8 times the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 19,990 km

border countries: Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China

(southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 294 km, Finland

1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 19 km,

Latvia 217 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,485

km, Norway 196 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 206 km, Ukraine 1,576

km

Coastline:

37,653 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much

of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the

polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid

in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along

Arctic coast

Terrain:

broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest

and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border

regions

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

highest point: Gora El'brus 5,633 m

Natural resources:

wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural

gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, timber

note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder

exploitation of natural resources

Land use: arable land: 7.46% permanent crops: 0.11% other: 92.43% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

46,630 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to

development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and

earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula; spring floods and

summer/autumn forest fires throughout Siberia and parts of European

Russia

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric

plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial, municipal,

and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and seacoasts;

deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper

application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of sometimes

intense radioactive contamination; groundwater contamination from

toxic waste; urban solid waste management; abandoned stocks of

obsolete pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably

located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its

size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either

too cold or too dry) for agriculture; Mount Elbrus is Europe's

tallest peak

People Russia

Population:

144,526,278 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16% (male 11,815,360; female 11,335,715)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 49,399,322; female 52,367,194)

65 years and over: 13.6% (male 6,394,411; female 13,214,276) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 37.6 years male: 34.7 years female: 40.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.3% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.09 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

13.99 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female

total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 19.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 17.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 21.53 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.66 years

male: 62.46 years

female: 73.11 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.33 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.9% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

700,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

9,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Russian(s)

adjective: Russian

Ethnic groups:

Russian 81.5%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 3%, Chuvash 1.2%, Bashkir

0.9%, Belarusian 0.8%, Moldavian 0.7%, other 8.1% (1989)

Religions:

Russian Orthodox, Muslim, other

Languages:

Russian, other

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.5% (2003 est.)

Government Russia

Country name:

conventional long form: Russian Federation

conventional short form: Russia

local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya

former: Russian Empire, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic

local short form: Rossiya

Government type:

federation

Capital:

Moscow

Administrative divisions:

49 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast), 21 republics* (respublik,

singular - respublika), 10 autonomous okrugs**(avtonomnykh okrugov,

singular - avtonomnyy okrug), 6 krays*** (krayev, singular - kray),

2 federal cities (singular - gorod)****, and 1 autonomous

oblast*****(avtonomnaya oblast'); Adygeya (Maykop)*, Aginskiy

Buryatskiy (Aginskoye)**, Altay (Gorno-Altaysk)*, Altayskiy

(Barnaul)***, Amurskaya (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'skaya,

Astrakhanskaya, Bashkortostan (Ufa)*, Belgorodskaya, Bryanskaya,

Buryatiya (Ulan-Ude)*, Chechnya (Groznyy)*, Chelyabinskaya,

Chitinskaya, Chukotskiy (Anadyr')**, Chuvashiya (Cheboksary)*,

Dagestan (Makhachkala)*, Evenkiyskiy (Tura)**, Ingushetiya

(Nazran')*, Irkutskaya, Ivanovskaya, Kabardino-Balkariya

(Nal'chik)*, Kaliningradskaya, Kalmykiya (Elista)*, Kaluzhskaya,

Kamchatskaya (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy), Karachayevo-Cherkesiya

(Cherkessk)*, Kareliya (Petrozavodsk)*, Kemerovskaya,

Khabarovskiy***, Khakasiya (Abakan)*, Khanty-Mansiyskiy

(Khanty-Mansiysk)**, Kirovskaya, Komi (Syktyvkar)*, Koryakskiy

(Palana)**, Kostromskaya, Krasnodarskiy***, Krasnoyarskiy***,

Kurganskaya, Kurskaya, Leningradskaya, Lipetskaya, Magadanskaya,

Mariy-El (Yoshkar-Ola)*, Mordoviya (Saransk)*, Moskovskaya, Moskva

(Moscow)****, Murmanskaya, Nenetskiy (Nar'yan-Mar)**,

Nizhegorodskaya, Novgorodskaya, Novosibirskaya, Omskaya,

Orenburgskaya, Orlovskaya (Orel), Penzenskaya, Permskaya,

Komi-Permyatskiy (Kudymkar)**, Primorskiy (Vladivostok)***,

Pskovskaya, Rostovskaya, Ryazanskaya, Sakha (Yakutiya)*,

Sakhalinskaya (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samarskaya, Sankt-Peterburg

(Saint Petersburg)****, Saratovskaya, Severnaya Osetiya-Alaniya

[North Ossetia] (Vladikavkaz)*, Smolenskaya, Stavropol'skiy***,

Sverdlovskaya (Yekaterinburg), Tambovskaya, Tatarstan (Kazan')*,

Taymyrskiy (Dudinka)**, Tomskaya, Tul'skaya, Tverskaya, Tyumenskaya,

Tyva (Kyzyl)*, Udmurtiya (Izhevsk)*, Ul'yanovskaya, Ust'-Ordynskiy

Buryatskiy (Ust'-Ordynskiy)**, Vladimirskaya, Volgogradskaya,

Vologodskaya, Voronezhskaya, Yamalo-Nenetskiy (Salekhard)**,

Yaroslavskaya, Yevreyskaya*****; note - when using a place name with

an adjectival ending 'skaya' or 'skiy,' the word Oblast' or

Avonomnyy Okrug or Kray should be added to the place name

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their

administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center

name following in parentheses)

Independence:

24 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Russia Day, 12 June (1990)

Constitution:

adopted 12 December 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN (acting

president since 31 December 1999, president since 7 May 2000)

head of government: Premier Mikhail Mikhaylovich KASYANOV (since 7

May 2000); Deputy Premiers Viktor Borisovich KHRISTENKO (since 31

May 1999), Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 18 May 2000), Aleksey

Vasilyevich GORDEYEV (since 20 May 2000), Boris Sergeyevich ALESHIN

(since 24 April 2003), Galina Nikolayevna KARELOVA (since 24 April

2003), Vladimir Anatolyevich YAKOVLEV (since 16 June 2003)

cabinet: Ministries of the Government or "Government" composed of

the premier and his deputies, ministers, and selected other

individuals; all are appointed by the president

note: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that provides

staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential

decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a

Security Council also reports directly to the president

election results: Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN elected president;

percent of vote - Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN 52.9%, Gennadiy

Andreyevich ZYUGANOV 29.2%, Grigoriy Alekseyevich YAVLINSKIY 5.8%

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;

election last held 26 March 2000 (next to be held March 2004); note

- no vice president; if the president dies in office, cannot

exercise his powers because of ill health, is impeached, or resigns,

the premier succeeds him; the premier serves as acting president

until a new presidential election is held, which must be within

three months; premier appointed by the president with the approval

of the Duma

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly or Federalnoye Sobraniye consists of the

Federation Council or Sovet Federatsii (178 seats; as of July 2000,

members appointed by the top executive and legislative officials in

each of the 89 federal administrative units - oblasts, krays,

republics, autonomous okrugs and oblasts, and the federal cities of

Moscow and Saint Petersburg; members serve four-year terms) and the

State Duma or Gosudarstvennaya Duma (450 seats; 225 seats elected by

proportional representation from party lists winning at least 5% of

the vote, and 225 seats from single-member constituencies; members

are elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

election results: State Duma - percent of vote received by parties

clearing the 5% threshold entitling them to a proportional share of

the 225 party list seats - United Russia 37.1%, KPRF 12.7%, LDPR

11.6%, Motherland 9.1%; seats by party - United Russia 222, KPRF 53,

LDPR 38, Motherland 37, People's Party 19, Yabloko 4, Union of

Rightist Forces 2, other 7, independents 65, repeat election

required 3

elections: State Duma - last held 7 December 2003 (next to be held

NA December 2007)

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Superior Court of Arbitration;

judges for all courts are appointed for life by the Federation

Council on the recommendation of the president

Political parties and leaders:

Communist Party of the Russian Federation or KPRF [Gennadiy

Andreyevich ZYUGANOV]; Liberal Democratic Party of Russia or LDPR

[Vladimir Volfovich ZHIRINOVSKIY]; Motherland Bloc (Rodina) [Sergey

GLAZYEV and Dmitriy ROGOZIN]; People's Party [Gennadiy RAYKOV];

Union of Rightist Forces or SPS [Anatoliy Borisovich CHUBAYS, Yegor

Timurovich GAYDAR, Irina Mutsuovna KHAKAMADA, Boris Yefimovich

NEMTSOV]; United Russia [Boris Vyacheslavovich GRYZLOV]; Yabloko

Party [Grigoriy Alekseyevich YAVLINSKIY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS, BSEC,

CBSS, CE, CERN (observer), CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ESCAP, G- 8, GEF,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU,

LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer),

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UN Security Council, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD,

UNDP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET,

UNMOP, UNMOVIC, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

(observer), ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Yuriy Viktorovich USHAKOV chancery: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco, and Seattle FAX: [1] (202) 298-5735 telephone: [1] (202) 298-5700, 5701, 5704, 5708

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Alexander VERSHBOW embassy: Bolshoy Devyatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, 121099 Moscow mailing address: PSC-77, APO AE 09721 telephone: [7] (095) 728-5000 FAX: [7] (095) 728-5090 consulate(s) general: Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg

Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red

Economy Russia

Economy - overview:

A decade after the implosion of the Soviet Union in December 1991,

Russia is still struggling to establish a modern market economy and

achieve strong economic growth. In contrast to its trading partners

in Central Europe - which were able within 3 to 5 years to overcome

the initial production declines that accompanied the launch of

market reforms - Russia saw its economy contract for five years, as

the executive and legislature dithered over the implementation of

many of the basic foundations of a market economy. Russia achieved a

slight recovery in 1997, but the government's stubborn budget

deficits and the country's poor business climate made it vulnerable

when the global financial crisis swept through in 1998. The crisis

culminated in the August depreciation of the ruble, a debt default

by the government, and a sharp deterioration in living standards for

most of the population. The economy subsequently has rebounded,

growing by an average of more than 6% annually in 1999-2002 on the

back of higher oil prices and the 60% depreciation of the ruble in

1998. These GDP numbers, along with a renewed government effort to

advance lagging structural reforms, have raised business and

investor confidence over Russia's prospects in its second decade of

transition. Yet serious problems persist. Oil, natural gas, metals,

and timber account for more than 80% of exports, leaving the country

vulnerable to swings in world prices. Russia's industrial base is

increasingly dilapidated and must be replaced or modernized if the

country is to maintain vigorous economic growth. Other problems

include a weak banking system, a poor business climate that

discourages both domestic and foreign investors, corruption, local

and regional government intervention in the courts, and widespread

lack of trust in institutions. In 2003 President PUTIN further

tightened his control over the "oligarchs," especially in the realm

of political expression.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.409 trillion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $9,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 5.8% industry: 34.6% services: 59.6% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 25% (37622 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 5.9% highest 10%: 47% (2001)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.9 (2001)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

71.8 million (2002 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 12.3%, industry 22.7%, services 65% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.9% plus considerable underemployment (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $70 billion

expenditures: $62 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal,

oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from

rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles;

shipbuilding; road and rail transportation equipment; communications

equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction

equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment;

medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables, textiles,

foodstuffs, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

3.7% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

846.5 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 64.3% hydro: 20.5% other: 0.4% (2001) nuclear: 14.8%

Electricity - consumption:

773 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

21.16 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

7 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

7.286 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2.595 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

51.22 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

580.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

408.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

205.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

32.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

47.86 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, vegetables, fruits; beef, milk

Exports:

$104.6 billion (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, wood and wood

products, metals, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and

military manufactures

Exports - partners:

Germany 7.5%, Italy 6.9%, Netherlands 6.7%, China 6.3%, US 6.1%,

Ukraine 5.5%, Belarus 5.4%, Switzerland 5% (2002)

Imports:

$60.7 billion (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, consumer goods, medicines, meat, sugar,

semifinished metal products

Imports - partners:

Germany 14.3%, Belarus 8.9%, Ukraine 7.1%, US 6.4%, China 5.2%,

Italy 4.8%, Kazakhstan 4.3%, France 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$153.5 billion (yearend 2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

in FY01 from US, $979 million (including $750 million in

non-proliferation subsidies); in 2001 from EU, $200 million

Currency:

Russian ruble (RUR)

Currency code:

RUR

Exchange rates:

Russian rubles per US dollar - 31.27 (2002), 29.17 (2001), 28.13

(2000), 24.62 (1999), 9.71 (1998)

note: the post-1 January 1998 ruble is equal to 1,000 of the pre-1

January 1998 rubles

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Russia

Telephones - main lines in use:

30 million (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

19 million (January 2003)

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telephone system has undergone significant

changes in the 1990s; there are more than 1,000 companies licensed

to offer communication services; access to digital lines has

improved, particularly in urban centers; Internet and e-mail

services are improving; Russia has made progress toward building the

telecommunications infrastructure necessary for a market economy;

however, a large demand for main line service remains unsatisfied

domestic: cross-country digital trunk lines run from Saint

Petersburg to Khabarovsk, and from Moscow to Novorossiysk; the

telephone systems in 60 regional capitals have modern digital

infrastructures; cellular services, both analog and digital, are

available in many areas; in rural areas, the telephone services are

still outdated, inadequate, and low density

international: Russia is connected internationally by three undersea

fiber-optic cables; digital switches in several cities provide more

than 50,000 lines for international calls; satellite earth stations

provide access to Intelsat, Intersputnik, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and

Orbita systems

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 420, FM 447, shortwave 56 (1998)

Radios:

61.5 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

7,306 (1998)

Televisions:

60.5 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ru; Russia also has responsibility for a legacy domain ".su" that

was allocated to the Soviet Union, its legal status and ownership

are contested by the Russian Government, ICANN, and several Russian

commercial entities

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

300 (June 2000)

Internet users:

18 million (2002)

Transportation Russia

Railways:

total: 87,157 km

broad gauge: 86,200 km 1.520-m gauge (40,300 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 957 km 1.067-m gauge (on Sakhalin Island)

note:: an additional 30,000 km of non-common carrrier lines serve

industries (2002)

Highways:

total: 532,393 km

paved: 358,833 km

unpaved: 173,560 km (2000)

Waterways:

95,900 km (total routes in general use)

note: routes with navigation guides serving the Russian River Fleet

- 95,900 km; routes with night navigational aids - 60,400 km;

man-made navigable routes - 16,900 km (January 1994)

Pipelines:

gas 135,771 km; oil 70,833 km; refined products 11,536 km; water 23

km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Aleksandrovsk-Sakhalinsky, Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan', De-Kastri,

Indigirskiy, Kaliningrad, Kandalaksha, Kazan', Khabarovsk, Kholmsk,

Krasnoyarsk, Lazarev, Mago, Mezen', Moscow, Murmansk, Nakhodka,

Nevel'sk, Novorossiysk, Onega, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Rostov,

Shakhtersk, Saint Petersburg, Sochi, Taganrog, Tuapse, Uglegorsk,

Vanino, Vladivostok, Volgograd, Vostochnyy, Vyborg

Merchant marine:

total: 933 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,495,122 GRT/5,490,103 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 1, bulk 22, cargo 553, chemical tanker

12, combination bulk 21, combination ore/oil 36, container 30,

multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger 38, passenger/cargo

3, petroleum tanker 167, refrigerated cargo 21, roll on/roll off 20,

short-sea passenger 7, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 9, Denmark 1, Estonia 4,

Greece 3, Honduras 1, Latvia 4, Lithuania 3, Moldova 3, Netherlands

1, South Korea 1, Turkey 18, Turkmenistan 2, Ukraine 10, UK 5, US 1

(2002 est.)

Airports:

2,743 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 471

over 3,047 m: 56

2,438 to 3,047 m: 178

1,524 to 2,437 m: 76

914 to 1,523 m: 69

under 914 m: 92 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2,272

over 3,047 m: 28

2,438 to 3,047 m: 118

1,524 to 2,437 m: 204

914 to 1,523 m: 324

under 914 m: 1,598 (2002)

Military Russia

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Navy, Air Forces; Airborne troops, Strategic Rocket

Forces, and Military Space Forces are classified as independent

combat arms, not subordinate to any of the three branches

:

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 36 million (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 24 million (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 1.243 million (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Russia

Disputes - international:

China continues to seek a mutually acceptable solution to the

disputed alluvial islands at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri

rivers and a small island on the Argun River as part of the 2001

Treaty of Good Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation; the

islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group

identified by the Russians as the "Southern Kurils" and by Japan as

the "Northern Territories" occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now

administered by Russia, claimed by Japan; boundary with Georgia has

been largely delimited but not demarcated with several small,

strategic segments remaining in dispute and OSCE observers

monitoring volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti

region and the Argun Gorge in Abkhazia; equidistant seabed treaties

have been signed with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in the Caspian Sea

but no resolution on dividing the water column among any of the

littoral states; Russia and Norway dispute their maritime limits in

the Barents Sea and Russia's fishing rights beyond Svalbard's

territorial limits within the Svalbard Treaty zone; Russia continues

to reject signing and ratifying the joint 1996 technical border

agreement with Estonia; the Russian Parliament refuses to consider

ratification of the boundary treaties with Estonia and Latvia, but

in May 2003, ratified land and maritime boundary treaty with

Lithuania, which ratified the 1997 treaty in 1999, legalizing limits

of former Soviet republic borders; discussions are still ongoing

among Russia, Lithuania and the EU concerning a simplified transit

document for residents of the Kaliningrad coastal exclave to transit

through Lithuania to Russia; land delimitation with Ukraine is

ratified, but maritime regime of the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait is

unresolved; delimitation with Kazakhstan is scheduled for completion

in 2003; Russian Duma has not yet ratified 1990 Maritime Boundary

Agreement with the US in the Bering Sea

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of illicit cannabis and opium poppy and

producer of methamphetamine, mostly for domestic consumption;

government has active illicit crop eradication program; used as

transshipment point for Asian opiates, cannabis, and Latin American

cocaine bound for growing domestic markets, to a lesser extent

Western and Central Europe, and occasionally to the US; major source

of heroin precursor chemicals; corruption and organized crime are

key concerns; heroin increasingly popular in domestic market

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Rwanda

Introduction Rwanda

Background:

In 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, the majority

ethnic group, the Hutus, overthrew the ruling Tutsi king. Over the

next several years, thousands of Tutsis were killed, and some

150,000 driven into exile in neighboring countries. The children of

these exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic

Front, and began a civil war in 1990. The war, along with several

political and economic upheavals, exacerbated ethnic tensions,

culminating in April 1994 in the genocide of roughly 800,000 Tutsis

and moderate Hutus. The Tutsi rebels defeated the Hutu regime and

ended the killing in July 1994, but approximately 2 million Hutu

refugees - many fearing Tutsi retribution - fled to neighboring

Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zaire. Since then, most of the

refugees have returned to Rwanda. Despite substantial international

assistance and political reforms - including Rwanda's first local

elections in March 1999 - the country continues to struggle to boost

investment and agricultural output and to foster reconciliation. A

series of massive population displacements, a nagging Hutu extremist

insurgency, and Rwandan involvement in two wars over the past four

years in the neighboring DROC continue to hinder Rwanda's efforts.

Geography Rwanda

Location:

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 26,338 sq km

water: 1,390 sq km

land: 24,948 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 893 km

border countries: Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo

217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to

January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Terrain:

mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with

altitude declining from west to east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m

highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Natural resources:

gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane,

hydropower, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 32.43%

permanent crops: 10.13%

other: 57.44% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

40 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the

northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo

Environment - current issues:

deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel;

overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; widespread poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the

population predominantly rural

People Rwanda

Population:

7,810,056

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.5% (male 1,667,128; female 1,651,422)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 2,128,495; female 2,148,694)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 85,576; female 128,741) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.1 years

male: 17.8 years

female: 18.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.84% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

40.1 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

21.72 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 102.61 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 97.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 107.66 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 39.33 years

male: 38.51 years

female: 40.18 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.6 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

8.9% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

500,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

49,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Rwandan(s)

adjective: Rwandan

Ethnic groups:

Hutu 84%, Tutsi 15%, Twa (Pygmoid) 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim 4.6%,

indigenous beliefs 0.1%, none 1.7% (2001)

Languages:

Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French

(official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in

commercial centers

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

female: 64.7% (2003 est.)

male: 76.3%

total population: 70.4%

People - note:

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa

Government Rwanda

Country name:

conventional long form: Rwandese Republic

conventional short form: Rwanda

local short form: Rwanda

former: Ruanda

local long form: Republika y'u Rwanda

Government type:

republic; presidential, multiparty system

Capital:

Kigali

Administrative divisions:

12 prefectures (in French - prefectures, singular - prefecture; in

Kinyarwanda - plural - NA, singular - prefegitura); Butare, Byumba,

Cyangugu, Gikongoro, Gisenyi, Gitarama, Kibungo, Kibuye, Kigali

Rurale, Kigali-ville, Umutara, Ruhengeri

Independence:

1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Constitution:

on 5 May 1995, the Transitional National Assembly adopted as

Fundamental Law the constitution of 18 June 1991, provisions of the

1993 Arusha peace accord, the July 1994 Declaration by the Rwanda

Patriotic Front, and the November 1994 multiparty protocol of

understanding

Legal system:

based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary law;

judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal adult

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Maj. Gen. Paul KAGAME (FPR) (since 22

April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March

2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: last held 25 August 2003 (next to be held NA 2008)

election results: Paul KAGAME elected president in first direct

popular vote; Paul KAGAME (RPF) 95.05%, Faustin TWAGIRAMUNGU 3.62%,

Jean-Nepomuscene NAYINZIRA 1.33%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (53 seats;

members elected by direct vote)

elections: last held 29 September 2003 (next to be held NA)

election results: seats by party under the Arusha peace accord - FPR

40, PSD 7, PL 6

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; communal courts; appeals courts

Political parties and leaders:

Centrist Democratic Party or PDC [Jean-Nipomuscene NAYINZIRA];

Democratic Socialist Party or PSD [J. Damascene NTAWUKURIRYAYO];

Democratic Popular Union of Rwanda or UDPR [leader NA]; Democratic

Republican Movement or MDR [Celestin KABANDA]; Islamic Democratic

Party or PDI [Andre BUMAYA]; Liberal Party or PL [Pie MUGABO]; Party

for Democratic Renewal (officially banned) [Pasteur BIZIMUNGU and

Charles NTAKARUTINKA]; Rwanda Patriotic Front or FPR [Maj. Gen. Paul

KAGAME]; Rwandan Socialist Party or PSR [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

IBUKA - association of genocide survivors

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Zac NSENGA

FAX: [1] (202) 232-4544

telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882

chancery: 1714 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Margaret K. McMILLION embassy: #337 Boulevard de la Revolution, Kigali mailing address: B. P. 28, Kigali telephone: [250] 50 56 01 through 03 FAX: [250] 57 2128

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of sky blue (top, double width), yellow, and

green, with a golden sun with 24 rays near the fly end of the blue

band

Economy Rwanda

Economy - overview:

Rwanda is a poor rural country with about 90% of the population

engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture. It is the most densely

populated country in Africa; landlocked with few natural resources

and minimal industry. Primary foreign exchange earners are coffee

and tea. The 1994 genocide decimated Rwanda's fragile economic base,

severely impoverished the population, particularly women, and eroded

the country's ability to attract private and external investment.

However, Rwanda has made substantial progress in stabilizing and

rehabilitating its economy to pre-1994 levels, although poverty

levels are higher now. GDP has rebounded, and inflation has been

curbed. Export earnings, however, have been hindered by low beverage

prices, depriving the country of much needed hard currency. Attempts

to diversify into non-traditional agriculture exports such as

flowers and vegetables have been stymied by a lack of adequate

transportation infrastructure. Despite Rwanda's fertile ecosystem,

food production often does not keep pace with population growth,

requiring food to be imported. Rwanda continues to receive

substantial amounts of aid money and was approved for IMF-World Bank

Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative debt relief in late

2000. But Kigali's high defense expenditures cause tension between

the government and international donors and lending agencies.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $8.92 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

9.7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 45% industry: 20% services: 35% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 60% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.2% highest 10%: 24.2% (1985)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28.9 (1985)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4.6 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 90%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $199.3 million

expenditures: $445 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap,

furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

Industrial production growth rate:

7% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

96.78 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 2.3% hydro: 97.7% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

140 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

50 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

5,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

28.32 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock

Exports:

$68 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, tea, hides, tin ore

Exports - partners:

Indonesia 30.8%, Germany 14.6%, Hong Kong 9%, South Africa 5.5%

(2002)

Imports:

$253 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum products,

cement and construction material

Imports - partners:

Kenya 21.8%, Germany 8.4%, Belgium 7.9%, Israel 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.3 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$372.9 million (1999)

Currency:

Rwandan franc (RWF)

Currency code:

RWF

Exchange rates:

Rwandan francs per US dollar - 475.37 (2002), 442.99 (2001), 389.7

(2000), 333.94 (1999), 312.31 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Rwanda

Telephones - main lines in use:

600,000 note - 90% in Kigali (2002)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

81,000 (2001)

note: Rwanda has mobile cellular service between Kigali and several

prefecture capitals (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: telephone system primarily serves business and

government

domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to the centers of the

prefectures by microwave radio relay and, recently, by cellular

telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF

radiotelephone

international: international connections employ microwave radio

relay to neighboring countries and satellite communications to more

distant countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian

Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax service)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 3 (two main FM programs are broadcast through a system of

repeaters and the third FM program is a 24 hour BBC program),

shortwave 1 (2002)

Radios:

601,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

NA

Televisions:

NA; probably less than 1,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.rw

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2002)

Internet users:

20,000 (2002)

Transportation Rwanda

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 12,000 km paved: 996 km unpaved: 11,004 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

note: Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft

Ports and harbors:

Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye

Airports:

9 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Military Rwanda

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,932,637 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 982,909 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$59.57 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Rwanda

Disputes - international:

Tutsi, Hutu, and other conflicting ethnic groups, associated

political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces

continue fighting in Great Lakes region, transcending the boundaries

of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda to

gain control over populated areas and natural resources - government

heads pledge to end conflicts, but localized violence continues

despite UN peacekeeping efforts

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Saint Helena

Introduction Saint Helena

Background:

Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, Saint

Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th century. It

acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile, from 1815

until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of call

declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. Ascension

Island is the site of a US Air Force auxiliary airfield; Gough

Island has a meteorological station.

Geography Saint Helena

Location:

islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South

America and Africa

Geographic coordinates:

15 56 S, 5 42 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 410 sq km

note: includes Saint Helena Island, Ascension, and the island group

of Tristan da Cunha, which consists of Tristan da Cunha Island,

Gough Island, Inaccessible Island, and the three Nightingale Islands

water: 0 sq km

land: 410 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

60 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

Saint Helena - tropical; marine; mild, tempered by trade winds;

Tristan da Cunha - temperate; marine, mild, tempered by trade winds

(tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)

Terrain:

Saint Helena - rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains

note: the other islands of the group have a volcanic origin

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 2,060 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 12.9%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 87.1% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere else in the

world; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns

People Saint Helena

Population:

7,367 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.9% (male 704; female 685)

15-64 years: 71.6% (male 2,732; female 2,545)

65 years and over: 9.5% (male 309; female 392) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.2 years

male: 34.4 years

female: 33.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.67% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.9 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.24 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 24.66 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.38 years

male: 74.49 years

female: 80.42 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.54 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saint Helenian(s)

adjective: Saint Helenian

Ethnic groups:

African descent 50%, white 25%, Chinese 25%

Religions:

Anglican (majority), Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 20 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 98% (1987 est.)

Government Saint Helena

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Helena

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Jamestown

Administrative divisions:

1 administrative area and 2 dependencies*; Ascension*, Saint

Helena, Tristan da Cunha*

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

1 January 1989

Legal system:

NA

Suffrage:

NA years of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed by

the monarch

head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief Michael CLANCY

(since NA October 2003)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, two ex officio

officers, and six elected members of the Legislative Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (16 seats, including the speaker, 3

ex officio and 12 elected members; members are elected by popular

vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 27 June 2001 (next to be held NA June 2005)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 15

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court; Small Debts Court; Juvenile Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ICFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

the Saint Helenian shield centered on the outer half of the flag;

the shield features a rocky coastline and three-masted sailing ship

Economy Saint Helena

Economy - overview:

The economy depends largely on financial assistance from the UK,

which amounted to about $5 million in 1997 or almost one-half of

annual budgetary revenues. The local population earns income from

fishing, the raising of livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because

there are few jobs, 25% of the work force has left to seek

employment on Ascension Island, on the Falklands, and in the UK.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $18 million (1998 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,500 (1998 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.2% (1997 est.)

Labor force:

3,500

note: 1,200 work offshore (1998 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and fishing 6%, industry (mainly construction) 48%,

services 46% (1987 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14% (1998 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $11.2 million

expenditures: $11 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY92)

Industries:

construction, crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

5 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

4.65 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

corn, potatoes, vegetables; timber; fish, crawfish (on Tristan da

Cunha)

Exports:

$704,000 f.o.b. (1995)

Exports - commodities:

fish (frozen, canned, and salt-dried skipjack, tuna), coffee,

handicrafts

Exports - partners:

US 23.7%, Japan 20.5%, Netherlands 16%, Tanzania 15.4%, Spain 6.4%,

UK 5.1%, Indonesia 4.5% (2002)

Imports:

$14.434 million c.i.f. (1995)

Imports - commodities:

food, beverages, tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building

materials, motor vehicles and parts, machinery and parts

Imports - partners:

UK 47.6%, Tanzania 14.6%, Italy 12.1%, South Africa 10.9%, US 5.3%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$12.6 million (1995); note - $5.3 million from UK (1997)

Currency:

Saint Helenian pound (SHP)

Currency code:

SHP

Exchange rates:

Saint Helenian pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944 (2001),

0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998),

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Saint Helena

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: can communicate worldwide

domestic: automatic network

international: HF radiotelephone from Saint Helena to Ascensionm,

which is a major coaxial submarine cable relay point between South

Africa, Portugal, and UK; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat

(Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

3,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

0

note: television programs are received in Saint Helena via satellite

and distributed by cable (2002)

Televisions:

2,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.sh

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Communications - note:

Gough Island has a meteorological station

Transportation Saint Helena

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 198 km (Saint Helena 138 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da

Cunha 20 km)

paved: 168 km (Saint Helena 118km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha

10 km)

unpaved: 30 km (Saint Helena 20 km, Ascension 0 km, Tristan da Cunha

10 km) (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Georgetown (on Ascension), Jamestown

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Military Saint Helena

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Saint Helena

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Saint Kitts and Nevis

Introduction Saint Kitts and Nevis

Background:

First settled by the British in 1623, the islands became an

associated state with full internal autonomy in 1967. The island of

Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. Saint Kitts and

Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In 1998, a vote in Nevis on a

referendum to separate from Saint Kitts fell short of the two-thirds

majority needed.

Geography Saint Kitts and Nevis

Location:

Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way

from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

17 20 N, 62 45 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis 93 sq km)

water: 0 sq km

land: 261 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

135 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal

temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

volcanic with mountainous interiors

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

Natural resources: arable land

Land use: arable land: 16.67% permanent crops: 2.78% other: 80.55% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (July to October)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,

Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat and ball, the two

volcanic islands are separated by a three-km-wide channel called The

Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball bat-shaped Saint

Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in the center of its

almost circular namesake island and its ball shape complements that

of its sister island

People Saint Kitts and Nevis

Population:

38,763 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29% (male 5,754; female 5,499)

15-64 years: 62.4% (male 12,098; female 12,105)

65 years and over: 8.5% (male 1,365; female 1,942) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.1 years

male: 26.3 years

female: 27.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.13% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

18.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.85 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-8.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.39 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 17.19 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.57 years

male: 68.76 years

female: 74.56 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.37 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s) adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian

Ethnic groups:

predominantly black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese

Religions:

Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 98% (1980 est.)

Government Saint Kitts and Nevis

Country name:

conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis

former: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Government type:

constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style parliament

Capital:

Basseterre

Administrative divisions:

14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point,

Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James

Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary

Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter

Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island,

Trinity Palmetto Point

Independence:

19 September 1983 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 19 September (1983)

Constitution:

19 September 1983

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Cuthbert Montraville SEBASTIAN

(since 1 January 1996)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is

usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy

prime minister appointed by the governor general

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation

with the prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July

1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (14 seats, 3 appointed and 11

popularly elected from single-member constituencies; members serve

five-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

SKNLP 8, CCM 2, NRP 1

elections: last held 6 March 2000 (next to be held by July 2005)

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on Saint Lucia; one judge of

the Supreme Court resides in Saint Kitts and Nevis)

Political parties and leaders:

Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Vance AMORY]; Nevis Reformation

Party or NRP [Joseph PARRY]; People's Action Movement or PAM

[Lindsey GRANT]; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party or SKNLP [Dr.

Denzil DOUGLAS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, OAS, OECS,

OPANAL, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO,

WIPO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Izben Cordinal WILLIAMS chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636 FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740 consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; the US

Ambassador in Barbados is accredited to Saint Kitts and Nevis

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band

bearing two white, five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in

yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red

Economy Saint Kitts and Nevis

Economy - overview:

Sugar was the traditional mainstay of the Saint Kitts economy until

the 1970s. Although the crop still dominates the agricultural

sector, activities such as tourism, export-oriented manufacturing,

and offshore banking have assumed larger roles in the economy. As

tourism revenues are now the chief source of the islands' foreign

exchange, a decline in stopover tourist arrivals following the

September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks has eroded government finances.

The opening of a 1,000+ bed Marriott hotel in February 2003 is

expected to bring in much-needed revenue.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $339 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-1.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $8,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.5%

industry: 25.8%

services: 70.7% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.7% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

18,172 (June 1995)

Labor force - by occupation:

NA

Unemployment rate:

4.5% (1997)

Budget:

revenues: $89.7 million

expenditures: $128.2 million, including capital expenditures of

$19.5 million (2003 est.)

Industries:

sugar processing, tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear,

beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

100.3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

93.26 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

710 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fish

Exports:

$47 million (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, food, electronics, beverages, tobacco

Exports - partners:

US 66.5%, UK 7.6%, Canada 6.8%, Portugal 6% (2002)

Imports:

$152 million (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, manufactures, food, fuels

Imports - partners:

US 41.6%, Trinidad and Tobago 16.2%, Canada 9.8%, UK 6.9%, Japan 4%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$171 million (2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

$8 million (2001)

Currency:

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Currency code:

XCD

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7

(2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Saint Kitts and Nevis

Telephones - main lines in use:

17,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

205 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: good interisland and international connections

domestic: inter island links to Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Martin

(Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles) are handled by VHF/UHF/SHF

radiotelephone

international: international calls are carried by radiotelephone to

Antigua and Barbuda and switched there to submarine cable or to

Intelsat; or carried to Saint Martin (Guadeloupe and Netherlands

Antilles) by radiotelephone and switched to Intelsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

28,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus three repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

10,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.kn

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

16 (2000)

Internet users:

2,000 (2000)

Transportation Saint Kitts and Nevis

Railways:

total: 50 km

narrow gauge: 50 km 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts to serve sugarcane

plantations during harvest season (2002)

Highways:

total: 320 km

paved: 136 km

unpaved: 184 km (1999 est)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Basseterre, Charlestown

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Saint Kitts and Nevis

Military branches:

Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (including Coast Guard), Royal

Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force (including Special Service Unit)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Saint Kitts and Nevis

Disputes - international:

protests Venezuela's claim to give full effect to Aves Island,

which creates a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending over a

large portion of the Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US

and Europe; some money-laundering activity

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Saint Lucia

Introduction Saint Lucia

Background:

The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries, was contested

between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th

centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally ceded to

the UK in 1814. Self-government was granted in 1967 and independence

in 1979.

Geography Saint Lucia

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic

Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

13 53 N, 60 68 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 616 sq km

water: 10 sq km

land: 606 sq km

Area - comparative:

3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

158 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from

January to April, rainy season from May to August

Terrain:

volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m

Natural resources:

forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs,

geothermal potential

Land use: arable land: 4.92% permanent crops: 22.95% other: 72.13% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes and volcanic activity

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking cone-shaped

peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural highlights

of the Caribbean

People Saint Lucia

Population:

162,157 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.1% (male 25,883; female 24,569)

15-64 years: 63.7% (male 50,711; female 52,508)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 3,147; female 5,339) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.1 years

male: 23.3 years

female: 24.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.25% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

20.93 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.24 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 14.37 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 15.51 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.08 years

male: 69.52 years

female: 76.9 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.29 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Saint Lucian(s) adjective: Saint Lucian

Ethnic groups:

black 90%, mixed 6%, East Indian 3%, white 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, Anglican 3%, other Protestant 7%

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 67%

male: 65%

female: 69% (1980 est.)

Government Saint Lucia

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Lucia

Government type:

Westminster-style parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Castries

Administrative divisions:

11 quarters; Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery,

Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort

Independence:

22 February 1979 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 February (1979)

Constitution:

22 February 1979

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Dr. Perlette LOUISY (since September

1997)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy

prime minister appointed by the governor general

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Kenneth Davis ANTHONY (since 24

May 1997) and Deputy Prime Minister Mario MICHEL (since 24 May 1997)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; six members

appointed on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice

of the leader of the opposition, and two after consultation with

religious, economic, and social groups) and the House of Assembly

(17 seats; members are elected by popular vote from single-member

constituencies to serve five-year terms)

election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - SLP

55%, UWP 37%, NA 3.5%; seats by party - SLP 14, UWP 3

elections: House of Assembly - last held 3 December 2001 (next to be

held NA December 2006)

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (jurisdiction extends to Anguilla,

Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada,

Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent

and the Grenadines)

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance or NA [George ODLUM]; Saint Lucia Freedom Party

or SFP [Martinus FRANCOIS]; Saint Lucia Labor Party or SLP [Kenneth

ANTHONY]; Sou Tout Apwe Fete Fini or STAFF [Christopher HUNTE];

United Workers Party or UWP [Dr. Morella JOSEPH]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sonia Merlyn JOHNNY chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6723 consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the US Ambassador

in Barbados is accredited to Saint Lucia

Flag description:

blue, with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the

upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border

Economy Saint Lucia

Economy - overview:

The recent changes in the EU import preference regime and the

increased competition from Latin American bananas have made economic

diversification increasingly important in Saint Lucia. The island

nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment,

especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries. The

manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean

area, and the government is trying to revitalize the banana

industry. Economic fundamentals remain solid.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $866 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 7%

industry: 20%

services: 73% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

43,800

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 21.7%, services 53.6%, industry, commerce, and manufacturing 24.7% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

16.5% (1997 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $141.2 million

expenditures: $146.7 million, including capital expenditures of

$25.1 million (2000 est.)

Industries:

clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated

cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processing

Industrial production growth rate:

-8.9% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

120.2 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

111.8 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

2,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa

Exports:

$68.3 million (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities:

bananas 41%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil

Exports - partners:

UK 48.6%, US 27.8%, Barbados 7.6% (2002)

Imports:

$319.4 million (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food 23%, manufactured goods 21%, machinery and transportation

equipment 19%, chemicals, fuels

Imports - partners:

Brazil 41.7%, US 21.4%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.9% (2002)

Debt - external:

$214 million (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$51.8 million (1995)

Currency:

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Currency code:

XCD

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7

(2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Saint Lucia

Telephones - main lines in use:

37,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,600 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: system is automatically switched

international: direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique and

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to Barbados;

international calls beyond these countries are carried by Intelsat

from Martinique

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 7 (plus 3 repeaters), shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

111,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 3 (of which two are commercial stations and one is a community antenna television or CATV channel) (1997)

Televisions:

32,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.lc

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

15 (2000)

Internet users:

3,000 (2000)

Transportation Saint Lucia

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 1,210 km paved: 63 km unpaved: 1,147 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Castries, Vieux Fort

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Saint Lucia

Military branches:

Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (includes Special Service Unit and

Coast Guard)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

$NA

Transnational Issues Saint Lucia

Disputes - international:

protests Venezuela's claim to give full effect to Aves Island,

which creates a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending over a

large portion of the Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transit point for South American drugs destined for the US and

Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Introduction Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Background:

First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands

represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North

American possessions.

Geography Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Location:

Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south

of Newfoundland (Canada)

Geographic coordinates:

46 50 N, 56 20 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 242 sq km

note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the

Miquelon groups

water: 0 sq km

land: 242 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

120 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

cold and wet, with much mist and fog; spring and autumn are windy

Terrain:

mostly barren rock

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

Natural resources: fish, deepwater ports

Land use: arable land: 13.04% permanent crops: 0% other: 86.96% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard

Environment - current issues: recent test drilling for oil in waters around Saint Pierre and Miquelon may bring future development that would impact the environment

Geography - note: vegetation scanty

People Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Population:

6,976 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25% (male 891; female 851)

15-64 years: 64.7% (male 2,306; female 2,210)

65 years and over: 10.3% (male 310; female 408) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.9 years

male: 32.7 years

female: 33.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.3% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

14.62 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.74 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-4.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 9.15 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.11 years

male: 75.82 years

female: 80.51 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Ethnic groups:

Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 99%

Languages:

French (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1982 est.)

Government Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Country name:

conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre

and Miquelon

conventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelon

local short form: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

local long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Dependency status:

self-governing territorial collectivity of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Saint-Pierre

Administrative divisions:

none (territorial collectivity of France); note - there are no

first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are two communes - Saint Pierre, Miquelon at

the second order

Independence:

none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French

control since 1763)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French law with special adaptations for local conditions, such as

housing and taxation

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May

1995), represented by Prefect Claude VALLEIX (since 9 October 2002)

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; election last held, first round - 21 April 2002, second round

- 5 May 2002 (next to be held NA 2007); prefect appointed by the

French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior;

president of the General Council is elected by the members of the

council

head of government: President of the General Council Marc

PLANTAGENEST (since NA)

cabinet: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats - 15 from

Saint Pierre and 4 from Miquelon; members are elected by popular

vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: elections last held 19 and 26 March 2000 (next to be held

NA April 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

PS 12, PRG 2, UDF-RPR 5

note: Saint Pierre and Miquelon elect 1 seat to the French Senate;

elections last held NA September 1995 (next to be held NA September

2004); results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

RPR 1; Saint Pierre and Miquelon also elects 1 seat to the French

National Assembly; elections last held, first round - 9 June 2002,

second round - 16 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007); results -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - UDF 1

Judicial branch:

Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

PRG [leader NA]; Rassemblement pour la Republique or RPR (now UMP)

[leader NA]; Socialist Party or PS [leader NA]; Union pour la

Democratie Francaise or UDF [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

FZ, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Flag description:

a yellow sailing ship facing the hoist side rides on a dark blue

background with a black wave line under the ship; on the hoist side,

a vertical band is divided into three parts: the top part (called

ikkurina) is red with a green diagonal cross extending to the

corners overlaid by a white cross dividing the rectangle into four

sections; the middle part has a white background with an ermine

pattern; the third part has a red background with two stylized

yellow lions outlined in black, one above the other; these three

heraldic arms represent settlement by colonists from the Basque

Country (top), Brittany, and Normandy; the flag of France is used

for official occasions

Economy Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Economy - overview:

The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by

fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of

Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because of

disputes with Canada over fishing quotas and a steady decline in the

number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration

panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km

to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although

it represents only 25% of what France had sought. The islands are

heavily subsidized by France to the great betterment of living

standards. The government hopes an expansion of tourism will boost

economic prospects. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way

for development of the energy sector.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $74 million - supplemented by annual

payments from France of about $60 million (1996 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $11,000 (1996 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (1991-96 average)

Labor force:

3,261 (1999)

Labor force - by occupation: fishing 18%, industry (mainly fish-processing) 41%, services 41% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.8% (1997)

Budget:

revenues: $70 million

expenditures: $60 million, including capital expenditures of $24

million (1996 est.)

Industries:

fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

42.03 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

39.08 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Exports:

$12 million f.o.b. (1999)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products, soybeans, animal feed, mollusks and

crustaceans, fox and mink pelts

Exports - partners:

US 33.3%, Zambia 30.3%, Ecuador 16.2%, France 5.1%, Canada 4%,

Spain 4% (2002)

Imports:

$55 million f.o.b. (1999)

Imports - commodities:

meat, clothing, fuel, electrical equipment, machinery, building

materials

Imports - partners:

Zambia 61.5%, France 21.8%, Canada 13% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

approximately $60 million in annual grants from France

Currency:

euro (EUR)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.0626 (2001), 1.08540 (2000), 0.93863

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1994)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: NA

international: radiotelephone communication with most countries in

the world; 1 earth station in French domestic satellite system

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

4,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 0 (there are, however, two repeaters which rebroadcast programs from France, Canada, and the US) (1997)

Televisions:

4,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.pm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 114 km paved: 69 km unpaved: 45 km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Saint Pierre

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Introduction Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Background:

Disputed between France and the United Kingdom in the 18th century,

Saint Vincent was ceded to the latter in 1783. Autonomy was granted

in 1969 and independence in 1979.

Geography Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic

Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

13 15 N, 61 12 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344 sq km)

water: 0 sq km

land: 389 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

84 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May

to November)

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Soufriere 1,234 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, cropland

Land use:

arable land: 10.26%

permanent crops: 17.95%

other: 71.79% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a

constant threat

Environment - current issues: pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is

divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of 32 islands and cays

People Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Population:

116,812 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 28.2% (male 16,755; female 16,163)

15-64 years: 65.5% (male 39,308; female 37,149)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 3,215; female 4,222) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.3 years

male: 25.1 years

female: 25.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.34% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.16 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.08 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-7.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 17.08 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.08 years

male: 71.3 years

female: 74.92 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.95 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)

adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian

Ethnic groups:

black 66%, mixed 19%, East Indian 6%, Carib Amerindian 2%, other 7%

Religions:

Anglican 47%, Methodist 28%, Roman Catholic 13%, Hindu Seventh-Day

Adventist, other Protestant

Languages:

English, French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 96%

male: 96%

female: 96% (1970 est.)

Government Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Government type:

parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the

Commonwealth

Capital:

Kingstown

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint

George, Saint Patrick

Independence:

27 October 1979 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 October (1979)

Constitution:

27 October 1979

Legal system:

based on English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Sir Fredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE

(since 2 September 2002)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by

the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the

governor general on the advice of the prime minister

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29

March 2001)

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (21 seats, 15 elected representatives

and 6 appointed senators; representatives are elected by popular

vote from single-member constituencies to serve five-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

ULP 12, NDP 3

elections: last held 28 March 2001 (next to be held by March 2006)

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on Saint Lucia; one judge of

the Supreme Court resides in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)

Political parties and leaders:

National Reform Party or NRP [Joel MIGUEL]; New Democratic Party or

NDP [Arnhim EUSTACE]; People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Ken

BOYEA]; Progressive Labor Party or PLP [leader NA]; United People's

Movement or UPM [Adrian SAUNDERS]; Unity Labor Party or ULP [Ralph

GONSALVES] (formed by the coalition of Saint Vincent Labor Party or

SVLP and the Movement for National Unity or MNU)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OAS,

OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ellsworth I. A. JOHN chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6730 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6736 consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines; the US Ambassador in Barbados is accredited to Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines

Flag description:

three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and

green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V

pattern

Economy Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Economy - overview:

Bananas and other agricultural products remain the staple of this

lower-middle income country's economy. Although tourism and other

services have been growing moderately in recent years, the

government has been ineffective at introducing new industries.

Unemployment remains high, and economic growth hinges upon seasonal

variations in the agricultural and tourism sectors. Tropical storms

wiped out substantial portions of crops in 1994, 1995, and 2002, and

tourism in the Eastern Caribbean has suffered low arrivals following

11 September 2001. Saint Vincent is home to a small offshore banking

sector, but its restrictive secrecy laws have come under

international review. As of June 2001, it remained on the Financial

Action Task Force's list of noncooperative jurisdictions. Saint

Vincent is also the largest producer of marijuana in the Eastern

Caribbean and is increasingly being used as a transshipment point

for illegal narcotics from South America.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $339 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10%

industry: 26%

services: 64% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.4% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

67,000 (1984 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 26%, industry 17%, services 57% (1980 est.)

Unemployment rate:

22% (1997 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $94.6 million

expenditures: $85.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.9% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

92.48 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 69.3% hydro: 30.7% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

86 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,250 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats; fish

Exports: $53.7 million (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities: bananas 39%, eddoes and dasheen (taro), arrowroot starch, tennis racquets

Exports - partners:

France 25.2%, Greece 19.1%, Spain 16.4%, UK 9.5%, US 7.1% (2002)

Imports:

$185.6 million (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, chemicals and fertilizers,

minerals and fuels

Imports - partners:

France 32.7%, US 11.3%, Trinidad and Tobago 10.4%, Singapore 10.1%,

Spain 7.9%, Greece 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$167.2 million (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$47.5 million (1995); note - EU $34.5 million (1998)

Currency:

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Currency code:

XCD

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7

(2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,500 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: islandwide, fully automatic telephone system; VHF/UHF

radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to the other islands of the

Grenadines

international: VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to

Barbados; new SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and to Saint Lucia;

access to Intelsat earth station in Martinique through Saint Lucia

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

77,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus three repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

18,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.vc

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

15 (2000)

Internet users:

3,500 (2001)

Transportation Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 1,040 km paved: 320 km unpaved: 720 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Kingstown

Merchant marine:

total: 769 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,365,887 GRT/9,665,937 DWT

ships by type: bulk 133, cargo 376, chemical tanker 21, combination

bulk 7, container 58, liquefied gas 8, livestock carrier 4,

multi-functional large-load carrier 2, passenger 5, petroleum tanker

43, refrigerated cargo 46, roll on/roll off 45, short-sea passenger

10, specialized tanker 10, vehicle carrier 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Albania 1, Anguilla 1, Argentina 1, Australia 2, The

Bahamas 1, Bangladesh 1, Barbados 2, Belgium 4, Bulgaria 14, Canada

1, Cayman Islands 1, China 135, Colombia 1, Croatia 12, Cyprus 6,

Denmark 16, Egypt 7, Estonia 6, France 27, Germany 12, Greece 156,

Guyana 7, Hong Kong 23, Iceland 1, India 11, Indonesia 3, Israel 2,

Italy 19, Japan 1, Kenya 4, Latvia 5, Lebanon 9, Liberia 5,

Lithuania 1, Malta 1, Man, Isle of 1, Marshall Islands 3, Mexico 1,

Monaco 6, Netherlands 14, Netherlands Antilles 1, Nigeria 3, Norway

33, Pakistan 5, Panama 2, Poland 2, Portugal 2, Puerto Rico 2,

Russia 8, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saudi Arabia 3, Singapore 4,

Slovenia 7, South Korea 4, Spain 1, Sweden 6, Switzerland 10, Syria

2, Taiwan 1, Thailand 1, Trinidad and Tobago 1, Tunisia 1, Turkey

15, Ukraine 8, UAE 45, UK 16, US 25, Vietnam 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

6 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Military branches:

Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (includes

Special Service Unit), Coast Guard

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Disputes - international:

protests Venezuela's claim to give full effect to Aves Island,

which creates a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending over a

large portion of the Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US

and Europe; small-scale cannabis cultivation

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Samoa

Introduction Samoa

Background:

New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa at

the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer the

islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962, when

the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish

independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western"

from its name in 1997.

Geography Samoa

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about

one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

13 35 S, 172 20 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 2,944 sq km

water: 10 sq km

land: 2,934 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

403 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season (May to

October)

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in

interior

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mauga Silisili 1,857 m

Natural resources:

hardwood forests, fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 19.43%

permanent crops: 23.67%

other: 56.9% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons; active volcanism

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

occupies an almost central position within Polynesia

People Samoa

Population:

178,173 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.4% (male 26,613; female 25,715)

15-64 years: 64.6% (male 72,135; female 42,903)

65 years and over: 6.1% (male 4,980; female 5,827) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.7 years

male: 26.3 years

female: 20.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.27% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

15.41 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.41 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-11.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.68 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.39 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 29.73 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 24.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 34.98 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.11 years

male: 67.35 years

female: 73 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.21 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

12

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3

Nationality:

noun: Samoan(s)

adjective: Samoan

Ethnic groups:

Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7% (persons of European and Polynesian

blood), Europeans 0.4%

Religions:

Christian 99.7% (about one-half of population associated with the

London Missionary Society; includes Congregational, Roman Catholic,

Methodist, Latter-Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventist)

Languages:

Samoan (Polynesian), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.6%

female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

Government Samoa

Country name:

conventional long form: Independent State of Samoa

conventional short form: Samoa

former: Western Samoa

Government type:

constitutional monarchy under native chief

Capital:

Apia

Administrative divisions:

11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga,

Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga,

Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano

Independence:

1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962); note - 1 January 1962

is the date of independence from the New Zealand-administered UN

trusteeship, 1 June 1962 is the date that independence is celebrated

Constitution:

1 January 1962

Legal system:

based on English common law and local customs; judicial review of

legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the citizen;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Chief Tanumafili II MALIETOA (cochief of state from

1 January 1962 until becoming sole chief of state 5 April 1963)

head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA

(since 1996); note - TUILA'EPA served as deputy prime minister from

1992 until he assumed the prime ministership in 1996, when former

Prime Minister TOFILAU Eti Alesana resigned in poor health;

TUILA'EPA was confirmed as prime minister after TOFILAU died; the

post of deputy prime minister is currently vacant

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members, appointed by the chief of

state with the prime minister's advice

elections: upon the death of Chief Tanumafili II MALIETOA, a new

chief of state will be elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve

a five-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party is usually appointed prime minister by the chief of

state with the approval of the Legislative Assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fono (49 seats - 47 elected by

voters affiliated with traditional village-based electoral

districts, 2 elected by independent, mostly Eurasian, voters who

cannot, (or choose not to) establish a village affiliation; only

chiefs (matai) may stand for election to the Fono; members serve

five-year terms)

elections: election last held 3 March 2001 (next election to be held

not later than March 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

HRPP 30, SNDP 13, independents 6

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Land and Titles Court

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Party [leader NA]; Human Rights Protection

Party or HRPP [Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA, chairman]; Samoa All

People's Party or SAPP [Matatumua MAIMOANA]; Samoan National

Development Party or SNDP [LE MAMEA Ropati, chairman] (opposition);

Samoa National Party [FETU Tiatia, party secretary]; Samoan

Progressive Conservative Party [LEOTA Ituau Ale]; Samoan United

Independents Party or SUIP [Dr. Saleimoa VAAI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Feturi ELISAIA

FAX: [1] (212) 599-0797

telephone: [1] (212) 599-6196, 6197

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: the Ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to

Samoa

embassy: Vailima

mailing address: P. O. Box 3430, Apia

telephone: [685] 21631/22696

FAX: [685] 22030

Flag description:

red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant bearing

five white five-pointed stars representing the Southern Cross

constellation

Economy Samoa

Economy - overview:

The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on

development aid, family remittances from overseas, and agriculture

and fishing. The country is vulnerable to devastating storms.

Agriculture employs two-thirds of the labor force, and furnishes 90%

of exports, featuring coconut cream, coconut oil, and copra. The

manufacturing sector mainly processes agricultural products. The

decline of fish stocks in the area is a continuing problem. Tourism

is an expanding sector, accounting for 25% of GDP; about 88,000

tourists visited the islands in 2001. The Samoan Government has

called for deregulation of the financial sector, encouragement of

investment, and continued fiscal discipline, meantime protecting the

environment. Observers point to the flexibility of the labor market

as a basic strength for future economic advances. Foreign reserves

are in a relatively healthy state, the external debt is stable, and

inflation is low.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14%

industry: 23%

services: 63% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

90,000 (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

NA

Unemployment rate:

NA%; note - substantial underemployment

Budget:

revenues: $105 million

expenditures: $119 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001/2002)

Industries:

food processing, building materials, auto parts

Industrial production growth rate:

2.8% (2000)

Electricity - production:

105.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 58% hydro: 42% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

97.74 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee, cocoa

Exports:

$15.5 million f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

fish, coconut oil and cream, copra, taro, automotive parts,

garments, beer

Exports - partners:

Australia 66.1%, US 10%, Japan 3.7% (2002)

Imports:

$130.1 million f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, industrial supplies, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

New Zealand 23.3%, Fiji 20.2%, Australia 15.7%, Japan 13.1%, Taiwan

6.4%, US 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$197 million (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$42.9 million (1995)

Currency:

tala (SAT)

Currency code:

SAT (former WST code is still in wide use)

Exchange rates:

tala per US dollar - 3.37 (2002), 3.48 (2001), 3.29 (2000), 3.01

(1999), 2.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

June 1 - May 31

Communications Samoa

Telephones - main lines in use:

8,183 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1,545 (February 1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

174,849 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (2002)

Televisions:

8,634 (1999)

Internet country code:

.ws

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

3,000 (2002)

Transportation Samoa

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 790 km paved: 332 km unpaved: 458 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Apia, Asau, Mulifanua, Salelologa

Merchant marine:

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) 7,091 GRT/8,127 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

4 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Samoa

Military branches:

no regular armed services; Samoa Police Force

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Military - note:

Samoa has no formal defense structure or regular armed forces;

informal defense ties exist with NZ, which is required to consider

any Samoan request for assistance under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship

Transnational Issues Samoa

Disputes - international: none; note - some EEZ demarcations, including the one with American Samoa, are undefined

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@San Marino

Introduction San Marino

Background:

The third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco)

also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to

tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus in

301 A.D. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of Italy.

Social and political trends in the republic also track closely with

those of its larger neighbor.

Geography San Marino

Location:

Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy

Geographic coordinates:

43 46 N, 12 25 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 61.2 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 61.2 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 39 km border countries: Italy 39 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers

Terrain:

rugged mountains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m highest point: Monte Titano 755 m

Natural resources: building stone

Land use: arable land: 16.67% permanent crops: 0% other: 83.33% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Nuclear

Test Ban

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution

Geography - note:

landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after the Holy See

and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines

People San Marino

Population:

28,119 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.3% (male 2,364; female 2,220)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 9,149; female 9,731)

65 years and over: 16.6% (male 2,009; female 2,646) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.6 years

male: 39.2 years

female: 40 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.38% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.49 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.86 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

11.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.09 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 6.41 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.43 years

male: 77.9 years

female: 85.26 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.31 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sammarinese

Ethnic groups:

Sammarinese, Italian

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

Italian

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 97%

female: 95% (1976 est.)

Government San Marino

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of San Marino

conventional short form: San Marino

local short form: San Marino

local long form: Repubblica di San Marino

Government type:

independent republic

Capital:

San Marino

Administrative divisions:

9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo

Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Monte

Giardino, San Marino, Serravalle

Independence:

3 September 301

National holiday:

Founding of the Republic, 3 September (301)

Constitution:

8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the functions

of a constitution

Legal system:

based on civil law system with Italian law influences; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: cochiefs of state Captain Regent Giovanni

LONFERNINI and Captain Regent Valeria CIAVATTA (for the period 1

October 2003-31 March 2004)

elections: cochiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Great

and General Council for a six-month term; election last held NA

September 2003 (next to be held NA March 2004); secretary of state

for foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General

Council for a five-year term; election last held 17 December 2002

(next to be held NA June 2007)

note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council)

selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent (cochiefs

of state) for a six-month period; they preside over meetings of the

Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State), which

has 10 other members, all selected by the Grand and General Council;

assisting the captains regent are 10 secretaries of state; the

secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has assumed some of the

prerogatives of a prime minister

election results: Giovanni LONFERNINI and Valeria CIAVATTA elected

captains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA%; Fiorenzo STOLFI

elected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs;

percent of legislative vote - 40%

cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Council

for a five-year term

head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political

Affairs Fiorenzo STOLFI (since 17 December 2002)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Grand and General Council or Consiglio Grande e Generale

(60 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 10 June 2001 (next to be held by June 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - PDCS 41.4%, PSS 24.2%,

PD 20.8%, APDS 8.2%, RC 3.4%, AN 1.9%; seats by party - PDCS 25, PSS

15, PD 12, APDS 5, RC 2, AN 1

Judicial branch:

Council of Twelve or Consiglio dei XII

Political parties and leaders:

Communist Refoundation or RC [Ivan FOSHI]; Ideas in Movement or IM

[Alessandro ROSSI]; National Alliance or AN [leader NA]; Party of

Democrats or PD [Claudio FELICI]; San Marino Christian Democratic

Party or PDCS [Giovanni LONFERNINI]; San Marino Popular Alliance of

Democrats or APDS [Roberto GIORGETTI]; San Marino Socialist Party or

PSS [Alberto CECCHETTI]; Socialists for Reform or SR [Renzo GIARDI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

CE, ECE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO,

WIPO, WToO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

San Marino does not have an embassy in the US

honorary consulate(s) general: Washington, DC and New York

honorary consulate(s): Detroit and Honolulu

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in San Marino; the US Consul

General in Florence (Italy) is accredited to San Marino

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the

national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the coat of arms

has a shield (featuring three towers on three peaks) flanked by a

wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS

(Liberty)

Economy San Marino

Economy - overview:

The tourist sector contributes over 50% of GDP. In 2000 more than 3

million tourists visited San Marino. The key industries are banking,

wearing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main agricultural

products are wine and cheeses. The per capita level of output and

standard of living are comparable to those of the most prosperous

regions of Italy, which supplies much of its food.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $940 million (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.5% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $34,600 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2001)

Labor force:

18,500 (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 57%, industry 42%, agriculture 1% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.6% (2001)

Budget:

revenues: $400 million

expenditures: $400 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

tourism, banking, textiles, electronics, ceramics, cement, wine

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

NA

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 41.18% other: 0% nuclear: 0% hydro: 58.82%

Electricity - consumption:

NA (2000)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh

note: electric power supplied by Italy

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh

note: electricity supplied by Italy

Agriculture - products:

wheat, grapes, corn, olives; cattle, pigs, horses, beef, cheese,

hides

Exports:

trade data are included with the statistics for Italy

Exports - commodities: building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked goods, hides, ceramics

Imports:

trade data are included with the statistics for Italy

Imports - commodities:

wide variety of consumer manufactures, food

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

euro (EUR)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications San Marino

Telephones - main lines in use:

18,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,010 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate connections

domestic: automatic telephone system completely integrated into

Italian system

international: connected to Italian international network

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

16,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (San Marino residents also receive broadcasts from Italy) (1997)

Televisions:

9,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.sm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation San Marino

Railways:

0 km; note - there is a 1.5-km cable railway connecting the city of

San Marino to Borgo Maggiore

Highways: total: 220 km paved: 220 km unpaved: 0 km (2001)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

none (2002)

Military San Marino

Military branches:

Voluntary Military Force (Corpi Militari Voluntar), Gendarmerie;

note - the Voluntary Military Force performs ceremonial duties and

limited police assistance

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$700,000 (FY00/01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues San Marino

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Sao Tome and Principe

Introduction Sao Tome and Principe

Background:

Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the

islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee and cocoa in the

19th century - all grown with plantation slave labor, a form of

which lingered into the 20th century. Although independence was

achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not instituted until the

late 1980s. Though the first free elections were held in 1991, the

political environment has been one of continued instability with

frequent changes in leadership and coup attempts in 1995 and 2003.

The recent discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea is likely to have

a significant impact on the country's economy.

Geography Sao Tome and Principe

Location:

Western Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, straddling the

Equator, west of Gabon

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 N, 7 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,001 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 1,001 sq km

Area - comparative:

more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

209 km

Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

Natural resources: fish, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 41% other: 57% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

100 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the smallest country in Africa; the two main islands form part of a

chain of extinct volcanoes and both are fairly mountainous

People Sao Tome and Principe

Population:

175,883 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 47.7% (male 42,480; female 41,411)

15-64 years: 48.3% (male 41,043; female 43,986)

65 years and over: 4% (male 3,197; female 3,766) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.1 years

male: 15.5 years

female: 16.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.18% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

41.87 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.11 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 46.04 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 43.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 48.07 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.28 years

male: 64.79 years

female: 67.82 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.88 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Sao Tomean(s)

adjective: Sao Tomean

Ethnic groups:

mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), forros

(descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from

Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais

born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)

Religions:

Christian 80% (Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Seventh-Day

Adventist)

Languages:

Portuguese (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79.3%

male: 85%

female: 62% (1991 est.)

Government Sao Tome and Principe

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

conventional short form: Sao Tome and Principe

local short form: Sao Tome e Principe

local long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Sao Tome

Administrative divisions: 2 provinces; Principe, Sao Tome note: Principe has had self-government since 29 April 1995

Independence:

12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

Constitution:

approved March 1990; effective 10 September 1990

Legal system:

based on Portuguese legal system and customary law; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Fradique DE MENEZES (since 3 September

2001)

election results: Fradique DE MENEZES elected president in Sao

Tome's third multiparty presidential election; percent of vote - NA%

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 29 July 2001 (next to be held NA July 2006);

prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the

president

head of government: Prime Minister Maria das NEVES (since 7 October

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

proposal of the prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (55 seats;

members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 3 March 2002 (next to be held NA March 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - MLSTP 39.6%, Force for

Change Democratic Movement 39.4%, Ue-Kedadji coalition 16.2%; seats

by party - MLSTP 24, Force for Change Democratic Movement 23,

Ue-Kedadji coalition 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Renovation Party [Armindo GRACA]; Force for Change

Democratic Movement [leader NA]; Independent Democratic Action or

ADI [Carlos NEVES]; Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and

Principe-Social Democratic Party or MLSTP-PSD [Manuel Pinto Da

COSTA]; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Aldo BANDEIRA];

Ue-Kedadji coalition [leader NA]; other small parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Sao Tome and Principe does not have an embassy in the US, but does

have a Permanent Mission to the UN, headed by First Secretary

Domingos Augusto FERREIRA, located at 400 Park Avenue, 7th Floor,

New York, NY 10022, telephone [1] (212) 317-0580

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Sao Tome and Principe; the

Ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and Principe on a

nonresident basis and makes periodic visits to the islands

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and

green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the

center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the

hoist side; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Economy Sao Tome and Principe

Economy - overview:

This small poor island economy has become increasingly dependent on

cocoa since independence 28 years ago. Cocoa production has

substantially declined in recent years because of drought and

mismanagement, but strengthening prices brighten prospects for 2003.

Sao Tome has to import all fuels, most manufactured goods, consumer

goods, and a substantial amount of food. Over the years, it has been

unable to service its external debt and has had to depend on

concessional aid and debt rescheduling. Sao Tome benefited from $200

million in debt relief in December 2000 under the Highly Indebted

Poor Countries (HIPC) program. Sao Tome's success in implementing

structural reforms has been rewarded by international donors, who

pledged increased assistance in 2001. Considerable potential exists

for development of a tourist industry, and the government has taken

steps to expand facilities in recent years. The government also has

attempted to reduce price controls and subsidies. Sao Tome is

optimistic that substantial petroleum discoveries are forthcoming in

its territorial waters in the oil-rich waters of the Gulf of Guinea;

production could begin as early as 2004.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $200 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 25%

industry: 10%

services: 65% (1999 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing

note: shortages of skilled workers

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $58 million

expenditures: $114 million, including capital expenditures of $54

million (1993 est.)

Industries:

light construction, textiles, soap, beer; fish processing; timber

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

17 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 41.2% hydro: 58.8% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

15.81 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, copra, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, papayas, beans; poultry; fish

Exports:

$5.5 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cocoa 80%, copra, coffee, palm oil

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 30.1%, Poland 11.8%, Canada 9.7%, Germany 7.5%,

Philippines 7.5%, Spain 7.5%, Belgium 6.5%, France 4.3%, Portugal

4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$24.8 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, food products, petroleum

products

Imports - partners:

Portugal 51.4%, Germany 10.1%, UK 7.6%, Belgium 6.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$253.8 million (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$200 million in December 2000 under the HIPC program

Currency:

dobra (STD)

Currency code:

STD

Exchange rates:

dobras per US dollar - NA (2002), 8,842.11 (2001), 7,978.17 (2000),

7,118.96 (1999), 6,883.24 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Sao Tome and Principe

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,600 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6,942 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate facilities

domestic: minimal system

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 1 (2002)

Radios:

38,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (2002)

Televisions:

23,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.st

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

9,000 (2002)

Transportation Sao Tome and Principe

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 320 km paved: 218 km unpaved: 102 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Santo Antonio, Sao Tome

Merchant marine:

total: 24 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 78,595 GRT/99,873 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 15, chemical tanker 1, livestock

carrier 1, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll

off 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Egypt 1, Greece 1, Kenya 1, Portugal 1, Syria 1, Turkey

1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Sao Tome and Principe

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Security Police

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 36,905 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 19,443 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$400,000 (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.8% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Sao Tome and Principe

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Saudi Arabia

Introduction Saudi Arabia

Background:

In 1902, ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al Saud captured Riyadh and

set out on a 30-year campaign to unify the Arabian Peninsula. In the

1930s, the discovery of oil transformed the country. Following

Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti

royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab

troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the

following year. A burgeoning population, aquifer depletion, and an

economy largely dependent on petroleum output and prices are all

major governmental concerns.

Geography Saudi Arabia

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of

Yemen

Geographic coordinates:

25 00 N, 45 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 1,960,582 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 1,960,582 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 4,431 km

border countries: Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman

676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km

Coastline:

2,640 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 18 NM continental shelf: not specified territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Terrain:

mostly uninhabited, sandy desert

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Land use: arable land: 1.72% permanent crops: 0.06% other: 98.22% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

16,200 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

frequent sand and dust storms

Environment - current issues: desertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea provide great

leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through Persian Gulf and

Suez Canal

People Saudi Arabia

Population: 24,293,844 note: includes 5,576,076 non-nationals (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.3% (male 5,245,413; female 5,028,595)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 7,700,121; female 5,622,099)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 393,173; female 304,443) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.8 years

male: 20.9 years

female: 16.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.27% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

37.2 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.79 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.37 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.29 male(s)/female

total population: 1.22 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 47.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 50.1 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.73 years

male: 66.99 years

female: 70.55 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.15 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.01% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Saudi(s)

adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Religions:

Muslim 100%

Languages:

Arabic

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 78.8%

male: 84.7%

female: 70.8% (2003 est.)

Government Saudi Arabia

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

conventional short form: Saudi Arabia

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

local short form: Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

Riyadh

Administrative divisions:

13 provinces (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah, Al Hudud

ash Shamaliyah, Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Ar Riyad, Ash

Sharqiyah (Eastern Province), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah, Najran,

Tabuk

Independence:

23 September 1932 (Unification of the Kingdom)

National holiday:

Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)

Constitution:

governed according to Shari'a (Islamic law); the Basic Law that

articulates the government's rights and responsibilities was

introduced in 1993

Legal system:

based on Islamic law, several secular codes have been introduced;

commercial disputes handled by special committees; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

none

Executive branch:

chief of state: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al

Saud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime

Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (half-brother to the

monarch, heir to the throne since 13 June 1982, regent from 1

January to 22 February 1996); note - the monarch is both the chief

of state and head of government

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary

head of government: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al

Saud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime

Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (half-brother to the

monarch, heir to the throne since 13 June 1982, regent from 1

January to 22 February 1996); note - the monarch is both the chief

of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers is appointed by the monarch and

includes many royal family members

Legislative branch:

Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (120 members and a chairman

appointed by the monarch for four-year terms)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Council of Justice

Political parties and leaders:

none allowed

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BIS, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77, GCC,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW,

OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador BANDAR bin Sultan bin Abd al-Aziz Al

Saud

chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, and New York

telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert W. JORDAN embassy: Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh mailing address: American Embassy Riyadh, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693 telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800 FAX: [966] (1) 488-7360 consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

Flag description:

green with large white Arabic script (that may be translated as

There is no God but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God) above a

white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); green is

the traditional color of Islam

Economy Saudi Arabia

Economy - overview:

This is an oil-based economy with strong government controls over

major economic activities. Saudi Arabia has the largest reserves of

petroleum in the world (26% of the proved reserves), ranks as the

largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The

petroleum sector accounts for roughly 75% of budget revenues, 45% of

GDP, and 90% of export earnings. About 25% of GDP comes from the

private sector. Roughly 4 million foreign workers play an important

role in the Saudi economy, for example, in the oil and service

sectors. The government in 1999 announced plans to begin privatizing

the electricity companies, which follows the ongoing privatization

of the telecommunications company. The government is supporting

private sector growth to lessen the kingdom's dependence on oil and

increase employment opportunities for the swelling Saudi population.

Priorities for government spending in the short term include

additional funds for the water and sewage systems and for education.

Water shortages and rapid population growth constrain the

government's efforts to increase self-sufficiency in agricultural

products.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $268.9 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $11,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.2%

industry: 51.2%

services: 43.6% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (2002 est.)

Labor force: 7 million note: 35% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 12%, industry 25%, services 63% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

25% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $46 billion

expenditures: $56.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2003 est.)

Industries:

crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals,

cement, construction, fertilizer, plastics

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

122.4 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

113.8 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

8.711 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1.452 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

261.7 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

53.69 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

53.69 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

6.339 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton, chickens, eggs, milk

Exports:

$71 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 90%

Exports - partners:

US 18.6%, Japan 15.6%, South Korea 10.1%, Singapore 5.1%, China

4.6% (2002)

Imports:

$39.5 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles,

textiles

Imports - partners:

US 11.2%, Japan 8.8%, Germany 7.6%, UK 4.9%, France 4.9%, Italy

4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$25.9 billion (2003 est.)

Economic aid - donor:

pledged $100 million in 1993 to fund reconstruction of Lebanon;

since 2000, Saudi Arabia has committed $307 million for assistance

to the Palestinians; pledged $240 million to development in

Afghanistan

Currency:

Saudi riyal (SAR)

Currency code:

SAR

Exchange rates:

Saudi riyals per US dollar - 3.75 (2002), 3.75 (2001), 3.75 (2000),

3.75 (1999), 3.75 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Saudi Arabia

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.9 million (2002 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.9 million (2002 est.)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system

domestic: extensive microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and

fiber-optic cable systems

international: microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait,

Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan;

submarine cable to Djibouti, Egypt and Bahrain; satellite earth

stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1

Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 43, FM 31, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

6.25 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

117 (1997)

Televisions:

5.1 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.sa

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

22 (2003)

Internet users:

1.453 million (2002)

Transportation Saudi Arabia

Railways:

total: 1,392 km

standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and

sidings) (2002)

Highways:

total: 151,470 km

paved: 45,592 km

unpaved: 105,878 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

condensate 212 km; gas 837 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,187 km; oil

5,062 km; refined products 69 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Duba, Jiddah, Jizan, Rabigh, Ra's al Khafji,

Mishab, Ras Tanura, Yanbu' al Bahr, Madinat Yanbu' al Sinaiyah

Merchant marine:

total: 71 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,461,964 GRT/2,301,258 DWT

ships by type: cargo 9, chemical tanker 11, container 4, livestock

carrier 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 23, refrigerated cargo 4,

roll on/roll off 9, short-sea passenger 8

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Egypt 3, Finland 1, Greece 3, Kuwait 1, Sudan 1, UAE 1,

UK 3 (2002 est.)

Airports:

209 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 71

over 3,047 m: 31

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 138

under 914 m: 13 (2002)

over 3047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 39

1,524 to 2,437 m: 79

Heliports:

5 (2002)

Military Saudi Arabia

Military branches:

Land Force (Army), Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force, National

Guard, Ministry of Interior Forces (paramilitary)

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 6,123,784 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 3,431,281 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 253,685 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$18.3 billion (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

13% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Saudi Arabia

Disputes - international:

nomadic groups on border region with Yemen resist demarcation of

boundary; Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have been negotiating a

long-contested maritime boundary with Iran; because the treaties

have not been made public, the exact alignment of the boundary with

the UAE is still unknown and labeled approximate

Illicit drugs:

death penalty for traffickers; increasing consumption of heroin,

cocaine, and hashish

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Senegal

Introduction Senegal

Background:

Independent from France in 1960, Senegal joined with The Gambia to

form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982. However, the

envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out,

and the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace talks, a southern

separatist group sporadically has clashed with government forces

since 1982. Senegal has a long history of participating in

international peacekeeping.

Geography Senegal

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between

Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania

Geographic coordinates:

14 00 N, 14 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 196,190 sq km

land: 192,000 sq km

water: 4,190 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Land boundaries:

total: 2,640 km

border countries: The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau

338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km

Coastline:

531 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong

southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot,

dry, harmattan wind

Terrain:

generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed feature near Nepen Diakha 581 m

Natural resources: fish, phosphates, iron ore

Land use: arable land: 11.58% permanent crops: 0.19% other: 88.23% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

710 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues: wildlife populations threatened by poaching; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; overfishing

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is almost

an enclave of Senegal

People Senegal

Population:

10,580,307 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.7% (male 2,330,395; female 2,289,706)

15-64 years: 53.3% (male 2,707,195; female 2,929,998)

65 years and over: 3% (male 156,514; female 166,499) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.8 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 18.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.56% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

36.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.88 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 57.57 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 53.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 61.34 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 56.37 years

male: 54.83 years

female: 57.95 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.93 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

27,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,500 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Senegalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Senegalese

Ethnic groups:

Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka 3%,

Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%

Religions:

Muslim 94%, indigenous beliefs 1%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman

Catholic)

Languages:

French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 40.2%

male: 50%

female: 30.7% (2003 est.)

Government Senegal

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Senegal

conventional short form: Senegal

local short form: Senegal

local long form: Republique du Senegal

Government type:

republic under multiparty democratic rule

Capital:

Dakar

Administrative divisions:

10 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick,

Kaolack, Kolda, Louga, Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor

note: there may be another region called Matam

Independence:

4 April 1960 (from France); complete independence was achieved upon

dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

Constitution:

a new constitution was adopted 7 January 2001

Legal system:

based on French civil law system; judicial review of legislative

acts in Constitutional Court; the Council of State audits the

government's accounting office; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Abdoulaye WADE (since 1 April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Idrissa SECK (since 4 November

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in

consultation with the president

election results: Abdoulaye WADE elected president; percent of vote

in the second round of voting - Abdoulaye WADE (PDS) 58.49%, Abdou

DIOUF (PS) 41.51%

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term

under new constitution; election last held 27 February and 19 March

2000 (next to be held 27 February 2005); prime minister appointed by

the president

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (120 seats;

members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 29 April 2001 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

SOPI Coalition 89, AFP 11, PS 10, other 10

note: the former National Assembly, dissolved in the spring of 2001,

had 140 seats

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Council of State; Court of Final Appeals or

Cour de Cassation; Court of Appeals; note - the judicial system was

reformed in 1992

Political parties and leaders:

African Party for Democracy and Socialism or And Jef (also known as

PADS/AJ) [Landing SAVANE, secretary general]; African Party of

Independence [Majhemout DIOP]; Alliance of Forces of Progress or AFP

[Moustapha NIASSE]; Democratic and Patriotic Convention or CDP (also

known as Garab-Gi) [Dr. Iba Der THIAM]; Democratic League-Labor

Party Movement or LD-MPT [Dr. Abdoulaye BATHILY]; Front for

Socialism and Democracy or FSD [Cheikh Abdoulaye DIEYE]; Gainde

Centrist Bloc or BGC [Jean-Paul DIAS]; Independence and Labor Party

or PIT [Amath DANSOKHO]; National Democratic Rally or RND [Madier

DIOUF]; Senegalese Democratic Party or PDS [Abdoulaye WADE];

Socialist Party or PS [Ousmane Tanor DIENG]; SOPI Coalition (a

coalition led by the PDS) [Abdoulaye WADE]; Union for Democratic

Renewal or URD [Djibo Leyti KA]; other small parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

labor; Muslim brotherhoods; students; teachers

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW,

PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMOVIC, UPU, WADB

(regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Amadou Lamine BA

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6315

consulate(s) general: New York

telephone: [1] (202) 234-0540

chancery: 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Harriet L. ELAM-THOMAS

embassy: Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Rue Kleber, Dakar

mailing address: B. P. 49, Dakar

telephone: [221] 823-4296

FAX: [221] 822-2991

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red

with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow band;

uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Economy Senegal

Economy - overview:

In January 1994, Senegal undertook a bold and ambitious economic

reform program with the support of the international donor

community. This reform began with a 50% devaluation of Senegal's

currency, the CFA franc, which was linked at a fixed rate to the

French franc. Government price controls and subsidies have been

steadily dismantled. After seeing its economy contract by 2.1% in

1993, Senegal made an important turnaround, thanks to the reform

program, with real growth in GDP averaging 5% annually during

1995-2002. Annual inflation had been pushed down to less than 1%,

but rose to an estimated 3.3% in 2001 and 3.0% in 2002. Investment

rose steadily from 13.8% of GDP in 1993 to 16.5% in 1997. As a

member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU),

Senegal is working toward greater regional integration with a

unified external tariff. Senegal also realized full Internet

connectivity in 1996, creating a miniboom in information

technology-based services. Private activity now accounts for 82% of

GDP. In 2003, GDP will probably again grow at about 5%. On the

negative side, Senegal faces deep-seated urban problems of chronic

unemployment, trade union militancy, juvenile delinquency, and drug

addiction.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $15.64 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 18% industry: 27% services: 55% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 54% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% highest 10%: 33.5% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41.3 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 70%

Unemployment rate:

48% (urban youth 40%) (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.373 billion

expenditures: $1.373 billion, including capital expenditures of $357

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer

production, petroleum refining, construction materials

Industrial production growth rate:

8.1% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

1.518 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.412 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

31,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

50 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

50 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: peanuts, millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes, green vegetables; cattle, poultry, pigs; fish

Exports:

$1.15 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish, groundnuts (peanuts), petroleum products, phosphates, cotton

Exports - partners:

India 20.7%, France 13%, Mali 8.9%, Greece 7.7%, Italy 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$1.46 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foods and beverages, capital goods, fuels

Imports - partners:

France 25.6%, Nigeria 8.7%, Thailand 7.2%, US 5.4%, Germany 5.4%,

Italy 4.5%, Spain 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$3.1 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$362.6 million (2002 est.)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible

authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Currency code:

XOF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Senegal

Telephones - main lines in use:

234,916 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

373,965 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: good system

domestic: above-average urban system; microwave radio relay, coaxial

cable and fiber-optic cable in trunk system

international: 4 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 8, FM 20, shortwave 1 (2001)

Radios:

1.24 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Televisions:

361,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.sn

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Internet users:

100,000 (2002)

Transportation Senegal

Railways: total: 906 km narrow gauge: 906 km 1.000-meter gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 14,576 km

paved: 4,271 km including 7 km of expressways

unpaved: 10,305 km (2000)

Waterways: 897 km note: 785 km on the Senegal river, and 112 km on the Saloum river

Pipelines:

gas 564 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Dakar, Kaolack, Matam, Podor, Richard Toll, Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor

Airports:

20 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Senegal

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police

(Surete Nationale)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,404,838 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,256,973 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 116,688 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$68.6 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Senegal

Disputes - international:

separatist war in Casamance region results in refugees and

cross-border raids, arms smuggling, other illegal activities, and

political instability in Guinea-Bissau

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin moving

to Europe and North America; illicit cultivator of cannabis

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Serbia and Montenegro

Introduction Serbia and Montenegro

Background:

The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its

name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Occupation by Nazi Germany

in 1941 was resisted by various paramilitary bands that fought

themselves as well as the invaders. The group headed by Marshal TITO

took full control upon German expulsion in 1945. Although Communist,

his new government successfully steered its own path between the

Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half

decades. In the early 1990s, post-TITO Yugoslavia began to unravel

along ethnic lines: Slovenia, Croatia, and The Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia all declared their independence in 1991;

Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia

and Montenegro declared a new "Federal Republic of Yugoslavia" (FRY)

in 1992 and, under President Slobodan MILOSEVIC, Serbia led various

military intervention efforts to unite Serbs in neighboring

republics into a "Greater Serbia." All of these efforts were

ultimately unsuccessful. In 1999, massive expulsions by FRY forces

and Serb paramilitaries of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo

provoked an international response, including the NATO bombing of

Serbia and the stationing of NATO, Russian, and other peacekeepers

in Kosovo. Federal elections in the fall of 2000, brought about the

ouster of MILOSEVIC and installed Vojislav KOSTUNICA as president.

The arrest of MILOSEVIC in 2001 allowed for his subsequent transfer

to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in

The Hague to be tried for crimes against humanity. In 2001, the

country's suspension was lifted, and it was once more accepted into

UN organizations under the name of Yugoslavia. Kosovo has been

governed by the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

since June 1999, under the authority of UN Security Council

Resolution 1244. In 2002, the Serbian and Montenegrin components of

Yugoslavia began negotiations to forge a looser relationship. These

talks became a reality in February 2003 when lawmakers restructured

the country into a loose federation of two republics called Serbia

and Montenegro. An agreement was also reached to hold a referendum

in each republic in three years on full independence.

Geography Serbia and Montenegro

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Albania

and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Geographic coordinates:

44 00 N, 21 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 102,350 sq km

water: 214 sq km

land: 102,136 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kentucky

Land boundaries:

total: 2,246 km

border countries: Albania 287 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 527 km,

Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia (north) 241 km, Croatia (south) 25 km,

Hungary 151 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 221 km,

Romania 476 km

Coastline:

199 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

in the north, continental climate (cold winters and hot, humid

summers with well distributed rainfall); central portion,

continental and Mediterranean climate; to the south, Adriatic

climate along the coast, hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively

cold winters with heavy snowfall inland

Terrain:

extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east,

limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountains and

hills; to the southwest, extremely high shoreline with no islands

off the coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Daravica 2,656 m

Natural resources:

oil, gas, coal, antimony, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, gold, pyrite,

chrome, hydropower, arable land

Land use: arable land: 36.34% permanent crops: 3.44% other: 60.22% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

570 sq km

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets, especially in

tourist-related areas such as Kotor; air pollution around Belgrade

and other industrial cities; water pollution from industrial wastes

dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of

the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity

Geography - note:

controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to Turkey

and the Near East; strategic location along the Adriatic coast

People Serbia and Montenegro

Population: 10,655,774 note: a census was taken in Serbia 1-15 April 2002 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.3% (male 1,062,625; female 990,071)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 3,422,543; female 3,548,058)

65 years and over: 15.3% (male 696,716; female 935,761) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.2 years

male: 34.3 years

female: 37.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.07% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.74 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.62 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 18.57 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.97 years

male: 71.03 years

female: 77.16 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.77 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

10,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Serb(s); Montenegrin(s)

adjective: Serbian; Montenegrin

Ethnic groups:

Serb 62.6%, Albanian 16.5%, Montenegrin 5%, Hungarian 3.3%, other

12.6% (1991)

Religions:

Orthodox 65%, Muslim 19%, Roman Catholic 4%, Protestant 1%, other

11%

Languages:

Serbian 95%, Albanian 5%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93%

male: 97.2%

female: 88.9% (1991)

Government Serbia and Montenegro

Country name:

conventional long form: Serbia and Montenegro

conventional short form: none

local short form: none

local long form: Srbija i Crna Gora

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Belgrade; note - Podgorica is the judicial capital

Administrative divisions:

2 republics (republike, singular - republika); and 2 nominally

autonomous provinces* (autonomn pokrajine, singular - autonomna

pokrajina); Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia, Vojvodina*

Independence:

27 April 1992 (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia or FRY formed as

self-proclaimed successor to the Socialist Federal Republic of

Yugoslavia or SFRY)

National holiday:

National Day, 27 April

Constitution:

4 February 2003

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Svetozar MAROVIC (since 7 March 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Dragisa PESIC (since 24 July

2001); Deputy Prime Minister Miroljub LABUS (since 25 January 2001)

cabinet: Federal Ministries act as Cabinet

elections: president elected by the Parliament for a four-year term;

election last held 7 March 2003 (next to be held NA 2007); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: Svetozar MAROVIC elected president by the

Parliament; vote was Svetozar MAROVIC 65, other 47

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (126 seats - 91 Serbian, 35 Montenegrin -

filled by nominees of the two state parliaments for the first two

years, after which the president will call for public elections

elections: last held 25 February 2003 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

DOS 37, DLECG 19, DSS 17, ZP 14, SPS 12, SRS 8, SDP 5, SSJ 5, other 9

Judicial branch:

Federal Court or Savezni Sud; Constitutional Court; judges for both

courts are elected by the Federal Assembly for nine-year terms

note: after the promulgation of the new Constitution, the Federal

Court will have constitutional and administrative functions; it will

have an equal number of judges from each republic

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Opposition of Serbia or DOS (a coalition of many small

parties including DSS) [leader NA]; Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians

or SVM [Jozsef KASZA]; Democratic League of Kosovo or LDK [Dr.

Ibrahim RUGOVA, president]; Democratic List for European Montenegro

or DLECG [Milo DJUKANOVIC, Ranko KRIVOKAPIC]; Democratic Party or DS

[collective interim leadership led by Cedomir JOVANOVIC]; Democratic

Party of Serbia or DSS [Vojislav KOSTUNICA]; Democratic Party of

Socialists of Montenegro or DPS [Milo DJUKANOVIC]; Party of Serb

Unity or SSJ [Borislav PELEVIC]; Serbian Radical Party or SRS

[Tomislav NIKOLIC]; Serbian Socialist Party or SPS (former Communist

Party and party of Slobodan MILOSEVIC) [Zoran ANDJELKOVIC, general

secretary]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Rasim LJAJIC]; Together

for Changes or ZP [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Alliance for the Future of Kosovo or AAK [Ramush HARADINAJ];

Democratic League of Kosovo or LDK [Ibrahim RUGOVA]; Democratic

Party of Kosovo or PDK [Hashim THACI]; Group of 17 Independent

Economists or G-17 [leader NA]; National Movement for the Liberation

of Kosovo or LKCK [Sabit GASHI]; Otpor Student Resistance Movement

[leader NA]; Political Council for Presevo, Meveda and Bujanovac or

PCPMB [leader NA]; The People's Movement for Kosovo or LPK [Emrush

XHEMAJLI]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, BIS, CE (guest), CEI, EBRD, FAO, G- 9, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE,

PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISET, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ivan VUJACIC

chancery: 2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

consulate(s) general: Chicago

FAX: [1] (202) 332-3933

telephone: [1] (202) 332-0333

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador William D. MONTGOMERY

embassy: Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade

mailing address: 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070

telephone: [381] (11) 361-9344

FAX: [381] (11) 361-8230

Flag description:

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

Economy Serbia and Montenegro

Economy - overview:

MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended period of

economic sanctions, and the damage to Yugoslavia's infrastructure

and industry during the war in Kosovo have left the economy only

half the size it was in 1990. Since the ousting of former Federal

Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC in October 2000, the Democratic

Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition government has implemented

stabilization measures and embarked on an aggressive market reform

program. After renewing its membership in the IMF in December 2000,

Yugoslavia continued to reintegrate into the international community

by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the European Bank for

Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). A World Bank-European

Commission sponsored Donors' Conference held in June 2001 raised

$1.3 billion for economic restructuring. An agreement rescheduling

the country's $4.5 billion Paris Club government debts was concluded

in November 2001; it will write off 66% of the debt; a similar debt

relief agreement on its $2.8 billion London Club commercial debt is

still pending. The smaller republic of Montenegro severed its

economy from federal control and from Serbia during the MILOSEVIC

era and continues to maintain its own central bank, uses the euro

instead of the Yugoslav dinar as official currency, collects customs

tariffs, and manages its own budget. Kosovo, while technically still

part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now Serbia and

Montenegro) according to United Nations Security Council Resolution

1244, is moving toward local autonomy under United Nations Interim

Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and is dependent on the

international community for financial and technical assistance. The

euro and the Yugoslav dinar are official currencies, and UNMIK

collects taxes and manages the budget. The complexity of Serbia and

Montenegro political relationships, slow progress in privatization,

and stagnation in the European economy are holding back the economy.

Arrangements with the IMF, especially requirements for fiscal

discipline, are an important element in policy formation. Severe

unemployment remains a key political economic problem.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $23.15 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 26% industry: 36% services: 38% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

30%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

19% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

3 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

32% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $3.9 billion

expenditures: $4.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

machine building (aircraft, trucks, and automobiles; tanks and

weapons; electrical equipment; agricultural machinery); metallurgy

(steel, aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, antimony, bismuth,

cadmium); mining (coal, bauxite, nonferrous ore, iron ore,

limestone); consumer goods (textiles, footwear, foodstuffs,

appliances); electronics, petroleum products, chemicals, and

pharmaceuticals

Industrial production growth rate:

1.7% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

31.71 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 62.9% hydro: 37.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

32.37 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

446 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

3.33 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

15,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

64,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

38.75 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

602 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

602 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

24.07 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

cereals, fruits, vegetables, tobacco, olives; cattle, sheep, goats

Exports:

$2.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, food and live animals, raw materials

Exports - partners:

Italy 32%, Germany 19.5%, Greece 7%, Austria 6.1%, France 4.6%

(2002)

Imports:

$6.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, fuels and lubricants,

manufactured goods, chemicals, food and live animals, raw materials

Imports - partners:

Germany 19.4%, Italy 18%, Austria 8.5%, Slovenia 5.6%, Greece 4.4%,

France 4.3%, Bulgaria 4.2%, Romania 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$9.2 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$2 billion pledged in 2001 (disbursements to follow for several

years)

Currency:

new Yugoslav dinar (YUM); note - in Montenegro the euro is legal

tender; in Kosovo both the euro and the Yugoslav dinar are legal

(2002)

Currency code:

YUM

Exchange rates:

new Yugoslav dinars per US dollar - official rate: 65 (2002), 10.0

(December 1998); black market rate: 14.5 (December 1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Serbia and Montenegro

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.017 million (1995)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

87,000 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 113, FM 194, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

3.15 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: more than 771 (including 86 strong stations and 685 low-power stations, plus 20 repeaters in the principal networks; also numerous local or private stations in Serbia and Vojvodina) (1997)

Televisions:

2.75 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.yu

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

9 (2000)

Internet users:

400,000 (2001)

Transportation Serbia and Montenegro

Railways: total: 4,059 km standard gauge: 4,059 km 1.435-m gauge (1,364 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 49,805 km

paved: 31,029 km (including 560 km of expressways)

unpaved: 18,776 km (2000)

Waterways:

587 km

note: the Danube River, central Europe's connection to the Black

Sea, runs through Serbia; since early 2000, a pontoon bridge,

replacing a destroyed conventional bridge, has obstructed river

traffic at Novi Sad; the obstruction is bypassed by a canal system,

but the inadequate lock size limits the size of vessels which may

pass; the pontoon bridge can be opened for large ships but has

slowed river traffic (2001)

Pipelines:

gas 3,177 km; oil 393 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bar, Belgrade, Kotor, Novi Sad, Pancevo, Tivat, Zelenika

Airports:

45 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 19 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 4 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 26 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Heliports: 4 (2002)

Military Serbia and Montenegro

Military branches:

Army (VJ) (including ground forces with border troops, naval

forces, air and air defense forces)

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,579,620 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,077,660 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 81,547 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$654 million (2002)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Serbia and Montenegro

Disputes - international:

the Albanian government calls for the protection of the rights of

ethnic Albanians outside its borders in the Kosovo region of Serbia

and Montenegro while continuing to seek regional cooperation;

several ethnic Albanian groups in Kosovo voice union with Albania;

has delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and

Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in dispute;

in late 2002, Serbia and Montenegro and Croatia adopted an interim

agreement to settle the disputed Prevlaka Peninsula, allowing the

withdrawal of the UN monitoring mission (UNMOP), but discussions

could be complicated by the inability of Serbia and Montenegro to

come to an agreement on the economic aspects of the new federal union

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin moving to Western

Europe on the Balkan route; economy vulnerable to money laundering

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Seychelles

Introduction Seychelles

Background:

A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands

ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came

in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new

constitution and free elections in 1993. The most recent

presidential elections were held 31 August-2 September 2001.

President RENE, who has served since 1977, was re-elected.

Geography Seychelles

Location:

Eastern Africa, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, northeast of

Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

4 35 S, 55 40 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 455 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 455 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

491 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon

(late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon

(March to May)

Terrain:

Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others

are coral, flat, elevated reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m

Natural resources:

fish, copra, cinnamon trees

Land use:

arable land: 2.22%

permanent crops: 13.33%

other: 84.45% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; short

droughts possible

Environment - current issues:

water supply depends on catchments to collect rainwater

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note: 40 granitic and about 50 coralline islands

People Seychelles

Population:

80,469 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.3% (male 11,116; female 10,844)

15-64 years: 66.5% (male 26,068; female 27,425)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 1,654; female 3,362) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.9 years

male: 25.8 years

female: 27.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.46% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

16.89 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-5.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.41 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 20.75 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.25 years

male: 65.78 years

female: 76.88 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.79 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Seychellois (singular and plural)

adjective: Seychellois

Ethnic groups:

mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab

Religions:

Roman Catholic 86.6%, Anglican 6.8%, other Christian 2.5%, other

4.1%

Languages:

English (official), French (official), Creole

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 58%

male: 56%

female: 60% (1971 est.)

Government Seychelles

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles

conventional short form: Seychelles

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Victoria

Administrative divisions:

23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse

Etoile, Anse Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau

Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on Mahe),

Grand' Anse (on Praslin), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont

Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Saint

Louis, Takamaka

Independence:

29 June 1976 (from UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day (National Day), 18 June (1993)

Constitution:

18 June 1993

Legal system:

based on English common law, French civil law, and customary law

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President France Albert RENE (since 5 June 1977);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 31 August-2 September 2001 (next to be held NA

2006)

election results: France Albert RENE reelected president; percent of

vote - France Albert RENE (SPPF) 54.19%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN (UO)

44.95%, Philippe BOULLE 0.86%; note - the first time that

presidential elections have been held separately from legislative

elections

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

head of government: President France Albert RENE (since 5 June

1977); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (34 seats - 25

elected by popular vote, 9 allocated on a proportional basis to

parties winning at least 10% of the vote; members serve five-year

terms)

elections: last held 4-6 December 2002 (next held by 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - SPPF 54.3%, SNP 42.6%,

DP 3.1%; seats by party - SPPF 23, SNP 11

note: the 9 awarded seats are apportioned according to the

percentage that each party won of the total vote

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; judges for both courts are

appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP [James MANCHAM, Daniel BELLE]; Mouvement

Seychellois pour la Democratie [Jacques HODOUL]; Seychelles National

Party or SNP (formerly the United Opposition or UO) [Wavel

RAMKALAWAN]; Seychelles People's Progressive Front or SPPF [France

Albert RENE, James MICHEL] - the governing party

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Roman Catholic Church; trade unions

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory),

ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC,

ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Claude Sylvestre MOREL

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017

FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786

telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Seychelles; the ambassador to

Mauritius is accredited to the Seychelles

Flag description:

five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red, white, and

green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist side

Economy Seychelles

Economy - overview:

Since independence in 1976, per capita output in this Indian Ocean

archipelago has expanded to roughly seven times the old

near-subsistence level. Growth has been led by the tourist sector,

which employs about 30% of the labor force and provides more than

70% of hard currency earnings, and by tuna fishing. In recent years

the government has encouraged foreign investment in order to upgrade

hotels and other services. At the same time, the government has

moved to reduce the dependence on tourism by promoting the

development of farming, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. A

sharp drop illustrated the vulnerability of the tourist sector in

1991-92 due largely to the Gulf war, and once again following the 11

September 2001 terrorist attacks on the US. Other issues facing the

government are the curbing of the budget deficit, including the

containment of social welfare costs, and further privatization of

public enterprises. Growth slowed in 1998-2002, due to sluggish

tourist and tuna sectors. Also, tight controls on exchange rates and

the scarcity of foreign exchange have impaired short-term economic

prospects. The black market value of the Seychelles rupee is half

the official exchange rate; without a devaluation of the currency

the tourist sector should remain sluggish as vacationers seek

cheaper destinations such as Comoros, Mauritius, and Madagascar.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $626 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $7,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.4%

industry: 24.4%

services: 73.2% (2000)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

30,900 (1996)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 19%, services 71%, agriculture 10% (1989)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $249 million

expenditures: $262 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Industries:

fishing; tourism; processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut

fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture; beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

160 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

148.8 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava (tapioca), bananas; broiler chickens; tuna fish

Exports:

$235 million f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products

(reexports)

Exports - partners:

UK 28.6%, France 20%, Italy 8.7%, US 8.4%, Spain 6.7%, Japan 6.7%,

Netherlands 6.6%, Thailand 6.4% (2002)

Imports:

$380 million f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 15.6%, France 12.8%, Spain 9.9%, Italy 9.7%, South

Africa 8.4%, Singapore 7.3%, UK 6.1%, Taiwan 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$170 million (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$16.4 million (1995)

Currency:

Seychelles rupee (SCR)

Currency code:

SCR

Exchange rates:

Seychelles rupees per US dollar - 5.48 (2002), 5.86 (2001), 5.71

(2000), 5.34 (1999), 5.26 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Seychelles

Telephones - main lines in use:

19,635 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

16,316 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: effective system

domestic: radiotelephone communications between islands in the

archipelago

international: direct radiotelephone communications with adjacent

island countries and African coastal countries; satellite earth

station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

42,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (plus 9 repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

11,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.sc

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

9,000 (2002)

Transportation Seychelles

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 373 km paved: 315 km unpaved: 58 km (1997 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Victoria

Merchant marine:

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 37,281 GRT/55,702 DWT

ships by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, container 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: South Africa 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

14 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Military Seychelles

Military branches:

Army, Coast Guard (includes Air Wing), Presidential Protection Unit

(includes Presidential Guard), Police Force (includes Police Mobile

Unit, a special weapons and tactics unit capable of assisting the

Army in maintaining internal stability)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 23,444 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 11,639 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$12.8 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.8% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Seychelles

Disputes - international: claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Sierra Leone

Introduction Sierra Leone

Background:

Since 1991, civil war between the government and the Revolutionary

United Front (RUF) has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and

the displacement of more than 2 million people (well over one-third

of the population), many of whom are now refugees in neighboring

countries. After several setbacks, the end to the 11-year conflict

in Sierra Leone may finally be near at hand. With the support of the

UN peacekeeping force and contributions from the World Bank and

international community, demobilization and disarmament of the RUF

and Civil Defense Forces (CDF) combatants has been completed.

National elections were held in May 2002 and the government

continues to slowly reestablish its authority.

Geography Sierra Leone

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea

and Liberia

Geographic coordinates:

8 30 N, 11 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 71,740 sq km

land: 71,620 sq km

water: 120 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries: total: 958 km border countries: Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km

Coastline: 402 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter

dry season (December to April)

Terrain:

coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland

plateau, mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite

Land use: arable land: 6.76% permanent crops: 0.78% other: 92.46% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

290 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to

February); sandstorms, dust storms

Environment - current issues:

rapid population growth pressuring the environment; overharvesting

of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn

agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil exhaustion;

civil war depleting natural resources; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

rainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 inches) a year,

making it one of the wettest places along coastal, western Africa

People Sierra Leone

Population:

5,732,681 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.8% (male 1,259,421; female 1,310,516)

15-64 years: 52% (male 1,420,900; female 1,557,597)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 89,078; female 95,169) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 17.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.94% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

43.89 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

20.66 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

6.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: refugees currently in surrounding countries are slowly

returning (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 146.86 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 128.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 164.23 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 42.84 years

male: 40.33 years

female: 45.42 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.86 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

7% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

170,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Sierra Leonean(s)

adjective: Sierra Leonean

Ethnic groups:

20 native African tribes 90% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%, other 30%),

Creole (Krio) 10% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were

settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century), refugees

from Liberia's recent civil war, small numbers of Europeans,

Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians

Religions:

Muslim 60%, indigenous beliefs 30%, Christian 10%

Languages:

English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende

(principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in

the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of

freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area, a

lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but

understood by 95%)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English, Mende,

Temne, or Arabic

total population: 31.4%

male: 45.4%

female: 18.2% (1995 est.)

Government Sierra Leone

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Sierra Leone

conventional short form: Sierra Leone

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

Freetown

Administrative divisions:

3 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western*

Independence:

27 April 1961 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 April (1961)

Constitution:

1 October 1991; subsequently amended several times

Legal system:

based on English law and customary laws indigenous to local tribes;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (since 29 March 1996,

reinstated 10 March 1998); note - the president is both the chief of

state and head of government

head of government: President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (since 29 March

1996, reinstated 10 March 1998); note - the president is both the

chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president with the

approval of the House of Representatives; the cabinet is responsible

to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 14 May 2002 (next to be held NA May 2007); note -

president's tenure of office is limited to two five-year terms

election results: Ahmad Tejan KABBAH reelected president; percent of

vote - Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (SLPP) 70.6%, Ernest KOROMA (APC) 22.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (124 seats - 112 elected by popular vote, 12

filled by paramount chiefs elected in separate elections; members

serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 14 May 2002 (next to be held NA May 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - SLPP 70.06%, APC

22.35%, PLP 3%, others 4.59%; seats by party - SLPP 83, APC 27, PLP 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appeals Court; High Court

Political parties and leaders:

All People's Congress or APC [Alhaji Sat KOROMA, interim chairman];

Citizens United for Peace and Progress or CUPP [Alfred Musa CONTEH,

interim chairman]; Coalition for Progress Party or CPP [Jeridine

WILLIAM-SARHO, interim leader]; Democratic Center Party or DCP [Adu

Aiah KOROMA]; Democratic Labor Party or DLP [George E. L. PALMER];

Democratic Party or DP [Henry BALO, acting chairman]; National

Alliance Democratic Party or NADP [Mohamed Yahya SILLAH, chairman];

National Democratic Alliance or NDA [Amadu M. B. JALLOH]; National

People's Party or NPP [Andrew TURAY]; National Republican Party or

NRP [Stephen Sahr MAMBU]; National Unity Movement or NUM [Sam LEIGH,

interim chairman]; National Unity Party or NUP [John BENJAMINE,

interim leader]; Peace and Liberation Party or PLP [Darlington

MORRISON, interim chairman]; People's Democratic Alliance or PDA

[Cpl. (Ret.) Abdul Rahman KAMARA, interim chairman]; People's

Democratic Party or PDP [Osman KAMARA]; People's National Convention

or PNC [Edward John KARGBO]; People's Progressive Party or PPP

[Abass Chernok BUNDU, chairman]; Revolutionary United Front Party or

RUFP [Foday Saybana SANKOH, chairman]; Social Democratic Party or

SDP [Andrew Victor LUNGAY]; Sierra Leone People's Party or SLPP

[Ahmad Tejan KABBAH, chairman]; United National People's Party or

UNPP [John KAREFA-SMART in exile, Raymond KAMARA, acting leader];

Young People's Party or YPP [Cornelius DEVEAUS, interim chairman]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Trade Unions and Student Unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ibrahim M. KAMARA

FAX: [1] (202) 483-1793

telephone: [1] (202) 939-9261 through 9263

chancery: 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Peter Russell CHAVEAS embassy: Corner of Walpole and Siaka Stevens Streets, Freetown mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [232] (22) 226481 through 226485 FAX: [232] (22) 225471

Flag description:

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

blue

Economy Sierra Leone

Economy - overview:

Sierra Leone is an extremely poor African nation with tremendous

inequality in income distribution. It does have substantial mineral,

agricultural, and fishery resources. However, the economic and

social infrastructure is not well developed, and serious social

disorders continue to hamper economic development, following a

11-year civil war. About two-thirds of the working-age population

engages in subsistence agriculture. Manufacturing consists mainly of

the processing of raw materials and of light manufacturing for the

domestic market. Plans continue to reopen bauxite and rutile mines

shut down during the conflict. The major source of hard currency

consists of the mining of diamonds. The fate of the economy depends

upon the maintenance of domestic peace and the continued receipt of

substantial aid from abroad, which is essential to offset the severe

trade imbalance and to supplement government revenues.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.826 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 49% industry: 31% services: 21% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 68% (1989 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.5% highest 10%: 43.6% (1989)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

62.9 (1989)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.369 million (1981 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $96 million

expenditures: $351 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

mining (diamonds); small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles,

cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

250.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

232.6 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

6,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Exports:

$35 million f.o.b. (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish (1999)

Exports - partners:

Belgium 41.9%, Germany 28.1%, UK 3.6% (2002)

Imports:

$190 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels and lubricants,

chemicals (1995)

Imports - partners:

Germany 25%, UK 10.9%, Netherlands 7.5%, US 5.7%, Cote d'Ivoire

4.9%, Italy 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.5 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$103 million (2001 est.)

Currency:

leone (SLL)

Currency code:

SLL

Exchange rates:

leones per US dollar - 2,099.03 (2002), 1,986.15 (2001), 2,092.12

(2000), 1,804.19 (1999), 1,563.62 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Sierra Leone

Telephones - main lines in use:

25,000 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

30,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: marginal telephone and telegraph service

domestic: the national microwave radio relay trunk system connects

Freetown to Bo and Kenema

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 9, shortwave 1 (1999)

Radios:

1.12 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1999)

Televisions:

53,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.sl

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2001)

Internet users:

20,000 (2001)

Transportation Sierra Leone

Railways:

total: 84 km

narrow gauge: 84 km 1.067-m gauge

note: Sierra Leone has no common carrier railroads; the existing

railroad is private and used on a limited basis while the mine at

Marampa is closed (2001)

Highways: total: 11,330 km paved: 895 km unpaved: 10,435 km (1999)

Waterways:

800 km (of which 600 km is navigable year round)

Ports and harbors:

Bonthe, Freetown, Pepel

Merchant marine:

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 7,435 GRT/8,750 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2

Airports:

10 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

914 to 1,523 m: 7

Heliports:

2 (2002)

Military Sierra Leone

Military branches:

Army (RSLAF)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,228,664 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 596,617 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$10.26 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.5% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Sierra Leone

Disputes - international:

large UN peacekeeping presence ended civil war but rebel gang

fighting, ethnic rivalries, illegal diamond trading, corruption, and

refugees spill over into neighboring states beset with their own

civil disorder, refugees, and violence

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Singapore

Introduction Singapore

Background:

Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It

joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years

later and became independent. It subsequently became one of the

world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading

links (its port is one of the world's busiest) and with per capita

GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Geography Singapore

Location:

Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

1 22 N, 103 48 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 692.7 sq km

water: 10 sq km

land: 682.7 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

193 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as

defined in treaties and practice

territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons -

Northeastern monsoon from December to March and Southwestern monsoon

from June to September; inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early

evening thunderstorms

Terrain:

lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment

area and nature preserve

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m

highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

Natural resources:

fish, deepwater ports

Land use:

arable land: 1.64%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 98.36% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues: industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note: focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes

People Singapore

Population:

4,608,595 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.3% (male 411,656; female 385,575)

15-64 years: 75.5% (male 1,687,217; female 1,793,783)

65 years and over: 7.2% (male 144,277; female 186,087) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 34.5 years

male: 34.3 years

female: 34.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.42% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.75 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.31 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

25.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.57 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 3.87 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.42 years

male: 77.46 years

female: 83.6 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.24 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,400 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

140 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Singaporean(s)

adjective: Singapore

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 76.7%, Malay 14%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4%

Religions:

Buddhist (Chinese), Muslim (Malays), Christian, Hindu, Sikh,

Taoist, Confucianist

Languages:

Chinese (official), Malay (official and national), Tamil

(official), English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.2%

male: 96.7%

female: 89.7% (2003 est.)

Government Singapore

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Singapore

conventional short form: Singapore

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

Singapore

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 9 August (1965)

Constitution:

3 June 1959, amended 1965 (based on preindependence State of

Singapore Constitution)

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Sellapan Rama (S. R.) NATHAN (since 1

September 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 28 November

1990) and Deputy Prime Ministers Brig. Gen. (Ret.) LEE Hsien Loong

(since 28 November 1990) and TAN Keng Yam Tony (since 1 August 1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, responsible to

Parliament

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 28 August 1999 (next to be held by August 2005);

following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or

the leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime

minister by the president; deputy prime ministers appointed by the

president

election results: Sellapan Rama (S. R.) NATHAN elected president

unopposed

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to

serve five-year terms); note - in addition, there are up to nine

nominated members; the losing opposition candidate who came closest

to winning a seat may be appointed as a "nonconstituency" member

elections: last held 3 November 2001 (next to be held 25 June 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 75.3% (in contested

constituencies), other 24.7%; seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SDA 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president with the

advice of the prime minister, other judges are appointed by the

president with the advice of the chief justice); Court of Appeals

Political parties and leaders:

governing party: People's Action Party or PAP [GOH Chok Tong];

opposition parties: Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [leader NA];

National Solidarity Party or NSP [Steve CHIA]; Singapore Democratic

Alliance or SDA [CHIAM See Tong] (includes SPP, PKMS, NSP, SJP);

Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan]; Singapore

Justice Party or SJP [leader NA]; Singapore National Malay

Organization or PKMS [Muhammad ALI Aman]; Singapore People's Party

or SPP [CHIAM See Tong]; Workers' Party or WP [LOW Thia Kiang]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, ESCAP, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

ISO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMISET, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee consulate(s): New York consulate(s) general: San Francisco FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876 telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100 chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Franklin L. LAVIN embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508 mailing address: PSC Box 470, FPO AP 96507-0001 telephone: [65] 6476-9100 FAX: [65] 6476-9340

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist

side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed

portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white

five-pointed stars arranged in a circle

Economy Singapore

Economy - overview:

Singapore, a highly developed and successful free market economy,

enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable

prices, and one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world. The

economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in electronics and

manufacturing. It was hard hit in 2001-2002 by the global recession

and the slump in the technology sector. The government hopes to

establish a new growth path that will be less vulnerable to the

external business cycle than the current export-led model but is

unlikely to abandon efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast

Asia's financial and high-tech hub.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $112.4 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $25,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NEGL%

industry: 33%

services: 67% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.19 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation: financial, business, and other services 35%, manufacturing 21%, construction 13%, transportation and communication 9%, other 22%

Unemployment rate:

4.6% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $27.9 billion

expenditures: $19.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.4

billion (FY 00/01 est.)

Industries:

electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment,

petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed

food and beverages, ship repair, entrepot trade, biotechnology

Industrial production growth rate:

-9.8% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

30.48 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

28.35 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

700,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

2.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

2.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: rubber, copra, fruit, orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs, fish, ornamental fish

Exports: $127 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods,

chemicals, mineral fuels

Exports - partners:

Malaysia 17.4%, US 15.3%, Hong Kong 9.2%, Japan 7.1%, China 5.5%,

Taiwan 4.9%, Thailand 4.6%, South Korea 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$113 billion (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Malaysia 18.2%, US 14.3%, Japan 12.5%, China 7.6%, Thailand 4.6%,

Taiwan 4.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$8.2 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Singapore dollar (SGD)

Currency code:

SGD

Exchange rates:

Singapore dollars per US dollar - 1.79 (2002), 1.79 (2001), 1.72

(2000), 1.69 (1999), 1.67 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Singapore

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.95 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.74 million (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: major consideration given to serving business

interests; excellent international service

domestic: excellent domestic facilities

international: submarine cables to Malaysia (Sabah and Peninsular

Malaysia), Indonesia, and the Philippines; satellite earth stations

- 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat

(Pacific Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 16, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

2.6 million (2000)

Television broadcast stations:

6 (2000)

Televisions:

1.33 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.sg

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

9 (2000)

Internet users:

2.31 million (2002)

Transportation Singapore

Railways:

total: 38.6 km

narrow gauge: 38.6 km 1.000-m gauge

note: there is also an 83 km mass transit system with 48 stations

Highways:

total: 3,066 km

paved: 3,066 km (including 150 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (1999)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 139 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Singapore

Merchant marine:

total: 859 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 20,836,021 GRT/32,765,063 DWT

ships by type: bulk 125, cargo 85, chemical tanker 87, combination

bulk 6, combination ore/oil 8, container 176, liquefied gas 38,

livestock carrier 3, multi-functional large-load carrier 2,

petroleum tanker 277, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 4,

short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 12, vehicle carrier 31

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 7, Belgium 6, China 12, Denmark 27, Germany

17, Greece 4, Hong Kong 44, Indonesia 8, Japan 52, Malaysia 4,

Monaco 22, Netherlands 2, Norway 42, Philippines 6, Russia 3,

Slovenia 1, South Korea 10, Sweden 13, Switzerland 7, Taiwan 46,

Tanzania 2, Thailand 22, UAE 4, UK 14, US 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

9 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 9 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Singapore

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, People's Defense Force, Police Force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,392,740 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,012,498 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$4.47 billion (FY01 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.9% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Singapore

Disputes - international:

disputes with Malaysia over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore,

Singapore's land reclamation works on Johor, maritime boundaries,

and Singapore-occupied Pedra Branca Island/Pulau Batu Putih persist

- parties agree to ICJ arbitration on island dispute within three

years

Illicit drugs:

as a transportation and financial services hub, Singapore is

vulnerable, despite strict laws and enforcement, to be used as a

transit point for Golden Triangle heroin and as a venue for money

laundering

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Slovakia

Introduction Slovakia

Background:

In 1918 the Slovaks joined the closely related Czechs to form

Czechoslovakia. Following the chaos of World War II, Czechoslovakia

became a Communist nation within Soviet-ruled Eastern Europe. Soviet

influence collapsed in 1989 and Czechoslovakia once more became

free. The Slovaks and the Czechs agreed to separate peacefully on 1

January 1993. Slovakia was invited to join NATO and the EU in 2002.

Geography Slovakia

Location:

Central Europe, south of Poland

Geographic coordinates:

48 40 N, 19 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 48,845 sq km

water: 45 sq km

land: 48,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

about twice the size of New Hampshire

Land boundaries:

total: 1,524 km

border countries: Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 215 km, Hungary 677

km, Poland 444 km, Ukraine 97 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Terrain:

rugged mountains in the central and northern part and lowlands in

the south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m

highest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

Natural resources:

brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper and

manganese ore; salt; arable land

Land use: arable land: 30.74% permanent crops: 2.64% other: 66.62% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,740 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human health

risks; acid rain damaging forests

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is rugged and mountainous; the

Tatra Mountains in the north are interspersed with many scenic lakes

and valleys

People Slovakia

Population:

5,430,033 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.8% (male 495,316; female 471,823)

15-64 years: 70.5% (male 1,903,335; female 1,924,065)

65 years and over: 11.7% (male 238,912; female 396,582) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 35 years

male: 33.3 years

female: 36.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.14% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.1 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.22 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.53 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.55 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 9.39 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.43 years

male: 70.44 years

female: 78.64 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 100 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Slovak(s)

adjective: Slovak

Ethnic groups:

Slovak 85.7%, Hungarian 10.6%, Roma 1.6% (the 1992 census figures

underreport the Gypsy/Romany community, which is about 500,000),

Czech, Moravian, Silesian 1.1%, Ruthenian and Ukrainian 0.6%, German

0.1%, Polish 0.1%, other 0.2% (1996)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 60.3%, atheist 9.7%, Protestant 8.4%, Orthodox 4.1%,

other 17.5%

Languages:

Slovak (official), Hungarian

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Slovakia

Country name:

conventional long form: Slovak Republic

conventional short form: Slovakia

local short form: Slovensko

local long form: Slovenska Republika

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Bratislava

Administrative divisions:

8 regions (kraje, singular - kraj); Banskobystricky, Bratislavsky,

Kosicky, Nitriansky, Presovsky, Trenciansky, Trnavsky, Zilinsky

Independence:

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and

Slovakia)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)

Constitution:

ratified 1 September 1992, fully effective 1 January 1993; changed

in September 1998 to allow direct election of the president; amended

February 2001 to allow Slovakia to apply for NATO and EU membership

Legal system:

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to comply with the

obligations of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe

(OSCE) and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Rudolf SCHUSTER (since 15 June 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Mikulas DZURINDA (since 30

October 1998); Deputy Prime Minister Pavol RUSKO (since 24 September

2003)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of

the prime minister

elections: president elected by direct, popular vote for a five-year

term; election last held 29 May 1999 (next to be held NA May/June

2004); following National Council elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually

appointed prime minister by the president

note: government coalition - SDKU, SMK, KDH, ANO

election results: Rudolf SCHUSTER elected president in the first

direct, popular election; percent of vote - Rudolf SCHUSTER 57%;

Mikulas DZURINDA reelected prime minister October 2002

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic or Narodna Rada

Slovenskej Republiky (150 seats; members are elected on the basis of

proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - HZDS-LS 19.5%, SDKU

15.1%, SMER 13.5%, SMK 11.2%, KDH 8.3%, ANO 8%, KSS 6.3%; seats by

party - governing coalition 78 (SDKU 28, SMK 20, KDH 15, ANO 15),

opposition 72 (HZDS 36, SMER 25, KSS 11) (as of February 2003, 12

deputies had split from HZDS and formed an independent faction)

elections: last held 20-21 September 2002 (next to be held NA

September 2006)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Council);

Constitutional Court (judges appointed by president from group of

nominees approved by the National Council)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Movement or KDH [Pavol HRUSOVSKY]; Democratic

Party or DS [Ludovit KANIK]; Direction (Smer) [Robert FICO];

Movement for a Democratic Slovakia-People's Party or HZDS-LS

[Vladimir MECIAR]; New Citizens Alliance or ANO [Pavol RUSKO]; Party

of the Hungarian Coalition or SMK [Bela BUGAR]; Slovak Communist

Party or KSS [Jozef SEVC]; Slovak Democratic and Christian Union or

SDKU [Mikulas DZURINDA]; Slovak National Party or SNS [Jan SLOTA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Employers of Slovakia; Association of Towns and

Villages or ZMOS; Confederation of Trade Unions or KOZ; Metal

Workers Unions or KOVO and METALURG

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD,

ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM

(guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN,

UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMISET,

UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Rastislav KACER chancery: 3523 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 237-6438 telephone: [1] (202) 237-1054

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ronald WEISER embassy: Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [421] (2) 5443-3338 FAX: [421] (2) 5441-5148

Flag description:

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

superimposed with the Slovak cross in a shield centered on the hoist

side; the cross is white centered on a background of red and blue

Economy Slovakia

Economy - overview:

Slovakia has mastered much of the difficult transition from a

centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. The DZURINDA

government has made excellent progress in 2001-03 in macroeconomic

stabilization and structural reform. Major privatizations are nearly

complete, the banking sector is almost completely in foreign hands,

and foreign investment has picked up. Slovakia's economy exceeded

expectations in 2001-03, despite the general European slowdown.

Unemployment, at an unacceptable 15% in 2003, remains the economy's

Achilles heel. The government faces other strong challenges in 2004,

especially the cutting of budget and current account deficits, the

containment of inflation, and the strengthening of the health care

system.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $67.34 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $12,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.5%

industry: 34.1%

services: 61.4% (2000)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 5.1% highest 10%: 18.2% (1992)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26.3 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

3 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation: industry 29.3%, agriculture 8.9%, construction 8%, transport and communication 8.2%, services 45.6% (1994)

Unemployment rate:

17.2% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $5.2 billion

expenditures: $5.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999)

Industries:

metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity, gas,

coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals and manmade fibers; machinery;

paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport vehicles;

textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products

Industrial production growth rate:

4.4% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

30.29 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 30.3% hydro: 16% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 53.6%

Electricity - consumption:

24.41 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

5.141 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1.381 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

1,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

82,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

4.5 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

292 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

7.932 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

7.205 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.504 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle, poultry; forest products

Exports:

$12.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 39.4%, intermediate manufactured

goods 27.5%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 13%, chemicals 8%

(1999)

Exports - partners:

Germany 30.1%, Czech Republic 16.4%, Austria 10.7%, Italy 7.2%,

Poland 5.7%, Hungary 4.6% (2002)

Imports:

$15.4 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 37.7%, intermediate manufactured

goods 18%, fuels 13%, chemicals 11%, miscellaneous manufactured

goods 9.5% (1999)

Imports - partners:

Germany 24.8%, Czech Republic 16%, Russia 13.5%, Austria 7%, Italy

6.4%, France 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$9.6 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA $113 million (2000),; $92 million EU structural adjustment

funds (2000 est.)

Currency:

Slovak koruna (SKK)

Currency code:

SKK

Exchange rates:

koruny per US dollar - 45.33 (2002), 48.35 (2001), 46.04 (2000),

41.36 (1999), 35.23 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Slovakia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,934,558 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

736,662 (April 1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: a modernization and privatization program is

increasing accessibility to telephone service, reducing the waiting

time for new subscribers, and generally improving service quality

domestic: predominantly an analog system that is now receiving

digital equipment and is being enlarged with fiber-optic cable,

especially in the larger cities; mobile cellular capability has been

added

international: three international exchanges (one in Bratislava and

two in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is participating in

several international telecommunications projects that will increase

the availability of external services

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 15, FM 78, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

3.12 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

38 (plus 864 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

2.62 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.sk

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

6 (2000)

Internet users:

700,000 (2000)

Transportation Slovakia

Railways:

total: 3,668 km

broad gauge: 106 km 1.520-m gauge

narrow gauge: 51 km (46 km 1,000-m gauge; 5 km 0.750-m gauge) (2002)

standard gauge: 3,511 km 1.435-m gauge (1,567 km electrified)

Highways:

total: 42,717 km

paved: 37,036 km (including 296 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,681 km (2000)

Waterways:

172 km (all on the Danube)

Pipelines:

gas 6,769 km; oil 449 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bratislava, Komarno

Merchant marine:

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 11,574 GRT/16,330 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

37 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 20 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 9 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 17 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Slovakia

Military branches:

Army (Ground Forces), Air and Air Defense Forces, Home Guards

(Territorial Defense Forces), Civil Defense Force, Railway Armed

Forces (subordinate to the Ministry of Transportation, Post, and

Telecommunications)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,484,950 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,135,612 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 44,287 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$406 million (2002)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.89% (2002)

Transnational Issues Slovakia

Disputes - international:

small boundary changes made with Poland in 2003; Hungary has yet to

amend status law extending special social and cultural benefits to

ethnic Hungarians in Slovakia, who protest the law

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western

Europe; producer of synthetic drugs for regional market

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Slovenia

Introduction Slovenia

Background:

The Slovene lands were part of the Holy Roman Empire and Austria

until 1918 when the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming

a new nation, renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II,

Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which though

Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied with

the exercise of power of the majority Serbs, the Slovenes succeeded

in establishing their independence in 1991 after a short 10-day war.

Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable

democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a modern

state. In December 2002, Slovenia received an invitation to join

NATO, and it is scheduled to accede to the EU along with nine other

states on 1 May 2004. In a March 2003 referendum on NATO and EU

membership, Slovenes voted 90% in favor of joining the EU and 66% in

favor of joining NATO.

Geography Slovenia

Location:

Central Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic Sea, between

Austria and Croatia

Geographic coordinates:

46 07 N, 14 49 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 20,273 sq km

water: 122 sq km

land: 20,151 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,334 km

border countries: Austria 330 km, Croatia 670 km, Italy 232 km,

Hungary 102 km

Coastline:

46.6 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild

to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the

east

Terrain:

a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region

adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys with

numerous rivers to the east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Triglav 2,864 m

Natural resources:

lignite coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silver, hydropower,

forests

Land use: arable land: 11.48% permanent crops: 2.68% other: 85.84% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding and earthquakes

Environment - current issues: Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain

Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country controls some

of Europe's major transit routes

People Slovenia

Population:

1,935,677 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.3% (male 152,341; female 144,189)

15-64 years: 70% (male 687,939; female 666,194)

65 years and over: 14.7% (male 105,837; female 179,177) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.6 years

male: 37.1 years

female: 40.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.14% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.15 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.42 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.51 years

male: 71.65 years

female: 79.58 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.27 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

280 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Slovene(s)

adjective: Slovenian

Ethnic groups:

Slovene 88%, Croat 3%, Serb 2%, Bosniak 1%, Yugoslav 0.6%,

Hungarian 0.4%, other 5% (1991)

Religions:

Roman Catholic (Uniate 2%) 70.8%, Lutheran 1%, Muslim 1%, atheist

4.3%, other 22.9%

Languages:

Slovenian 91%, Serbo-Croatian 6%, other 3%

Literacy: definition: NA total population: 99.7% male: 99.7% female: 99.6% (2003 est.)

Government Slovenia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Slovenia

conventional short form: Slovenia

local short form: Slovenija

local long form: Republika Slovenija

Government type:

parliamentary democratic republic

Capital:

Ljubljana

Administrative divisions:

182 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) and 11 urban

municipalities* (mestne obcine , singular - mestna obcina )

Ajdovscina, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled, Bloke,

Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice, Brezovica,

Cankova, Celje*, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno,

Cerkvenjak, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj, Destrnik, Divaca,

Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Horjul-Polhov Gradec,

Dobrovnik-Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale,

Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gornja

Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje, Hajdina,

Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos-Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina,

Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola-Isola, Jesenice,

Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje,

Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Koper-Capodistria*, Kostel, Kozje, Kranj*,

Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota, Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart,

Lendava-Lendva, Litija, Ljubljana*, Ljubno, Ljutomer, Logatec, Loska

Dolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk,

Maribor*, Markovci, Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz na

Dravskem Polju, Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Moravce,

Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Murska Sobota*, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje,

Nova Gorica*, Novo Mesto*, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica,

Pesnica, Piran-Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka,

Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Ptuj*, Puconci,

Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica, Ravne na

Koroskem, Razkrizje, Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogasovci, Rogaska

Slatina, Rogatec, Ruse, Salovci, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic,

Sempeter-Vrtojba, Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur pri Celju,

Sevnica, Sezana, Skocjan, Skofja Loka, Skofljica, Slovenj Gradec*,

Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smartno ob

Paki, Smartno pri Litiji, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sostanj, Starse,

Store, Sveta Ana, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij,

Tabor, Tisina, Tolmin, Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trnovska Vas, Trzic,

Trzin, Turnisce, Velenje*, Velika Polana, Velike Lasce, Verzej,

Videm, Vipava, Vitanje, Vodice, Vojnik, Vransko, Vrhnika, Vuzenica,

Zagorje ob Savi, Zalec, Zavrc, Zelezniki, Zetale, Ziri, Zirovnica,

Zuzemberk, Zrece

note: there may be 45 more municipalities

Independence:

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

National holiday:

Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 23 December 1991, effective 23 December 1991

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Janez DRNOVSEK (since 22 December 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Anton ROP (since 11 December 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and

elected by the National Assembly

election results: Janez DRNOVSEK elected president; percent of vote

- Janez DRNOVSEK 56.5%, Barbara BREZIGAR 43.5%; Anton ROP elected

prime minister; National Assembly vote - 63 to 24

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 10 November and 1 December 2002 (next to be held

in the fall of 2007); following National Assembly elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition

is usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and

elected by the National Assembly; election last held 6 December 2002

(next National Assembly elections to be held NA October 2004)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats, 40 are

directly elected and 50 are selected on a proportional basis; note -

the numbers of directly elected and proportionally elected seats

varies with each election; members are elected by popular vote to

serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - LDS 36%, SDS 16%, ZLSD

12%, SLS/SKD 10%, NSi 9%, SMS 4%, SNS 4%, DeSUS 5%, other 4%; seats

by party - LDS 34, SDS 13, ZLSD 11, SLS 10, NSi 8, SMS 4, SNS 4,

DeSUS 4, Hungarian and Italian minorities 1 each

note: the National Council or Drzavni Svet is an advisory body with

limited legislative powers; it may propose laws and ask to review

any National Assembly decisions; in the election of November 1997,

40 members were elected to represent local, professional, and

socioeconomic interests

elections: National Assembly - last held 15 October 2000 (next to be

held NA October 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly on the

recommendation of the Judicial Council); Constitutional Court

(judges elected for nine-year terms by the National Assembly and

nominated by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Retired (Persons) of Slovenia or DeSUS [Anton

ROUS]; Liberal Democratic or LDS [Anton ROP]; New Slovenia or NSi

[Andrej BAJUK]; Slovene National Party or SNS [Zmago JELINCIC];

Slovene People's Party or SLS [Franc BUT]; Slovene Youth Party or

SMS [Dominic CERNJAK]; Social Democratic Party of Slovenia or SDS

[Janez JANSA]; United List of Social Democrats or ZLSD [Borut PAHOR]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACCT (observer), BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU

(applicant), FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC,

IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest),

NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNTSO,

UPU, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Davorin KRACUN

FAX: [1] (202) 667-4563

consulate(s) general: New York and Cleveland

telephone: [1] (202) 667-5363

chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Johnny YOUNG embassy: Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana mailing address: American Embassy Ljubljana, Department of State, 7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140 telephone: [386] (1) 200-5500 FAX: [386] (1) 200-5555

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red, with

the Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav, Slovenia's

highest peak, in white against a blue background at the center;

beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and rivers, and

above it are three six-pointed stars arranged in an inverted

triangle, which are taken from the coat of arms of the Counts of

Celje, the great Slovene dynastic house of the late 14th and early

15th centuries); the seal is located in the upper hoist side of the

flag centered in the white and blue bands

Economy Slovenia

Economy - overview:

Slovenia, with its historical ties to Western Europe, enjoys a GDP

per capita substantially higher than that of the other transitioning

economies of Central Europe. Privatization of the economy proceeded

at an accelerated pace in 2002-3, and the budget deficit dropped

from 3.0% of GDP in 2002 to 1.9% in 2003. Despite the economic

slowdown in Europe in 2001-03, Slovenia maintained 3% growth.

Structural reforms to improve the business environment allow for

greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and help to

lower unemployment. Further measures to curb inflation are also

needed. Corruption and the high degree of coordination between

government, business, and central bank policy are issues of concern

in the run-up to Slovenia's scheduled 1 May 2004 accession to the

European Union.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $37.06 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $19,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.2%

industry: 36.3%

services: 60.5% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.9% highest 10%: 23% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

28.4 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

857,400

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

11% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $8.11 billion

expenditures: $8.32 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997 est.)

Industries:

ferrous metallurgy and aluminum products, lead and zinc smelting,

electronics (including military electronics), trucks, electric power

equipment, wood products, textiles, chemicals, machine tools

Industrial production growth rate:

2.4% (2002)

Electricity - production:

13.69 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 35.2% hydro: 27.3% other: 0.7% (2001) nuclear: 36.8%

Electricity - consumption:

13.83 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

3 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

4.1 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

20 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

53,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.04 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

1.04 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products: potatoes, hops, wheat, sugar beets, corn, grapes; cattle, sheep, poultry

Exports:

$10.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals,

food

Exports - partners:

Germany 23.9%, Italy 12.7%, Austria 9.5%, Croatia 8%, France 7.4%,

Bosnia and Herzegovina 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$11.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals,

fuels and lubricants, food

Imports - partners:

Germany 20%, Italy 19%, Austria 11.3%, France 10.5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$7.9 billion (2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA, $62 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

tolar (SIT)

Currency code:

SIT

Exchange rates:

tolars per US dollar - 240.25 (2002), 242.75 (2001), 222.66 (2000),

181.77 (1999), 166.13 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Slovenia

Telephones - main lines in use:

722,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1 million (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: 100% digital (2000)

international: NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 17, FM 160, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

805,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

48 (2001)

Televisions:

710,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.si

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

11 (2000)

Internet users:

600,000 (2001)

Transportation Slovenia

Railways: total: 1,201 km standard gauge: 1,201 km 1.435-m gauge (499 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 20,177 km

paved: 20,157 km (including 427 km of expressways)

unpaved: 20 km (2000)

Waterways:

NA

Pipelines:

gas 2,526 km; oil 11 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Izola, Koper, Piran

Airports:

16 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 6 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Military Slovenia

Military branches:

Slovenian Army (includes Air and Naval Forces)

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 520,037 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 413,453 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 13,704 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$370 million (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.7% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Slovenia

Disputes - international:

parliamentarians are far from ratifying the Croatia-Slovenia land

and maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most of

Piran Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to

Croatia

Illicit drugs:

minor transit point for cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin bound

for Western Europe, and for precursor chemicals

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Solomon Islands

Introduction Solomon Islands

Background:

The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the

1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on

these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence

two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and

endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society.

Geography Solomon Islands

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua

New Guinea

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 S, 159 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 28,450 sq km

water: 910 sq km

land: 27,540 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

5,313 km

Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Makarakomburu 2,447 m

Natural resources: fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, nickel

Land use: arable land: 1.5% permanent crops: 0.64% other: 97.86% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons, but rarely destructive; geologically active region with

frequent earth tremors; volcanic activity

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; many of the surrounding coral reefs

are dead or dying

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine

Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

strategic location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean,

the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea

People Solomon Islands

Population:

509,190 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.9% (male 111,333; female 107,062)

15-64 years: 54% (male 139,072; female 135,721)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 7,754; female 8,248) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.2 years

male: 18.1 years

female: 18.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.83% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

32.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.12 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 22.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 26.03 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.1 years

male: 69.64 years

female: 74.68 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.34 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Solomon Islander(s)

adjective: Solomon Islander

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian 93%, Polynesian 4%, Micronesian 1.5%, European 0.8%,

Chinese 0.3%, other 0.4%

Religions:

Anglican 45%, Roman Catholic 18%, United (Methodist/Presbyterian)

12%, Baptist 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, other Protestant 5%,

indigenous beliefs 4%

Languages:

Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca; English

is official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the population

note: 120 indigenous languages

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Solomon Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Solomon Islands

former: British Solomon Islands

Government type:

parliamentary democracy tending toward anarchy

Capital:

Honiara

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces and 1 capital territory*; Central, Choiseul (Lauru),

Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Rennell/Bellona,

Temotu, Western

Independence:

7 July 1978 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 July (1978)

Constitution:

7 July 1978

Legal system:

English common law, which is widely disregarded

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Sir John LAPLI (since NA 1999)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch on the advice of Parliament for up to five

years; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority

party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually elected prime

minister by Parliament; deputy prime minister appointed by the

governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the

members of Parliament

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 20 members appointed by the governor

general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members

of Parliament

head of government: Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA (since 17

December 2001); Deputy Prime Minister Snyder RINI (since 17 December

2001)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (50 seats; members elected from

single-member constituencies by popular vote to serve four-year

terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 40%, SIACC 40%, PPP

20%; seats by party - PAP 16, SIACC 13, PPP 2, SILP 1, independents

18

elections: last held 5 December 2001 (next to be held not later than

December 2005)

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Association of Independents [Snyder RINI]; People's Alliance Party

or PAP [Allan KEMAKEZA]; People's Progressive Party or PPP [Mannaseh

Damukana SOGAVARE]; Solomon Islands Alliance for Change Coalition or

SIACC [Bartholomew ULUFA'ALU]; Solomon Islands Labor Party or SILP

[Joses TUHANUKU]

note: in general, Solomon Islands politics is characterized by fluid

coalitions

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, Sparteca, SPC, SPF,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Colin BECK

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 599-6192, 6193

FAX: [1] (212) 661-8925

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Solomon Islands (embassy closed

July 1993); the ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to the

Solomon Islands

Flag description:

divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the lower

hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue with five

white five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the lower

triangle is green

Economy Solomon Islands

Economy - overview:

The bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and

forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Most manufactured

goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich

in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and

gold. However, severe ethnic violence, the closing of key business

enterprises, and an empty government treasury have led to serious

economic disarray, indeed near collapse. Tanker deliveries of

crucial fuel supplies (including those for electrical generation)

have become sporadic due to the government's inability to pay and

attacks against ships. Telecommunications are threatened by the

nonpayment of bills and by the lack of technical and maintenance

staff many of whom have left the country.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $800 million (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-10% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 42%

industry: 11%

services: 47% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.8% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

26,842

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 75%, industry 5%, services 20% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $38 million

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (2001)

Industries:

fish (tuna), mining, timber

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

32 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

29.76 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,250 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit; cattle, pigs; timber; fish

Exports:

$47 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa

Exports - partners:

Japan 21.2%, China 18.8%, South Korea 16.3%, Philippines 8.9%,

Thailand 7.6%, Singapore 4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$82 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food, plant and equipment, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Australia 31.3%, Singapore 19.7%, New Zealand 5.1%, Fiji 4.6%,

Papua New Guinea 4.5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$137 million (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$28 million mainly from Japan, Australia, China, and NZ (2001 est.)

Currency:

Solomon Islands dollar (SBD)

Currency code:

SBD

Exchange rates:

Solomon Islands dollars per US dollar - NA (2002), NA (2001), 5.09

(2000), 4.84 (1999), 4.82 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Solomon Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

8,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

658 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

57,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

0 (1997)

Televisions:

3,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.sb

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

8,400 (2002)

Transportation Solomon Islands

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 1,360 km paved: 34 km unpaved: 1,326 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Aola Bay, Honiara, Lofung, Noro, Viru Harbor, Yandina

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

32 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 30 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 20 (2002)

Military Solomon Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Solomon Islands National Reconnaissance

and Surveillance Force; Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Solomon Islands

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Somalia

Introduction Somalia

Background:

The SIAD BARRE regime was ousted in January 1991; turmoil,

factional fighting, and anarchy have followed for twelve years. In

May of 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of

Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal,

Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized

by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence,

aided by the overwhelming dominance of a ruling clan and economic

infrastructure left behind by British, Russian, and American

military assistance programs. The regions of Bari and Nugaal and

northern Mudug comprise a neighboring self-declared autonomous state

of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998, but does not

aim at independence; it has also made strides towards reconstructing

a legitimate, representative government, but has suffered civil

strife in 2002. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it

also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993,

a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was able

to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995,

having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been

restored. The mandate of the Transitional National Government (TNG),

created in August 2000 in Arta, Djibouti, expires in August 2003 and

a new interim government was being created at peace talks held in

Kenya. Numerous warlords and factions are still fighting for control

of Mogadishu and the other southern regions. Suspicion of Somali

links with global terrorism further complicates the picture.

Geography Somalia

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean,

east of Ethiopia

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 49 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 637,657 sq km

water: 10,320 sq km

land: 627,337 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries: total: 2,340 km border countries: Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km

Coastline:

3,025 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 NM

Climate:

principally desert; December to February - northeast monsoon,

moderate temperatures in north and very hot in south; May to October

- southwest monsoon, torrid in the north and hot in the south,

irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) between

monsoons

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m

Natural resources:

uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum,

bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves

Land use: arable land: 1.66% permanent crops: 0.04% other: 98.3% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

2,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in

summer; floods during rainy season

Environment - current issues:

famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human health

problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to

Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal

People Somalia

Population:

8,025,190

note: this estimate was derived from an official census taken in

1975 by the Somali Government; population counting in Somalia is

complicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movements

in response to famine and clan warfare (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.8% (male 1,802,154; female 1,792,749)

15-64 years: 52.5% (male 2,120,934; female 2,093,699)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 93,682; female 121,972) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.6 years

male: 17.6 years

female: 17.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.43% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

46.42 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

17.64 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

5.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 120.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 110.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 129.84 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 47.34 years

male: 45.67 years

female: 49.05 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

43,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Somali(s)

adjective: Somali

Ethnic groups:

Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including Arabs 30,000)

Religions:

Sunni Muslim

Languages:

Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 37.8%

male: 49.7%

female: 25.8% (2001 est.)

Government Somalia

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Somalia former: Somali Republic, Somali Democratic Republic

Government type:

no permanent national government; transitional, parliamentary

national government

Capital:

Mogadishu

Administrative divisions:

18 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Awdal, Bakool,

Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe,

Jubbada Hoose, Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag, Shabeellaha Dhexe, Shabeellaha

Hoose, Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed

Independence:

1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland, which became

independent from the UK on 26 June 1960, and Italian Somaliland,

which became independent from the Italian-administered UN

trusteeship on 1 July 1960, to form the Somali Republic)

National holiday:

Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26 June

(1960) in Somaliland

Constitution:

25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979

note: the Transitional National Government formed in August 2000 has

a mandate to create a new constitution and hold elections within

three years

Legal system:

no national system; Shari'a and secular courts are in some

localities

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: ABDIKASSIM Salad Hassan (since 26 August 2000);

note - as of December 2002, there was no executive branch in

southern Somalia; Interim President ABDIKASSIM was chosen for a

three-year term by a 245-member National Assembly serving as a

transitional government but has little power and was due to leave

office in August 2003; the political situation, particularly in the

south, with interclan fighting and random banditry, remains fluid

election results: ABDIKASSIM Salad Hassan was elected president of

an interim government at the Djibouti-sponsored Arta Peace

Conference on 26 August 2000 by a broad representation of Somali

clans that comprised a transitional National Assembly

head of government: Prime Minister HASSAN Abshir Farah (since 12

November 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and sworn in on 20

October 2000; as of 1 January 2002, the Cabinet was in caretaker

status following a no-confidence vote in October 2001 that ousted

HASSAN's predecessor

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly

note: fledgling parliament; a transitional 245-member National

Assembly began to meet on 13 August 2000 in the town of Arta,

Djibouti and is now based in Mogadishu

Judicial branch:

following the breakdown of national government, most regions have

reverted to either Islamic (Shari'a) law with a provision for appeal

of all sentences, or traditional clan-based arbitration

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

numerous clan and subclan factions are currently vying for power

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,

IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM

(observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Somalia does not have an embassy in the US (ceased operations on 8

May 1991); note - the TNG and other factions have representatives in

Washington and at the United Nations

Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Somalia; US interests are represented by the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya at Mombasa Road; mailing address: P. O. Box 30137, Unit 64100, Nairobi; APO AE 09831; telephone: [254] (2) 537800; FAX [254] (2) 537810

Flag description:

light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center; blue

field influenced by the flag of the UN

Government - note:

although an interim government was created in 2000 other governing

bodies continue to exist and control various cities and regions of

the country, including Somaliland, Puntland, and traditional clan

and faction strongholds

Economy Somalia

Economy - overview:

Somalia's economic fortunes are being driven by its deep political

divisions. The northern area has declared its independence as

"Somaliland"; the central area, Puntland, is a self-declared

autonomous state; and the remaining southern portion is riddled with

the struggles of rival factions. Economic life continues, in part

because much activity is local and relatively easily protected.

Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock normally

accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings,

but Saudi Arabia's recent ban on Somali livestock, because of Rift

Valley Fever concerns, has severely hampered the sector. Nomads and

semi-nomads, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood,

make up a large portion of the population. Livestock, hides, fish,

charcoal, and bananas are Somalia's principal exports, while sugar,

sorghum, corn, qat, and machined goods are the principal imports.

Somalia's small industrial sector, based on the processing of

agricultural products, has largely been looted and sold as scrap

metal. Despite the seeming anarchy, Somalia's service sector has

managed to survive and grow. Telecommunication firms provide

wireless services in most major cities and offer the lowest

international call rates on the continent. In the absence of a

formal banking sector, money exchange services have sprouted

throughout the country, handling between $200 million and $500

million in remittances annually. Mogadishu's main market offers a

variety of goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels

continue to operate, and security is provided by militias. The

ongoing civil disturbances and clan rivalries, however, have

interfered with any broad-based economic development and

international aid arrangements. In 2002 Somalia's overdue financial

obligations to the IMF continued to grow.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $4.27 billion (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 65%

industry: 10%

services: 25% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

over 100% (businesses print their own money)

Labor force:

3.7 million (very few are skilled laborers)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture (mostly pastoral nomadism) 71%, industry and services

29%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries:

a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles,

petroleum refining (mostly shut down), wireless communication

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

245.1 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

227.9 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.832 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: cattle, sheep, goats; bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes, sesame seeds, beans; fish

Exports:

$126 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal

Exports - partners:

UAE 45.6%, Yemen 24.3%, Oman 9.5% (2002)

Imports:

$343 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction

materials, qat

Imports - partners:

Djibouti 29.8%, Kenya 13.6%, Brazil 10.5%, Thailand 4.7%, UK 4.4%,

UAE 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$2.6 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$60 million (1999 est.)

Currency:

Somali shilling (SOS)

Currency code:

SOS

Exchange rates:

Somali shillings per US dollar - 11,000 (November 2000), 2,620

(January 1999), 7,500 (November 1997 est.), 7,000 (January 1996

est.), 5,000 (1 January 1995)

note: the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independent

country not recognized by any foreign government, issues its own

currency, the Somaliland shilling

Fiscal year:

NA

Communications Somalia

Telephones - main lines in use:

15,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: the public telecommunications system was almost

completely destroyed or dismantled by the civil war factions;

private wireless companies offer service in most major cities and

charge the lowest international rates on the continent

domestic: local cellular telephone systems have been established in

Mogadishu and in several other population centers

international: international connections are available from

Mogadishu by satellite

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 11, shortwave 1 in Mogadishu; 1 FM in Puntland, 1 FM in

Somaliland (2001)

Radios:

470,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

4

note: two in Mogadishu; two in Hargeisa (2001)

Televisions:

135,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.so

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (one each in Boosaaso, Hargeisa, and Mogadishu) (2000)

Internet users:

200 (2000)

Transportation Somalia

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 22,100 km paved: 2,608 km unpaved: 19,492 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

crude oil 15 km

Ports and harbors:

Boosaaso, Berbera, Chisimayu (Kismaayo), Merca, Mogadishu

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

60 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 6 over 3,047 m: 4 2438 to 3047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 54 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 30 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Military Somalia

Military branches:

A Somali National Army was attempted under the interim government;

numerous factions and clans maintain independent militias, and the

Somaliland and Puntland regional governments maintain their own

security and police forces

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,942,244 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,072,689 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$17.1 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.9% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Somalia

Disputes - international:

"Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities to land-locked

Ethiopia and establish commercial ties with regional states;

"Puntland" secessionists clash with "Somaliland" secessionists to

establish territorial limits and clan loyalties, each seeking

support from neighboring states; Ethiopia maintains only an

administrative line with the Oromo region of southern Somalia and

maintains alliances with local Somali clans opposed to the

unrecognized Transitional National Government in Mogadishu

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@South Africa

Introduction South Africa

Background:

After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many

of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own

republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred

wealth and immigration and intensified the subjugation of the native

inhabitants. The Boers resisted British encroachments, but were

defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902). The resulting Union of South

Africa operated under a policy of apartheid - the separate

development of the races. The 1990s brought an end to apartheid

politically and ushered in black majority rule.

Geography South Africa

Location:

Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa

Geographic coordinates:

29 00 S, 24 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,219,912 sq km

land: 1,219,912 sq km

note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince

Edward Island)

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,862 km

border countries: Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491

km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km

Coastline:

2,798 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool

nights

Terrain:

vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal

plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Njesuthi 3,408 m

Natural resources:

gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel,

phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium,

salt, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 12.13%

permanent crops: 0.77%

other: 87.1% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

13,500 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

prolonged droughts

Environment - current issues:

lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water

conservation and control measures; growth in water usage outpacing

supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban

discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil erosion;

desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely

surrounds Swaziland

People South Africa

Population:

42,768,678

note: South Africa took a census October 1996 that showed a

population of 40,583,611 (after an official adjustment for a 6.8%

underenumeration based on a postenumeration survey); estimates for

this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess

mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy,

higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth

rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex

than would otherwise be expected (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30% (male 6,460,273; female 6,377,090)

15-64 years: 65% (male 13,807,922; female 13,970,088)

65 years and over: 5% (male 864,441; female 1,288,864) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.5 years

male: 24 years

female: 25 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.01% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

18.87 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

18.42 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 60.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 56.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 64.73 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 46.56 years

male: 46.57 years

female: 46.54 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.24 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

20.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5 million (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

360,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: South African(s) adjective: South African

Ethnic groups:

black 75.2%, white 13.6%, Colored 8.6%, Indian 2.6%

Religions:

Christian 68% (includes most whites and Coloreds, about 60% of

blacks and about 40% of Indians), Muslim 2%, Hindu 1.5% (60% of

Indians), indigenous beliefs and animist 28.5%

Languages:

11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi,

Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.4%

male: 87%

female: 85.7% (2003 est.)

Government South Africa

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of South Africa

conventional short form: South Africa

former: Union of South Africa

abbreviation: RSA

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Pretoria; note - Cape Town is the legislative center and

Bloemfontein the judicial center

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal,

Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, Northern Cape, Western Cape

Independence:

31 May 1910 (from UK); note - South Africa became a republic in

1961 following an October 1960 referendum

National holiday:

Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)

Constitution:

10 December 1996; this new constitution was certified by the

Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996, was signed by then

President MANDELA on 10 December 1996, and entered into effect on 3

February 1997; it is being implemented in phases

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law; accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Thabo MBEKI (since 16 June 1999);

Executive Deputy President Jacob ZUMA (since 17 June 1999); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 2 June 1999 (next scheduled for

sometime between May and July 2004)

head of government: President Thabo MBEKI (since 16 June 1999);

Executive Deputy President Jacob ZUMA (since 17 June 1999); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

election results: Thabo MBEKI elected president; percent of National

Assembly vote - 100% (by acclamation)

note: ANC-IFP is the governing coalition

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Assembly (400

seats; members are elected by popular vote under a system of

proportional representation to serve five-year terms) and the

National Council of Provinces (90 seats, 10 members elected by each

of the nine provincial legislatures for five-year terms; has special

powers to protect regional interests, including the safeguarding of

cultural and linguistic traditions among ethnic minorities); note -

following the implementation of the new constitution on 3 February

1997 the former Senate was disbanded and replaced by the National

Council of Provinces with essentially no change in membership and

party affiliations, although the new institution's responsibilities

have been changed somewhat by the new constitution

elections: National Assembly and National Council of Provinces -

last held 2 June 1999 (next to be held by 2 August 2004)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - ANC

66.4%, DP 9.6%, IFP 8.6%, NNP 6.9%, UDM 3.4%, ACDP 1.4%, FF 0.8%,

other 2.9%; seats by party - ANC 266, DP 38, IFP 34, NNP 28, UDM 14,

ACDP 6, FF 3, other 11; National Council of Provinces - percent of

vote by party - NA%; seats by party - ANC 61, NNP 17, FF 4, IFP 5,

DP 3

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court of Appeals; High Courts;

Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

African Christian Democratic Party or ACDP [Kenneth MESHOE,

president]; African National Congress or ANC [Thabo MBEKI,

president]; Democratic Alliance (formed from the merger of the

Democratic Party or DP and the New National Party or NNP; note - NNP

split from DP in 2001) [Anthony LEON]; Freedom Front or FF [Dr.

Pieter MULDER, president]; Inkatha Freedom Party or IFP [Mangosuthu

BUTHELEZI, president]; New National Party or NNP [Marthinus VAN

SCHALKWYK]; Pan-Africanist Congress or PAC [Stanley MOGOBA,

president]; United Democratic Movement or UDM [Bantu HOLOMISA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Congress of South African Trade Unions or COSATU [Zwelinzima VAVI,

general secretary]; South African Communist Party or SACP [Blade

NZIMANDE, general secretary]; South African National Civics

Organization or SANCO [Mlungisi HLONGWANE, national president]; note

- COSATU and SACP are in a formal alliance with the ANC

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, BIS, C, ECA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, NSG, OAU, OPCW, PCA, SACU,

SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMEE, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Barbara Joyce Mosima MASEKELA

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607

telephone: [1] (202) 232-4400

chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Cameron H. HUME

embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Pretoria

mailing address: P. O. Box 9536, Pretoria 0001

telephone: [27] (12) 342-1048

FAX: [27] (12) 342-2244

consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

Flag description:

two equal width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue separated by

a central green band which splits into a horizontal Y, the arms of

which end at the corners of the hoist side; the Y embraces a black

isosceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow

yellow bands; the red and blue bands are separated from the green

band and its arms by narrow white stripes

Economy South Africa

Economy - overview:

South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with an abundant

supply of natural resources; well-developed financial, legal,

communications, energy, and transport sectors; a stock exchange that

ranks among the 10 largest in the world; and a modern infrastructure

supporting an efficient distribution of goods to major urban centers

throughout the region. However, growth has not been strong enough to

lower South Africa's high unemployment rate; and daunting economic

problems remain from the apartheid era, especially poverty and lack

of economic empowerment among the disadvantaged groups. High crime

and HIV/AIDS infection rates also deter investment. South African

economic policy is fiscally conservative, but pragmatic, focusing on

targeting inflation and liberalizing trade as means to increase job

growth and household income.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $427.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $10,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 4.4% industry: 28.9% services: 66.7% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 50% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.1% highest 10%: 45.9% (1994)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

59.3 (1993-94)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

17 million economically active

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 30%, industry 25%, services 45% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

37% (includes workers no longer looking for employment) (2001 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $22.6 billion

expenditures: $24.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

billion (FY 02/03)

Industries:

mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium),

automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textile, iron and

steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

195.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 93.5% hydro: 1.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 5.5%

Electricity - consumption:

181.2 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

6.91 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

6.2 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

196,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

460,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

7.84 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

1.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

14.16 million cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; beef, poultry, mutton, wool, dairy products

Exports:

$31.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals, machinery and

equipment (1998 est.)

Exports - partners:

UK 12.8%, US 12.7%, Germany 9%, Japan 8.8%, Italy 5.8% (2002)

Imports:

$26.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum products, scientific

instruments, foodstuffs (2000 est.)

Imports - partners:

Germany 15.4%, US 9.4%, UK 9%, Saudi Arabia 6.9%, Japan 5.8%,

France 5%, China 4.9%, Iran 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$24.7 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$487.5 million (2000)

Currency:

rand (ZAR)

Currency code:

ZAR

Exchange rates:

rand per US dollar - 10.54 (2002), 8.61 (2001), 6.94 (2000), 6.11

(1999), 5.53 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications South Africa

Telephones - main lines in use:

more than 5 million (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.06 million (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: the system is the best developed and most

modern in Africa

domestic: consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial

cables, microwave radio relay links, fiber-optic cable,

radiotelephone communication stations, and wireless local loops; key

centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port

Elizabeth, and Pretoria

international: 2 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 14, FM 347 (plus 243 repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

17 million (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

556 (plus 144 network repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

6 million (2000)

Internet country code:

.za

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

150 (2001)

Internet users:

3.068 million (2002)

Transportation South Africa

Railways:

total: 22,298 km

narrow gauge: 21,984 km 1.065-m gauge (10,436 km electrified); 314

km 0.610-m gauge

note: includes a 2,228 km commuter rail system (2002)

Highways:

total: 362,099 km

paved: 73,506 km (including 2,032 km of expressways)

unpaved: 288,593 km (2000)

Waterways:

NA

Pipelines:

condensate 100 km; gas 741 km; oil 847 km; refined products 1,354

km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Cape Town, Durban, East London, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth,

Richards Bay, Saldanha

Merchant marine:

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 30,235 GRT/35,904 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 3, Netherlands 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: container 1, petroleum tanker 2

Airports:

727 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 143 over 3,047 m: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 50 914 to 1,523 m: 67 under 914 m: 11 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 584 1,524 to 2,437 m: 34 914 to 1,523 m: 298 under 914 m: 252 (2002)

Military South Africa

Military branches:

South African National Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air

Force, and Medical Services), South African Police Service

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 11,865,280 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 7,211,075 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 471,578 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.746 billion (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.7% (FY02)

Military - note:

with the end of Apartheid and the establishment of majority rule,

former military, black homelands forces, and ex-opposition forces

were integrated into the South African National Defense Force

(SANDF); as of 2003 the integration process was considered complete

Transnational Issues South Africa

Disputes - international: managed dispute with Namibia over the location of the boundary in the Orange River

Illicit drugs:

transshipment center for heroin, hashish, marijuana, and possibly

cocaine; cocaine consumption on the rise; world's largest market for

illicit methaqualone, usually imported illegally from India through

various east African countries; illicit cultivation of marijuana;

attractive venue for money launderers given the increasing level of

organized criminal and narcotics activity in the region

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Southern Ocean

Introduction Southern Ocean

Background:

A decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the

spring of 2000 delimited a fifth world ocean - the Southern Ocean -

from the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and

Pacific Ocean. The Southern Ocean extends from the coast of

Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude, which coincides with

the Antarctic Treaty Limit. The Southern Ocean is now the fourth

largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean,

Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean, but larger than the Arctic Ocean).

Geography Southern Ocean

Location:

body of water between 60 degrees south latitude and Antarctica

Geographic coordinates:

65 00 S, 0 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean has the unique

distinction of being a large circumpolar body of water totally

encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of water lies

between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of Antarctica and

encompasses 360 degrees of longitude

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 20.327 million sq km

note: includes Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Drake

Passage, Ross Sea, a small part of the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and

other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of the US

Coastline:

17,968 km

Climate:

sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees

Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the continent and

frequently are intense because of the temperature contrast between

ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about latitude 40 south to

the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average winds found anywhere

on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward to 65 degrees south

latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees south latitude in the

Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures well below 0 degrees

Celsius; at some coastal points intense persistent drainage winds

from the interior keep the shoreline ice-free throughout the winter

Terrain:

the Southern Ocean is deep, 4,000 to 5,000 meters over most of its

extent with only limited areas of shallow water; the Antarctic

continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually deep, its edge

lying at depths of 400 to 800 meters (the global mean is 133

meters); the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum of 2.6

million square kilometers in March to about 18.8 million square

kilometers in September, better than a sixfold increase in area; the

Antarctic Circumpolar Current (21,000 km in length) moves

perpetually eastward; it is the world's largest ocean current,

transporting 130 million cubic meters of water per second - 100

times the flow of all the world's rivers

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: -7,235 m at the southern end of the South Sandwich

Trench

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

probable large and possible giant oil and gas fields on the

continental margin, manganese nodules, possible placer deposits,

sand and gravel, fresh water as icebergs; squid, whales, and seals -

none exploited; krill, fishes

Natural hazards:

huge icebergs with drafts up to several hundred meters; smaller

bergs and iceberg fragments; sea ice (generally 0.5 to 1 meter

thick) with sometimes dynamic short-term variations and with large

annual and interannual variations; deep continental shelf floored by

glacial deposits varying widely over short distances; high winds and

large waves much of the year; ship icing, especially May-October;

most of region is remote from sources of search and rescue

Environment - current issues:

increased solar ultraviolet radiation resulting from the Antarctic

ozone hole in recent years, reducing marine primary productivity

(phytoplankton) by as much as 15% and damaging the DNA of some fish;

illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in recent years,

especially the landing of an estimated five to six times more

Patagonian toothfish than the regulated fishery, which is likely to

affect the sustainability of the stock; large amount of incidental

mortality of seabirds resulting from long-line fishing for toothfish

note: the now-protected fur seal population is making a strong

comeback after severe overexploitation in the 18th and 19th centuries

Environment - international agreements:

the Southern Ocean is subject to all international agreements

regarding the world's oceans; in addition, it is subject to these

agreements specific to the Antarctic region: International Whaling

Commission (prohibits commercial whaling south of 40 degrees south

[south of 60 degrees south between 50 degrees and 130 degrees

west]); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (limits

sealing); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living

Resources (regulates fishing)

note: many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource

exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front

(Antarctic Convergence) which is in the middle of the Antarctic

Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the very

cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the

north

Geography - note:

the major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between South America and

Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence) is the best

natural definition of the northern extent of the Southern Ocean; it

is a distinct region at the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar

Current that separates the very cold polar surface waters to the

south from the warmer waters to the north; the Front and the Current

extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching south of 60 degrees

south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south in the far South

Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum westerly winds

Economy Southern Ocean

Economy - overview:

Fisheries in 2000-01 (1 July to 30 June) landed 112,934 metric

tons, of which 87% was krill and 11% Patagonian toothfish.

International agreements were adopted in late 1999 to reduce

illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which in the 2000-01

season landed, by one estimate, 8,376 metric tons of Patagonian and

antarctic toothfish. In the 2000-01 antarctic summer 12,248

tourists, most of them seaborne, visited the Southern Ocean and

Antarctica, compared to 14,762 the previous year.

Transportation Southern Ocean

Ports and harbors:

McMurdo, Palmer, and offshore anchorages in Antarctica

note: few ports or harbors exist on the southern side of the

Southern Ocean; ice conditions limit use of most of them to short

periods in midsummer; even then some cannot be entered without

icebreaker escort; most antarctic ports are operated by government

research stations and, except in an emergency, are not open to

commercial or private vessels; vessels in any port south of 60

degrees south are subject to inspection by Antarctic Treaty

observers (see Article 7)

Transportation - note:

Drake Passage offers alternative to transit through the Panama Canal

Transnational Issues Southern Ocean

Disputes - international:

Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica entry), but

Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK assert

claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in the

Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in

extending those continental shelf claims under the United Nations

Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS) to include undersea ridges;

the US and most other states do not recognize the land or maritime

claims of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US

and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal claims have

been made in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@South Georgia and the South Sandwich

Introduction South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Background:

The islands lie approximately 1,000 km east of the Falkland Islands

and have been under British administration since 1908, except for a

brief period in 1982 when Argentina occupied them. Grytviken, on

South Georgia, was a 19th and early 20th century whaling station.

Famed explorer Ernest SHACKLETON stopped there in 1914 en route to

his ill-fated attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. He returned some

20 months later with a few companions in a small boat and arranged a

successful rescue for the rest of his crew, stranded off the

Antarctic Peninsula. He died in 1922 on a subsequent expedition and

is buried in Grytviken. Today, the station houses scientists from

the British Antarctic Survey. The islands have large bird and seal

populations, and, recognizing the importance of preserving the

marine stocks in adjacent waters, the UK, in 1993, extended the

exclusive fishing zone from 12 NM to 200 NM around each island.

Geography South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Location:

Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east

of the tip of South America

Geographic coordinates:

54 30 S, 37 00 W

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 3,903 sq km

note: includes Shag Rocks, Black Rock, Clerke Rocks, South Georgia

Island, Bird Island, and the South Sandwich Islands, which consist

of some nine islands

water: 0 sq km

land: 3,903 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

NA km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

variable, with mostly westerly winds throughout the year

interspersed with periods of calm; nearly all precipitation falls as

snow

Terrain:

most of the islands, rising steeply from the sea, are rugged and

mountainous; South Georgia is largely barren and has steep,

glacier-covered mountains; the South Sandwich Islands are of

volcanic origin with some active volcanoes

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (largely covered by permanent ice and snow with some

sparse vegetation consisting of grass, moss, and lichen) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

the South Sandwich Islands have prevailing weather conditions that

generally make them difficult to approach by ship; they are also

subject to active volcanism

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

the north coast of South Georgia has several large bays, which

provide good anchorage; reindeer, introduced early in the 21st

century, live on South Georgia

People South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: the small military garrison on South Georgia withdrew in March

2001, to be replaced by a permanent group of scientists of the

British Antarctic Survey, which also has a biological station on

Bird Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited (July 2003

est.)

Government South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

conventional short form: none

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina;

administered from the Falkland Islands by a commissioner, who is

concurrently governor of the Falkland Islands, representing Queen

ELIZABETH II; Grytviken, formerly a whaling station on South

Georgia, is a scientific base

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)

Constitution:

adopted 3 October 1985

Legal system:

the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply; the senior magistrate

from the Falkland Islands presides over the Magistrates Court

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands coat of arms

centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a

shield with a golden lion centered; the shield is supported by a fur

seal on the left and a penguin on the right; a reindeer appears

above the shield, and below it on a scroll is the motto LEO TERRAM

PROPRIAM PROTEGAT (Let the Lion Protect its Own Land)

Economy South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Economy - overview:

Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. There is a potential

source of income from harvesting finfish and krill. The islands

receive income from postage stamps produced in the UK, sale of

fishing licenses, and harbor and landing fees from tourist vessels.

Tourism from specialized cruise ships is increasing rapidly.

Communications South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: NA international: coastal radiotelephone station at Grytviken

Radio broadcast stations:

0 (2003)

Television broadcast stations:

0 (2003)

Internet country code:

.gs

Transportation South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Grytviken

Airports:

none (2002)

Military South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Disputes - international:

briefly occupied by military force in 1982 - claimed by Argentina

in constitution but declares it will no longer seek settlement by

force

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Spain

Introduction Spain

Background:

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries

ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent

failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused

the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic

and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II,

but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). In the

second half of the 20th century, Spain has played a catch-up role in

the western international community; it joined the EU in 1986.

Continuing concerns are Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA)

terrorism and further reductions in unemployment.

Geography Spain

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean

Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of

France

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 4 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 504,782 sq km

water: 5,240 sq km

note: there are 19 autonomous communities including Balearic Islands

and Canary Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the

coast of Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon

de Velez de la Gomera

land: 499,542 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 1,917.8 km

border countries: Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km,

Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

Coastline:

4,964 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM (applies only to the Atlantic Ocean)

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy

along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and

cool along coast

Terrain:

large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills;

Pyrenees in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

Natural resources:

coal, lignite, iron ore, uranium, mercury, pyrites, fluorspar,

gypsum, zinc, lead, tungsten, copper, kaolin, potash, hydropower,

arable land

Land use:

arable land: 28.6%

permanent crops: 9.56%

other: 61.84% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

36,400 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents

from the offshore production of oil and gas; water quality and

quantity nationwide; air pollution; deforestation; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification

Geography - note:

strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

People Spain

Population:

40,217,413 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.4% (male 2,985,705; female 2,808,791)

15-64 years: 68% (male 13,721,053; female 13,626,121)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 2,962,646; female 4,113,097) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 38.7 years male: 37.4 years female: 40.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.16% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.08 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.48 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.54 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.94 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.23 years

male: 75.87 years

female: 82.8 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.26 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

130,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,300 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Spaniard(s) adjective: Spanish

Ethnic groups:

composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Religions:

Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

Languages:

Castilian Spanish 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%

note: Castilian is the official language nationwide; the other

languages are official regionally

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.9%

male: 98.7%

female: 97.2% (2003 est.)

Government Spain

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain

conventional short form: Spain

local short form: Espana

Government type:

parliamentary monarchy

Capital:

Madrid

Administrative divisions:

19 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular -

comunidad autonoma); Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Baleares (Balearic

Islands), Ceuta, Canarias (Canary Islands), Cantabria, Castilla-La

Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Cataluna, Communidad Valencian,

Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Melilla, Murcia, Navarra,

Pais Vasco (Basque Country)

note: three small Spanish possessions are located off the coast of

Morocco: Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de

la Gomera; Ceuta and Melilla gained limited autonomous status in 1994

Independence:

the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of independent

kingdoms prior to the Moslem occupation that began in the early 8th

Century A. D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the small Christian

redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost immediately,

culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this event completed

the unification of several kingdoms and is traditionally considered

the forging of present-day Spain

National holiday:

Hispanic Day, 12 October

Constitution:

6 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978

Legal system:

civil law system, with regional applications; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975); Heir

Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968

head of government: President of the Government Jose Maria AZNAR

Lopez (since 5 May 1996); First Vice President (and Minister of

Economy) Rodrigo RATO Figaredo (since 4 September 2003) and Second

Vice President (and Minister of the Presidency) Javier ARENAS (since

4 September 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president

note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme

consultative organ of the government

election results: Jose Maria AZNAR Lopez (PP) elected president;

percent of National Assembly vote - 44.54%; note - the Popular Party

(PP) obtained an absolute majority of seats in both the Congress of

Deputies and the Senate as a result of the March 2000 elections

elections: the monarch is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition is usually proposed president by the monarch and

elected by the National Assembly; election last held 12 March 2000

(next to be held NA March 2004); vice presidents appointed by the

monarch on the proposal of the president

Legislative branch:

bicameral; General Courts or National Assembly or Las Cortes

Generales consists of the Senate or Senado (259 seats - 208 members

directly elected by popular vote and the other 51 appointed by the

regional legislatures to serve four-year terms) and the Congress of

Deputies or Congreso de los Diputados (350 seats; members are

elected by popular vote on block lists by proportional

representation to serve four-year terms)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PP 44.6%, PSOE

34.1%, CiU 4.2%, PNV 1.5%, CC 1.1%, PIL 0%; seats by party - PP 127,

PSOE 61, CiU 8, PNV 6, CC 5, PIL 1; Congress of Deputies - percent

of vote by party - PP 44.5%, PSOE 34%, CiU 4.2%, IU 5.4%, PNV 1.5%,

CC 1%, BNG 1.3%; seats by party - PP 183, PSOE 125, CiU 15, IU 8,

PNV 7, CC 4, BNG 3, other 5

elections: Senate - last held 12 March 2000 (next to be held NA

March 2004); Congress of Deputies - last held 12 March 2000 (next to

be held NA March 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo

Political parties and leaders:

Basque Nationalist Party or PNV [Xabier ARZALLUS Antia]; Canarian

Coalition or CC (a coalition of five parties) [Paulino RIVERO];

Convergence and Union or CiU [Jordi PUJOL i Soley, secretary

general] (a coalition of the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia or

CDC [Jordi PUJOL i Soley] and the Democratic Union of Catalonia or

UDC [Josep Antoni DURAN y LLEIDA]); Galician Nationalist Bloc or BNG

[Xose Manuel BEIRAS]; Party of Independents from Lanzarote or PIL

[Dimas MARTIN Martin]; Popular Party or PP [Mariano RAJOY]; Spanish

Socialist Workers Party or PSOE [Jose Luis RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO];

United Left or IU (a coalition of parties including the PCE and

other small parties) [Gaspar LLAMAZARES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

business and landowning interests; Catholic Church; free labor

unions (authorized in April 1977); Socialist General Union of

Workers or UGT and the smaller independent Workers Syndical Union or

USO; university students; Workers Confederation or CC.OO; Nunca Mais

(Galician for "Never Again"; formed in response to the oil tanker

Prestige oil spill)

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC,

EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UN Security Council

(temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK,

UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Javier RUPEREZ Rubio

chancery: 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,

New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

FAX: [1] (202) 833-5670

telephone: [1] (202) 452-0100, 728-2340

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador George L. ARGYROS

embassy: Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid

mailing address: PSC 61, APO AE 09642

telephone: [34] (91) 587-2200

FAX: [34] (91) 587-2303

consulate(s) general: Barcelona

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width), and red

with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band;

the coat of arms includes the royal seal framed by the Pillars of

Hercules, which are the two promontories (Gibraltar and Ceuta) on

either side of the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar

Economy Spain

Economy - overview:

Spain's mixed capitalist economy supports a GDP that on a per

capita basis is 80% that of the four leading West European

economies. Its center-right government successfully worked to gain

admission to the first group of countries launching the European

single currency (the euro) on 1 January 1999. The AZNAR

administration has continued to advocate liberalization,

privatization, and deregulation of the economy and has introduced

some tax reforms to that end. Unemployment has been steadily falling

under the AZNAR administration but remains high at 11.7%. The

government intends to make further progress in changing labor laws

and reforming pension schemes, which are key to the sustainability

of both Spain's internal economic advances and its competitiveness

in a single currency area. A general strike in mid-2002 reduced

cooperation between labor and government. Growth of 2.4% in 2003 was

satisfactory given the background of a faltering European economy.

Adjusting to the monetary and other economic policies of an

integrated Europe - and reducing unemployment - will pose challenges

to Spain over the next few years.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $850.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $21,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%

industry: 31%

services: 65% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 25.2% (1990)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.5 (1990)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

17.1 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation: services 64%, manufacturing, mining, and construction 29%, agriculture 7% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11.3% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $105 billion

expenditures: $109 billion, including capital expenditures of $12.8

billion (2000 est.)

Industries:

textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages,

metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles,

machine tools, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

1.2% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

222.5 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 50.4% hydro: 18.2% other: 4.1% (2001) nuclear: 27.2%

Electricity - consumption:

210.4 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

4.138 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

7.588 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

7,099 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1.497 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

135,100 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

1.582 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

10.5 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

516 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

17.96 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

17.26 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

254.9 million cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish

Exports:

$122.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, other consumer goods

Exports - partners:

France 19%, Germany 11.4%, UK 9.6%, Portugal 9.5%, Italy 9.3%, US

4.6% (2002)

Imports:

$156.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods;

foodstuffs, consumer goods (1997)

Imports - partners:

France 17%, Germany 16.5%, Italy 8.6%, UK 6.4%, Netherlands 4.8%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$90 billion (1993 est.)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $1.33 billion (1999)

Currency:

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by the financial institutions

of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions with the member countries

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94

(1999)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Spain

Telephones - main lines in use:

17.336 million (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

8.394 million (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: generally adequate, modern facilities;

teledensity is 44 main lines for each 100 persons

domestic: NA

international: 22 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations

- 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat;

tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 208, FM 715, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

13.1 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 224 (plus 2,105 repeaters) note: these figures include 11 television broadcast stations and 88 repeaters in the Canary Islands (1995)

Televisions:

16.2 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.es

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

56 (2000)

Internet users:

7.89 million (2002)

Transportation Spain

Railways:

total: 14,189 km

broad gauge: 11,804 km 1.668-m gauge (6,409 km electrified)

standard gauge: 455 km 1.435-m gauge (455 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,902 km 1.000-m gauge (781 km electrified); 28 km

0.914-m gauge (28 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 663,795 km

paved: 657,157 km (including 10,317 km of expressways)

unpaved: 6,638 km (1999)

Waterways:

1,045 km (of minor economic importance)

Pipelines:

gas 7,290 km; oil 730 km; refined products 3,110 km; unknown

(oil/water) 397 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Aviles, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cadiz, Cartagena, Castellon de la Plana,

Ceuta, Huelva, La Coruna, Las Palmas (Canary Islands), Malaga,

Melilla, Pasajes, Gijon, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands),

Santander, Tarragona, Valencia, Vigo

Merchant marine:

total: 140 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,585,563 GRT/2,022,104 DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 31, chemical tanker 10, container 13,

liquefied gas 5, livestock carrier 1, passenger 1, petroleum tanker

22, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 33, short-sea passenger

6, vehicle carrier 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Croatia 1, Cuba 2, Denmark 1, Germany 7, Italy 1,

Netherlands 1, Norway 6, Uruguay 3 (2002 est.)

Airports:

152 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 93 over 3,047 m: 15 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 27 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 59 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 14 under 914 m: 43 (2002)

Heliports: 7 (2002)

Military Spain

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Civil Guard, National Police,

Coastal Civil Guard

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 10,524,715 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 8,391,612 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 255,826 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$8.6 billion (2002)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.15% (2002)

Transnational Issues Spain

Disputes - international:

Gibraltar residents vote overwhelmingly in referendum against

"total shared sovereignty" arrangement worked out between Spain and

UK to change 300-year rule over colony; Morocco protests Spain's

control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and Penon de

Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de Alhucemas and Islas

Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; Morocco also rejected Spain's

unilateral designation of a median line from the Canary Islands in

2002 to set limits to undersea resource exploration and refugee

interdiction; Morocco allowed Spanish fishermen to fish temporarily

off the coast of Western Sahara after an oil spill soiled Spanish

fishing grounds; Portugal has periodically reasserted claims to

territories around the town of Olivenza, Spain

Illicit drugs:

key European gateway country for Latin American cocaine and North

African hashish entering the European market; destination and minor

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Spratly Islands

Introduction Spratly Islands

Background:

The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or

reefs. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and potentially

by gas and oil deposits. They are claimed in their entirety by

China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed by Malaysia

and the Philippines. About 50 islands are occupied by China (about

450 soldiers), Malaysia (70-90), the Philippines (about 100), and

Vietnam (about 1,500). Brunei is a claimant but has no outposts.

Geography Spratly Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, group of reefs and islands in the South China

Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam to the

southern Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

8 38 N, 111 55 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: less than 5 sq km

note: includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts

scattered over an area of nearly 410,000 sq km of the central South

China Sea

water: 0 sq km

land: less than 5 sq km

Area - comparative:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

926 km

Maritime claims:

NA

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

flat

Elevation extremes: lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 4 m

Natural resources: fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas potential

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

typhoons; serious maritime hazard because of numerous reefs and

shoals

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

strategically located near several primary shipping lanes in the

central South China Sea; includes numerous small islands, atolls,

shoals, and coral reefs

People Spratly Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there are scattered garrisons occupied by personnel of several

claimant states (July 2003 est.)

Government Spratly Islands

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Spratly Islands

Economy Spratly Islands

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to commercial fishing. The proximity

to nearby oil- and gas-producing sedimentary basins suggests the

potential for oil and gas deposits, but the region is largely

unexplored, and there are no reliable estimates of potential

reserves; commercial exploitation has yet to be developed.

Transportation Spratly Islands

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Spratly Islands

Military - note:

Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs, of

which about 45 are claimed and occupied by China, Malaysia, the

Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam

Transnational Issues Spratly Islands

Disputes - international:

all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and

Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines;

in 1984, Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone that

encompasses Louisa Reef in the southern Spratly Islands but has not

publicly claimed the island; claimants in November 2002 signed the

"Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea", a

mechanism to ease tension but which fell short of a legally binding

"code of conduct"

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Sri Lanka

Introduction Sri Lanka

Background:

The Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C.,

probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced beginning in

about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed

at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa

1000 A.D.) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th

century, a south Indian dynasty seized power in the north and

established a Tamil kingdom. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th

century and by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded

to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was

united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent

in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between

the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted in violence in

the mid-1980s. Tens of thousands have died in an ethnic war that

continues to fester. After two decades of fighting, the government

and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam began a ceasefire in December

2001, with Norway brokering peace negotiations.

Geography Sri Lanka

Location:

Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India

Geographic coordinates:

7 00 N, 81 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 65,610 sq km

water: 870 sq km

land: 64,740 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,340 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest

monsoon (June to October)

Terrain:

mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central

interior

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m

Natural resources:

limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay,

hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 13.43%

permanent crops: 15.78%

other: 70.79% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

6,510 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional cyclones and tornadoes

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by

poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from mining

activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being

polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal; air

pollution in Colombo

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes

People Sri Lanka

Population:

19,742,439 (2003 est.)

note: since the outbreak of hostilities between the government and

armed Tamil separatists in the mid-1980s, several hundred thousand

Tamil civilians have fled the island; as of yearend 2000,

approximately 65,000 were housed in 131 refugee camps in south

India, another 40,000 lived outside the Indian camps, and more than

200,000 Tamils have sought refuge in the West (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.2% (male 2,543,336; female 2,431,223)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 6,518,145; female 6,890,424)

65 years and over: 6.9% (male 641,708; female 717,603) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.7 years

male: 27.7 years

female: 29.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.83% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

16.12 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.22 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.92 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 16.45 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.62 years

male: 70.09 years

female: 75.29 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.9 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

4,800 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

250 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Sri Lankan(s)

adjective: Sri Lankan

Ethnic groups:

Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7%, Burgher, Malay, and Vedda 1%

Religions:

Buddhist 70%, Hindu 15%, Christian 8%, Muslim 7% (1999)

Languages:

Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national

language) 18%, other 8%

note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken

competently by about 10% of the population

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.3%

male: 94.8%

female: 90% (2003 est.)

Government Sri Lanka

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

conventional short form: Sri Lanka

former: Serendib, Ceylon

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Colombo; note - Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the legislative capital

Administrative divisions:

8 provinces; Central, North Central, North Eastern, North Western,

Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western; note - North Eastern province

may have been divided in two - Northern and Eastern

Independence:

4 February 1948 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 February (1948)

Constitution:

adopted 16 August 1978

Legal system:

a highly complex mixture of English common law, Roman-Dutch,

Muslim, Sinhalese, and customary law; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA (since

12 November 1994); note - Ranil WICKREMASINGHE (since 9 December

2001) is the prime minister; the president is considered both the

chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA

(since 12 November 1994); note - Ranil WICKREMASINGHE (since 9

December 2001) is the prime minister; the president is considered

both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the

prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 21 December 1999 (next to be held NA December

2005)

election results: Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA reelected

president; percent of vote - Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA (PA)

51%, Ranil WICKREMASINGHE (UNP) 42%, other 7%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (225 seats; members elected by popular vote

on the basis of a modified proportional representation system by

district to serve six-year terms)

elections: last held 7 December 2001 (next to be held NA December

2007)

election results: percent of vote by party or electoral alliance -

UNP, SLMC and CWC 46.8%, PA and EPDP 38%, JVP 9.1%, TNA 3.89%, PLOTE

0.19%; seats by party or electoral alliance - UNP, SLMC and CWC 114,

PA and EPDP 79, JVP 16, TNA 15, PLOTE 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; judges for both courts are

appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

All Ceylon Tamil Congress or ACTC [KUMARGURUPARAM]; Ceylon Workers

Congress or CWC [Arumugam THONDAMAN]; Communist Party or CP [D.

GUNASEKERA]; Democratic United National (Lalith) Front or DUNLF

[Shrimani ATULATHMUDALI]; Eelam People's Democratic Party or EPDP

[Douglas DEVANANDA]; Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front

or EPRLF [Suresh PREMACHANDRAN]; Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or JVP

[Tilvan SILVA]; National Unity Alliance or NUA [Ferial ASHRAFF];

People's Alliance or PA [Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA];

People's Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam or PLOTE [leader

NA]; Sihala Urumaya or SU [Tilak KARUNARATNE]; Sri Lanka Freedom

Party or SLFP [Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA]; Sri Lanka Muslim

Congress or SLMC [Rauff HAKEEM]; Sri Lanka Progressive Front or SLPF

[P. Nelson PERERA]; Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization or TELO

[SABARATNAM]; Tamil National Alliance or TNA [Nadarajah RAVIRAJ];

Tamil United Liberation Front or TULF [R. SAMPATHAN]; United

National Party or UNP [Ranil WICKREMASINGHE]; Upcountry People's

Front or UPF [P. CHANDRASEKARAN]; several ethnic Tamil and Muslim

parties, represented in either Parliament or provincial councils

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Buddhist clergy; labor unions; Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or

LTTE [Velupillai PRABHAKARAN](insurgent group fighting for a

separate state); radical chauvinist Sinhalese groups such as the

National Movement Against Terrorism; Sinhalese Buddhist lay groups

International organization participation:

AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Devinda R. SUBASINGHE consulate(s): New York consulate(s) general: Los Angeles FAX: [1] (202) 232-7181 telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025 (through 4028) chancery: 2148 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador E. Ashley WILLS

embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3

mailing address: P. O. Box 106, Colombo

telephone: [94] (1) 448007

FAX: [94] (1) 437345

Flag description:

yellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side panel has two equal

vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange; the other panel is

a large dark red rectangle with a yellow lion holding a sword, and

there is a yellow bo leaf in each corner; the yellow field appears

as a border around the entire flag and extends between the two panels

Economy Sri Lanka

Economy - overview:

In 1977, Colombo abandoned statist economic policies and its import

substitution trade policy for market-oriented policies and

export-oriented trade. Sri Lanka's most dynamic sectors now are food

processing, textiles and apparel, food and beverages,

telecommunications, and insurance and banking. By 1996 plantation

crops made up only 20% of exports (compared with 93% in 1970), while

textiles and garments accounted for 63%. GDP grew at an average

annual rate of 5.5% in the early 1990s until a drought and a

deteriorating security situation lowered growth to 3.8% in 1996. The

economy rebounded in 1997-2000 with average growth of 5.3%, but 2001

saw the first contraction in the country's history, -1.4%, due to a

combination of power shortages, severe budgetary problems, the

global slowdown, and continuing civil strife. Growth recovered to

3.2% in 2002. About 800,000 Sri Lankans work abroad, 90% in the

Middle East. They send home about $1 billion a year.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $73.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 20% industry: 26% services: 54% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 22% (1997 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.5% highest 10%: 28% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.4 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

6.6 million (1998)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 45%, agriculture 38%, industry 17% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $2.8 billion

expenditures: $4.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

rubber processing, tea, coconuts, and other agricultural

commodities; clothing, cement, petroleum refining, textiles, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

1.1% (2002)

Electricity - production:

6.36 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 51.7% hydro: 48.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

5.915 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

75,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, spices, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, beef

Exports: $4.6 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities: textiles and apparel, tea, diamonds, coconut products, petroleum products

Exports - partners:

US 39.1%, UK 12.9%, Belgium 4.7%, Germany 4.5% (2002)

Imports:

$5.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

textiles, mineral products, petroleum, foodstuffs, machinery and

equipment

Imports - partners:

India 11%, Hong Kong 7.6%, Singapore 7.1%, China 6.3%, Taiwan 5.9%,

South Korea 5.7%, Japan 5.3%, Iran 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$9.8 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$577 million (1998)

Currency:

Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)

Currency code:

LKR

Exchange rates:

Sri Lankan rupees per US dollar - 95.66 (2002), 89.38 (2001), 77.01

(2000), 70.64 (1999), 64.45 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Sri Lanka

Telephones - main lines in use:

494,509 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

228,604 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: very inadequate domestic service, particularly

in rural areas; likely improvement with privatization of national

telephone company and encouragement to private investment; good

international service (1999)

domestic: national trunk network consists mostly of digital

microwave radio relay; fiber-optic links now in use in Colombo area

and two fixed wireless local loops have been installed; competition

is strong in mobile cellular systems; telephone density remains low

at 2.6 main lines per 100 persons (1999)

international: submarine cables to Indonesia and Djibouti; satellite

earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 26, FM 45, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

3.85 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

21 (1997)

Televisions:

1.53 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.lk

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2000)

Internet users:

121,500 (2001)

Transportation Sri Lanka

Railways:

total: 1,508 km

broad gauge: 1,449 km 1.676-m gauge

narrow gauge: 59 km 0.762-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 96,695 km

paved: 91,860 km

unpaved: 4,835 km (1999)

Waterways:

430 km (navigable by shallow-draft craft)

Pipelines:

crude oil and petroleum products 62 km (1987)

Ports and harbors:

Colombo, Galle, Jaffna, Trincomalee

Merchant marine:

total: 15 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 62,157 GRT/84,898 DWT

ships by type: cargo 13, container 1, petroleum tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 9, Hong Kong 1, UAE 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

15 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 14 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 6 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Sri Lanka

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 5,383,661 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 4,172,921 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 186,691 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$719 million (FY98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.2% (FY98)

Transnational Issues Sri Lanka

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Sudan

Introduction Sudan

Background:

Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have

dominated national politics since independence from the UK in 1956.

Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war for all but 10 years of this

period (1972-82). The wars are rooted in northern economic,

political, and social domination of non-Muslim, non-Arab southern

Sudanese. Since 1983, the war and war- and famine-related effects

have led to more than 2 million deaths and over 4 million people

displaced. The ruling regime is a mixture of military elite and an

Islamist party that came to power in a 1989 coup. Some northern

opposition parties have made common cause with the southern rebels

and entered the war as a part of an anti-government alliance. Peace

talks gained momentum in 2002-03 with the signing of several

accords, including a cease-fire agreement.

Geography Sudan

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and Eritrea

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 2,505,810 sq km

water: 129,810 sq km

land: 2.376 million sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than one-quarter the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 7,687 km

border countries: Central African Republic 1,165 km, Chad 1,360 km,

Democratic Republic of the Congo 628 km, Egypt 1,273 km, Eritrea 605

km, Ethiopia 1,606 km, Kenya 232 km, Libya 383 km, Uganda 435 km

Coastline:

853 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 18 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season varies by

region (April to November)

Terrain:

generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in far south,

northeast and west; desert dominates the north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Red Sea 0 m

highest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m

Natural resources:

petroleum; small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc,

tungsten, mica, silver, gold, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 7.03% permanent crops: 0.08% other: 92.89% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

19,500 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

dust storms and periodic persistent droughts

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife populations

threatened by excessive hunting; soil erosion; desertification;

periodic drought

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest country in Africa; dominated by the Nile and its tributaries

People Sudan

Population:

38,114,160 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44% (male 8,562,412; female 8,195,201)

15-64 years: 53.8% (male 10,260,581; female 10,246,045)

65 years and over: 2.2% (male 468,898; female 381,023) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.7 years

male: 17.5 years

female: 17.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.71% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

36.48 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.59 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.23 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 65.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 64.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 66.3 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 57.73 years

male: 56.59 years

female: 58.93 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.1 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.6% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

450,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

23,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Sudanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sudanese

Ethnic groups:

black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), indigenous beliefs 25%, Christian 5%

(mostly in south and Khartoum)

Languages:

Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic,

Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English

note: program of "Arabization" in process

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 61.1%

male: 71.8%

female: 50.5% (2003 est.)

Government Sudan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Sudan

conventional short form: Sudan

local short form: As-Sudan

local long form: Jumhuriyat as-Sudan

former: Anglo-Egyptian Sudan

Government type:

authoritarian regime - ruling military junta took power in 1989;

government is run by an alliance of the military and the National

Congress Party (NCP), formerly the National Islamic Front (NIF),

which espouses an Islamist platform

Capital:

Khartoum

Administrative divisions:

26 states (wilayat, singular - wilayah); A'ali an Nil, Al Bahr al

Ahmar, Al Buhayrat, Al Jazirah, Al Khartum, Al Qadarif, Al Wahdah,

An Nil al Abyad, An Nil al Azraq, Ash Shamaliyah, Bahr al Jabal,

Gharb al Istiwa'iyah, Gharb Bahr al Ghazal, Gharb Darfur, Gharb

Kurdufan, Janub Darfur, Janub Kurdufan, Junqali, Kassala, Nahr an

Nil, Shamal Bahr al Ghazal, Shamal Darfur, Shamal Kurdufan, Sharq al

Istiwa'iyah, Sinnar, Warab

Independence:

1 January 1956 (from Egypt and UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 January (1956)

Constitution:

12 April 1973, suspended following coup of 6 April 1985; interim

constitution of 10 October 1985 suspended following coup of 30 June

1989; new constitution implemented on 30 June 1998 partially

suspended 12 December 1999 by President BASHIR

Legal system:

based on English common law and Islamic law; as of 20 January 1991,

the now defunct Revolutionary Command Council imposed Islamic law in

the northern states; Islamic law applies to all residents of the

northern states regardless of their religion; some separate

religious courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal, but noncompulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR

(since 16 October 1993); First Vice President Ali Uthman Muhammad

TAHA (since 17 February 1998), Second Vice President Moses MACHAR

(since 12 February 2001); note - the president is both the chief of

state and head of government

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 13-23 December 2000 (next to be held NA 2005)

note: Lt. Gen. al-BASHIR assumed supreme executive power in 1989 and

retained it through several transitional governments in the early

and mid-1990s before being popularly elected for the first time in

March 1996

election results: Lt. Gen. Umar Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR reelected

president; percent of vote - Umar Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR 86.5%,

Ja'afar Muhammed NUMAYRI 9.6%, three other candidates received a

combined vote of 3.9%; election widely viewed as rigged; all popular

opposition parties boycotted elections because of a lack of

guarantees for a free and fair election

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - the

National Congress Party or NCP (formerly the National Islamic Front

or NIF) dominates al-BASHIR's cabinet

head of government: President Lt. Gen. Umar Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR

(since 16 October 1993); First Vice President Ali Uthman Muhammad

TAHA (since 17 February 1998), Second Vice President Moses MACHAR

(since 12 February 2001); note - the president is both the chief of

state and head of government

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (360 seats; 270 popularly elected, 90

elected by supra assembly of interest groups known as National

Congress; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 13-22 December 2000 (next to be held NA

December 2004)

note: on 12 December 1999, BASHIR dismissed the National Assembly

during an internal power struggle between the president and the

speaker of the National Assembly Hassan al-TURABI

election results: NCP 355, others 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Special Revolutionary Courts

Political parties and leaders:

the government allows political "associations" under a 1998 law

revised in 2000; to obtain government approval parties must accept

the constitution and refrain from advocating or using violence

against the regime; approved parties include the National Congress

Party or NCP [Ibrahim Ahmed UMAR], Popular National Congress or PNC

[Hassan al-TURABI], and over 20 minor, pro-government parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Democratic Unionist Party [Muhammed Uthman AL-MIRGHANI]; National

Congress Party [Ibrahim Ahmed UMAR]; National Democratic Alliance

[Muhammed Uthman AL-MIRGHANI, chairman]; Sudan People's Liberation

Movement/Army [Dr. John GARANG]; Umma [Sadiq al-MAHDI]

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCO, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge D'Affairs, Ad Interim

Khidir Haroun AHMED (since April 2001)

telephone: [1] (202) 338-8565

FAX: [1] (202) 667-2406

chancery: 2210 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

US Embassy in Khartoum is located on Sharia Abdul Latif Avenue;

mailing address - P. O. Box 699, Khartoum; APO AE 09829; telephone -

[249] (11) 774611 or 774700; FAX - [249] (11) 774137

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with a

green isosceles triangle based on the hoist side

Economy Sudan

Economy - overview:

Sudan has turned around a struggling economy with sound economic

policies and infrastructure investments, but it still faces

formidable economic problems, notably the low level of per capita

output. From 1997 to date, Sudan has been implementing IMF

macroeconomic reforms. In 1999 Sudan began exporting crude oil and

in the last quarter of 1999 recorded its first trade surplus, which,

along with monetary policy, has stabilized the exchange rate.

Increased oil production, revived light industry, and expanded

export processing zones helped maintain GDP growth at 5.1% in 2002.

Agriculture production remains Sudan's most important sector,

employing 80% of the work force and contributing 43% of GDP, but

most farms remain rain-fed and susceptible to drought. Chronic

domestic instability, lagging reforms, adverse weather, and weak

world agricultural prices - but, above all, the low starting point -

ensure that much of the population will remain at or below the

poverty line for years.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $52.9 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 43%

industry: 17%

services: 40% (1999 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

11 million (1996 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 80%, industry and commerce 7%, government 13% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

18.7% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.6 billion

expenditures: $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap

distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, armaments,

automobile/light truck assembly

Industrial production growth rate:

8.5% (1999 est.)

Electricity - production:

2.389 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 52.1% hydro: 47.9% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

2.222 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

209,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

50,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

631.5 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

99.11 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), sorghum, millet, wheat, gum arabic,

sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), mangos, papaya, bananas, sweet

potatoes, sesame; sheep, livestock

Exports:

$1.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil and petroleum products; cotton, sesame, livestock, groundnuts,

gum arabic, sugar

Exports - partners:

China 55.7%, Japan 14%, Saudi Arabia 4.9% (2002)

Imports:

$1.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactured goods, refinery and transport equipment,

medicines and chemicals, textiles, wheat

Imports - partners:

China 19.7%, Saudi Arabia 7.4%, Germany 5.5%, India 5.5%, UK 5.4%,

Indonesia 4.7%, Australia 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$15.8 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$187 million (1997)

Currency:

Sudanese dinar (SDD)

Currency code:

SDD

Exchange rates:

Sudanese dinars per US dollar - 263.31 (2002), 258.7 (2001), 257.12

(2000), 252.55 (1999), 200.8 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Sudan

Telephones - main lines in use:

400,000 (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

20,000 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: large, well-equipped system by regional

standards and being upgraded; cellular communications started in

1996 and have expanded substantially

domestic: consists of microwave radio relay, cable, radiotelephone

communications, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite

system with 14 earth stations

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (2000)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 12, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

7.55 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (1997)

Televisions:

2.38 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.sd

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2002)

Internet users:

56,000 (2002)

Transportation Sudan

Railways:

total: 5,978 km

narrow gauge: 4,578 km 1.067-m gauge; 1,400 km 0.600-m gauge

plantation line (2002)

Highways:

total: 11,900 km

paved: 4,320 km

unpaved: 7,580 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

5,310 km

Pipelines:

gas 156 km; oil 2,297 km; refined products 810 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Juba, Khartoum, Kusti, Malakal, Nimule, Port Sudan, Sawakin

Merchant marine:

total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 29,854 GRT/39,084 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, livestock carrier 1, roll on/roll off 2

(2002 est.)

Airports:

63 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 12

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 51

under 914 m: 10 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 24

Heliports:

2 (2002)

Military Sudan

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Popular Defense Force Militia

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 9,032,834 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 5,558,462 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 429,334 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$581 million (2001 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.5% (1999)

Transnational Issues Sudan

Disputes - international:

the north-south civil war has drawn Sudan's neighbors into the

fighting, sheltering refugees, and infiltration by rebel groups -

Kenya and Uganda have acted as mediators; Sudan accuses Eritrea of

supporting Sudanese rebel groups; efforts to demarcate the porous

boundary with Ethiopia have been delayed by fighting in Sudan;

Kenya's administrative boundary still extends into the Sudan,

creating the "Ilemi triangle"; Egypt and Sudan retain claims to

administer the triangular areas that extend north and south of the

1899 Treaty boundary along the 22nd Parallel, but have withdrawn

their military presence; Egypt is economically developing the

"Hala'ib triangle"

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Suriname

Introduction Suriname

Background:

Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years

later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that

soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to rule through a

succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when

international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In

1989, the military overthrew the civilian government, but a

democratically-elected government returned to power in 1991.

Geography Suriname

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between

French Guiana and Guyana

Geographic coordinates:

4 00 N, 56 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 163,270 sq km

land: 161,470 sq km

water: 1,800 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Georgia

Land boundaries: total: 1,707 km border countries: Brazil 597 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

Coastline: 386 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m

highest point: Juliana Top 1,230 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small

amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 0.37%

permanent crops: 0.06%

note: there are 95,000 hectares of arable land, 7,000 hectares of

permanent crops, and 15,000 hectares of permanent pastures (1998

est.)

other: 99.57%

Irrigated land:

490 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues: deforestation as timber is cut for export; pollution of inland waterways by small-scale mining activities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

smallest independent country on South American continent; mostly

tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna that, for

the most part, is increasingly threatened by new development;

relatively small population, mostly along the coast

People Suriname

Population:

435,449 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.7% (male 68,536; female 65,165)

15-64 years: 63.3% (male 141,048; female 134,699)

65 years and over: 6% (male 11,686; female 14,315) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.5 years

male: 25.1 years

female: 26 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.37% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.4 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.83 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-8.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.74 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 20.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 28.93 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.23 years

male: 66.79 years

female: 71.78 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.4 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.2% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,700 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

330 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Surinamer(s)

adjective: Surinamese

Ethnic groups:

Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their ancestors

emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th

century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%,

"Maroons" (their African ancestors were brought to the country in

the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior)

10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese 2%, white 1%, other 2%

Religions:

Hindu 27.4%, Muslim 19.6%, Roman Catholic 22.8%, Protestant 25.2%

(predominantly Moravian), indigenous beliefs 5%

Languages:

Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo

(Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of

Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca

among others), Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93%

male: 95%

female: 91% (1995 est.)

Government Suriname

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Suriname

conventional short form: Suriname

local short form: Suriname

former: Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

local long form: Republiek Suriname

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

Paramaribo

Administrative divisions:

10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo,

Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo,

Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

Independence:

25 November 1975 (from Netherlands)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

Constitution:

ratified 30 September 1987

Legal system:

based on Dutch legal system incorporating French penal theory

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (since 12 August

2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar AJODHIA (since 12 August

2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (since 12

August 2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar AJODHIA (since 12

August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president from among

the members of the National Assembly

elections: president and vice president elected by the National

Assembly or, if no presidential or vice presidential candidate

receives a constitutional majority in the National Assembly after

two votes, by the larger People's Assembly (869 representatives from

the national, local, and regional councils), for five-year terms;

election last held 6 May 2000 (next to be held NA May 2005)

election results: Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN elected president by the

National Assembly; percent of legislative vote - Runaldo Ronald

VENETIAAN 72.5%; Rashied DOEKHIE (NDP) 19.6%; total votes cast -

Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (New Front) 37 votes, Rashied DOEKHIE (NDP)

10 votes

note: widespread demonstrations during the summer of 1999 led to the

call for elections a year early

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Nationale Assemblee (51 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NF 33, MC 10, DNP 2000 3, DA '91 2, PVF 2, PALU 1

note: widespread demonstrations during the summer of 1999 led to the

call for elections a year early

elections: last held 5 May 2000 (next to be held NA May 2005)

Judicial branch:

Court of Justice (justices are nominated for life)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Alternative '91 or DA '91 (a coalition of the

Alternative Forum or AF and Party for Brotherhood and Unity in

Politics or BEP, formed in January 1991) [Winston JESSURUN];

Democratic National Platform 2000 or DNP 2000 (coalition of two

parties, Democratic Party and Democrats of the 21st Century) [Jules

WIJDENBOSCH]; Independent Progressive Democratic Alternative or OPDA

[Joginder RAMKHILAWAN]; Millennium Combination or MC (a coalition of

three parties, Democratic Alternative, Party for National Unity and

Solidarity, and National Democratic Party) [leader NA]; National

Democratic Party or NDP [Desire BOUTERSE]; Naya Kadam or NK [leader

NA]; Party for Renewal and Democracy or BVD [Tjan GOBARDHAN]; Party

of National Unity and Solidarity or KTPI [Willy SOEMITA]; Pertjaja

Luhur [Paul SOMOHARDJO]; Progressive Workers' and Farm Laborers'

Union or PALU [Ir Iwan KROLIS]; The New Front or NF (a coalition of

four parties Suriname National Party or NPS, Progressive Reform

Party or VHP, Suriname Labor Party or SPA, and Pertjaja Luhur)

[Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN]; The Progressive Development Alliance (a

combination of three parties, Renewed Progressive Party or HPP,

Party of the Federation of Land Workers or PVF, and Suriname

Progressive People's Party or PSV) [Harry KISOENSINGH]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

General Liberation and Development Party or ABOP [Ronnie

BRUNSWIJK]; Mandela Bushnegro Liberation Movement [Leendert ADAMS];

Tucayana Amazonica [Alex JUBITANA, Thomas SABAJO]; Union for

Liberation and Democracy [Kofi AFONGPONG]

International organization participation:

ACP, Caricom, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDB,

IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS,

OIC, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Henry Lothar ILLES FAX: [1] (202) 244-5878 consulate(s) general: Miami telephone: [1] (202) 244-7488 chancery: Suite 460, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel A. JOHNSON embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo mailing address: Department of State, 3390 Paramaribo Place, Washington, DC, 20521-3390 telephone: [597] 472900 FAX: [597] 420800

Flag description:

five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white, red

(quadruple width), white, and green (double width); there is a

large, yellow, five-pointed star centered in the red band

Economy Suriname

Economy - overview:

The economy is dominated by the bauxite industry, which accounts

for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export earnings. Suriname's

economic prospects for the medium term will depend on renewed

commitment to responsible monetary and fiscal policies and to the

introduction of structural reforms to liberalize markets and promote

competition. The government of Ronald VENETIAAN has begun an

austerity program, raised taxes, and attempted to control spending.

However, in 2002, President VENETIAAN agreed to a large pay raise

for civil servants, which threatens his earlier gains in stabilizing

the economy. The Dutch Government has agreed to restart the aid

flow, which will allow Suriname to access international development

financing. The short-term economic outlook depends on the

government's ability to control inflation and on the development of

projects in the bauxite and gold mining sectors.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.469 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 13% industry: 22% services: 65% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

70% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

17% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

100,000

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

17% (2000)

Budget:

revenues: $393 million

expenditures: $403 million, including capital expenditures of $34

million (1997 est.)

Industries:

bauxite and gold mining, alumina production, oil, lumbering, food

processing, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

6.5% (1994 est.)

Electricity - production:

1.959 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 25.2% hydro: 74.8% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.822 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

10,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

10,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

37 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts; beef, chickens; forest products; shrimp

Exports:

$445 million f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

alumina, crude oil, lumber, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas

Exports - partners:

US 25.3%, Norway 20.4%, France 8.2%, Trinidad and Tobago 6.4%,

Iceland 6%, Canada 5.9%, Netherlands 5.6% (2002)

Imports:

$300 million f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

US 22.2%, Netherlands 15.6%, China 11.9%, Trinidad and Tobago

11.2%, France 7.5%, Netherlands Antilles 7.2%, Japan 5.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$321 million (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

Netherlands provided $37 million for project and program

assistance, European Development Fund $4 million, Belgium $2 million

(1998)

Currency:

Surinamese guilder (SRG)

Currency code:

SRG

Exchange rates:

Surinamese guilders per US dollar - 2,346.75 (2002), 2,178.5

(2001), 1,322.47 (2000), 859.44 (1999), 401 (1998)

note: during 1998, the exchange rate splintered into four distinct

rates; in January 1999 the government floated the guilder, but

subsequently fixed it when the black-market rate plunged; the

government currently allows trading within a band of SRG 500 around

the official rate

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Suriname

Telephones - main lines in use:

64,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4,090 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: international facilities are good

domestic: microwave radio relay network

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 4, FM 13, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

300,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (plus seven repeaters) (2000)

Televisions:

63,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.sr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

14,500 (2002)

Transportation Suriname

Railways:

total: 166 km (single-track)

standard gauge: 80 km 1.435-m gauge

note: Suriname railroads are not in operation (2001)

narrow gauge: 86 km 1.000-m gauge

Highways:

total: 4,492 km

paved: 1,168 km

unpaved: 3,324 km (2000)

Waterways:

1,200 km

note: most important means of transport; oceangoing vessels with

drafts ranging up to 7 m can navigate many of the principal waterways

Pipelines:

oil 51 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Albina, Moengo, New Nickerie, Paramaribo, Paranam, Wageningen

Merchant marine:

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,421 GRT/2,990 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, container 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

46 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 41 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 35 (2002)

Military Suriname

Military branches:

National Army (including small Navy and Air Force elements), Civil

Police

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 123,159 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 72,039 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.6% (FY97 est.)

Transnational Issues Suriname

Disputes - international:

area disputed by French Guiana between Riviere Litani and Riviere

Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa); area disputed by Guyana

between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Koetari [Kutari]

rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne); territorial sea boundary

with Guyana is in dispute

Illicit drugs:

growing transshipment point for South American drugs destined for

Europe and Brazil; transshipment point for arms-for-drugs dealing

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Svalbard

Introduction Svalbard

Background:

First discovered by the Norwegians in the 12th century, the islands

served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th

centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five years

later it officially took over the territory.

Geography Svalbard

Location:

Northern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea,

Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of Norway

Geographic coordinates:

78 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Arctic Region

Area:

total: 62,049 sq km

note: includes Spitsbergen and Bjornoya (Bear Island)

water: 0 sq km

land: 62,049 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,587 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM unilaterally claimed by Norway but

not recognized by Russia

territorial sea: 4 NM

Climate:

arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool summers, cold

winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and north coasts of

Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most of the year

Terrain:

wild, rugged mountains; much of high land ice covered; west coast

clear of ice about one-half of the year; fjords along west and north

coasts

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m highest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m

Natural resources:

coal, copper, iron ore, phosphate, zinc, wildlife, fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (no trees, and the only bushes are crowberry and

cloudberry) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

ice floes often block the entrance to Bellsund (a transit point for

coal export) on the west coast and occasionally make parts of the

northeastern coast inaccessible to maritime traffic

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of nine main

islands; glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total area

People Svalbard

Population: 2,811 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.02% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0% (2001)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

0 (2001)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

0 (2001)

Ethnic groups:

Norwegian 55.4%, Russian and Ukrainian 44.3%, other 0.3% (1998)

Languages:

Russian, Norwegian

Literacy:

NA

Government Svalbard

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Svalbard (sometimes referred to as

Spitzbergen)

Dependency status:

territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the

Ministry of Justice, through a governor (sysselmann) residing in

Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; by treaty (9 February 1920) sovereignty

was awarded to Norway

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Longyearbyen

Independence:

none (territory of Norway)

National holiday:

NA

Legal system:

NA

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January 1991)

head of government: Governor Morten RUUD (since NA November 1998)

and Assistant Governor Odd Redar HUMLEGAARD (since NA)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor and assistant

governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of

Justice

International organization participation:

none

Flag description:

the flag of Norway is used

Economy Svalbard

Economy - overview:

Coal mining is the major economic activity on Svalbard. The treaty

of 9 February 1920 gives the 41 signatories equal rights to exploit

mineral deposits, subject to Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK,

Dutch, and Swedish coal companies have mined in the past, the only

companies still mining are Norwegian and Russian. The settlements on

Svalbard are essentially company towns. The Norwegian state-owned

coal company employs nearly 60% of the Norwegian population on the

island, runs many of the local services, and provides most of the

local infrastructure. There is also some trapping of seal, polar

bear, fox, and walrus.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $NA

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

NA

Budget:

revenues: $11.5 million

expenditures: $11.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 58% other: 0% hydro: 42% nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Exports:

$NA

Imports:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$8.2 million from Norway (1998)

Currency:

Norwegian krone (NOK)

Currency code:

NOK

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner per US dollar - 7.9838 (2002), 8.9917 (2001),

8.8018 (2000), 7.7992 (1999), 7.5451 (1998)

Communications Svalbard

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: probably adequate

domestic: local telephone service

international: satellite earth station - 1 of unknown type (for

communication with Norwegian mainland only)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1 (plus 2 repeaters), shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

NA

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.sj

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

13 (Svalbard and Jan Mayen) (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Svalbard

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Barentsburg, Longyearbyen, Ny-Alesund, Pyramiden

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

4 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Svalbard

Military - note: demilitarized by treaty (9 February 1920)

Transnational Issues Svalbard

Disputes - international: despite recent discussions, Russia and Norway dispute their maritime limits in the Barents Sea and Russia's fishing rights beyond Svalbard's territorial limits within the Svalbard Treaty zone

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Swaziland

Introduction Swaziland

Background:

Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the

British in the late 19th century; independence was granted 1968.

Student and labor unrest during the 1990s have pressured the

monarchy (one of the oldest on the continent) to grudgingly allow

political reform and greater democracy.

Geography Swaziland

Location:

Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Geographic coordinates:

26 30 S, 31 30 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 17,363 sq km

water: 160 sq km

land: 17,203 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries: total: 535 km border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

varies from tropical to near temperate

Terrain:

mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m

highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

Natural resources:

asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold

and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Land use: arable land: 9.77% permanent crops: 0.7% other: 89.53% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

690 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

drought

Environment - current issues:

limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations being

depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil

degradation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Nuclear

Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Desertification, Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa

People Swaziland

Population:

1,161,219

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 41.4% (male 242,762; female 238,141)

15-64 years: 55.1% (male 317,526; female 321,709)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 18,040; female 23,041) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.5 years

male: 18.2 years

female: 18.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.83% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

29.37 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

21.08 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 67.44 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 63.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 70.79 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 39.47 years

male: 41.02 years

female: 37.87 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.92 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

33.4% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

170,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

12,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Swazi(s)

adjective: Swazi

Ethnic groups:

African 97%, European 3%

Religions:

Zionist (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship)

40%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, Anglican, Bahai, Methodist,

Mormon, Jewish and other 30%

Languages:

English (official, government business conducted in English),

siSwati (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 81.6%

male: 82.6%

female: 80.8% (2003 est.)

Government Swaziland

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland

conventional short form: Swaziland

Government type:

monarchy; independent member of Commonwealth

Capital:

Mbabane; note - Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital

Administrative divisions:

4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni

Independence:

6 September 1968 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 September (1968)

Constitution:

none; constitution of 6 September 1968 was suspended 12 April 1973;

a new constitution was promulgated 13 October 1978, but was not

formally presented to the people; since then a few more outlines for

a constitution have been compiled under the Constitutional Review

Commission (CRC), but so far none have been accepted

Legal system:

based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts and

Swazi traditional law and custom in traditional courts; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age

Executive branch:

chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)

head of government: Prime Minister Themba DLAMINI (since 14 November

2003)

cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by

the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed

by the monarch

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Libandla, an advisory body, consists of the

Senate (30 seats - 10 appointed by the House of Assembly and 20

appointed by the monarch; members serve five-year terms) and the

House of Assembly (65 seats - 10 appointed by the monarch and 55

elected by popular vote; members serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held 18 October 2003 (next to be

held NA October 2008)

election results: House of Assembly - balloting is done on a

nonparty basis; candidates for election are nominated by the local

council of each constituency and for each constituency the three

candidates with the most votes in the first round of voting are

narrowed to a single winner by a second round

Judicial branch:

High Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts are appointed

by the monarch

Political parties and leaders:

political parties are banned by the constitution - the following

are considered political associations; Imbokodvo National Movement

or INM [leader NA]; Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or NNLC

[Obed DLAMINI, president]; People's United Democratic Movement or

PUDEMO [Mario MASUKU, president]; Swaziland National Front or

SWANAFRO [Elmond SHONGWE, president]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM,

OAU, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Madzandza KANYA

FAX: [1] (202) 244-8059

telephone: [1] (202) 362-6683

chancery: 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador James D. McGEE embassy: Central Bank Building, Warner Street, Mbabane mailing address: P. O. Box 199, Mbabane telephone: [268] 404-6441 through 404-6445 FAX: [268] 404-5959

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue;

the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band is a large

black and white shield covering two spears and a staff decorated

with feather tassels, all placed horizontally

Economy Swaziland

Economy - overview:

In this small, landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture occupies

more than 80% of the population. The manufacturing sector has

diversified since the mid-1980s. Sugar and wood pulp remain

important foreign exchange earners. Mining has declined in

importance in recent years with only coal and quarry stone mines

remaining active. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short

border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South

Africa from which it receives nine-tenths of its imports and to

which it sends more than two-thirds of its exports. Customs duties

from the Southern African Customs Union and worker remittances from

South Africa substantially supplement domestically earned income.

The government is trying to improve the atmosphere for foreign

investment. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and sometimes

floods persist as problems for the future. More than one-fourth of

the population needed emergency food aid in 2002 because of drought,

and more than one-third of the adult population was infected by

HIV/AIDS.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $5.542 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 17% industry: 44% services: 39% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

40% (1995)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1%

highest 10%: 50.2% (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

383,200 (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

NA

Unemployment rate:

34% (2000 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $448 million

expenditures: $506.9 million, including capital expenditures of $147

million (FY 01/02)

Industries:

mining (coal), wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, textile

and apparel

Industrial production growth rate:

3.7% (FY 95/96)

Electricity - production:

348.3 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 58% hydro: 42% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

962.9 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

639 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

3,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: sugarcane, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, citrus, pineapples, sorghum, peanuts; cattle, goats, sheep

Exports: $820 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities: soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit

Exports - partners:

South Africa 72%, EU 14.2%, Mozambique 3.7%, US 3.5%, UK (1999)

Imports:

$938 million f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs,

petroleum products, chemicals

Imports - partners:

South Africa 88.8%, EU 5.6%, Japan 0.6%, Singapore 0.4% (1999)

Debt - external:

$320 million (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$104 million (2001)

Currency:

lilangeni (SZL)

Currency code:

SZL

Exchange rates:

emalangeni per US dollar - 10.54 (2002), 8.61 (2001), 6.94 (2000),

6.11 (1999), 5.53 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Swaziland

Telephones - main lines in use:

38,500 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

45,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: a somewhat modern but not an advanced system

domestic: system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and

low-capacity, microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 2 plus 4 repeaters, shortwave 3 (2001)

Radios:

170,000 (1999)

Television broadcast stations:

5 plus 7 relay stations (2001)

Televisions:

23,000 (2000)

Internet country code:

.sz

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2002)

Internet users:

7,000 (2002)

Transportation Swaziland

Railways: total: 301 km narrow gauge: 301 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 3,247 km paved: NA unpaved: NA (1998)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

18 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 17 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Military Swaziland

Military branches:

Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (Army), Royal Swaziland Police Force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 284,530 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 165,005 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$20 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.75% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Swaziland

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Sweden

Introduction Sweden

Background:

A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not

participated in any war in almost two centuries. An armed neutrality

was preserved in both World Wars. Sweden's long-successful economic

formula of a capitalist system interlarded with substantial welfare

elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment, rising

maintenance costs, and a declining position in world markets.

Indecision over the country's role in the political and economic

integration of Europe delayed Sweden's entry into the EU until 1995,

and waived the introduction of the euro in 1999.

Geography Sweden

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia,

Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 15 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 449,964 sq km

water: 39,030 sq km

land: 410,934 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries: total: 2,205 km border countries: Finland 586 km, Norway 1,619 km

Coastline:

3,218 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: agreed boundaries or midlines

territorial sea: 12 NM (adjustments made to return a portion of

straits to high seas)

Climate:

temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly

cloudy summers; subarctic in north

Terrain:

mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad

-2.41 m

highest point: Kebnekaise 2,111 m

Natural resources:

zinc, iron ore, lead, copper, silver, timber, uranium, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 6.8% permanent crops: 0% other: 93.2% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,150 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of

Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic

Environment - current issues:

acid rain damage to soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and

the Baltic Sea

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North

Seas

People Sweden

Population:

8,878,085 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 17.7% (male 804,296; female 763,213)

15-64 years: 65% (male 2,933,183; female 2,835,835)

65 years and over: 17.3% (male 654,575; female 886,983) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.1 years

male: 39 years

female: 41.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.01% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.71 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.58 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.42 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 3.86 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.97 years

male: 77.31 years

female: 82.78 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.54 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,300 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Swede(s)

adjective: Swedish

Ethnic groups:

indigenous population: Swedes and Finnish and Sami minorities;

foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs,

Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks

Religions:

Lutheran 87%, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish,

Buddhist

Languages:

Swedish

note: small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (1979 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government Sweden

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Sweden

conventional short form: Sweden

local short form: Sverige

local long form: Konungariket Sverige

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Stockholm

Administrative divisions:

21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarnas,

Gavleborgs, Gotlands, Hallands, Jamtlands, Jonkopings, Kalmar,

Kronobergs, Norrbottens, Orebro, Ostergotlands, Skane,

Sodermanlands, Stockholms, Uppsala, Varmlands, Vasterbottens,

Vasternorrlands, Vastmanlands, Vastra Gotalands

Independence:

6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)

National holiday:

Flag Day, 6 June

Constitution:

1 January 1975

Legal system:

civil law system influenced by customary law; accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973);

Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of

the monarch (born 14 July 1977)

head of government: Prime Minister Goran PERSSON (since 21 March

1996)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the prime minister is elected by the Parliament; election

last held 15 September 2002 (next to be held NA September 2006)

election results: Goran PERSSON reelected prime minister with 131

out of 349 votes

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are elected by

popular vote on a proportional representation basis to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 15 September 2002 (next to be held NA September

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democrats 39.8%,

Moderates 15.2%, Liberal Party 13.3%, Christian Democrats 9.1%, Left

Party 8.3%, Center Party 6.1%, Greens 4.6%; seats by party - Social

Democrats 144, Moderates 55, Liberal Party 48, Christian Democrats

33, Left Party 30, Center Party 22, Greens 17

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hogsta Domstolen (judges are appointed by the

prime minister and the cabinet)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party [Maud OLOFSSON]; Christian Democratic Party [Alf

SVENSSON]; Green Party [no formal leader but party spokespersons are

Maria WETTERSTRAND and Peter ERIKSSON]; Left Party or VP (formerly

Communist) [Ulla HOFFMAN (acting)]; Liberal People's Party [Lars

LEIJONBORG]; Moderate Party (conservative) [Fredrik REINFELDT];

Social Democratic Party [Goran PERSSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE,

EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 6, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM (guest), NC, NEA, NIB, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD,

UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK,

UNMISET, UNMOGIP, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (observer), WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jan ELIASSON consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York FAX: [1] (202) 467-2699 telephone: [1] (202) 467-2600 chancery: 1501 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20005-1702

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Charles A. HEIMBOLD, Jr. embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds VAG 31, SE-11589 Stockholm mailing address: American Embassy Stockholm, Department of State, 5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750 (pouch) telephone: [46] (08) 783 53 00 FAX: [46] (08) 661 19 64

Flag description:

blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag;

the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the

style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Economy Sweden

Economy - overview:

Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole 20th century, Sweden

has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed system of

high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern

distribution system, excellent internal and external communications,

and a skilled labor force. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore

constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward

foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of

industrial output, of which the engineering sector accounts for 50%

of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for only 2% of GDP and

2% of the jobs. The government's commitment to fiscal discipline

resulted in a substantial budgetary surplus in 2001, which was cut

by more than half in 2002, due to the global economic slowdown,

revenue declines, and spending increases. The Swedish central bank

(the Riksbank) is focusing on price stability with its inflation

target of 2%. Growth remained sluggish in 2003. On September 14,

2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system,

concerned about the impact on democracy and sovereignty.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $230.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $26,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2%

industry: 29%

services: 69% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.7% highest 10%: 20.1% (1992)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

25 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4.4 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 2%, industry 24%, services 74% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $119 billion

expenditures: $110 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone

parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods,

motor vehicles

Industrial production growth rate:

0.9% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

152.9 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 4% hydro: 50.8% other: 2.3% (2001) nuclear: 43%

Electricity - consumption:

134.9 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

18.45 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

11.14 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

328,600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

203,700 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

553,100 bbl/day (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

949 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

968 million cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, sugar beets; meat, milk

Exports:

$80.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery 35%, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood, iron

and steel products, chemicals

Exports - partners:

US 11.6%, Germany 10.1%, Norway 9%, UK 8.2%, Denmark 5.9%, Finland

5.6%, Netherlands 5.3%, France 5.1%, Belgium 4.7% (2002)

Imports:

$68.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor

vehicles, iron and steel; foodstuffs, clothing

Imports - partners:

Germany 18.5%, Denmark 8.8%, UK 8.6%, Norway 8.2%, Netherlands

6.7%, France 5.4%, Finland 5.2%, US 5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$66.5 billion (1994)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $1.7 billion (1997)

Currency:

Swedish krona (SEK)

Currency code:

SEK

Exchange rates:

Swedish kronor per US dollar - 9.74 (2002), 10.33 (2001), 9.16

(2000), 8.26 (1999), 7.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Sweden

Telephones - main lines in use:

6.017 million (December 1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.835 million (October 1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international

facilities; automatic system

domestic: coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice

traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some

additional telephone channels

international: 5 submarine coaxial cables; satellite earth stations

- 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic

and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth

station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland,

and Norway)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 265, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

8.25 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

169 (plus 1,299 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

4.6 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.se

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

29 (2000)

Internet users:

6.02 million (2002)

Transportation Sweden

Railways: total: 11,481 km standard gauge: 11,481 km 1.435-m gauge (7,527 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 212,402 km

paved: 166,523 km (including 1,499 km of expressways)

unpaved: 45,879 km (2000)

Waterways: 2,052 km note: navigable to small steamers and barges

Pipelines:

gas 798 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Gavle, Goteborg, Halmstad, Helsingborg, Hudiksvall, Kalmar,

Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo, Solvesborg, Stockholm, Sundsvall

Merchant marine:

total: 166 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,329,925 GRT/1,609,986 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 8, Finland 8, Germany 3, Italy 3, Japan 2,

Norway 7 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 5, cargo 35, chemical tanker 31, combination

ore/oil 1, petroleum tanker 25, roll on/roll off 35, short-sea

passenger 8, specialized tanker 5, vehicle carrier 21

Airports:

245 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 145 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 24 under 914 m: 25 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 82

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 100 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 90 (2002)

Heliports: 2 (2002)

Military Sweden

Military branches:

Army, Royal Navy (including Coast Artillery and Naval Helicopter

Service), Air Force

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,060,044 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,800,376 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 52,692 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$4.395 billion (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.1% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Sweden

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Switzerland

Introduction Switzerland

Background:

Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by

the major European powers, and Switzerland was not involved in

either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration

of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role

in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened

Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not

officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active

in many UN and international organizations, but retains a strong

commitment to neutrality.

Geography Switzerland

Location:

Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy

Geographic coordinates:

47 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 41,290 sq km

water: 1,520 sq km

land: 39,770 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,852 km

border countries: Austria 164 km, France 573 km, Italy 740 km,

Liechtenstein 41 km, Germany 334 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy

winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers

Terrain:

mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central

plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m

highest point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m

Natural resources:

hydropower potential, timber, salt

Land use: arable land: 10.57% permanent crops: 0.61% other: 88.82% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

avalanches, landslides, flash floods

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from vehicle emissions and open-air burning; acid

rain; water pollution from increased use of agricultural

fertilizers; loss of biodiversity

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe; along with

southeastern France, northern Italy, and southwestern Austria, has

the highest elevations in the Alps

People Switzerland

Population:

7,318,638 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.6% (male 623,428; female 591,709)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 2,519,302; female 2,439,560)

65 years and over: 15.6% (male 470,257; female 674,382) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 40.2 years

male: 39.3 years

female: 41.2 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.21% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.59 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.82 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 4.47 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.99 years

male: 77.11 years

female: 83.02 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.48 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

19,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Swiss (singular and plural)

adjective: Swiss

Ethnic groups:

German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 46.1%, Protestant 40%, other 5%, none 8.9% (1990)

Languages:

German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%, Italian

(official) 7.6%, Romansch (official) 0.6%, other 8.9%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (1980 est.)

male:

female:

Government Switzerland

Country name:

conventional long form: Swiss Confederation

conventional short form: Switzerland

local short form: Schweiz (German), Suisse (French), Svizzera

(Italian)

local long form: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German),

Confederation Suisse (French), Confederazione Svizzera (Italian)

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

Bern

Administrative divisions:

26 cantons (cantons, singular - canton in French; cantoni, singular

- cantone in Italian; kantone, singular - kanton in German); Aargau,

Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden, Appenzell Inner-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft,

Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve, Glarus, Graubunden, Jura,

Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Sankt Gallen, Schaffhausen,

Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Vaud, Zug, Zurich

Independence:

1 August 1291 (Founding of the Swiss Confederation)

National holiday:

Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)

Constitution:

18 December 1998

Legal system:

civil law system influenced by customary law; judicial review of

legislative acts, except with respect to federal decrees of general

obligatory character; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Pascal COUCHEPIN (since 1 January 2003);

Vice President Ruth METZLER (since 1 January 2003); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Pascal COUCHEPIN (since 1 January

2003); Vice President Ruth METZLER (since 1 January 2003); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal

(in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) elected by the Federal

Assembly usually from among its own members for a four-year term

elections: president and vice president elected by the Federal

Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council for one-year

terms that run concurrently; election last held NA December 2002

(next to be held NA December 2003)

election results: Pascal COUCHEPIN elected president; percent of

Federal Assembly vote - NA%; Ruth METZLER elected vice president;

percent of legislative vote - NA%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung (in German),

Assemblee Federale (in French), Assemblea Federale (in Italian)

consists of the Council of States or Standerat (in German), Conseil

des Etats (in French), Consiglio degli Stati (in Italian) (46 seats

- members serve four-year terms) and the National Council or

Nationalrat (in German), Conseil National (in French), Consiglio

Nazionale (in Italian) (200 seats - members are elected by popular

vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year

terms)

elections: Council of States - last held NA 1999 (each canton

determines when the next election will be held); National Council -

last held 19 October 2003 (next to be held NA October 2007)

election results: Council of States - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - FDP 18, CVP 15, SVP 7, SPS 6; National Council

- percent of vote by party - SVP 27.7%, SPS 24.2%, FDP 16%, CVP

12.9%, Greens 7.7%, other small parties all under 5%; seats by party

- SVP 55, SPS 52, FDP 36, CVP 28, Green Party 13, other small

parties 16

Judicial branch:

Federal Supreme Court (judges elected for six-year terms by the

Federal Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic People's Party (Christichdemokratische

Volkspartei der Schweiz or CVP, Parti Democrate-Chretien Suisse or

PDC, Partito Democratico-Cristiano Popolare Svizzero or PDC, Partida

Cristiandemocratica dalla Svizra or PCD) [Philipp STAEHELIN,

president]; Green Party (Grune Partei der Schweiz or Grune, Parti

Ecologiste Suisse or Les Verts, Partito Ecologista Svizzero or I

Verdi, Partida Ecologica Svizra or La Verda) [Ruth GENNER and

Patrice MUGNY, co-presidents]; Radical Free Democratic Party

(Freisinnig-Demokratische Partei der Schweiz or FDP, Parti

Radical-Democratique Suisse or PRD, Partitio Liberal-Radicale

Svizzero or PLR) [Christiane LANGENBERGER, president]; Social

Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei der Schweiz or SPS,

Parti Socialist Suisse or PSS, Partito Socialista Svizzero or PSS,

Partida Socialdemocratica de la Svizra or PSS) [Christiane BRUNNER,

president]; Swiss People's Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei or SVP,

Union Democratique du Centre or UDC, Unione Democratica de Centro or

UDC, Uniun Democratica dal Center or UDC) [Ueli MAURER, president];

and other minor parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE,

EFTA, ESA, FAO, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MONUC, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS

(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UNU, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Christian BLICKENSTORFER

consulate(s): Boston

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New

York, and San Francisco

FAX: [1] (202) 387-2564

telephone: [1] (202) 745-7900

chancery: 2900 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mercer REYNOLDS III embassy: Jubilaeumsstrasse 93, 3005 Bern mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [41] (031) 357 70 11 FAX: [41] (031) 357 73 44

Flag description:

red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that

does not extend to the edges of the flag

Economy Switzerland

Economy - overview:

Switzerland is a prosperous and stable modern market economy with

low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a per capita GDP

larger than that of the big western European economies. The Swiss in

recent years have brought their economic practices largely into

conformity with the EU's to enhance their international

competitiveness. Switzerland remains a safe haven for investors,

because it has maintained a degree of bank secrecy and has kept up

the franc's long-term external value. Reflecting the anemic economic

conditions of Europe, GDP growth dropped in 2001 to about 0.8%, to

0.2% in 2002, and to -0.3% in 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $233.4 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $32,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2%

industry: 34%

services: 64% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% highest 10%: 25.2% (1992)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33.1 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 69.1%, industry 26.3%, agriculture 4.6% (1998)

Unemployment rate:

1.9% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $30 billion

expenditures: $30 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2001)

Electricity - production:

68.68 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 1.3% hydro: 59.5% other: 2% (2001) nuclear: 37.1%

Electricity - consumption:

53.43 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

34.54 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

24.1 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

290,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

10,420 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

289,500 bbl/day (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

3.093 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

3.093 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

grains, fruits, vegetables; meat, eggs

Exports:

$100.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, metals, watches, agricultural products

Exports - partners:

Germany 19.2%, US 10.2%, Italy 9.6%, France 8.9%, UK 7.7% (2002)

Imports:

$94.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, vehicles, metals; agricultural products,

textiles

Imports - partners:

Germany 27.4%, France 11.4%, Italy 9.7%, US 8.5%, Russia 5.8%, UK

5.4%, Austria 4.6%, Netherlands 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $1.1 billion (1995)

Currency:

Swiss franc (CHF)

Currency code:

CHF

Exchange rates:

Swiss francs per US dollar - 1.56 (2002), 1.69 (2001), 1.69 (2000),

1.5 (1999), 1.45 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Switzerland

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.82 million (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.967 million (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent domestic and international services

domestic: extensive cable and microwave radio relay networks

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean

and Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 4, FM 113 (plus many low power stations), shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

7.1 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

115 (plus 1,919 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

3.31 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ch

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

44 (Switzerland and Liechtenstein) (2000)

Internet users:

3.85 million (2002)

Transportation Switzerland

Railways:

total: 4,511 km

standard gauge: 3,483 km 1.435-m gauge (3,472 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 982 km 1.000-m gauge (975 km electrified); 46 km

0.800-m gauge (46 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 71,011 km

paved: 71,011 km (including 1,638 of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Waterways:

65 km

note: The Rhine carries heavy traffic on the Basel-Rheinfelden and

Schaffhausen-Bodensee stretches; there are also 12 navigable lakes

Pipelines:

gas 1,831 km; oil 212 km; refined products 7 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Basel

Merchant marine:

total: 29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 597,049 GRT/1,051,380 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: UK 6, US 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 16, cargo 6, chemical tanker 2, container 2,

passenger 1, petroleum tanker 1, specialized tanker 1

Airports:

66 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 41 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 14 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 25 1524 to 2437 m: 1 under 914 m: 24 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Switzerland

Military branches:

Army, Air Force, Frontier Guards, Fortification Guards

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,834,638 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,552,728 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 42,761 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$2.548 billion (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Switzerland

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

because of more stringent government regulations, used

significantly less as a money-laundering center; transit country for

and consumer of South American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Syria

Introduction Syria

Background:

Following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire during World War I,

Syria was administered by the French until independence in 1946. In

the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel.

Since 1976, Syrian troops have been stationed in Lebanon, ostensibly

in a peacekeeping capacity. In recent years, Syria and Israel have

held occasional peace talks over the return of the Golan Heights.

Geography Syria

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon and

Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

35 00 N, 38 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 185,180 sq km

note: includes 1,295 sq km of Israeli-occupied territory

water: 1,130 sq km

land: 184,050 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than North Dakota

Land boundaries:

total: 2,253 km

border countries: Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon

375 km, Turkey 822 km

Coastline:

193 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 41 NM

territorial sea: 35 NM

Climate:

mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild,

rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather with

snow or sleet periodically in Damascus

Terrain:

primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain;

mountains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: unnamed location near Lake Tiberias -200 m

highest point: Mount Hermon 2,814 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt, iron

ore, rock salt, marble, gypsum, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 25.96% permanent crops: 4.08% other: 69.96% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

12,130 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

dust storms, sandstorms

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water

pollution from raw sewage and petroleum refining wastes; inadequate

potable water

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous

Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

there are 42 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites in the

Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (February 2002 est.)

People Syria

Population:

17,585,540 (July 2002 est.)

note: in addition, about 40,000 people live in the Israeli-occupied

Golan Heights - 20,000 Arabs (18,000 Druze and 2,000 Alawites) and

about 20,000 Israeli settlers (February 2003 est.) (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.6% (male 3,494,473; female 3,290,699)

15-64 years: 58.2% (male 5,238,026; female 4,991,588)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 274,744; female 296,010) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.7 years

male: 19.6 years

female: 19.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.45% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

29.54 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.04 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 31.67 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 31.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 31.89 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.39 years

male: 68.18 years

female: 70.67 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.72 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.01% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Syrian(s)

adjective: Syrian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 74%, Alawite, Druze, and other Muslim sects 16%,

Christian (various sects) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus,

Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)

Languages:

Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely

understood; French, English somewhat understood

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.9%

male: 89.7%

female: 64% (2003 est.)

Government Syria

Country name:

conventional long form: Syrian Arab Republic

conventional short form: Syria

local short form: Suriyah

former: United Arab Republic (with Egypt)

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah

Government type:

republic under military regime since March 1963

Capital:

Damascus

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al

Ladhiqiyah, Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a, Dayr az

Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq, Tartus

Independence:

17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French

administration)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 April (1946)

Constitution:

13 March 1973

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and civil law system; special religious

courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bashar al-ASAD (since 17 July 2000); Vice

Presidents Abd al-Halim ibn Said KHADDAM (since 11 March 1984) and

Muhammad Zuhayr MASHARIQA (since 11 March 1984)

head of government: Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-UTRI (since 10

September 2003), Deputy Prime Ministers Lt. Gen. Mustafa TALAS

(since 11 March 1984), Farouk al-SHARA (since 13 December 2001), Dr.

Muhammad al-HUSAYN (since 13 December 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

referendum/election last held 10 July 2000 - after the death of

President Hafez al-ASAD, father of Bashar al-ASAD - (next to be held

NA 2007); vice presidents appointed by the president; prime minister

and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president

note: Hafiz al-ASAD died on 10 June 2000; on 20 June 2000, the Ba'th

Party nominated Bashar al-ASAD for president and presented his name

to the People's Council on 25 June 2000

election results: Bashar al-ASAD elected president; percent of vote

- Bashar al-ASAD 97.29%

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Council or Majlis al-shaab (250 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NPF 67%, independents

33%; seats by party - NPF 167, independents 83; note - the

constitution guarantees that the Ba'th Party (part of the NPF

alliance) receives one-half of the seats

elections: last held 2-3 March 2003 (next to be held NA 2007)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Constitutional Court (justices are appointed for four-year

terms by the president); High Judicial Council; Court of Cassation;

State Security Courts

Political parties and leaders:

National Progressive Front or NPF (includes Arab Socialist

Renaissance (Ba'th) Party (governing party) [President Bashar

al-ASAD, secretary general], Socialist Unionist Democratic Party

[Ahmad al ASAD], Syrian Communist Party [leader NA], Unionist

Socialist Party [leader NA], Arab Socialist Party [Abd al-Ghani

QANNUT], and Arab Socialist Unionist Movement [Sami SUFAN])

[President Bashar al-ASAD, chairman]; Syrian Arab Socialist Party or

ASP [Safwan QUDSI]; Syrian Communist Party or SCP [Yusuf FAYSAL];

Syrian Social National Party [Jubran URAYJI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

conservative religious leaders; Muslim Brotherhood (operates in

exile in Jordan and Yemen); non-Ba'th parties have little effective

political influence

International organization participation:

AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UN Security

Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WFTU,

WHO, WMO, WToO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (acting) Imad MUSTAFA chancery: 2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 234-9548 telephone: [1] (202) 232-6313

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Theodore H. KATTOUF embassy: Abou Roumaneh, Al-Mansur Street, No. 2, Damascus mailing address: P. O. Box 29, Damascus telephone: [963] (11) 333-1342 FAX: [963] (11) 331-9678

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black, with

two small green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in

the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain

white band, and of Iraq, which has three green stars (plus an Arabic

inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white band; also

similar to the flag of Egypt, which has a heraldic eagle centered in

the white band

Economy Syria

Economy - overview:

Syria's predominantly statist economy has been growing, on average,

more slowly than its 2.4% annual population growth rate, causing a

persistent decline in per capita GDP. Recent legislation allows

private banks to operate in Syria, although a private banking sector

will take years and further government cooperation to develop.

External factors such as the international war on terrorism, the

Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the war between the US-led

coalition and Iraq probably will drive real annual GDP growth levels

back below their 3.5% spike in 2002. A long-run economic constraint

is the pressure on water supplies caused by rapid population growth,

industrial expansion, and increased water pollution.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $63.48 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.6% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $3,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 27% industry: 23% services: 50% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

15%-25%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

5.2 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture, industry, services NA (2002)

Unemployment rate:

20% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $6 billion

expenditures: $7 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.6

billion (2002 est.)

Industries:

petroleum, textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco, phosphate

rock mining

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

23.26 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 57.6% hydro: 42.4% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

21.63 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

522,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

265,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

2.4 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

5.84 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

5.84 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

240.7 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas, olives, sugar beets; beef, mutton, eggs, poultry, milk

Exports: $6.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil 70%, petroleum products 7%, fruits and vegetables 5%,

cotton fiber 4%, clothing 3%, meat and live animals 2% (2000 est.)

Exports - partners:

Germany 19.1%, Italy 17.5%, Turkey 7.8%, France 7.5%, Lebanon 5.2%

(2002)

Imports:

$4.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 21%, food and livestock 18%,

metal and metal products 15%, chemicals and chemical products 10%

(2000 est.)

Imports - partners:

Italy 8.3%, Germany 7.4%, China 5.7%, South Korea 4.8%, France

4.6%, US 4.4%, Turkey 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$22 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$199 million (1997 est.)

Currency:

Syrian pound (SYP)

Currency code:

SYP

Exchange rates:

Syrian pounds per US dollar - (Official rate): 11.23 (2002), 11.23

(2001), 11.23 (2000), 11.23 (1999), 11.23 (1998), (Free market

rate): 49.65 (2001), 49.4 (2000), 51.7 (1999), 52 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Syria

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.313 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system currently undergoing significant

improvement and digital upgrades, including fiber-optic technology

domestic: coaxial cable and microwave radio relay network

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); 1 submarine cable;

coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon,

and Turkey; participant in Medarabtel

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 14, FM 2, shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

4.15 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

44 (plus 17 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

1.05 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.sy

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

60,000 (2002)

Transportation Syria

Railways:

total: 2,743 km

standard gauge: 2,425 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 318 km 1.050-m gauge (2002)

Highways:

total: 43,381 km

paved: 10,021 km (including 877 km of expressways)

unpaved: 33,360 km (1999)

Waterways:

870 km (minimal economic importance)

Pipelines:

gas 2,300 km; oil 2,183 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Baniyas, Jablah, Latakia, Tartus

Merchant marine:

total: 129 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 450,135 GRT/645,296 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Egypt 1, Greece 2, Italy 1, Lebanon 10 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 13, cargo 109, container 2, livestock carrier 3,

refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1

Airports:

92 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 24 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 16 under 914 m: 1 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 2

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 68 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 55 (2002)

Heliports: 7 (2002)

Military Syria

Military branches:

Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Navy, Syrian Arab Air Force (includes

Air Defense Forces), Police and Security Force

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 4,715,386 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,629,148 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 210,941 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $858 million (FY00 est.); note - based on official budget data that may understate actual spending

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 5.9% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Syria

Disputes - international:

Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied; Lebanon claims Shaba'a farms in

Golan Heights; Syrian troops have been stationed in Lebanon since

October 1976; Syria protests Turkish hydrological projects

regulating upper Euphrates waters; Turkey is quick to rebuff any

perceived Syrian claim to Hatay province

Illicit drugs:

a transit point for opiates and hashish bound for regional and

Western markets

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Taiwan

Introduction Taiwan

Background:

In 1895, military defeat forced China to cede Taiwan to Japan. It

reverted to Chinese control after World War II. Following the

Communist victory on the mainland in 1949, 2 million Nationalists

fled to Taiwan and established a government using the 1947

constitution drawn up for all of China. Over the next five decades,

the ruling authorities gradually democratized and incorporated the

native population within the governing structure. In 2000, Taiwan

underwent its first peaceful transfer of power from the Nationalist

to the Democratic Progressive Party. Throughout this period, the

island prospered and became one of East Asia's economic "Tigers."

The dominant political issues continue to be the relationship

between Taiwan and China - specifically the question of eventual

unification - as well as domestic political and economic reform.

Geography Taiwan

Location:

Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea,

South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off

the southeastern coast of China

Geographic coordinates:

23 30 N, 121 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 35,980 sq km

note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy

water: 3,720 sq km

land: 32,260 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,566.3 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to

August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year

Terrain:

eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling

plains in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m

Natural resources:

small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos

Land use:

arable land: 24%

permanent crops: 1%

other: 75%

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

earthquakes and typhoons

Environment - current issues:

air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw

sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in

endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: none of the selected agreements because of Taiwan's

international status

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements because of

Taiwan's international status

Geography - note:

strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon

Strait

People Taiwan

Population:

22,603,001 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.1% (male 2,366,560; female 2,175,886)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 8,095,741; female 7,871,954)

65 years and over: 9.3% (male 1,074,112; female 1,018,747) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 33.2 years male: 32.9 years female: 33.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.65% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.74 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.2 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 7.34 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.87 years

male: 74.12 years

female: 79.88 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.57 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Chinese/Taiwanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Chinese/Taiwanese

Ethnic groups:

Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, aborigine 2%

Religions:

mixture of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%,

other 2.5%

Languages:

Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86%

male: 93%

female: 79% (1980)

note: literacy for the total population has reportedly increased to

94% (1998)

Government Taiwan

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Taiwan local short form: T'ai-wan local long form: none former: Formosa

Government type:

multiparty democratic regime headed by popularly-elected president

and unicameral legislature

Capital:

Taipei

Administrative divisions:

the central administrative divisions include the provinces of

Fu-chien (some 20 offshore islands of Fujian Province including

Quemoy and Matsu) and Taiwan (the island of Taiwan and the

Pescadores islands); Taiwan is further subdivided into 16 counties

(hsien, singular and plural), 5 municipalities* (shih, singular and

plural), and 2 special municipalities** (chuan-shih, singular and

plural); Chang-hua, Chia-i, Chia-i*, Chi-lung*, Hsin-chu, Hsin-chu*,

Hua-lien, I-lan, Kao-hsiung, Kao-hsiung**, Miao-li, Nan-t'ou,

P'eng-hu, P'ing-tung, T'ai-chung, T'ai-chung*, T'ai-nan, T'ai-nan*,

T'ai-pei, T'ai-pei**, T'ai-tung, T'ao-yuan, and Yun-lin; the

provincial capital is at Chung-hsing-hsin-ts'un

note: Taiwan uses the Wade-Giles system for romanization

National holiday:

Republic Day (Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution), 10 October

(1911)

Constitution:

1 January 1947, amended in 1992, 1994, 1997, and 1999

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,

with reservations

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President CHEN Shui-bian (since 20 May 2000) and

Vice President Annette LU (LU Hsiu-lien) (since 20 May 2000)

election results: CHEN Shui-bian elected president; percent of vote

- CHEN Shui-bian (DPP) 39.3%, James SOONG (SOONG Chu-yu) (PFP)

36.84%, LIEN Chan (KMT) 23.1%, HSU Hsin-liang (independent) 0.63%,

LEE Ao (CNP) 0.13%

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 18 March

2000 (next to be held NA March 2004); premier appointed by the

president; vice premiers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the premier

head of government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) YU

Shyi-kun (since 1 February 2002) and Vice Premier (Vice President of

the Executive Yuan) LIN Hsin-yi (since 1 February 2002)

cabinet: Executive Yuan appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Yuan (225 seats - 168 elected by popular

vote, 41 elected on the basis of the proportion of islandwide votes

received by participating political parties, eight elected from

overseas Chinese constituencies on the basis of the proportion of

islandwide votes received by participating political parties, eight

elected by popular vote among the aboriginal populations; members

serve three-year terms) and unicameral National Assembly (300 seat

nonstanding body; delegates nominated by parties and elected by

proportional representation within three months of a Legislative

Yuan call to amend the Constitution, impeach the president, or

change national borders)

elections: Legislative Yuan - last held 8 December 2001 (next to be

held NA December 2004); note - the National Assembly is a

nonstanding body and is called into session

election results: Legislative Yuan - percent of vote by party - DPP

39%, KMT 30%, PFP 20%, TSU 6%, independents and other parties 5%;

seats by party - DPP 87, KMT 68, PFP 46, TSU 13, independents and

other parties 11

Judicial branch:

Judicial Yuan (justices appointed by the president with consent of

the National Assembly; note - beginning in 2003, justices will be

appointed by the president with consent of the Legislative Yuan)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [CHEN Shui-bian, chairman];

Kuomintang or KMT (Nationalist Party) [LIEN Chan, chairman]; People

First Party or PFP [James SOONG (SOONG Chu-yu), chairman]; Taiwan

Solidarity Union or TSU [HUANG Chu-wen, chairman]; other minor

parties including the Chinese New Party or CNP

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Taiwan independence movement, various business and environmental

groups

note: debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the

mainstream of domestic politics on Taiwan; political liberalization

and the increased representation of opposition parties in Taiwan's

legislature have opened public debate on the island's national

identity; a broad popular consensus has developed that Taiwan

currently enjoys de facto independence and - whatever the ultimate

outcome regarding reunification or independence - that Taiwan's

people must have the deciding voice; advocates of Taiwan

independence oppose the stand that the island will eventually unify

with mainland China; goals of the Taiwan independence movement

include establishing a sovereign nation on Taiwan and entering the

UN; other organizations supporting Taiwan independence include the

World United Formosans for Independence and the Organization for

Taiwan Nation Building

International organization participation:

APEC, AsDB, BCIE, ICC, ICFTU, IFRCS, IOC, WCL, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: none; unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people of the US are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the US with headquarters in Taipei and field offices in Washington and 12 other US cities

Diplomatic representation from the US: none; unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people on Taiwan are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality - the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) - which has offices in the US and Taiwan; US office located at 1700 N. Moore St., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-1996, telephone: [1] (703) 525-8474, FAX: [1] (703) 841-1385); Taiwan offices located at #7 Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3, Taipei, Taiwan, telephone: [886] (2) 2709-2000, FAX: [886] (2) 2702-7675; #2 Chung Cheng 3rd Road, 5th Floor, Kao-hsiung, Taiwan, telephone: [886] (7) 224-0154 through 0157, FAX: [886] (7) 223-8237; and the American Trade Center, Room 3208 International Trade Building, Taipei World Trade Center, 333 Keelung Road Section 1, Taipei, Taiwan 10548, telephone: [886] (2) 2720-1550, FAX: [886] (2) 2757-7162

Flag description:

red with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner

bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays

Economy Taiwan

Economy - overview:

Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with gradually decreasing

guidance of investment and foreign trade by government authorities.

In keeping with this trend, some large government-owned banks and

industrial firms are being privatized. Exports have provided the

primary impetus for industrialization. The trade surplus is

substantial, and foreign reserves are the world's third largest.

Agriculture contributes 2% to GDP, down from 32% in 1952. While

Taiwan is a major investor throughout Southeast Asia, China has

become the largest destination for investment and has overtaken the

US to become Taiwan's largest export market. Because of its

conservative financial approach and its entrepreneurial strengths,

Taiwan suffered little compared with many of its neighbors from the

Asian financial crisis in 1998. The global economic downturn,

combined with problems in policy coordination by the administration

and bad debts in the banking system, pushed Taiwan into recession in

2001, the first year of negative growth ever recorded. Unemployment

also reached record levels. Output recovered moderately in 2002 in

the face of continued global slowdown, fragile consumer confidence,

and bad bank loans. Growing economic ties with China are a dominant

long-term factor. Exports to China - mainly parts and equipment for

the assembly of goods for export to developed countries - drove

Taiwan's economic recovery in 2002.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $406 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $18,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 2% industry: 31% services: 67% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 1% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 6.4% highest 10%: 41.1% (2002 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.6 (2000)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

10 million (2003)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 58%, industry 35%, agriculture 7% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.2% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $36 billion

expenditures: $36.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

electronics, petroleum refining, chemicals, textiles, iron and

steel, machinery, cement, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2002)

Electricity - production:

151.1 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 71.4% hydro: 6% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 22.6%

Electricity - consumption:

140.5 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

1,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

988,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

2 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

750 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

6.64 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

410 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

6.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

38.23 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, vegetables, fruit, tea; pigs, poultry, beef, milk; fish

Exports:

$130 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment 54%, metals, textiles, plastics,

chemicals (2002)

Exports - partners:

Hong Kong 23.9%, US 20.8%, Japan 9.3%, China 7.7% (2002)

Imports:

$113 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment 44.5%, minerals, precision

instruments (2002)

Imports - partners:

Japan 24.3%, US 16.1%, China 7.1%, South Korea 6.9% (2002)

Debt - external:

$24.7 billion (2002)

Currency:

new Taiwan dollar (TWD)

Currency code:

TWD

Exchange rates:

34.88 (2002), 34.74 (2001), 33.09 (2000), 31.6 (1999)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June (up to FY98/99); 1 July 1999 - 31 December 2000

for FY00; calendar year (after FY00)

Communications Taiwan

Telephones - main lines in use:

12.49 million (September 2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

16 million (September 2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: provides telecommunications service for every

business and private need

domestic: thoroughly modern; completely digitalized

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Pacific

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); submarine cables to Japan (Okinawa),

Philippines, Guam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia,

Middle East, and Western Europe (1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 218, FM 333, shortwave 50 (1999)

Radios:

16 million (1994)

Television broadcast stations:

29 (plus two repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

8.8 million (1998)

Internet country code:

.tw

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

8 (2000)

Internet users:

11.6 million (2001)

Transportation Taiwan

Railways:

total: 1,108 km

narrow gauge: 1,108 km 1.067-m gauge (519 km electrified)

note: there also are 1,255 km of 1.067-m gauge routes belonging to

the Taiwan Sugar Corporation and to the Taiwan Forestry Bureau used

to haul products and limited numbers of passengers (2002)

Highways:

total: 35,931 km

paved: 31,583 km (including 608 km of expressways)

unpaved: 4,348 km (2000)

Waterways:

NA

Pipelines:

condensate 25 km; gas 435 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Chi-lung (Keelung), Hua-lien, Kao-hsiung, Su-ao, T'ai-chung

Merchant marine:

total: 142 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,973,958 GRT/6,306,361 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Hong Kong 3, Japan 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 41, cargo 22, chemical tanker 2, combination

bulk 3, container 45, petroleum tanker 18, refrigerated cargo 9,

roll on/roll off 2

Airports:

39 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 37 over 3,047 m: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 2 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Heliports:

3 (2002)

Military Taiwan

Military branches:

Army, Navy (including Marine Corps), Air Force, Coast Guard

Administration, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Combined Service

Forces Command

Military manpower - military age:

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 6,583,604 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 5,019,268 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 189,967 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$7.574 billion (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.7% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Taiwan

Disputes - international:

involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China,

Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; claimants in

November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in

the South China Sea", a mechanism to ease tension but which fell

short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; Paracel Islands

occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam; claims

Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai), as

does China

Illicit drugs:

regional transit point for heroin and methamphetamine; major

problem with domestic consumption of methamphetamine and heroin

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Tajikistan

Introduction Tajikistan

Background:

Tajikistan has experienced three changes in government and a

five-year civil war since it gained independence in 1991 from the

USSR. A peace agreement among rival factions was signed in 1997, and

implemented in 2000. The central government's less than total

control over some areas of the country has forced it to compromise

and forge alliances among factions. Attention by the international

community in the wake of the war in Afghanistan has brought

increased economic development assistance, which could create jobs

and increase stability in the long term. Tajikistan is in the early

stages of seeking World Trade Organization membership and has joined

NATO's Partnership for Peace.

Geography Tajikistan

Location:

Central Asia, west of China

Geographic coordinates:

39 00 N, 71 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 143,100 sq km

water: 400 sq km

land: 142,700 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Land boundaries:

total: 3,651 km

border countries: Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870

km, Uzbekistan 1,161 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

midlatitude continental, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid to

polar in Pamir Mountains

Terrain:

Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate landscape; western Fergana Valley

in north, Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys in southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Syr Darya (Sirdaryo) 300 m

highest point: Qullai Ismoili Somoni 7,495 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, some petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal, lead,

zinc, antimony, tungsten, silver, gold

Land use: arable land: 5.41% permanent crops: 0.92% other: 93.67% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

7,200 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes and floods

Environment - current issues: inadequate sanitation facilities; increasing levels of soil salinity; industrial pollution; excessive pesticides

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; mountainous region dominated by the Trans-Alay Range in

the north and the Pamirs in the southeast; highest point, Qullai

Ismoili Somoni (formerly Communism Peak), was the tallest mountain

in the former USSR

People Tajikistan

Population:

6,863,752 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.8% (male 1,376,244; female 1,353,108)

15-64 years: 55.5% (male 1,896,509; female 1,915,334)

65 years and over: 4.7% (male 140,993; female 181,564) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.3 years

male: 19 years

female: 19.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.13% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

32.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 113.43 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 99.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 126.58 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.37 years

male: 61.39 years

female: 67.5 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.17 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 200 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Tajikistani(s)

adjective: Tajikistani

Ethnic groups:

Tajik 64.9%, Uzbek 25%, Russian 3.5% (declining because of

emigration), other 6.6%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 85%, Shi'a Muslim 5%

Languages:

Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and business

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.6%

female: 99.1% (2003 est.)

Government Tajikistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Tajikistan

conventional short form: Tajikistan

local short form: Tojikiston

former: Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form: Jumhurii Tojikiston

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Dushanbe

Administrative divisions:

2 provinces (viloyatho, singular - viloyat) and 1 autonomous

province* (viloyati mukhtor); Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni

Badakhshon* (Khorugh), Viloyati Khatlon (Qurghonteppa), Viloyati

Sughd (Khujand)

note: the administrative center name follows in parentheses

Independence:

9 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day (or National Day), 9 September (1991)

Constitution:

6 November 1994

Legal system:

based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Emomali RAHMONOV (since 6 November 1994;

head of state and Supreme Assembly chairman since 19 November 1992)

head of government: Prime Minister Oqil OQILOV (since 20 January

1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved

by the Supreme Assembly

election results: Emomali RAHMONOV elected president; percent of

vote - Emomali RAHMONOV 97%, Davlat USMON 2%

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 6 November 1999 (next to be held NA 2006); prime

minister appointed by the president; Tajikistan held a

constitutional referendum on 22 June 2003 that, among other things,

set a term limit of two seven-year terms for the president

Legislative branch:

bicameral Supreme Assembly or Majlisi Oli consists of the Assembly

of Representatives (lower chamber) or Majlisi Namoyandagon (63

seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

and the National Assembly (upper chamber) or Majlisi Milliy (33

seats; members are indirectly elected, 25 selected by local

deputies, 8 appointed by the president; all serve five-year terms)

election results: Assembly of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - PDPT 65%, Communist Party 20%, Islamic Rebirth Party 7.5%,

other 7.5%; seats by party - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote

by party - NA%; seats by party - NA

elections: last held 27 February and 12 March 2000 for the Assembly

of Representatives (next to be held NA 2005) and 23 March 2000 for

the National Assembly (next to be held NA 2005)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DPT [Mahmadruzi ISKANDAROV, chairman]; Islamic

Revival Party [Said Abdullo NURI, chairman]; People's Democratic

Party of Tajikistan or PDPT [Emomali RAHMONOV]; Social Democratic

Party or SDPT [Rahmatullo ZOIROV]; Socialist Party or SPT [Sherali

KENJAYEV]; Tajik Communist Party or CPT [Shodi SHABDOLOV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

there are two unregistered political parties with 1,000 or more

members: Progressive Party [Suton QUVVATOV]; Unity Party [Hikmatuko

SAIDOV]

International organization participation:

AsDB, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IOC, IOM, ITU,

OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Khamrokhon ZARIPOV

chancery: 1725 K Sreet NW, Suite 409, Washington, DC 20006

FAX: [1] (202) 223-6091

telephone: [1] (202) 223-6090

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard E. HOAGLAND embassy: 10 Pavlova Street, Dushanbe, Tajikistan 734003; note - the embassy in Dushanbe is not yet fully operational; most business is still handled in Almaty at 531 Sayfullin Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan, telephone 7-3272-58-79-61, FAX 7-3272-58-79-68 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [992] (372) 21-03-48 (Dushanbe) FAX: [992] (372) 21-03-62

Flag description:

three horizontal stripes of red (top), a wider stripe of white, and

green; a gold crown surmounted by seven gold, five-pointed stars is

located in the center of the white stripe

Economy Tajikistan

Economy - overview:

Tajikistan has the lowest per capita GDP among the 15 former Soviet

republics. Only 8% to 10% of the land area is arable. Cotton is the

most important crop. Mineral resources, varied but limited in

amount, include silver, gold, uranium, and tungsten. Industry

consists only of a large aluminum plant, hydropower facilities, and

small obsolete factories mostly in light industry and food

processing. The civil war (1992-97) severely damaged the already

weak economic infrastructure and caused a sharp decline in

industrial and agricultural production. Even though 60% of its

people continue to live in abject poverty, Tajikistan has

experienced steady economic growth since 1997. Continued

privatization of medium and large state-owned enterprises will

further increase productivity. Tajikistan's economic situation,

however, remains fragile due to uneven implementation of structural

reforms, weak governance, widespread unemployment, and the external

debt burden. A debt restructuring agreement was reached with Russia

in December 2002, including an interest rate of 4%, a 3-year grace

period, and a US $49.8 million credit to the Central Bank of

Tajikistan.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $8.476 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

9.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 19% industry: 26% services: 55% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 60% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.2% highest 10%: 25.2% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.7 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

3.187 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 67.2%, industry 7.5%, services 25.3% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

40% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $502 million

expenditures: $520 million, including capital expenditures of $86

million (2002 est.)

Industries:

aluminum, zinc, lead, chemicals and fertilizers, cement, vegetable

oil, metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators and freezers

Industrial production growth rate:

10.3% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

14.18 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 1.9% hydro: 98.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

14.52 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

3.909 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

5.242 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

250 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

50 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

1.25 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle, sheep, goats

Exports:

$710 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

aluminum, electricity, cotton, fruits, vegetable oil, textiles

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 29.4%, Turkey 16.1%, Russia 11.9%, Uzbekistan 9.9%,

Switzerland 9.3%, Hungary 5.4%, Latvia 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$830 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electricity, petroleum products, aluminum oxide, machinery and

equipment, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Russia 22.7%, Uzbekistan 18.4%, Ukraine 11.2%, Kazakhstan 10%,

Turkmenistan 6.5%, Azerbaijan 5.7%, India 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$60.7 million from US (2001)

Currency:

somoni

Currency code:

TJS

Exchange rates:

Tajikistani somoni per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.37 (2001), 2.08

(2000), 1.24 (1999), 0.78 (1998)

note: the new unit of exchange was introduced on 30 October 2000,

with one somoni equal to 1,000 of the old Tajikistani rubles

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Tajikistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

363,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,500 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: poorly developed and not well maintained; many

towns are not reached by the national network

domestic: cable and microwave radio relay

international: linked by cable and microwave radio relay to other

CIS republics and by leased connections to the Moscow international

gateway switch; Dushanbe linked by Intelsat to international gateway

switch in Ankara (Turkey); satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 2

Intelsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 8, FM 10, shortwave 2 (2002)

Radios:

1.291 million (1991)

Television broadcast stations:

13 (2001)

Televisions:

820,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.tj

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

4 (2002)

Internet users:

5,000 (2002)

Transportation Tajikistan

Railways: total: 482 km broad gauge: 482 km 1.520-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 27,767 km paved: NA unpaved: NA (2000)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 540 km; oil 38 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

66 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 53

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 36 (2002)

Military Tajikistan

Military branches:

Army, Air Force and Air Defense Force, Presidential National Guard,

Security Forces (internal and border troops)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,704,457 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,397,188 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 82,490 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$35.4 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.9% (FY01)

Transnational Issues Tajikistan

Disputes - international:

prolonged regional drought creates water-sharing difficulties for

Amu Darya river states; boundary agreements signed in 2002 cede

1,000 sq km of Pamir Mountain range to China in return for China

relinquishing claims to 28,000 sq km of Tajikistani lands;

negotiations with China resolved the longstanding boundary dispute;

talks have begun with Uzbekistan to demine and delimit border;

disputes in Isfara Valley delay completion of delimitation with

Kyrgyzstan

Illicit drugs:

major transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and,

to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit

cultivation of opium poppy for domestic consumption; Tajikistan

seizes roughly 80 percent of all drugs captured in Central Asia and

stands third world-wide in seizures of opiates (heroin and raw opium)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Tanzania

Introduction Tanzania

Background:

Shortly after independence, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form

the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an end in

1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since

the 1970s. Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition

have led to two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling

party won despite international observers' claims of voting

irregularities.

Geography Tanzania

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and

Mozambique

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 S, 35 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 945,087 sq km

note: includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar

water: 59,050 sq km

land: 886,037 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 3,861 km

border countries: Burundi 451 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo

459 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756 km, Rwanda 217

km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 km

Coastline:

1,424 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands

Terrain:

plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north, south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Kilimanjaro 5,895 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones,

gold, natural gas, nickel

Land use: arable land: 4.24% permanent crops: 1.02% other: 94.74% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,550 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season; drought

Environment - current issues:

soil degradation; deforestation; desertification; destruction of

coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent droughts affected

marginal agriculture; wildlife threatened by illegal hunting and

trade, especially for ivory

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa; bordered by three of the

largest lakes on the continent: Lake Victoria (the world's

second-largest freshwater lake) in the north, Lake Tanganyika (the

world's second deepest) in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the southwest

People Tanzania

Population:

35,922,454

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.3% (male 7,988,898; female 7,938,979)

15-64 years: 53.1% (male 9,429,959; female 9,634,102)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 405,803; female 524,713) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 17.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.72% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

39.5 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

17.38 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-4.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 103.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 93.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 113.29 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 44.56 years

male: 43.33 years

female: 45.83 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.24 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

7.8% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.5 million (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

140,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Tanzanian(s)

adjective: Tanzanian

Ethnic groups:

mainland - native African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting of

more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European, and

Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, native African, mixed Arab and native African

Religions:

mainland - Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35%;

Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslim

Languages:

Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguju (name for Swahili in

Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce,

administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in

Zanzibar), many local languages

note: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of the Bantu people

living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili

is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety

of sources, including Arabic and English, and it has become the

lingua franca of central and eastern Africa; the first language of

most people is one of the local languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili (Swahili),

English, or Arabic

total population: 78.2%

male: 85.9%

female: 70.7% (2003 est.)

Government Tanzania

Country name:

conventional long form: United Republic of Tanzania

conventional short form: Tanzania

former: United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Dar es Salaam; note - legislative offices have been transferred to

Dodoma, which is planned as the new national capital; the National

Assembly now meets there on regular basis

Administrative divisions:

25 regions; Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kagera, Kigoma,

Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Pemba

North, Pemba South, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga, Singida,

Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar North, Zanzibar

Urban/West

Independence:

26 April 1964; Tanganyika became independent 9 December 1961 (from

UK-administered UN trusteeship); Zanzibar became independent 19

December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with Zanzibar 26 April

1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar; renamed

United Republic of Tanzania 29 October 1964

National holiday:

Union Day (Tanganyika and Zanzibar), 26 April (1964)

Constitution:

25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts

limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Benjamin William MKAPA (since 23 November

1995); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001);

note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Benjamin William MKAPA (since 23

November 1995); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July

2001); note - the president is both chief of state and head of

government

note: Zanzibar elects a president who is head of government for

matters internal to Zanzibar; Amani Abeid KARUME was elected to that

office on 29 October 2000

cabinet: Cabinet ministers, including the prime minister, are

appointed by the president from among the members of the National

Assembly

election results: Benjamin William MKAPA reelected president;

percent of vote - Benjamin William MKAPA 71.7%, Ibrahim Haruna

LIPUMBA 16.3%, Augustine Lyatonga MREME 7.8%, John Momose CHEYO 4.2%

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ballot

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 29 October

2000 (next to be held NA October 2005); prime minister appointed by

the president

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Bunge (274 seats - 232 elected by

popular vote, 37 allocated to women nominated by the president, five

to members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives; members serve

five-year terms); note - in addition to enacting laws that apply to

the entire United Republic of Tanzania, the Assembly enacts laws

that apply only to the mainland; Zanzibar has its own House of

Representatives to make laws especially for Zanzibar (the Zanzibar

House of Representatives has 50 seats, directly elected by universal

suffrage to serve five-year terms)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - CCM 244, CUF 16, CHADEMA 4, TLP 3, UDP 2,

Zanzibar representatives 5; Zanzibar House of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - CCM 34, CUF 16

elections: last held 29 October 2000 (next to be held NA October

2005)

Judicial branch:

Permanent Commission of Enquiry (official ombudsman); Court of

Appeal (consists of a chief justice and four judges); High Court

(consists of a Jaji Kiongozi and 29 judges appointed by the

president; holds regular sessions in all regions); District Courts;

Primary Courts (limited jurisdiction and appeals can be made to the

higher courts)

Political parties and leaders:

Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Party of Democracy and

Development) or CHADEMA [Bob MAKANI]; Chama Cha Mapinduzi or CCM

(Revolutionary Party) [Benjamin William MKAPA]; Civic United Front

or CUF [Ibrahim LIPUMBA]; Democratic Party (unregistered)

[Christopher MTIKLA]; Tanzania Labor Party or TLP [Augustine

Lyatonga MREMA]; United Democratic Party or UDP [John CHEYO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, EADB, ECA, FAO, G- 6, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,

WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Andrew Mhando DARAJA chancery: 2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 797-7408 telephone: [1] (202) 939-6125

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert V. ROYALL embassy: 140 Msese Road, Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam mailing address: P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam telephone: [255] (22) 2666-010 through 2666-015 FAX: [255] (22) 2666-701, 2668-501

Flag description:

divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the lower

hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the

lower triangle is blue

Economy Tanzania

Economy - overview:

Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The economy

depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for half of GDP,

provides 85% of exports, and employs 80% of the work force.

Topography and climatic conditions, however, limit cultivated crops

to only 4% of the land area. Industry traditionally featured the

processing of agricultural products and light consumer goods. The

World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and bilateral donors

have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania's out-of-date economic

infrastructure and to alleviate poverty. Growth in 1991-2002

featured a pickup in industrial production and a substantial

increase in output of minerals, led by gold. Oil and gas exploration

and development played an important role in this growth. Recent

banking reforms have helped increase private sector growth and

investment. Continued donor support and solid macroeconomic policies

should support continued real GDP growth of 5% in 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $20.42 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 48.1% industry: 15.4% services: 36.5% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 36% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 30.1% (1993)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38.2 (1993)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

13.495 million

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 80%, industry and services 20% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $1.01 billion

expenditures: $1.38 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Industries:

agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal twine),

diamond and gold mining, oil refining, shoes, cement, textiles, wood

products, fertilizer, salt

Industrial production growth rate:

8.4% (1999 est.)

Electricity - production:

2.906 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 18.9% hydro: 81.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

2.752 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

50 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

17,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (37257)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

11.33 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made from

chrysanthemums), cashew nuts, tobacco, cloves, corn, wheat, cassava

(tapioca), bananas, fruits, vegetables; cattle, sheep, goats

Exports:

$863 million f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manufactures, cotton

Exports - partners:

India 15.2%, Japan 12.4%, Netherlands 9.2%, UK 6.8%, Belgium 6.5%,

Kenya 5.9%, Germany 4.8% (2002)

Imports:

$1.67 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

consumer goods, machinery and transportation equipment, industrial

raw materials, crude oil

Imports - partners:

South Africa 12.7%, China 7.9%, Kenya 6.6%, India 6.3%, UK 6%,

Japan 4.5%, US 4%, Australia 4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$6.8 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$963 million (1997)

Currency:

Tanzanian shilling (TZS)

Currency code:

TZS

Exchange rates:

Tanzanian shillings per US dollar - NA (2002), 876.41 (2001),

800.41 (2000), 744.76 (1999), 664.67 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Tanzania

Telephones - main lines in use:

127,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

30,000 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system operating below capacity and being

modernized for better service; VSAT (very small aperture terminal)

system under construction

domestic: trunk service provided by open-wire, microwave radio

relay, tropospheric scatter, and fiber-optic cable; some links being

made digital

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 12, FM 11, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

8.8 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (1999)

Televisions:

103,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.tz

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

6 (2000)

Internet users:

300,000 (2002)

Transportation Tanzania

Railways: total: 3,690 km narrow gauge: 2,721 km 1.000-m gauge; 969 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 88,200 km paved: 3,704 km unpaved: 84,496 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

note: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, and Lake Nyasa are principal

avenues of commerce between Tanzania and its neighbors on those lakes

Pipelines:

gas 5 km; oil 866 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bukoba, Dar es Salaam, Kigoma, Kilwa Masoko, Lindi, Mtwara, Mwanza,

Pangani, Tanga, Wete, Zanzibar

Merchant marine:

total: 10 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 30,781 GRT/33,805 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 3, roll

on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

123 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 11 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 112 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 60 under 914 m: 34 (2002)

Military Tanzania

Military branches:

Tanzanian People's Defense Force (including Army, Navy, and Air

Force), paramilitary Police Field Force Unit (including Police

Marine Unit and Police Air Wing), territorial militia

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 8,477,193 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 4,911,235 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$19.68 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.2% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Tanzania

Disputes - international: disputes with Malawi over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River remain dormant

Illicit drugs:

growing role in transshipment of Southwest and Southeast Asian

heroin and South American cocaine destined for South African,

European, and US markets and of South Asian methaqualone bound for

Southern Africa; money laundering remains a problem

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Thailand

Introduction Thailand

Background:

A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century.

Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian

country never to have been taken over by a European power. A

bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In

alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally

following the conflict.

Geography Thailand

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of

Thailand, southeast of Burma

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 100 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 514,000 sq km

water: 2,230 sq km

land: 511,770 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Land boundaries:

total: 4,863 km

border countries: Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km,

Malaysia 506 km

Coastline:

3,219 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to

September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March);

southern isthmus always hot and humid

Terrain:

central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

Natural resources:

tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish,

gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

Land use: arable land: 32.88% permanent crops: 7% other: 60.12% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

47,490 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the

water table; droughts

Environment - current issues: air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting

Environment - international agreements: party to: Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea

Geography - note: controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore

People Thailand

Population:

64,265,276

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.2% (male 7,955,597; female 7,604,652)

15-64 years: 68.8% (male 21,819,445; female 22,362,085)

65 years and over: 7% (male 2,081,768; female 2,441,729) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.1 years

male: 29.4 years

female: 30.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.95% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

16.37 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.86 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.83 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 20.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 23.17 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.24 years

male: 69.07 years

female: 73.53 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.8% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

670,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

55,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Thai (singular and plural)

adjective: Thai

Ethnic groups:

Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Religions:

Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other

0.6% (1991)

Languages:

Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and

regional dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 97.5%

female: 94.6% (2003 est.)

Government Thailand

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand

conventional short form: Thailand

former: Siam

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Bangkok

Administrative divisions:

76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat Charoen, Ang

Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi,

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng

Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon

(Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha

Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom,

Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan,

Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani,

Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi,

Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket,

Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi

Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut

Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla,

Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon

Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Independence:

1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

National holiday:

Birthday of King PHUMIPHON, 5 December (1927)

Constitution:

new constitution signed by King PHUMIPHON on 11 October 1997

Legal system:

based on civil law system, with influences of common law; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946)

note: there is also a Privy Council

head of government: Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat (since 9

February 2001) and Deputy Prime Ministers Gen. (Ret.) CHAWALIT

Yongchaiyut, KON Thappharansi, SUWIT Khunkitti, CHATURON Chaisaeng,

VISHANU Krua-ngam, and PROMMIN Lertsuridej (since 18 February 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister is

designated from among the members of the House of Representatives;

following national elections for the House of Representatives, the

leader of the party that can organize a majority coalition usually

is appointed prime minister by the king

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consists of the Senate or

Wuthisapha (200 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Sapha Phuthaen

Ratsadon (500 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 4 March, 29 April, 4 June, 9 July, and

22 July 2000 (next to be held NA March 2004); House of

Representatives - last held 6 January 2001 (next to be held NA

January 2005)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - TRT 248, DP 128, TNP 41, NDP 29, other 54

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Sandika (judges appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP (Prachathipat Party) [BANTADTAN Banyat];

National Development Party or NDP (Chat Phattana) [KORN Dabbaransi];

Thai Nation Party or TNP (Chat Thai Party) [BANHAN Sinlapa-acha];

Thai Rak Thai Party or TRT [THAKSIN Chinnawat]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, BIS, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS

(observer), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMSIL,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMISET, UNU, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador SAKTHIP Krairiksh consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611 telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600 chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Darryl N. JOHNSON embassy: 120/22 Wireless Road, Bangkok mailing address: APO AP 96546 telephone: [66] (2) 205-4000 FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131 consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai

Flag description:

five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width),

white, and red

Economy Thailand

Economy - overview:

Thailand has a free enterprise economy and welcomes foreign

investment. Exports feature computers and electrical appliances.

After enjoying the world's highest growth rate from 1985 to 1995 -

averaging almost 9% annually - increased speculative pressure on

Thailand's currency in 1997 led to a crisis that uncovered financial

sector weaknesses and forced the government to float the baht. Long

pegged at 25 to the dollar, the baht reached its lowest point of 56

to the dollar in January 1998, and the economy contracted by 10.2%

that same year. Thailand then entered a recovery stage, expanding by

4.2% in 1999 and 4.4% in 2000, largely due to strong exports. An

ailing financial sector and the slow pace of corporate debt

restructuring, combined with a softening of global demand, slowed

growth to 1.4% in 2001. Increased consumption and investment

spending pushed GDP growth up to 5.2% in 2002 despite a sluggish

global economy.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $445.8 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $7,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11% industry: 40% services: 49% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 12.5% (1998 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 32.4% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41.4 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.6% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

33.4 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 54%, industry 15%, services 31% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.9% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $19 billion

expenditures: $21 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

tourism; textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages,

tobacco, cement, light manufacturing, such as jewelry; electric

appliances and components, computers and parts, integrated circuits,

furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and

third-largest tin producer

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

97.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 91.3% hydro: 6.4% other: 2.4% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

90.91 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

200 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

350 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

173,800 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

785,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

551.5 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

18.73 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

23.93 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

5.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

368.2 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans

Exports:

$67.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

computers, transistors, seafood, clothing, rice (2000)

Exports - partners:

US 19.6%, Japan 14.5%, Singapore 8.1%, Hong Kong 5.4%, China 5.2%,

Malaysia 4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$58.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials, consumer

goods, fuels (2000)

Imports - partners:

Japan 23%, US 9.6%, China 7.6%, Malaysia 5.6%, Singapore 4.5%,

Taiwan 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$62.5 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$131.5 million (1998 est.)

Currency:

baht (THB)

Currency code:

THB

Exchange rates:

baht per US dollar - 42.96 (2002), 44.43 (2001), 40.11 (2000),

37.81 (1999), 41.36 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications Thailand

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.6 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.1 million (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: service to general public adequate, but

investment in technological upgrades reduced by recession; bulk of

service to government activities provided by multichannel cable and

microwave radio relay network

domestic: microwave radio relay and multichannel cable; domestic

satellite system being developed

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 204, FM 334, shortwave 6 (1999)

Radios:

13.96 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

5 (all in Bangkok; plus 131 repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

15.19 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.th

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

15 (2000)

Internet users:

1.2 million (2001)

Transportation Thailand

Railways: total: 4,071 km narrow gauge: 4,071 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 64,600 km paved: 62,985 km unpaved: 1,615 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

4,000 km

note: 3,701 km are navigable throughout the year by boats with

drafts up to 0.9 meters; numerous minor waterways serve

shallow-draft native craft

Pipelines:

gas 3,066 km; refined products 265 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha, Songkhla

Merchant marine:

total: 317 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,744,103 GRT/2,657,666 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1, Greece 1, Indonesia 1, Japan 1, Norway 24,

Panama 1, Singapore 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 33, cargo 136, chemical tanker 5, combination

bulk 1, combination ore/oil 1, container 17, liquefied gas 21,

multi-functional large-load carrier 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker

74, refrigerated cargo 17, roll on/roll off 2, short-sea passenger

2, specialized tanker 4, vehicle carrier 1

Airports:

111 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 62 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 17 under 914 m: 5 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 49 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 17 under 914 m: 31 (2002)

Heliports: 2 (2002)

Military Thailand

Military branches:

Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (includes Royal Thai Marine

Corps), Royal Thai Air Force, paramilitary forces (includes the

Border Patrol Police [including Police Aerial Reinforcement Unit],

Thahan Phran, Special Action Forces, Police Aviation Division, Thai

Marine Police, and the Volunteer Defense Corps)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 17,904,298 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 10,724,565 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 520,472 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.775 billion (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY00)

Transnational Issues Thailand

Disputes - international:

completion of boundary demarcation with Cambodia hampered by

accusations of moving and destroying boundary markers,

encroachments, initiating border incidents, and sealing off Preah

Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962;

demarcation complete except for a 1 kilometer segment at the mouth

of the Kolok River in dispute with Malaysia; demarcation with Laos

complete except for certain Mekong River islets and complaints of

Thai squatters; despite continuing border committee talks,

significant differences remain with Burma over boundary alignment

and the handling of ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal

cross-border activities

Illicit drugs:

a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; illicit transit

point for heroin en route to the international drug market from

Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of

cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring

countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication

efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in

amphetamine production for regional consumption; increasing

indigenous abuse of methamphetamine

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Togo

Introduction Togo

Background:

French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA,

installed as military ruler in 1967, is Africa's longest-serving

head of state. Despite the facade of multiparty elections instituted

in the early 1990s, the government continues to be dominated by

President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party

has maintained power almost continually since 1967. In addition,

Togo has come under fire from international organizations for human

rights abuses and is plagued by political unrest. Most bilateral and

multilateral aid to Togo remains frozen.

Geography Togo

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Benin and

Ghana

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 1 10 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 56,785 sq km

water: 2,400 sq km

land: 54,385 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries: total: 1,647 km border countries: Benin 644 km, Burkina Faso 126 km, Ghana 877 km

Coastline: 56 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 30 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Terrain:

gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern plateau;

low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Agou 986 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, limestone, marble, arable land

Land use: arable land: 41.37% permanent crops: 1.84% other: 56.79% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

70 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during

winter; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues: deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; water pollution presents health hazards and hinders the fishing industry; air pollution increasing in urban areas

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the country's length allows it to stretch through six distinct

geographic regions; climate varies from tropical to savanna

People Togo

Population:

5,429,299

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.5% (male 1,211,252; female 1,203,564)

15-64 years: 53% (male 1,404,763; female 1,473,360)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 57,535; female 78,825) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.3 years

male: 16.9 years

female: 17.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

2.37% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

35.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

11.51 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 68.73 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 60.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 76.58 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 53.43 years

male: 51.47 years

female: 55.45 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.97 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

6% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

150,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

12,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Togolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Togolese

Ethnic groups:

native African (37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe,

Mina, and Kabre) 99%, European and Syrian-Lebanese less than 1%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 29%, Muslim 20%

Languages:

French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina (the

two major African languages in the south), Kabye (sometimes spelled

Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the north)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 60.9%

male: 75.4%

female: 46.9% (2003 est.)

Government Togo

Country name:

conventional long form: Togolese Republic

conventional short form: Togo

local short form: none

former: French Togoland

local long form: Republique Togolaise

Government type:

republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule

Capital:

Lome

Administrative divisions:

5 regions (regions, singular - region); De La Kara, Des Plateaux,

Des Savanes, Centrale, Maritime

Independence:

27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 April (1960)

Constitution:

multiparty draft constitution approved by High Council of the

Republic 1 July 1992; adopted by public referendum 27 September 1992

Legal system:

French-based court system

Suffrage:

NA years of age; universal adult

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA (since 14 April

1967)

head of government: Prime Minister Koffi SAMA (since 29 June 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and the

prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 1 June 2003 (next to be held NA June 2008); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: Gnassingbe EYADEMA reelected president; percent of

vote - Gnassingbe EYADEMA 57.2%, Emmanuel Akitani BOB 34.1%, Yawovi

AGBOYIBO 5.2%, Maurice Dahuku PERE 2.3%, Edem KODJO 1.0%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (81 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 27 October 2002 (next NA 2007)

note: two opposition parties boycotted the election, the Union of

the Forces for Change, and the Action Committee for Renewal

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

RPT 72, RSD 3, UDPS 2, Juvento 2, MOCEP 1, independents 1

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders: Juvento [Monsilia DJATO]; Movement of the Believers of Peace and Equality or MOCEP [leader NA]; Rally for the Support for Development and Democracy or RSDD [Hanay OLYMPIO]; Rally of the Togolese People or RPT [President Gnassingbe EYADEMA]; Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Gagou KOKOU] note: Rally of the Togolese People or RPT, led by President EYADEMA, was the only party until the formation of multiple parties was legalized 12 April 1991

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIPONUH, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Akoussoulelou BODJONA FAX: [1] (202) 232-3190 telephone: [1] (202) 234-4212 chancery: 2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Gregory ENGLE embassy: Angle Rue Kouenou and Rue 15 Beniglato, Lome mailing address: B. P. 852, Lome telephone: [228] 221 29 91 through 221 29 94 FAX: [228] 221 79 52

Flag description:

five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom) alternating

with yellow; there is a white five-pointed star on a red square in

the upper hoist-side corner; uses the popular pan-African colors of

Ethiopia

Economy Togo

Economy - overview:

This small sub-Saharan economy is heavily dependent on both

commercial and subsistence agriculture, which provides employment

for 65% of the labor force. Some basic foodstuffs must still be

imported. Cocoa, coffee, and cotton generate about 40% of export

earnings, with cotton being the most important cash crop. Togo is

the world's fourth-largest producer of phosphate, but production

fell an estimated 22% in 2002 due to power shortages and the cost of

developing new deposits. The government's decade-long effort,

supported by the World Bank and the IMF, to implement economic

reform measures, encourage foreign investment, and bring revenues in

line with expenditures has moved slowly. Progress depends on

following through on privatization, increased openness in government

financial operations, progress toward legislative elections, and

continued support from foreign donors.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $7.594 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 42% industry: 21% services: 37% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

32% (1989 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.74 million (1996)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 65%, industry 5%, services 30% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $232 million

expenditures: $252 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997 est.)

Industries:

phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement; handicrafts,

textiles, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

101.6 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 98.7% hydro: 1.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

614.5 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

520 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by Ghana (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

10,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, cassava (tapioca), corn, beans, rice, millet, sorghum; livestock; fish

Exports:

$449 million f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

reexports, cotton, phosphates, coffee, cocoa

Exports - partners:

Ghana 17.7%, Benin 13.3%, Burkina Faso 8.2%, Philippines 4.9%,

Niger 4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$561 million f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

France 21.3%, China 17%, Netherlands 6.5%, Germany 5.3%, UK 4.8%,

Italy 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$1.4 billion (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA $80 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible

authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Currency code:

XOF

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 696.99

(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Togo

Telephones - main lines in use:

25,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,995 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system based on a network of microwave

radio relay routes supplemented by open-wire lines and a mobile

cellular system

domestic: microwave radio relay and open-wire lines for conventional

system; cellular system has capacity of 10,000 telephones

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean) and 1 Symphonie

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios:

940,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (plus two repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

73,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.tg

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

3 (2001)

Internet users:

50,000 (2002)

Transportation Togo

Railways: total: 525 km narrow gauge: 525 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 7,520 km paved: 2,376 km unpaved: 5,144 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

50 km (Mono river)

Ports and harbors:

Kpeme, Lome

Merchant marine:

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,918 GRT/3,852 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, specialized tanker 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

9 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Togo

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,270,146 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 666,132 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$23.72 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.8% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Togo

Disputes - international:

in 2001 Benin claimed Togo moved boundary monuments - joint

commission presently resurveying the boundary

Illicit drugs:

transit hub for Nigerian heroin and cocaine traffickers; money

laundering not a significant problem

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Tokelau

Introduction Tokelau

Background:

Originally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding island

groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate in

1889. They were transferred to New Zealand administration in 1925.

Geography Tokelau

Location:

Oceania, group of three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about

one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 S, 172 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 10 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

101 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)

Terrain:

low-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 0% (soil is thin and infertile)

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

lies in Pacific typhoon belt

Environment - current issues:

very limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing to

emigration to New Zealand

Geography - note:

consists of three atolls, each with a lagoon surrounded by a number

of reef-bound islets of varying length and rising to over three

meters above sea level

People Tokelau

Population: 1,418 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 42% 15-64 years: 53% 65 years and over: 5% (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.01% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: 68 years

female: 70 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Tokelauan(s)

adjective: Tokelauan

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian

Religions:

Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic 28%, other 2%

note: on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on

Nukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with

the Congregational Christian Church predominant

Languages:

Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English

Literacy:

NA

Government Tokelau

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Tokelau

Dependency status:

self-administering territory of New Zealand; note - Tokelauans are

drafting a constitution and developing institutions and patterns of

self-government as Tokelau moves toward free association with New

Zealand

Government type:

NA

Capital:

none; each atoll has its own administrative center

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Independence:

none (territory of New Zealand)

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty

over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Constitution:

administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948, as amended in

1970

Legal system:

New Zealand and local statutes

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); the UK

and New Zealand are represented by Administrator Lindsay WATT (since

NA March 1993)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed

by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the

head of government is chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves

a one-year term

head of government: Aliki Faipule Pio TUIA (since NA 2002)

cabinet: the Council of Faipule, consisting of three elected leaders

- one from each atoll - functions as a cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Fono (48 seats; members chosen by each atoll's

Council of Elders or Taupulega to serve three-year terms); note -

the Tokelau Amendment Act of 1996 confers limited legislative power

on the General Fono

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court in New Zealand exercises civil and criminal

jurisdiction in Tokelau

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

SPC, UNESCO (associate), WHO (associate)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Flag description:

the flag of New Zealand is used

Economy Tokelau

Economy - overview:

Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack of

resources greatly restrain economic development and confine

agriculture to the subsistence level. The people rely heavily on aid

from New Zealand - about $4 million annually - to maintain public

services, with annual aid being substantially greater than GDP. The

principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage

stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to

families from relatives in New Zealand.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.5 million (1993 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,000 (1993 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

NA

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $430,830

expenditures: $2.8 million, including capital expenditures of

$37,300 (1987 est.)

Industries:

small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodworking, plaited

craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, copra, breadfruit, papayas, bananas; pigs, poultry, goats

Exports:

$98,000 f.o.b. (1983)

Exports - commodities:

stamps, copra, handicrafts

Exports - partners:

NZ (2000)

Imports:

$323,000 c.i.f. (1983)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, building materials, fuel

Imports - partners:

NZ (2000)

Debt - external:

$0

Economic aid - recipient:

from New Zealand about $4 million annually

Currency:

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Currency code:

NZD

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.154 (2002), 2.3776 (2001),

2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999), 1.8632 (1998), 1.5083 (1997)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications Tokelau

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: radiotelephone service between islands

international: radiotelephone service to Samoa; government-regulated

telephone service (TeleTok), with 3 satellite earth stations,

established in 1997

Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA note: each atoll has a radio broadcast station of unknown type that broadcasts shipping and weather reports (1998)

Radios:

1,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.tk

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Tokelau

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

none; lagoon landings are possible by amphibious aircraft (2002)

Military Tokelau

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Transnational Issues Tokelau

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Tonga

Introduction Tonga

Background:

The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a

Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in

1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its

independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of

Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

Geography Tonga

Location:

Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds

of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 175 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 748 sq km

water: 30 sq km

land: 718 sq km

Area - comparative:

four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

419 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May),

cool season (May to December)

Terrain:

most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral

formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Kao Island 1,033 m

Natural resources:

fish, fertile soil

Land use:

arable land: 23.61%

permanent crops: 43.06%

other: 33.33% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on

Fonuafo'ou

Environment - current issues:

deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared for

agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from starfish

and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; overhunting threatens

native sea turtle populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the

Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited)

People Tonga

Population:

108,141 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.2% (male 21,085; female 20,265)

15-64 years: 57.6% (male 30,785; female 31,532)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,973; female 2,501) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.8 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 20.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.9% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

24.51 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.54 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.35 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 14.75 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.88 years

male: 66.43 years

female: 71.44 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Tongan(s)

adjective: Tongan

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian, Europeans about 300

Religions:

Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)

Languages:

Tongan, English

Literacy:

definition: can read and write Tongan and/or English

total population: 98.5%

male: 98.4%

female: 98.7% (1996 est.)

Government Tonga

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga

conventional short form: Tonga

former: Friendly Islands

Government type:

hereditary constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Nuku'alofa

Administrative divisions:

3 island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u

Independence:

4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 June (1970)

Constitution:

4 November 1875, revised 1 January 1967

Legal system:

based on English law

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King Taufa'ahau TUPOU IV (since 16 December 1965)

note: there is also a Privy Council that consists of the monarch,

the Cabinet, and two governors

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister and

deputy prime minister appointed for life by the monarch

cabinet: Cabinet, appointed by the monarch, consists of 12 members

head of government: Prime Minister Prince Lavaka ata ULUKALALA

(since NA February 2000) and Deputy Prime Minister Tevita TOPOU

(since NA January 2001)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12

reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles

selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular

vote; members serve three-year terms)

elections: last held 7 March 2002 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote - pro-democratic 70%; seats -

pro-democratic 7, traditionalist 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch); Court of

Appeal (consists of the Privy Council with the addition of the chief

justice of the Supreme Court)

Political parties and leaders:

there are no political parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement or THRDM [Akilisi POHIVA,

president]

International organization participation:

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, Sparteca, SPC, SPF,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sonatane T. T. TUPOU chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022 telephone: [1] (917) 369-1136 consulate(s) general: San Francisco FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the ambassador to Fiji is

accredited to Tonga

Flag description:

red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper

hoist-side corner

Economy Tonga

Economy - overview:

Tonga has a small, open economy with a narrow export base in

agricultural goods. Squash, coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans are

the main crops, and agricultural exports make up two-thirds of total

exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food,

mainly from New Zealand. Tourism is the second-largest source of

hard currency earnings following remittances. The country remains

dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities

overseas to offset its trade deficit. The government is emphasizing

the development of the private sector, especially the encouragement

of investment, and is committing increased funds for health and

education. Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and

well-developed social services.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $236 million (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,200 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 26%

industry: 12%

services: 62% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.4% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

33,908 (1996)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 65% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13.3% (1996 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $39.9 million

expenditures: $52.4 million, including capital expenditures of $1.9

million (FY 99/00 est.)

Industries:

tourism, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

8.6% (FY 98/99)

Electricity - production:

27.27 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

25.36 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper; fish

Exports:

$8.9 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

squash, fish, vanilla beans, root crops

Exports - partners:

Japan 43.2%, US 41.2%, Greece 4% (2002)

Imports:

$70 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

New Zealand 30.8%, Fiji 20.7%, US 14.2%, Australia 13.2%, China

6.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$57.5 million (June 2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

Australia $5.5 million, New Zealand $2.3 million (FY01/02)

Currency:

pa'anga (TOP)

Currency code:

TOP

Exchange rates:

pa'anga per US dollar NA (2002), 2.12 (2001), 1.76 (2000), 1.6

(1999), 1.49 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Tonga

Telephones - main lines in use:

8,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

302 (1996)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

(1996)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1 (2001)

Radios:

61,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (2001)

Televisions:

2,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.to

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

1,000 (2000)

Transportation Tonga

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 680 km paved: 184 km unpaved: 496 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Neiafu, Nuku'alofa, Pangai

Merchant marine:

total: 78 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 250,020 GRT/350,055 DWT

ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 44, chemical tanker 4, container 1,

liquefied gas 5, livestock carrier 2, petroleum tanker 9,

refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 4, specialized tanker 1,

vehicle carrier 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Albania 1, Australia 4, Austria 1, Bolivia 1, Cyprus 1,

Djibouti 1, Egypt 2, Greece 4, Lebanon 2, Liberia 2, Marshall

Islands 2, Morocco 1, Norway 1, Panama 1, Romania 3, Russia 1, Sao

Tome and Principe 1, Saudi Arabia 2, Singapore 1, Sweden 1,

Switzerland 3, Syria 5, Ukraine 1, UAE 16, US 4 (2002 est.)

Airports:

6 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Tonga

Military branches:

Tonga Defense Services (made up of three operational command

components and two support elements, including the Royal Marines,

Royal Guards, Maritime Force, a support/logistics group, and a

training group), Police; note - a new air wing that will be

subordinate to the Ministry of Defense is being developed

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Tonga

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Trinidad and Tobago

Introduction Trinidad and Tobago

Background:

The islands came under British control in the 19th century;

independence was granted in 1962. The country is one of the most

prosperous in the Caribbean, thanks largely to petroleum and natural

gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is

targeted for expansion and is growing.

Geography Trinidad and Tobago

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic

Ocean, northeast of Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

11 00 N, 61 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 5,128 sq km

land: 5,128 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

362 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the outer edge of the continental

margin

contiguous zone: 24 NM

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (June to December)

Terrain:

mostly plains with some hills and low mountains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, asphalt

Land use: arable land: 14.62% permanent crops: 9.16% other: 76.22% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and

raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches; deforestation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is the world's

largest natural reservoir of asphalt

People Trinidad and Tobago

Population:

1,104,209 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.2% (male 125,470; female 119,270)

15-64 years: 70% (male 402,137; female 370,600)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 38,928; female 47,804) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.9 years

male: 29.5 years

female: 30.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.68% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

12.74 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.71 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-10.79 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 22.92 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 26.93 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 69.59 years

male: 67.07 years

female: 72.23 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.78 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

17,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,200 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)

adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian

Ethnic groups:

black 39.5%, East Indian (a local term - primarily immigrants from

northern India) 40.3%, mixed 18.4%, white 0.6%, Chinese and other

1.2%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 29.4%, Hindu 23.8%, Anglican 10.9%, Muslim 5.8%,

Presbyterian 3.4%, other 26.7%

Languages:

English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish, Chinese

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99.1%

female: 98% (2003 est.)

Government Trinidad and Tobago

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Port-of-Spain

Administrative divisions:

8 counties, 3 municipalities*, and 1 ward**; Arima*, Caroni,

Mayaro, Nariva, Port-of-Spain*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint

George, Saint Patrick, San Fernando*, Tobago**, Victoria

Independence:

31 August 1962 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 August (1962)

Constitution:

1 August 1976

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in

the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George Maxwell RICHARDS (since 17 March

2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Patrick MANNING (since 24

December 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among the members of Parliament

elections: president elected by an electoral college, which consists

of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for a

five-year term; election last held 14 February 2003 (next to be held

NA 2008); the president usually appoints as prime minister the

leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives

election results: George Maxwell RICHARDS elected president; percent

of electoral college vote - 43%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (31 seats; members

appointed by the president for a maximum term of five years) and the

House of Representatives (36 seats; members are elected by popular

vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 7 October 2002 (next

to be held by October 2007)

note: Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly, with 15 members

serving four-year terms

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - PNM

55.5%, UNC 44.5%; seats by party - PNM 20, UNC 16

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature (comprised of the High Court of Justice

and the Court of Appeals; the chief justice is appointed by the

president on the advice of the prime minister and the leader of the

opposition; other justices are appointed by the president on the

advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission); High Court of

Justice; Court of Appeals the highest court of appeal is the Privy

Council in London

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance for Reconstruction or NAR [Hochoy CHARLES];

People's Empowerment Party or PEP [leader NA]; People's National

Movement or PNM [Patrick MANNING]; Team Unity or TUN [Ramesh

MAHARAJ]; United National Congress or UNC [Basdeo PANDAY]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Jamaat-al Musilmeen [Yasin BAKR]

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Marina Annette VALERE (as of February

2003)

chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130

telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Roy L. AUSTIN embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain mailing address: P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain telephone: [1] (868) 622-6372 through 6376, 622-6176 FAX: [1] (868) 628-5462

Flag description:

red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper hoist

side to the lower fly side

Economy Trinidad and Tobago

Economy - overview:

Trinidad and Tobago has earned a reputation as an excellent

investment site for international businesses. A leading performer

the past four years has been the booming natural gas sector. Tourism

is a growing sector, although not proportionately as important as in

many other Caribbean islands. The economy benefits from low

inflation and a trade surplus. The year 2002 was marked by solid

growth in the oil sector, offset in part by domestic political

uncertainty.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $11.07 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $10,000 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.6% industry: 43.2% services: 55.2% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

21% (1992 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

564,000 (2000)

Labor force - by occupation: construction and utilities 12.4%, manufacturing, mining, and quarrying 14%, agriculture 9.5%, services 64.1% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.8% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $1.54 billion

expenditures: $1.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $117.3

million (1998)

Industries:

petroleum, chemicals, tourism, food processing, cement, beverage,

cotton textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

2.6% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

5.315 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99.8% hydro: 0% other: 0.2% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

4.943 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

125,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

716 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

15.19 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

11.54 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

3.65 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

610.6 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, sugarcane, rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables; poultry

Exports:

$4.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, steel products,

fertilizer, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus, flowers

Exports - partners:

US 56.9%, Jamaica 7.3%, France 4.4% (2002)

Imports:

$3.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, live

animals

Imports - partners:

US 42%, Cote d'Ivoire 5.5%, UK 5%, Japan 4.5%, Brazil 4.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$2.8 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$24 million (1999 est.)

Currency:

Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD)

Currency code:

TTD

Exchange rates:

Trinidad and Tobago dollars per US dollar - 6.24 (2002), 6.23

(2001), 6.3 (2000), 6.3 (1999), 6.3 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications Trinidad and Tobago

Telephones - main lines in use:

252,000 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17,411 (1997)

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent international service; good local

service

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

680,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (1997)

Televisions:

425,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.tt

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

17 (2000)

Internet users:

120,000 (2002)

Transportation Trinidad and Tobago

Railways:

minimal agricultural railroad system near San Fernando; common

carrier railway service was discontinued in 1968 (2001)

Highways: total: 8,320 km paved: 4,252 km unpaved: 4,068 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

condensate 253 km; gas 1,117 km; oil 478 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Pointe-a-Pierre, Point Fortin, Point Lisas, Port-of-Spain,

Scarborough, Tembladora

Merchant marine:

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 7,032 GRT/5,106 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum

tanker 1, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: US 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

6 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Trinidad and Tobago

Military branches:

Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (including Ground Force, Coast

Guard, and Air Wing), Trinidad and Tobago Police Service

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 327,823 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 233,488 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$90 million (1999)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (1999)

Transnational Issues Trinidad and Tobago

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US

and Europe; producer of cannabis

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Tromelin Island

Introduction Tromelin Island

Background:

First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the

jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it serves as a sea

turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological

station.

Geography Tromelin Island

Location:

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

15 52 S, 54 25 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 1 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3.7 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

low, flat, and sandy; likely volcanic

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 7 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (grasses; scattered bushes) (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones;

wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)

People Tromelin Island

Population: uninhabited, except for visits by scientists (July 2003 est.)

Government Tromelin Island

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Tromelin Island

local short form: Ile Tromelin

local long form: none

Dependency status:

possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the

Republic, resident in Reunion

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy Tromelin Island

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Communications Tromelin Island

Communications - note: important meteorological station

Transportation Tromelin Island

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military Tromelin Island

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Tromelin Island

Disputes - international: claimed by Mauritius

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Tunisia

Introduction Tunisia

Background:

Following independence from France in 1956, President Habib

BOURGUIBA established a strict one-party state. He dominated the

country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and

establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In

recent years, Tunisia has taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in

its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising

pressure for a more open political society.

Geography Tunisia

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria

and Libya

Geographic coordinates:

34 00 N, 9 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 163,610 sq km

water: 8,250 sq km

land: 155,360 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Georgia

Land boundaries: total: 1,424 km border countries: Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km

Coastline: 1,148 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers;

desert in south

Terrain:

mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges

into the Sahara

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m

highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt

Land use:

arable land: 18.67%

permanent crops: 12.87%

other: 68.46% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

3,800 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and poses health

risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh water

resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location in central Mediterranean; Malta and Tunisia are

discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf

between their countries, particularly for oil exploration

People Tunisia

Population:

9,924,742 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27% (male 1,388,839; female 1,297,313)

15-64 years: 66.6% (male 3,306,782; female 3,299,883)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 309,103; female 322,822) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.2 years

male: 25.7 years

female: 26.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.09% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

16.53 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.02 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.91 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 29.89 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.4 years

male: 72.77 years

female: 76.15 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.9 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.04% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Tunisian(s)

adjective: Tunisian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Religions:

Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Languages:

Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French

(commerce)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 74.2%

male: 84%

female: 64.4% (2003 est.)

Government Tunisia

Country name:

conventional long form: Tunisian Republic

conventional short form: Tunisia

local short form: Tunis

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Tunis

Administrative divisions:

24 governorates; Ariana (Aryanah), Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous (Bin

'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart), Gabes (Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah), Jendouba

(Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine (Al Qasrayn), Kebili

(Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba (Manubah),

Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul (Nabul), Sfax

(Safaqis), Sidi Bou Zid (Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana (Silyanah), Sousse

(Susah), Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar), Tunis, Zaghouan

(Zaghwan)

Independence:

20 March 1956 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 20 March (1956)

Constitution:

1 June 1959; amended 12 July 1988

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial

review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI (since 7 November

1987)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed GHANNOUCHI (since 17

November 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 24 October 1999 (next to be held NA 2004); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI reelected for a

third term without opposition; percent of vote - Zine El Abidine BEN

ALI nearly 100%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab (182 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 24 October 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - RCD 92%; seats by party

- RCD 148, MDS 13, UDU 7, PUP 7, Al-Tajdid 5, PSL 2; note - reforms

enabled opposition parties to win up to 20% of seats, increasing the

number of seats they hold from 19 in the last election to 34 now

Judicial branch:

Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation

Political parties and leaders:

Al-Tajdid Movement [Adel CHAOUCH]; Constitutional Democratic Rally

Party (Rassemblement Constitutionnel Democratique) or RCD [President

Zine El Abidine BEN ALI (official ruling party)]; Liberal Social

Party or PSL [Mounir BEJI]; Movement of Democratic Socialists or MDS

[Khamis CHAMMARI]; Popular Unity Party or PUP [Mohamed Belhaj AMOR];

Unionist Democratic Union or UDU [Abderrahmane TLILI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

the Islamic fundamentalist party, Al Nahda (Renaissance), is

outlawed

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, BSEC (observer), ECA, FAO,

G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIPONUH,

MONUC, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner),

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UPU, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hatem ATALLAH

FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858

telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850

chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Rust M. DEMING

embassy: Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac Nord de Tunis, 2045 La

Goulette, Tunisia

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [216] 71 782-566

FAX: [216] 71 789-719

Flag description:

red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly

encircling a red five-pointed star; the crescent and star are

traditional symbols of Islam

Economy Tunisia

Economy - overview:

Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining,

energy, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental control of

economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the

past decade with increasing privatization, simplification of the tax

structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Real growth averaged 5.4%

in 1997-2001 but slowed to 1.9% in 2002 because of agricultural

drought, slow investment, and lackluster tourism. Increased rainfall

portends higher growth levels for 2003, but continued regional

tension from the war in Iraq will most likely continue to suppress

tourism earnings. Tunisia has agreed to gradually remove barriers to

trade with the European Union over the next decade. Broader

privatization, further liberalization of the investment code to

increase foreign investment, improvements in government efficiency,

and reduction of the trade deficit are among the challenges for the

future.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $67.13 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $6,800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 12% industry: 32% services: 56% (2003 est.)

Population below poverty line: 6% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 31.8% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41.7 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force: 2.69 million note: shortage of skilled labor (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 55%, industry 23%, agriculture 22% (1995 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15.4% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $5.2 billion

expenditures: $5.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.6

billion (2002 est.)

Industries:

petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism,

textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

10.48 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99.5% hydro: 0.5% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

9.748 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

72,580 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

87,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

417 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

2.25 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

3.83 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

1.58 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

77.16 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: olives, olive oil, grain, dairy products, tomatoes, citrus fruit, beef, sugar beets, dates, almonds

Exports:

$6.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals, agricultural

products, hydrocarbons

Exports - partners:

France 31.3%, Italy 21.6%, Germany 11.5%, Spain 4.8%, Libya 4.7%,

Belgium 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$8.7 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

textiles, machinery and equipment, hydrocarbons, chemicals, food

Imports - partners:

France 25.6%, Italy 19.5%, Germany 8.9%, Spain 5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$13.6 billion (2003 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$222.7 million (2000)

Currency:

Tunisian dinar (TND)

Currency code:

TND

Exchange rates:

Tunisian dinars per US dollar - 1.42 (2002), 1.44 (2001), 1.37

(2000), 1.19 (1999), 1.14 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Tunisia

Telephones - main lines in use:

654,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

50,000 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: above the African average and continuing to be

upgraded; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis; Internet

access available

domestic: trunk facilities consist of open-wire lines, coaxial

cable, and microwave radio relay

international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 1

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave

radio relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; two

international gateway digital switches

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 7, FM 20, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

2.06 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

26 (plus 76 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

920,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.tn

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

400,000 (2002)

Transportation Tunisia

Railways:

total: 2,152 km

standard gauge: 468 km 1.435-m gauge

dual gauge: 10 km 1.435-m and 1.000-m gauges (three rails) (2002)

narrow gauge: 1,674 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)

Highways:

total: 18,997 km

paved: 12,310 km (including 142 km of expressways)

unpaved: 6,687 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 3,059 km; oil 1,203 km; refined products 345 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Bizerte, Gabes, La Goulette, Sfax, Sousse, Tunis, Zarzis

Merchant marine:

total: 14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 139,990 GRT/148,394 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 3, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas 1,

petroleum tanker 1, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 1

(2002 est.)

Airports:

30 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 14 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 16 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Military Tunisia

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces, National Guard

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,866,984 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,629,241 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 106,513 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$356 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.5% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Tunisia

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Turkey

Introduction Turkey

Background:

Present-day Turkey was created in 1923 from the Turkish remnants of

the Ottoman Empire. Soon thereafter, the country instituted secular

laws to replace traditional religious fiats. In 1945 Turkey joined

the UN, and in 1952 it became a member of NATO. Turkey intervened

militarily on Cyprus in 1974 to protect Turkish Cypriots and prevent

a Greek takeover of the island; the northern 37 percent of the

island remains under Turkish Cypriot control. Relations between the

two countries remain strained, but have begun to improve over the

past few years. In 1984, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a

Marxist-Leninist, separatist group, initiated an insurgency in

southeast Turkey, often using terrorist tactics to try to attain its

goal of an independent Kurdistan. The group - whose leader, Abdullah

OCALAN, was captured in Kenya in February 1999 - has observed a

unilateral cease-fire since September 1999, although there have been

occasional clashes between Turkish military units and some of the

4,000-5,000 armed PKK militants, most of whom currently are encamped

in northern Iraq. The PKK changed its name to the Kurdistan Freedom

and Democracy Congress (KADEK) in April 2002.

Geography Turkey

Location:

southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey

west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering

the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the

Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria

Geographic coordinates:

39 00 N, 35 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 780,580 sq km

water: 9,820 sq km

land: 770,760 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,648 km

border countries: Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km,

Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 352 km, Syria 822 km

Coastline:

7,200 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: in Black Sea only: to the maritime

boundary agreed upon with the former USSR

territorial sea: 6 NM in the Aegean Sea; 12 NM in Black Sea and in

Mediterranean Sea

Climate:

temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in

interior

Terrain:

high central plateau (Anatolia); narrow coastal plain; several

mountain ranges

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Ararat 5,166 m

Natural resources:

antimony, coal, chromium, mercury, copper, borate, sulfur, iron

ore, arable land, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 34.53% permanent crops: 3.36% other: 62.11% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

42,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

very severe earthquakes, especially in northern Turkey, along an

arc extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Van

Environment - current issues: water pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents; air pollution, particularly in urban areas; deforestation; concern for oil spills from increasing Bosporus ship traffic

Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

strategic location controlling the Turkish Straits (Bosporus, Sea

of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas; Mount

Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah's Ark, is in the far

eastern portion of the country

People Turkey

Population:

68,109,469 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.2% (male 9,422,242; female 9,082,840)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 22,978,251; female 22,243,477)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 2,013,926; female 2,368,733) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 26.8 years male: 26.7 years female: 27 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.16% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.59 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.95 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 44.2 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 40.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 47.91 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.8 years

male: 69.41 years

female: 74.3 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.03 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% - note: no country specific models provided (2001

est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Turk(s)

adjective: Turkish

Ethnic groups:

Turkish 80%, Kurdish 20% (estimated)

Religions:

Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians and Jews)

Languages:

Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, Greek

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.5%

male: 94.3%

female: 78.7% (2003 est.)

Government Turkey

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Turkey

conventional short form: Turkey

local long form: Turkiye Cumhuriyeti

local short form: Turkiye

Government type:

republican parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Ankara

Administrative divisions:

81 provinces (iller, singular - il); Adana, Adiyaman, Afyon, Agri,

Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Ardahan, Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir,

Bartin, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol, Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur,

Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli, Diyarbakir, Duzce,

Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Gaziantep, Giresun,

Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Igdir, Isparta, Istanbul, Izmir,

Kahramanmaras, Karabuk, Karaman, Kars, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kilis,

Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kocaeli, Konya, Kutahya, Malatya,

Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Mugla, Mus, Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Osmaniye,

Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sinop, Sirnak, Sivas,

Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, Usak, Van, Yalova, Yozgat,

Zonguldak

Independence:

29 October 1923 (successor state to the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 29 October (1923)

Constitution:

7 November 1982

Legal system:

derived from various European continental legal systems; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ahmet Necdet SEZER (since 16 May 2000)

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a

seven-year term; election last held 5 May 2000 (next to be held NA

May 2007); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by

the president

note: a National Security Council serves as an advisory body to the

government composed of top military and cabinet officials and

presided over by the president

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

nomination of the prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (14 March

2003); note - Abdullah GUL resigned 11 March 2003; Recep Tayyip

ERDOGAN was given a mandate to form a new government

election results: Ahmed Necdet SEZER elected president on the third

ballot; percent of National Assembly vote - 60%

note: president must have a two-thirds majority of the National

Assembly on the first two ballots and a simple majority on the third

ballot

Legislative branch:

unicameral Grand National Assembly of Turkey or Turkiye Buyuk

Millet Meclisi (550 seats; members are elected by popular vote to

serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 3 November 2002 (next to be held NA 2007); note

- a special rerun of the General Election in the province of Siirt

on 9 March 2003 resulted in the election of Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN to

a seat in parliament, a prerequisite for becoming prime minister on

13 March 2003

election results: percent of vote by party - AKP 34.3%, CHP 19.4%,

DYP 9.6%, MHP 8.3%, ANAP 5.1%, DSP 1.1%, and others; seats by party

- AKP 363, CHP 178, independents 9; note - parties surpassing the

10% threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court (judges are appointed by the president); Court

of Appeals and Council of State (judges are elected by the Supreme

Council of Judges and Prosecutors)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Left Party or DSP [Bulent ECEVIT]; Justice and

Development Party or AKP [Recep Tayip ERDOGAN]; Motherland Party or

ANAP [Ahmet Mesut YILMAZ]; Nationalist Action Party or MHP [Devlet

BAHCELI]; Republican People's Party or CHP [Deniz BAYKAL]; True Path

Party (sometimes translated as Correct Way Party) or DYP [Tansu

CILLER]; Young Party or GP [Cem UZAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation of Public Sector Unions or KESK [Sami EVREN];

Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions or DISK [Suleyman

CELEBI]; Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association

or MUSIAD [Erol YARAR]; Moral Rights Workers Union or Hak-Is [Salim

USLU]; Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association or

TUSIAD [Muharrem KAYHAN]; Turkish Confederation of Employers' Unions

or TISK [Refik BAYDUR]; Turkish Confederation of Labor or Turk-Is

[Bayram MERAL]; Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen or

TESK [Dervis GUNDAY; Turkish Union of Chambers of Commerce and

Commodity Exchanges or TOBB [M. Rifat HISARCIKLIOGLU]

International organization participation:

AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN (observer), EAPC, EBRD,

ECE, ECO, ESCAP, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS

(observer), OECD, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WEU

(associate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Osman Faruk LOGOGLU FAX: [1] (202) 612-6744 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York chancery: 2525 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 612-6700

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Eric S. EDELMAN embassy: 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara mailing address: PSC 93, Box 5000, APO AE 09823 telephone: [90] (312) 455-5555 FAX: [90] (312) 467-0019 consulate(s) general: Istanbul consulate(s): Adana; note - there is a Consular Agent in Izmir

Flag description:

red with a vertical white crescent (the closed portion is toward

the hoist side) and white five-pointed star centered just outside

the crescent opening

Economy Turkey

Economy - overview:

Turkey's dynamic economy is a complex mix of modern industry and

commerce along with a traditional agriculture sector that in 2001

still accounted for 40% of employment. It has a strong and rapidly

growing private sector, yet the state still plays a major role in

basic industry, banking, transport, and communication. The most

important industry - and largest exporter - is textiles and

clothing, which is almost entirely in private hands. In recent years

the economic situation has been marked by erratic economic growth

and serious imbalances. Real GNP growth has exceeded 6% in many

years, but this strong expansion has been interrupted by sharp

declines in output in 1994, 1999, and 2001. Meanwhile, the public

sector fiscal deficit has regularly exceeded 10% of GDP - due in

large part to the huge burden of interest payments, which account

for more than 50% of central government spending. Inflation, in

recent years in the high double-digit range, fell to 26% in 2003.

Perhaps because of these problems, foreign direct investment in

Turkey remains low - less than $1 billion annually. In late 2000 and

early 2001 a growing trade deficit and serious weaknesses in the

banking sector plunged the economy into crisis - forcing Turkey to

float the lira and pushing the country into recession. Results in

2002-03 were much better, because of strong financial support from

the IMF and tighter fiscal policy. Continued slow global growth and

serious political tensions in the Middle East could result in

negative growth in 2004.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $489.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $7,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.9%

industry: 30.4%

services: 56.7% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 32.3% (1994)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41.5 (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

45.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

23.8 million

note: about 1.2 million Turks work abroad (2001 3rd quarter)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 39.7%, services 37.9%, industry 22.4% (3rd quarter,

2001)

Unemployment rate:

10.8% (plus underemployment of 6.1%) (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $42.4 billion

expenditures: $69.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001)

Industries:

textiles, food processing, autos, mining (coal, chromite, copper,

boron), steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, paper

Industrial production growth rate:

8.5% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

116.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 79.3% hydro: 20.4% other: 0.3% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

112.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

433 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

4.579 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

48,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

619,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

46,110 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

616,500 bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

288.4 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

312 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

15.94 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

15.75 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

8.685 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, pulse, citrus; livestock

Exports: $35.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities: apparel, foodstuffs, textiles, metal manufactures, transport equipment

Exports - partners:

Germany 16.6%, US 9.2%, UK 8.5%, Italy 6.4%, France 6% (2002)

Imports:

$50.8 billion c.i.f. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, semi-finished goods, fuels, transport

equipment

Imports - partners:

Germany 13.7%, Italy 8.1%, Russia 7.6%, US 6%, France 5.9%, UK

4.8%, Switzerland 4.1% (2002)

Debt - external:

$118.3 billion (Yearend 2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

ODA, $300 million (2000)

Currency:

Turkish lira (TRL)

Currency code:

TRL

Exchange rates:

NA (2002), 1,225,590 (2001), 625,218 (2000), 418,783 (1999),

260,724 (1998), 151,865 (1997)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Turkey

Telephones - main lines in use:

19.5 million (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17.1 million (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: undergoing rapid modernization and expansion,

especially with cellular telephones

domestic: additional digital exchanges are permitting a rapid

increase in subscribers; the construction of a network of

technologically advanced intercity trunk lines, using both

fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay is facilitating

communication between urban centers; remote areas are reached by a

domestic satellite system; the number of subscribers to mobile

cellular telephone service is growing rapidly

international: international service is provided by three submarine

fiber-optic cables in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, linking

Turkey with Italy, Greece, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, and Russia;

also by 12 Intelsat earth stations, and by 328 mobile satellite

terminals in the Inmarsat and Eutelsat systems (2002)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 16, FM 107, shortwave 6 (2001)

Radios:

11.3 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

635 (plus 2,934 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

20.9 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.tr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

50 (2001)

Internet users:

2.5 million (2002)

Transportation Turkey

Railways: total: 8,607 km standard gauge: 8,607 km 1.435-m gauge (2,131 km electrified) (2002)

Highways:

total: 385,960 km

paved: 131,226 km (including 1,749 km of expressways)

unpaved: 254,734 km (1999)

Waterways:

1,200 km (approximately)

Pipelines:

gas 3,177 km; oil 3,562 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Gemlik, Hopa, Iskenderun, Istanbul, Izmir, Kocaeli (Izmit), Icel

(Mersin), Samsun, Trabzon

Merchant marine:

total: 525 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,306,506 GRT/8,424,837 DWT

ships by type: bulk 125, cargo 229, chemical tanker 44, combination

bulk 3, combination ore/oil 3, container 34, liquefied gas 6,

passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 35, refrigerated cargo 4, roll

on/roll off 26, short-sea passenger 10, specialized tanker 5

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belize 1, Cyprus 1, Denmark 2, Greece 1, Italy 1,

Thailand 1, UK 11 (2002 est.)

Airports:

120 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 86 over 3,047 m: 16 2,438 to 3,047 m: 30 914 to 1,523 m: 16 under 914 m: 5 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 34 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 24 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 8

Heliports: 8 (2002)

Military Turkey

Military branches:

Land Forces, Navy (includes Naval Air and Naval Infantry), Air

Force, Coast Guard, Gendarmerie

Military manpower - military age:

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 19,534,455 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 11,801,267 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 679,882 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$8.1 billion (2002 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

4.5% (2002 est.)

Transnational Issues Turkey

Disputes - international:

complex maritime, air, and territorial disputes with Greece in the

Aegean Sea; Cyprus question remains with Greece; Syria and Iraq

protest Turkish hydrological projects to control upper Euphrates

waters; Turkey is quick to rebuff any perceived Syrian claim to

Hatay province; border with Armenia remains closed over

Nagorno-Karabakh

Illicit drugs:

key transit route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western Europe and

- to a far lesser extent the US - via air, land, and sea routes;

major Turkish, Iranian, and other international trafficking

organizations operate out of Istanbul; laboratories to convert

imported morphine base into heroin are in remote regions of Turkey

as well as near Istanbul; government maintains strict controls over

areas of legal opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw

concentrate

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Turkmenistan

Introduction Turkmenistan

Background:

Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan became a

Soviet republic in 1925. It achieved its independence upon the

dissolution of the USSR in 1991. President NIYAZOV retains absolute

control over the country and opposition is not tolerated. Extensive

hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this

underdeveloped country if extraction and delivery projects can be

worked out.

Geography Turkmenistan

Location:

Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Kazakhstan

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 60 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 488,100 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 488,100 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 3,736 km

border countries: Afghanistan 744 km, Iran 992 km, Kazakhstan 379

km, Uzbekistan 1,621 km

Coastline:

0 km; note - Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea (1,768 km)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

subtropical desert

Terrain:

flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes rising to mountains in the

south; low mountains along border with Iran; borders Caspian Sea in

west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya -81 m; note - Sarygamysh Koli is a

lake in northern Turkmenistan with a water level that fluctuates

above and below the elevation of Vpadina Akchanaya (the lake has

dropped as low as -110 m)

highest point: Gora Ayribaba 3,139 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, sulfur, salt

Land use: arable land: 3.47% permanent crops: 0.14% other: 96.39% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

17,500 sq km (2003 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural chemicals,

pesticides; salination, water-logging of soil due to poor irrigation

methods; Caspian Sea pollution; diversion of a large share of the

flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to that river's

inability to replenish the Aral Sea; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; the western and central low-lying, desolate portions of

the country make up the great Garagum (Kara-Kum) desert, which

occupies over 80% of the country; eastern part is plateau

People Turkmenistan

Population:

4,775,544 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.8% (male 899,954; female 855,293)

15-64 years: 59.2% (male 1,386,606; female 1,438,333)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 74,958; female 120,400) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.1 years

male: 20.2 years

female: 22 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.82% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

28.02 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.87 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 73.17 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 69.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 76.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 61.19 years

male: 57.72 years

female: 64.84 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.5 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 100 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Turkmen(s)

adjective: Turkmen

Ethnic groups:

Turkmen 77%, Uzbek 9.2%, Russian 6.7%, Kazakh 2%, other 5.1% (1995)

Religions:

Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%

Languages:

Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 99%

female: 97% (1989 est.)

Government Turkmenistan

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Turkmenistan

local long form: none

former: Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic

local short form: Turkmenistan

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Ashgabat

Administrative divisions:

5 provinces (welayatlar, singular - welayat): Ahal Welayaty

(Ashgabat), Balkan Welayaty (Balkanabat), Dashoguz Welayaty, Lebap

Welayaty (Turkmenabat), Mary Welayaty

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their

administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center

name following in parentheses)

Independence:

27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 October (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 18 May 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers

Saparmurat NIYAZOV (since 27 October 1990, when the first direct

presidential election occurred); note - the president is both the

chief of state and head of government

head of government: President and Chairman of the Cabinet of

Ministers Saparmurat NIYAZOV (since 27 October 1990, when the first

direct presidential election occurred); note - the president is both

the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 21 June 1992 (next to be held NA); note -

President NIYAZOV was unanimously approved as president for life by

the Assembly on 28 December 1999); deputy chairmen of the cabinet of

ministers are appointed by the president

election results: Saparmurat NIYAZOV elected president without

opposition; percent of vote - Saparmurat NIYAZOV 99.5%

note: NIYAZOV's term in office was extended indefinitely on 28

December 1999 by the Assembly (Majlis) during a session of the

People's Council (Halk Maslahaty)

Legislative branch:

under the 1992 constitution, there are two parliamentary bodies, a

unicameral People's Council or Halk Maslahaty (more than 100 seats,

some of which are elected by popular vote and some of which are

appointed; meets at least yearly) and a unicameral Assembly or

Majlis (50 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

election results: Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats

by party - NA; note - all 50 elected officials preapproved by

President NIYAZOV; most are from the DPT

elections: People's Council - NA; Assembly - last held 12 December

1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or DPT [Saparmurat NIYAZOV]

note: formal opposition parties are outlawed; unofficial, small

opposition movements exist underground or in foreign countries; the

two most prominent opposition groups-in-exile have been Gundogar and

Erkin; Gundogar was led by former Foreign Minister Boris

SHIKHUMRADOV until his arrest and imprisonment in the wake of the 25

November 2002 assassination attempt on President NIYAZOV; Erkin is

led by former Foreign Minister Abdy KULIEV and is based out of Moscow

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

AsDB, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,

ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO

(correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mered Bairamovich ORAZOV

FAX: [1] (202) 588-0697

telephone: [1] (202) 588-1500

chancery: 2207 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Tracey A. JACOBSON

embassy: 9 Pushkin Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 774000

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [9] (9312) 35-00-45

FAX: [9] (9312) 39-26-14

Flag description:

green field with a vertical red stripe near the hoist side,

containing five carpet guls (designs used in producing rugs) stacked

above two crossed olive branches similar to the olive branches on

the UN flag; a white crescent moon and five white stars appear in

the upper corner of the field just to the fly side of the red stripe

Economy Turkmenistan

Economy - overview:

Turkmenistan is largely desert country with intensive agriculture

in irrigated oases and large gas and oil resources. One-half of its

irrigated land is planted in cotton, making it the world's

tenth-largest producer. With an authoritarian ex-Communist regime in

power and a tribally based social structure, Turkmenistan has taken

a cautious approach to economic reform, hoping to use gas and cotton

sales to sustain its inefficient economy. Privatization goals remain

limited. In 1998-2003, Turkmenistan suffered from the continued lack

of adequate export routes for natural gas and from obligations on

extensive short-term external debt. At the same time, however, total

exports rose by 38% in 2003, largely because of higher international

oil and gas prices. Overall prospects in the near future are

discouraging because of widespread internal poverty, the burden of

foreign debt, and the unwillingness of the government to adopt

market-oriented reforms. However, Turkmenistan's cooperation with

the international community in transporting humanitarian aid to

Afghanistan may foreshadow a change in the atmosphere for foreign

investment, aid, and technological support. Turkmenistan's economic

statistics are state secrets, and GDP and other figures are subject

to wide margins of error. In any event, GDP increased substantially

in 2003 because of a strong recovery in agriculture and rapid

industrial growth.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $31.34 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

21.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $6,700 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 27% industry: 50% services: 23% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 34.4% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% highest 10%: 31.7% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.8 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

2.34 million (1996)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 48%, industry 15%, services 37% (1998 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $588.6 million

expenditures: $658.2 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Industries:

natural gas, oil, petroleum products, textiles, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

10.18 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99.9% hydro: 0.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

8.509 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

980 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

20 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

162,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

63,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

273 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

48.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

9.6 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

38.6 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.43 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, grain; livestock

Exports:

$2.97 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gas 57%, oil 26%, cotton fiber 3%, textiles 2% (2001)

Exports - partners:

Ukraine 49.7%, Italy 18%, Iran 13.1%, Turkey 6.2% (2002)

Imports:

$2.25 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 60%, foodstuffs 15% (1999)

Imports - partners:

Russia 19.8%, Turkey 12.8%, Ukraine 11.7%, UAE 10%, US 7.5%, China

6%, Germany 5.7%, Iran 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$2.4 billion to $5 billion (2001 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$16 million from the US (2001)

Currency:

Turkmen manat (TMM)

Currency code:

TMM

Exchange rates:

Turkmen manats per US dollar - 5,200 (2002), 5,200 (2001), 5,200

(2000), 5,200 (1999), 4,890.17 (1998); note - the official exchange

rate has not varied for the last four years; the unofficial rate has

fluctuated slightly, hovering around 21,000 manats to the dollar

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Turkmenistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

363,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

4,300 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: poorly developed

domestic: NA

international: linked by cable and microwave radio relay to other

CIS republics and to other countries by leased connections to the

Moscow international gateway switch; a new telephone link from

Ashgabat to Iran has been established; a new exchange in Ashgabat

switches international traffic through Turkey via Intelsat;

satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 1 Intelsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 16, FM 8, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

1.225 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (much programming relayed from Russia and Turkey) (1997)

Televisions:

820,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.tm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1

Internet users:

2,000 (2000)

Transportation Turkmenistan

Railways: total: 2,440 km broad gauge: 2,440 km 1.520-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 24,000 km paved: 19,488 km unpaved: 4,512 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

the Amu Darya is an important inland waterway for Turkmenistan, as

is the man-made Kara Kum canal

Pipelines:

gas 6,634 km; oil 853 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Turkmenbasy

Merchant marine:

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,873 GRT/8,345 DWT

ships by type: combination ore/oil 1, petroleum tanker 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

76 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 63 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 41 (2002)

Military Turkmenistan

Military branches:

Ministry of Defense (Army, Air and Air Defense, Navy, Border

Troops, and Internal Troops), National Guard

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 1,239,737 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,005,686 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 53,825 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$90 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.4% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Turkmenistan

Disputes - international:

prolonged regional drought creates water-sharing difficulties for

Amu Darya river states; Turkmenistan has not committed to follow

either Iran or the other littoral states in the division of the

Caspian Sea seabed and water column; ICJ decision expected to

resolve dispute with Azerbaijan over sovereignty over Caspian

oilfields; demarcation of land boundary with Kazakhstan is underway

- maritime boundary not resolved

Illicit drugs:

transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and, to a

lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit cultivation

of opium poppy for domestic consumption; small-scale government-run

eradication of illicit crops; transit point for heroin precursor

chemicals bound for Afghanistan

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Turks and Caicos Islands

Introduction Turks and Caicos Islands

Background:

The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962, when

they assumed the status of a separate crown colony upon Jamaica's

independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965

to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate

governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982,

the policy was reversed and the islands are presently a British

overseas territory.

Geography Turks and Caicos Islands

Location:

Caribbean, two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast

of The Bahamas, north of Haiti

Geographic coordinates:

21 45 N, 71 35 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 430 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 430 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

389 km

Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry

Terrain:

low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Blue Hills 49 m

Natural resources: spiny lobster, conch

Land use: arable land: 2.33% permanent crops: 0% other: 97.67% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

frequent hurricanes

Environment - current issues: limited natural fresh water resources, private cisterns collect rainwater

Geography - note: about 40 islands (eight inhabited)

People Turks and Caicos Islands

Population:

19,350 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32.5% (male 3,202; female 3,094)

15-64 years: 63.7% (male 6,484; female 5,848)

65 years and over: 3.7% (male 321; female 401) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 27 years

male: 27.7 years

female: 26.3 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.14% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

23.51 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

12.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 19.48 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74 years

male: 71.82 years

female: 76.3 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.15 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: none adjective: none

Ethnic groups:

black 90%, mixed, European, or north American 10%

Religions:

Baptist 40%, Methodist 16%, Anglican 18%, Church of God 12%, other

14% (1990)

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

female: 98% (1970 est.)

male: 99%

total population: 98%

People - note:

destination and transit point for illegal Haitian immigrants bound

for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Bahamas, and US

Government Turks and Caicos Islands

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Turks and Caicos Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Grand Turk (Cockburn Town)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 30 August (1976)

Constitution:

introduced 30 August 1976; suspended in 1986; restored and revised

5 March 1988

Legal system:

based on laws of England and Wales, with a few adopted from Jamaica

and The Bahamas

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1953),

represented by Governor Jim POSTON (since 16 December 2002)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party is appointed chief minister by the governor

head of government: Chief Minister Derek H. TAYLOR (since 31 January

1995)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of three ex officio members and

five appointed by the governor from among the members of the

Legislative Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (19 seats, of which 13 are popularly

elected; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 24 April 2003 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - PDM 53.8%, PNP 46.2%;

seats by party - PDM 7, PNP 6; note - in by-elections held 7 August

2003, the PNP gained two seats for a majority of 8 seats; PDM now

has 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Derek H. TAYLOR]; Progressive

National Party or PNP [Washington MISICK]; United Democratic Party

or UDP [Wendal SWANN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and

the colonial shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the

shield is yellow and contains a conch shell, lobster, and cactus

Economy Turks and Caicos Islands

Economy - overview:

The Turks and Caicos economy is based on tourism, fishing, and

offshore financial services. Most capital goods and food for

domestic consumption are imported. The US is the leading source of

tourists, accounting for more than half of the 93,000 visitors in

1998. Major sources of government revenue include fees from offshore

financial activities and customs receipts. Tourism fell by 6% in

2002 but appeared to be picking up at yearend.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $231 million (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.9% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $9,600 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (1995)

Labor force:

4,848 (1990 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: about 33% in government and 20% in agriculture and fishing; significant numbers in tourism, financial, and other services

Unemployment rate:

10% (1997 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $47 million

expenditures: $33.6 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997-98 est.)

Industries:

tourism, offshore financial services

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

5 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

4.65 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day NA (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

0 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), citrus fruits; fish

Exports:

$169.2 million (2000)

Exports - commodities:

lobster, dried and fresh conch, conch shells

Exports - partners:

US, UK

Imports:

$175.6 million (2000)

Imports - commodities:

food and beverages, tobacco, clothing, manufactures, construction

materials

Imports - partners:

US, UK

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$4.1 million (1997)

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

3,000 (1994)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1994)

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair cable and radiotelephone services

domestic: NA

international: 2 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3 (one inactive), FM 6, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

8,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

0 (broadcasts from The Bahamas are received; cable television is

established) (1997)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.tc

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

14 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Turks and Caicos Islands

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 121 km paved: 24 km unpaved: 97 km (2000)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Grand Turk, Providenciales

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

8 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Military Turks and Caicos Islands

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues Turks and Caicos Islands

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the

US and Europe

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Tuvalu

Introduction Tuvalu

Background:

In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the

Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice

Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert

Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate

British colony of Tuvalu. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000,

Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv"

for $50 million in royalties over the next dozen years.

Geography Tuvalu

Location:

Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the South

Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 S, 178 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 26 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 26 sq km

Area - comparative:

0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

24 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November);

westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)

Terrain:

very low-lying and narrow coral atolls

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

severe tropical storms are usually rare, but, in 1997, there were

three cyclones; low level of islands make them very sensitive to

changes in sea level

Environment - current issues:

since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not

potable, most water needs must be met by catchment systems with

storage facilities (the Japanese Government has built one

desalination plant and plans to build one other); beachhead erosion

because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive

clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral

reefs from the spread of the Crown of Thorns starfish; Tuvalu is

very concerned about global increases in greenhouse gas emissions

and their effect on rising sea levels, which threaten the country's

underground water table; in 2000, the government appealed to

Australia and New Zealand to take in Tuvaluans if rising sea levels

should make evacuation necessary

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,

Desertification, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

one of the smallest and most remote countries on Earth; six of the

coral atolls - Nanumea, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti, and

Nukulaelae - have lagoons open to the ocean; Nanumaya and Niutao

have landlocked lagoons; Niulakita does not have a lagoon

People Tuvalu

Population:

11,305 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31.9% (male 1,838; female 1,772)

15-64 years: 63% (male 3,432; female 3,687)

65 years and over: 5.1% (male 231; female 345) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.2 years

male: 22.9 years

female: 25.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.42% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

21.58 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.18 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 24.35 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 67.32 years

male: 65.15 years

female: 69.59 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.05 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Tuvaluan(s)

adjective: Tuvaluan

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian 96%, Micronesian 4%

Religions:

Church of Tuvalu (Congregationalist) 97%, Seventh-Day Adventist

1.4%, Baha'i 1%, other 0.6%

Languages:

Tuvaluan, English, Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui)

Literacy: definition: NA% total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Tuvalu

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Tuvalu

note: "Tuvalu" means "group of eight," referring to the country's

eight traditionally inhabited islands

former: Ellice Islands

Government type:

constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy; began

debating republic status in 1992

Capital:

Funafuti

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

1 October 1978 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 October (1978)

Constitution:

1 October 1978

Legal system:

NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Faimalaga LUKA (since 9 September

2003)

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by

the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; prime

minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from the members

of Parliament; election last held 2 August 2002 (next to be held NA)

election results: Saufatu SOPOANGA elected prime minister;

Parliamentary vote - Saufatu SOPOANGA 8, Amasone KILEI 7

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the

recommendation of the prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Saufatu SOPOANGA (since 2 August

2002)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Fale I Fono, also called House of Assembly

(15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 25 July 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 15

Judicial branch:

High Court (a chief justice visits twice a year to preside over its

sessions; its rulings can be appealed to the Court of Appeal in

Fiji); eight Island Courts (with limited jurisdiction)

Political parties and leaders: there are no political parties but members of Parliament usually align themselves in informal groupings

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, IFRCS (associate), ITU, Sparteca, SPC, SPF,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WTrO (applicant)

Diplomatic representation in the US: Tuvalu does not have an embassy in the US - the country's only diplomatic post is in Fiji - Tuvalu does, however, have a UN office located at 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, New York 10017, telephone: [1] (212) 490-0534

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US ambassador to

Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu

Flag description:

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant; the outer half of the flag represents a map of the country

with nine yellow five-pointed stars symbolizing the nine islands

Economy Tuvalu

Economy - overview:

Tuvalu consists of a densely populated, scattered group of nine

coral atolls with poor soil. The country has no known mineral

resources and few exports. Subsistence farming and fishing are the

primary economic activities. Fewer than 1,000 tourists, on average,

visit Tuvalu annually. Government revenues largely come from the

sale of stamps and coins and worker remittances. About 1,000

Tuvaluans work in Nauru in the phosphate mining industry. Nauru has

begun repatriating Tuvaluans, however, as phosphate resources

decline. Substantial income is received annually from an

international trust fund established in 1987 by Australia, NZ, and

the UK and supported also by Japan and South Korea. Thanks to wise

investments and conservative withdrawals, this Fund has grown from

an initial $17 million to over $35 million in 1999. The US

government is also a major revenue source for Tuvalu, because of

payments from a 1988 treaty on fisheries. In an effort to reduce its

dependence on foreign aid, the government is pursuing public sector

reforms, including privatization of some government functions and

personnel cuts of up to 7%. In 1998, Tuvalu began deriving revenue

from use of its area code for "900" lines and in 2000, from the

lease of its ".tv" Internet domain name. Royalties from these new

technology sources could increase substantially over the next

decade. With merchandise exports only a fraction of merchandise

imports, continued reliance must be placed on fishing and

telecommunications license fees, remittances from overseas workers,

official transfers, and investment income from overseas assets.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $12.2 million (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

7,000 (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

people make a living mainly through exploitation of the sea, reefs,

and atolls and from wages sent home by those abroad (mostly workers

in the phosphate industry and sailors)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $22.5 million

expenditures: $11.2 million, including capital expenditures of $4.2

million (2000 est.)

Industries:

fishing, tourism, copra

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: NA% hydro: NA% nuclear: NA% other: NA%

Agriculture - products:

coconuts; fish

Exports:

$276,000 f.o.b. (1997)

Exports - commodities:

copra, fish

Exports - partners:

UK 58.3%, Italy 16.7%, Denmark 8.3%, Fiji 8.3% (2002)

Imports:

$7.2 million c.i.f. (1998)

Imports - commodities:

food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery, manufactured goods

Imports - partners:

Hungary 68.2%, Japan 12.9%, Fiji 11.9% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$13 million ; note - major donors are Australia, Japan, and the US

(1999 est.)

Currency:

Australian dollar (AUD); note - there is also a Tuvaluan dollar

Currency code:

AUD

Exchange rates:

Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.8406

(2002), 1.9320 (2001), 1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Tuvalu

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1994)

Telephone system:

general assessment: serves particular needs for internal

communications

domestic: radiotelephone communications between islands

international: NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1999)

Radios:

4,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

0 (1997)

Televisions:

800

Internet country code:

.tv

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Tuvalu

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 8 km paved: 0 km unpaved: 8 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Funafuti, Nukufetau

Merchant marine:

total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 33,199 GRT/56,187 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 5 (2002 est.)

ships by type: cargo 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Military Tuvalu

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Police Force (includes Maritime

Surveillance Unit for search and rescue missions and surveillance

operations)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Tuvalu

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Uganda

Introduction Uganda

Background:

Uganda achieved independence from the UK in 1962. The dictatorial

regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79) was responsible for the deaths of some

300,000 opponents; guerrilla war and human rights abuses under

Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at least another 100,000 lives.

During the 1990s, the government promulgated non-party presidential

and legislative elections.

Geography Uganda

Location:

Eastern Africa, west of Kenya

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 N, 32 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 236,040 sq km

water: 36,330 sq km

land: 199,710 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,698 km

border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 765 km, Kenya 933

km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to

February, June to August); semiarid in northeast

Terrain:

mostly plateau with rim of mountains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Lake Albert 621 m highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

Natural resources: copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, arable land

Land use: arable land: 25.34% permanent crops: 8.77% other: 65.89% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

90 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues: draining of wetlands for agricultural use; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; poaching is widespread

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note: landlocked; fertile, well-watered country with many lakes and rivers

People Uganda

Population:

25,632,794

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 50.8% (male 6,528,724; female 6,486,736)

15-64 years: 46.8% (male 5,985,911; female 6,024,798)

65 years and over: 2.4% (male 266,930; female 339,695) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 14.7 years

female: 14.8 years (2002)

male: 14.6 years

Population growth rate:

2.96% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

46.57 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

16.95 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: according to the UNHCR, by the end of 2001, Uganda was host to

178,815 refugees from a number of neighboring countries, including:

Sudan 155,996, Rwanda 14,375, and Democratic Republic of the Congo

7,459 (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 87.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 80.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 95.41 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 44.88 years

male: 43.42 years

female: 46.38 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.72 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

600,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

84,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Ugandan(s)

adjective: Ugandan

Ethnic groups:

Baganda 17%, Ankole 8%, Basoga 8%, Iteso 8%, Bakiga 7%, Langi 6%,

Rwanda 6%, Bagisu 5%, Acholi 4%, Lugbara 4%, Batoro 3%, Bunyoro 3%,

Alur 2%, Bagwere 2%, Bakonjo 2%, Jopodhola 2%, Karamojong 2%, Rundi

2%, non-African (European, Asian, Arab) 1%, other 8%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%, Muslim 16%, indigenous beliefs

18%

Languages:

English (official national language, taught in grade schools, used

in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts),

Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages,

preferred for native language publications in the capital and may be

taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan

languages, Swahili, Arabic

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 69.9%

male: 79.5%

female: 60.4% (2003 est.)

Government Uganda

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Uganda

conventional short form: Uganda

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Kampala

Administrative divisions:

56 districts; Adjumani, Apac, Arua, Bugiri, Bundibugyo, Bushenyi,

Busia, Gulu, Hoima, Iganga, Jinja, Kabale, Kabarole, Kaberamaido,

Kalangala, Kampala, Kamuli, Kamwenge, Kanungu, Kapchorwa, Kasese,

Katakwi, Kayunga, Kibale, Kiboga, Kisoro, Kitgum, Kotido, Kumi,

Kyenjojo, Lira, Luwero, Masaka, Masindi, Mayuge, Mbale, Mbarara,

Moroto, Moyo, Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Nakapiripirit, Nakasongola,

Nebbi, Ntungamo, Pader, Pallisa, Rakai, Rukungiri, Sembabule,

Sironko, Soroti, Tororo, Wakiso, Yumbe

Independence:

9 October 1962 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 9 October (1962)

Constitution:

8 October 1995; adopted by the interim, 284-member Constituent

Assembly, charged with debating the draft constitution that had been

proposed in May 1993; the Constituent Assembly was dissolved upon

the promulgation of the constitution in October 1995

Legal system:

in 1995, the government restored the legal system to one based on

English common law and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since

seizing power 26 January 1986); note - the president is both chief

of state and head of government

head of government: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since

seizing power 29 January 1986); Prime Minister Apollo NSIBAMBI

(since 5 April 1999); note - the president is both chief of state

and head of government; the prime minister assists the president in

the supervision of the cabinet

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected

legislators

elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 12 March 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); note -

first popular election for president since independence in 1962 was

held in 1996; prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI elected president;

percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI 69.3%, Kizza

BESIGYE 27.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (303 members - 214 directly elected by

popular vote, 81 nominated by legally established special interest

groups [women 56, army 10, disabled 5, youth 5, labor 5], 8 ex

officio members; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 26 June 2001 (next to be held May or June 2006);

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NA; note - election campaigning by party was not permitted

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the president and approved

by the legislature); High Court (judges are appointed by the

president)

Political parties and leaders:

only one political organization, the Movement (formerly the

NRM)[President MUSEVENI, chairman] is allowed to operate unfettered;

note - the president maintains that the Movement is not a political

party, but a mass organization, which claims the loyalty of all

Ugandans

note: the constitution requires the suspension of political parties

while the Movement organization is in governance; of the political

parties that exist but are prohibited from sponsoring candidates,

the most important are the Ugandan People's Congress or UPC [Milton

OBOTE]; Democratic Party or DP [Paul SSEMOGERERE]; Conservative

Party or CP [Ken LUKYAMUZI]; Justice Forum [Muhammad Kibirige

MAYANJA]; and National Democrats Forum [Chapaa KARUHANGA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, EADB, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Edith Grace SSEMPALA

chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727

telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100 through 7102, 0416

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jimmy KOLKER embassy: 1577 Ggaba Rd., Kampala mailing address: P. O. Box 7007, Kampala telephone: [256] (41) 234-142 FAX: [256] (41) 258-451

Flag description:

six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black,

yellow, and red; a white disk is superimposed at the center and

depicts a red-crested crane (the national symbol) facing the hoist

side

Economy Uganda

Economy - overview:

Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils,

regular rainfall, and sizable mineral deposits of copper and cobalt.

Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, employing

over 80% of the work force. Coffee accounts for the bulk of export

revenues. Since 1986, the government - with the support of foreign

countries and international agencies - has acted to rehabilitate and

stabilize the economy by undertaking currency reform, raising

producer prices on export crops, increasing prices of petroleum

products, and improving civil service wages. The policy changes are

especially aimed at dampening inflation and boosting production and

export earnings. During 1990-2001, the economy turned in a solid

performance based on continued investment in the rehabilitation of

infrastructure, improved incentives for production and exports,

reduced inflation, gradually improved domestic security, and the

return of exiled Indian-Ugandan entrepreneurs. Ongoing Ugandan

involvement in the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

corruption within the government, and slippage in the government's

determination to press reforms raise doubts about the continuation

of strong growth. In 2000, Uganda qualified for enhanced Highly

Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief worth $1.3 billion and

Paris Club debt relief worth $145 million. These amounts combined

with the original HIPC debt relief added up to about $2 billion.

Growth for 2001-02 was solid despite continued decline in the price

of coffee, Uganda's principal export. Prospects for 2003 are mixed,

with probable strengthening of coffee prices yet with halting growth

in the economies of major export customers.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $30.49 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 43% industry: 19% services: 38% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

35% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4%

highest 10%: 21% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

37.4 (1996)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

12 million (2001 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 82%, industry 5%, services 13% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $959 million

expenditures: $1.04 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY98/99 est.)

Industries:

sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

6.3% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

1.928 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0.9% hydro: 99.1% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

1.62 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

174 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

1 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

8,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), potatoes, corn, millet, pulses; beef, goat meat, milk, poultry, cut flowers

Exports: $476 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, fish and fish products, tea; gold, cotton, flowers,

horticultural products

Exports - partners:

Belgium 16.2%, Netherlands 13.7%, Germany 7.5%, Spain 5.5%, Hong

Kong 4.9%, US 4.6%, UK 4.3%, Italy 4.1%, Portugal 4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$1.14 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, vehicles, petroleum, medical supplies; cereals

Imports - partners:

Kenya 45.3%, South Africa 6.8%, India 5.7%, UK 5.5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$2.8 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$1.4 billion (2000)

Currency:

Ugandan shilling (UGX)

Currency code:

UGX

Exchange rates:

Ugandan shillings per US dollar - 1,797.55 (2002), 1,755.66 (2001),

1,644.48 (2000), 1,454.83 (1999), 1,240.31 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

Communications Uganda

Telephones - main lines in use:

50,074; however, 80,868 main lines have been installed (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9,000 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: seriously inadequate; two cellular systems have

been introduced, but a sharp increase in the number of main lines is

essential; e-mail and Internet services are available

domestic: intercity traffic by wire, microwave radio relay, and

radiotelephone communication stations, fixed and mobile cellular

systems for short-range traffic

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat; analog links to Kenya and Tanzania

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 7, FM 33, shortwave 2 (2001)

Radios:

5 million (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

8 (plus one low-power repeater) (2001)

Televisions:

500,000 (2001)

Internet country code:

.ug

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

2 (2000)

Internet users:

60,000 (2002)

Transportation Uganda

Railways: total: 1,241 km narrow gauge: 1,241 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 27,000 km paved: 1,809 km unpaved: 25,191 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga, Lake George, Lake Edward,

Victoria Nile, Albert Nile

Ports and harbors:

Entebbe, Jinja, Port Bell

Merchant marine:

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,091 GRT/8,229 DWT

ships by type: roll on/roll off 3

note: these ships are in cargo and passenger (ferry) service on

Uganda's inland waterways (2002 est.)

Airports:

27 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 23 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Military Uganda

Military branches:

Ugandan Peoples' Defense Force (including Army, Marine unit, Air

Wing)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 5,476,612 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,974,259 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$124.7 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.1% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Uganda

Disputes - international:

Tutsi, Hutu, and other ethnic groups, associated political rebels,

armed gangs, and various government forces continue fighting in the

Great Lakes region, transcending the boundaries of Burundi,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda to gain control

over populated areas and natural resources; government heads pledge

to end conflict, but localized violence continues despite UN

peacekeeping efforts; conflict in Sudan has extended rebel forces

and refugees into Uganda

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Ukraine

Introduction Ukraine

Background:

Ukraine was the center of the first Slavic state, Kievan Rus, which

during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and most powerful

state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels and Mongol

invasions, Kievan Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of

Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

The cultural and religious legacy of Kievan Rus laid the foundation

for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent centuries. A new

Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was established during the

mid-17th century after an uprising against the Poles. Despite

continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate managed to remain

autonomous for well over 100 years. During the latter part of the

18th century, most Ukrainian ethnographic territory was absorbed by

the Russian Empire. Following the collapse of czarist Russia in

1917, Ukraine was able to bring about a short-lived period of

independence (1917-1920), but was reconquered and forced to endure a

brutal Soviet rule that engineered two artificial famines (1921-22

and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died. In World War II, German

and Soviet armies were responsible for some 7 to 8 million more

deaths. Although independence was achieved in 1991 with the

dissolution of the USSR, true freedom remains elusive, as many of

the former Soviet elite remain entrenched, stalling efforts at

economic reform, privatization, and civil liberties.

Geography Ukraine

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

49 00 N, 32 00 E

Map references:

Asia, Europe

Area:

total: 603,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 603,700 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,663 km

border countries: Belarus 891 km, Hungary 103 km, Moldova 939 km,

Poland 526 km, Romania (south) 169 km, Romania (west) 362 km, Russia

1,576 km, Slovakia 97 km

Coastline:

2,782 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: 200-m or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate continental; Mediterranean only on the southern Crimean

coast; precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest in west

and north, lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from cool

along the Black Sea to cold farther inland; summers are warm across

the greater part of the country, hot in the south

Terrain:

most of Ukraine consists of fertile plains (steppes) and plateaus,

mountains being found only in the west (the Carpathians), and in the

Crimean Peninsula in the extreme south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m

Natural resources:

iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulfur,

graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber,

arable land

Land use:

arable land: 57.1%

permanent crops: 1.73%

other: 41.17% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

24,540 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; air and water pollution;

deforestation; radiation contamination in the northeast from 1986

accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic

Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol

Geography - note:

strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia;

second-largest country in Europe

People Ukraine

Population:

48,055,439 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.3% (male 4,004,948; female 3,832,931)

15-64 years: 68.7% (male 15,779,735; female 17,225,103)

65 years and over: 15% (male 2,419,612; female 4,793,110) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 38 years

male: 34.8 years

female: 40.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

-0.69% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

9.89 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

16.39 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.5 male(s)/female

total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 22.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.5 years

male: 61.1 years

female: 72.17 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.34 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

250,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

11,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Ukrainian(s)

adjective: Ukrainian

Ethnic groups:

Ukrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3%, Belarusian 0.6%, Moldovan 0.5%,

Crimean Tatar 0.5%, Bulgarian 0.4%, Hungarian 0.3%, Romanian 0.3%,

Polish 0.3%, Jewish 0.2%, other 1.8% (2001)

Religions:

Ukrainian Orthodox - Moscow Patriarchate, Ukrainian Orthodox - Kiev

Patriarchate, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox, Ukrainian Catholic

(Uniate), Protestant, Jewish

Languages:

Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish, Hungarian

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.6% (2003 est.)

Government Ukraine

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Ukraine

local long form: none

former: Ukrainian National Republic, Ukrainian State, Ukrainian

Soviet Socialist Republic

local short form: Ukrayina

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Kiev (Kyyiv)

Administrative divisions:

24 oblasti (singular - oblast'), 1 autonomous republic* (avtomnaya

respublika), and 2 municipalities (mista, singular - misto) with

oblast status**; Cherkas'ka (Cherkasy), Chernihivs'ka (Chernihiv),

Chernivets'ka (Chernivtsi), Dnipropetrovs'ka (Dnipropetrovs'k),

Donets'ka (Donets'k), Ivano-Frankivs'ka (Ivano-Frankivs'k),

Kharkivs'ka (Kharkiv), Khersons'ka (Kherson), Khmel'nyts'ka

(Khmel'nyts'kyy), Kirovohrads'ka (Kirovohrad), Kyyiv**, Kyyivs'ka

(Kiev), Luhans'ka (Luhans'k), L'vivs'ka (L'viv), Mykolayivs'ka

(Mykolayiv), Odes'ka (Odesa), Poltavs'ka (Poltava), Avtonomna

Respublika Krym* (Simferopol'), Rivnens'ka (Rivne), Sevastopol'**,

Sums'ka (Sumy), Ternopil's'ka (Ternopil'), Vinnyts'ka (Vinnytsya),

Volyns'ka (Luts'k), Zakarpats'ka (Uzhhorod), Zaporiz'ka

(Zaporizhzhya), Zhytomyrs'ka (Zhytomyr); note - when using a place

name with an adjectival ending "s'ka" or "z'ka," the word Oblast'

should be added to the place name

note: oblasts have the administrative center name following in

parentheses

Independence:

24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 August (1991); the date of 22 January (1918),

the day Ukraine first declared its independence (from Soviet

Russia), is now celebrated as Unity Day

Constitution:

adopted 28 June 1996

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Leonid D. KUCHMA (since 19 July 1994)

head of government: Prime Minister Viktor YANUKOVYCH (since 21

November 2002); First Deputy Prime Minister Mykola AZAROV (since 26

November 2002)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president and

approved by the Supreme Council

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 31 October and 14 November 1999 (next to be held

NA October 2004); prime minister and deputy prime ministers

appointed by the president and approved by the Supreme Council

election results: Leonid D. KUCHMA elected president; percent of

vote - Leonid KUCHMA 57.7%, Petro SYMONENKO 38.8%

note: there is also a National Security and Defense Council or NSDC

originally created in 1992 as the National Security Council, but

significantly revamped and strengthened under President KUCHMA; the

NSDC staff is tasked with developing national security policy on

domestic and international matters and advising the president; a

Presidential Administration that helps draft presidential edicts and

provides policy support to the president; and a Council of Regions

that serves as an advisory body created by President KUCHMA in

September 1994 that includes chairmen of the Kiev (Kyyiv) and

Sevastopol' municipalities and chairmen of the oblasti

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Council or Verkhovna Rada (450 seats; under

Ukraine's new election law, 225 of the Supreme Council's seats are

allocated on a proportional basis to those parties that gain 4% or

more of the national electoral vote; the other 225 members are

elected by popular vote in single-mandate constituencies; all serve

four-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - Our Ukraine 24%, CPU

20%, United Ukraine 12%, United Social Democratic Party 6%, SPU 7%,

Yuliya Tymoshenko Bloc 7%, other 24%; seats by party - Our Ukraine

102, CPU 60, Regions of Ukraine 42, Working Ukraine-Industrialists

and Entrepreneurs 41, United Social Democratic Party 39, Democratic

Initiatives 22, SPU 20, People's Power 19, European Choice 18,

Yuliya Tymoshenko Bloc 18, Agrarian Party 17, People's Democratic

Party 16, People's Choice 15, others 21

note: following the election, United Ukraine splintered into the

Agrarian Party, European Choice, People's Choice, People's

Democratic Party, Regions of Ukraine, and Working

Ukraine-Industrialists and Entrepreneurs

elections: last held 31 March 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court

Political parties and leaders:

Agrarian Party [Kateryna VASHCHUK]; Communist Party of Ukraine or

CPU [Petro SYMONENKO]; Democratic Initiatives [Stepan HAVRYSH];

European Choice [Volodymyr STASYUK]; Our Ukraine [Viktor

YUSHCHENKO]; People's Choice [Mykola HAPOCHKA]; People's Democratic

Party or PDP [Valeriy PUSTOVOYTENKO, chairman]; People's Power

[Bohdan HUBSKYY]; Regions of Ukraine [Viktor YANUKOVYCH]; Socialist

Party of Ukraine or SPU [Oleksandr MOROZ, chairman]; United Social

Democratic Party [Leonid KRAVCHUK]; Working Ukraine-Industrialists

and Entrepreneurs [Ihor SHAROV]; Yuliya Tymoshenko Bloc [Yuliya

TYMOSHENKO]

note: and numerous smaller parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

BSEC, CE, CEI, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, GUUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer),

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL,

UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNMOVIC, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer), ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Sergiy

KORSUNSKYI

FAX: [1] (202) 333-0817

consulate(s) general: Chicago and New York

telephone: [1] (202) 349-2920

chancery: 3350 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos E. PASCUAL embassy: 10 Yurii Kotsiubynskyi Street, Kiev 01901 mailing address: 5850 Kiev Place, Washington, DC 20521-5850 telephone: [380] (44) 490-4000 FAX: [380] (44) 244-7350

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of azure (top) and golden yellow

represent grainfields under a blue sky

Economy Ukraine

Economy - overview:

After Russia, the Ukrainian republic was far and away the most

important economic component of the former Soviet Union, producing

about four times the output of the next-ranking republic. Its

fertile black soil generated more than one-fourth of Soviet

agricultural output, and its farms provided substantial quantities

of meat, milk, grain, and vegetables to other republics. Likewise,

its diversified heavy industry supplied the unique equipment (for

example, large diameter pipes) and raw materials to industrial and

mining sites (vertical drilling apparatus) in other regions of the

former USSR. Ukraine depends on imports of energy, especially

natural gas, to meet some 85% of its annual energy requirements.

Shortly after independence in December 1991, the Ukrainian

Government liberalized most prices and erected a legal framework for

privatization, but widespread resistance to reform within the

government and the legislature soon stalled reform efforts and led

to some backtracking. Output by 1999 had fallen to less than 40% of

the 1991 level. Loose monetary policies pushed inflation to

hyperinflationary levels in late 1993. Ukraine's dependence on

Russia for energy supplies and the lack of significant structural

reform have made the Ukrainian economy vulnerable to external

shocks. Now in his second term, President KUCHMA has pledged to

reduce the number of government agencies, streamline the regulatory

process, create a legal environment to encourage entrepreneurs, and

enact a comprehensive tax overhaul. Reforms in the more politically

sensitive areas of structural reform and land privatization are

still lagging. Outside institutions - particularly the IMF - have

encouraged Ukraine to quicken the pace and scope of reforms. GDP in

2000 showed strong export-based growth of 6% - the first growth

since independence - and industrial production grew 12.9%. The

economy continued to expand in 2001 as real GDP rose 9% and

industrial output grew by over 14%. Growth of 4.1% in 2002 was more

moderate, in part a reflection of faltering growth in the developed

world. In general, growth has been undergirded by strong domestic

demand, low inflation, and solid consumer and investor confidence.

Growth was a sturdy 6% in 2003 despite a loss of mementum in needed

economic reforms.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $218 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $4,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 23% industry: 42% services: 35% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 29% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.7% highest 10%: 23.2% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29 (1999)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

22.8 million (yearend 1997)

Labor force - by occupation:

industry 32%, agriculture 24%, services 44% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

3.8% officially registered; large number of unregistered or

underemployed workers (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $10.2 billion

expenditures: $11.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery and

transport equipment, chemicals, food processing (especially sugar)

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

164.7 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 48.6% hydro: 7.9% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 43.5%

Electricity - consumption:

152.4 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

800 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

86,490 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

290,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

197.5 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

18.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

74.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

55.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

560.7 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables; beef, milk

Exports:

$18.1 billion (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

ferrous and nonferrous metals, fuel and petroleum products,

chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, food products

Exports - partners:

Russia 18.6%, Italy 7.4%, Turkey 5.6%, Germany 4.1%, China 4.1%

(2002)

Imports:

$18 billion (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

energy, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Russia 32.3%, Germany 11.7%, Turkmenistan 7.4%, Poland 6%, Italy 4%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$14.2 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient: $637.7 million (1995); IMF Extended Funds Facility $2.2 billion (1998)

Currency:

hryvnia (UAH)

Currency code:

UAH

Exchange rates:

hryvnia per US dollar - 5.33 (2002), 5.37 (2001), 5.44 (2000), 4.13

(1999), 2.45 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Ukraine

Telephones - main lines in use:

9.45 million (April 1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

236,000 (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: Ukraine's telecommunication development plan,

running through 2005, emphasizes improving domestic trunk lines,

international connections, and the mobile cellular system

domestic: at independence in December 1991, Ukraine inherited a

telephone system that was antiquated, inefficient, and in disrepair;

more than 3.5 million applications for telephones could not be

satisfied; telephone density is now rising slowly and the domestic

trunk system is being improved; the mobile cellular telephone system

is expanding at a high rate

international: two new domestic trunk lines are a part of the

fiber-optic Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) system and three Ukrainian links

have been installed in the fiber-optic Trans-European Lines (TEL)

project which connects 18 countries; additional international

service is provided by the Italy-Turkey-Ukraine-Russia (ITUR)

fiber-optic submarine cable and by earth stations in the Intelsat,

Inmarsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 134, FM 289, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios:

45.05 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: at least 33 (plus 21 repeaters that relay broadcasts from Russia) (1997)

Televisions:

18.05 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ua

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

260 (2001)

Internet users:

750,000 (2001)

Transportation Ukraine

Railways: total: 22,473 km broad gauge: 22,473 km 1.524-m gauge (9,250 km electrified) (2002)

Highways: total: 169,491 km paved: 163,898 km unpaved: 5,593 km (2000)

Waterways: 4,499 km note: 1,672 km are on the Pryp'yat' and Dniester (Dnister) (1990)

Pipelines:

gas 20,069 km; oil 4,435 km; refined products 4,098 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Berdyans'k, Feodosiya, Illichivs'k, Izmayil, Kerch, Kherson, Kiev

(Kyyiv), Kiliya, Mariupol', Mykolayiv, Odesa, Reni, Sevastopol',

Yalta, Yuzhnyy

Merchant marine:

total: 131 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 633,932 GRT/640,743 DWT

ships by type: bulk 7, cargo 89, container 5, liquefied gas 2,

passenger 14, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 10, railcar

carrier 2, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Cyprus 1, Greece 1, Panama 1, Russia 4, Saint Vincent

and the Grenadines 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

790 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 182

over 3,047 m: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 51

1,524 to 2,437 m: 31

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 81 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 608

over 3,047 m: 14

2,438 to 3,047 m: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 50

914 to 1,523 m: 42

under 914 m: 466 (2002)

Military Ukraine

Military branches:

Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Force, Air Defense Forces,

Interior Troops, Border Troops

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 12,236,811 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 9,597,172 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 389,499 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$617.9 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.4% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Ukraine

Disputes - international:

1997 boundary treaty with Belarus remains unratified over

unresolved financial claims, preventing demarcation and encouraging

illegal cross-border activities; land delimitation of boundary with

Russia is complete, but maritime regime of the Sea of Azov and Kerch

Strait remains unresolved; difficulties in the Transnistria region

of Moldova complicate border crossing and customs, facilitating

smuggling, arms transfers, and other illegal activities; has not

resolved Romanian claims to Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy (Snake)

Island and Black Sea maritime boundary despite ongoing talks based

on 1997 friendship treaty to find a solution in two years

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS

consumption; some synthetic drug production for export to the West;

limited government eradication program; used as transshipment point

for opiates and other illicit drugs from Africa, Latin America, and

Turkey to Europe and Russia; drug-related money laundering a minor,

but growing, problem; lax anti-money-laundering regime

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@United Arab Emirates

Introduction United Arab Emirates

Background:

The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control

of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In

1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash

Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United

Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah.

The UAE's per capita GDP is not far below those of leading West

European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate

foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in

the affairs of the region.

Geography United Arab Emirates

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf,

between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

24 00 N, 54 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 82,880 sq km

land: 82,880 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries: total: 867 km border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km

Coastline:

1,318 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

desert; cooler in eastern mountains

Terrain:

flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast

desert wasteland; mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas

Land use: arable land: 0.48% permanent crops: 0.49% other: 99.03% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

720 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

frequent sand and dust storms

Environment - current issues: lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a

vital transit point for world crude oil

People United Arab Emirates

Population:

2,484,818

note: includes an estimated 1,606,079 non-nationals; the 17 December

1995 census presents a total population figure of 2,377,453, and

there are estimates of 3.44 million for 2002 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 338,245; female 324,866)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 1,087,927; female 661,349)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 52,059; female 20,372) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 27.6 years

male: 36.1 years

female: 21.9 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.57% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

18.48 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.02 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.65 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 2.56 male(s)/female

total population: 1.47 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 18.32 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.75 years

male: 72.28 years

female: 77.35 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.09 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.18% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Emirati(s)

adjective: Emirati

Ethnic groups:

Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other

expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)

note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)

Religions:

Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%

Languages:

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 77.9%

male: 76.1%

female: 81.7% (2003 est.)

Government United Arab Emirates

Country name:

conventional long form: United Arab Emirates

conventional short form: none

local long form: Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah

abbreviation: UAE

former: Trucial Oman, Trucial States

local short form: none

Government type:

federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal

government and other powers reserved to member emirates

Capital:

Abu Dhabi

Administrative divisions:

7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi),

'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al

Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn

Independence:

2 December 1971 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 December (1971)

Constitution:

2 December 1971 (made permanent in 1996)

Legal system:

federal court system introduced in 1971; all emirates except Dubayy

(Dubai) and Ra's al Khaymah are not fully integrated into the

federal system; all emirates have secular and Islamic law for civil,

criminal, and high courts

Suffrage:

none

Executive branch:

chief of state: President ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan (since 2

December 1971), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) (since 6 August 1966)

and Vice President MAKTUM bin Rashid al-Maktum (since 8 October

1990), ruler of Dubayy (Dubai)

note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the

seven emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional

authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions

federal legislation; meets four times a year; Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi)

and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power

head of government: Prime Minister MAKTUM bin Rashid al-Maktum

(since 8 October 1990), ruler of Dubayy (Dubai); Deputy Prime

Minister SULTAN bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan (since 20 November 1990)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected by the FSC (a group

of seven electors) for five-year terms; election last held 2

December 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); prime minister and deputy

prime minister appointed by the president

election results: ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan reelected president;

percent of FSC vote - NA%, but believed to be unanimous; MAKTUM bin

Rashid al-Maktum elected vice president; percent of FSC vote - NA%,

but believed to be unanimous

Legislative branch:

unicameral Federal National Council or Majlis al-Ittihad al-Watani

(40 seats; members appointed by the rulers of the constituent states

to serve two-year terms)

elections: none

note: reviews legislation, but cannot change or veto

Judicial branch:

Union Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW,

OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Asri Said Ahmad al-DHAHIRI

FAX: [1] (202) 243-2432

telephone: [1] (202) 243-2400

chancery: 3522 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20037

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Marcelle M. WAHBA embassy: Al-Sudan Street, Abu Dhabi mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi telephone: [971] (2) 4436691 FAX: [971] (2) 4435441 consulate(s) general: Dubai

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with

a wider vertical red band on the hoist side

Economy United Arab Emirates

Economy - overview:

The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a

sizable annual trade surplus. Its wealth is based on oil and gas

output (about 33% of GDP), and the fortunes of the economy fluctuate

with the prices of those commodities. Since 1973, the UAE has

undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of

small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard

of living. At present levels of production, oil and gas reserves

should last for more than 100 years. The government has increased

spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening

up its utilities to greater private sector involvement.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $53.97 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $22,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 46%

services: 51% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.8% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.6 million (2000 est.)

note: 73.9% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national

(July 2002 est.) (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 78%, industry 15%, agriculture 7% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $20 billion

expenditures: $22 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

petroleum, fishing, petrochemicals, construction materials, some

boat building, handicrafts, pearling

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2000)

Electricity - production:

37.74 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

35.1 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

2.566 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

310,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

80.31 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

44.94 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

37.86 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

7.08 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.892 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs, dairy products; fish

Exports:

$44.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, dates

Exports - partners:

Japan 27.8%, South Korea 10.1%, Singapore 3.8% (2002)

Imports:

$30.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

Imports - partners:

US 8.1%, China 7.8%, Japan 6.6%, Germany 6.5%, India 5.7%, France

5.6%, UK 5.4%, South Korea 5.1%, Iran 4.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$18.5 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - donor:

$NA

Currency:

Emirati dirham (AED)

Currency code:

AED

Exchange rates:

Emirati dirhams per US dollar - 3.67 (2002), 3.67 (2001), 3.67

(2000), 3.67 (1999), 3.67 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications United Arab Emirates

Telephones - main lines in use:

915,223 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1 million (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system of microwave radio relay and

coaxial cable; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubai

domestic: microwave radio relay and coaxial cable

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; submarine cables to Qatar,

Bahrain, India, and Pakistan; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain;

microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 13, FM 7, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

820,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

15 (1997)

Televisions:

310,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ae

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

900,000 (2002)

Transportation United Arab Emirates

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 1,088 km

paved: 1,088 km (including 253 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

condensate 383 km; gas 1,765 km; liquid petroleum gas 186 km; oil

1,266 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Das Island, Khawr Fakkan, Mina' Jabal 'Ali,

Mina' Khalid, Mina' Rashid, Mina' Saqr, Mina' Zayid, Umm al Qaywayn

Merchant marine:

total: 61 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 815,428 GRT/1,207,346 DWT

ships by type: cargo 12, chemical tanker 4, container 7, liquefied

gas 1, livestock carrier 1, petroleum tanker 25, roll on/roll off 6,

short-sea passenger 4, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 2, Italy 1, Kuwait 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

41 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 22

over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 19

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

Heliports:

2 (2002)

Military United Arab Emirates

Military branches:

Army, Navy (including Marines and Coast Guard), Air Force, Air

Defense, paramilitary forces (includes Federal Police Force)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 764,413 note: includes non-nationals (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 416,963 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 26,636 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$1.6 billion (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.1% (FY00)

Transnational Issues United Arab Emirates

Disputes - international:

because the treaties have not been made public, the exact alignment

of the boundary with Saudi Arabia is still unknown and labeled

approximate; boundary agreement signed and ratified with Oman in

2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al

Madhah enclaves; UAE engage direct talks and Arab League support to

resolve disputes over Iran's occupation of Lesser and Greater Tunb

islands and Abu Musa island

Illicit drugs:

the UAE is a drug transshipment point for traffickers given its

proximity to southwest Asian drug producing countries; the UAE's

position as a major financial center makes it vulnerable to money

laundering; anti-money-laundering legislation was signed into law by

the president on 25 January 2002

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@United Kingdom

Introduction United Kingdom

Background:

Great Britain, the dominant industrial and maritime power of the

19th century, played a leading role in developing parliamentary

democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith,

the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface.

The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously

depleted in two World Wars. The second half witnessed the

dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern

and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of

the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and of the

Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy; it

currently is weighing the degree of its integration with continental

Europe. A member of the EU, it chose to remain outside the European

Monetary Union for the time being. Constitutional reform is also a

significant issue in the UK. The Scottish Parliament, the National

Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were

established in 1999.

Geography United Kingdom

Location:

Western Europe, islands including the northern one-sixth of the

island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North

Sea, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

54 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 244,820 sq km

water: 3,230 sq km

note: includes Rockall and Shetland Islands

land: 241,590 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries: total: 360 km border countries: Ireland 360 km

Coastline:

12,429 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: as defined in continental shelf orders or in

accordance with agreed upon boundaries

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North

Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are overcast

Terrain:

mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to rolling plains in

east and southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: The Fens -4 m

highest point: Ben Nevis 1,343 m

Natural resources:

coal, petroleum, natural gas, tin, limestone, iron ore, salt, clay,

chalk, gypsum, lead, silica, arable land

Land use: arable land: 26.41% permanent crops: 0.18% other: 73.41% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,080 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

winter windstorms; floods

Environment - current issues:

continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (has met Kyoto

Protocol target of a 12.5% reduction from 1990 levels and intends to

meet the legally binding target and move towards a domestic goal of

a 20% cut in emissions by 2010); by 2005 the government aims to

reduce the amount of industrial and commercial waste disposed of in

landfill sites to 85% of 1998 levels and to recycle or compost at

least 25% of household waste, increasing to 33% by 2015; between

1998-99 and 1999-2000, household recycling increased from 8.8% to

10.3%

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

lies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km from France

and now linked by tunnel under the English Channel; because of

heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125 km from

tidal waters

People United Kingdom

Population:

60,094,648 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 5,621,590; female 5,350,319)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 20,067,529; female 19,626,123)

65 years and over: 15.6% (male 3,987,457; female 5,441,630) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 38.4 years male: 37.3 years female: 39.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.3% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

10.99 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

10.21 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.28 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 5.89 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.16 years

male: 75.74 years

female: 80.7 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.66 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

34,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

460 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Briton(s), British (collective plural)

adjective: British

Ethnic groups:

English 81.5%, Scottish 9.6%, Irish 2.4%, Welsh 1.9%, Ulster 1.8%,

West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, and other 2.8%

Religions:

Anglican and Roman Catholic 40 million, Muslim 1.5 million,

Presbyterian 800,000, Methodist 760,000, Sikh 500,000, Hindu

500,000, Jewish 350,000

Languages:

English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish

form of Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of

schooling

total population: 99% (2000 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Government United Kingdom

Country name:

conventional long form: United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland

conventional short form: United Kingdom

abbreviation: UK

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

London

Administrative divisions:

England - 47 boroughs, 36 counties*, 29 London boroughs**, 12

cities and boroughs***, 10 districts****, 12 cities*****, 3 royal

boroughs******; Barking and Dagenham**, Barnet**, Barnsley, Bath and

North East Somerset****, Bedfordshire*, Bexley**, Birmingham***,

Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Bolton, Bournemouth, Bracknell

Forest, Bradford***, Brent**, Brighton and Hove, City of

Bristol*****, Bromley**, Buckinghamshire*, Bury, Calderdale,

Cambridgeshire*, Camden**, Cheshire*, Cornwall*, Coventry***,

Croydon**, Cumbria*, Darlington, Derby*****, Derbyshire*, Devon*,

Doncaster, Dorset*, Dudley, Durham*, Ealing**, East Riding of

Yorkshire****, East Sussex*, Enfield**, Essex*, Gateshead,

Gloucestershire*, Greenwich**, Hackney**, Halton, Hammersmith and

Fulham**, Hampshire*, Haringey**, Harrow**, Hartlepool, Havering**,

Herefordshire*, Hertfordshire*, Hillingdon**, Hounslow**, Isle of

Wight*, Islington**, Kensington and Chelsea******, Kent*, City of

Kingston upon Hull*****, Kingston upon Thames******, Kirklees,

Knowsley, Lambeth**, Lancashire*, Leeds***, Leicester*****,

Leicestershire*, Lewisham**, Lincolnshire*, Liverpool***, City of

London*****, Luton, Manchester***, Medway, Merton**, Middlesbrough,

Milton Keynes, Newcastle upon Tyne***, Newham**, Norfolk*,

Northamptonshire*, North East Lincolnshire****, North

Lincolnshire****, North Somerset****, North Tyneside,

Northumberland*, North Yorkshire*, Nottingham*****,

Nottinghamshire*, Oldham, Oxfordshire*, Peterborough*****,

Plymouth*****, Poole, Portsmouth*****, Reading, Redbridge**, Redcar

and Cleveland, Richmond upon Thames**, Rochdale, Rotherham,

Rutland****, Salford***, Shropshire*, Sandwell, Sefton,

Sheffield***, Slough, Solihull, Somerset*, Southampton*****,

Southend-on-Sea, South Gloucestershire****, South Tyneside,

Southwark**, Staffordshire*, St. Helens, Stockport,

Stockton-on-Tees, Stoke-on-Trent*****, Suffolk*, Sunderland***,

Surrey*, Sutton**, Swindon, Tameside, Telford and Wrekin****,

Thurrock, Torbay, Tower Hamlets**, Trafford, Wakefield***, Walsall,

Waltham Forest**, Wandsworth**, Warrington, Warwickshire*, West

Berkshire****, Westminster***, West Sussex*, Wigan, Wiltshire*,

Windsor and Maidenhead******, Wirral, Wokingham****, Wolverhampton,

Worcestershire*, York*****; Northern Ireland - 24 districts, 2

cities*, 6 counties**; Antrim, County Antrim**, Ards, Armagh, County

Armagh**, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Banbridge, Belfast*, Carrickfergus,

Castlereagh, Coleraine, Cookstown, Craigavon, Down, County Down**,

Dungannon, Fermanagh, County Fermanagh**, Larne, Limavady, Lisburn,

County Londonderry**, Derry*, Magherafelt, Moyle, Newry and Mourne,

Newtownabbey, North Down, Omagh, Strabane, County Tyrone**; Scotland

- 32 council areas; Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll and

Bute, The Scottish Borders, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway,

Dundee City, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East

Renfrewshire, City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow City,

Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, North

Lanarkshire, Orkney Islands, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire,

Shetland Islands, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, West

Dunbartonshire, Eilean Siar (Western Isles), West Lothian; Wales -

11 county boroughs, 9 counties*, 2 cities and counties**; Isle of

Anglesey*, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff**,

Ceredigion*, Carmarthenshire*, Conwy, Denbighshire*, Flintshire*,

Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire*, Neath Port Talbot, Newport,

Pembrokeshire*, Powys*, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea**, Torfaen, The

Vale of Glamorgan*, Wrexham

Dependent areas:

Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin

Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey,

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

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos

Islands

Independence:

England has existed as a unified entity since the 10th century; the

union between England and Wales, begun in 1284 with the Statute of

Rhuddlan, was not formalized until 1536 with an Act of Union; in

another Act of Union in 1707, England and Scotland agreed to

permanently join as Great Britain; the legislative union of Great

Britain and Ireland was implemented in 1801, with the adoption of

the name the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland; the

Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921 formalized a partition of Ireland; six

northern Irish counties remained part of the United Kingdom as

Northern Ireland and the current name of the country, the United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was adopted in 1927

National holiday:

Official Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, celebrated on the second

Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

common law tradition with early Roman and modern continental

influences; has judicial review of Acts of Parliament under the

Human Rights Act of 1998; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Heir

Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the queen, born 14 November 1948)

head of government: Prime Minister Anthony (Tony) BLAIR (since 2 May

1997)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition is usually the prime minister

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament comprised of House of Lords (consists of

approximately 500 life peers, 92 hereditary peers and 26 clergy) and

House of Commons (659 seats; members are elected by popular vote to

serve five-year terms unless the House is dissolved earlier)

elections: House of Lords - no elections (note - in 1999, as

provided by the House of Lords Act, elections were held in the House

of Lords to determine the 92 hereditary peers who would remain

there; pending further reforms, elections are held only as vacancies

in the hereditary peerage arise); House of Commons - last held 7

June 2001 (next to be held by NA May 2006)

election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party -

Labor 42.1%, Conservative and Unionist 32.7%, Liberal Democrats

18.8%, other 6.4%; seats by party - Labor 412, Conservative and

Unionist 166, Liberal Democrat 52, other 29; note - seating as of 15

February 2002: Labor 410, Conservative 164, Liberal Democrats 53,

other 32

note: in 1998 elections were held for a Northern Ireland Parliament

(because of unresolved disputes among existing parties, the transfer

of power from London to Northern Ireland came only at the end of

1999 and has been rescinded three times the latest occurring in

October 2002; since October 2002 the Northern Ireland Parliament has

been suspended); in 1999 there were elections for a new Scottish

Parliament and a new Welsh Assembly

Judicial branch:

House of Lords (highest court of appeal; several Lords of Appeal in

Ordinary are appointed by the monarch for life); Supreme Courts of

England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (comprising the Courts of

Appeal, the High Courts of Justice, and the Crown Courts);

Scotland's Court of Session and Court of the Justiciary

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative and Unionist Party [Michael HOWARD]; Democratic

Unionist Party (Northern Ireland) [Rev. Ian PAISLEY]; Labor Party

[Anthony (Tony) BLAIR]; Liberal Democrats [Charles KENNEDY]; Party

of Wales (Plaid Cymru) [Ieuan Wyn Jones]; Scottish National Party or

SNP [John SWINNEY]; Sinn Fein (Northern Ireland) [Gerry ADAMS];

Social Democratic and Labor Party or SDLP (Northern Ireland) [Mark

DURKAN]; Ulster Unionist Party (Northern Ireland) [David TRIMBLE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Confederation of British

Industry; National Farmers' Union; Trades Union Congress

International organization participation:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECA

(associate), ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, EU, FAO, G- 5, G- 7, G- 8,

G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOVIC,

UNOMIG, UNRWA, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador David G. MANNING chancery: 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 588-7870 consulate(s): Dallas, Denver, Miami, and Seattle consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco telephone: [1] (202) 588-6500

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador William S. FARISH embassy: 24/31 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A1AE mailing address: PSC 801, Box 40, FPO AE 09498-4040 telephone: [44] (0) 7499-9000 FAX: [44] (0) 7629-9124 consulate(s) general: Belfast, Edinburgh

Flag description:

blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of

England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of

Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on

the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland);

properly known as the Union Flag, but commonly called the Union

Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue Ensign) have been

the basis for a number of other flags including other Commonwealth

countries and their constituent states or provinces, as well as

British overseas territories

Economy United Kingdom

Economy - overview:

The UK, a leading trading power and financial center, is one of the

quartet of trillion dollar economies of Western Europe. Over the

past two decades the government has greatly reduced public ownership

and contained the growth of social welfare programs. Agriculture is

intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by European standards,

producing about 60% of food needs with only 1% of the labor force.

The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil reserves; primary energy

production accounts for 10% of GDP, one of the highest shares of any

industrial nation. Services, particularly banking, insurance, and

business services, account by far for the largest proportion of GDP

while industry continues to decline in importance. GDP growth

slipped in 2001-03 as the global downturn, the high value of the

pound, and the bursting of the "new economy" bubble hurt

manufacturing and exports. Still, the economy is one of the

strongest in Europe; inflation, interest rates, and unemployment

remain low. The relatively good economic performance has complicated

the BLAIR government's efforts to make a case for Britain to join

the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Critics point out,

however, that the economy is doing well outside of EMU, and they

point to public opinion polls that continue to show a majority of

Britons opposed to the single currency. Meantime, the government has

been speeding up the improvement of education, transport, and health

services, at a cost in higher taxes. The war in March-April 2003

between a US-led coalition and Iraq, together with the subsequent

problems of restoring the economy and the polity, involve a heavy

commitment of British military forces.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.528 trillion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $25,500 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.4% industry: 24.9% services: 73.7% (2000)

Population below poverty line: 17%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 27.7% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.8 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

29.7 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 1%, industry 25%, services 74% (1999)

Unemployment rate:

5.2% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $565 billion

expenditures: $540 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 01)

Industries:

machine tools, electric power equipment, automation equipment,

railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles and

parts, electronics and communications equipment, metals, chemicals,

coal, petroleum, paper and paper products, food processing,

textiles, clothing, and other consumer goods

Industrial production growth rate:

-3.4% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

360.9 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 73.8% hydro: 0.9% other: 1.6% (2001) nuclear: 23.7%

Electricity - consumption:

346.1 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

264 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

10.66 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

2.541 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1.71 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

2.205 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - imports:

1.418 million bbl/day (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

4.741 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

105.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

92.85 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

15.75 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

2.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

714.9 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

cereals, oilseed, potatoes, vegetables; cattle, sheep, poultry; fish

Exports:

$286.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food, beverages, tobacco

Exports - partners:

US 15.5%, Germany 11.2%, France 9.4%, Ireland 8%, Netherlands 7.1%,

Belgium 5.2%, Italy 4.4%, Spain 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$330.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Germany 12.9%, US 11.9%, France 7.8%, Netherlands 6.3%, Belgium 5%,

Italy 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $4.5 billion (2000)

Currency:

British pound (GBP)

Currency code:

GBP

Exchange rates:

British pounds per US dollar - 0.67 (2002), 0.69 (2001), 0.66

(2000), 0.62 (1999), 0.6 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

Communications United Kingdom

Telephones - main lines in use:

34.878 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

43.5 million (yearend 1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: technologically advanced domestic and

international system

domestic: equal mix of buried cables, microwave radio relay, and

fiber-optic systems

international: 40 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations

- 10 Intelsat (7 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat

(Atlantic Ocean region), and 1 Eutelsat; at least 8 large

international switching centers

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 219, FM 431, shortwave 3 (1998)

Radios:

84.5 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

228 (plus 3,523 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions:

30.5 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.uk

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

more than 400 (2000)

Internet users:

34.3 million (2002)

Transportation United Kingdom

Railways:

total: 16,893 km

standard gauge: 16,536 km 1.435-m gauge (4,928 km electrified)

broad gauge: 357 km 1.600-m gauge (in Northern Ireland) (2002)

Highways:

total: 371,913 km

paved: 371,913 km (including 3,358 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (1999)

Waterways:

3,200 km

Pipelines:

condensate 370 km; gas 21,263 km; liquid petroleum gas 59 km; oil

6,420 km; oil/gas/water 63 km; refined products 4,474 km; water 650

km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Aberdeen, Belfast, Bristol, Cardiff, Dover, Falmouth, Felixstowe,

Glasgow, Grangemouth, Hull, Leith, Liverpool, London, Manchester,

Peterhead, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Scapa Flow, Southampton, Sullom

Voe, Teesport, Tyne

Merchant marine:

total: 295 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,752,179 GRT/6,963,112 DWT

ships by type: bulk 14, cargo 43, chemical tanker 19, combination

ore/oil 1, container 95, liquefied gas 4, livestock carrier 1,

passenger 18, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 50, refrigerated

cargo 3, roll on/roll off 37, short-sea passenger 8, specialized

tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Bermuda 1, Cyprus 1, Denmark 21, Germany 6, Greece 3,

Hong Kong 4, Italy 1, Monaco 4, Netherlands 1, Norway 9, Russia 1,

South Africa 2, Sweden 11, Taiwan 2, US 5 (2002 est.)

Airports:

470 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 334 over 3,047 m: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 33 914 to 1,523 m: 83 under 914 m: 59 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 151

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 136 2438 to 3047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 112 (2002) 914 to 1,523 m: 22

Heliports: 11 (2002)

Military United Kingdom

Military branches:

Army, Royal Navy (including Royal Marines), Royal Air Force

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 14,877,666 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 12,353,942 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$31.7 billion (2002)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.32% (2002)

Transnational Issues United Kingdom

Disputes - international:

Gibraltar residents vote overwhelmingly in referendum against

"total shared sovereignty" arrangement worked out between Spain and

UK to change 300-year rule over colony; Mauritius and Seychelles

claim the Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean Territory) and

its former inhabitants, who reside chiefly in Mauritius, but in 2001

were granted UK citizenship and the right to repatriation since

eviction in 1965; Argentina claims the Falkland Islands (Islas

Malvinas) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; Rockall

continental shelf dispute involving Denmark and Iceland; territorial

claim in Antarctica (British Antarctic Territory) overlaps Argentine

claim and partially overlaps Chilean claim; disputes with Iceland,

Denmark, and Ireland over the Faroe Islands continental shelf

boundary outside 200 NM

Illicit drugs:

gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering the European

market; major consumer of synthetic drugs, producer of limited

amounts of synthetic drugs and synthetic precursor chemicals; major

consumer of Southwest Asian heroin; money-laundering center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@United States

Introduction United States

Background:

Britain's American colonies broke with the mother country in 1776

and were recognized as the new nation of the United States of

America following the Treaty of Paris in 1783. During the 19th and

20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13 as the

nation expanded across the North American continent and acquired a

number of overseas possessions. The two most traumatic experiences

in the nation's history were the Civil War (1861-65) and the Great

Depression of the 1930s. Buoyed by victories in World Wars I and II

and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the US remains the world's most

powerful nation-state. The economy is marked by steady growth, low

unemployment and inflation, and rapid advances in technology.

Geography United States

Location:

North America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and the

North Pacific Ocean, between Canada and Mexico

Geographic coordinates:

38 00 N, 97 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 9,629,091 sq km

land: 9,158,960 sq km

water: 470,131 sq km

note: includes only the 50 states and District of Columbia

Area - comparative:

about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the size of

Africa; about half the size of South America (or slightly larger

than Brazil); slightly larger than China; about two and a half times

the size of Western Europe

Land boundaries:

total: 12,034 km

border countries: Canada 8,893 km (including 2,477 km with Alaska),

Mexico 3,141 km

note: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is leased by the US and

thus remains part of Cuba; the base boundary is 29 km

Coastline:

19,924 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM continental shelf: not specified exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in

Alaska, semiarid in the great plains west of the Mississippi River,

and arid in the Great Basin of the southwest; low winter

temperatures in the northwest are ameliorated occasionally in

January and February by warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes

of the Rocky Mountains

Terrain:

vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low mountains in

east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in Alaska; rugged,

volcanic topography in Hawaii

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Death Valley -86 m

highest point: Mount McKinley 6,194 m

Natural resources:

coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, gold,

iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum,

natural gas, timber

Land use:

arable land: 19.32%

other: 80.46% (1998 est.)

permanent crops: 0.22%

Irrigated land:

214,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

tsunamis, volcanoes, and earthquake activity around Pacific Basin;

hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts; tornadoes

in the midwest and southeast; mud slides in California; forest fires

in the west; flooding; permafrost in northern Alaska, a major

impediment to development

Environment - current issues:

air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US and Canada; the

US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning

of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of pesticides and

fertilizers; very limited natural fresh water resources in much of

the western part of the country require careful management;

desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping,

Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,

Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands,

Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Hazardous Wastes

Geography - note:

world's third-largest country by size (after Russia and Canada) and

by population (after China and India); Mt. McKinley is highest point

in North America and Death Valley the lowest point on the continent

People United States

Population:

290,342,554 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.9% (male 31,098,473; female 29,675,712)

15-64 years: 66.7% (male 96,628,469; female 97,061,559)

65 years and over: 12.4% (male 14,888,185; female 20,990,156) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 35.8 years male: 34.5 years female: 37.1 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.92% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

14.14 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.44 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.75 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 7.46 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.14 years

female: 80.05 years (2003 est.)

male: 74.37 years

Total fertility rate:

2.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

900,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

15,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: American(s)

adjective: American

Ethnic groups:

white 77.1%, black 12.9%, Asian 4.2%, Amerindian and Alaska native

1.5%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.3%, other 4%

(2000)

note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the US

Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean a person of Latin American

descent (including persons of Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican

origin) living in the US who may be of any race or ethnic group

(white, black, Asian, etc.)

Religions:

Protestant 56%, Roman Catholic 28%, Jewish 2%, other 4%, none 10%

(1989)

Languages:

English, Spanish (spoken by a sizable minority)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

female: 97% (1979 est.)

total population: 97%

male: 97%

People - note:

data for the US are based on projections that do not take into

consideration the results of the 2000 census

Government United States

Country name:

conventional long form: United States of America

conventional short form: United States

abbreviation: US or USA

Government type:

Constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic tradition

Capital:

Washington, DC

Administrative divisions:

50 states and 1 district*; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas,

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia*,

Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,

Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,

Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New

Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North

Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South

Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia,

Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Dependent areas:

American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island,

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

Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin

Islands, Wake Island

note: from 18 July 1947 until 1 October 1994, the US administered

the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, but recently entered

into a new political relationship with all four political units: the

Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with

the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau concluded a Compact of

Free Association with the US (effective 1 October 1994); the

Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association

with the US (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the

Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US

(effective 21 October 1986)

Independence:

4 July 1776 (from Great Britain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 July (1776)

Constitution:

17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts;

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George W. BUSH (since 20 January 2001)

and Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January 2001); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President George W. BUSH (since 20 January 2001)

and Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January 2001); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with Senate approval

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by a college of representatives who are elected directly from each

state; president and vice president serve four-year terms; election

last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held 2 November 2004)

election results: George W. BUSH elected president; percent of

popular vote - George W. BUSH (Republican Party) 48%, Albert A.

GORE, Jr. (Democratic Party) 48%, Ralph NADER (Green Party) 3%,

other 1%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress consists of the Senate (100 seats, one-third are

renewed every two years; two members are elected from each state by

popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of

Representatives (435 seats; members are directly elected by popular

vote to serve two-year terms)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Republican Party 51, Democratic Party 48, independent 1;

House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Republican Party 226, Democratic Party 204, independent 1,

undecided 4

elections: Senate - last held 5 November 2002 (next to be held NA

November 2004); House of Representatives - last held 5 November 2002

(next to be held NA November 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (its nine justices are appointed for life by the

president with confirmation by the Senate); United States Courts of

Appeal; United States District Courts; State and County Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Terence McAULIFFE]; Green Party [leader NA];

Libertarian Party [Steve DASBACH]; Republican Party [Governor Marc

RACICOT]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

AfDB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue

partner), Australia Group, BIS, CE (observer), CERN (observer), CP,

EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, ESCAP, FAO, G-5, G-7, G- 8, G-10, IADB,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

MINURSO, MIPONUH, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNHCR, UNIKOM,

UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOVIC, UNOMIG, UNRWA,

UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Flag description:

thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom)

alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper

hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars

arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and

bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent

the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies;

known as Old Glory; the design and colors have been the basis for a

number of other flags, including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and

Puerto Rico

Economy United States

Economy - overview:

The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in

the world, with a per capita GDP of $37,600. In this market-oriented

economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the

decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods

and services predominantly in the private marketplace. US business

firms enjoy considerably greater flexibility than their counterparts

in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant,

lay off surplus workers, and develop new products. At the same time,

they face higher barriers to entry in their rivals' home markets

than the barriers to entry of foreign firms in US markets. US firms

are at or near the forefront in technological advances, especially

in computers and in medical, aerospace, and military equipment,

although their advantage has narrowed since the end of World War II.

The onrush of technology largely explains the gradual development of

a "two-tier labor market" in which those at the bottom lack the

education and the professional/technical skills of those at the top

and, more and more, fail to get comparable pay raises, health

insurance coverage, and other benefits. Since 1975, practically all

the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of

households. The years 1994-2000 witnessed solid increases in real

output, low inflation rates, and a drop in unemployment to below 5%.

The year 2001 saw the end of boom psychology and performance, with

output increasing only 0.3% and unemployment and business failures

rising substantially. The response to the terrorist attacks of 11

September 2001 showed the remarkable resilience of the economy.

Moderate recovery took place in 2002, with the GDP growth rate

rising to 2.45%. A major short-term problem in first half 2002 was a

sharp decline in the stock market, fueled in part by the exposure of

dubious accounting practices in some major corporations. The war in

March/April 2003 between a US-led coalition and Iraq shifted

resources to military industries and introduced uncertainties about

investment and employment in other sectors of the economy. Long-term

problems include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure,

rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population,

sizable trade deficits, and stagnation of family income in the lower

economic groups.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $10.45 trillion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.4% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $36,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 2% industry: 18% services: 80% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line: 12.7% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.8% highest 10%: 30.5% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.8 (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6% (2002)

Labor force:

141.8 million (includes unemployed) (2001)

Labor force - by occupation: managerial and professional 31%, technical, sales and administrative support 28.9%, services 13.6%, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and crafts 24.1%, farming, forestry, and fishing 2.4% note: figures exclude the unemployed (2001)

Unemployment rate:

5.8% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $1.946 trillion

expenditures: $2.052 trillion, including capital expenditures of NA

(2002 est.)

Industries:

leading industrial power in the world, highly diversified and

technologically advanced; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles,

aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food

processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.4% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

3.719 trillion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 71.4% hydro: 5.6% other: 2.3% (2001) nuclear: 20.7%

Electricity - consumption:

3.602 trillion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

18.17 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

38.48 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

8.054 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

19.65 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

22.45 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

548.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

640.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

11.16 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

114.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.195 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; forest products; fish

Exports:

$687 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

capital goods, automobiles, industrial supplies and raw materials,

consumer goods, agricultural products

Exports - partners:

Canada 23.2%, Mexico 14.1%, Japan 7.4%, UK 4.8% (2002)

Imports:

$1.165 trillion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

crude oil and refined petroleum products, machinery, automobiles,

consumer goods, industrial raw materials, food and beverages

Imports - partners:

Canada 17.8%, Mexico 11.3%, China 11.1%, Japan 10.4%, Germany 5.3%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$862 billion (1995 est.)

Economic aid - donor:

ODA, $6.9 billion (1997)

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

British pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944 (2001), 0.6596

(2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998), Canadian dollars per US dollar

- 1.5693 (2002), 1.5488 (2001), 1.4851 (2000), 1.4857 (1999), 1.4835

(1998), Japanese yen per US dollar - 125.39 (2002), 121.53 (2001),

107.77 (2000), 113.91 (1999), 130.91 (1998), euros per US dollar -

1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.08540 (2000), 0.93863 (1999)

note: financial institutions in France, Italy, and Germany and eight

other European countries started using the euro on 1 January 1999

with the euro replacing the local currency in consenting countries

for all transactions in 2002

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications United States

Telephones - main lines in use:

194 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

69.209 million (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: a very large, technologically advanced,

multipurpose communications system

domestic: a large system of fiber-optic cable, microwave radio

relay, coaxial cable, and domestic satellites carries every form of

telephone traffic; a rapidly growing cellular system carries mobile

telephone traffic throughout the country

international: 24 ocean cable systems in use; satellite earth

stations - 61 Intelsat (45 Atlantic Ocean and 16 Pacific Ocean), 5

Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 4 Inmarsat (Pacific and

Atlantic Ocean regions) (2000)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 4,762, FM 5,542, shortwave 18 (1998)

Radios:

575 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: more than 1,500 (including nearly 1,000 stations affiliated with the five major networks - NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and PBS; in addition, there are about 9,000 cable TV systems) (1997)

Televisions:

219 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.us

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

7,000 (2002 est.)

Internet users:

165.75 million (2002)

Transportation United States

Railways:

total: 194,731 km mainline routes

standard gauge: 194,731 km 1.435-m gauge

note: represents the aggregate length of roadway of all line-haul

railroads including an estimate for class II and III railroads;

excludes 135,185 km of yard tracks, sidings, and parallel lines

(2000)

Highways:

total: 6,334,859 km

paved: 3,737,567 km (including 89,426 km of expressways)

unpaved: 2,597,292 km (2000)

Waterways: 41,009 km note: navigable inland channels, exclusive of the Great Lakes

Pipelines:

petroleum products 244,620 km; natural gas 548,665 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Anchorage, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Chicago, Duluth, Hampton

Roads, Honolulu, Houston, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, New Orleans,

New York, Philadelphia, Port Canaveral, Portland (Oregon), Prudhoe

Bay, San Francisco, Savannah, Seattle, Tampa, Toledo

Merchant marine:

total: 348 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 9,414,676 GRT/12,207,346 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 2, bulk 71, cargo 26, chemical tanker

13, combination bulk 2, combination ore/oil 1, container 79,

freighter 15, heavy lift carrier 3, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum

tanker 73, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 46, short-sea

passenger 2, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 9

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, Canada 4, Denmark 15, France 1, Germany 1,

Netherlands 3, Norway 7, Puerto Rico 4, Singapore 11, Sweden 1,

United Kingdom 3; also, the US owns 549 additional ships (1,000 GRT

or over) totaling 29,616,347 DWT that operate under the registries

of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda,

Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Finland, Gibraltar, Hong

Kong (China), Indonesia, Isle of Man, Italy, Liberia, Malta,

Marshall Islands, Netherlands, Norway, Norway (NIS), Panama, Peru,

Philippines, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Tonga, UK,

Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna (2002 est.)

Airports:

14,801 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5,131

over 3,047 m: 185

2,438 to 3,047 m: 222

914 to 1,523 m: 2,390

under 914 m: 969 (2002)

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1,365

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9,670

under 914 m: 7,802 (2002)

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 1,702

1,524 to 2,437 m: 158

Heliports:

149 (2002)

Military United States

Military branches:

Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard (Coast

Guard administered in peacetime by the Department of Homeland

Security but in wartime reports to the Department of the Navy)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 73,597,731 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

NA

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 2,116,002 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$276.7 billion (FY99 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.2% (FY99 est.)

Military - note:

note: 2002 estimates for military manpower are based on projections

that do not take into consideration the results of the 2000 census

Transnational Issues United States

Disputes - international:

prolonged drought in the Mexico border region has strained

water-sharing arrangements; 1990 Maritime Boundary Agreement in the

Bering Sea awaits Russian Duma ratification; maritime boundary

disputes with Canada at Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan

de Fuca, and around the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock;

The Bahamas have not been able to agree on a maritime boundary; US

Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased from Cuba and only mutual

agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease;

Haiti claims Navassa Island; US has made no territorial claim in

Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not

recognize the claims of any other state; Marshall Islands claims

Wake Island

Illicit drugs:

consumer of cocaine shipped from Colombia through Mexico and the

Caribbean; consumer of heroin, marijuana, and increasingly

methamphetamine from Mexico; consumer of high-quality Southeast

Asian heroin; illicit producer of cannabis, marijuana, depressants,

stimulants, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine; money-laundering

center

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Uruguay

Introduction Uruguay

Background:

A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement, the Tupamaros, launched

in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to agree to military

control of his administration in 1973. By yearend, the rebels had

been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold

throughout the government. Civilian rule was not restored until

1985. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest

on the continent.

Geography Uruguay

Location:

Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between

Argentina and Brazil

Geographic coordinates:

33 00 S, 56 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 176,220 sq km

land: 173,620 sq km

water: 2,600 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than the state of Washington

Land boundaries: total: 1,564 km border countries: Argentina 579 km, Brazil 985 km

Coastline: 660 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Terrain:

mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

Natural resources: arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fisheries

Land use: arable land: 7.21% permanent crops: 0.27% other: 92.52% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,800 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and occasional

violent wind which blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts,

floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as weather

barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes

from weather fronts

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry; inadequate

solid/hazardous waste disposal

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation,

Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

second-smallest South American country (after Suriname); most of

the low-lying landscape (three-quarters of the country) is

grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep raising

People Uruguay

Population:

3,413,329 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.3% (male 425,642; female 404,987)

15-64 years: 62.6% (male 1,057,187; female 1,079,549)

65 years and over: 13.1% (male 182,696; female 263,268) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.8 years

male: 30.2 years

female: 33.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

0.79% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

17.19 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.97 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 15.61 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.87 years

male: 72.54 years

female: 79.38 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.35 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,300 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 500 (2001 est.)

Nationality: noun: Uruguayan(s) adjective: Uruguayan

Ethnic groups:

white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%, Amerindian, practically nonexistent

Religions:

Roman Catholic 66% (less than half of the adult population attends

church regularly), Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, nonprofessing or other

31%

Languages:

Spanish, Portunol, or Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the

Brazilian frontier)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 97.6%

female: 98.4% (2003 est.)

Government Uruguay

Country name:

conventional long form: Oriental Republic of Uruguay

conventional short form: Uruguay

local short form: Uruguay

former: Banda Oriental, Cisplatine Province

local long form: Republica Oriental del Uruguay

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

Montevideo

Administrative divisions:

19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas,

Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida,

Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera,

Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

Independence:

25 August 1825 (from Brazil)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 August (1825)

Constitution:

27 November 1966, effective February 1967, suspended 27 June 1973,

new constitution rejected by referendum 30 November 1980; two

constitutional reforms approved by plebiscite 26 November 1989 and 7

January 1997

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jorge BATLLE Ibanez (since 1 March 2000)

and Vice President Luis HIERRO (since 1 March 2000); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Jorge BATLLE Ibanez (since 1 March

2000) and Vice President Luis HIERRO (since 1 March 2000); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with

parliamentary approval

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 31 October

1999, with runoff election on 28 November 1999 (next to be held NA

2004)

election results: Jorge BATLLE Ibanez elected president; percent of

vote - Jorge BATLLE Ibanez 52% in a runoff against Tabare VAZQUEZ 44%

Legislative branch:

bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General consists of Chamber

of Senators or Camara de Senadores (30 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms) and Chamber of

Representatives or Camara de Representantes (99 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators - last held 31 October 1999 (next to

be held NA 2004); Chamber of Representatives - last held 31 October

1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - Encuentro Progresista 12, Colorado Party 10,

Blanco 7, New Sector/Space Coalition 1; Chamber of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Encuentro

Progresista 40, Colorado Party 33, Blanco 22, New Sector/Space

Coalition 4

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and elected

for 10-year terms by the General Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Colorado Party [Jorge BATLLE Ibanez]; National Party or Blanco

[Luis Alberto LACALLE Herrera]; New Sector/Space Coalition or Nuevo

Espacio [Rafael MICHELINI]; Progressive Encounter/Broad Front

Coalition or Encuentro Progresista/Frente Amplio [Tabare VAZQUEZ]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES,

LAIA, Mercosur, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,

PCA, RG, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMISET,

UNMOGIP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,

WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo FERNANDEZ-FAINGOLD

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York

FAX: [1] (202) 331-8142

telephone: [1] (202) 331-1313 through 1316

chancery: 1913 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Martin J. SILVERSTEIN

embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200

mailing address: APO AA 34035

telephone: [598] (2) 418-7777

FAX: [598] (2) 418-8611

Flag description:

nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating

with blue; there is a white square in the upper hoist-side corner

with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May and

16 rays alternately triangular and wavy

Economy Uruguay

Economy - overview:

Uruguay's economy is characterized by an export-oriented

agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, and high levels of

social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during

1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy suffered a major downturn,

stemming largely from lower demand in Argentina and Brazil, which

together account for nearly half of Uruguay's exports. Total GDP in

these four years dropped by nearly 20%, with 2002 the worst year.

Unemployment rose to nearly 20% in 2002, inflation surged, and the

burden of external debt doubled. Cooperation with the IMF and the US

has limited the damage, which is still extensive. Moves to

reschedule debt and promote economic recovery may help limit a

further decline in output in 2003.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $26.82 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-10.8% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $7,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 27% services: 67% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 6% (1997)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.7% highest 10%: 25.8% (1997)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

42.3 (1989)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

14.1% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

1.2 million (2001)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 14%, industry 16%, services 70%

Unemployment rate:

19.4% (2002)

Budget:

revenues: $3.7 billion

expenditures: $4.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $500

million (2000)

Industries:

food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment,

petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

-12% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

7.963 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0.7% hydro: 99.1% other: 0.3% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

6.152 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.377 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

123 million kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

41,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

40 million cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

40 million cu m (2001 est.)

Agriculture - products:

rice, wheat, corn, barley; livestock; fish

Exports:

$2.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

meat, rice, leather products, wool, vehicles, dairy products

Exports - partners:

Brazil 21%, Argentina 15%, US 8.1%, Germany 5.1%, Italy 4% (2002)

Imports:

$1.87 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, road vehicles, crude petroleum

Imports - partners:

Argentina 25.6%, Brazil 22.7%, US 7.7%, Venezuela 6.2% (2002)

Debt - external:

$11.8 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Uruguayan peso (UYU)

Currency code:

UYU

Exchange rates:

Uruguayan pesos per US dollar - 21.26 (2002), 13.32 (2001), 12.1

(2000), 11.34 (1999), 10.47 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Uruguay

Telephones - main lines in use:

929,141 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

350,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully digitalized

domestic: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; new

nationwide microwave radio relay network

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean) (2002)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 91, FM 149, shortwave 7 (2001)

Radios:

1.97 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

20 (2001)

Televisions:

782,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.uy

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

14 (2001)

Internet users:

400,000 (2002)

Transportation Uruguay

Railways:

total: 2,073 km

standard gauge: 2,073 km 1.435-m gauge

note: 461 km have been taken out of service and 460 km are in

partial use (2002)

Highways: total: 8,983 km paved: 8,081 km unpaved: 902 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

1,600 km (used by coastal and shallow-draft river craft)

Pipelines:

gas 192 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Colonia, Fray Bentos, Juan La Caze, La Paloma, Montevideo, Nueva

Palmira, Paysandu, Punta del Este, Piriapolis

Merchant marine:

total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 10,918 GRT/9,775 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Argentina 4, Greece 1 (2002 est.)

ships by type: chemical tanker 1, container 1, petroleum tanker 1,

roll on/roll off 1

Airports:

64 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 15 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 49 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 16 under 914 m: 31 (2002)

Military Uruguay

Military branches:

Army, Navy (including Naval Air Arm, Coast Guard, Marines), Air

Force, Police (Coracero Guard, Grenadier Guard)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 831,297 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 672,030 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$250 million (1999)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

1.1% (2000)

Transnational Issues Uruguay

Disputes - international:

uncontested dispute with Brazil over certain islands in the

Quarai/Cuareim and Invernada streams and the resulting tripoint with

Argentina

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Uzbekistan

Introduction Uzbekistan

Background:

Russia conquered Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff

resistance to the Red Army after World War I was eventually

suppressed and a socialist republic set up in 1924. During the

Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain

led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies,

which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain

rivers half dry. Independent since 1991, the country seeks to

gradually lessen its dependence on agriculture while developing its

mineral and petroleum reserves. Current concerns include terrorism

by Islamic militants, a nonconvertible currency, and the curtailment

of human rights and democratization.

Geography Uzbekistan

Location:

Central Asia, north of Afghanistan

Geographic coordinates:

41 00 N, 64 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 447,400 sq km

water: 22,000 sq km

land: 425,400 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 6,221 km

border countries: Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2,203 km,

Kyrgyzstan 1,099 km, Tajikistan 1,161 km, Turkmenistan 1,621 km

Coastline:

0 km (doubly landlocked); note - Uzbekistan includes the southern

portion of the Aral Sea with a 420 km shoreline

Maritime claims:

none (doubly landlocked)

Climate:

mostly midlatitude desert, long, hot summers, mild winters;

semiarid grassland in east

Terrain:

mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad, flat

intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya, Syr

Darya (Sirdaryo), and Zarafshon; Fergana Valley in east surrounded

by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral Sea in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sariqarnish Kuli -12 m

highest point: Adelunga Toghi 4,301 m

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead

and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum

Land use: arable land: 10.8% permanent crops: 0.91% other: 88.29% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

42,810 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

shrinkage of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of

chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then

blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and contribute to

desertification; water pollution from industrial wastes and the

heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human

health disorders; increasing soil salination; soil contamination

from buried nuclear processing and agricultural chemicals, including

DDT

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

along with Liechtenstein, one of the only two doubly landlocked

countries in the world

People Uzbekistan

Population:

25,981,647 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.7% (male 4,594,721; female 4,431,653)

15-64 years: 60.5% (male 7,781,739; female 7,945,641)

65 years and over: 4.7% (male 497,692; female 730,201) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.8 years

male: 21.2 years

female: 22.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.63% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

26.09 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

7.97 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 71.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 67.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 75.27 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64 years

male: 60.53 years

female: 67.64 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

less than 740 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Uzbek(s)

adjective: Uzbek

Ethnic groups:

Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak 2.5%,

Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 est.)

Religions:

Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Languages:

Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.3%

male: 99.6%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

Government Uzbekistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan

conventional short form: Uzbekistan

local short form: Ozbekiston

former: Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

local long form: Ozbekiston Respublikasi

Government type:

republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power

outside the executive branch

Capital:

Tashkent (Toshkent)

Administrative divisions:

12 provinces (viloyatlar, singular - viloyat), 1 autonomous

republic* (respublika), and 1 city** (shahar); Andijon Viloyati,

Buxoro Viloyati, Farg'ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati, Namangan

Viloyati, Navoiy Viloyati, Qashqadaryo Viloyati (Qarshi),

Qaraqalpog'iston Respublikasi* (Nukus), Samarqand Viloyati, Sirdaryo

Viloyati (Guliston), Surxondaryo Viloyati (Termiz), Toshkent

Shahri**, Toshkent Viloyati, Xorazm Viloyati (Urganch)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their

administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center

name following in parentheses)

Independence:

1 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 September (1991)

Constitution:

new constitution adopted 8 December 1992

Legal system:

evolution of Soviet civil law; still lacks independent judicial

system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Islom KARIMOV (since 24 March 1990, when

he was elected president by the then Supreme Soviet)

head of government: Prime Minister Shavkat MIRZIYAYEV (since 11

December 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president with

approval of the Supreme Assembly

election results: Islom KARIMOV reelected president; percent of vote

- Islom KARIMOV 91.9%, Abdulkhafiz JALALOV 4.2%

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term

(previously was a five-year term, extended by constitutional

amendment in 2002); election last held 9 January 2000 (next to be

held NA December 2007); prime minister and deputy ministers

appointed by the president

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Assembly or Oliy Majlis (250 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - 2002

amendment to the constitution creates a second chamber to be

established via elections in 2004

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NDP 48, Self-Sacrificers Party 34, Fatherland Progress Party 20,

Adolat Social Democratic Party 11, MTP 10, citizens' groups 16,

local government 110, vacant 1

note: not all seats in the last Supreme Assembly election were

contested; all parties in the Supreme Assembly support President

KARIMOV

elections: last held 5 December and 19 December 1999 (next to be

held NA December 2004)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and confirmed

by the Supreme Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party [Anwar JURABAYEV, first

secretary]; Democratic National Rebirth Party (Milly Tiklanish) or

MTP [Aziz KAYUMOV, chairman]; People's Democratic Party or NDP

(formerly Communist Party) [Abdulkhafiz JALALOV, first secretary];

Self-Sacrificers Party or Fidokorlar National Democratic Party

[Ahtam TURSUNOV, first secretary]; note - Fatherland Progress Party

merged with Self-Sacrificers Party

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Birlik (Unity) Movement [Abdurakhim POLAT, chairman]; Erk (Freedom)

Democratic Party [Muhammad SOLIH, chairman] was banned 9 December

1992; Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan [Tolib YAKUBOV, chairman];

Independent Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan [Abduhoshim GHAFUROV,

chairman]; Ezgulik [Vasilia INOYATOVA]

International organization participation:

AsDB, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, GUUAM, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,

IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abdulaziz KAMILOV

FAX: [1] (202) 293-6804

consulate(s) general: New York

telephone: [1] (202) 293-6803

chancery: 1746 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John Edward HERBST

embassy: 82 Chilanzarskaya, Tashkent 700115

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [998] (71) 120-5450

FAX: [998] (71) 120-6335

Flag description:

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

separated by red fimbriations with a white crescent moon and 12

white stars in the upper hoist-side quadrant

Economy Uzbekistan

Economy - overview:

Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country of which 11% consists of

intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. More than 60% of its

population lives in densely populated rural communities. Uzbekistan

is now the world's second-largest cotton exporter, a large producer

of gold and oil, and a regionally significant producer of chemicals

and machinery. Following independence in December 1991, the

government sought to prop up its Soviet-style command economy with

subsidies and tight controls on production and prices. Uzbekistan

responded to the negative external conditions generated by the Asian

and Russian financial crises by emphasizing import substitute

industrialization and by tightening export and currency controls

within its already largely closed economy. The government, while

aware of the need to improve the investment climate, sponsors

measures that often increase, not decrease, the government's control

over business decisions. A sharp increase in the inequality of

income distribution has hurt the lower ranks of society since

independence.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $66.06 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.2% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 36%

industry: 21%

services: 43% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.2% highest 10%: 32.8% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

44.7 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

26% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

11.9 million (1998 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 44%, industry 20%, services 36% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

10% plus another 20% underemployed (1999 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $4 billion

expenditures: $4.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Industries:

textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, natural

gas, chemicals

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production:

44.49 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 88.2% hydro: 11.8% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

47.07 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

3.998 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

9.7 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

142,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

142,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

297 million bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

63.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

45.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

17.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

937.3 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain; livestock

Exports:

$2.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton 41.5%, gold 9.6%, energy products 9.6%, mineral fertilizers,

ferrous metals, textiles, food products, automobiles (1998 est.)

Exports - partners:

Russia 17.7%, Ukraine 11%, Italy 7.6%, Tajikistan 6.8%, Poland

5.1%, South Korea 5%, Kazakhstan 4.5%, US 4.2% (2002)

Imports:

$2.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment 49.8%, foodstuffs 16.4%, chemicals, metals

(1998 est.)

Imports - partners:

Russia 22.6%, Germany 9.8%, South Korea 9.4%, Kazakhstan 8.1%, US

6.9%, Ukraine 6.8%, China 5.2%, Turkey 4.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$4.6 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

approximately $150 million from the US (2001)

Currency:

Uzbekistani sum (UZS)

Currency code:

UZS

Exchange rates:

Uzbekistani sums per US dollar - 970 (2002), 325 (2001), 236.61

(2000), 124.63 (1999), 94.49 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Uzbekistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.98 million (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

130,000 (2003)

Telephone system:

general assessment: antiquated and inadequate; in serious need of

modernization

domestic: the domestic telephone system is being expanded and

technologically improved, particularly in Tashkent (Toshkent) and

Samarqand, under contracts with prominent companies in

industrialized countries; moreover, by 1998, six cellular networks

had been placed in operation - four of the GSM type (Global System

for Mobile Communication), one D-AMPS type (Digital Advanced Mobile

Phone System), and one AMPS type (Advanced Mobile Phone System)

international: linked by landline or microwave radio relay with CIS

member states and to other countries by leased connection via the

Moscow international gateway switch; after the completion of the

Uzbek link to the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable,

Uzbekistan will be independent of Russian facilities for

international communications; Inmarsat also provides an

international connection, albeit an expensive one; satellite earth

stations - NA (1998)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 20, FM 7, shortwave 10 (1998)

Radios:

10.8 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 4 (plus two repeaters that relay Russian programs), 1 cable rebroadcaster in Tashkent; approximately 20 stations in regional capitals (2003)

Televisions:

6.4 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.uz

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

42 (2000)

Internet users:

100,000 (2002)

Transportation Uzbekistan

Railways: total: 3,950 km broad gauge: 3,950 km 1.520-m gauge (620 km electrified) (2002)

Highways: total: 81,600 km paved: 71,237 km unpaved: 10,363 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

1,100 km (1990)

Pipelines:

gas 9,012 km; oil 869 km; refined products 33 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Termiz (Amu Darya)

Airports:

273 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 27 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 13 1,523 to 2,437 m: 5 under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 246 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 211 (2002)

Military Uzbekistan

Military branches:

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard, Security Forces

(internal security and border troops)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 6,940,031 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 5,635,099 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 310,915 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$200 million (FY97)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2% (FY97)

Transnational Issues Uzbekistan

Disputes - international:

prolonged regional drought creates water-sharing difficulties for

Amu Darya river states; delimitation with Kazakhstan complete with

demarcation underway; serious disputes with Kyrgyzstan around Uzbek

enclaves mar progress on delimitation efforts; talks have begun with

Tajikistan to determine and delimit border

Illicit drugs:

transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and, to a

lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit cultivation

of cannabis and small amounts of opium poppy for domestic

consumption; poppy cultivation almost wiped out by government crop

eradication program; transit point for heroin precursor chemicals

bound for Afghanistan

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Vanuatu

Introduction Vanuatu

Background:

The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th

century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which

administered the islands until independence in 1980.

Geography Vanuatu

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about

three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 S, 167 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 12,200 sq km

land: 12,200 sq km

note: includes more than 80 islands

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,528 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

contiguous zone: 24 NM

Climate:

tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds

Terrain:

mostly mountains of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

Natural resources: manganese, hardwood forests, fish

Land use: arable land: 2.46% permanent crops: 7.38% other: 90.16% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism causes

minor earthquakes; tsunamis

Environment - current issues:

a majority of the population does not have access to a potable and

reliable supply of water; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection,

Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands;

several of the islands have active volcanoes

People Vanuatu

Population:

199,414 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 34.8% (male 35,499; female 33,992)

15-64 years: 61.8% (male 63,021; female 60,149)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 3,605; female 3,148) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.9 years

male: 22 years

female: 21.8 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.61% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

24.26 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.13 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.15 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 58.11 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 55.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 60.76 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 61.71 years

male: 60.28 years

female: 63.21 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

adjective: Ni-Vanuatu

Ethnic groups:

indigenous Melanesian 98%, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, other

Pacific Islanders

Religions:

Presbyterian 36.7%, Anglican 15%, Roman Catholic 15%, indigenous

beliefs 7.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.2%, Church of Christ 3.8%,

other 15.7% (including Jon Frum Cargo cult)

Languages:

three official languages: English, French, pidgin (known as Bislama

or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 53%

male: 57%

female: 48% (1979 est.)

Government Vanuatu

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu

conventional short form: Vanuatu

former: New Hebrides

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

Port-Vila

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba

Independence:

30 July 1980 (from France and UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

Constitution:

30 July 1980

Legal system:

unified system being created from former dual French and British

systems

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Father John BANI (since 25 March 1999)

elections: president elected for a four-year term by an electoral

college consisting of Parliament and the presidents of the regional

councils for a five-year term; election for president last held 25

March 1999 (next to be held NA 2004); following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is

usually elected prime minister by Parliament from among its members;

election for prime minister last held 2 August 2002 (next to be held

NA 2003)

election results: Father John BANI elected president on second vote

(24 March 1999) after the first (17 March 1999) did not have any

candidate with the required two-thirds majority; percent of

electoral college vote - NA%

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,

responsible to Parliament

head of government: Prime Minister Edward Nipake NATAPEI (since 13

April 2001); Deputy Prime Minister Ham LINI (since NA)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular vote to

serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 2 May 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

UMP 15, VP 14, VRP 3, MPP 2, other and independent 18; note -

political party associations are fluid

note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of custom

and land

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president after

consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the

opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on

the advice of the Judicial Service Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

Jon Frum Movement [Song KEASPAI]; Melanesian Progressive Party or

MPP [Barak SOPE]; National United Party or NUP [Dinh Van THAN];

Union of Moderate Parties or UMP [Serge VOHOR]; Vanuaaku Party (Our

Land Party) or VP [Edward NATAPEI]; Vanuatu Republican Party or VRP

[Maxime Carlot KORMAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, NAM, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIBH, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Vanuatu does not have an embassy in the US; it does, however, have

a Permanent Mission to the UN

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the ambassador to Papua

New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

Flag description:

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

isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a

black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two

points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle);

centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed

namele leaves, all in yellow

Economy Vanuatu

Economy - overview:

The economy is based primarily on subsistence or small-scale

agriculture, which provides a living for 65% of the population.

Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with about 50,000

visitors in 1997, are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral

deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum

deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market.

Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Economic development is

hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports,

vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main

markets and between constituent islands. A severe earthquake in

November 1999 followed by a tsunami, caused extensive damage to the

northern island of Pentecote and left thousands homeless. Another

powerful earthquake in January 2002 caused extensive damage in the

capital, Port-Vila, and surrounding areas, and also was followed by

a tsunami. GDP growth rose less than 3% on average in the 1990s. In

response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten

regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002 the

government stepped up efforts to boost tourism. Australia and New

Zealand are the main suppliers of foreign aid.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $563 million (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 26%

industry: 12%

services: 62% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.2% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 65%, services 30%, industry 5% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $94.4 million

expenditures: $99.8 million, including capital expenditures of $30.4

million (1996 est.)

Industries:

food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production:

43.46 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

40.42 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, coconuts, fruits, vegetables; fish, beef

Exports:

$22 million f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee

Exports - partners:

India 32.5%, Thailand 22.8%, South Korea 10.5%, Indonesia 6.3%,

Japan 4.9% (2002)

Imports:

$93 million c.i.f. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels

Imports - partners:

Australia 22.1%, Japan 19.2%, New Zealand 10.1%, Singapore 8.1%,

Fiji 6.6%, Taiwan 5%, India 5% (2002)

Debt - external:

$68.6 million (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$45.8 million (1995)

Currency:

vatu (VUV)

Currency code:

VUV

Exchange rates:

vatu per US dollar - 139.2 (2002), 145.31 (2001), 137.64 (2000),

129.08 (1999), 127.52 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Vanuatu

Telephones - main lines in use:

5,500 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

310 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 2, shortwave 1 (2002)

Radios:

67,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2002)

Televisions:

2,300 (1999)

Internet country code:

.vu

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

3,000 (2000)

Transportation Vanuatu

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 1,070 km paved: 256 km unpaved: 814 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Forari, Port-Vila, Santo (Espiritu Santo)

Merchant marine:

total: 52 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,181,463 GRT/1,552,813 DWT

ships by type: bulk 26, cargo 5, combination bulk 3, container 3,

liquefied gas 2, multi-function large-load carrier 1, refrigerated

cargo 7, vehicle carrier 5

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 3, Canada 2, China 1, Japan 25, Monaco 4,

Netherlands 1, NZ 5, Panama 1, Poland 1, Switzerland 2, UK 4, US 2,

Vietnam 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

30 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1524 to 2437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 27 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 17 (2002)

Military Vanuatu

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF; including

the paramilitary Mobile Force or VMF)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Vanuatu

Disputes - international: Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Venezuela

Introduction Venezuela

Background:

Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse

of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and Ecuador).

For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled

by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil

industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected

governments have held sway since 1959. Current concerns include: an

embattled president who is losing his once solid support among

Venezuelans, a divided military, drug-related conflicts along the

Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption,

overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price

fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are

endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

Geography Venezuela

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North

Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 66 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 912,050 sq km

land: 882,050 sq km

water: 30,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries: total: 4,993 km border countries: Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km

Coastline: 2,800 km

Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 15 NM territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Terrain:

Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains

(llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Pico Bolivar (La Columna) 5,007 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals,

hydropower, diamonds

Land use: arable land: 2.99% permanent crops: 0.96% other: 96.05% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

540 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues: sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean coast; threat to the rainforest ecosystem from irresponsible mining operations

Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping

Geography - note:

on major sea and air routes linking North and South America; Angel

Falls in the Guiana Highlands is the world's highest waterfall

People Venezuela

Population:

24,654,694 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 31% (male 3,944,749; female 3,700,799)

15-64 years: 64.1% (male 7,931,194; female 7,864,697)

65 years and over: 4.9% (male 552,291; female 660,964) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.8 years

male: 24.3 years

female: 25.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.48% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.9 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 23.79 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 20.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 27.05 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.81 years

male: 70.78 years

female: 77.07 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.36 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

62,000 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Venezuelan(s)

adjective: Venezuelan

Ethnic groups:

Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous

people

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Languages:

Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.4%

male: 93.8%

female: 93.1% (2003 est.)

Government Venezuela

Country name:

conventional long form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

conventional short form: Venezuela

local short form: Venezuela

local long form: Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

Caracas

Administrative divisions:

23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 federal district*

(distrito federal), and 1 federal dependency** (dependencia

federal); Amazonas, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas, Bolivar,

Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales**, Distrito

Federal*, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva

Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Vargas, Yaracuy, Zulia

note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled

island groups with a total of 72 individual islands

Independence:

5 July 1811 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 5 July (1811)

Constitution:

30 December 1999

Legal system:

based on organic laws as of July 1999; open, adversarial court

system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February

1999); Vice President Jose Vicente RANGEL (since 28 April 2002);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February

1999); Vice President Jose Vicente RANGEL (since 28 April 2002);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

election results: Hugo CHAVEZ Frias reelected president; percent of

vote - 60%

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 30 July 2000 (next to be held NA 2006)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (165 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; three

seats reserved for the indigenous peoples of Venezuela)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

pro-government 108 (MVR 92, MAS 6, indigenous 3, other 7),

opposition 57 (AD 33, COPEI 6, Justice First 5, other 13)

elections: last held 30 July 2000 (next to be held NA 2005)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Tribuna Suprema de Justicia

(magistrates are elected by the National Assembly for a single

12-year term)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Action or AD [Claudio FERMIN]; Fifth Republic Movement

or MVR [Garcia PONCE]; Homeland for All or PPT [Jose ALBORNIZ];

Justice First [Julio BORGES]; Movement Toward Socialism or MAS

[Hector MUJICA]; National Convergence or Convergencia [Juan Jose

CALDERA]; Radical Cause or La Causa R [Antonio HERRERA]; Social

Christian Party or COPEI [Oswaldo ALVAREZ Paz]; Venezuela Project or

PV [Henrique SALAS Romer]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; VECINOS groups;

Venezuelan Confederation of Workers or CTV (labor organization

dominated by the Democratic Action)

International organization participation:

CAN, Caricom (observer), CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-15, G-19, G-24,

G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA,

NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bernardo ALVAREZ

chancery: 1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans,

New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

FAX: [1] (202) 342-6820

telephone: [1] (202) 342-2214

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles S. SHAPIRO

embassy: Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urbanizacion Colinas de Valle

Arriba, Caracas 1080

mailing address: P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A; APO AA 34037

telephone: [58] (212) 975-9234, 975-6411

FAX: [58] (212) 975-8991

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and red with

the coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and an arc of

seven white five-pointed stars centered in the blue band

Economy Venezuela

Economy - overview:

Venezuela continues to be highly dependent on the petroleum sector,

which accounts for roughly one-third of GDP, around 80% of export

earnings, and more than half of government operating revenues.

Despite higher oil prices at the end of 2002 and into 2003, domestic

political instability, culminating in a two-month national oil

strike from December 2002 to February 2003, temporarily halted

economic activity. The economy is likely to remain in a recession in

2003, after sinking an estimated 8.9 percent in 2002.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $131.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-8.9% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $5,400 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 5% industry: 50% services: 45% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 47% (1998 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.8% highest 10%: 36.5% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

49.5 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

31.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

9.9 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation:

services 64%, industry 23%, agriculture 13% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

17% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $21.5 billion

expenditures: $27 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Industries:

petroleum, iron ore mining, construction materials, food

processing, textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly

Industrial production growth rate:

-5.4% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

87.6 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 31.7% hydro: 68.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

81.47 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

3.08 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

505,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

63.95 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

31.71 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

31.71 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

4.202 trillion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Exports: $28.6 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities: petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, steel, chemicals, agricultural products, basic manufactures

Exports - partners:

US 53.4%, Netherlands Antilles 17.3%, Canada 2.9% (2002)

Imports:

$18.8 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, machinery and equipment, transport equipment,

construction materials

Imports - partners:

US 27.5%, Colombia 6.9%, Brazil 5.7%, Mexico 4.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$38.2 billion (2000)

Economic aid - recipient:

$74 million (2000)

Currency:

bolivar (VEB)

Currency code:

VEB

Exchange rates:

bolivares per US dollar - 1,160.44 (2002), 723.67 (2001), 679.96

(2000), 605.72 (1999), 547.56 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Venezuela

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.6 million (however, 3,500,000 have been installed) (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2 million (1998)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern and expanding

domestic: domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations; recent

substantial improvement in telephone service in rural areas;

substantial increase in digitalization of exchanges and trunk lines;

installation of a national interurban fiber-optic network capable of

digital multimedia services

international: 3 submarine coaxial cables; satellite earth stations

- 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 PanAmSat; participating with

Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia in the construction of an

international fiber-optic network

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 201, FM NA (20 in Caracas), shortwave 11 (1998)

Radios:

10.75 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

66 (plus 45 repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

4.1 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.ve

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

16 (2000)

Internet users:

1.3 million (2002)

Transportation Venezuela

Railways: total: 682 km standard gauge: 682 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Highways: total: 96,155 km paved: 32,308 km unpaved: 63,847 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

7,100 km

note: Rio Orinoco and Lago de Maracaibo accept oceangoing vessels

Pipelines:

extra heavy crude 992 km; gas 5,262 km; oil 7,484 km; refined

products 1,681 km; unknown (oil/water) 141 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Amuay, Bajo Grande, El Tablazo, La Guaira, La Salina, Maracaibo,

Matanzas, Palua, Puerto Cabello, Puerto la Cruz, Puerto Ordaz,

Puerto Sucre, Punta Cardon

Merchant marine:

total: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 714,073 GRT/1,256,667 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 1, Greece 1, Italy 1, UK 1, US 2 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 8, chemical tanker 1, container 1,

liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 15, roll

on/roll off 10, short-sea passenger 1

Airports:

373 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 127 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 61 under 914 m: 18 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 32

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 246 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 97 under 914 m: 139 (2002)

Heliports: 1 (2002)

Military Venezuela

Military branches:

National Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Nacionales or FAN) includes

Ground Forces or Army (Fuerzas Terrestres or Ejercito), Naval Forces

(Fuerzas Navales or Armada - including marines and Coast Guard), Air

Force (Fuerzas Aereas or Aviacion), Armed Forces of Cooperation or

National Guard (Fuerzas Armadas de Cooperacion or Guardia Nacional)

Military manpower - military age:

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 6,767,862 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 4,870,751 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 249,319 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$934 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.9% (FY99)

Transnational Issues Venezuela

Disputes - international:

claims all of Guyana west of the Essequibo River; maritime boundary

dispute with Colombia in the Gulf of Venezuela and the Caribbean

Sea; US, France and the Netherlands recognize Venezuela's claim to

give full effect to Aves Island, which creates a Venezuelan

EEZ/continental shelf extending over a large portion of the

Caribbean Sea; Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines protest the claim and other states'

recognition of it

Illicit drugs:

small-scale illicit producer of opium and coca for the processing

of opiates and coca derivatives; however, large quantities of

cocaine, heroin, and marijuana transit the country from Colombia

bound for US and Europe; significant narcotics-related

money-laundering activity, especially along the border with Colombia

and on Margarita Island; active eradication program primarily

targeting opium; increasing signs of drug-related activities by

Colombian insurgents on border

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Vietnam

Introduction Vietnam

Background:

France occupied all of Vietnam by 1884. Independence was declared

after World War II, but the French continued to rule until 1954 when

they were defeated by Communist forces under Ho Chi MINH, who took

control of the North. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam

grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but

US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in

1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South.

Economic reconstruction of the reunited country has proven difficult

as aging Communist Party leaders have only grudgingly initiated

reforms necessary for a free market.

Geography Vietnam

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin,

and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 N, 106 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 329,560 sq km

land: 325,360 sq km

water: 4,200 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries: total: 4,639 km border countries: Cambodia 1,228 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 2,130 km

Coastline:

3,444 km (excludes islands)

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season

(mid-May to mid-September) and warm, dry season (mid-October to

mid-March)

Terrain:

low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly,

mountainous in far north and northwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and

gas deposits, forests, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 17.41% permanent crops: 4.71% other: 77.88% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

30,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding,

especially in the Mekong River delta

Environment - current issues:

logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices contribute to

deforestation and soil degradation; water pollution and overfishing

threaten marine life populations; groundwater contamination limits

potable water supply; growing urban industrialization and population

migration are rapidly degrading environment in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh

City

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Nuclear

Test Ban

Geography - note:

extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km across

at its narrowest point

People Vietnam

Population:

81,624,716 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.2% (male 12,699,002; female 11,967,674)

15-64 years: 64.2% (male 25,776,600; female 26,599,005)

65 years and over: 5.6% (male 1,902,464; female 2,679,971) (2003

est.)

Median age: total: 24.5 years male: 23.6 years female: 25.5 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.29% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

19.58 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

6.19 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 30.83 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 26.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 34.71 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.05 years

male: 67.58 years

female: 72.7 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.24 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

130,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

6,600 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)

adjective: Vietnamese

Ethnic groups:

Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham, mountain

groups

Religions:

Buddhist, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (predominantly Roman

Catholic, some Protestant), indigenous beliefs, Muslim

Languages:

Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second

language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages

(Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94%

male: 95.8%

female: 92.3% (2003 est.)

Government Vietnam

Country name:

conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnam

conventional short form: Vietnam

local short form: Viet Nam

abbreviation: SRV

local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam

Government type:

Communist state

Capital:

Hanoi

Administrative divisions:

58 provinces (tinh, singular and plural), and 3 municipalities*

(thu do, singular and plural); An Giang, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Bac

Lieu, Bac Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Duong,

Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Cao Bang, Dac Lak, Da Nang,

Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Hai Duong, Hai Phong*, Ha

Nam, Ha Noi*, Ha Tay, Ha Tinh, Hoa Binh, Ho Chi Minh*, Hung Yen,

Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, Lang Son, Lao

Cai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Phu Tho, Phu

Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc

Trang, Son La, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Thua

Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phuc,

Yen Bai

Independence:

2 September 1945 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 September (1945)

Constitution:

15 April 1992

Legal system:

based on communist legal theory and French civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Tran Duc LUONG (since 24 September 1997)

elections: president elected by the National Assembly from among its

members for a five-year term; election last held 25 July 2002 (next

to be held when National Assembly meets following legislative

elections in 2007); prime minister appointed by the president from

among the members of the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers

appointed by the prime minister

head of government: Prime Minister Phan Van KHAI (since 25 September

1997); First Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 29

September 1997); Deputy Prime Ministers Vu KHOAN (since NA) and Pham

Gia KHIEM (since 29 September 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the proposal of the

prime minister and ratification of the National Assembly

election results: Tran Duc LUONG elected president; percent of

National Assembly vote - NA%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Quoc-Hoi (498 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 19 May 2002 (next to be held 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - CPV 90%, other 10% (the

10% are not CPV members but are approved by the CPV to stand for

election); seats by party - CPV 447, CPV-approved 51

Judicial branch:

Supreme People's Court (chief justice is elected for a five-year

term by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president)

Political parties and leaders:

only party - Communist Party of Vietnam or CPV [Nong Duc MANH,

general secretary]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ACCT, APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nguyen Tam CHIEN consulate(s) general: San Francisco FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917 telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737 chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Raymond F. BURGHARDT embassy: 7 Lang Ha Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi mailing address: PSC 461, Box 400, FPO AP 96521-0002 telephone: [84] (4) 772-1500 FAX: [84] (4) 772-1510 consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City

Flag description: red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center

Economy Vietnam

Economy - overview:

Vietnam is a poor, densely-populated country that has had to

recover from the ravages of war, the loss of financial support from

the old Soviet Bloc, and the rigidities of a centrally planned

economy. Substantial progress was achieved from 1986 to 1996 in

moving forward from an extremely low starting point - growth

averaged around 9% per year from 1993 to 1997. The 1997 Asian

financial crisis highlighted the problems in the Vietnamese economy

but, rather than prompting reform, reaffirmed the government's

belief that shifting to a market-oriented economy would lead to

disaster. GDP growth of 8.5% in 1997 fell to 6% in 1998 and 5% in

1999. Growth then rose to 6% to 7% in 2000-02 even against the

background of global recession. These numbers mask some major

difficulties in economic performance. Many domestic industries,

including coal, cement, steel, and paper, have reported large

stockpiles of inventory and tough competition from more efficient

foreign producers. Meanwhile, Vietnamese authorities have moved to

implement the structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and

to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The

US-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement entered into force near the end

of 2001 and is expected to significantly increase Vietnam's exports

to the US. The US is assisting Vietnam with implementing the legal

and structural reforms called for in the agreement.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $183.8 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,300 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 24% industry: 37% services: 39% (2001 est.)

Population below poverty line: 37% (1998 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.6% highest 10%: 29.9% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.1 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

38.2 million (1998 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 63%, industry and services 37% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

25% (1995 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $5.3 billion

expenditures: $5.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.8

billion (1999 est.)

Industries:

food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building, mining, cement,

chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, coal, steel, paper

Industrial production growth rate:

10.2% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

29.8 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 43.7% hydro: 56.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

27.71 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

356,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

185,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.4 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

1.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

1.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

192.6 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products: paddy rice, corn, potatoes, rubber, soybeans, coffee, tea, bananas, sugar; poultry, pigs; fish

Exports: $16.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, garments,

shoes

Exports - partners:

US 15.2%, Japan 14.9%, Australia 7.6%, China 6.6%, Germany 6.5%,

Singapore 5.5%, UK 4.3% (2002)

Imports:

$16.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel

products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles

Imports - partners:

South Korea 12.7%, China 12.2%, Japan 12.1%, Singapore 11.8%,

Taiwan 10.6%, Thailand 5.4% (2002)

Debt - external:

$14.1 billion (2001)

Economic aid - recipient: $2.1 billion in credits and grants pledged by international donors for 2000

Currency:

dong (VND)

Currency code:

VND

Exchange rates:

dong per US dollar - 15,325.8 (2002), 14,725.2 (2001), 14,167.7

(2000), 13,943.2 (1999), 13,268 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Vietnam

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.6 million (2000)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

730,155 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: Vietnam is putting considerable effort into

modernization and expansion of its telecommunication system, but its

performance continues to lag behind that of its more modern neighbors

domestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to

Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or

microwave radio relay networks; since 1991, main lines in use have

been substantially increased and the use of mobile telephones is

growing rapidly

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian

Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 65, FM 7, shortwave 29 (1999)

Radios:

8.2 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

at least 7 (plus 13 repeaters) (1998)

Televisions:

3.57 million (1997)

Internet country code:

.vn

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2000)

Internet users:

400,000 (2002)

Transportation Vietnam

Railways:

total: 3,142 km

standard gauge: 209 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 2,625 km 1.000-m gauge

dual gauge: 308 km three-rail track combining 1.435-m and 1.000-m

gauges (2002)

Highways:

total: 93,300 km

paved: 23,418 km

unpaved: 69,882 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

17,702 km

note: more than 5,149 km are navigable at all times by vessels up to

1.8 m draft

Pipelines:

condensate/gas 432 km; gas 210 km; oil 3 km; refined products 206

km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long, Quy Nhon,

Nha Trang, Vinh, Vung Tau

Merchant marine:

total: 180 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,054,423 GRT/1,588,732 DWT

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Cambodia 1, Japan 1, Singapore 1, UK 2 (2002 est.)

ships by type: bulk 13, cargo 128, chemical tanker 1, combination

bulk 1, container 9, liquefied gas 4, petroleum tanker 21,

refrigerated cargo 3

Airports:

47 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 24 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 23 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Military Vietnam

Military branches:

People's Army of Vietnam (includes Ground Forces, People's Navy

Command [including Naval Infantry], Air and Air Defense Force, Coast

Guard)

Military manpower - military age:

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 22,888,109 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 14,366,732 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 871,036 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$650 million (FY98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

2.5% (FY98)

Transnational Issues Vietnam

Disputes - international:

demarcation of the land boundary with China continues, but maritime

boundary and joint fishing zone agreement remains unratified;

Cambodia and Laos protest Vietnamese squatters and armed

encroachments along border; China occupies Paracel Islands also

claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; involved in a complex dispute over

Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and

possibly Brunei; claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration

on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea", a mechanism to

ease tension but which fell short of a legally binding "code of

conduct"

Illicit drugs:

minor producer of opium poppy; probable minor transit point for

Southeast Asian heroin; domestic opium/heroin/methamphetamine

addiction problems

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Virgin Islands

Introduction Virgin Islands

Background: During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.

Geography Virgin Islands

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic

Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 20 N, 64 50 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 352 sq km

water: 3 sq km

land: 349 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

188 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low

humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to

November

Terrain:

mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

Natural resources: sun, sand, sea, surf

Land use: arable land: 15% permanent crops: 6% other: 79% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts

and floods; occasional earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

lack of natural freshwater resources

Geography - note:

important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane

for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural

deepwater harbors in the Caribbean

People Virgin Islands

Population:

124,778 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26% (male 16,685; female 15,794)

15-64 years: 64.4% (male 36,241; female 44,157)

65 years and over: 9.5% (male 5,078; female 6,823) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.2 years

male: 28.6 years

female: 33.7 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.02% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

15.8 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

5.68 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.87 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 10.12 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.59 years

male: 74.73 years

female: 82.68 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.22 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Virgin Islander(s)

adjective: Virgin Islander

Ethnic groups:

black 78%, white 10%, other 12%

note: West Indian 81% (49% born in the Virgin Islands and 32% born

elsewhere in the West Indies), US mainland 13%, Puerto Rican 4%,

other 2%

Religions:

Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%

Languages:

English (official), Spanish, Creole

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Virgin Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands

conventional short form: Virgin Islands

former: Danish West Indies

Dependency status:

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations

between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the

Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Charlotte Amalie

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative

divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three

islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas

National holiday:

Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 27 March (1917)

Constitution:

Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954

Legal system:

based on US laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; note - indigenous inhabitants are US

citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20

January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (Since 20 January

2001)

election results: Dr. Charles Wesley TURNBULL reelected governor;

percent of vote - Dr. Charles Wesley TURNBULL (Democrat) 50.5%, John

de JONGH 24.4%

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same

ticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor elected

on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election

last held 5 November 2002 (next to be held NA November 2006)

head of government: Governor Dr. Charles Wesley TURNBULL (since 5

January 1999) and Lieutenant Governor Vargrave RICHARDS (since NA

January 2003)

cabinet: NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by popular vote to

serve two-year terms)

elections: last held 6 November 2002 (next to be held NA November

2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Democratic Party 8, ICM NA, no party affiliation NA

note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the

US House of Representatives; election last held 6 November 2002

(next to be held NA November 2004); results - Donna M.

CHRISTIAN-CHRISTENSON (Democrat) reelected

Judicial branch:

US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third Circuit

jurisdiction); Territorial Court (judges appointed by the governor

for 10-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Arturo WATLINGTON]; Independent Citizens'

Movement or ICM [Usie RICHARDS]; Republican Party [Gary SPRAUVE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ECLAC (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

white, with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the

large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows a yellow eagle

holding an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other

with a superimposed shield of vertical red and white stripes below a

blue panel

Economy Virgin Islands

Economy - overview:

Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for more than

70% of GDP and 70% of employment. The islands normally host 2

million visitors a year. The manufacturing sector consists of

petroleum refining, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and

watch assembly. The agricultural sector is small, with most food

being imported. International business and financial services are a

small but growing component of the economy. One of the world's

largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The islands are

subject to substantial damage from storms. The government is working

to improve fiscal discipline, support construction projects in the

private sector, expand tourist facilities, reduce crime, and protect

the environment.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $2.4 billion (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $19,000 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% (1992)

Labor force:

49,000 (2002 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 1%, industry 20%, services 79% (1990 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.9% (March 1999)

Budget:

revenues: $364.4 million

expenditures: $364.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1990 est.)

Industries:

tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling,

construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.03 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

957.9 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

66,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

refined petroleum products

Exports - partners:

US, Puerto Rico

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials

Imports - partners:

US, Puerto Rico

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

US dollar (USD)

Currency code:

USD

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

Communications Virgin Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

65,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2,000 (1992)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: modern, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay

international: submarine cable and satellite communications;

satellite earth stations - NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 5, FM 11, shortwave 0 (2002)

Radios:

107,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (2002)

Televisions:

68,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.vi

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

50 (2000)

Internet users:

12,000 (2000)

Transportation Virgin Islands

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 856 km

paved: NA km

note: the only US possession where driving on the left side of the

road is practiced (2000)

unpaved: NA km

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Port Alucroix

Merchant marine:

none (2002 est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Military Virgin Islands

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Virgin Islands

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Wake Island

Introduction Wake Island

Background:

The US annexed Wake Island in 1899 for a cable station. An

important air and naval base was constructed in 1940-41. In December

1941, the island was captured by the Japanese and held until the end

of World War II. In subsequent years, Wake was developed as a

stopover and refueling site for military and commercial aircraft

transiting the Pacific. Since 1974, the island's airstrip has been

used by the US military and some commercial cargo planes, as well as

for emergency landings. There are over 700 landings a year on the

island.

Geography Wake Island

Location:

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the

way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands

Geographic coordinates:

19 17 N, 166 36 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 6.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 6.5 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

19.3 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

atoll of three coral islands built up on an underwater volcano;

central lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 6 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing

location for transpacific flights

People Wake Island

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: US military personnel have left the island, but contractor

personnel remain; as of October 2001, 200 contractor personnel were

present (July 2003 est.)

Government Wake Island

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Wake Island

Dependency status:

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington,

DC, by the Department of the Interior; activities on the island are

managed by the US Air Force

Legal system:

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Flag description:

the flag of the US is used

Economy Wake Island

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to providing services to contractors

located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be

imported.

Electricity - production:

NA

Communications Wake Island

Telephone system:

general assessment: satellite communications; 1 DSN circuit off the

Overseas Telephone System (OTS)

domestic: NA

international: NA

Radio broadcast stations: AM 0, FM NA, shortwave NA note: Armed Forces Radio/Television Service (AFRTS) radio service provided by satellite (1998)

Television broadcast stations: 0 (1997)

Transportation Wake Island

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none; two offshore anchorages for large ships

Airports:

1 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Transportation - note:

formerly an important commercial aviation base, now used by US

military, some commercial cargo planes, and for emergency landings

Military Wake Island

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues Wake Island

Disputes - international: claimed by Marshall Islands

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Wallis and Futuna

Introduction Wallis and Futuna

Background:

Although discovered by the Dutch and the British in the 17th and

18th centuries, it was the French who declared a protectorate over

the islands in 1842. In 1959, the inhabitants of the islands voted

to become a French overseas territory.

Geography Wallis and Futuna

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of

the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

13 18 S, 176 12 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 274 sq km

note: includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island),

Ile Alofi, and 20 islets

water: 0 sq km

land: 274 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

129 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate:

tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season

(May to October); rains 2,500-3,000 mm per year (80% humidity);

average temperature 26.6 degrees C

Terrain:

volcanic origin; low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Singavi 765 m

Natural resources:

NEGL

Land use:

arable land: 5%

permanent crops: 20%

other: 75% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

NA

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (only small portions of the original forests remain)

largely as a result of the continued use of wood as the main fuel

source; as a consequence of cutting down the forests, the

mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion;

there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of

natural fresh water resources

Geography - note:

both island groups have fringing reefs

People Wallis and Futuna

Population: 15,734 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

NA (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New

Caledonia (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders

adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Languages:

French, Wallisian (indigenous Polynesian language)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 50%

male: 50%

female: 50% (1969 est.)

Government Wallis and Futuna

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands

conventional short form: Wallis and Futuna

local short form: Wallis et Futuna

local long form: Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna

Dependency status:

overseas territory of France

Government type:

NA

Capital:

Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order

administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there

are three kingdoms at the second order named Alo, Sigave, Wallis

Independence:

none (overseas territory of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French legal system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May

1995), represented by High Administrator Christian JOB (since 6

August 2002)

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; high administrator appointed by the French president on the

advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the

Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly are elected by

the members of the assembly

note: there are three traditional kings with limited powers

head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Patalione

KANIMOA (since NA January 2001)

cabinet: Council of the Territory consists of three kings and three

members appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the

Territorial Assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (20

seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 11 March 2002 (next to be held NA March 2007)

note: Wallis and Futuna elects one senator to the French Senate and

one deputy to the French National Assembly; French Senate -

elections last held 27 September 1998 (next to be held by NA

September 2007); results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats -

RPR (now UMP) 1; French National Assembly - elections last held 16

June 2002 (next to be held by NA 2007); results - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats - RPR (UMP) 1

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

RPR and affiliates 13, Socialists and affiliates 7

Judicial branch:

none; justice generally administered under French law by the high

administrator, but the three traditional kings administer customary

law and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu

Political parties and leaders:

Lua Kae Tahi (Giscardians) [leader NA]; Mouvement des Radicaux de

Gauche or MRG [leader NA]; Rally for the Republic or RPR [Clovis

LOGOLOGOFOLAU]; Taumu'a Lelei [Soane Muni UHILA]; Union Populaire

Locale or UPL [Falakiko GATA]; Union Pour la Democratie Francaise or

UDF [leader NA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

FZ, SPC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

a large white modified Maltese cross - shifted a little off center

toward the fly and slightly downward - on a red background; the flag

of France outlined in white on two sides is in the upper hoist

quadrant; the flag of France is used for official occasions

Economy Wallis and Futuna

Economy - overview:

The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with

about 80% labor force earnings from agriculture (coconuts and

vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. About 4% of the

population is employed in government. Revenues come from French

Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South

Korea, import taxes, and remittances from expatriate workers in New

Caledonia.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $30 million (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,000 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture, livestock, and fishing 80%, government 4% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues: $20 million

expenditures: $17 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Industries:

copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0% hydro: 0% other: 0% nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2002)

Agriculture - products:

breadfruit, yams, taro, bananas; pigs, goats

Exports:

$250,000 f.o.b. (1999)

Exports - commodities:

copra, chemicals, construction materials

Exports - partners:

Italy 40%, Croatia 15%, US 14%, Denmark 13%

Imports:

$300,000 f.o.b. (1999)

Imports - commodities:

chemicals, machinery, passenger ships, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

France 97%, Australia 2%, New Zealand 1%

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

assistance from France

Currency:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF); note - may adopt the

euro in 2003

Currency code:

XPF

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 126.41

(2002), 133.26 (2001), 129.43 (2000), 111.93 (1999), 107.25 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Wallis and Futuna

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,125 (1994)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1994)

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (2000)

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

2 (2000)

Televisions:

NA

Internet country code:

.wf

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Wallis and Futuna

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 120 km (Ile Uvea 100 km, Ile Futuna 20 km)

paved: 16 km (all on Ile Uvea)

unpaved: 104 km (Ile Uvea 84 km, Ile Futuna 20 km)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Leava, Mata-Utu

Merchant marine:

total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 85,572 GRT/9,004 DWT

ships by type: passenger 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: France 3, US 1 (2002 est.)

Airports:

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Military Wallis and Futuna

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues Wallis and Futuna

Disputes - international: none

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@West Bank

Introduction West Bank

Background:

The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government

Arrangements (the DOP), signed in Washington on 13 September 1993,

provided for a transitional period not exceeding five years of

Palestinian interim self-government in the Gaza Strip and the West

Bank. Under the DOP, Israel agreed to transfer certain powers and

responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, which includes the

Palestinian Legislative Council elected in January 1996, as part of

the interim self-governing arrangements in the West Bank and Gaza

Strip. A transfer of powers and responsibilities for the Gaza Strip

and Jericho took place pursuant to the Israel-PLO 4 May 1994 Cairo

Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area and in additional

areas of the West Bank pursuant to the Israel-PLO 28 September 1995

Interim Agreement, the Israel-PLO 15 January 1997 Protocol

Concerning Redeployment in Hebron, the Israel-PLO 23 October 1998

Wye River Memorandum, and the 4 September 1999 Sharm el-Sheikh

Agreement. The DOP provides that Israel will retain responsibility

during the transitional period for external security and for

internal security and public order of settlements and Israeli

citizens. Direct negotiations to determine the permanent status of

Gaza and West Bank had begun in September 1999 after a three-year

hiatus, but have been derailed by a second intifadah that broke out

in September 2000. The resulting widespread violence in the West

Bank and Gaza Strip, Israel's military response, and instability

within the Palestinian Authority continue to undermine progress

toward a permanent agreement.

Geography West Bank

Location:

Middle East, west of Jordan

Geographic coordinates:

32 00 N, 35 15 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 5,860 sq km

note: includes West Bank, Latrun Salient, and the northwest quarter

of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus; East Jerusalem and

Jerusalem No Man's Land are also included only as a means of

depicting the entire area occupied by Israel in 1967

water: 220 sq km

land: 5,640 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries: total: 404 km border countries: Israel 307 km, Jordan 97 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm

to hot summers, cool to mild winters

Terrain:

mostly rugged dissected upland, some vegetation in west, but barren

in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point: Tall Asur 1,022 m

Natural resources:

arable land

Land use:

arable land: NEGL%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

droughts

Environment - current issues:

adequacy of fresh water supply; sewage treatment

Geography - note:

landlocked; highlands are main recharge area for Israel's coastal

aquifers; there are 242 Israeli settlements and civilian land use

sites in the West Bank and 29 in East Jerusalem (February 2002 est.)

People West Bank

Population:

2,237,194 (July 2002 est.)

note: in addition, there are about 187,000 Israeli settlers in the

West Bank and fewer than 177,000 in East Jerusalem (February 2002

est.) (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.1% (male 505,880; female 481,369)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 598,992; female 572,511)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 33,688; female 44,754) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.9 years

male: 17.7 years

female: 18 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.3% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

34.07 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

4.16 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 22.86 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.68 years

male: 70.95 years

female: 74.51 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Palestinian Arab and other 83%, Jewish 17%

Religions:

Muslim 75% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 17%, Christian and other 8%

Languages:

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians),

English (widely understood)

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government West Bank

Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: West Bank

Economy West Bank

Economy - overview:

Real per capita GDP for the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WBGS)

declined by about one-third between 1992 and 1996 due to the

combined effect of falling aggregate incomes and rapid population

growth. The downturn in economic activity was largely the result of

Israeli closure policies - the imposition of border closures in

response to security incidents in Israel - which disrupted labor and

commodity market relationships between Israel and the WBGS. The most

serious social effect of this downturn was rising unemployment;

unemployment in the WBGS during the 1980s was generally under 5%; by

1995 it had risen to over 20%. Israel's use of comprehensive

closures during the next five years decreased and, in 1998, Israel

implemented new policies to reduce the impact of closures and other

security procedures on the movement of Palestinian goods and labor.

These changes fueled an almost three-year-long economic recovery in

the West Bank and Gaza Strip; real GDP grew by 5% in 1998 and 6% in

1999. Recovery was upended in the last quarter of 2000 with the

outbreak of violence, which triggered tight Israeli closures of

Palestinian self-rule areas and severely disrupted trade and labor

movements. In 2001, and even more severely in 2002, Israeli military

measures in Palestinian Authority areas have resulted in the

destruction of much capital plant and administrative structure,

widespread business closures, and a sharp drop in GDP. Another major

loss has been the decline in earnings of Palestinian workers in

Israel. International aid of $2 billion in 2001-02 to the West Bank

and Gaza Strip have prevented the complete collapse of the economy.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $1.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-22% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 9% industry: 28% services: 63% note: includes Gaza Strip (1999 est.)

Population below poverty line:

60% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (includes Gaza Strip) (2001 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

services 66%, industry 21%, agriculture 13% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

50% (includes Gaza Strip) (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $930 million

note: includes Gaza Strip (2000 est.)

expenditures: $1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $15

million

Industries:

generally small family businesses that produce cement, textiles,

soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the

Israelis have established some small-scale, modern industries in the

settlements and industrial centers

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh; note - most electricity imported from Israel; East

Jerusalem Electric Company buys and distributes electricity to

Palestinians in East Jerusalem and its concession in the West Bank;

the Israel Electric Company directly supplies electricity to most

Jewish residents and military facilities; some Palestinian

municipalities, such as Nablus and Janin, generate their own

electricity from small power plants

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% nuclear: 0% other: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - imports:

NA kWh

Agriculture - products:

olives, citrus, vegetables; beef, dairy products

Exports:

$603 million f.o.b., includes Gaza Strip

Exports - commodities:

olives, fruit, vegetables, limestone

Exports - partners:

Israel, Jordan, Gaza Strip (2000)

Imports:

$1.9 billion c.i.f., includes Gaza Strip

Imports - commodities:

food, consumer goods, construction materials

Imports - partners:

Israel, Jordan, Gaza Strip (2000)

Debt - external:

$108 million (includes Gaza Strip) (1997 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$800 million (includes Gaza Strip) (2001 est.)

Currency:

new Israeli shekel (ILS); Jordanian dinar (JOD)

Currency code:

ILS; JOD

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.7378 (2002), 4.2057 (2001),

4.0773 (2000), 4.1397 (1999), 3.8001 (1998), 3.4494 (1997);

Jordanian dinars per US dollar - fixed rate of 0.7090 (from 1996)

Fiscal year:

calendar year (since 1 January 1992)

Communications West Bank

Telephones - main lines in use:

95,729 (total for West Bank and Gaza Strip) (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

note: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are

responsible for communication services in the West Bank

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0

note: the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts from an AM

station in Ramallah on 675 kHz; numerous local, private stations are

reported to be in operation (2000)

Radios:

NA; note - most Palestinian households have radios (1999)

Television broadcast stations:

NA

Televisions:

NA; note - many Palestinian households have televisions (1999)

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

8 (1999)

Internet users:

60,000 (includes Gaza Strip) (2001)

Transportation West Bank

Railways:

0 km

Highways:

total: 4,500 km

paved: 2,700 km

unpaved: 1,800 km

note: Israelis have developed many highways to service Jewish

settlements (1997 est.)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

none

Airports:

3 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Military West Bank

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues West Bank

Disputes - international:

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status

subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent

status to be determined through further negotiation

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Western Sahara

Introduction Western Sahara

Background:

Morocco virtually annexed the northern two-thirds of Western Sahara

(formerly Spanish Sahara) in 1976, and the rest of the territory in

1979, following Mauritania's withdrawal. A guerrilla war with the

Polisario Front contesting Rabat's sovereignty ended in a 1991

UN-brokered cease-fire; a UN-organized referendum on final status

has been repeatedly postponed.

Geography Western Sahara

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between

Mauritania and Morocco

Geographic coordinates:

24 30 N, 13 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 266,000 sq km

water: 0 sq km

land: 266,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

about the size of Colorado

Land boundaries: total: 2,046 km border countries: Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 km

Coastline:

1,110 km

Maritime claims:

contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issue

Climate:

hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air currents produce

fog and heavy dew

Terrain:

mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces

rising to small mountains in south and northeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Sebjet Tah -55 m

highest point: unnamed location 463 m

Natural resources:

phosphates, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

NA sq km

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and

spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely

restricting visibility

Environment - current issues:

sparse water and lack of arable land

Environment - international agreements: party to: none of the selected agreements signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note: the waters off the coast are particularly rich fishing areas

People Western Sahara

Population: 261,794 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Population growth rate:

NA% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Sahrawi(s), Sahraoui(s)

adjective: Sahrawian, Sahraouian

Ethnic groups:

Arab, Berber

Religions:

Muslim

Languages:

Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan Arabic

Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%

Government Western Sahara

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Western Sahara

former: Spanish Sahara

Government type:

legal status of territory and issue of sovereignty unresolved;

territory contested by Morocco and Polisario Front (Popular Front

for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro), which in

February 1976 formally proclaimed a government-in-exile of the

Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR),led by President Mohamed

ABDELAZIZ; territory partitioned between Morocco and Mauritania in

April 1976, with Morocco acquiring northern two-thirds; Mauritania,

under pressure from Polisario guerrillas, abandoned all claims to

its portion in August 1979; Morocco moved to occupy that sector

shortly thereafter and has since asserted administrative control;

the Polisario's government-in-exile was seated as an OAU member in

1984; guerrilla activities continued sporadically, until a

UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented 6 September 1991

Capital:

none

Administrative divisions:

none (under de facto control of Morocco)

Suffrage:

none; a UN-sponsored voter identification campaign not yet completed

Executive branch:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

none

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none

Economy Western Sahara

Economy - overview:

Western Sahara depends on pastoral nomadism, fishing, and phosphate

mining as the principal sources of income for the population. The

territory lacks sufficient rainfall for sustainable agricultural

production, and most of the food for the urban population must be

imported. All trade and other economic activities are controlled by

the Moroccan Government. Moroccan energy interests in 2001 signed

contracts to explore for oil off the coast of Western Sahara, which

has angered the Polisario. Incomes and standards of living in

Western Sahara are substantially below the Moroccan level.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: 40% (1996 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Labor force:

12,000

Labor force - by occupation:

animal husbandry and subsistence farming 50%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries:

phosphate mining, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

90 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

83.7 million kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

1,800 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

fruits and vegetables (grown in the few oases); camels, sheep,

goats (kept by nomads)

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

phosphates 62%

Exports - partners:

Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners

are included in overall Moroccan accounts

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners

are included in overall Moroccan accounts (2000)

Debt - external:

$NA

Economic aid - recipient:

$NA

Currency:

Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Currency code:

MAD

Exchange rates:

Moroccan dirhams per US dollar - 11.584 (2002), 11.303 (2001),

10.626 (2000), 9.804 (1999), 9.604 (1998), 9.527 (1997)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Western Sahara

Telephones - main lines in use:

about 2,000 (1999 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (1999)

Telephone system:

general assessment: sparse and limited system

domestic: NA

international: tied into Morocco's system by microwave radio relay,

tropospheric scatter, and satellite; satellite earth stations - 2

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) linked to Rabat, Morocco

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios:

56,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

NA

Televisions:

6,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.eh

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

NA

Transportation Western Sahara

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 6,200 km paved: 1,350 km unpaved: 4,850 km (1991 est)

Waterways:

none

Ports and harbors:

Ad Dakhla, Cabo Bojador, Laayoune (El Aaiun)

Airports:

11 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Military Western Sahara

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

NA%

Transnational Issues Western Sahara

Disputes - international:

Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty

remains unresolved; UN-administered cease-fire has remained in

effect since September 1991, but attempts to hold a referendum have

failed and parties have rejected other proposals; Mauritanian claims

to Western Sahara have been dormant in recent years; Morocco allowed

Spanish fishermen to fish temporarily off the coast of Western

Sahara after an oil spill soiled Spanish fishing grounds

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@World

Introduction World

Background:

Globally, the 20th century was marked by: (a) two devastating world

wars; (b) the Great Depression of the 1930s; (c) the end of vast

colonial empires; (d) rapid advances in science and technology, from

the first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (US) to the

landing on the moon; (e) the Cold War between the Western alliance

and the Warsaw Pact nations; (f) a sharp rise in living standards in

North America, Europe, and Japan; (g) increased concerns about the

environment, including loss of forests, shortages of energy and

water, the decline in biological diversity, and air pollution; (h)

the onset of the AIDS epidemic; and (i) the ultimate emergence of

the US as the only world superpower. The planet's population

continues to explode: from 1 billion in 1820, to 2 billion in 1930,

3 billion in 1960, 4 billion in 1974, 5 billion in 1988, and 6

billion in 2000. For the 21st century, the continued exponential

growth in science and technology raises both hopes (e.g., advances

in medicine) and fears (e.g., development of even more lethal

weapons of war).

Geography World

Map references:

Physical Map of the World, Political Map of the World, Standard

Time Zones of the World

Area:

total: 510.072 million sq km

land: 148.94 million sq km

water: 361.132 million sq km

note: 70.8% of the world's surface is water, 29.2% is land

Area - comparative:

land area about 16 times the size of the US

Land boundaries:

the land boundaries in the world total 250,472 km (not counting

shared boundaries twice)

Coastline:

356,000 km

Maritime claims:

a variety of situations exist, but in general, most countries make

the following claims: contiguous zone - 24 NM; continental shelf -

200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation, or 200 NM or to the

edge of the continental margin; exclusive fishing zone - 200 NM;

exclusive economic zone - 200 NM; territorial sea - 12 NM; boundary

situations with neighboring states prevent many countries from

extending their fishing or economic zones to a full 200 NM; 43

nations and other areas that are landlocked include Afghanistan,

Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia,

Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad,

Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary,

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,

Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San

Marino, Slovakia, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tajikistan, The Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan,

West Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe; two of these, Liechtenstein and

Uzbekistan, are doubly landlocked

Climate:

two large areas of polar climates separated by two rather narrow

temperate zones form a wide equatorial band of tropical to

subtropical climates

Terrain:

the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924 m in the

Pacific Ocean

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,540 m

note: in the oceanic realm, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is

the lowest point, lying -10,924 m below the surface of the Pacific

Ocean

highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m (1999 est.)

Natural resources:

the rapid depletion of nonrenewable mineral resources, the

depletion of forest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and

plant species, and the deterioration in air and water quality

(especially in Eastern Europe, the former USSR, and China) pose

serious long-term problems that governments and peoples are only

beginning to address

Land use: arable land: 10.58% permanent crops: 1% other: 88.42% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

2,714,320 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones), natural

disasters (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions)

Environment - current issues: large areas subject to overpopulation, industrial disasters, pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances), loss of vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification), loss of wildlife, soil degradation, soil depletion, erosion

Geography - note:

the world is now thought to be about 4.55 billion years old, just

about one-third of the 13-billion-year age estimated for the universe

People World

Population:

6,302,309,691 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.2% (male 932,581,592; female 885,688,851)

15-64 years: 63.7% (male 2,009,997,089; female 1,964,938,201)

65 years and over: 7.1% (male 193,549,180; female 247,067,032) (2003

est.)

note: some countries do not maintain age structure information, thus

a slight discrepancy exists between the total world population and

the total for world age structure

Population growth rate:

1.17% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

20.43 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

8.83 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 51.38 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 53.81 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 48.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.95 years

male: 62 years

female: 70.23 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Religions:

Christians 32.79% (of which Roman Catholics 17.33%, Protestants

5.62%, Orthodox 3.51%, Anglicans 1.31%), Muslims 19.6%, Hindus

13.31%, Buddhists 5.88%, Sikhs 0.38%, Jews 0.24%, other religions

12.83%, non-religious 12.53%, atheists 2.44% (2001 est.)

Languages:

Chinese, Mandarin 14.37%, Hindi 6.02%, English 5.61%, Spanish

5.59%, Bengali 3.4%, Portuguese 2.63%, Russian 2.75%, Japanese

2.06%, German, Standard 1.64%, Korean 1.28%, French 1.27% (2000 est.)

note: percents are for "first language" speakers only

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 77%

male: 83%

female: 71% (1995 est.)

Government World

Administrative divisions:

268 nations, dependent areas, other, and miscellaneous entries

Legal system:

all members of the UN plus Switzerland are parties to the statute

that established the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or World

Court

Economy World

Economy - overview: Growth in global output (gross world product, GWP) fell from 4.8% in 2000 to 2.2% in 2001 and 2.7% in 2002. The causes: sluggishness in the US economy (21% of GWP) and in the 15 EU economies (19% of GWP); continued stagnation in the Japanese economy (7.2% of GWP); and spillover effects in the less developed regions of the world. China, the second-largest economy in the world (12% of GWP), proved an exception, continuing its rapid annual growth, officially announced as 8% but estimated by many observers as perhaps two percentage points lower. Russia (2.6% of GWP), with 4% growth, continued to make uneven progress, its GDP per capita still only one-third that of the leading industrial nations. The other 14 successor nations of the USSR and the other old Warsaw Pact nations again experienced widely divergent growth rates; the three Baltic nations continued as strong performers, in the 5% range of growth. The developing nations also varied in their growth results, with many countries facing population increases that erode gains in output. Externally, the nation-state, as a bedrock economic-political institution, is steadily losing control over international flows of people, goods, funds, and technology. Internally, the central government often finds its control over resources slipping as separatist regional movements - typically based on ethnicity - gain momentum, e.g., in many of the successor states of the former Soviet Union, in the former Yugoslavia, in India, in Indonesia, and in Canada. Externally, the central government is losing decision-making powers to international bodies. In Western Europe, governments face the difficult political problem of channeling resources away from welfare programs in order to increase investment and strengthen incentives to seek employment. The addition of 80 million people each year to an already overcrowded globe is exacerbating the problems of pollution, desertification, underemployment, epidemics, and famine. Because of their own internal problems and priorities, the industrialized countries devote insufficient resources to deal effectively with the poorer areas of the world, which, at least from the economic point of view, are becoming further marginalized. The introduction of the euro as the common currency of much of Western Europe in January 1999, while paving the way for an integrated economic powerhouse, poses economic risks because of varying levels of income and cultural and political differences among the participating nations. The terrorist attacks on the US on 11 September 2001 accentuate a further growing risk to global prosperity, illustrated, for example, by the reallocation of resources away from investment to anti-terrorist programs. The opening of war in March 2003 between a US-led coalition and Iraq added new uncertainties to global economic prospects. (For specific economic developments in each country of the world in 2002, see the individual country entries.)

GDP:

GWP (gross world product) - purchasing power parity - $49 trillion

(2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.7% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $7,900 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%

industry: 32%

services: 64% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

developed countries 1% to 4% typically; developing countries 5% to

60% typically; national inflation rates vary widely in individual

cases, from declining prices in Japan to hyperinflation in several

Third World countries

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Unemployment rate:

30% combined unemployment and underemployment in many

non-industrialized countries; developed countries typically 4%-12%

unemployment

Industries:

dominated by the onrush of technology, especially in computers,

robotics, telecommunications, and medicines and medical equipment;

most of these advances take place in OECD nations; only a small

portion of non-OECD countries have succeeded in rapidly adjusting to

these technological forces; the accelerated development of new

industrial (and agricultural) technology is complicating already

grim environmental problems

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

14.85 trillion kWh (2001 est.)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: NA% hydro: NA% other: NA% nuclear: NA%

Electricity - consumption:

13.93 trillion kWh (2001 est.)

Oil - production:

75.46 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

76.21 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - proved reserves:

1.025 trillion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

2.569 trillion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

2.556 trillion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

703.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

697.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

161.2 trillion cu m (37257)

Exports:

$6.6 trillion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services

Exports - partners:

US 17.4%, Germany 7.6%, UK 5.4%, France 5.1%, Japan 4.8%, China 4%

(2002)

Imports:

$6.6 trillion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services

Imports - partners:

US 11.2%, Germany 9.2%, China 7%, Japan 6.8%, France 4.7%, UK 4%

(2002)

Debt - external:

$2 trillion for less developed countries (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

official development assistance (ODA) $50 billion

Communications World

Telephones - main lines in use:

NA

Telephones - mobile cellular:

NA

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

Radio broadcast stations:

AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA

Radios:

NA

Television broadcast stations:

NA

Televisions:

NA

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

10,350 (2000 est.)

Internet users:

604,111,719 (2002 est.)

Transportation World

Railways:

total: 1,122,650 km includes about 190,000 to 195,000 km of

electrified routes of which 147,760 km are in Europe, 24,509 km in

the Far East, 11,050 km in Africa, 4,223 km in South America, and

4,160 km in North America; note - fastest speed in daily service is

300 km/hr attained by France's Societe Nationale des Chemins-de-Fer

Francais (SNCF) Le Train a Grande Vitesse (TGV) - Atlantique line

broad gauge: 251,153 km

narrow gauge: 239,430 km

standard gauge: 710,754 km

Highways:

total: NA km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km

Ports and harbors:

Chiba, Houston, Kawasaki, Kobe, Marseille, Mina' al Ahmadi

(Kuwait), New Orleans, New York, Rotterdam, Yokohama

Military World

Military expenditures - dollar figure: aggregate real expenditure on arms worldwide in 1999 remained at approximately the 1998 level, about three-quarters of a trillion dollars (1999 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: roughly 2% of gross world product (1999 est.)

Transnational Issues World

Disputes - international:

Globally, there are over 250,000 km of international land

boundaries that separate the world's 192 independent states, along

with 70 dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, and other

miscellaneous entities. Maritime states have claimed limits and have

so far established over 130 maritime boundaries and joint

development zones to allocate ocean resources and to provide for

their national security at sea. On land, ethnicity, culture, race,

religion, and language have divided states into separate political

entities as much as history, physical terrain, political fiat, or

conquest, resulting in sometimes arbitrary and imposed boundaries.

All of these factors have contributed to a wide array of boundary,

borderland, and territorial disagreements that vary in intensity

from unresolved or dormant to outright war. Territorial disputes may

evolve from historical and/or cultural animosities, or they may be

brought on by resource competition. Ethnic clashes continue to be

responsible for territorial fragmentation around the world.

Undemarcated, indefinite, porous, and unmanaged boundaries encourage

illegal cross-border activities, uncontrolled migration, and

political confrontation over boundary allocations. Other sources of

contention include the use of water and mineral (especially

petroleum) resources, fisheries, dams, and nuclear power plants.

Many islands or island groups are also disputed, including those at

sea and in streams. Nonetheless, many nations are actively

cooperating to clarify, delineate, and demarcate their international

borders. The tragic aspect of international discord is the impact on

the sustenance and welfare of populations caught in the conflict. It

is frequently left to members of the world community to cope with

enormous refugee situations, and the resultant hunger, disease, and

impoverishment that they create.

Illicit drugs:

cocaine: worldwide, coca is grown on an estimated 205,450 hectares

- almost exclusively in South America with 70% in Colombia;

potential cocaine production during 2002 is estimated at 938 metric

tons (or 1,200 metric tons of export quality cocaine at an average

of 78% purity); coca eradication programs continue in Bolivia,

Colombia, and Peru, and 292 metric tons of export quality cocaine

are documented to have been seized in 2002; consumption of export

quality cocaine is estimated to have been 875 metric tons

opiates: cultivation of opium poppy occurred on an estimated 141,213

hectares in 2002 and potentially produced 2,183 metric tons of opium

- which conceivably could be converted to the equivalent of 238

metric tons of pure heroin; opium eradication programs have been

undertaken in Afghanistan, Burma, Colombia, Mexico, Pakistan,

Thailand, and Vietnam, and the annual average for opiates seized

worldwide over the past five years (1998-2002) has been 45 metric

tons of pure heroin equivalent; estimates for average annual

consumption over this time period are 315 metric tons pure heroin

equivalent

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Yemen

Introduction Yemen

Background:

North Yemen became independent of the Ottoman Empire in 1918. The

British, who had set up a protectorate area around the southern port

of Aden in the 19th century, withdrew in 1967 from what became South

Yemen. Three years later, the southern government adopted a Marxist

orientation. The massive exodus of hundreds of thousands of Yemenis

from the south to the north contributed to two decades of hostility

between the states. The two countries were formally unified as the

Republic of Yemen in 1990. A southern secessionist movement in 1994

was quickly subdued. In 2000, Saudi Arabia and Yemen agreed to a

delimitation of their border.

Geography Yemen

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea,

between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 N, 48 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 527,970 sq km

land: 527,970 sq km

note: includes Perim, Socotra, the former Yemen Arab Republic (YAR

or North Yemen), and the former People's Democratic Republic of

Yemen (PDRY or South Yemen)

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming

Land boundaries: total: 1,746 km border countries: Oman 288 km, Saudi Arabia 1,458 km

Coastline:

1,906 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Climate:

mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in western

mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot, dry,

harsh desert in east

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged

mountains; dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the

desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

highest point: Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb 3,760 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble, small deposits of coal, gold,

lead, nickel, and copper, fertile soil in west

Land use: arable land: 2.75% permanent crops: 0.21% other: 97.04% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

4,900 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

sandstorms and dust storms in summer

Environment - current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Geography - note:

strategic location on Bab el Mandeb, the strait linking the Red Sea

and the Gulf of Aden, one of world's most active shipping lanes

People Yemen

Population:

19,349,881 (July 2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.8% (male 4,606,110; female 4,446,229)

15-64 years: 50.4% (male 4,972,946; female 4,778,034)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 272,921; female 273,641) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.4 years

male: 16.4 years

female: 16.4 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

3.42% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

43.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

9.04 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 65.02 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 59.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 69.98 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.97 years

male: 59.16 years

female: 62.87 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.82 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

9,900 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality: noun: Yemeni(s) adjective: Yemeni

Ethnic groups:

predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Religions:

Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shi'a), small numbers of

Jewish, Christian, and Hindu

Languages:

Arabic

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 50.2%

male: 70.5%

female: 30% (2003 est.)

Government Yemen

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Yemen

conventional short form: Yemen

local short form: Al Yaman

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Yamaniyah

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Sanaa

Administrative divisions:

19 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Abyan, 'Adan, Ad

Dali', Al Bayda', Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Al Mahrah, Al Mahwit,

'Amran, Dhamar, Hadramawt, Hajjah, Ibb, Lahij, Ma'rib, Sa'dah,

San'a', Shabwah, Ta'izz

note: there may be one additional governorate of the capital city of

Sanaa

Independence:

22 May 1990, Republic of Yemen was established with the merger of

the Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and the

Marxist-dominated People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen

(Aden) or South Yemen]; previously North Yemen had become

independent on NA November 1918 (from the Ottoman Empire) and South

Yemen had become independent on 30 November 1967 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Unification Day, 22 May (1990)

Constitution:

16 May 1991; amended 29 September 1994 and February 2001

Legal system:

based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and local

tribal customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Field Marshall Ali Abdallah SALIH (since

22 May 1990, the former president of North Yemen, assumed office

upon the merger of North and South Yemen); Vice President Maj. Gen.

Abd al-Rab Mansur al-HADI (since 3 October 1994)

head of government: Prime Minister Abd al-Qadir BA JAMAL (since 4

April 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

advice of the prime minister

election results: Ali Abdallah SALIH elected president; percent of

vote - Ali Abdallah SALIH 96.3%, Najib Qahtan AL-SHAABI 3.7%

elections: president elected by direct, popular vote for a

seven-year term (recently extended from a five-year term by

constitutional amendment); election last held 23 September 1999

(next to be held NA 2006); vice president appointed by the

president; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by

the president

Legislative branch:

a new constitutional amendment ratified on 20 February 2001 created

a bicameral legislature consisting of a Shura Council (111 seats;

members appointed by the president) and a House of Representatives

(301 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

GPC 238, Islah 46, YSP 8, Nasserite Unionist Party 3, National Arab

Socialist Baath Party 2, independents 4

elections: last held 27 April 2003 (next to be held NA April 2009)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

there are over 12 political parties active in Yemen, some of the

more prominent are: General People's Congress or GPC [President Ali

Abdallah SALIH]; Islamic Reform Grouping or Islah [Shaykh Abdallah

bin Husayn al-AHMAR]; National Arab Socialist Baath Party [Dr.

Qassim SALAAM]; Nasserite Unionist Party [Abdel Malik al-MAKHLAFI];

Yemeni Socialist Party or YSP [Ali Salih MUQBIL]

note: President SALIH's General People's Congress or GPC won a

landslide victory in the April 1997 legislative election and no

longer governs in coalition with Shaykh Abdallah bin Husayn

al-AHMAR's Islamic Reform Grouping or Islah - the two parties had

been in coalition since the end of the civil war in 1994; the YSP, a

loyal opposition party, boycotted the April 1997 legislative

election, but announced that it would participate in Yemen's first

local elections, held in February 2001; these local elections aim to

decentralize political power and are a key element of the

government's political reform program

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAS (observer),

OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Abd al-Wahhab Abdallah al-HAJRI FAX: [1] (202) 337-2017 telephone: [1] (202) 965-4760 chancery: Suite 705, 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Edmund J. HULL

embassy: Dhahar Himyar Zone, Sheraton Hotel District, Sanaa

mailing address: P. O. Box 22347, Sanaa

telephone: [967] (1) 303-161

FAX: [967] (1) 303-182

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;

similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars and of Iraq

which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a

horizontal line centered in the white band; also similar to the flag

of Egypt, which has a heraldic eagle centered in the white band

Economy Yemen

Economy - overview:

Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the Arab world, reported

strong growth in the mid-1990s with the onset of oil production, but

has been harmed by periodic declines in oil prices. Yemen has

embarked on an IMF-supported structural adjustment program designed

to modernize and streamline the economy, which has led to

substantial foreign debt relief and restructuring. International

donors, meeting in Paris in October 2002, agreed on a further $2.3

billion economic support package. Yemen has worked to maintain tight

control over spending and implement additional components of the IMF

program. A high population growth rate and internal political

dissension complicate the government's task.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $15.07 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.1% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 22%

industry: 38%

services: 40% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 25.9% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33.4 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.2% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

NA

Labor force - by occupation: most people are employed in agriculture and herding; services, construction, industry, and commerce account for less than one-fourth of the labor force

Unemployment rate:

30% (1995 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $3 billion

expenditures: $3.1 billion, including capital expenditures of NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale production

of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing; handicrafts;

small aluminum products factory; cement

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

3.01 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

2.8 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

438,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

74,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Oil - proved reserves:

3.2 billion bbl (37257)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

480 billion cu m (37257)

Agriculture - products:

grain, fruits, vegetables, pulses, qat (mildly narcotic shrub),

coffee, cotton; dairy products, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle,

camels), poultry; fish

Exports:

$3.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish

Exports - partners:

India 21.1%, Thailand 16.9%, South Korea 11.2%, China 11.1%,

Malaysia 7.7%, US 6.7%, Singapore 4% (2002)

Imports:

$2.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and live animals, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Imports - partners:

US 10.4%, Saudi Arabia 9.5%, China 8.7%, UAE 6.9%, Russia 5.8%,

France 4.7% (2002)

Debt - external:

$6.2 billion (2002)

Economic aid - recipient:

$2.3 billion to be disbursed 2003-07 (2003-07 disbursements)

Currency:

Yemeni rial (YER)

Currency code:

YER

Exchange rates:

Yemeni rials per US dollar - NA (2002), 168.67 (2001), 161.72

(2000), 155.72 (1999), 135.88 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Yemen

Telephones - main lines in use:

291,359 (1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

32,042 (2000)

Telephone system:

general assessment: since unification in 1990, efforts have been

made to create a national telecommunications network

domestic: the national network consists of microwave radio relay,

cable, tropospheric scatter, and GSM cellular mobile telephone

systems

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Indian Ocean

and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 2

Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and Djibouti

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 6, FM 1, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios:

1.05 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

7 (plus several low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions:

470,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.ye

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)

Internet users:

17,000 (2002)

Transportation Yemen

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 67,000 km paved: 7,705 km unpaved: 59,295 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

none

Pipelines:

gas 88 km; oil 1,174 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Aden, Al Hudaydah, Al Mukalla, As Salif, Ras Issa, Mocha, Nishtun

Merchant marine:

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 18,623 GRT/23,752 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Hong Kong 2 (2002 est.)

Airports:

44 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 28

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Military Yemen

Military branches:

Army (includes Special Forces, established in 1999), Navy, Air

Force, Air Defense Forces, Republican Guard

Military manpower - military age:

14 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 4,443,312 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,493,612 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:

males: 249,292 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$482.5 million (FY01)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

5.2% (FY01)

Military - note:

establishment of a Coast Guard, scheduled for May 2001, has been

delayed

Transnational Issues Yemen

Disputes - international:

Eritrea protests Yemeni fishing around the Hanish islands awarded

to Eritrea by the ICJ in 1999; nomadic groups in border region with

Saudi Arabia resist demarcation of boundary

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Zambia

Introduction Zambia

Background:

The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the South

Africa Company from 1891 until it was taken over by the UK in 1923.

During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred development

and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia upon independence in

1964. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices and a

prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end

to one-party rule, but the subsequent vote in 1996 saw blatant

harassment of opposition parties. The election in 2001 was marked by

administrative problems with three parties filing a legal petition

challenging the election of ruling party candidate Levy MWANAWASA.

The new president launched a far-reaching anti-corruption campaign

in 2002, which resulted in the 2003 arrest of the previous president

Frederick CHILUBA and many of his supporters. Opposition parties

currently hold a majority of seats in the National Assembly.

Geography Zambia

Location:

Southern Africa, east of Angola

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 752,614 sq km

water: 11,890 sq km

land: 740,724 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 5,664 km

border countries: Angola 1,110 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo

1,930 km, Malawi 837 km, Mozambique 419 km, Namibia 233 km, Tanzania

338 km, Zimbabwe 797 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)

Terrain:

mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m

highest point: unnamed location in Mafinga Hills 2,301 m

Natural resources:

copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium,

hydropower

Land use: arable land: 7.08% permanent crops: 0.03% other: 92.89% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

460 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

periodic drought, tropical storms (November to April)

Environment - current issues:

air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral extraction and

refining region; chemical runoff into watersheds; poaching seriously

threatens rhinoceros, elephant, antelope, and large cat populations;

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; lack of adequate water

treatment presents human health risks

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note:

landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary with

Zimbabwe

People Zambia

Population:

10,307,333

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.3% (male 2,396,313; female 2,378,567)

15-64 years: 50.9% (male 2,626,961; female 2,621,818)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 131,196; female 152,478) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.5 years

male: 16.4 years

female: 16.6 years (2002)

Population growth rate:

1.52% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

39.53 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

24.3 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 99.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 91.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 106.58 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 35.25 years

male: 35.25 years

female: 35.25 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

21.5% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1.2 million (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

120,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Zambian(s)

adjective: Zambian

Ethnic groups:

African 98.7%, European 1.1%, other 0.2%

Religions:

Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, indigenous beliefs 1%

Languages:

English (official), major vernaculars - Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda,

Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English

total population: 80.6%

male: 86.8%

female: 74.8% (2003 est.)

Government Zambia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Zambia

conventional short form: Zambia

former: Northern Rhodesia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

Lusaka

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka,

Northern, North-Western, Southern, Western

Independence:

24 October 1964 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 October (1964)

Constitution:

2 August 1991

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of

legislative acts in an ad hoc constitutional council; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Levy MWANAWASA (since 2 January 2002);

Vice President Nevers MUMBA (since May 2003); note - the president

is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Levy MWANAWASA (since 2 January 2002);

Vice President Nevers MUMBA (since May 2003); note - the president

is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members

of the National Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 27 December 2001 (next to be held NA December

2006); vice president appointed by the president

election results: Levy MWANAWASA elected president; percent of vote

- Levy MWANAWASA 29%, Anderson MAZOKA 27%, Christon TEMBO 13%,

Tilyenji KAUNDA 10%, Godfrey MIYANDA 8%, Benjamin MWILA 5%, Michael

SATA 3%, other 5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 27 December 2001 (next to be held NA December

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - MMD 45.9%, UPND 32.4%,

UNIP 8.8%, FDD 8.1%, HP 2.7%, PF 0.7%, ZRP 0.7%, independents 0.7%;

seats by party - MMD 68, UPND 48, UNIP 13, FDD 12, HP 4, PF 1, ZRP

1, independents 1; seats not determined 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the final court of appeal; justices are appointed by

the president); High Court (has unlimited jurisdiction to hear civil

and criminal cases)

Political parties and leaders:

Agenda for Zambia or AZ [Inonge MBIKUSITA-LEWANIKA]; Forum for

Democracy and Development or FDD [Christon TEMBO]; Heritage Party or

HP [Godfrey MIYANDA]; Liberal Progressive Front or LPF [Roger

CHONGWE, president]; Movement for Multiparty Democracy or MMD [Levy

MWANAWASA, acting president]; National Leadership for Development or

NLD [Yobert SHAMAPANDE]; National Party or NP [Dr. Sam CHIPUNGU];

Patriotic Front or PF [Michael SATA]; Zambian Republican Party or

ZRP [Benjamin MWILA]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Gwendoline

KONIE]; United National Independence Party or UNIP [Francis NKHOMA,

president]; United Party for National Development or UPND [Anderson

MAZOKA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-19, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU,

MONUC, NAM, OAU, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIK, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Inonge MBIKUSITA-LEWANIKA

FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826

telephone: [1] (202) 265-9717 through 9719

chancery: 2419 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Martin George BRENNAN embassy: corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues mailing address: P. O. Box 31617, Lusaka telephone: [260] (1) 250-955 FAX: [260] (1) 252-225

Flag description:

green with a panel of three vertical bands of red (hoist side),

black, and orange below a soaring orange eagle, on the outer edge of

the flag

Economy Zambia

Economy - overview:

Despite progress in privatization and budgetary reform, Zambia's

economic growth remains below the 5% to 7% necessary to reduce

poverty significantly. Privatization of government-owned copper

mines relieved the government from covering mammoth losses generated

by the industry and greatly improved the chances for copper mining

to return to profitability and spur economic growth. However, low

mineral prices have slowed the benefits of privatizing the mines and

have reduced incentives for further private investment in the

sector. Cooperation continues with international bodies on programs

to reduce poverty.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $8.24 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.3% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $800 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 22% industry: 26% services: 52% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 86% (1993)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.1% highest 10%: 41% (1998)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

52.6 (1998)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

21% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

4.29 million (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 85%, industry 6%, services 9%

Unemployment rate:

50% (2000 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $1.2 billion

expenditures: $1.25 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Industries:

copper mining and processing, construction, foodstuffs, beverages,

chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture

Industrial production growth rate:

5.1% (2001 est.)

Electricity - production:

7.751 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0.5% hydro: 99.5% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

5.458 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

1.75 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products:

corn, sorghum, rice, peanuts, sunflower seed, vegetables, flowers,

tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca); cattle, goats, pigs,

poultry, milk, eggs, hides; coffee

Exports:

$709 million f.o.b. (2001)

Exports - commodities:

copper 55%, cobalt, electricity, tobacco, flowers, cotton

Exports - partners:

Malawi 10.3%, Thailand 9.2%, Japan 9.1%, Saint Pierre and Miquelon

9.1%, Taiwan 8.5%, South Africa 7.8%, Egypt 6.4%, China 6.3%,

Netherlands 5.5%, Tanzania 4.5% (2002)

Imports:

$1.123 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products,

electricity, fertilizer; foodstuffs, clothing

Imports - partners:

South Africa 64.4%, US 3.7%, China 3.6% (2002)

Debt - external:

$5.8 billion (2001)

Economic aid - recipient:

$651 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

Zambian kwacha (ZMK)

Currency code:

ZMK

Exchange rates:

Zambian kwacha per US dollar - NA (2002), 3,610.93 (2001), 3,110.84

(2000), 2,388.02 (1999), 1,862.07 (1998)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

Communications Zambia

Telephones - main lines in use: 130,000 (including approximately 40,000 fixed telephones in wireless local loop connections) (2002)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

90,000 (2002)

Telephone system:

general assessment: facilities are aging but still among the best

in Sub-Saharan Africa

domestic: high-capacity microwave radio relay connects most larger

towns and cities; several cellular telephone services in operation;

Internet service is widely available; very small aperture terminal

(VSAT) networks are operated by private firms

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 19, FM 5, shortwave 4 (2001)

Radios:

1.2 million (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

9 (2002)

Televisions:

277,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.zm

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

5 (2001)

Internet users:

25,000 (2002)

Transportation Zambia

Railways:

total: 2,173 km

narrow gauge: 2,173 km 1.067-m gauge

note: includes 891 km of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority

(TAZARA) (2002)

Highways: total: 66,781 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 2,250 km note: includes Lake Tanganyika and the Zambezi and Luapula rivers

Pipelines:

oil 771 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Mpulungu

Airports:

109 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 11 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 98 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 63 under 914 m: 30 (2002)

Military Zambia

Military branches:

Army, Air Force, Police, paramilitary forces

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 2,418,776 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 1,279,846 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$33.46 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

0.9% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Zambia

Disputes - international:

dormant dispute remains where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and

Zimbabwe boundaries converge

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for moderate amounts of methaqualone, small

amounts of heroin, and cocaine bound for Southern Africa and

possibly Europe; a poorly developed financial infrastructure coupled

with a government commitment to combating money laundering make it

an unattractive venue for money launderers

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@Zimbabwe

Introduction Zimbabwe

Background:

The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the South Africa Company in

1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored whites in

power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its

independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more

complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country

(then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising

finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe)

in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister, has been

the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated

the country's political system since independence. His chaotic land

redistribution campaign begun in 2000 caused an exodus of white

farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages

of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE

rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection.

Opposition and labor groups launched general strikes in 2003 to

pressure MUGABE to retire early; security forces continued their

brutal repression of regime opponents.

Geography Zimbabwe

Location:

Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia

Geographic coordinates:

20 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 390,580 sq km

water: 3,910 sq km

land: 386,670 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 3,066 km

border countries: Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa

225 km, Zambia 797 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March)

Terrain:

mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld);

mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save rivers 162 m

highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

Natural resources:

coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore,

vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals

Land use: arable land: 8.4% permanent crops: 0.34% other: 91.26% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land:

1,170 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare

Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd - once the largest concentration of the species in the world - has been significantly reduced by poaching; poor mining practices have led to toxic waste and heavy metal pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary with

Zambia; in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria Falls on

the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water

People Zimbabwe

Population:

12,576,742

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.7% (male 2,517,608; female 2,471,342)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 3,600,832; female 3,542,497)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 224,631; female 219,832) (2003 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.9 years

female: 18.9 years (2002)

male: 18.9 years

Population growth rate:

0.83% (2003 est.)

Birth rate:

30.34 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Death rate:

22.02 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Net migration rate:

NEGL migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa

and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2003 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 66.47 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 63.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

male: 69.17 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 39.01 years

male: 40.09 years

female: 37.89 years (2003 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.66 children born/woman (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

33.7% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2.3 million (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

200,000 (2001 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Zimbabwean(s)

adjective: Zimbabwean

Ethnic groups:

African 98% (Shona 82%, Ndebele 14%, other 2%), mixed and Asian 1%,

white less than 1%

Religions:

syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian

25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%

Languages:

English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele,

sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English

total population: 90.7%

male: 94.2%

female: 87.2% (2003 est.)

Government Zimbabwe

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Zimbabwe

conventional short form: Zimbabwe

former: Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Harare

Administrative divisions:

8 provinces and 2 cities* with provincial status; Bulawayo*,

Harare*, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East,

Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South,

Midlands

Independence:

18 April 1980 (from UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 April (1980)

Constitution:

21 December 1979

Legal system:

mixture of Roman-Dutch and English common law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE (since 31

December 1987); Joseph MSIKA (since 23 December 1999); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE (since

31 December 1987); Joseph MSIKA (since 23 December 1999); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; responsible to the

House of Assembly

elections: presidential candidates nominated with a nomination paper

signed by at least 10 registered voters (at least one from each

province) and elected by popular vote; election last held 9-11 March

2002 (next to be held NA March 2008); co-vice presidents appointed

by the president

election results: Robert Gabriel MUGABE reelected president; percent

of vote - Robert Gabriel MUGABE 56.2%, Morgan TSVANGIRAI 41.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (150 seats - 120 elected by popular

vote for five-year terms, 12 nominated by the president, 10 occupied

by traditional chiefs chosen by their peers, and 8 occupied by

provincial governors appointed by the president)

elections: last held 24-25 June 2000 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - ZANU-PF 48.6%, MDC

47.0%, other 4.4%; seats by party - ZANU-PF 62, MDC 57, ZANU-Ndonga 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; High Court

Political parties and leaders:

Movement for Democratic Change or MDC [Morgan TSVANGIRAI]; National

Alliance for Good Governance or NAGG [Shakespeare MAYA]; United

Parties [Abel MUZOREWA]; Zimbabwe African National Union-Ndonga or

ZANU-Ndonga [Wilson KUMBULA]; Zimbabwe African National

Union-Patriotic Front or ZANU-PF [Robert Gabriel MUGABE]; Zimbabwe

African Peoples Union or ZAPU [Agrippa MADLELA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Constitutional Assembly or NCA [Lovemore MADHUKU]; Crisis

in Zimbabwe Coalition [Brian KAGORO]; Zimbabwe Congress of Trade

Unions or ZCTU [Lovemore MATOMBO]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNMIK, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Simbi Veke MUBAKO

FAX: [1] (202) 483-9326

telephone: [1] (202) 332-7100

chancery: 1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph G. SULLIVAN embassy: 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare mailing address: P. O. Box 3340, Harare telephone: [263] (4) 250-593 and 250-594 FAX: [263] (4) 796488

Flag description:

seven equal horizontal bands of green, yellow, red, black, red,

yellow, and green with a white isosceles triangle edged in black

with its base on the hoist side; a yellow Zimbabwe bird representing

the long history of the country is superimposed on a red

five-pointed star in the center of the triangle, which symbolizes

peace; green symbolizes agriculture, yellow - mineral wealth, red -

blood shed to achieve independence, and black stands for the native

people

Economy Zimbabwe

Economy - overview:

The government of Zimbabwe faces a wide variety of difficult

economic problems as it struggles with an unsustainable fiscal

deficit, an overvalued exchange rate, soaring inflation, and bare

shelves. Its 1998-2002 involvement in the war in the Democratic

Republic of the Congo, for example, drained hundreds of millions of

dollars from the economy. Badly needed support from the IMF has been

suspended because of the country's failure to meet budgetary goals.

Inflation rose from an annual rate of 32% in 1998 to 59% in 1999, to

60% in 2000, to over 100% by yearend 2001, to 228% in early 2003.

The government's land reform program, characterized by chaos and

violence, has nearly destroyed the commercial farming sector, the

traditional source of exports and foreign exchange and the provider

of 400,000 jobs.

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $26.07 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-13% (2002 est.)

GDP - per capita:

purchasing power parity - $2,100 (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 18% industry: 24% services: 58% (2001)

Population below poverty line: 70% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.97% highest 10%: 40.42% (1995)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.1 (1995)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

134.5% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

5.8 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 66%, services 24%, industry 10% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

70% (2002 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $2.5 billion

expenditures: $2.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

Industries:

mining (coal, gold, copper, nickel, tin, clay, numerous metallic

and nonmetallic ores), steel, wood products, cement, chemicals,

fertilizer, clothing and footwear, foodstuffs, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

-3.1% (2002 est.)

Electricity - production:

6.735 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 47% hydro: 53% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%

Electricity - consumption:

9.813 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports:

3.55 billion kWh (2001)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - consumption:

23,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oil - exports:

NA (2001)

Oil - imports:

NA (2001)

Agriculture - products: corn, cotton, tobacco, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs

Exports:

$1.57 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Exports - commodities:

tobacco, gold, ferroalloys, textiles/clothing

Exports - partners:

China 6%, South Africa 5.7%, Germany 5.4%, UK 4.8%, Japan 4.7%,

Netherlands 4.4%, US 4.1% (2002)

Imports:

$1.739 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, other manufactures, chemicals,

fuels

Imports - partners:

South Africa 47.7%, Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5.7%,

Mozambique 5.3% (2002)

Debt - external:

$3.9 billion (2002 est.)

Economic aid - recipient:

$178 million (2000 est.)

Currency:

Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD)

Currency code:

ZWD

Exchange rates:

Zimbabwean dollars per US dollar - 55 (2002), 55.05 (2001), 44.42

(2000), 38.3 (1999), 23.68 (1998)

Fiscal year:

1 January - 31 December

Communications Zimbabwe

Telephones - main lines in use: 212,000 (in addition, there are about 20,000 fixed telephones in wireless local loop connections) (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

111,000 (2001)

Telephone system:

general assessment: system was once one of the best in Africa, but

now suffers from poor maintenance; more than 100,000 outstanding

requests for connection despite an equally large number of installed

but unused main lines

domestic: consists of microwave radio relay links, open-wire lines,

radiotelephone communication stations, fixed wireless local loop

installations, and a substantial mobile cellular network; Internet

connection is available in Harare and planned for all major towns

and for some of the smaller ones

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat; two

international digital gateway exchanges (in Harare and Gweru)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 7, FM 20 (plus 17 repeater stations), shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios:

1.14 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations:

16 (1997)

Televisions:

370,000 (1997)

Internet country code:

.zw

Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

6 (2000)

Internet users:

100,000 (2002)

Transportation Zimbabwe

Railways:

total: 3,077 km

narrow gauge: 3,077 km 1.067-m gauge (313 km electrified)

note: includes the 318 km Bulawayo-Beitbridge Railway Company line

(2002)

Highways:

total: 18,338 km

paved: 8,692 km

unpaved: 9,646 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

chrome ore is transported from Harare - by way of the Mazoe River -

to the Zambezi River in Mozambique

Pipelines:

refined products 261 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Binga, Kariba

Airports:

430 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 17 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 8 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 413 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 197 under 914 m: 212 (2002)

Military Zimbabwe

Military branches:

Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic

Police (includes Police Support Unit, Paramilitary Police)

Military manpower - availability:

males age 15-49: 3,236,042 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:

males age 15-49: 2,003,572 (2003 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure:

$625.1 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP:

3.2% (FY02)

Transnational Issues Zimbabwe

Disputes - international:

dormant dispute remains where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and

Zimbabwe boundaries converge

Illicit drugs:

transit point for African cannabis and South Asian heroin, mandrax,

and methamphetamines destined for the South African and European

markets

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2001 GDP

Afghanistan

purchasing power parity - $19 billion (2002 est.)

Albania

purchasing power parity - $15.69 billion (2002 est.)

Algeria

purchasing power parity - $173.8 billion (2002 est.)

American Samoa

purchasing power parity - $500 million (2000 est.)

Andorra

purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (2000 est.)

Angola

purchasing power parity - $18.36 billion (2002 est.)

Anguilla

purchasing power parity - $104 million (2001 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda purchasing power parity - $750 million (2002 est.)

Argentina

purchasing power parity - $403.8 billion (2002 est.)

Armenia

purchasing power parity - $12.13 billion (2002 est.)

Aruba

purchasing power parity - $1.94 billion (2002 est.)

Australia

purchasing power parity - $525.5 billion (2002 est.)

Austria

purchasing power parity - $227.7 billion (2002 est.)

Azerbaijan

purchasing power parity - $28.61 billion (2002 est.)

Bahamas, The

purchasing power parity - $4.59 billion (2002 est.)

Bahrain

purchasing power parity - $9.91 billion (2002 est.)

Bangladesh

purchasing power parity - $238.2 billion (2002 est.)

Barbados

purchasing power parity - $4.153 billion (2002 est.)

Belarus

purchasing power parity - $90.19 billion (2002 est.)

Belgium

purchasing power parity - $299.7 billion (2002 est.)

Belize

purchasing power parity - $1.28 billion (2002 est.)

Benin

purchasing power parity - $7.38 billion (2002 est.)

Bermuda

purchasing power parity - $2.25 billion (2002 est.)

Bhutan

purchasing power parity - $2.7 billion (2002 est.)

Bolivia

purchasing power parity - $21.15 billion (2002 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina purchasing power parity - $7.3 billion (2002 est.)

Botswana

purchasing power parity - $13.48 billion (2002 est.)

Brazil

purchasing power parity - $1.376 trillion (2002 est.)

British Virgin Islands purchasing power parity - $320 million (2002 est.)

Brunei

purchasing power parity - $6.5 billion (2002 est.)

Bulgaria

purchasing power parity - $49.23 billion (2002 est.)

Burkina Faso

purchasing power parity - $14.51 billion (2002 est.)

Burma

purchasing power parity - $73.69 billion (2002 est.)

Burundi

purchasing power parity - $3.146 billion (2002 est.)

Cambodia

purchasing power parity - $20.42 billion (2002 est.)

Cameroon

purchasing power parity - $26.84 billion (2002 est.)

Canada

purchasing power parity - $934.1 billion (2002 est.)

Cape Verde

purchasing power parity - $600 million (2002 est.)

Cayman Islands

purchasing power parity - $1.27 billion (2002 est.)

Central African Republic purchasing power parity - $4.296 billion (2002 est.)

Chad

purchasing power parity - $9.297 billion (2002 est.)

Chile

purchasing power parity - $156.1 billion (2002 est.)

China

purchasing power parity - $5.989 trillion (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

purchasing power parity - $NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

purchasing power parity - $NA

Colombia

purchasing power parity - $251.6 billion (2002 est.)

Comoros

purchasing power parity - $441 million (2002 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

purchasing power parity - $34

billion (2002 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

purchasing power parity - $2.5 billion (2002

est.)

Cook Islands

purchasing power parity - $105 million (2001 est.)

Costa Rica

purchasing power parity - $32 billion (2002 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

purchasing power parity - $24.03 billion (2002 est.)

Croatia

purchasing power parity - $43.12 billion (2002 est.)

Cuba

purchasing power parity - $30.69 billion (2002 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: purchasing power parity - $9.4 billion

(2001 est.); Turkish Cypriot area: purchasing power parity - $787

million (2002 est.)

Czech Republic

purchasing power parity - $157.1 billion (2002 est.)

Denmark

purchasing power parity - $155.3 billion (2002 est.)

Djibouti

purchasing power parity - $619 million (2002 est.)

Dominica

purchasing power parity - $380 million (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic purchasing power parity - $53.78 billion (2002 est.)

East Timor

purchasing power parity - $440 million (2001 est.)

Ecuador

purchasing power parity - $42.65 billion (2002 est.)

Egypt

purchasing power parity - $289.8 billion (2002 est.)

El Salvador

purchasing power parity - $29.41 billion (2002 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

purchasing power parity - $1.27 billion (2002 est.)

Eritrea

purchasing power parity - $3.3 billion (2002 est.)

Estonia

purchasing power parity - $15.52 billion (2002 est.)

Ethiopia

purchasing power parity - $48.53 billion (2002 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) purchasing power parity - $75 million (2002 est.)

Faroe Islands

purchasing power parity - $1 billion (2001 est.)

Fiji

purchasing power parity - $4.822 billion (2002 est.)

Finland

purchasing power parity - $133.8 billion (2002 est.)

France

purchasing power parity - $1.558 trillion (2002 est.)

French Guiana

purchasing power parity - $2.26 billion (2002 est.)

French Polynesia

purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (2001 est.)

Gabon

purchasing power parity - $8.354 billion (2002 est.)

Gambia, The

purchasing power parity - $2.582 billion (2002 est.)

Gaza Strip

purchasing power parity - $735 million (2002 est.)

Georgia

purchasing power parity - $16.05 billion (2002 est.)

Germany

purchasing power parity - $2.16 trillion (2002 est.)

Ghana

purchasing power parity - $41.25 billion (2002 est.)

Gibraltar

purchasing power parity - $500 million (1997 est.)

Greece

purchasing power parity - $203.3 billion (2002 est.)

Greenland

purchasing power parity - $1.1 billion (2001 est.)

Grenada

purchasing power parity - $440 million (2002 est.)

Guadeloupe

purchasing power parity - $3.7 billion (1997 est.)

Guam

purchasing power parity - $3.2 billion (2000 est.)

Guatemala

purchasing power parity - $53.2 billion (2002 est.)

Guernsey

purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (1999 est.)

Guinea

purchasing power parity - $18.69 billion (2002 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

purchasing power parity - $901.4 million (2002 est.)

Guyana

purchasing power parity - $2.628 billion (2002 est.)

Haiti

purchasing power parity - $10.6 billion (2002 est.)

Honduras

purchasing power parity - $16.29 billion (2002 est.)

Hong Kong

purchasing power parity - $198.5 billion (2002 est.)

Hungary

purchasing power parity - $134 billion (2002 est.)

Iceland

purchasing power parity - $8.444 billion (2002 est.)

India

purchasing power parity - $2.664 trillion (2002 est.)

Indonesia

purchasing power parity - $714.2 billion (2002 est.)

Iran

purchasing power parity - $458.3 billion (2002 est.)

Iraq

purchasing power parity - $58 billion (2002 est.)

Ireland

purchasing power parity - $113.7 billion (2002 est.)

Israel

purchasing power parity - $117.4 billion (2002 est.)

Italy

purchasing power parity - $1.455 trillion (2002 est.)

Jamaica

purchasing power parity - $10.08 billion (2002 est.)

Japan

purchasing power parity - $3.651 trillion (2002 est.)

Jersey

purchasing power parity - $2.2 billion (1999 est.)

Jordan

purchasing power parity - $22.63 billion (2002 est.)

Kazakhstan

purchasing power parity - $120 billion (2002 est.)

Kenya

purchasing power parity - $32.89 billion (2002 est.)

Kiribati

purchasing power parity - $79 million - supplemented by a

nearly equal amount from external sources (2001 est.)

Korea, North

purchasing power parity - $22.26 billion (2002 est.)

Korea, South

purchasing power parity - $941.5 billion (2002 est.)

Kuwait

purchasing power parity - $36.85 billion (2002 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

purchasing power parity - $13.88 billion (2002 est.)

Laos

purchasing power parity - $10.4 billion (2002 est.)

Latvia

purchasing power parity - $20.99 billion (2002 est.)

Lebanon

purchasing power parity - $17.61 billion (2002 est.)

Lesotho

purchasing power parity - $5.106 billion (2002 est.)

Liberia

purchasing power parity - $3.116 billion (2002 est.)

Libya

purchasing power parity - $33.36 billion (2002 est.)

Liechtenstein

purchasing power parity - $825 million (1999 est.)

Lithuania

purchasing power parity - $30.08 billion (2002 est.)

Luxembourg

purchasing power parity - $21.94 billion (2002 est.)

Macau

purchasing power parity - $8.6 billion (2002 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of purchasing power parity - $10.57 billion (2002 est.)

Madagascar

purchasing power parity - $12.59 billion (2002)

Malawi

purchasing power parity - $6.811 billion (2002 est.)

Malaysia

purchasing power parity - $198.4 billion (2002 est.)

Maldives

purchasing power parity - $1.25 billion (2002 est.)

Mali

purchasing power parity - $9.775 billion (2002 est.)

Malta

purchasing power parity - $6.818 billion (2002 est.)

Man, Isle of

purchasing power parity - $1.6 billion (2001 est.)

Marshall Islands

purchasing power parity - $115 million (2001 est.)

Martinique

purchasing power parity - $4.5 billion (2001 est.)

Mauritania

purchasing power parity - $4.891 billion (2002 est.)

Mauritius

purchasing power parity - $12.15 billion (2002 est.)

Mayotte

purchasing power parity - $85 million (1998 est.)

Mexico

purchasing power parity - $924.4 billion (2002 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

purchasing power parity - $277

million

note: $277 million $277 million GDP is supplemented by grant aid,

averaging perhaps $100 million annually (2002 est.)

Moldova

purchasing power parity - $11.51 billion (2002 est.)

Monaco

purchasing power parity - $870 million (1999 est.)

Mongolia

purchasing power parity - $5.06 billion (2002 est.)

Montserrat

purchasing power parity - $29 million (2002 est.)

Morocco

purchasing power parity - $121.8 billion (2002 est.)

Mozambique

purchasing power parity - $19.52 billion (2002 est.)

Namibia

purchasing power parity - $13.15 billion (2002 est.)

Nauru

purchasing power parity - $60 million (2001 est.)

Nepal

purchasing power parity - $37.32 billion (2002 est.)

Netherlands

purchasing power parity - $437.8 billion (2002 est.)

Netherlands Antilles purchasing power parity - $2.4 billion (2002 est.)

New Caledonia

purchasing power parity - $3 billion (2002 est.)

New Zealand

purchasing power parity - $78.4 billion (2002 est.)

Nicaragua

purchasing power parity - $11.16 billion (2002 est.)

Niger

purchasing power parity - $8.713 billion (2002 est.)

Nigeria

purchasing power parity - $112.5 billion (2002 est.)

Niue

purchasing power parity - $7.6 million (2000 est.)

Norfolk Island

purchasing power parity - $NA

Northern Mariana Islands purchasing power parity - $900 million note: $900 million $900 million GDP estimate includes US subsidy (2000 est.)

Norway

purchasing power parity - $149.1 billion (2002 est.)

Oman

purchasing power parity - $22.4 billion (2002 est.)

Pakistan

purchasing power parity - $295.3 billion (2002 est.)

Palau

purchasing power parity - $174 million

note: $174 million $174 million GDP estimate includes US subsidy

(2001 est.)

Panama

purchasing power parity - $18.06 billion (2002 est.)

Papua New Guinea

purchasing power parity - $10.86 billion (2002 est.)

Paraguay

purchasing power parity - $25.19 billion (2002 est.)

Peru

purchasing power parity - $138.8 billion (2002 est.)

Philippines

purchasing power parity - $379.7 billion (2002 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

purchasing power parity - $NA

Poland

purchasing power parity - $373.2 billion (2002 est.)

Portugal

purchasing power parity - $195.2 billion (2002 est.)

Puerto Rico

purchasing power parity - $43.01 billion (2002 est.)

Qatar

purchasing power parity - $15.91 billion (2002 est.)

Reunion

purchasing power parity - $4.174 billion (1999 est.)

Romania

purchasing power parity - $169.3 billion (2002 est.)

Russia

purchasing power parity - $1.409 trillion (2002 est.)

Rwanda

purchasing power parity - $8.92 billion (2002 est.)

Saint Helena

purchasing power parity - $18 million (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis purchasing power parity - $339 million (2002 est.)

Saint Lucia purchasing power parity - $866 million (2002 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon purchasing power parity - $74 million - supplemented by annual payments from France of about $60 million (1996 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines purchasing power parity - $339 million (2002 est.)

Samoa

purchasing power parity - $1 billion (2002 est.)

San Marino

purchasing power parity - $940 million (2001 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe purchasing power parity - $200 million (2002 est.)

Saudi Arabia

purchasing power parity - $268.9 billion (2002 est.)

Senegal

purchasing power parity - $15.64 billion (2002 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro purchasing power parity - $23.15 billion (2002 est.)

Seychelles

purchasing power parity - $626 million (2002 est.)

Sierra Leone

purchasing power parity - $2.826 billion (2002 est.)

Singapore

purchasing power parity - $112.4 billion (2002 est.)

Slovakia

purchasing power parity - $67.34 billion (2002 est.)

Slovenia

purchasing power parity - $37.06 billion (2002 est.)

Solomon Islands

purchasing power parity - $800 million (2001 est.)

Somalia

purchasing power parity - $4.27 billion (2001 est.)

South Africa

purchasing power parity - $427.7 billion (2002 est.)

Spain

purchasing power parity - $850.7 billion (2002 est.)

Sri Lanka

purchasing power parity - $73.7 billion (2002 est.)

Sudan

purchasing power parity - $52.9 billion (2002 est.)

Suriname

purchasing power parity - $1.469 billion (2002 est.)

Svalbard

purchasing power parity - $NA

Swaziland

purchasing power parity - $5.542 billion (2002 est.)

Sweden

purchasing power parity - $230.7 billion (2002 est.)

Switzerland

purchasing power parity - $233.4 billion (2002 est.)

Syria

purchasing power parity - $63.48 billion (2002 est.)

Taiwan

purchasing power parity - $406 billion (2002 est.)

Tajikistan

purchasing power parity - $8.476 billion (2002 est.)

Tanzania

purchasing power parity - $20.42 billion (2002 est.)

Thailand

purchasing power parity - $445.8 billion (2002 est.)

Togo

purchasing power parity - $7.594 billion (2002 est.)

Tokelau

purchasing power parity - $1.5 million (1993 est.)

Tonga

purchasing power parity - $236 million (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago purchasing power parity - $11.07 billion (2002 est.)

Tunisia

purchasing power parity - $67.13 billion (2002 est.)

Turkey

purchasing power parity - $489.7 billion (2002 est.)

Turkmenistan

purchasing power parity - $31.34 billion (2002 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands purchasing power parity - $231 million (2000 est.)

Tuvalu

purchasing power parity - $12.2 million (2000 est.)

Uganda

purchasing power parity - $30.49 billion (2002 est.)

Ukraine

purchasing power parity - $218 billion (2002 est.)

United Arab Emirates purchasing power parity - $53.97 billion (2002 est.)

United Kingdom

purchasing power parity - $1.528 trillion (2002 est.)

United States

purchasing power parity - $10.45 trillion (2002 est.)

Uruguay

purchasing power parity - $26.82 billion (2002 est.)

Uzbekistan

purchasing power parity - $66.06 billion (2002 est.)

Vanuatu

purchasing power parity - $563 million (2002 est.)

Venezuela

purchasing power parity - $131.7 billion (2002 est.)

Vietnam

purchasing power parity - $183.8 billion (2002 est.)

Virgin Islands

purchasing power parity - $2.4 billion (2001 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

purchasing power parity - $30 million (2000 est.)

West Bank

purchasing power parity - $1.7 billion (2002 est.)

Western Sahara

purchasing power parity - $NA

World

GWP (gross world product) - purchasing power parity - $49

trillion (2002 est.)

Yemen

purchasing power parity - $15.07 billion (2002 est.)

Zambia

purchasing power parity - $8.24 billion (2002 est.)

Zimbabwe

purchasing power parity - $26.07 billion (2002 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2002 Population growth rate (%)

Afghanistan

3.38%

note: this rate does not take into consideration the recent war and

its continuing impact (2003 est.)

Albania

1.03% (2003 est.)

Algeria

1.65% (2003 est.)

American Samoa

2.22% (2003 est.)

Andorra

1.06% (2003 est.)

Angola

1.97% (2003 est.)

Anguilla

2.21% (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

0.64% (2003 est.)

Argentina

1.05% (2003 est.)

Armenia

-0.07% (2003 est.)

Aruba

0.55% (2003 est.)

Australia

0.93% (2003 est.)

Austria

0.22% (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

0.44% (2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

0.77% (2003 est.)

Bahrain

1.61% (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

2.06% (2003 est.)

Barbados

0.38% (2003 est.)

Belarus

-0.12% (2003 est.)

Belgium

0.14% (2003 est.)

Belize

2.44% (2003 est.)

Benin

2.95% (2003 est.)

Bermuda

0.72% (2003 est.)

Bhutan

2.14% (2003 est.)

Bolivia

1.63% (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

0.48% (2003 est.)

Botswana

-0.55% (2003 est.)

Brazil

1.15% (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands

2.1% (2003 est.)

Brunei

2% (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

-1.09% (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

2.6% (2003 est.)

Burma

0.52% (2003 est.)

Burundi

2.18% (2003 est.)

Cambodia

1.8% (2003 est.)

Cameroon

2.02% (2003 est.)

Canada

0.94% (2003 est.)

Cape Verde

0.79% (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

2.79% (2003 est.)

Central African Republic

1.62% (2003 est.)

Chad

3.07% (2003 est.)

Chile

1.05% (2003 est.)

China

0.6% (2003 est.)

Christmas Island

-9% (2003 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

0% (2003 est.)

Colombia

1.56% (2003 est.)

Comoros

2.96% (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

2.9% (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

1.53% (2003 est.)

Cook Islands

NA% (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

1.56% (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

2.15% (2003 est.)

Croatia

0.31% (2003 est.)

Cuba

0.34% (2003 est.)

Cyprus

0.56% (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

-0.08% (2003 est.)

Denmark

0.28% (2003 est.)

Djibouti

2.13% (2003 est.)

Dominica

-0.63% (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

1.36% (2003 est.)

East Timor

2.13% (2003 est.)

Ecuador

1.91% (2003 est.)

Egypt

1.88% (2003 est.)

El Salvador

1.81% (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

2.44% (2003 est.)

Eritrea

1.28% (2003 est.)

Estonia

-0.49% (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

1.96% (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

2.44% (2003 est.)

Faroe Islands

0.7% (2003 est.)

Fiji

1.41% (2003 est.)

Finland

0.14% (2003 est.)

France

0.42% (2003 est.)

French Guiana

2.4% (2003 est.)

French Polynesia

1.62% (2003 est.)

Gabon

2.54% (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

3.03% (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

3.89% (2003 est.)

Georgia

-0.52% (2003 est.)

Germany

0.04% (2003 est.)

Ghana

1.45% (2003 est.)

Gibraltar

0.22% (2003 est.)

Greece

0.19% (2003 est.)

Greenland

0.01% (2003 est.)

Grenada

0.08% (2003 est.)

Guadeloupe

1% (2003 est.)

Guam

1.89% (2003 est.)

Guatemala

2.66% (2003 est.)

Guernsey

0.34% (2003 est.)

Guinea

2.37% (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

2.02% (2003 est.)

Guyana

0.44% (2003 est.)

Haiti

1.67% (2003 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

0.01% (2003 est.)

Honduras

2.32% (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

1.22% (2003 est.)

Hungary

-0.29% (2003 est.)

Iceland

0.49% (2003 est.)

India

1.47% (2003 est.)

Indonesia

1.52% (2003 est.)

Iran

1.08% (2003 est.)

Iraq

2.78% (2003 est.)

Ireland

1.03% (2003 est.)

Israel

1.39% (2003 est.)

Italy

0.11% (2003 est.)

Jamaica

0.61% (2003 est.)

Japan

0.11% (2003 est.)

Jersey

0.4% (2003 est.)

Jordan

2.78% (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

0.17% (2003 est.)

Kenya

1.27% (2003 est.)

Kiribati

2.26% (2003 est.)

Korea, North

1.07% (2003 est.)

Korea, South

0.66% (2003 est.)

Kuwait

3.34%

note: this rate reflects a return to pre-Gulf crisis immigration of

expatriates (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

1.46% (2003 est.)

Laos

2.45% (2003 est.)

Latvia

-0.73% (2003 est.)

Lebanon

1.34% (2003 est.)

Lesotho

0.19% (2003 est.)

Liberia

1.67% (2003 est.)

Libya

2.39% (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

0.9% (2003 est.)

Lithuania

-0.23% (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

1.23% (2003 est.)

Macau

1.72% (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

0.4% (2003 est.)

Madagascar

3.03% (2003 est.)

Malawi

2.21% (2003 est.)

Malaysia

1.86% (2003 est.)

Maldives

2.91% (2003 est.)

Mali

2.82% (2003 est.)

Malta

0.73% (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

0.53% (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

2.3% (2003 est.)

Martinique

0.85% (2003 est.)

Mauritania

2.91% (2003 est.)

Mauritius

0.84% (2003 est.)

Mayotte

4.25% (2003 est.)

Mexico

1.43% (2003 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

0.04% (2003 est.)

Moldova

0.13% (2003 est.)

Monaco

0.44% (2003 est.)

Mongolia

1.42% (2003 est.)

Montserrat

4.5% (2003 est.)

Morocco

1.64% (2003 est.)

Mozambique

0.82% (2003 est.)

Namibia

1.49% (2003 est.)

Nauru

1.9% (2003 est.)

Nepal

2.26% (2003 est.)

Netherlands

0.5% (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

0.9% (2003 est.)

New Caledonia

1.38% (2003 est.)

New Zealand

1.09% (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

2.03% (2003 est.)

Niger

2.71% (2003 est.)

Nigeria

2.53% (2003 est.)

Niue

0.01% (2003 est.)

Norfolk Island

0.01% (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands

3.37% (2003 est.)

Norway

0.46% (2003 est.)

Oman

3.38% (2003 est.)

Pakistan

2.01% (2003 est.)

Palau

1.54% (2003 est.)

Panama

1.36% (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

2.34% (2003 est.)

Paraguay

2.54% (2003 est.)

Peru

1.61% (2003 est.)

Philippines

1.92% (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA%

Poland

0% (2003 est.)

Portugal

0.17% (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

0.58% (2003 est.)

Qatar

2.87% (2003 est.)

Reunion

1.47% (2003 est.)

Romania

-0.21% (2003 est.)

Russia

-0.3% (2003 est.)

Rwanda

1.84% (2003 est.)

Saint Helena

0.67% (2003 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

0.13% (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

1.25% (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

0.3% (2003 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

0.34% (2003 est.)

Samoa

-0.27% (2003 est.)

San Marino

1.38% (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

3.18% (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

3.27% (2003 est.)

Senegal

2.56% (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

0.07% (2003 est.)

Seychelles

0.46% (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

2.94% (2003 est.)

Singapore

3.42% (2003 est.)

Slovakia

0.14% (2003 est.)

Slovenia

0.14% (2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

2.83% (2003 est.)

Somalia

3.43% (2003 est.)

South Africa

0.01% (2003 est.)

Spain

0.16% (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

0.83% (2003 est.)

Sudan

2.71% (2003 est.)

Suriname

0.37% (2003 est.)

Svalbard

-0.02% (2003 est.)

Swaziland

0.83% (2003 est.)

Sweden

0.01% (2003 est.)

Switzerland

0.21% (2003 est.)

Syria

2.45% (2003 est.)

Taiwan

0.65% (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

2.13% (2003 est.)

Tanzania

1.72% (2003 est.)

Thailand

0.95% (2003 est.)

Togo

2.37% (2003 est.)

Tokelau

0.01% (2003 est.)

Tonga

1.9% (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

-0.68% (2003 est.)

Tunisia

1.09% (2003 est.)

Turkey

1.16% (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

1.82% (2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

3.14% (2003 est.)

Tuvalu

1.42% (2003 est.)

Uganda

2.96% (2003 est.)

Ukraine

-0.69% (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

1.57% (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

0.3% (2003 est.)

United States

0.92% (2003 est.)

Uruguay

0.79% (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

1.63% (2003 est.)

Vanuatu

1.61% (2003 est.)

Venezuela

1.48% (2003 est.)

Vietnam

1.29% (2003 est.)

Virgin Islands

1.02% (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

NA (2003 est.)

West Bank

3.3% (2003 est.)

Western Sahara

NA% (2003 est.)

World

1.17% (2003 est.)

Yemen

3.42% (2003 est.)

Zambia

1.52% (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

0.83% (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2003 GDP - real growth rate (%)

Afghanistan

NA%

Albania

7.3% (2002 est.)

Algeria

3.3% (2002 est.)

American Samoa

NA%

Andorra

3.8% (2000 est.)

Angola

9.4% (2002 est.)

Anguilla

2.8% (2001 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

3% (2002 est.)

Argentina

-10.9% (2002 est.)

Armenia

12.9% (2002 est.)

Aruba

-1.5% (2002 est.)

Australia

3.6% (2002 est.)

Austria

1.1% (2002 est.)

Azerbaijan

10.6% (2002 est.)

Bahamas, The

0.1% (2002 est.)

Bahrain

2.9% (2002 est.)

Bangladesh

4.8% (2002 est.)

Barbados

-2.8% (2002 est.)

Belarus

4.7% (2002 est.)

Belgium

0.7% (2002 est.)

Belize

3.7% (2002 est.)

Benin

6% (2002 est.)

Bermuda

0.5% (2002 est.)

Bhutan

7.7% (2002 est.)

Bolivia

2.8% (2002 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

2.3% (2002 est.)

Botswana

4.2% (2002 est.)

Brazil

1.5% (2002 est.)

British Virgin Islands

1% (2002 est.)

Brunei

3% (2002 est.)

Bulgaria

4.8% (2002 est.)

Burkina Faso

4.6% (2002 est.)

Burma

5.3% (2002 est.)

Burundi

4.5% (2002 est.)

Cambodia

4.5% (2002 est.)

Cameroon

4% (2002 est.)

Canada

3.3% (2002 est.)

Cape Verde

4% (2002 est.)

Cayman Islands

1.7% (2002 est.)

Central African Republic

1.5% (2002 est.)

Chad

7.4% (2002 est.)

Chile

2.1% (2002 est.)

China

8% (official data) (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

NA%

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA%

Colombia

1.5% (2002 est.)

Comoros

2% (2002 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

3.5% (2002 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

0% (2002 est.)

Cook Islands

7.1% (2001 est.)

Costa Rica

2.8% (2002 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

-1.6% (2002 est.)

Croatia

5.2% (2002 est.)

Cuba

1.1% (2002 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: 1.7% (2001 est.); Turkish Cypriot area:

2.6% (2002 est.)

Czech Republic

2% (2002 est.)

Denmark

1.6% (2002 est.)

Djibouti

3.5% (2002 est.)

Dominica

1.2% (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic

4.1% (2002 est.)

East Timor

18% (2001 est.)

Ecuador

3.4% (2002 est.)

Egypt

3.2% (2002 est.)

El Salvador

2.1% (2002 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

20% (2002 est.)

Eritrea

2% (2002 est.)

Estonia

6% (2002 est.)

Ethiopia

3% (2002 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA%

Faroe Islands

10% (2001 est.)

Fiji

4.6% (2002 est.)

Finland

1.6% (2002 est.)

France

1.2% (2002 est.)

French Guiana

NA%

French Polynesia

4% (2001 est.)

Gabon

0.2% (2002 est.)

Gambia, The

5.7% (2001 est.)

Gaza Strip

-15% (2002 est.)

Georgia

5.4% (2002 est.)

Germany

0.2% (2002 est.)

Ghana

4.5% (2002 est.)

Gibraltar

NA%

Greece

4% (2002 est.)

Greenland

1.8% (2001 est.)

Grenada

2.5% (2002 est.)

Guadeloupe

NA%

Guam

NA%

Guatemala

2.2% (2002 est.)

Guernsey

5.7% (1999 est.)

Guinea

3.7% (2002 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

-4.3% (2002 est.)

Guyana

1.1% (2002 est.)

Haiti

-0.9% (2002 est.)

Honduras

2.5% (2002 est.)

Hong Kong

2.3% (2002 est.)

Hungary

3.3% (2002 est.)

Iceland

-0.6% (2002 est.)

India

4.3% (2002 est.)

Indonesia

3.7% (2002 est.)

Iran

7.6% (2002 est.)

Iraq

-3% (2002 est.)

Ireland

6.9% (2002 est.)

Israel

-0.8% (2002 est.)

Italy

0.4% (2002 est.)

Jamaica

1% (2002 est.)

Japan

0.2% (2002 est.)

Jersey

NA%

Jordan

4.9% (2002 est.)

Kazakhstan

9.5% (2002 est.)

Kenya

1.1% (2002 est.)

Kiribati

1.5% (2001 est.)

Korea, North

1% (2002 est.)

Korea, South

6.3% (2002 est.)

Kuwait

-2% (2002 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

5.3% (2002 est.)

Laos

5.7% (2002 est.)

Latvia

6.1% (2002 est.)

Lebanon

2% (2002 est.)

Lesotho

4% (2002 est.)

Liberia

2% (2002 est.)

Libya

1.2% (2002 est.)

Liechtenstein

11% (1999 est.)

Lithuania

6.7% (2002 est.)

Luxembourg

0.4% (2002 est.)

Macau

9.5% (2002 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

0.7% (2002 est.)

Madagascar

-11.9% (2002 est.)

Malawi

1.7% (2002 est.)

Malaysia

4.1% (2002 est.)

Maldives

2.3% (2002 est.)

Mali

4.5% (2002 est.)

Malta

1.2% (2002 est.)

Man, Isle of

13.5%

Marshall Islands

1% (2001 est.)

Martinique

NA%

Mauritania

3.3% (2002 est.)

Mauritius

2.3% (2002 est.)

Mayotte

NA%

Mexico

0.7% (2002 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

1% (2002 est.)

Moldova

6.5% (2002 est.)

Monaco

NA%

Mongolia

3.9% (2002 est.)

Montserrat

-1% (2002 est.)

Morocco

4.6% (2002 est.)

Mozambique

7.7% (2002 est.)

Namibia

2.3% (2002 est.)

Nauru

NA%

Nepal

-0.6% (2002 est.)

Netherlands

0.2% (2002 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

0% (2002 est.)

New Caledonia

NA

New Zealand

3.3% (2002 est.)

Nicaragua

1.1% (2002 est.)

Niger

2.9% (2002 est.)

Nigeria

3.2% (2002 est.)

Niue

-0.3% (2000 est.)

Norfolk Island

NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

NA%

Norway

1% (2002 est.)

Oman

2.2% (2002 est.)

Pakistan

4.4% (FY01/02 est.)

Palau

1% (2001 est.)

Panama

0.7% (2002 est.)

Papua New Guinea

-3.1% (2002 est.)

Paraguay

-2.7% (2002 est.)

Peru

5.3% (2002 est.)

Philippines

4.4% (2002 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA%

Poland

1.4% (2002 est.)

Portugal

0.4% (2002 est.)

Puerto Rico

-0.2% (2002 est.)

Qatar

4.6% (2002 est.)

Reunion

2.5% (2002 est.)

Romania

4.9% (2002 est.)

Russia

4.3% (2002 est.)

Rwanda

9.7% (2002 est.)

Saint Helena

NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis

-1.9% (2002 est.)

Saint Lucia

3.3% (2002 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

-0.5% (2002 est.)

Samoa

5% (2002 est.)

San Marino

7.5% (2001 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

4% (2002 est.)

Saudi Arabia

1% (2002 est.)

Senegal

2.4% (2002 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

4% (2002 est.)

Seychelles

1.5% (2002 est.)

Sierra Leone

6.6% (2002 est.)

Singapore

2.2% (2002 est.)

Slovakia

4.4% (2002 est.)

Slovenia

3.2% (2002 est.)

Solomon Islands

-10% (2001 est.)

Somalia

3.5% (2002 est.)

South Africa

3% (2002 est.)

Spain

2% (2002 est.)

Sri Lanka

3.2% (2002 est.)

Sudan

5.1% (2002 est.)

Suriname

1.2% (2002 est.)

Svalbard

NA%

Swaziland

1.6% (2002 est.)

Sweden

1.9% (2002 est.)

Switzerland

0.1% (2002 est.)

Syria

3.6% (2002 est.)

Taiwan

3.5% (2002 est.)

Tajikistan

9.1% (2002 est.)

Tanzania

6.1% (2002 est.)

Thailand

5.3% (2002 est.)

Togo

2.9% (2002 est.)

Tokelau

NA%

Tonga

3% (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

3.2% (2002 est.)

Tunisia

4.8% (2002 est.)

Turkey

7.8% (2002 est.)

Turkmenistan

21.1% (2002 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

4.9% (2000 est.)

Tuvalu

3% (2000 est.)

Uganda

5.5% (2002 est.)

Ukraine

4.8% (2002 est.)

United Arab Emirates

1.8% (2002 est.)

United Kingdom

1.8% (2002 est.)

United States

2.4% (2002 est.)

Uruguay

-10.8% (2002 est.)

Uzbekistan

4.2% (2002 est.)

Vanuatu

-0.3% (2002 est.)

Venezuela

-8.9% (2002 est.)

Vietnam

7% (2002 est.)

Virgin Islands

2% (2001 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

NA%

West Bank

-22% (2002 est.)

Western Sahara

NA%

World

2.7% (2001 est.)

Yemen

4.1% (2002 est.)

Zambia

2.3% (2002 est.)

Zimbabwe

-13% (2002 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2004 GDP - per capita

Afghanistan

purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

Albania

purchasing power parity - $4,400 (2002 est.)

Algeria

purchasing power parity - $5,400 (2002 est.)

American Samoa

purchasing power parity - $8,000 (2000 est.)

Andorra

purchasing power parity - $19,000 (2000 est.)

Angola

purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2002 est.)

Anguilla

purchasing power parity - $8,600 (2001 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

purchasing power parity - $11,000 (2002 est.)

Argentina

purchasing power parity - $10,500 (2002 est.)

Armenia

purchasing power parity - $3,600 (2002 est.)

Aruba

purchasing power parity - $28,000 (2002 est.)

Australia

purchasing power parity - $26,900 (2002 est.)

Austria

purchasing power parity - $27,900 (2002 est.)

Azerbaijan

purchasing power parity - $3,700 (2002 est.)

Bahamas, The

purchasing power parity - $15,300 (2002 est.)

Bahrain

purchasing power parity - $15,100 (2002 est.)

Bangladesh

purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2002 est.)

Barbados

purchasing power parity - $15,000 (2002 est.)

Belarus

purchasing power parity - $8,700 (2002 est.)

Belgium

purchasing power parity - $29,200 (2002 est.)

Belize

purchasing power parity - $4,900 (2002 est.)

Benin

purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2002 est.)

Bermuda

purchasing power parity - $35,200 (2002 est.)

Bhutan

purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.)

Bolivia

purchasing power parity - $2,500 (2002 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2002 est.)

Botswana

purchasing power parity - $8,500 (2002 est.)

Brazil

purchasing power parity - $7,600 (2002 est.)

British Virgin Islands

purchasing power parity - $16,000 (2002 est.)

Brunei

purchasing power parity - $18,600 (2002 est.)

Bulgaria

purchasing power parity - $6,500 (2002 est.)

Burkina Faso

purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2002 est.)

Burma

purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2002 est.)

Burundi

purchasing power parity - $500 (2002 est.)

Cambodia

purchasing power parity - $1,600 (2002 est.)

Cameroon

purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2002 est.)

Canada

purchasing power parity - $29,300 (2002 est.)

Cape Verde

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

Cayman Islands

purchasing power parity - $35,000 (2002 est.)

Central African Republic

purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2002 est.)

Chad

purchasing power parity - $1,000 (2002 est.)

Chile

purchasing power parity - $10,100 (2002 est.)

China

purchasing power parity - $4,700 (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

purchasing power parity - $NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

purchasing power parity - $NA

Colombia

purchasing power parity - $6,100 (2002 est.)

Comoros

purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

purchasing power parity - $900 (2002 est.)

Cook Islands

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.)

Costa Rica

purchasing power parity - $8,300 (2002 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

Croatia

purchasing power parity - $9,800 (2002 est.)

Cuba

purchasing power parity - $2,700 (2002 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: purchasing power parity - $15,000 (2001

est.); Turkish Cypriot area: purchasing power parity - $6,000 (2002

est.)

Czech Republic

purchasing power parity - $15,300 (2002 est.)

Denmark

purchasing power parity - $28,900 (2002 est.)

Djibouti

purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.)

Dominica

purchasing power parity - $5,400 (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic

purchasing power parity - $6,300 (2002 est.)

East Timor

purchasing power parity - $500 (2001 est.)

Ecuador

purchasing power parity - $3,200 (2002 est.)

Egypt

purchasing power parity - $4,000 (2002 est.)

El Salvador

purchasing power parity - $4,600 (2002 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

purchasing power parity - $2,700 (2002 est.)

Eritrea

purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

Estonia

purchasing power parity - $11,000 (2002 est.)

Ethiopia

purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) purchasing power parity - $25,000 (2002 est.)

Faroe Islands

purchasing power parity - $22,000 (2001 est.)

Fiji

purchasing power parity - $5,600 (2002 est.)

Finland

purchasing power parity - $25,800 (2002 est.)

France

purchasing power parity - $26,000 (2002 est.)

French Guiana

purchasing power parity - $14,400 (2000 est.)

French Polynesia

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.)

Gabon

purchasing power parity - $6,500 (2002 est.)

Gambia, The

purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2002 est.)

Gaza Strip

purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)

Georgia

purchasing power parity - $3,200 (2001 est.)

Germany

purchasing power parity - $26,200 (2002 est.)

Ghana

purchasing power parity - $2,000 (2002 est.)

Gibraltar

purchasing power parity - $17,500 (1997 est.)

Greece

purchasing power parity - $19,100 (2002 est.)

Greenland

purchasing power parity - $20,000 (2001 est.)

Grenada

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2002 est.)

Guadeloupe

purchasing power parity - $9,000 (1997 est.)

Guam

purchasing power parity - $21,000 (2000 est.)

Guatemala

purchasing power parity - $3,900 (2002 est.)

Guernsey

purchasing power parity - $20,000 (1999 est.)

Guinea

purchasing power parity - $2,100 (2002 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

Guyana

purchasing power parity - $3,800 (2002 est.)

Haiti

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

Honduras

purchasing power parity - $2,500 (2002 est.)

Hong Kong

purchasing power parity - $27,200 (2002 est.)

Hungary

purchasing power parity - $13,300 (2002 est.)

Iceland

purchasing power parity - $30,200 (2002 est.)

India

purchasing power parity - $2,600 (2002 est.)

Indonesia

purchasing power parity - $3,100 (2002 est.)

Iran

purchasing power parity - $6,800 (2002 est.)

Iraq

purchasing power parity - $2,400 (2002 est.)

Ireland

purchasing power parity - $29,300 (2002 est.)

Israel

purchasing power parity - $19,500 (2002 est.)

Italy

purchasing power parity - $25,100 (2002 est.)

Jamaica

purchasing power parity - $3,800 (2002 est.)

Japan

purchasing power parity - $28,700 (2002 est.)

Jersey

purchasing power parity - $24,800 (1999 est.)

Jordan

purchasing power parity - $4,300 (2002 est.)

Kazakhstan

purchasing power parity - $7,200 (2002 est.)

Kenya

purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2002 est.)

Kiribati

purchasing power parity - $800 (2001 est.)

Korea, North

purchasing power parity - $1,000 (2002 est.)

Korea, South

purchasing power parity - $19,600 (2002 est.)

Kuwait

purchasing power parity - $17,500 (2002 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

purchasing power parity - $2,900 (2002 est.)

Laos

purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2002 est.)

Latvia

purchasing power parity - $8,900 (2002 est.)

Lebanon

purchasing power parity - $4,800 (2002 est.)

Lesotho

purchasing power parity - $2,700 (2002 est.)

Liberia

purchasing power parity - $1,000 (2002 est.)

Libya

purchasing power parity - $6,200 (2002 est.)

Liechtenstein

purchasing power parity - $25,000 (1999 est.)

Lithuania

purchasing power parity - $8,400 (2002 est.)

Luxembourg

purchasing power parity - $48,900 (2002 est.)

Macau

purchasing power parity - $18,500 (2002 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of purchasing power parity - $5,100 (2002 est.)

Madagascar

purchasing power parity - $800 (2002 est.)

Malawi

purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)

Malaysia

purchasing power parity - $8,800 (2002 est.)

Maldives

purchasing power parity - $3,900 (2002 est.)

Mali

purchasing power parity - $900 (2002 est.)

Malta

purchasing power parity - $17,200 (2002 est.)

Man, Isle of

purchasing power parity - $21,000 (2001 est.)

Marshall Islands

purchasing power parity - $1,600 (2001 est.)

Martinique

purchasing power parity - $10,700 (2001 est.)

Mauritania

purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2002 est.)

Mauritius

purchasing power parity - $10,100 (2002 est.)

Mayotte

purchasing power parity - $600 (1998 est.)

Mexico

purchasing power parity - $8,900 (2002 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of purchasing power parity - $2,000 (2002 est.)

Moldova

purchasing power parity - $2,600 (2002 est.)

Monaco

purchasing power parity - $27,000 (1999 est.)

Mongolia

purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2002 est.)

Montserrat

purchasing power parity - $3,400 (2002 est.)

Morocco

purchasing power parity - $3,900 (2002 est.)

Mozambique

purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2002 est.)

Namibia

purchasing power parity - $6,900 (2002 est.)

Nauru

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.)

Nepal

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

Netherlands

purchasing power parity - $27,200 (2002 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

purchasing power parity - $11,400 (2002 est.)

New Caledonia

purchasing power parity - $14,000 (2002 est.)

New Zealand

purchasing power parity - $20,100 (2002 est.)

Nicaragua

purchasing power parity - $2,200 (2002 est.)

Niger

purchasing power parity - $800 (2002 est.)

Nigeria

purchasing power parity - $900 (2002 est.)

Niue

purchasing power parity - $3,600 (2000 est.)

Norfolk Island

purchasing power parity - $NA

Northern Mariana Islands purchasing power parity - $12,500 (2000 est.)

Norway

purchasing power parity - $33,000 (2002 est.)

Oman

purchasing power parity - $8,300 (2002 est.)

Pakistan

purchasing power parity - $2,000 (FY01/02 est.)

Palau

purchasing power parity - $9,000 (2001 est.)

Panama

purchasing power parity - $6,200 (2002 est.)

Papua New Guinea

purchasing power parity - $2,100 (2002 est.)

Paraguay

purchasing power parity - $4,300 (2002 est.)

Peru

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2002 est.)

Philippines

purchasing power parity - $4,600 (2002 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

purchasing power parity - $NA

Poland

purchasing power parity - $9,700 (2002 est.)

Portugal

purchasing power parity - $19,400 (2002 est.)

Puerto Rico

purchasing power parity - $11,100 (2002 est.)

Qatar

purchasing power parity - $20,100 (2002 est.)

Reunion

purchasing power parity - $5,600 (2002 est.)

Romania

purchasing power parity - $7,600 (2002 est.)

Russia

purchasing power parity - $9,700 (2002 est.)

Rwanda

purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2002 est.)

Saint Helena

purchasing power parity - $2,500 (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

purchasing power parity - $8,800 (2002 est.)

Saint Lucia

purchasing power parity - $5,400 (2002 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

purchasing power parity - $11,000 (1996

est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

purchasing power parity - $2,900

(2002 est.)

Samoa

purchasing power parity - $5,600 (2002 est.)

San Marino

purchasing power parity - $34,600 (2001 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2002 est.)

Saudi Arabia

purchasing power parity - $11,400 (2002 est.)

Senegal

purchasing power parity - $1,500 (2002 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

purchasing power parity - $2,200 (2002 est.)

Seychelles

purchasing power parity - $7,800 (2002 est.)

Sierra Leone

purchasing power parity - $500 (2002 est.)

Singapore

purchasing power parity - $25,200 (2002 est.)

Slovakia

purchasing power parity - $12,400 (2002 est.)

Slovenia

purchasing power parity - $19,200 (2002 est.)

Solomon Islands

purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2001 est.)

Somalia

purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)

South Africa

purchasing power parity - $10,000 (2002 est.)

Spain

purchasing power parity - $21,200 (2002 est.)

Sri Lanka

purchasing power parity - $3,700 (2002 est.)

Sudan

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

Suriname

purchasing power parity - $3,400 (2002 est.)

Svalbard

purchasing power parity - $NA

Swaziland

purchasing power parity - $4,800 (2002 est.)

Sweden

purchasing power parity - $26,000 (2002 est.)

Switzerland

purchasing power parity - $32,000 (2002 est.)

Syria

purchasing power parity - $3,700 (2002 est.)

Taiwan

purchasing power parity - $18,000 (2002 est.)

Tajikistan

purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.)

Tanzania

purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)

Thailand

purchasing power parity - $7,000 (2002 est.)

Togo

purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

Tokelau

purchasing power parity - $1,000 (1993 est.)

Tonga

purchasing power parity - $2,200 (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

purchasing power parity - $10,000 (2002 est.)

Tunisia

purchasing power parity - $6,800 (2002 est.)

Turkey

purchasing power parity - $7,300 (2002 est.)

Turkmenistan

purchasing power parity - $6,700 (2002 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

purchasing power parity - $9,600 (2000 est.)

Tuvalu

purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2000 est.)

Uganda

purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2002 est.)

Ukraine

purchasing power parity - $4,500 (2002 est.)

United Arab Emirates

purchasing power parity - $22,100 (2002 est.)

United Kingdom

purchasing power parity - $25,500 (2002 est.)

United States

purchasing power parity - $36,300 (2002 est.)

Uruguay

purchasing power parity - $7,900 (2002 est.)

Uzbekistan

purchasing power parity - $2,600 (2002 est.)

Vanuatu

purchasing power parity - $2,900 (2002 est.)

Venezuela

purchasing power parity - $5,400 (2002 est.)

Vietnam

purchasing power parity - $2,300 (2002 est.)

Virgin Islands

purchasing power parity - $19,000 (2001 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

purchasing power parity - $2,000 (2000 est.)

West Bank

purchasing power parity - $800 (2002 est.)

Western Sahara

purchasing power parity - $NA

World

purchasing power parity - $7,900 (2002 est.)

Yemen

purchasing power parity - $800 (2002 est.)

Zambia

purchasing power parity - $800 (2002 est.)

Zimbabwe

purchasing power parity - $2,100 (2002 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2006 Dependency status

American Samoa

unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US;

administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the

Interior

Anguilla

overseas territory of the UK

Aruba

part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in

internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the

Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and

foreign affairs

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

territory of Australia; administered by

the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services

Baker Island

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from

Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US

Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge

system

Bassas da India

possession of France; administered by a high

commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion

Bermuda

overseas territory of the UK

Bouvet Island

territory of Norway; administered by the Polar

Department of the Ministry of Justice and Police from Oslo

British Indian Ocean Territory overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London

British Virgin Islands overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing

Cayman Islands overseas territory of the UK

Christmas Island

territory of Australia; administered by the

Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services

Clipperton Island

possession of France; administered by France from

French Polynesia by a high commissioner of the Republic

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

territory of Australia; administered from

Canberra by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional

Services

Cook Islands

self-governing in free association with New Zealand;

Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand

retains responsibility for external affairs and defense, in

consultation with the Cook Islands

Coral Sea Islands

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra

by the Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories

Europa Island

possession of France; administered by a high

commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

overseas territory of the UK; also

claimed by Argentina

Faroe Islands

part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing

overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948

French Guiana

overseas department of France

French Polynesia

overseas territory of France since 1946

French Southern and Antarctic Lands overseas territory of France since 1955; administered from Paris by Administrateur Superieur Francois GARDE (since 24 May 2000), assisted by Secretary General Jean-Yves HERMOSO (since NA)

Gibraltar overseas territory of the UK

Glorioso Islands

possession of France; administered by a high

commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion

Greenland

part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas

administrative division of Denmark since 1979

Guadeloupe

overseas department of France

Guam

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy

relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the

Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Guernsey

British crown dependency

Heard Island and McDonald Islands territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment and Heritage

Hong Kong

special administrative region of China

Howland Island

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from

Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US

Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge

system

Jan Mayen

territory of Norway; since August 1994, administered from

Oslo through the county governor (fylkesmann) of Nordland; however,

authority has been delegated to a station commander of the Norwegian

Defense Communication Service

Jarvis Island

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from

Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US

Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge

system

Jersey

British crown dependency

Johnston Atoll

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from

Honolulu, HI, by Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, and the

Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as

part of the National Wildlife Refuge system

Juan de Nova Island

possession of France; administered by a high

commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion

Kingman Reef

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from

Washington, DC, by the US Fish and Wildlife Service of the

Department of the Interior

note: on 1 September 2000, the Department of the Interior accepted

restoration of its administrative jurisdiction over Kingman Reef

from the Department of the Navy; Executive Order 3223 signed 18

January 2001 established Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge to be

administered by the Director, US Fish and Wildlife Service; this

refuge is managed to protect the terrestrial and aquatic wildlife of

Kingman Reef out to the 12-nautical-mile territorial sea limit

Macau

special administrative region of China

Man, Isle of

British crown dependency

Martinique

overseas department of France

Mayotte

territorial collectivity of France

Midway Islands

unincorporated territory of the US; formerly

administered from Washington, DC, by the US Navy, under Naval

Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific Division; this facility has

been operationally closed since 10 September 1993; on 31 October

1996, through a presidential executive order, the jurisdiction and

control of the atoll was transferred to the Fish and Wildlife

Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National

Wildlife Refuge system

Montserrat

overseas territory of the UK

Navassa Island

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from

Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of

the Interior; in September 1996, the Coast Guard ceased operations

and maintenance of Navassa Island Light, a 46-meter-tall lighthouse

on the southern side of the island; there has also been a private

claim advanced against the island

Netherlands Antilles

part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full

autonomy in internal affairs granted in 1954; Dutch Government

responsible for defense and foreign affairs

New Caledonia

overseas territory of France since 1956

Niue

self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974;

Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains

responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these

responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised

at the request of the Government of Niue

Norfolk Island

territory of Australia; Canberra administers

Commonwealth responsibilities on Norfolk Island through the

Department of Environment, Sport, and Territories

Northern Mariana Islands

commonwealth in political union with the

US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US

Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

Palmyra Atoll

incorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but

administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service

of the US Department of the Interior; the Office of Insular Affairs

of the US Department of the Interior continues to administer nine

excluded areas comprising certain tidal and submerged lands within

the 12 NM territorial sea or within the lagoon

Pitcairn Islands

overseas territory of the UK

Puerto Rico

commonwealth associated with the US

Reunion

overseas department of France

Saint Helena

overseas territory of the UK

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

self-governing territorial collectivity of

France

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

overseas territory of

the UK, also claimed by Argentina; administered from the Falkland

Islands by a commissioner, who is concurrently governor of the

Falkland Islands, representing Queen ELIZABETH II; Grytviken,

formerly a whaling station on South Georgia, is a scientific base

Svalbard

territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department

of the Ministry of Justice, through a governor (sysselmann) residing

in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; by treaty (9 February 1920)

sovereignty was awarded to Norway

Tokelau

self-administering territory of New Zealand; note -

Tokelauans are drafting a constitution and developing institutions

and patterns of self-government as Tokelau moves toward free

association with New Zealand

Tromelin Island

possession of France; administered by a high

commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion

Turks and Caicos Islands

overseas territory of the UK

Virgin Islands

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with

policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the

jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the

Interior

Wake Island

unincorporated territory of the US; administered from

Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior; activities on the

island are managed by the US Air Force

Wallis and Futuna

overseas territory of France

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2007 Diplomatic representation from the US

Afghanistan

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert Patrick John FINN;

note - embassy in Kabul reopened 16 December 2001, following closure

in January 1989

embassy: Great Masood Road, Kabul

mailing address: 6180 Kabul Place, Dulles, VA 20189-6180

telephone: [93] (2) 290002, 290005, 290154

FAX: 00932290153

Albania

chief of mission: Ambassador James F. JEFFREY

embassy: Rruga Elbasanit, Labinoti #103, Tirana

mailing address: U. S. Department of State, 9510 Tirana Place,

Washington, DC 20521-9510

telephone: [355] (4) 247285

FAX: [355] (4) 232222

Algeria

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard W. ERDMAN (as of 10

July 2003)

embassy: 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, Algiers

mailing address: B. P. Box 549, Alger-Gare, 16000 Algiers

telephone: [213] (21) 691-425/255/186

FAX: [213] (21) 69-39-79

American Samoa

none (territory of the US)

Andorra

the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; the US

Ambassador to Spain is accredited to Andorra; US interests in

Andorra are represented by the Consulate General's office in

Barcelona (Spain); mailing address: Paseo Reina Elisenda, 23, 08034

Barcelona, Spain; telephone: (3493) 280-2227; FAX: (3493) 205-7705

Angola

chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher William DELL

embassy: number 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne (in the Miramar area of

Luanda), Luanda

mailing address: international mail: Caixa Postal 6468, Luanda;

pouch: American Embassy Luanda, Department of State, Washington, DC

20521-2550

telephone: [244] (2) 445-481, 447-028, 446-224

FAX: [244] (2) 446-924

Anguilla

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda

the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and

Barbuda (embassy closed 30 June 1994); the US Ambassador to Barbados

is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

chief of mission: Ambassador James D. WALSH; note - Lino

GUTIERREZ is designated to replace Ambassador WALSH

embassy: Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN Buenos Aires

mailing address: international mail: use street address; APO

address: Unit 4334, APO AA 34034

telephone: [54] (11) 5777-4533

FAX: [54] (11) 5777-4240

Armenia

chief of mission: Ambassador John M. ORDWAY

embassy: 18 Baghramyan Ave., Yerevan 375019

mailing address: American Embassy Yerevan, Department of State, 7020

Yerevan Place, Washington, DC 20521-7020

telephone: [374](1) 521-611, 520-791, 542-177, 542-132, 524-661,

527-001, 524-840

FAX: [374](1) 520-800

Aruba

the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General

to Netherlands Antilles is accredited to Aruba

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

none (territory of Australia)

Australia

chief of mission: Ambassador J. Thomas SCHIEFFER

embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital

Territory 2600

mailing address: APO AP 96549

telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600

FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970

consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Austria

chief of mission: Ambassador William Lee LYONS BROWN, Jr.

embassy: Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1090, Vienna

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [43] (1) 31339, 31375, 31335

FAX: [43] (1) 5125835

Azerbaijan

chief of mission: Ambassador Ross L. WILSON

embassy: 83 Azadliq Prospekt, Baku 370007

mailing address: American Embassy Baku, Department of State, 7050

Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050

telephone: [9] (9412) 98-03-35, 36, 37

FAX: [9] (9412) 90-66-71

Bahamas, The

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affairs

Robert M. WITAJEWSKI

embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau

mailing address: local or express mail address: P. O. Box N-8197,

Nassau; Department of State, 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC

20521-3370

telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours)

FAX: [1] (242) 356-0222

Bahrain

chief of mission: Ambassador Ronald E. NEUMANN

embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club),

Block 321, Zinj District, Manama

mailing address: American Embassy Manama, PSC 451, FPO AE

09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama

telephone: [973] 273-300

FAX: [973] 272-594

Bangladesh

chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Ann PETERS

embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212

mailing address: G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000

telephone: [880] (2) 8824700 through 8824722

FAX: [880] (2) 8823744

Barbados

chief of mission: Ambassador Earl N. PHILLIPS, Jr.

embassy: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street,

Bridgetown; (courier) ALICO Building-Cheapside, Bridgetown

mailing address: P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown; FPO AA 34055

telephone: [1] (246) 436-4950

FAX: [1] (246) 429-5246, 429-3379

Belarus

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael G. KOZAK

embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya St., Minsk 220002

mailing address: PSC 78, Box B Minsk, APO 09723

telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83

FAX: [375] (17) 234-7853

Belgium

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen Franklin BRAUER

embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels

mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710

telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111

FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725

Belize

chief of mission: Ambassador Russell F. FREEMAN

embassy: 29 Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize City

mailing address: P. O. Box 286, Unit 7401, APO AA 34025

telephone: [501] 227-7161 through 7163

FAX: [501] 30802

Benin

chief of mission: Ambassador Wayne NEILL

embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou

mailing address: 01 B. P. 2012, Cotonou

telephone: [229] 30-06-50

FAX: [229] 30-06-70

Bermuda

chief of mission: Consul General Denis Patrick COLEMAN, Jr.

consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3

mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate

General Hamilton, Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place,

Washington, DC 20520-5300

telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342

FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592, [1] (441) 296-9233

Bhutan

the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations,

although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US

Embassy in New Delhi (India)

Bolivia

chief of mission: Ambassador David N. GREENLEE

embassy: Avenida Arce 2780, San Jorge, La Paz

mailing address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032

telephone: [591] (2) 2430120, 2430251

FAX: [591] (2) 2433900

Bosnia and Herzegovina chief of mission: Ambassador Clifford G. BOND embassy: Alipasina 43, 71000 Sarajevo mailing address: use street address telephone: [387] (33) 445-700 FAX: [387] (33) 659-722 branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar

Botswana

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph HUGGINS

embassy: address NA, Gaborone

mailing address: Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone

telephone: [267] 353982

FAX: [267] 312782

Brazil

chief of mission: Ambassador Donna J. HRINAK

embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal

Cep 70403-900, Brasilia

mailing address: Unit 3500, APO AA 34030

telephone: [55] (61) 312-7000

FAX: [55] (61) 225-9136

consulate(s) general: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo

consulate(s): Recife

British Indian Ocean Territory

none (overseas territory of the UK)

British Virgin Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei

chief of mission: Ambassador Gene B. CHRISTY

embassy: Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri

Begawan

mailing address: PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP 96507

telephone: [673] (2) 229670

FAX: [673] (2) 225293

Bulgaria

chief of mission: Ambassador James William PARDEW

embassy: 1 Suborna Street, Sofia 1000

mailing address: American Embassy Sofia, Department of State, 5740

Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740

telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100

FAX: [359] (2) 981-89-77

Burkina Faso

chief of mission: Ambassador Anthony HOLMES

embassy: 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau, Koulouba, Secteur 4

mailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou 01; pouch mail - U. S.

Department of State, 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC

20521-2440

telephone: [226] 306723

FAX: [226] 303890

Burma

chief of mission: Permanent Charge d'Affaires Carmen M.

MARTINEZ

embassy: 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon (GPO 521)

mailing address: Box B, APO AP 96546

telephone: [95] (1) 379 880, 379 881

FAX: [95] (1) 256 018

Burundi

chief of mission: Ambassador James Howard YELLIN

embassy: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura

mailing address: B. P. 1720, Bujumbura

telephone: [257] 223454

FAX: [257] 222926

Cambodia

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles Aaron RAY

embassy: 27 EO Street 240, Phnom Penh

mailing address: Box P, APO AP 96546

telephone: [855] (23) 216-436/438

FAX: [855] (23) 216-437/811

Cameroon

chief of mission: Ambassador George McDade STAPLES

embassy: Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde

mailing address: P. O. Box 817, Yaounde; pouch: American Embassy,

Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520

telephone: [237] 223-05-12, 222-25-89, 222-17-94, 223-40-14

FAX: [237] 223-07-53

branch office(s): Douala

Canada

chief of mission: Ambassador Paul CELLUCCI

embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8

mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburgh, NY 13669-0430

telephone: [1] (613) 238-5335, 4470

FAX: [1] (613) 688-3097

consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto,

and Vancouver

Cape Verde

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald C. JOHNSON

embassy: Rua Abilio m. Macedo 81, Praia

mailing address: C. P. 201, Praia

telephone: [238] 61 56 16, 61 56 17

FAX: [238] 61 13 55

Cayman Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Central African Republic

chief of mission: Ambassador Mattie R.

SHARPLESS

embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui

mailing address: B. P. 924, Bangui

telephone: [236] 61 02 00

FAX: [236] 61 44 94

Chad

chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher E. GOLDTHWAIT

embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena

mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena

telephone: [235] (51) 70-09

FAX: [235] (51) 56-54

Chile

chief of mission: Ambassador William R. BROWNFIELD

embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago

mailing address: APO AA 34033

telephone: [56] (2) 232-2600

FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710

China

chief of mission: Ambassador Clark T. RANDT, Jr.

embassy: Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, 100600 Beijing

mailing address: PSC 461, Box 50, FPO AP 96521-0002

telephone: [86] (10) 6532-3831

FAX: [86] (10) 6532-6929

consulate(s) general: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai,

Shenyang

Christmas Island

none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none (territory of Australia)

Colombia

chief of mission: Ambassador Anne W. PATTERSON

embassy: Calle 22D-BIS, numbers 47-51, Apartado Aereo 3831

mailing address: Carrera 45 #22D-45, Bogota, D.C., APO AA 34038

telephone: [57] (1) 315-0811

FAX: [57] (1) 315-2197

Comoros

the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the ambassador

to Mauritius is accredited to Comoros

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

chief of mission: Ambassador

Aubrey HOOKS

embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa

mailing address: Unit 31550, APO AE 09828

telephone: [243] (88) 43608

FAX: [243] (88) 43467

Congo, Republic of the

chief of mission: Ambassador Robin R. SANDERS

embassy: NA

mailing address: NA

telephone: [243] (88) 43608

note: the embassy is temporarily collocated with the US Embassy in

the Democratic Republic of the Congo (US Embassy Kinshasa, 310

Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa)

Cook Islands

none (self-governing in free association with New

Zealand)

Coral Sea Islands

none (territory of Australia)

Costa Rica

chief of mission: Ambassador John J. DANILOVICH

embassy: Calle 120 Avenida O, Pavas, San Jose

mailing address: APO AA 34020

telephone: [506] 220-3939

FAX: [506] 220-2305

Cote d'Ivoire

chief of mission: Ambassador Arlene RENDER

embassy: 5 Rue Jesse Owens, Abidjan

mailing address: B. P. 1712, Abidjan 01

telephone: [225] 20 21 09 79

FAX: [225] 20 22 32 59

Croatia

chief of mission: Ambassador Ralph FRANK

embassy: Thomasa Jeffersona 2, 10010 Zagreb

mailing address: use street address

telephone: [385] (1) 661-2200

FAX: [385] (1) 661-2373

Cuba

none; note - the US has an Interests Section in the Swiss

Embassy, headed by Principal Officer James C. CASON; address: USINT,

Swiss Embassy, Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana;

telephone: [53] (7) 33-3551 through 3559 (operator assistance

required); FAX: [53] (7) 33-3700; protecting power in Cuba is

Switzerland

Cyprus

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael KLOSSON

embassy: corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, Engomi, 2407

Nicosia

mailing address: P. O. Box 24536, 1385 Nikosia

telephone: [357] (22) 776400

FAX: [357] (22) 780944

Czech Republic

chief of mission: Ambassador Craig R. STAPLETON

embassy: Trziste 15, 11801 Prague 1

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [420] (2) 5753-0663

FAX: [420] (2) 5753-0583

Denmark

chief of mission: Ambassador Stuart A. BERNSTEIN

embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen

mailing address: PSC 73, APO AE 09716

telephone: [45] 35 55 31 44

FAX: [45] 35 43 02 23

Djibouti

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald YAMAMOTO

embassy: Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti

mailing address: B. P. 185, Djibouti

telephone: [253] 35 39 95

FAX: [253] 35 39 40

Dominica

the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; US interests

are served by the embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados

Dominican Republic

chief of mission: Ambassador Hans H. HERTELL

embassy: corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo

Navarro, Santo Domingo

mailing address: Unit 5500, APO AA 34041-5500

telephone: [1] (809) 221-2171

FAX: [1] (809) 686-7437

East Timor

chief of mission: Ambassador Grover Joseph REES

embassy: Vila 10, Avenida de Portugal, Farol, Dili

mailing address: Department of State, 8250 Dili Place, Washington,

DC 20521-8250

telephone: (670) 332-4684, 331-3205/3160/3472

FAX: (670) 331-3206

Ecuador

chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie Anne KENNEY

embassy: Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria, Quito

mailing address: APO AA 34039

telephone: [593] (2) 256-2890

FAX: [593] (2) 250-2052

consulate(s) general: Guayaquil

Egypt

chief of mission: Ambassador C. David WELCH

embassy: 5 Latin America St., Garden City, Cairo

mailing address: Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900

telephone: [20] (2) 797-3300

FAX: [20] (2) 797-3200

El Salvador

chief of mission: Ambassador Rose M. LIKINS

embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La

Libertad, San Salvador

mailing address: Unit 3116, APO AA 34023

telephone: [503] 278-4444

FAX: [503] 278-6011

Equatorial Guinea

the US does not have an embassy in Equatorial

Guinea (embassy closed September 1995); the US ambassador to

Cameroon is accredited to Equatorial Guinea; the US State Department

is considering opening a Consulate Agency in Malabo

Eritrea

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald J. McCONNELL

embassy: Franklin D. Roosevelt Street, Asmara

mailing address: P. O. Box 211, Asmara

telephone: [291] (1) 120004

FAX: [291] (1) 127584

Estonia

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph M. DeTHOMAS

embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [372] 668-8100

FAX: [372] 668-8134

Ethiopia

chief of mission: Ambassador Aurelia A. BRAZEAL

embassy: Entoto Street, Addis Ababa

mailing address: P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa

telephone: [251] (1) 550666

FAX: [251] (1) 551328

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

none (overseas territory of the

UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands

none (self-governing overseas administrative division

of Denmark)

Fiji

chief of mission: Ambassador David L. LYON

embassy: 31 Loftus Street, Suva

mailing address: P. O. Box 218, Suva

telephone: [679] 331-4466

FAX: [679] 330-0081

Finland

chief of mission: Ambassador Bonnie McELVEEN-HUNTER

embassy: Itainen Puistotie 14A, FIN-00140, Helsinki

mailing address: APO AE 09723

telephone: [358] (9) 616250

FAX: [358] (9) 174681

France

chief of mission: Ambassador Howard H. LEACH

embassy: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08

mailing address: PSC 116, APO AE 09777

telephone: [33] (1) 43-12-22-22

FAX: [33] (1) 42 66 97 83

consulate(s) general: Marseille, Strasbourg

French Guiana

none (overseas department of France)

French Polynesia

none (overseas territory of France)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

none (overseas territory of

France)

Gabon

chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth P. MOOREFIELD

embassy: Boulevard de la Mer, Libreville

mailing address: Centre Ville, B. P. 4000, Libreville

telephone: [241] 76 20 03 through 76 20 04, after hours - 74 34 92

FAX: [241] 74 55 07

Gambia, The

chief of mission: Ambassador Jackson McDONALD

embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul

mailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul

telephone: [220] 392856, 392858, 391971

FAX: [220] 392475

Georgia

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard M. MILES

embassy: #25 Atoneli Street, T'bilisi 380026

mailing address: 7060 Tbilisi Place, Washington, DC 20521-7060

telephone: [995] (32) 989-967/68

FAX: [995] (32) 933-759

Germany

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel R. COATS

embassy: Neustaedtische Kirchstrasse 4-5, 10117 Berlin; note - a new

embassy will be built near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

mailing address: PSC 120, Box 1000, APO AE 09265

telephone: [49] (30) 238-5174

FAX: [49] (30) 238-6290

consulate(s) general: Duesseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg,

Leipzig, Munich

Ghana

chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Carlin YATES

embassy: 6th and 10th Lanes, 798/1 Osu, Accra

mailing address: P. O. Box 194, Accra

telephone: [233] (21) 775-347, 775-348

FAX: [233] (21) 701-813

Gibraltar

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Glorioso Islands

none (possession of France)

Greece

chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas J. MILLER

embassy: 91 Vasilissis Sophias Avenue, 101 60 Athens

mailing address: PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108

telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951

FAX: [30] (210) 645-6282

consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki

Greenland

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of

Denmark)

Grenada

chief of mission: the ambassador to Barbados is accredited

to Grenada

embassy: Point Salines, Saint George's

mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's, Grenada, West Indies

telephone: [1] (473) 444-1173 through 1176

FAX: [1] (473) 444-4820

Guadeloupe

none (overseas department of France)

Guam

none (territory of the US)

Guatemala

chief of mission: Ambassador John Randle HAMILTON

embassy: 7-01 Avenida Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City

mailing address: APO AA 34024

telephone: [502] 331-1541/55

FAX: [502] 334-8477

Guernsey

none (British crown dependency)

Guinea

chief of mission: Ambassador Barrie R. WALKLEY

embassy: Rue Ka 038, Conakry

mailing address: B. P. 603, Conakry

telephone: [224] 41 15 20, 41 15 21, 41 15 23

FAX: [224] 41 15 22

Guinea-Bissau

the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998 in

the midst of violent conflict between forces loyal to then President

VIEIRA and military-led junta; for the time being, US embassy Dakar

is responsible for covering Guinea-Bissau: telephone - [221]

823-4296; FAX - [221] 822-5903

Guyana

chief of mission: Ambassador Ronald D. GODARD

embassy: 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown

mailing address: P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown

telephone: [592] 225-4900 through 4909

FAX: [592] 225-8497

Haiti

chief of mission: Ambassador James B. Foley

embassy: 5 Harry S Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince

mailing address: P. O. Box 1761, Port-au-Prince

telephone: [509] 222-0354, 222-0368, 222-0200, 222-0612

FAX: [509] 223-1641

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

none (territory of Australia)

Holy See (Vatican City)

chief of mission: Ambassador R. James "Jim"

NICHOLSON

embassy: Villa Domiziana, Via delle Terme Deciane 26, 00153 Rome

mailing address: PSC 59, Box 66, APO AE 09624

telephone: [39] (06) 4674-3428

FAX: [39] (06) 5758346

Honduras

chief of mission: Ambassador Larry Leon PALMER

embassy: Avenida La Paz, Apartado Postal No. 3453, Tegucigalpa

mailing address: American Embassy, APO AA 34022, Tegucigalpa

telephone: [504] 238-5114, 236-9320

FAX: [504] 236-9037

Hong Kong

chief of mission: Consul General James KEITH

consulate(s) general: 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong

mailing address: PSC 461, Box 1, FPO AP 96521-0006

telephone: [852] 2523-9011

FAX: [852] 2524-0860

Hungary

chief of mission: Ambassador Nancy Goodman BRINKER

embassy: 1054 Szabadsag ter 12, Budapest

mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Budapest, 5270 Budapest

Place, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270

telephone: [36] (1) 475-4400

FAX: [36] (1) 475-4764

Iceland

chief of mission: Ambassador James I. GADSDEN

embassy: Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik

mailing address: US Embassy, PSC 1003, Box 40, FPO AE 09728-0340

telephone: [354] 5629100

FAX: [354] 5629118

India

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert D. BLACKWILL

embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [91] (11) 419-8000

FAX: [91] (11) 419-0017

consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai

(Bombay)

Indonesia

chief of mission: Ambassador Ralph L. BOYCE

embassy: Jalan 1 Medan Merdeka Selatan 3-5, Jakarta 10110

mailing address: Unit 8129, Box 1, FPO AP 96520

telephone: [62] (21) 3435-9000

FAX: [62] (21) 385-7189

consulate(s) general: Surabaya

Iran

none; note - protecting power in Iran is Switzerland

Iraq

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn

regime by US-led coalition

Ireland

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard J. EGAN

embassy: 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [353] (1) 668-8777

FAX: [353] (1) 668-9946

Israel

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel C. KURTZER

embassy: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv

mailing address: PSC 98, Box 29, APO AE 09830

telephone: [972] (3) 519-7457/7369/7454/7458/7453

FAX: [972] (3) 517-4390

consulate(s) general: Jerusalem; note - an independent US mission,

established in 1928, whose members are not accredited to a foreign

government

Italy

chief of mission: Ambassador Melvin F. SEMBLER

embassy: Via Vittorio Veneto 119/A, 00187-Rome

mailing address: PSC 59, Box 100, APO AE 09624

telephone: [39] (06) 46741

FAX: [39] (06) 488-2672, 4674-2356

consulate(s) general: Florence, Milan, Naples

Jamaica

chief of mission: Ambassador Sue McCourt COBB

embassy: Jamaica Mutual Life Center, 2 Oxford Road, 3rd floor,

Kingston 5

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [1] (876) 929-4850 through 4859

FAX: [1] (876) 935-6001

Japan

chief of mission: Ambassador Howard H. BAKER, Jr.

embassy: 10-5 Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420

mailing address: Unit 45004, Box 258, APO AP 96337-5004

telephone: [81] (03) 3224-5000

FAX: [81] (03) 3505-1862

consulate(s) general: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo

consulate(s): Fukuoka, Nagoya

Jersey

none (British crown dependency)

Jordan

chief of mission: Ambassador Edward William GNEHM, Jr.

embassy: Abdoun, Amman

mailing address: P. O. Box 354, Amman 11118 Jordan; Unit 70200, Box

5, APO AE 09892-0200

telephone: [962] (6) 5920101

FAX: [962] (6) 5920121

Juan de Nova Island

none (possession of France)

Kazakhstan

chief of mission: Ambassador Larry C. NAPPER

embassy: 99/97A Furmanova Street, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

480091

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [7] (3272) 63-39-21, 63-13-75, 50-76-23, 50-76-27

(emergency number)

FAX: [7] (3272) 63-38-83

Kenya

chief of mission: Ambassador Johnnie CARSON

embassy: US Embassy, United Nations Ave., Gigiti; P. O. Box 606

Village Market Nairobi

mailing address: Box 21A, Unit 64100, APO AE 09831

telephone: [254] (2) 537-800

FAX: [254] (2) 537-810

Kiribati

the US does not have an embassy in Kiribati; the ambassador

to the Marshall Islands is accredited to Kiribati

Korea, North

none (Swedish Embassy in P'yongyang represents the US

as consular protecting power)

Korea, South

chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas C. HUBBARD

embassy: 82 Sejong-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710

mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 15550, APO AP 96205-5550

telephone: [82] (2) 397-4114

FAX: [82] (2) 738-8845

Kuwait

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard H. JONES

embassy: Bayan, Area 14, Al-Masjed Al-Aqsa Street (near the Bayan

palace), Kuwait City

mailing address: P. O. Box 77 Safat, 13001 Safat, Kuwait Unit 69000,

APO AE 09880-9000

telephone: [965] 539-5307, ext. 2240

FAX: [965] 538-0282

Kyrgyzstan

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen M. YOUNG

embassy: 171 Prospect Mira, 720016 Bishkek

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [996] (312) 551-241, (517) 777-217

FAX: [996] (312) 551-264

Laos

chief of mission: Ambassador Douglas A. HARTWICK

embassy: 19 Rue Bartholonie, B. P. 114, Vientiane

mailing address: American Embassy, Box V, APO AP 96546

telephone: [856] (21) 212581, 212582, 212585

FAX: [856] (21) 212584

Latvia

chief of mission: Ambassador Brian E. CARLSON

embassy: 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510

mailing address: American Embassy Riga, PSC 78, Box Riga, APO AE

09723

telephone: [371] 703-6200

FAX: [371] 781-0047

Lebanon

chief of mission: Ambassador Vincent Martin BATTLE

embassy: Awkar, Lebanon

mailing address: P. O. Box 70840, Awkar, Lebanon; PSC 815, Box 2,

FPO AE 09836-0002

telephone: 011-961-4-543-600/542-600

FAX: 011-961-4-544-136

Lesotho

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert G. LOFTIS

embassy: 254 Kingsway, Maseru West (Consular Section)

mailing address: P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho

telephone: [266] 312666

FAX: [266] 310116

Liberia

chief of mission: Ambassador John William BLANEY III

embassy: 111 United Nations Drive, P. O. Box 10-0098, Mamba Point,

1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [231] 226-370 through 226-380

FAX: [231] 226-148

Libya

the US suspended all embassy activities in Tripoli on 2 May

1980

Liechtenstein

the US does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein, but

the US Ambassador to Switzerland is also accredited to Liechtenstein

Lithuania

chief of mission: Ambassador John F. TEFFT

embassy: Akmenu 6, 2600 Vilnius

mailing address: American Embassy, Vilnius, PSC 78, Box V, APO AE

09723

telephone: [370] (5) 266 5500

FAX: [370] (5) 266 5510

Luxembourg

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter TERPELUK, Jr.

embassy: 22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg City

mailing address: American Embassy Luxembourg, Unit 1410, APO AE

09126-1410 (official mail); American Embassy Luxembourg, PSC 9, Box

9500, APO AE 09123 (personal mail)

telephone: [352] 46 01 23

FAX: [352] 46 14 01

Macau

the US has no offices in Macau; US interests are monitored by

the US Consulate General in Hong Kong

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

chief of mission:

Ambassador Laurence Edward BUTLER

embassy: Bul. Ilinden bb, 91000 Skopje

mailing address: American Embassy Skopje, Department of State, 7120

Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch)

telephone: [389] 116-180

FAX: [389] 117-103

Madagascar

chief of mission: Ambassador Wanda L. NESBITT

embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo 101

mailing address: B. P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo

telephone: [261] (20) 22-212-57, 22-212-73, 22-209-56

FAX: [261] (20) 22-345-39

Malawi

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen BROWN

embassy: Area 40, Plot 24, Kenyatta Road

mailing address: P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi

telephone: [265] (1) 773 166

FAX: [265] (1) 770 471

Malaysia

chief of mission: Ambassador Marie T. HUHTALA

embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur

mailing address: P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur; American

Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152

telephone: [60] (3) 2168-5000

FAX: [60] (3) 2142-2207

Maldives

the US does not have an embassy in Maldives; the US

Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic

visits there

Mali

chief of mission: Ambassador Vicki HUDDLESTONE

embassy: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, Bamako

mailing address: B. P. 34, Bamako

telephone: [223] (2) 223-833

FAX: [223] (2) 223-712

Malta

chief of mission: Ambassador Anthony H. GIOIA

embassy: 3rd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana,

Malta VLT 01

mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta, Malta

telephone: [356] 21-235-960

FAX: [356] 2124-3229

Man, Isle of

none (British crown dependency)

Marshall Islands

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. SENKO

embassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro

mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall

Islands 96960-1379

telephone: [692] 247-4011

FAX: [692] 247-4012

Martinique

none (overseas department of France)

Mauritania

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON

embassy: Rue Abdallaye (between Presidency building and Spanish

Embassy), Nouakchott

mailing address: BP 222, Nouakchott

telephone: [222] 25-26-60, 25-26-63, 25-11-41, 25-11-45

FAX: [222] 25-25-92

Mauritius

chief of mission: Ambassador John PRICE

embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis

mailing address: international mail: P. O. Box 544, Port Louis; US

mail: American Embassy, Port Louis, Department of State, Washington,

DC 20521-2450

telephone: [230] 202-4400

FAX: [230] 208-9534

Mayotte

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Mexico

chief of mission: Ambassador Antonio O. GARZA

embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico,

Distrito Federal

mailing address: P. O. Box 9000, Brownsville, TX 78520-0900

telephone: [52] (55) 5080-2000

FAX: [52] (55) 5080-2005, 5080-2834

consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana

consulate(s): Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales

Micronesia, Federated States of

chief of mission: Ambassador Larry

M. DINGER

embassy: address NA, Kolonia

mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States

of Micronesia 96941

telephone: [691] 320-2187

FAX: [691] 320-2186

Moldova

chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela Hyde SMITH

embassy: 103 Alexei Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [373] (2) 23-37-72

FAX: [373] (2) 23-30-44

Monaco

the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Consul

General in Marseille (France) is accredited to Monaco

Mongolia

chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela J. Slutz

embassy: Micro Region 11, Big Ring Road, C.P.O. 1021, Ulaanbaatar 13

mailing address: PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002

telephone: [976] (11) 329095

FAX: [976] (11) 320776

Montserrat

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Morocco

chief of mission: Ambassador Ms. Margaret TUTWILER

embassy: 2 Avenue de Mohamed El Fassi, Rabat

mailing address: PSC 74, Box 021, APO AE 90718

telephone: [212] (37) 76 22 65

FAX: [212] (37) 76 56 61

consulate(s) general: Casablanca

Mozambique

chief of mission: Ambassador Sharon P. WILKINSON

embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kuanda 193, Maputo

mailing address: P. O. Box 783, Maputo

telephone: [258] (1) 492797

FAX: [258] (1) 490448

Namibia

chief of mission: Ambassador Kevin J. McGUIRE

embassy: Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek

mailing address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek

telephone: [264] (61) 221601

FAX: [264] (61) 229792

Nauru

the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to

Fiji is accredited to Nauru

Nepal

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael E. MALINOWSKI

embassy: Panipokhari, Kathmandu

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [977] (1) 411179

FAX: [977] (1) 419963

Netherlands

chief of mission: Ambassador Clifford M. SOBEL

embassy: Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ, The Hague

mailing address: PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715

telephone: [31] (70) 310-9209

FAX: [31] (70) 361-4688

consulate(s) general: Amsterdam

Netherlands Antilles

chief of mission: Consul General Deborah A.

BOLTON

consulate(s) general: J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad AN, Curacao

mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao

telephone: [599] (9) 4613066

FAX: [599] (9) 4616489

New Caledonia

none (overseas territory of France)

New Zealand

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles J. SWINDELLS

embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington

mailing address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, APO AP

96531-1034

telephone: [64] (4) 462-6000

FAX: [64] (4) 472-3478

consulate(s) general: Auckland

Nicaragua

chief of mission: Ambassador Barbara Calandra MOORE

embassy: Apartado Postal 327, Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur, Managua

mailing address: APO AA 34021

telephone: [505] 266-6010, 266-2298, 266-6013

FAX: [505] 266-9074

Niger

chief of mission: Ambassador Gail Dennise Thomas MATHIEU

embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey

mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey

telephone: [227] 72 26 61 through 72 26 64

FAX: [227] 73 31 67, 72-31-46

Nigeria

chief of mission: Ambassador Howard Franklin JETER

embassy: 7 Mambilla Drive, Abuja

mailing address: P. O. Box 554, Lagos

telephone: [234] (9) 523-0916/0906/5857/2235/2205

FAX: [234] (9) 523-0353

Niue

none (self-governing territory in free association with New

Zealand)

Norfolk Island

none (territory of Australia)

Norway

chief of mission: Ambassador John D. ONG

embassy: Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo

mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707

telephone: [47] (22) 44 85 50

FAX: [47] (22) 44 33 63

Oman

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard Lewis BALTIMORE III

embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat

mailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Al-Sultan Qaboos,

Muscat

telephone: [968] 698989, extension 203

FAX: [968] 699771

Pakistan

chief of mission: Ambassador Nancy J. POWELL

embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad

mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 62200, APO AE 09812-2200

telephone: [92] (51) 2080-0000

FAX: [92] (51) 2276427

consulate(s): Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar

Palau

chief of mission: the Ambassador to the Philippines is

accredited to Palau

embassy: address NA, Koror

mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940

telephone: [680] 488-2920, 2990

FAX: [680] 488-2911

Panama

chief of mission: Ambassador Linda Ellen WATT

embassy: Avenida Balboa and Calle 37, Apartado Postal 0816-02561,

Zona 5, Panama City 5

mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002

telephone: [507] 207-7000

FAX: [507] 227-1964

Papua New Guinea

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert W. Fitts

embassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresby

mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby PI, US Department of State,

Washington DC 20521-4240

telephone: [675] 321-1455

FAX: [675] 321-3423

Paraguay

chief of mission: Ambassador John F. KEANE

embassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Casilla Postal 402, Asuncion

mailing address: Unit 4711, APO AA 34036-0001

telephone: [595] (21) 213-715

FAX: [595] (21) 213-728

Peru

chief of mission: Ambassador John R. DAWSON

embassy: Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17s/n, Surco, Lima 33

mailing address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima),

APO AA 34031-5000

telephone: [51] (1) 434-3000

FAX: [51] (1) 434-3037

Philippines

chief of mission: Ambassador Francis J. RICCIARDONE

embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila

mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000

telephone: [63] (2) 523-1001

FAX: [63] (2) 522-4361

Pitcairn Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland

chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher R. HILL

embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw P1

mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, US Department of State,

5010 Warsaw Place, Washington, DC 20521-5010 (pouch)

telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000

FAX: [48] (22) 504-2951

consulate(s) general: Krakow

Portugal

chief of mission: Ambassador John N. PALMER

embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon

mailing address: PSC 83, APO AE 09726

telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300

FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109

consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Puerto Rico

none (commonwealth associated with the US)

Qatar

chief of mission: Ambassador Maureen E. QUINN

embassy: Al-Luqtas District, 22 February Road, Doha

mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha

telephone: [974] 488 4101

FAX: [974] 488 4298

Reunion

none (overseas department of France)

Romania

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael E. GUEST

embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest

mailing address: American Embassy Bucharest, Department of State,

5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260 (pouch)

telephone: [40] (21) 210-4042

FAX: [40] (21) 210-0395

branch office(s): Cluj-Napoca

Russia

chief of mission: Ambassador Alexander VERSHBOW

embassy: Bolshoy Devyatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, 121099 Moscow

mailing address: PSC-77, APO AE 09721

telephone: [7] (095) 728-5000

FAX: [7] (095) 728-5090

consulate(s) general: Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg

Rwanda

chief of mission: Ambassador Margaret K. McMILLION

embassy: #337 Boulevard de la Revolution, Kigali

mailing address: B. P. 28, Kigali

telephone: [250] 50 56 01 through 03

FAX: [250] 57 2128

Saint Helena

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts

and Nevis; the US Ambassador in Barbados is accredited to Saint

Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the US

Ambassador in Barbados is accredited to Saint Lucia

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

the US does not have an embassy in

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the US Ambassador in Barbados is

accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa

chief of mission: the Ambassador to New Zealand is accredited

to Samoa

embassy: Vailima

mailing address: P. O. Box 3430, Apia

telephone: [685] 21631/22696

FAX: [685] 22030

San Marino

the US does not have an embassy in San Marino; the US

Consul General in Florence (Italy) is accredited to San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe

the US does not have an embassy in Sao Tome

and Principe; the Ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and

Principe on a nonresident basis and makes periodic visits to the

islands

Saudi Arabia

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert W. JORDAN

embassy: Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh

mailing address: American Embassy Riyadh, Unit 61307, APO AE

09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693

telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800

FAX: [966] (1) 488-7360

consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

Senegal

chief of mission: Ambassador Harriet L. ELAM-THOMAS

embassy: Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Rue Kleber, Dakar

mailing address: B. P. 49, Dakar

telephone: [221] 823-4296

FAX: [221] 822-2991

Serbia and Montenegro

chief of mission: Ambassador William D.

MONTGOMERY

embassy: Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade

mailing address: 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070

telephone: [381] (11) 361-9344

FAX: [381] (11) 361-8230

Seychelles

the US does not have an embassy in Seychelles; the

ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to the Seychelles

Sierra Leone

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter Russell CHAVEAS

embassy: Corner of Walpole and Siaka Stevens Streets, Freetown

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [232] (22) 226481 through 226485

FAX: [232] (22) 225471

Singapore

chief of mission: Ambassador Franklin L. LAVIN

embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508

mailing address: PSC Box 470, FPO AP 96507-0001

telephone: [65] 6476-9100

FAX: [65] 6476-9340

Slovakia

chief of mission: Ambassador Ronald WEISER

embassy: Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [421] (2) 5443-3338

FAX: [421] (2) 5441-5148

Slovenia

chief of mission: Ambassador Johnny YOUNG

embassy: Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana

mailing address: American Embassy Ljubljana, Department of State,

7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140

telephone: [386] (1) 200-5500

FAX: [386] (1) 200-5555

Solomon Islands

the US does not have an embassy in Solomon Islands

(embassy closed July 1993); the ambassador to Papua New Guinea is

accredited to the Solomon Islands

Somalia

the US does not have an embassy in Somalia; US interests are

represented by the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya at Mombasa Road;

mailing address: P. O. Box 30137, Unit 64100, Nairobi; APO AE 09831;

telephone: [254] (2) 537800; FAX [254] (2) 537810

South Africa

chief of mission: Ambassador Cameron H. HUME

embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Pretoria

mailing address: P. O. Box 9536, Pretoria 0001

telephone: [27] (12) 342-1048

FAX: [27] (12) 342-2244

consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

none (overseas

territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Spain

chief of mission: Ambassador George L. ARGYROS

embassy: Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid

mailing address: PSC 61, APO AE 09642

telephone: [34] (91) 587-2200

FAX: [34] (91) 587-2303

consulate(s) general: Barcelona

Sri Lanka

chief of mission: Ambassador E. Ashley WILLS

embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3

mailing address: P. O. Box 106, Colombo

telephone: [94] (1) 448007

FAX: [94] (1) 437345

Sudan

US Embassy in Khartoum is located on Sharia Abdul Latif

Avenue; mailing address - P. O. Box 699, Khartoum; APO AE 09829;

telephone - [249] (11) 774611 or 774700; FAX - [249] (11) 774137

Suriname

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel A. JOHNSON

embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo

mailing address: Department of State, 3390 Paramaribo Place,

Washington, DC, 20521-3390

telephone: [597] 472900

FAX: [597] 420800

Swaziland

chief of mission: Ambassador James D. McGEE

embassy: Central Bank Building, Warner Street, Mbabane

mailing address: P. O. Box 199, Mbabane

telephone: [268] 404-6441 through 404-6445

FAX: [268] 404-5959

Sweden

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles A. HEIMBOLD, Jr.

embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds VAG 31, SE-11589 Stockholm

mailing address: American Embassy Stockholm, Department of State,

5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750 (pouch)

telephone: [46] (08) 783 53 00

FAX: [46] (08) 661 19 64

Switzerland

chief of mission: Ambassador Mercer REYNOLDS III

embassy: Jubilaeumsstrasse 93, 3005 Bern

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [41] (031) 357 70 11

FAX: [41] (031) 357 73 44

Syria

chief of mission: Ambassador Theodore H. KATTOUF

embassy: Abou Roumaneh, Al-Mansur Street, No. 2, Damascus

mailing address: P. O. Box 29, Damascus

telephone: [963] (11) 333-1342

FAX: [963] (11) 331-9678

Taiwan

none; unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the

people on Taiwan are maintained through an unofficial

instrumentality - the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) - which has

offices in the US and Taiwan; US office located at 1700 N. Moore

St., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-1996, telephone: [1] (703)

525-8474, FAX: [1] (703) 841-1385); Taiwan offices located at #7

Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3, Taipei, Taiwan, telephone: [886]

(2) 2709-2000, FAX: [886] (2) 2702-7675; #2 Chung Cheng 3rd Road,

5th Floor, Kao-hsiung, Taiwan, telephone: [886] (7) 224-0154 through

0157, FAX: [886] (7) 223-8237; and the American Trade Center, Room

3208 International Trade Building, Taipei World Trade Center, 333

Keelung Road Section 1, Taipei, Taiwan 10548, telephone: [886] (2)

2720-1550, FAX: [886] (2) 2757-7162

Tajikistan

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard E. HOAGLAND

embassy: 10 Pavlova Street, Dushanbe, Tajikistan 734003; note - the

embassy in Dushanbe is not yet fully operational; most business is

still handled in Almaty at 531 Sayfullin Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan,

telephone 7-3272-58-79-61, FAX 7-3272-58-79-68

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [992] (372) 21-03-48 (Dushanbe)

FAX: [992] (372) 21-03-62

Tanzania

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert V. ROYALL

embassy: 140 Msese Road, Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam

mailing address: P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam

telephone: [255] (22) 2666-010 through 2666-015

FAX: [255] (22) 2666-701, 2668-501

Thailand

chief of mission: Ambassador Darryl N. JOHNSON

embassy: 120/22 Wireless Road, Bangkok

mailing address: APO AP 96546

telephone: [66] (2) 205-4000

FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131

consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai

Togo

chief of mission: Ambassador Gregory ENGLE

embassy: Angle Rue Kouenou and Rue 15 Beniglato, Lome

mailing address: B. P. 852, Lome

telephone: [228] 221 29 91 through 221 29 94

FAX: [228] 221 79 52

Tokelau

none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga

the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the ambassador to

Fiji is accredited to Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

chief of mission: Ambassador Roy L. AUSTIN

embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain

mailing address: P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain

telephone: [1] (868) 622-6372 through 6376, 622-6176

FAX: [1] (868) 628-5462

Tunisia

chief of mission: Ambassador Rust M. DEMING

embassy: Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac Nord de Tunis, 2045 La

Goulette, Tunisia

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [216] 71 782-566

FAX: [216] 71 789-719

Turkey

chief of mission: Ambassador Eric S. EDELMAN

embassy: 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara

mailing address: PSC 93, Box 5000, APO AE 09823

telephone: [90] (312) 455-5555

FAX: [90] (312) 467-0019

consulate(s) general: Istanbul

consulate(s): Adana; note - there is a Consular Agent in Izmir

Turkmenistan

chief of mission: Ambassador Tracey A. JACOBSON

embassy: 9 Pushkin Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 774000

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [9] (9312) 35-00-45

FAX: [9] (9312) 39-26-14

Turks and Caicos Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu

the US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US ambassador

to Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu

Uganda

chief of mission: Ambassador Jimmy KOLKER

embassy: 1577 Ggaba Rd., Kampala

mailing address: P. O. Box 7007, Kampala

telephone: [256] (41) 234-142

FAX: [256] (41) 258-451

Ukraine

chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos E. PASCUAL

embassy: 10 Yurii Kotsiubynskyi Street, Kiev 01901

mailing address: 5850 Kiev Place, Washington, DC 20521-5850

telephone: [380] (44) 490-4000

FAX: [380] (44) 244-7350

United Arab Emirates

chief of mission: Ambassador Marcelle M. WAHBA

embassy: Al-Sudan Street, Abu Dhabi

mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi

telephone: [971] (2) 4436691

FAX: [971] (2) 4435441

consulate(s) general: Dubai

United Kingdom

chief of mission: Ambassador William S. FARISH

embassy: 24/31 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A1AE

mailing address: PSC 801, Box 40, FPO AE 09498-4040

telephone: [44] (0) 7499-9000

FAX: [44] (0) 7629-9124

consulate(s) general: Belfast, Edinburgh

Uruguay

chief of mission: Ambassador Martin J. SILVERSTEIN

embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200

mailing address: APO AA 34035

telephone: [598] (2) 418-7777

FAX: [598] (2) 418-8611

Uzbekistan

chief of mission: Ambassador John Edward HERBST

embassy: 82 Chilanzarskaya, Tashkent 700115

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [998] (71) 120-5450

FAX: [998] (71) 120-6335

Vanuatu

the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the ambassador

to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

Venezuela

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles S. SHAPIRO

embassy: Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urbanizacion Colinas de Valle

Arriba, Caracas 1080

mailing address: P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A; APO AA 34037

telephone: [58] (212) 975-9234, 975-6411

FAX: [58] (212) 975-8991

Vietnam

chief of mission: Ambassador Raymond F. BURGHARDT

embassy: 7 Lang Ha Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

mailing address: PSC 461, Box 400, FPO AP 96521-0002

telephone: [84] (4) 772-1500

FAX: [84] (4) 772-1510

consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City

Virgin Islands

none (territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna

none (overseas territory of France)

Western Sahara

none

Yemen

chief of mission: Ambassador Edmund J. HULL

embassy: Dhahar Himyar Zone, Sheraton Hotel District, Sanaa

mailing address: P. O. Box 22347, Sanaa

telephone: [967] (1) 303-161

FAX: [967] (1) 303-182

Zambia

chief of mission: Ambassador Martin George BRENNAN

embassy: corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues

mailing address: P. O. Box 31617, Lusaka

telephone: [260] (1) 250-955

FAX: [260] (1) 252-225

Zimbabwe

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph G. SULLIVAN

embassy: 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare

mailing address: P. O. Box 3340, Harare

telephone: [263] (4) 250-593 and 250-594

FAX: [263] (4) 796488

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2008 Transportation - note

Arctic Ocean

sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes;

the Northwest Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route

(Eurasia) are important seasonal waterways

Atlantic Ocean

Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two

important waterways; significant domestic commercial and

recreational use of Intracoastal Waterway on central and south

Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico coast of US

Baker Island

there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast

Georgia

transportation network is in poor condition resulting from

ethnic conflict, criminal activities, and fuel shortages; network

lacks maintenance and repair

Howland Island

Earhart Light is a day beacon near the middle of the

west coast that was partially destroyed during World War II, but has

since been rebuilt; named in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART

Jarvis Island

there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast

Pacific Ocean

Inside Passage offers protected waters from southeast

Alaska to Puget Sound (Washington state)

Southern Ocean

Drake Passage offers alternative to transit through

the Panama Canal

Wake Island

formerly an important commercial aviation base, now used

by US military, some commercial cargo planes, and for emergency

landings

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2010 Age structure (%)

Afghanistan

0-14 years: 41.8% (male 6,123,971; female 5,868,013)

15-64 years: 55.4% (male 8,240,743; female 7,671,242)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 427,710; female 385,534) (2003 est.)

Albania

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 520,714; female 486,911)

15-64 years: 64.6% (male 1,115,887; female 1,196,477)

65 years and over: 7.3% (male 115,754; female 146,462) (2003 est.)

Algeria

0-14 years: 32.8% (male 5,485,197; female 5,285,434)

15-64 years: 63% (male 10,460,475; female 10,224,389)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 624,839; female 738,166) (2003 est.)

American Samoa

0-14 years: 37.5% (male 13,557; female 12,818)

15-64 years: 57% (male 19,712; female 20,346)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 2,081; female 1,746) (2003 est.)

Andorra

0-14 years: 15.1% (male 5,473; female 4,974)

15-64 years: 71.7% (male 26,063; female 23,542)

65 years and over: 13.2% (male 4,543; female 4,555) (2003 est.)

Angola

0-14 years: 43.5% (male 2,363,829; female 2,317,610)

15-64 years: 53.7% (male 2,941,999; female 2,842,923)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 134,330; female 165,780) (2003 est.)

Anguilla

0-14 years: 24.3% (male 1,575; female 1,526)

15-64 years: 68.8% (male 4,504; female 4,262)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 387; female 484) (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 9,706; female 9,371)

15-64 years: 67.4% (male 22,929; female 22,845)

65 years and over: 4.5% (male 1,218; female 1,828) (2003 est.)

Argentina

0-14 years: 26.2% (male 5,185,548; female 4,955,551)

15-64 years: 63.4% (male 12,274,625; female 12,282,772)

65 years and over: 10.4% (male 1,659,641; female 2,382,670) (2003

est.)

Armenia

0-14 years: 21.1% (male 356,587; female 346,648)

15-64 years: 68.3% (male 1,113,241; female 1,158,245)

65 years and over: 10.6% (male 147,156; female 204,571) (2003 est.)

Aruba

0-14 years: 20.7% (male 7,540; female 7,121)

15-64 years: 68.3% (male 23,427; female 24,955)

65 years and over: 11% (male 3,215; female 4,586) (2003 est.)

Australia

0-14 years: 20.2% (male 2,045,783; female 1,949,864)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 6,680,531; female 6,553,141)

65 years and over: 12.7% (male 1,099,275; female 1,403,390) (2003

est.)

Austria

0-14 years: 16.2% (male 678,944; female 646,390)

15-64 years: 68.3% (male 2,827,736; female 2,768,480)

65 years and over: 15.5% (male 490,979; female 775,678) (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

0-14 years: 27.7% (male 1,101,320; female 1,064,214)

15-64 years: 64.7% (male 2,468,772; female 2,601,312)

65 years and over: 7.6% (male 236,683; female 358,463) (2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

0-14 years: 28.8% (male 42,799; female 42,730)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 95,718; female 98,875)

65 years and over: 5.8% (male 7,092; female 10,263) (2003 est.)

Bahrain

0-14 years: 28.8% (male 97,294; female 94,930)

15-64 years: 68% (male 266,351; female 187,473)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 10,807; female 10,383) (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

0-14 years: 34.1% (male 24,255,300; female 23,007,632)

15-64 years: 62.5% (male 44,261,739; female 42,281,331)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 2,506,606; female 2,135,602) (2003

est.)

Barbados

0-14 years: 21.2% (male 29,621; female 29,207)

15-64 years: 70% (male 94,840; female 99,230)

65 years and over: 8.8% (male 9,355; female 15,011) (2003 est.)

Belarus

0-14 years: 16.8% (male 885,265; female 848,516)

15-64 years: 68.9% (male 3,456,769; female 3,652,766)

65 years and over: 14.3% (male 490,529; female 988,306) (2003 est.)

Belgium

0-14 years: 17.2% (male 905,856; female 865,589)

15-64 years: 65.6% (male 3,400,419; female 3,346,182)

65 years and over: 17.2% (male 725,162; female 1,045,880) (2003 est.)

Belize

0-14 years: 41.1% (male 55,880; female 53,706)

15-64 years: 55.3% (male 74,612; female 72,813)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 4,571; female 4,858) (2003 est.)

Benin

0-14 years: 47% (male 1,668,817; female 1,638,291)

15-64 years: 50.7% (male 1,739,517; female 1,834,231)

65 years and over: 2.3% (male 67,504; female 93,130) (2003 est.)

Bermuda

0-14 years: 19.2% (male 6,195; female 6,205)

15-64 years: 69.3% (male 22,110; female 22,574)

65 years and over: 11.5% (male 3,215; female 4,183) (2003 est.)

Bhutan

0-14 years: 39.6% (male 438,784; female 407,919)

15-64 years: 56.4% (male 621,666; female 585,550)

65 years and over: 4% (male 43,262; female 42,368) (2003 est.)

Bolivia

0-14 years: 37.1% (male 1,624,366; female 1,562,501)

15-64 years: 58.4% (male 2,452,892; female 2,561,873)

65 years and over: 4.5% (male 172,292; female 212,519) (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

0-14 years: 19.4% (male 397,810; female

377,005)

15-64 years: 70.5% (male 1,439,383; female 1,372,891)

65 years and over: 10.1% (male 171,643; female 230,286) (2003 est.)

Botswana

0-14 years: 39.5% (male 314,764; female 307,024)

15-64 years: 56% (male 424,726; female 455,967)

65 years and over: 4.5% (male 30,599; female 40,187) (2003 est.)

Brazil

0-14 years: 27.1% (male 25,151,855; female 24,196,506)

15-64 years: 67.2% (male 60,667,014; female 61,683,580)

65 years and over: 5.7% (male 4,232,784; female 6,100,865) (2003

est.)

British Virgin Islands

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 2,401; female 2,358)

15-64 years: 73.1% (male 8,181; female 7,709)

65 years and over: 5% (male 578; female 503) (2003 est.)

Brunei

0-14 years: 29.6% (male 54,118; female 51,902)

15-64 years: 67.6% (male 128,421; female 113,480)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 4,804; female 5,373) (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

0-14 years: 14.2% (male 549,142; female 520,057)

15-64 years: 68.8% (male 2,551,548; female 2,632,978)

65 years and over: 17% (male 535,165; female 749,039) (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

0-14 years: 46.1% (male 3,057,855; female 3,036,705)

15-64 years: 51% (male 3,296,726; female 3,455,817)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 161,914; female 219,443) (2003 est.)

Burma

0-14 years: 28.1% (male 6,091,220; female 5,840,968)

15-64 years: 67% (male 14,162,190; female 14,347,751)

65 years and over: 4.9% (male 916,702; female 1,151,706) (2003 est.)

Burundi

0-14 years: 46.7% (male 1,438,759; female 1,409,567)

15-64 years: 50.6% (male 1,516,833; female 1,564,513)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 66,355; female 100,129) (2003 est.)

Cambodia

0-14 years: 39.3% (male 2,606,568; female 2,557,736)

15-64 years: 57.6% (male 3,599,216; female 3,962,520)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 148,287; female 250,437) (2003 est.)

Cameroon

0-14 years: 42.3% (male 3,372,129; female 3,291,295)

15-64 years: 54.5% (male 4,315,672; female 4,265,286)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 227,444; female 274,353) (2003 est.)

Canada

0-14 years: 18.5% (male 3,052,005; female 2,903,007)

15-64 years: 68.6% (male 11,099,907; female 10,984,903)

65 years and over: 12.9% (male 1,774,262; female 2,393,029) (2003

est.)

Cape Verde

0-14 years: 41% (male 85,254; female 83,716)

15-64 years: 52.3% (male 103,690; female 111,992)

65 years and over: 6.7% (male 10,498; female 16,987) (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

0-14 years: 21.6% (male 4,525; female 4,541)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 14,463; female 15,157)

65 years and over: 7.7% (male 1,515; female 1,733) (2003 est.)

Central African Republic

0-14 years: 43.1% (male 799,241; female

788,370)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 969,581; female 1,000,740)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 53,322; female 72,284) (2003 est.)

Chad

0-14 years: 47.9% (male 2,228,605; female 2,201,368)

15-64 years: 49.3% (male 2,171,169; female 2,393,184)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 105,686; female 153,481) (2003 est.)

Chile

0-14 years: 26.4% (male 2,112,251; female 2,018,099)

15-64 years: 66% (male 5,151,551; female 5,180,607)

65 years and over: 7.7% (male 499,441; female 703,267) (2003 est.)

China

0-14 years: 23.1% (male 155,473,656; female 141,737,406)

15-64 years: 69.5% (male 461,223,219; female 433,154,970)

65 years and over: 7.4% (male 44,954,643; female 50,431,574) (2003

est.)

Christmas Island

0-14 years: NA%

15-64 years: NA%

65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

0-14 years: NA%

15-64 years: NA%

65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Colombia

0-14 years: 31.3% (male 6,601,581; female 6,447,679)

15-64 years: 63.7% (male 12,931,093; female 13,626,333)

65 years and over: 4.9% (male 913,798; female 1,141,589) (2003 est.)

Comoros

0-14 years: 42.9% (male 136,060; female 135,277)

15-64 years: 54.2% (male 169,121; female 173,822)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 8,863; female 9,805) (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

0-14 years: 48.3% (male

13,734,706; female 13,624,579)

15-64 years: 49.2% (male 13,648,155; female 14,203,077)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 583,366; female 831,156) (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

0-14 years: 38.4% (male 570,491; female

563,079)

15-64 years: 58% (male 844,655; female 868,851)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 44,166; female 63,016) (2003 est.)

Cook Islands

0-14 years: NA%

15-64 years: NA%

65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

0-14 years: 30.1% (male 600,812; female 573,375)

15-64 years: 64.4% (male 1,269,667; female 1,241,097)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 98,156; female 112,985) (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

0-14 years: 45.4% (male 3,796,393; female 3,902,210)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 4,541,997; female 4,347,531)

65 years and over: 2.2% (male 179,323; female 195,037) (2003 est.)

Croatia

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 415,873; female 394,414)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 1,465,488; female 1,454,778)

65 years and over: 15.6% (male 258,943; female 432,752) (2003 est.)

Cuba

0-14 years: 20.1% (male 1,164,376; female 1,103,061)

15-64 years: 69.6% (male 3,932,604; female 3,909,523)

65 years and over: 10.2% (male 531,608; female 622,257) (2003 est.)

Cyprus

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 86,446; female 82,769)

15-64 years: 67% (male 261,404; female 255,409)

65 years and over: 11.1% (male 37,345; female 48,284) (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

0-14 years: 15.4% (male 809,697; female 768,747)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 3,617,214; female 3,614,060)

65 years and over: 14% (male 554,922; female 884,576) (2003 est.)

Denmark

0-14 years: 18.7% (male 516,872; female 490,543)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 1,809,138; female 1,762,577)

65 years and over: 15% (male 338,141; female 467,113) (2003 est.)

Djibouti

0-14 years: 43.1% (male 98,796; female 98,202)

15-64 years: 53.9% (male 129,492; female 116,953)

65 years and over: 3% (male 6,933; female 6,754) (2003 est.)

Dominica

0-14 years: 27.8% (male 9,807; female 9,571)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 23,024; female 21,768)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 2,226; female 3,259) (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

0-14 years: 33.6% (male 1,497,777; female

1,431,104)

15-64 years: 61.2% (male 2,719,505; female 2,614,495)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 212,045; female 240,676) (2003 est.)

East Timor

NA (2003 est.)

Ecuador

0-14 years: 34.9% (male 2,430,303; female 2,351,166)

15-64 years: 60.6% (male 4,116,289; female 4,198,667)

65 years and over: 4.5% (male 284,082; female 329,727) (2003 est.)

Egypt

0-14 years: 33.9% (male 12,964,852; female 12,346,808)

15-64 years: 61.9% (male 23,375,037; female 22,865,190)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 1,359,685; female 1,807,225) (2003

est.)

El Salvador

0-14 years: 37.1% (male 1,224,024; female 1,173,667)

15-64 years: 57.9% (male 1,777,522; female 1,966,064)

65 years and over: 5.1% (male 147,482; female 181,620) (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 108,179; female 107,164)

15-64 years: 54% (male 132,342; female 143,509)

65 years and over: 3.8% (male 8,576; female 10,703) (2003 est.)

Eritrea

0-14 years: 44.7% (male 977,447; female 972,068)

15-64 years: 52% (male 1,121,077; female 1,147,109)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 71,620; female 72,933) (2003 est.)

Estonia

0-14 years: 15.8% (male 113,239; female 108,876)

15-64 years: 68.8% (male 467,041; female 501,805)

65 years and over: 15.4% (male 71,512; female 146,083) (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

0-14 years: 44.8% (male 14,944,168; female 14,871,164)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 17,474,403; female 17,384,817)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 840,057; female 1,042,944) (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

0-14 years: NA%

15-64 years: NA%

65 years and over: NA%

Faroe Islands

0-14 years: 22% (male 5,103; female 5,077)

15-64 years: 64.4% (male 15,822; female 14,002)

65 years and over: 13.7% (male 2,842; female 3,499) (2003 est.)

Fiji

0-14 years: 32% (male 141,979; female 136,378)

15-64 years: 64.1% (male 278,759; female 278,150)

65 years and over: 3.8% (male 15,329; female 17,936) (2003 est.)

Finland

0-14 years: 17.7% (male 468,077; female 450,785)

15-64 years: 66.9% (male 1,753,760; female 1,719,253)

65 years and over: 15.4% (male 312,883; female 486,027) (2003 est.)

France

0-14 years: 18.6% (male 5,725,170; female 5,449,991)

15-64 years: 65.1% (male 19,619,994; female 19,583,850)

65 years and over: 16.3% (male 4,006,857; female 5,794,667) (2003

est.)

French Guiana

0-14 years: 29.9% (male 28,565; female 27,280)

15-64 years: 64.4% (male 64,836; female 55,498)

65 years and over: 5.7% (male 5,455; female 5,283) (2003 est.)

French Polynesia

0-14 years: 28.3% (male 37,804; female 36,249)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 90,421; female 83,304)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 7,226; female 7,121) (2003 est.)

Gabon

0-14 years: 42.3% (male 280,218; female 278,808)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 352,363; female 355,315)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 22,786; female 32,070) (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

0-14 years: 44.9% (male 338,497; female 335,503)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 390,150; female 396,763)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 20,836; female 19,301) (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

0-14 years: 49.4% (male 322,658; female 307,026)

15-64 years: 47.9% (male 310,910; female 299,724)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 14,645; female 19,905) (2003 est.)

Georgia

0-14 years: 18.6% (male 466,743; female 449,440)

15-64 years: 68.4% (male 1,628,757; female 1,744,922)

65 years and over: 13% (male 252,031; female 392,520) (2003 est.)

Germany

0-14 years: 14.9% (male 6,312,614; female 5,988,681)

15-64 years: 67.3% (male 28,213,316; female 27,240,648)

65 years and over: 17.8% (male 5,842,457; female 8,800,610) (2003

est.)

Ghana

0-14 years: 38.9% (male 4,021,570; female 3,938,454)

15-64 years: 57.5% (male 5,859,940; female 5,909,910)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 350,045; female 387,828) (2003 est.)

Gibraltar

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 2,593; female 2,482)

15-64 years: 66.3% (male 9,458; female 8,946)

65 years and over: 15.4% (male 1,873; female 2,424) (2003 est.)

Greece

0-14 years: 14.7% (male 811,080; female 761,728)

15-64 years: 67% (male 3,578,320; female 3,557,800)

65 years and over: 18.3% (male 866,425; female 1,090,636) (2003 est.)

Greenland

0-14 years: 25.9% (male 7,463; female 7,161)

15-64 years: 68.3% (male 20,885; female 17,605)

65 years and over: 5.8% (male 1,508; female 1,763) (2003 est.)

Grenada

0-14 years: 35.1% (male 15,840; female 15,492)

15-64 years: 61.3% (male 28,941; female 25,735)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 1,502; female 1,748) (2003 est.)

Guadeloupe

0-14 years: 24.7% (male 55,521; female 53,137)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 144,764; female 147,449)

65 years and over: 8.9% (male 16,443; female 22,875) (2003 est.)

Guam

0-14 years: 35.1% (male 30,334; female 27,264)

15-64 years: 58.4% (male 50,258; female 45,538)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 5,269; female 5,278) (2003 est.)

Guatemala

0-14 years: 42.9% (male 3,052,658; female 2,908,428)

15-64 years: 53.8% (male 3,779,688; female 3,706,315)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 215,653; female 246,642) (2003 est.)

Guernsey

0-14 years: 15.8% (male 5,216; female 5,061)

15-64 years: 66.8% (male 21,433; female 21,835)

65 years and over: 17.4% (male 4,705; female 6,568) (2003 est.)

Guinea

0-14 years: 44.4% (male 2,027,970; female 1,986,300)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 2,358,566; female 2,372,384)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 124,382; female 160,618) (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

0-14 years: 41.9% (male 284,150; female 285,370)

15-64 years: 55.2% (male 358,891; female 392,703)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 17,285; female 22,428) (2003 est.)

Guyana

0-14 years: 27% (male 96,775; female 93,077)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 240,305; female 236,378)

65 years and over: 5.1% (male 15,755; female 19,810) (2003 est.)

Haiti

0-14 years: 42.7% (male 1,637,853; female 1,575,893)

15-64 years: 53.6% (male 1,962,975; female 2,073,353)

65 years and over: 3.7% (male 131,784; female 145,959) (2003 est.)

Honduras

0-14 years: 41.6% (male 1,414,791; female 1,357,537)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 1,811,757; female 1,843,456)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 114,791; female 127,457) (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

0-14 years: 17.3% (male 680,973; female 599,309)

15-64 years: 71.7% (male 2,619,929; female 2,679,430)

65 years and over: 11% (male 375,058; female 439,471) (2003 est.)

Hungary

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 832,033; female 787,336)

15-64 years: 69% (male 3,406,046; female 3,523,118)

65 years and over: 14.9% (male 544,099; female 952,775) (2003 est.)

Iceland

0-14 years: 22.7% (male 32,902; female 30,952)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 92,519; female 91,000)

65 years and over: 11.9% (male 14,973; female 18,452) (2003 est.)

India

0-14 years: 32.2% (male 173,973,350; female 163,979,116)

15-64 years: 63% (male 342,620,712; female 319,259,867)

65 years and over: 4.8% (male 25,281,756; female 24,585,317) (2003

est.)

Indonesia

0-14 years: 29.7% (male 35,437,274; female 34,232,824)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 76,743,613; female 76,845,245)

65 years and over: 4.9% (male 5,086,465; female 6,548,032) (2003

est.)

Iran

0-14 years: 29.3% (male 10,279,588; female 9,727,668)

15-64 years: 65.9% (male 22,916,431; female 22,095,124)

65 years and over: 4.8% (male 1,625,113; female 1,634,902) (2003

est.)

Iraq

0-14 years: 40.7% (male 5,103,669; female 4,946,443)

15-64 years: 56.3% (male 7,033,268; female 6,855,644)

65 years and over: 3% (male 348,790; female 395,499) (2003 est.)

Ireland

0-14 years: 21.2% (male 427,017; female 404,191)

15-64 years: 67.4% (male 1,322,982; female 1,322,429)

65 years and over: 11.4% (male 194,724; female 252,797) (2003 est.)

Israel

0-14 years: 26.9% (male 842,885; female 803,864)

15-64 years: 63.2% (male 1,941,440; female 1,922,512)

65 years and over: 9.9% (male 260,315; female 345,517) (2003 est.)

Italy

0-14 years: 14% (male 4,193,412; female 3,947,679)

15-64 years: 67.2% (male 19,625,428; female 19,337,861)

65 years and over: 18.8% (male 4,516,995; female 6,376,978) (2003

est.)

Jamaica

0-14 years: 28.6% (male 395,074; female 376,870)

15-64 years: 64.5% (male 870,486; female 869,431)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 82,022; female 101,984) (2003 est.)

Japan

0-14 years: 14.4% (male 9,368,132; female 8,906,024)

15-64 years: 67% (male 42,852,204; female 42,368,109)

65 years and over: 18.6% (male 9,945,638; female 13,774,392) (2003

est.)

Jersey

0-14 years: 17.8% (male 8,292; female 7,744)

15-64 years: 67.2% (male 30,178; female 30,410)

65 years and over: 15% (male 5,858; female 7,674) (2003 est.)

Jordan

0-14 years: 35.9% (male 1,001,174; female 959,157)

15-64 years: 60.5% (male 1,764,061; female 1,541,453)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 95,566; female 98,854) (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

0-14 years: 25.4% (male 2,161,510; female 2,089,780)

15-64 years: 66.8% (male 5,425,545; female 5,769,457)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 458,379; female 859,124) (2003 est.)

Kenya

0-14 years: 41.3% (male 6,609,904; female 6,461,945)

15-64 years: 55.8% (male 8,900,615; female 8,766,698)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 389,918; female 510,011) (2003 est.)

Kiribati

0-14 years: 39.7% (male 19,839; female 19,333)

15-64 years: 57% (male 27,705; female 28,438)

65 years and over: 3.3% (male 1,385; female 1,849) (2003 est.)

Korea, North

0-14 years: 25% (male 2,845,727; female 2,763,800)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 7,485,310; female 7,746,603)

65 years and over: 7.2% (male 541,155; female 1,083,886) (2003 est.)

Korea, South

0-14 years: 20.6% (male 5,256,451; female 4,703,853)

15-64 years: 71.5% (male 17,527,407; female 16,991,229)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 1,512,157; female 2,297,940) (2003

est.)

Kuwait

0-14 years: 27.9% (male 310,008; female 298,474)

15-64 years: 69.5% (male 970,282; female 547,753)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 36,306; female 20,338) (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

0-14 years: 33.8% (male 836,593; female 819,615)

15-64 years: 59.9% (male 1,436,371; female 1,492,884)

65 years and over: 6.3% (male 117,405; female 189,940) (2003 est.)

Laos

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 1,255,172; female 1,242,823)

15-64 years: 54.6% (male 1,592,697; female 1,639,431)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 87,192; female 104,230) (2003 est.)

Latvia

0-14 years: 15.1% (male 180,976; female 172,988)

15-64 years: 68.9% (male 774,133; female 844,856)

65 years and over: 16% (male 122,850; female 252,981) (2003 est.)

Lebanon

0-14 years: 27.1% (male 514,447; female 494,166)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 1,177,773; female 1,286,433)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 115,693; female 139,191) (2003 est.)

Lesotho

0-14 years: 37.7% (male 353,554; female 349,092)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 516,017; female 541,694)

65 years and over: 5.5% (male 41,735; female 59,867) (2003 est.)

Liberia

0-14 years: 43.4% (male 724,960; female 716,831)

15-64 years: 53% (male 858,191; female 898,851)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 59,539; female 58,804) (2003 est.)

Libya

0-14 years: 34.5% (male 970,026; female 929,174)

15-64 years: 61.4% (male 1,744,992; female 1,630,399)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 109,262; female 115,221) (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

0-14 years: 18.1% (male 2,979; female 3,008)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 11,646; female 11,740)

65 years and over: 11.3% (male 1,538; female 2,234) (2003 est.)

Lithuania

0-14 years: 17.6% (male 323,776; female 310,087)

15-64 years: 68.4% (male 1,188,171; female 1,268,035)

65 years and over: 14% (male 169,513; female 332,979) (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

0-14 years: 18.9% (male 44,182; female 41,640)

15-64 years: 66.9% (male 152,963; female 151,061)

65 years and over: 14.2% (male 26,060; female 38,251) (2003 est.)

Macau

0-14 years: 20.9% (male 51,078; female 47,118)

15-64 years: 71.8% (male 159,500; female 178,043)

65 years and over: 7.3% (male 13,930; female 20,234) (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 0-14 years: 21.9% (male 235,102; female 217,574) 15-64 years: 67.5% (male 700,929; female 691,552) 65 years and over: 10.6% (male 96,039; female 121,926) (2003 est.)

Madagascar

0-14 years: 45% (male 3,822,823; female 3,807,958)

15-64 years: 51.9% (male 4,366,748; female 4,452,686)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 243,411; female 286,118) (2003 est.)

Malawi

0-14 years: 46.8% (male 2,748,058; female 2,698,052)

15-64 years: 50.5% (male 2,911,892; female 2,973,723)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 128,722; female 190,792) (2003 est.)

Malaysia

0-14 years: 33.7% (male 4,001,507; female 3,777,896)

15-64 years: 61.9% (male 7,163,252; female 7,131,745)

65 years and over: 4.4% (male 447,230; female 571,310) (2003 est.)

Maldives

0-14 years: 44.9% (male 75,991; female 71,826)

15-64 years: 52.1% (male 87,734; female 84,150)

65 years and over: 3% (male 5,073; female 4,910) (2003 est.)

Mali

0-14 years: 47.2% (male 2,759,802; female 2,727,226)

15-64 years: 49.8% (male 2,771,532; female 3,017,348)

65 years and over: 3% (male 161,983; female 188,328) (2003 est.)

Malta

0-14 years: 19.5% (male 40,448; female 37,623)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 136,221; female 134,142)

65 years and over: 13% (male 21,730; female 30,256) (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

0-14 years: 17.5% (male 6,637; female 6,337)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 24,373; female 24,165)

65 years and over: 17.1% (male 5,102; female 7,647) (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

0-14 years: 39.1% (male 11,233; female 10,819)

15-64 years: 58.2% (male 16,857; female 16,003)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 726; female 791) (2003 est.)

Martinique

0-14 years: 22.8% (male 49,310; female 47,908)

15-64 years: 66.9% (male 142,242; female 142,688)

65 years and over: 10.3% (male 19,656; female 24,162) (2003 est.)

Mauritania

0-14 years: 46% (male 671,080; female 668,408)

15-64 years: 51.8% (male 743,573; female 764,358)

65 years and over: 2.2% (male 26,669; female 38,496) (2003 est.)

Mauritius

0-14 years: 25.1% (male 153,401; female 150,399)

15-64 years: 68.5% (male 413,660; female 415,534)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 30,673; female 46,780) (2003 est.)

Mayotte

0-14 years: 46.5% (male 41,632; female 41,301)

15-64 years: 51.8% (male 50,373; female 42,118)

65 years and over: 1.7% (male 1,502; female 1,511) (2003 est.)

Mexico

0-14 years: 32.3% (male 17,298,964; female 16,617,728)

15-64 years: 63.1% (male 32,217,513; female 33,932,603)

65 years and over: 4.6% (male 2,145,252; female 2,695,931) (2003

est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

0-14 years: 38.4% (male 21,163;

female 20,335)

15-64 years: 58.5% (male 31,746; female 31,477)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 1,558; female 1,864) (2003 est.)

Moldova

0-14 years: 21.1% (male 477,063; female 459,992)

15-64 years: 68.7% (male 1,465,248; female 1,584,402)

65 years and over: 10.2% (male 168,068; female 284,729) (2003 est.)

Monaco

0-14 years: 15.5% (male 2,551; female 2,445)

15-64 years: 62.1% (male 9,814; female 10,130)

65 years and over: 22.4% (male 2,937; female 4,253) (2003 est.)

Mongolia

0-14 years: 30.7% (male 423,081; female 408,119)

15-64 years: 65.7% (male 890,482; female 892,140)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 42,292; female 56,201) (2003 est.)

Montserrat

0-14 years: 23.4% (male 1,062; female 1,041)

15-64 years: 65.3% (male 2,805; female 3,066)

65 years and over: 11.4% (male 537; female 484) (2003 est.)

Morocco

0-14 years: 33.2% (male 5,360,666; female 5,162,168)

15-64 years: 62% (male 9,766,222; female 9,876,647)

65 years and over: 4.8% (male 676,357; female 847,205) (2003 est.)

Mozambique

0-14 years: 42.1% (male 3,634,173; female 3,725,396)

15-64 years: 55.3% (male 4,712,891; female 4,945,123)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 189,778; female 271,905) (2003 est.)

Namibia

0-14 years: 42.5% (male 414,559; female 404,346)

15-64 years: 54% (male 517,469; female 522,549)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 30,038; female 38,486) (2003 est.)

Nauru

0-14 years: 38.9% (male 2,517; female 2,368)

15-64 years: 59.3% (male 3,681; female 3,779)

65 years and over: 1.8% (male 116; female 109) (2003 est.)

Nepal

0-14 years: 39.7% (male 5,424,396; female 5,080,171)

15-64 years: 56.7% (male 7,692,134; female 7,320,059)

65 years and over: 3.6% (male 468,697; female 484,112) (2003 est.)

Netherlands

0-14 years: 18.2% (male 1,501,127; female 1,436,453)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 5,576,141; female 5,389,764)

65 years and over: 13.9% (male 929,087; female 1,317,939) (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

0-14 years: 24.7% (male 27,383; female 26,122)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 69,233; female 75,956)

65 years and over: 8.1% (male 7,244; female 10,288) (2003 est.)

New Caledonia

0-14 years: 29.7% (male 31,990; female 30,695)

15-64 years: 64.2% (male 68,093; female 67,205)

65 years and over: 6.1% (male 6,016; female 6,799) (2003 est.)

New Zealand

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 443,837; female 423,118)

15-64 years: 66.5% (male 1,318,751; female 1,307,796)

65 years and over: 11.6% (male 199,722; female 258,083) (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

0-14 years: 37.7% (male 984,719; female 949,282)

15-64 years: 59.2% (male 1,510,352; female 1,527,991)

65 years and over: 3% (male 68,332; female 87,841) (2003 est.)

Niger

0-14 years: 47.6% (male 2,686,169; female 2,581,785)

15-64 years: 50.2% (male 2,710,554; female 2,842,319)

65 years and over: 2.2% (male 125,505; female 112,258) (2003 est.)

Nigeria

0-14 years: 43.6% (male 29,322,774; female 28,990,702)

15-64 years: 53.6% (male 36,513,700; female 35,254,333)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 1,890,043; female 1,910,151) (2003

est.)

Niue

0-14 years: NA%

15-64 years: NA%

65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Norfolk Island

0-14 years: 20.2%

15-64 years: 63.9%

65 years and over: 15.9% (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands

0-14 years: 23.3% (male 9,483; female 9,168)

15-64 years: 74.8% (male 27,839; female 32,041)

65 years and over: 1.8% (male 748; female 727) (2003 est.)

Norway

0-14 years: 19.9% (male 465,320; female 439,095)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 1,501,608; female 1,462,590)

65 years and over: 14.9% (male 281,554; female 395,956) (2003 est.)

Oman

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 603,664; female 580,469)

15-64 years: 55.4% (male 934,621; female 620,158)

65 years and over: 2.4% (male 36,504; female 31,709) (2003 est.)

Pakistan

0-14 years: 39.3% (male 30,463,958; female 28,726,776)

15-64 years: 56.5% (male 43,571,093; female 41,651,872)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 3,051,674; female 3,229,367) (2003

est.)

Palau

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 2,714; female 2,552)

15-64 years: 68.7% (male 7,352; female 6,197)

65 years and over: 4.6% (male 429; female 473) (2003 est.)

Panama

0-14 years: 30.6% (male 461,670; female 443,671)

15-64 years: 63.3% (male 950,089; female 924,038)

65 years and over: 6.1% (male 86,006; female 95,310) (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

0-14 years: 38.4% (male 1,034,219; female 1,000,505)

15-64 years: 57.8% (male 1,582,983; female 1,479,436)

65 years and over: 3.8% (male 93,604; female 105,069) (2003 est.)

Paraguay

0-14 years: 38.4% (male 1,179,084; female 1,141,420)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 1,721,867; female 1,707,918)

65 years and over: 4.7% (male 132,145; female 154,466) (2003 est.)

Peru

0-14 years: 33.5% (male 4,828,531; female 4,678,008)

15-64 years: 61.5% (male 8,794,799; female 8,689,072)

65 years and over: 5% (male 652,375; female 767,112) (2003 est.)

Philippines

0-14 years: 36.2% (male 15,625,480; female 15,028,498)

15-64 years: 59.9% (male 25,206,467; female 25,485,482)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 1,427,238; female 1,846,809) (2003

est.)

Pitcairn Islands

0-14 years: NA%

15-64 years: NA%

65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Poland

0-14 years: 17.5% (male 3,458,844; female 3,284,995)

15-64 years: 69.8% (male 13,407,012; female 13,547,728)

65 years and over: 12.7% (male 1,879,445; female 3,044,636) (2003

est.)

Portugal

0-14 years: 16.8% (male 874,198; female 825,742)

15-64 years: 67.2% (male 3,326,957; female 3,461,425)

65 years and over: 16% (male 651,697; female 962,003) (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

0-14 years: 22.9% (male 454,908; female 434,555)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 1,212,764; female 1,322,356)

65 years and over: 11.9% (male 200,669; female 260,625) (2003 est.)

Qatar

0-14 years: 24.7% (male 102,938; female 98,934)

15-64 years: 72.4% (male 415,302; female 176,183)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 17,199; female 6,496) (2003 est.)

Reunion

0-14 years: 31.3% (male 121,119; female 115,501)

15-64 years: 62.8% (male 233,607; female 240,502)

65 years and over: 5.9% (male 18,036; female 26,406) (2003 est.)

Romania

0-14 years: 16.9% (male 1,932,204; female 1,838,240)

15-64 years: 69% (male 7,634,481; female 7,739,232)

65 years and over: 14% (male 1,290,343; female 1,837,339) (2003 est.)

Russia

0-14 years: 16% (male 11,815,360; female 11,335,715)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 49,399,322; female 52,367,194)

65 years and over: 13.6% (male 6,394,411; female 13,214,276) (2003

est.)

Rwanda

0-14 years: 42.5% (male 1,667,128; female 1,651,422)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 2,128,495; female 2,148,694)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 85,576; female 128,741) (2003 est.)

Saint Helena

0-14 years: 18.9% (male 704; female 685)

15-64 years: 71.6% (male 2,732; female 2,545)

65 years and over: 9.5% (male 309; female 392) (2003 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

0-14 years: 29% (male 5,754; female 5,499)

15-64 years: 62.4% (male 12,098; female 12,105)

65 years and over: 8.5% (male 1,365; female 1,942) (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

0-14 years: 31.1% (male 25,883; female 24,569)

15-64 years: 63.7% (male 50,711; female 52,508)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 3,147; female 5,339) (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

0-14 years: 25% (male 891; female 851)

15-64 years: 64.7% (male 2,306; female 2,210)

65 years and over: 10.3% (male 310; female 408) (2003 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

0-14 years: 28.2% (male 16,755;

female 16,163)

15-64 years: 65.5% (male 39,308; female 37,149)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 3,215; female 4,222) (2003 est.)

Samoa

0-14 years: 29.4% (male 26,613; female 25,715)

15-64 years: 64.6% (male 72,135; female 42,903)

65 years and over: 6.1% (male 4,980; female 5,827) (2003 est.)

San Marino

0-14 years: 16.3% (male 2,364; female 2,220)

15-64 years: 67.1% (male 9,149; female 9,731)

65 years and over: 16.6% (male 2,009; female 2,646) (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

0-14 years: 47.7% (male 42,480; female 41,411)

15-64 years: 48.3% (male 41,043; female 43,986)

65 years and over: 4% (male 3,197; female 3,766) (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

0-14 years: 42.3% (male 5,245,413; female 5,028,595)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 7,700,121; female 5,622,099)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 393,173; female 304,443) (2003 est.)

Senegal

0-14 years: 43.7% (male 2,330,395; female 2,289,706)

15-64 years: 53.3% (male 2,707,195; female 2,929,998)

65 years and over: 3% (male 156,514; female 166,499) (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

0-14 years: 19.3% (male 1,062,625; female

990,071)

15-64 years: 65.4% (male 3,422,543; female 3,548,058)

65 years and over: 15.3% (male 696,716; female 935,761) (2003 est.)

Seychelles

0-14 years: 27.3% (male 11,116; female 10,844)

15-64 years: 66.5% (male 26,068; female 27,425)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 1,654; female 3,362) (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

0-14 years: 44.8% (male 1,259,421; female 1,310,516)

15-64 years: 52% (male 1,420,900; female 1,557,597)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 89,078; female 95,169) (2003 est.)

Singapore

0-14 years: 17.3% (male 411,656; female 385,575)

15-64 years: 75.5% (male 1,687,217; female 1,793,783)

65 years and over: 7.2% (male 144,277; female 186,087) (2003 est.)

Slovakia

0-14 years: 17.8% (male 495,316; female 471,823)

15-64 years: 70.5% (male 1,903,335; female 1,924,065)

65 years and over: 11.7% (male 238,912; female 396,582) (2003 est.)

Slovenia

0-14 years: 15.3% (male 152,341; female 144,189)

15-64 years: 70% (male 687,939; female 666,194)

65 years and over: 14.7% (male 105,837; female 179,177) (2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

0-14 years: 42.9% (male 111,333; female 107,062)

15-64 years: 54% (male 139,072; female 135,721)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 7,754; female 8,248) (2003 est.)

Somalia

0-14 years: 44.8% (male 1,802,154; female 1,792,749)

15-64 years: 52.5% (male 2,120,934; female 2,093,699)

65 years and over: 2.7% (male 93,682; female 121,972) (2003 est.)

South Africa

0-14 years: 30% (male 6,460,273; female 6,377,090)

15-64 years: 65% (male 13,807,922; female 13,970,088)

65 years and over: 5% (male 864,441; female 1,288,864) (2003 est.)

Spain

0-14 years: 14.4% (male 2,985,705; female 2,808,791)

15-64 years: 68% (male 13,721,053; female 13,626,121)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 2,962,646; female 4,113,097) (2003

est.)

Sri Lanka

0-14 years: 25.2% (male 2,543,336; female 2,431,223)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 6,518,145; female 6,890,424)

65 years and over: 6.9% (male 641,708; female 717,603) (2003 est.)

Sudan

0-14 years: 44% (male 8,562,412; female 8,195,201)

15-64 years: 53.8% (male 10,260,581; female 10,246,045)

65 years and over: 2.2% (male 468,898; female 381,023) (2003 est.)

Suriname

0-14 years: 30.7% (male 68,536; female 65,165)

15-64 years: 63.3% (male 141,048; female 134,699)

65 years and over: 6% (male 11,686; female 14,315) (2003 est.)

Svalbard

0-14 years: NA%

15-64 years: NA%

65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

Swaziland

0-14 years: 41.4% (male 242,762; female 238,141)

15-64 years: 55.1% (male 317,526; female 321,709)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 18,040; female 23,041) (2003 est.)

Sweden

0-14 years: 17.7% (male 804,296; female 763,213)

15-64 years: 65% (male 2,933,183; female 2,835,835)

65 years and over: 17.3% (male 654,575; female 886,983) (2003 est.)

Switzerland

0-14 years: 16.6% (male 623,428; female 591,709)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 2,519,302; female 2,439,560)

65 years and over: 15.6% (male 470,257; female 674,382) (2003 est.)

Syria

0-14 years: 38.6% (male 3,494,473; female 3,290,699)

15-64 years: 58.2% (male 5,238,026; female 4,991,588)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 274,744; female 296,010) (2003 est.)

Taiwan

0-14 years: 20.1% (male 2,366,560; female 2,175,886)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 8,095,741; female 7,871,954)

65 years and over: 9.3% (male 1,074,112; female 1,018,747) (2003

est.)

Tajikistan

0-14 years: 39.8% (male 1,376,244; female 1,353,108)

15-64 years: 55.5% (male 1,896,509; female 1,915,334)

65 years and over: 4.7% (male 140,993; female 181,564) (2003 est.)

Tanzania

0-14 years: 44.3% (male 7,988,898; female 7,938,979)

15-64 years: 53.1% (male 9,429,959; female 9,634,102)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 405,803; female 524,713) (2003 est.)

Thailand

0-14 years: 24.2% (male 7,955,597; female 7,604,652)

15-64 years: 68.8% (male 21,819,445; female 22,362,085)

65 years and over: 7% (male 2,081,768; female 2,441,729) (2003 est.)

Togo

0-14 years: 44.5% (male 1,211,252; female 1,203,564)

15-64 years: 53% (male 1,404,763; female 1,473,360)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 57,535; female 78,825) (2003 est.)

Tokelau

0-14 years: 42%

15-64 years: 53%

65 years and over: 5% (2003 est.)

Tonga

0-14 years: 38.2% (male 21,085; female 20,265)

15-64 years: 57.6% (male 30,785; female 31,532)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,973; female 2,501) (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

0-14 years: 22.2% (male 125,470; female 119,270)

15-64 years: 70% (male 402,137; female 370,600)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 38,928; female 47,804) (2003 est.)

Tunisia

0-14 years: 27% (male 1,388,839; female 1,297,313)

15-64 years: 66.6% (male 3,306,782; female 3,299,883)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 309,103; female 322,822) (2003 est.)

Turkey

0-14 years: 27.2% (male 9,422,242; female 9,082,840)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 22,978,251; female 22,243,477)

65 years and over: 6.4% (male 2,013,926; female 2,368,733) (2003

est.)

Turkmenistan

0-14 years: 36.8% (male 899,954; female 855,293)

15-64 years: 59.2% (male 1,386,606; female 1,438,333)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 74,958; female 120,400) (2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

0-14 years: 32.5% (male 3,202; female 3,094)

15-64 years: 63.7% (male 6,484; female 5,848)

65 years and over: 3.7% (male 321; female 401) (2003 est.)

Tuvalu

0-14 years: 31.9% (male 1,838; female 1,772)

15-64 years: 63% (male 3,432; female 3,687)

65 years and over: 5.1% (male 231; female 345) (2003 est.)

Uganda

0-14 years: 50.8% (male 6,528,724; female 6,486,736)

15-64 years: 46.8% (male 5,985,911; female 6,024,798)

65 years and over: 2.4% (male 266,930; female 339,695) (2003 est.)

Ukraine

0-14 years: 16.3% (male 4,004,948; female 3,832,931)

15-64 years: 68.7% (male 15,779,735; female 17,225,103)

65 years and over: 15% (male 2,419,612; female 4,793,110) (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 338,245; female 324,866)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 1,087,927; female 661,349)

65 years and over: 2.9% (male 52,059; female 20,372) (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 5,621,590; female 5,350,319)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 20,067,529; female 19,626,123)

65 years and over: 15.6% (male 3,987,457; female 5,441,630) (2003

est.)

United States

0-14 years: 20.9% (male 31,098,473; female 29,675,712)

15-64 years: 66.7% (male 96,628,469; female 97,061,559)

65 years and over: 12.4% (male 14,888,185; female 20,990,156) (2003

est.)

Uruguay

0-14 years: 24.3% (male 425,642; female 404,987)

15-64 years: 62.6% (male 1,057,187; female 1,079,549)

65 years and over: 13.1% (male 182,696; female 263,268) (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

0-14 years: 34.7% (male 4,594,721; female 4,431,653)

15-64 years: 60.5% (male 7,781,739; female 7,945,641)

65 years and over: 4.7% (male 497,692; female 730,201) (2003 est.)

Vanuatu

0-14 years: 34.8% (male 35,499; female 33,992)

15-64 years: 61.8% (male 63,021; female 60,149)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 3,605; female 3,148) (2003 est.)

Venezuela

0-14 years: 31% (male 3,944,749; female 3,700,799)

15-64 years: 64.1% (male 7,931,194; female 7,864,697)

65 years and over: 4.9% (male 552,291; female 660,964) (2003 est.)

Vietnam

0-14 years: 30.2% (male 12,699,002; female 11,967,674)

15-64 years: 64.2% (male 25,776,600; female 26,599,005)

65 years and over: 5.6% (male 1,902,464; female 2,679,971) (2003

est.)

Virgin Islands

0-14 years: 26% (male 16,685; female 15,794)

15-64 years: 64.4% (male 36,241; female 44,157)

65 years and over: 9.5% (male 5,078; female 6,823) (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

0-14 years: NA%

15-64 years: NA%

65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

West Bank

0-14 years: 44.1% (male 505,880; female 481,369)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 598,992; female 572,511)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 33,688; female 44,754) (2003 est.)

Western Sahara

0-14 years: NA%

15-64 years: NA%

65 years and over: NA% (2003 est.)

World

0-14 years: 29.2% (male 932,581,592; female 885,688,851)

15-64 years: 63.7% (male 2,009,997,089; female 1,964,938,201)

65 years and over: 7.1% (male 193,549,180; female 247,067,032) (2003

est.)

note: some countries do not maintain age structure information, thus

a slight discrepancy exists between the total world population and

the total for world age structure

Yemen

0-14 years: 46.8% (male 4,606,110; female 4,446,229)

15-64 years: 50.4% (male 4,972,946; female 4,778,034)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 272,921; female 273,641) (2003 est.)

Zambia

0-14 years: 46.3% (male 2,396,313; female 2,378,567)

15-64 years: 50.9% (male 2,626,961; female 2,621,818)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 131,196; female 152,478) (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

0-14 years: 39.7% (male 2,517,608; female 2,471,342)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 3,600,832; female 3,542,497)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 224,631; female 219,832) (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2011 Geographic coordinates

Afghanistan

33 00 N, 65 00 E

Albania

41 00 N, 20 00 E

Algeria

28 00 N, 3 00 E

American Samoa

14 20 S, 170 00 W

Andorra

42 30 N, 1 30 E

Angola

12 30 S, 18 30 E

Anguilla

18 15 N, 63 10 W

Antarctica

90 00 S, 0 00 E

Antigua and Barbuda

17 03 N, 61 48 W

Arctic Ocean

90 00 N, 0 00 E

Argentina

34 00 S, 64 00 W

Armenia

40 00 N, 45 00 E

Aruba

12 30 N, 69 58 W

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

12 14 S, 123 05 E

Atlantic Ocean

0 00 N, 25 00 W

Australia

27 00 S, 133 00 E

Austria

47 20 N, 13 20 E

Azerbaijan

40 30 N, 47 30 E

Bahamas, The

24 15 N, 76 00 W

Bahrain

26 00 N, 50 33 E

Baker Island

0 13 N, 176 31 W

Bangladesh

24 00 N, 90 00 E

Barbados

13 10 N, 59 32 W

Bassas da India

21 30 S, 39 50 E

Belarus

53 00 N, 28 00 E

Belgium

50 50 N, 4 00 E

Belize

17 15 N, 88 45 W

Benin

9 30 N, 2 15 E

Bermuda

32 20 N, 64 45 W

Bhutan

27 30 N, 90 30 E

Bolivia

17 00 S, 65 00 W

Bosnia and Herzegovina

44 00 N, 18 00 E

Botswana

22 00 S, 24 00 E

Bouvet Island

54 26 S, 3 24 E

Brazil

10 00 S, 55 00 W

British Indian Ocean Territory

6 00 S, 71 30 E

British Virgin Islands

18 30 N, 64 30 W

Brunei

4 30 N, 114 40 E

Bulgaria

43 00 N, 25 00 E

Burkina Faso

13 00 N, 2 00 W

Burma

22 00 N, 98 00 E

Burundi

3 30 S, 30 00 E

Cambodia

13 00 N, 105 00 E

Cameroon

6 00 N, 12 00 E

Canada

60 00 N, 95 00 W

Cape Verde

16 00 N, 24 00 W

Cayman Islands

19 30 N, 80 30 W

Central African Republic

7 00 N, 21 00 E

Chad

15 00 N, 19 00 E

Chile

30 00 S, 71 00 W

China

35 00 N, 105 00 E

Christmas Island

10 30 S, 105 40 E

Clipperton Island

10 17 N, 109 13 W

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

12 30 S, 96 50 E

Colombia

4 00 N, 72 00 W

Comoros

12 10 S, 44 15 E

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

0 00 N, 25 00 E

Congo, Republic of the

1 00 S, 15 00 E

Cook Islands

21 14 S, 159 46 W

Coral Sea Islands

18 00 S, 152 00 E

Costa Rica

10 00 N, 84 00 W

Cote d'Ivoire

8 00 N, 5 00 W

Croatia

45 10 N, 15 30 E

Cuba

21 30 N, 80 00 W

Cyprus

35 00 N, 33 00 E

Czech Republic

49 45 N, 15 30 E

Denmark

56 00 N, 10 00 E

Djibouti

11 30 N, 43 00 E

Dominica

15 25 N, 61 20 W

Dominican Republic

19 00 N, 70 40 W

East Timor

8 50 S, 125 55 E

Ecuador

2 00 S, 77 30 W

Egypt

27 00 N, 30 00 E

El Salvador

13 50 N, 88 55 W

Equatorial Guinea

2 00 N, 10 00 E

Eritrea

15 00 N, 39 00 E

Estonia

59 00 N, 26 00 E

Ethiopia

8 00 N, 38 00 E

Europa Island

22 20 S, 40 22 E

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

51 45 S, 59 00 W

Faroe Islands

62 00 N, 7 00 W

Fiji

18 00 S, 175 00 E

Finland

64 00 N, 26 00 E

France

46 00 N, 2 00 E

French Guiana

4 00 N, 53 00 W

French Polynesia

15 00 S, 140 00 W

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

43 00 S, 67 00 E

Gabon

1 00 S, 11 45 E

Gambia, The

13 28 N, 16 34 W

Gaza Strip

31 25 N, 34 20 E

Georgia

42 00 N, 43 30 E

Germany

51 00 N, 9 00 E

Ghana

8 00 N, 2 00 W

Gibraltar

36 8 N, 5 21 W

Glorioso Islands

11 30 S, 47 20 E

Greece

39 00 N, 22 00 E

Greenland

72 00 N, 40 00 W

Grenada

12 07 N, 61 40 W

Guadeloupe

16 15 N, 61 35 W

Guam

13 28 N, 144 47 E

Guatemala

15 30 N, 90 15 W

Guernsey

49 28 N, 2 35 W

Guinea

11 00 N, 10 00 W

Guinea-Bissau

12 00 N, 15 00 W

Guyana

5 00 N, 59 00 W

Haiti

19 00 N, 72 25 W

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

53 06 S, 72 31 E

Holy See (Vatican City)

41 54 N, 12 27 E

Honduras

15 00 N, 86 30 W

Hong Kong

22 15 N, 114 10 E

Howland Island

0 48 N, 176 38 W

Hungary

47 00 N, 20 00 E

Iceland

65 00 N, 18 00 W

India

20 00 N, 77 00 E

Indian Ocean

20 00 S, 80 00 E

Indonesia

5 00 S, 120 00 E

Iran

32 00 N, 53 00 E

Iraq

33 00 N, 44 00 E

Ireland

53 00 N, 8 00 W

Israel

31 30 N, 34 45 E

Italy

42 50 N, 12 50 E

Jamaica

18 15 N, 77 30 W

Jan Mayen

71 00 N, 8 00 W

Japan

36 00 N, 138 00 E

Jarvis Island

0 22 S, 160 03 W

Jersey

49 15 N, 2 10 W

Johnston Atoll

16 45 N, 169 31 W

Jordan

31 00 N, 36 00 E

Juan de Nova Island

17 03 S, 42 45 E

Kazakhstan

48 00 N, 68 00 E

Kenya

1 00 N, 38 00 E

Kingman Reef

6 24 N, 162 24 W

Kiribati

1 25 N, 173 00 E

Korea, North

40 00 N, 127 00 E

Korea, South

37 00 N, 127 30 E

Kuwait

29 30 N, 45 45 E

Kyrgyzstan

41 00 N, 75 00 E

Laos

18 00 N, 105 00 E

Latvia

57 00 N, 25 00 E

Lebanon

33 50 N, 35 50 E

Lesotho

29 30 S, 28 30 E

Liberia

6 30 N, 9 30 W

Libya

25 00 N, 17 00 E

Liechtenstein

47 16 N, 9 32 E

Lithuania

56 00 N, 24 00 E

Luxembourg

49 45 N, 6 10 E

Macau

22 10 N, 113 33 E

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

41 50 N, 22 00 E

Madagascar

20 00 S, 47 00 E

Malawi

13 30 S, 34 00 E

Malaysia

2 30 N, 112 30 E

Maldives

3 15 N, 73 00 E

Mali

17 00 N, 4 00 W

Malta

35 50 N, 14 35 E

Man, Isle of

54 15 N, 4 30 W

Marshall Islands

9 00 N, 168 00 E

Martinique

14 40 N, 61 00 W

Mauritania

20 00 N, 12 00 W

Mauritius

20 17 S, 57 33 E

Mayotte

12 50 S, 45 10 E

Mexico

23 00 N, 102 00 W

Micronesia, Federated States of

6 55 N, 158 15 E

Midway Islands

28 13 N, 177 22 W

Moldova

47 00 N, 29 00 E

Monaco

43 44 N, 7 24 E

Mongolia

46 00 N, 105 00 E

Montserrat

16 45 N, 62 12 W

Morocco

32 00 N, 5 00 W

Mozambique

18 15 S, 35 00 E

Namibia

22 00 S, 17 00 E

Nauru

0 32 S, 166 55 E

Navassa Island

18 25 N, 75 02 W

Nepal

28 00 N, 84 00 E

Netherlands

52 30 N, 5 45 E

Netherlands Antilles

12 15 N, 68 45 W

New Caledonia

21 30 S, 165 30 E

New Zealand

41 00 S, 174 00 E

Nicaragua

13 00 N, 85 00 W

Niger

16 00 N, 8 00 E

Nigeria

10 00 N, 8 00 E

Niue

19 02 S, 169 52 W

Norfolk Island

29 02 S, 167 57 E

Northern Mariana Islands

15 12 N, 145 45 E

Norway

62 00 N, 10 00 E

Oman

21 00 N, 57 00 E

Pacific Ocean

0 00 N, 160 00 W

Pakistan

30 00 N, 70 00 E

Palau

7 30 N, 134 30 E

Palmyra Atoll

5 52 N, 162 06 W

Panama

9 00 N, 80 00 W

Papua New Guinea

6 00 S, 147 00 E

Paracel Islands

16 30 N, 112 00 E

Paraguay

23 00 S, 58 00 W

Peru

10 00 S, 76 00 W

Philippines

13 00 N, 122 00 E

Pitcairn Islands

25 04 S, 130 06 W

Poland

52 00 N, 20 00 E

Portugal

39 30 N, 8 00 W

Puerto Rico

18 15 N, 66 30 W

Qatar

25 30 N, 51 15 E

Reunion

21 06 S, 55 36 E

Romania

46 00 N, 25 00 E

Russia

60 00 N, 100 00 E

Rwanda

2 00 S, 30 00 E

Saint Helena

15 56 S, 5 42 W

Saint Kitts and Nevis

17 20 N, 62 45 W

Saint Lucia

13 53 N, 60 68 W

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

46 50 N, 56 20 W

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

13 15 N, 61 12 W

Samoa

13 35 S, 172 20 W

San Marino

43 46 N, 12 25 E

Sao Tome and Principe

1 00 N, 7 00 E

Saudi Arabia

25 00 N, 45 00 E

Senegal

14 00 N, 14 00 W

Serbia and Montenegro

44 00 N, 21 00 E

Seychelles

4 35 S, 55 40 E

Sierra Leone

8 30 N, 11 30 W

Singapore

1 22 N, 103 48 E

Slovakia

48 40 N, 19 30 E

Slovenia

46 07 N, 14 49 E

Solomon Islands

8 00 S, 159 00 E

Somalia

10 00 N, 49 00 E

South Africa

29 00 S, 24 00 E

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

54 30 S, 37 00 W

Southern Ocean

65 00 S, 0 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean

has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of

water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of

water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of

Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude

Spain

40 00 N, 4 00 W

Spratly Islands

8 38 N, 111 55 E

Sri Lanka

7 00 N, 81 00 E

Sudan

15 00 N, 30 00 E

Suriname

4 00 N, 56 00 W

Svalbard

78 00 N, 20 00 E

Swaziland

26 30 S, 31 30 E

Sweden

62 00 N, 15 00 E

Switzerland

47 00 N, 8 00 E

Syria

35 00 N, 38 00 E

Taiwan

23 30 N, 121 00 E

Tajikistan

39 00 N, 71 00 E

Tanzania

6 00 S, 35 00 E

Thailand

15 00 N, 100 00 E

Togo

8 00 N, 1 10 E

Tokelau

9 00 S, 172 00 W

Tonga

20 00 S, 175 00 W

Trinidad and Tobago

11 00 N, 61 00 W

Tromelin Island

15 52 S, 54 25 E

Tunisia

34 00 N, 9 00 E

Turkey

39 00 N, 35 00 E

Turkmenistan

40 00 N, 60 00 E

Turks and Caicos Islands

21 45 N, 71 35 W

Tuvalu

8 00 S, 178 00 E

Uganda

1 00 N, 32 00 E

Ukraine

49 00 N, 32 00 E

United Arab Emirates

24 00 N, 54 00 E

United Kingdom

54 00 N, 2 00 W

United States

38 00 N, 97 00 W

Uruguay

33 00 S, 56 00 W

Uzbekistan

41 00 N, 64 00 E

Vanuatu

16 00 S, 167 00 E

Venezuela

8 00 N, 66 00 W

Vietnam

16 00 N, 106 00 E

Virgin Islands

18 20 N, 64 50 W

Wake Island

19 17 N, 166 36 E

Wallis and Futuna

13 18 S, 176 12 W

West Bank

32 00 N, 35 15 E

Western Sahara

24 30 N, 13 00 W

Yemen

15 00 N, 48 00 E

Zambia

15 00 S, 30 00 E

Zimbabwe

20 00 S, 30 00 E

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2012 GDP - composition by sector (%)

Afghanistan

agriculture: 60%

industry: 20%

services: 20% (1990 est.)

Albania

agriculture: 49%

industry: 27%

services: 24% (2002 est.)

Algeria

agriculture: 8%

industry: 60%

services: 32% (2002 est.)

American Samoa

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Andorra

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Angola

agriculture: 8%

industry: 67%

services: 25% (2001 est.)

Anguilla

agriculture: 4%

industry: 18%

services: 78% (1997 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

agriculture: 3.9%

industry: 19.2%

services: 76.8% (2002)

Argentina

agriculture: 5%

industry: 28%

services: 66% (2000 est.)

Armenia

agriculture: 30%

industry: 26%

services: 44% (2001 est.)

Aruba

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Australia

agriculture: 3%

industry: 26%

services: 71% (2001 est.)

Austria

agriculture: 2%

industry: 33%

services: 65% (2002 est.)

Azerbaijan

agriculture: 20%

industry: 33%

services: 47% (2001 est.)

Bahamas, The

agriculture: 3%

industry: 7%

services: 90% (1999 est.)

Bahrain

agriculture: 1%

industry: 35%

services: 64% (2001 est.)

Bangladesh

agriculture: 35%

industry: 19%

services: 46% (2001 est.)

Barbados

agriculture: 6%

industry: 16%

services: 78% (2000 est.)

Belarus

agriculture: 15%

industry: 40%

services: 45% (2002 est.)

Belgium

agriculture: 1.3%

industry: 24.4%

services: 74.3% (2001)

Belize

agriculture: 18%

industry: 24%

services: 58% (2001 est.)

Benin

agriculture: 38%

industry: 15%

services: 47% (2002 est.)

Bermuda

agriculture: 1%

industry: 10%

services: 89% (2002 est.)

Bhutan

agriculture: 45%

industry: 10%

services: 45% (2002 est.)

Bolivia

agriculture: 20%

industry: 20%

services: 60% (2002 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

agriculture: 13%

industry: 40.9%

services: 46.1% (2001 est.)

Botswana

agriculture: 4%

industry: 44% (including 36% mining)

services: 52% (2001 est.)

Brazil

agriculture: 8%

industry: 36%

services: 56% (2001 est.)

British Virgin Islands

agriculture: 1.8%

industry: 6.2%

services: 92% (1996 est.)

Brunei

agriculture: 5%

industry: 45%

services: 50% (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

agriculture: 13.7%

industry: 28.5%

services: 57.9% (2001)

Burkina Faso

agriculture: 35%

industry: 17%

services: 48% (2001)

Burma

agriculture: 60%

industry: 9%

services: 31% (2002 est.)

Burundi

agriculture: 50%

industry: 19%

services: 31% (2002 est.)

Cambodia

agriculture: 40%

industry: 20%

services: 40% (2001 est.)

Cameroon

agriculture: 46%

industry: 21%

services: 33% (2001 est.)

Canada

agriculture: 2.3%

industry: 26.5%

services: 71.2% (2001 est.)

Cape Verde

agriculture: 11%

industry: 17%

services: 72% (2001)

Cayman Islands

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 3.2%

services: 95.4% (1994 est.)

Central African Republic

agriculture: 55%

industry: 20%

services: 25% (2001 est.)

Chad

agriculture: 38%

industry: 13%

services: 49% (2001 est.)

Chile

agriculture: 11%

industry: 34%

services: 56% (2001)

China

agriculture: 15.2%

industry and construction: 51.2%

services: 33.6% (2001)

Christmas Island

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Colombia

agriculture: 13%

industry: 30%

services: 57% (2001 est.)

Comoros

agriculture: 40%

industry: 4%

services: 56% (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

agriculture: 55%

industry: 11%

services: 34% (2000 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

agriculture: 10%

industry: 48%

services: 42% (2001 est.)

Cook Islands

agriculture: 17%

industry: 7.8%

services: 75.2% (2000 est.)

Costa Rica

agriculture: 9%

industry: 30%

services: 61% (2002 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

agriculture: 29%

industry: 22%

services: 49% (2001 est.)

Croatia

agriculture: 9%

industry: 33%

services: 58% (2002 est.)

Cuba

agriculture: 7.6%

industry: 34.5%

services: 57.9% (2000 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: agriculture 4.6%; industry 19.9%;

services 19.9%

Turkish Cypriot area: agriculture 75.5%; industry 20.7%; services

71% (2001)

Czech Republic

agriculture: 3.8%

industry: 41%

services: 55.2% (2001)

Denmark

agriculture: 3%

industry: 26%

services: 71% (2002 est.)

Djibouti

agriculture: 3.5%

industry: 15.8%

services: 80.7% (2001 est.)

Dominica

agriculture: 18%

industry: 24%

services: 58% (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic

agriculture: 11%

industry: 34%

services: 55% (2001)

East Timor

agriculture: 25.4%

industry: 17.2%

services: 57.4% (2001)

Ecuador

agriculture: 11%

industry: 33%

services: 56% (2001 est.)

Egypt

agriculture: 17%

industry: 34%

services: 49% (2001)

El Salvador

agriculture: 10%

industry: 30%

services: 60% (2001)

Equatorial Guinea

agriculture: 20%

industry: 60%

services: 20% (1999 est.)

Eritrea

agriculture: 17%

industry: 29%

services: 54% (2001 est.)

Estonia

agriculture: 5.8%

industry: 28.6%

services: 65.6% (2001)

Ethiopia

agriculture: 52%

industry: 11%

services: 37% (2001 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Faroe Islands

agriculture: 27%

industry: 11%

services: 62% (1999)

Fiji

agriculture: 17%

industry: 25%

services: 58% (2000 est.)

Finland

agriculture: 4%

industry: 34%

services: 62% (2002 est.)

France

agriculture: 3%

industry: 26%

services: 71% (2002 est.)

French Guiana

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

French Polynesia

agriculture: 6%

industry: 18%

services: 76% (1997)

Gabon

agriculture: 15%

industry: 60%

services: 25% (2001 est.)

Gambia, The

agriculture: 33%

industry: 13%

services: 54% (1999 est.)

Gaza Strip

agriculture: 9%

industry: 28%

services: 63% (includes West Bank)

Georgia

agriculture: 20%

industry: 25%

services: 55% (2002 est.)

Germany

agriculture: 1%

industry: 31%

services: 68% (2002 est.)

Ghana

agriculture: 36%

industry: 25%

services: 39% (2000 est.)

Gibraltar

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Greece

agriculture: 8.1%

industry: 22.3%

services: 69.3% (2002 est.)

Greenland

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Grenada

agriculture: 7.7%

industry: 23.9%

services: 68.4% (2000)

Guadeloupe

agriculture: 15%

industry: 17%

services: 68% (1997 est.)

Guam

agriculture: 7%

industry: 15%

services: 78% (2002 est.)

Guatemala

agriculture: 23%

industry: 20%

services: 57% (2001 est.)

Guernsey

agriculture: 3%

industry: 10%

services: 87% (2000)

Guinea

agriculture: 25%

industry: 37%

services: 38% (2001 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

agriculture: 62%

industry: 12%

services: 26% (1999 est.)

Guyana

agriculture: 35%

industry: 21%

services: 44% (2002 est.)

Haiti

agriculture: 30%

industry: 20%

services: 50% (2001 est.)

Honduras

agriculture: 14%

industry: 32%

services: 54% (2002 est.)

Hong Kong

agriculture: 0.1%

industry: 13.4%

services: 86.5% (2001 est.)

Hungary

agriculture: 4.1%

industry: 33.8%

services: 62.1% (2000 est.)

Iceland

agriculture: 14% (includes fishing 12%)

industry: 21%

services: 65% (2001 est.)

India

agriculture: 25%

industry: 25%

services: 50% (2002 est.)

Indonesia

agriculture: 17%

industry: 41%

services: 42% (2001 est.)

Iran

agriculture: 19%

industry: 26%

services: 55% (2002 est.)

Iraq

agriculture: 6%

industry: 13%

services: 81% (1993 est.)

Ireland

agriculture: 5%

industry: 46%

services: 49% (2002 est.)

Israel

agriculture: 3%

industry: 30%

services: 67% (2001 est.)

Italy

agriculture: 2.4%

industry: 30%

services: 67.6% (2001 est.)

Jamaica

agriculture: 6%

industry: 31%

services: 63% (2002 est.)

Japan

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 30.9%

services: 67.7% (2001 est.)

Jersey

agriculture: 5%

industry: 2%

services: 93% (1996)

Jordan

agriculture: 3.7%

industry: 26%

services: 70.3% (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

agriculture: 9%

industry: 40%

services: 51% (2002 est.)

Kenya

agriculture: 24%

industry: 13%

services: 63% (2001 est.)

Kiribati

agriculture: 30%

industry: 7%

services: 63% (1998 est.)

Korea, North

agriculture: 30.4%

industry: 32.3%

services: 37.3% (2000 est.)

Korea, South

agriculture: 4.4%

industry: 41.6%

services: 54% (2001 est.)

Kuwait

agriculture: 60%

industry: 39.7%

services: 0.3% (2000)

Kyrgyzstan

agriculture: 35%

industry: 25%

services: 40% (2002 est.)

Laos

agriculture: 53%

industry: 23%

services: 24% (2001 est.)

Latvia

agriculture: 4.5%

industry: 26%

services: 69.5% (2001)

Lebanon

agriculture: 12%

industry: 21%

services: 67% (2000)

Lesotho

agriculture: 20%

industry: 46%

services: 34% (2001)

Liberia

agriculture: 74%

industry: 7%

services: 19% (2001 est.)

Libya

agriculture: 9%

industry: 45%

services: 46% (2001 est.)

Liechtenstein

agriculture: NA%

industry: 40%

services: NA% (1999)

Lithuania

agriculture: 8%

industry: 31%

services: 61% (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

agriculture: 1%

industry: 30%

services: 69% (2000 est.)

Macau

agriculture: 1%

industry: 12%

services: 87% (2002 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

agriculture: 11%

industry: 31%

services: 58% (2001 est.)

Madagascar

agriculture: 25%

industry: 12%

services: 63% (2001 est.)

Malawi

agriculture: 37%

industry: 16%

services: 47% (2001 est.)

Malaysia

agriculture: 12%

industry: 40%

services: 48% (2001)

Maldives

agriculture: 20%

industry: 18%

services: 62% (2000 est.)

Mali

agriculture: 45%

industry: 17%

services: 38% (2001 est.)

Malta

agriculture: 2.8%

industry: 25.5%

services: 71.7% (1999)

Man, Isle of

agriculture: 1%

industry: 13%

services: 86% (2000 est.)

Marshall Islands

agriculture: 14%

industry: 16%

services: 70% (2000 est.)

Martinique

agriculture: 6%

industry: 11%

services: 83% (1997 est.)

Mauritania

agriculture: 25%

industry: 29%

services: 46% (2001 est.)

Mauritius

agriculture: 6%

industry: 33%

services: 61% (1999 est.)

Mayotte

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Mexico

agriculture: 5%

industry: 26%

services: 69% (2001 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

agriculture: 50%

industry: 4%

services: 46% (2000 est.)

Moldova

agriculture: 28%

industry: 23%

services: 49% (2000)

Monaco

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Mongolia

agriculture: 32%

industry: 23%

services: 45% (2001 est.)

Montserrat

agriculture: 5.4%

industry: 13.6%

services: 81% (1996 est.)

Morocco

agriculture: 15%

industry: 33%

services: 52% (2000 est.)

Mozambique

agriculture: 22%

industry: 23%

services: 55% (2001 est.)

Namibia

agriculture: 11%

industry: 28%

services: 61% (2001 est.)

Nauru

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Nepal

agriculture: 40%

industry: 20%

services: 40% (2002 est.)

Netherlands

agriculture: 3.1%

industry: 25.7%

services: 71.2% (2001 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

agriculture: 1%

industry: 15%

services: 84% (2000 est.)

New Caledonia

agriculture: 5%

industry: 30%

services: 65% (1997 est.)

New Zealand

agriculture: 8%

industry: 23%

services: 69% (2001)

Nicaragua

agriculture: 30%

industry: 26%

services: 44% (2002 est.)

Niger

agriculture: 39%

industry: 17%

services: 44% (2001)

Nigeria

agriculture: 45%

industry: 20%

services: 35% (2002 est.)

Niue

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: 55%

Norfolk Island

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Norway

agriculture: 1.9%

industry: 30.8%

services: 67.3% (2000)

Oman

agriculture: 3%

industry: 55%

services: 42% (2001 est.)

Pakistan

agriculture: 24%

industry: 25%

services: 51% (FY01/02 est.)

Palau

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Panama

agriculture: 7%

industry: 17%

services: 76% (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

agriculture: 32.1%

industry: 35.8%

services: 32.1% (2001 est.)

Paraguay

agriculture: 27%

industry: 27%

services: 46% (2001 est.)

Peru

agriculture: 10%

industry: 27%

services: 63% (2001 est.)

Philippines

agriculture: 15%

industry: 31%

services: 54% (2001 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Poland

agriculture: 3.8%

industry: 35%

services: 61.2% (2000 est.)

Portugal

agriculture: 3.6%

industry: 28.7%

services: 67.7% (2001)

Puerto Rico

agriculture: 1%

industry: 45%

services: 54% (1999 est.)

Qatar

agriculture: 0.4%

industry: 67.6%

services: 32% (2000 est.)

Reunion

agriculture: 8%

industry: 19%

services: 73% (2000 est.)

Romania

agriculture: 15%

industry: 35%

services: 50% (2001)

Russia

agriculture: 5.8%

industry: 34.6%

services: 59.6% (2002 est.)

Rwanda

agriculture: 45%

industry: 20%

services: 35% (2002 est.)

Saint Helena

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis

agriculture: 3.5%

industry: 25.8%

services: 70.7% (2001)

Saint Lucia

agriculture: 7%

industry: 20%

services: 73% (2002 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

agriculture: 10%

industry: 26%

services: 64% (2001 est.)

Samoa

agriculture: 14%

industry: 23%

services: 63% (2001 est.)

San Marino

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Sao Tome and Principe

agriculture: 25%

industry: 10%

services: 65% (1999 est.)

Saudi Arabia

agriculture: 5.2%

industry: 51.2%

services: 43.6% (2001 est.)

Senegal

agriculture: 18%

industry: 27%

services: 55% (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

agriculture: 26%

industry: 36%

services: 38% (2001 est.)

Seychelles

agriculture: 2.4%

industry: 24.4%

services: 73.2% (2000)

Sierra Leone

agriculture: 49%

industry: 31%

services: 21% (2001 est.)

Singapore

agriculture: NEGL%

industry: 33%

services: 67% (2001 est.)

Slovakia

agriculture: 4.5%

industry: 34.1%

services: 61.4% (2000)

Slovenia

agriculture: 3.2%

industry: 36.3%

services: 60.5% (2001 est.)

Solomon Islands

agriculture: 42%

industry: 11%

services: 47% (2000 est.)

Somalia

agriculture: 65%

industry: 10%

services: 25% (2000 est.)

South Africa

agriculture: 4.4%

industry: 28.9%

services: 66.7% (2001)

Spain

agriculture: 4%

industry: 31%

services: 65% (2000 est.)

Sri Lanka

agriculture: 20%

industry: 26%

services: 54% (2001)

Sudan

agriculture: 43%

industry: 17%

services: 40% (1999 est.)

Suriname

agriculture: 13%

industry: 22%

services: 65% (2001 est.)

Swaziland

agriculture: 17%

industry: 44%

services: 39% (2001 est.)

Sweden

agriculture: 2%

industry: 29%

services: 69% (2001)

Switzerland

agriculture: 2%

industry: 34%

services: 64% (2002 est.)

Syria

agriculture: 27%

industry: 23%

services: 50% (2000 est.)

Taiwan

agriculture: 2%

industry: 31%

services: 67% (2002 est.)

Tajikistan

agriculture: 19%

industry: 26%

services: 55% (2002 est.)

Tanzania

agriculture: 48.1%

industry: 15.4%

services: 36.5% (2001 est.)

Thailand

agriculture: 11%

industry: 40%

services: 49% (2001)

Togo

agriculture: 42%

industry: 21%

services: 37% (2001 est.)

Tokelau

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Tonga

agriculture: 26%

industry: 12%

services: 62% (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

agriculture: 1.6%

industry: 43.2%

services: 55.2% (2000 est.)

Tunisia

agriculture: 12%

industry: 32%

services: 56% (2003 est.)

Turkey

agriculture: 12.9%

industry: 30.4%

services: 56.7% (2001)

Turkmenistan

agriculture: 27%

industry: 50%

services: 23% (2001 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Tuvalu

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Uganda

agriculture: 43%

industry: 19%

services: 38% (2001 est.)

Ukraine

agriculture: 23%

industry: 42%

services: 35% (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

agriculture: 3%

industry: 46%

services: 51% (2000 est.)

United Kingdom

agriculture: 1.4%

industry: 24.9%

services: 73.7% (2000)

United States

agriculture: 2%

industry: 18%

services: 80% (2002 est.)

Uruguay

agriculture: 6%

industry: 27%

services: 67% (2001)

Uzbekistan

agriculture: 36%

industry: 21%

services: 43% (2001 est.)

Vanuatu

agriculture: 26%

industry: 12%

services: 62% (2000 est.)

Venezuela

agriculture: 5%

industry: 50%

services: 45% (2001)

Vietnam

agriculture: 24%

industry: 37%

services: 39% (2001 est.)

Virgin Islands

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Wallis and Futuna

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

West Bank agriculture: 9% industry: 28% services: 63% note: includes Gaza Strip (1999 est.)

Western Sahara

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: 40% (1996 est.)

World

agriculture: 4%

industry: 32%

services: 64% (2002 est.)

Yemen

agriculture: 22%

industry: 38%

services: 40% (2001)

Zambia

agriculture: 22%

industry: 26%

services: 52% (2001)

Zimbabwe

agriculture: 18%

industry: 24%

services: 58% (2001)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2013 Radio broadcast stations

Afghanistan

AM 7 (6 are inactive; the active station is in Kabul),

FM 1, shortwave 1 (broadcasts in Pashtu, Afghan Persian (Dari),

Urdu, and English) (1999)

Albania

AM 13, FM 4, shortwave 2 (2001)

Algeria

AM 25, FM 1, shortwave 8 (1999)

American Samoa

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Andorra

AM 0, FM 15, shortwave 0 (1998)

Angola

AM 21, FM 6, shortwave 7 (2000)

Anguilla

AM 5, FM 6, shortwave 1 (1998)

Antarctica

AM NA, FM 2, shortwave 1

note: information for US bases only (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda

AM 4, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Argentina

AM 260 (including 10 inactive stations), FM NA (probably

more than 1,000, mostly unlicensed), shortwave 6 (1998)

Armenia

AM 9, FM 6, shortwave 1 (1998)

Aruba

AM 4, FM 6, shortwave 0 (1998)

Australia

AM 262, FM 345, shortwave 1 (1998)

Austria

AM 2, FM 160 (plus several hundred repeaters), shortwave 1

(2001)

Azerbaijan

AM 10, FM 17, shortwave 1 (1998)

Bahamas, The

AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Bahrain

AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Bangladesh

AM 12, FM 12, shortwave 2 (1999)

Barbados

AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Belarus

AM 28, FM 37, shortwave 11 (1998)

Belgium

FM 79, AM 7, shortwave 1 (1998)

Belize

AM 1, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)

Benin

AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (2000)

Bermuda

AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Bhutan

AM 0, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)

Bolivia

AM 171, FM 73, shortwave 77 (1999)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

AM 8, FM 16, shortwave 1 (1998)

Botswana

AM 8, FM 13, shortwave 4 (2001)

Brazil

AM 1,365, FM 296, shortwave 161 (of which 91 are collocated

with AM stations) (1999)

British Indian Ocean Territory

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

British Virgin Islands

AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Brunei

AM 3, FM 10, shortwave 0 (1998)

Bulgaria

AM 31, FM 63, shortwave 2 (2001)

Burkina Faso

AM 3, FM 17, shortwave 3 (2002)

Burma

AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 3 (1998)

Burundi

AM 0, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001)

Cambodia

AM 7, FM 3, shortwave 3 (1999)

Cameroon

AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 3 (2002)

Canada

AM 535, FM 53, shortwave 6 (1998)

Cape Verde

AM 0, FM 15 (and 17 repeaters), shortwave 0 (2002)

Cayman Islands

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998)

Central African Republic

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 1 (2002)

Chad

AM 2, FM 4, shortwave 5 (2002)

Chile

AM 180 (eight inactive), FM 64, shortwave 17 (one inactive)

(1998)

China

AM 369, FM 259, shortwave 45 (1998)

Christmas Island

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (2000)

Colombia

AM 454, FM 34, shortwave 27 (1999)

Comoros

AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

AM 3, FM 11, shortwave 2 (2001)

Congo, Republic of the

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 3 (2001)

Cook Islands

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Costa Rica

AM 50, FM 43, shortwave 19 (1998)

Cote d'Ivoire

AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 3 (1998)

Croatia

AM 16, FM 98, shortwave 5 (1999)

Cuba

AM 169, FM 55, shortwave 1 (1998)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: AM 7, FM 60, shortwave 1 (1998); Turkish

Cypriot area: AM 3, FM 11, shortwave 1 (1998)

Czech Republic

AM 31, FM 304, shortwave 17 (2000)

Denmark

AM 2, FM 355, shortwave 0 (1998)

Djibouti

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2001)

Dominica

AM 3, FM 10, shortwave 0 (1998)

Dominican Republic

AM 120, FM 56, shortwave 4 (1998)

East Timor

AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA

Ecuador

AM 392, FM 35, shortwave 29 (2001)

Egypt

AM 42 (plus 15 repeaters), FM 14, shortwave 3 (1999)

El Salvador

AM 61 (plus 24 repeaters), FM 30, shortwave 0 (1998)

Equatorial Guinea

AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 5 (2002)

Eritrea

AM 2, FM NA, shortwave 2 (2000)

Estonia

AM 0, FM 98, shortwave 0 (2001)

Ethiopia

AM 8, FM 0, shortwave 1 (2001)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

AM 1, FM 7, shortwave 0 (1998)

Faroe Islands

AM 1, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Fiji

AM 13, FM 40, shortwave 0 (1998)

Finland

AM 2, FM 186, shortwave 1 (1998)

France

AM 41, FM about 3,500 (this figure is an approximation and

includes many repeaters), shortwave 2 (1998)

French Guiana

AM 2, FM 14 (including 6 repeaters), shortwave 6

(including 5 repeaters) (1998)

French Polynesia

AM 2, FM 14, shortwave 2 (1998)

Gabon

AM 6, FM 7 (and 11 repeaters), shortwave 4 (2001)

Gambia, The

AM 3, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2001)

Gaza Strip

AM 0, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Georgia

AM 7, FM 12, shortwave 4 (1998)

Germany

AM 51, FM 787, shortwave 4 (1998)

Ghana

AM 0, FM 49, shortwave 3 (2001)

Gibraltar

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998)

Greece

AM 26, FM 88, shortwave 4 (1998)

Greenland

AM 5, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)

Grenada

AM 2, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Guadeloupe

AM 1, FM 17, shortwave 0 (1998)

Guam

AM 4, FM 7, shortwave 2 (2003)

Guatemala

AM 130, FM 487, shortwave 15 (2000)

Guernsey

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Guinea

AM 4 (one station is inactive), FM 1 (plus 7 repeaters),

shortwave 3 (2001)

Guinea-Bissau

AM 1 (transmitter out of service), FM 4, shortwave 0

(2002)

Guyana

AM 3, FM 3, shortwave 1 (1998)

Haiti

AM 41, FM 26, shortwave 0 (1999)

Holy See (Vatican City)

AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 2 (1998)

Honduras

AM 241, FM 53, shortwave 12 (1998)

Hong Kong

AM 7, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Hungary

AM 17, FM 57, shortwave 3 (1998)

Iceland

AM 3, FM about 70 (including repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998)

India

AM 153, FM 91, shortwave 68 (1998)

Indonesia

AM 678, FM 43, shortwave 82 (1998)

Iran

AM 72, FM 5, shortwave 5 (1998)

Iraq

AM 19 (5 are inactive), FM 51, shortwave 4 (1998)

Ireland

AM 9, FM 106, shortwave 0 (1998)

Israel

AM 23, FM 15, shortwave 2 (1998)

Italy

AM about 100, FM about 4,600, shortwave 9 (1998)

Jamaica

AM 10, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Jan Mayen

AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA

note: there is one radio and meteorological station (1998)

Japan

AM 215 plus 370 repeaters, FM 89 plus 485 repeaters, shortwave

21 (2001)

Jersey

AM NA, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Johnston Atoll

AM NA, FM 7 (1 island-run morale, welfare, and

recreation station and 6 all-music digital radio stations broadcast

over FM band), shortwave NA (2002)

Jordan

AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (1999)

Kazakhstan

AM 60, FM 17, shortwave 9 (1998)

Kenya

AM 24, FM 18, shortwave 6 (2001)

Kiribati

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1

note: the shortwave station may be inactive (2002)

Korea, North

AM 16, FM 14, shortwave 12 (1999)

Korea, South

AM 104, FM 136, shortwave 5 (2001)

Kuwait

AM 6, FM 11, shortwave 1 (1998)

Kyrgyzstan

AM 12 (plus 10 repeater stations), FM 14, shortwave 2

(1998)

Laos

AM 12, FM 1, shortwave 4 (1998)

Latvia

AM 8, FM 56, shortwave 1 (1998)

Lebanon

AM 20, FM 22, shortwave 4 (1998)

Lesotho

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1 (1998)

Liberia

AM 0, FM 7, shortwave 2 (2001)

Libya

AM 16, FM 3, shortwave 3 (2002)

Liechtenstein

AM 0, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Lithuania

AM 29, FM 142, shortwave 1 (2001)

Luxembourg

AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 2 (1999)

Macau

AM 0, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

AM 29, FM 20, shortwave 0

(1998)

Madagascar

AM 2 (plus a number of repeater stations), FM 9,

shortwave 6 (2001)

Malawi

AM 9, FM 5 (plus 15 repeater stations), shortwave 2 (plus a

third station held in standby status) (2001)

Malaysia

AM 35, FM 391, shortwave 15 (2001)

Maldives

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)

Mali

AM 1, FM 28, shortwave 1

note: the shortwave station in Bamako has seven frequencies and five

transmitters and relays broadcasts for China Radio International

(2001)

Malta

AM 1, FM 18, shortwave 6 (1999)

Man, Isle of

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Marshall Islands

AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0

note: additionally, the US Armed Forces Radio and Television

Services (Central Pacific Network) operate one FM and one AM station

on Kwajalein (2002)

Martinique

AM 0, FM 14, shortwave 0 (1998)

Mauritania

AM 1, FM 14, shortwave 1 (2001)

Mauritius

AM 4, FM 9, shortwave 0 (2002)

Mayotte

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (2001)

Mexico

AM 851, FM 598, shortwave 16 (2000)

Micronesia, Federated States of

AM 5, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Moldova

AM 7, FM 50, shortwave 3 (1998)

Monaco

AM 1, FM NA, shortwave 8 (1998)

Mongolia

AM 7, FM 9, shortwave 4 (2001)

Montserrat

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Morocco

AM 27, FM 25, shortwave 6 (1998)

Mozambique

AM 13, FM 17, shortwave 11 (2001)

Namibia

AM 2, FM 39, shortwave 4 (2001)

Nauru

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Nepal

AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (January 2000)

Netherlands

AM 4, FM 58, shortwave 3 (1998)

Netherlands Antilles

AM 9, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

New Caledonia

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998)

New Zealand

AM 124, FM 290, shortwave 4 (1998)

Nicaragua

AM 63, FM 32, shortwave 1 (1998)

Niger

AM 5, FM 6, shortwave 4 (2001)

Nigeria

AM 83, FM 36, shortwave 11 (2001)

Niue

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Norfolk Island

AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Northern Mariana Islands

AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 1 (1998)

Norway

AM 5, FM at least 650, shortwave 1 (1998)

Oman

AM 3, FM 9, shortwave 2 (1999)

Pakistan

AM 27, FM 1, shortwave 21 (1998)

Palau

AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2002)

Panama

AM 101, FM 134, shortwave 0 (1998)

Papua New Guinea

AM 8, FM 19, shortwave 28 (1998)

Paraguay

AM 46, FM 27, shortwave 6 (three inactive) (1998)

Peru

AM 472, FM 198, shortwave 189 (1999)

Philippines

AM 366, FM 290, shortwave 5

note: each shortwave station operates on multiple frequencies in the

language of the target audience (2002)

Pitcairn Islands

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Poland

AM 14, FM 777, shortwave 1 (1998)

Portugal

AM 47, FM 172 (many are repeaters), shortwave 2 (1998)

Puerto Rico

AM 72, FM 17, shortwave 0 (1998)

Qatar

AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (1998)

Reunion

AM 2, FM 55, shortwave 0 (2001)

Romania

AM 40, FM 202, shortwave 3 (1998)

Russia

AM 420, FM 447, shortwave 56 (1998)

Rwanda

AM 0, FM 3 (two main FM programs are broadcast through a

system of repeaters and the third FM program is a 24 hour BBC

program), shortwave 1 (2002)

Saint Helena

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

AM 3, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Saint Lucia

AM 2, FM 7 (plus 3 repeaters), shortwave 0 (1998)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

AM 1, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Samoa

AM 1, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

San Marino

AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Sao Tome and Principe

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 1 (2002)

Saudi Arabia

AM 43, FM 31, shortwave 2 (1998)

Senegal

AM 8, FM 20, shortwave 1 (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro

AM 113, FM 194, shortwave 2 (1998)

Seychelles

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 2 (1998)

Sierra Leone

AM 1, FM 9, shortwave 1 (1999)

Singapore

AM 0, FM 16, shortwave 2 (1998)

Slovakia

AM 15, FM 78, shortwave 2 (1998)

Slovenia

AM 17, FM 160, shortwave 0 (1998)

Solomon Islands

AM 3, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Somalia

AM 0, FM 11, shortwave 1 in Mogadishu; 1 FM in Puntland, 1

FM in Somaliland (2001)

South Africa

AM 14, FM 347 (plus 243 repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

0 (2003)

Spain

AM 208, FM 715, shortwave 1 (1998)

Sri Lanka

AM 26, FM 45, shortwave 1 (1998)

Sudan

AM 12, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)

Suriname

AM 4, FM 13, shortwave 1 (1998)

Svalbard

AM 1, FM 1 (plus 2 repeaters), shortwave 0 (1998)

Swaziland

AM 3, FM 2 plus 4 repeaters, shortwave 3 (2001)

Sweden

AM 1, FM 265, shortwave 1 (1998)

Switzerland

AM 4, FM 113 (plus many low power stations), shortwave 2

(1998)

Syria

AM 14, FM 2, shortwave 1 (1998)

Taiwan

AM 218, FM 333, shortwave 50 (1999)

Tajikistan

AM 8, FM 10, shortwave 2 (2002)

Tanzania

AM 12, FM 11, shortwave 2 (1998)

Thailand

AM 204, FM 334, shortwave 6 (1999)

Togo

AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (1998)

Tokelau

AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA

note: each atoll has a radio broadcast station of unknown type that

broadcasts shipping and weather reports (1998)

Tonga

AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1 (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago

AM 2, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)

Tunisia

AM 7, FM 20, shortwave 2 (1998)

Turkey

AM 16, FM 107, shortwave 6 (2001)

Turkmenistan

AM 16, FM 8, shortwave 2 (1998)

Turks and Caicos Islands

AM 3 (one inactive), FM 6, shortwave 0

(1998)

Tuvalu

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1999)

Uganda

AM 7, FM 33, shortwave 2 (2001)

Ukraine

AM 134, FM 289, shortwave 4 (1998)

United Arab Emirates

AM 13, FM 7, shortwave 2 (1998)

United Kingdom

AM 219, FM 431, shortwave 3 (1998)

United States

AM 4,762, FM 5,542, shortwave 18 (1998)

Uruguay

AM 91, FM 149, shortwave 7 (2001)

Uzbekistan

AM 20, FM 7, shortwave 10 (1998)

Vanuatu

AM 2, FM 2, shortwave 1 (2002)

Venezuela

AM 201, FM NA (20 in Caracas), shortwave 11 (1998)

Vietnam

AM 65, FM 7, shortwave 29 (1999)

Virgin Islands

AM 5, FM 11, shortwave 0 (2002)

Wake Island

AM 0, FM NA, shortwave NA

note: Armed Forces Radio/Television Service (AFRTS) radio service

provided by satellite (1998)

Wallis and Futuna

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (2000)

West Bank

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0

note: the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts from an AM

station in Ramallah on 675 kHz; numerous local, private stations are

reported to be in operation (2000)

Western Sahara

AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

World

AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA

Yemen

AM 6, FM 1, shortwave 2 (1998)

Zambia

AM 19, FM 5, shortwave 4 (2001)

Zimbabwe

AM 7, FM 20 (plus 17 repeater stations), shortwave 1 (1998)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2015 Television broadcast stations

Afghanistan

at least 10 (one government-run central television

station in Kabul and regional stations in nine of the 32 provinces;

the regional stations operate on a reduced schedule; also, in 1997,

there was a station in Mazar-e Sharif reaching four northern

Afghanistan provinces) (1998)

Albania

3 (plus 58 repeaters) (2001)

Algeria

46 (plus 216 repeaters) (1995)

American Samoa

1 (1997)

Andorra

0 (1997)

Angola

6 (2000)

Anguilla

1 (1997)

Antarctica

1 (cable system with six channels; American Forces

Antarctic Network-McMurdo)

note: information for US bases only (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda

2 (1997)

Argentina

42 (plus 444 repeaters) (1997)

Armenia

3 (plus an unknown number of repeaters); (1998)

Aruba

1 (1997)

Australia

104 (1997)

Austria

45 (plus more than 1,000 repeaters) (2001)

Azerbaijan

2 (1997)

Bahamas, The

1 (1997)

Bahrain

4 (1997)

Bangladesh

15 (1999)

Barbados

1 (plus two cable channels) (1997)

Belarus

47 (plus 27 repeaters) (1995)

Belgium

25 (plus 10 repeaters) (1997)

Belize

2 (1997)

Benin

1;; (2001)

Bermuda

3 (1997)

Bhutan

0 (1997)

Bolivia

48 (1997)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

33 (plus 277 repeaters) (September 1995)

Botswana

1 (2001)

Brazil

138 (1997)

British Indian Ocean Territory

1 (1997)

British Virgin Islands

1 (plus one cable company) (1997)

Brunei

2 (1997)

Bulgaria

39 (plus 1,242 repeaters) (2001)

Burkina Faso

1 (2002)

Burma

2 (1998)

Burundi

1 (2001)

Cambodia

6 (2003)

Cameroon

1 (2002)

Canada

80 (plus many repeaters) (1997)

Cape Verde

1 (and 7 repeaters) (2002)

Cayman Islands

1 with cable system

Central African Republic

1 (2001)

Chad

1 (2002)

Chile

63 (plus 121 repeaters) (1997)

China

3,240 (of which 209 are operated by China Central Television,

31 are provincial TV stations and nearly 3,000 are local city

stations) (1997)

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA

Colombia

60 (includes seven low-power stations) (1997)

Comoros

NA

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

4 (2001)

Congo, Republic of the

1 (2002)

Cook Islands

2 (plus eight low-power repeaters) (1997)

Costa Rica

6 (plus 11 repeaters) (1997)

Cote d'Ivoire

14 (1999)

Croatia

36 (plus 321 repeaters) (September 1995)

Cuba

58 (1997)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: 4 (plus 225 low-power repeaters)

(September 1995);; Turkish Cypriot area: 4 (plus 5 repeaters)

(September 1995)

Czech Republic

150 (plus 1,434 repeaters) (2000)

Denmark

26 (plus 51 repeaters) (1998)

Djibouti

1 (2002)

Dominica

0 (however, there is one cable television company) (1997)

Dominican Republic

25 (1997)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

7 (plus 14 repeaters) (2001)

Egypt

98 (September 1995)

El Salvador

5 (1997)

Equatorial Guinea

1 (2002)

Eritrea

1 (2000)

Estonia

3 (2001)

Ethiopia

1 plus 24 repeaters (2002)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2 (operated by the British Forces Broadcasting Service) note: cable television is available in Stanley (2002)

Faroe Islands

3 (plus 43 low-power repeaters) (September 1995)

Fiji

NA

Finland

120 (plus 431 repeaters) (1999)

France

584 (plus 9,676 repeaters) (1995)

French Guiana

3 (plus eight low-power repeaters) (1997)

French Polynesia

7 (plus 17 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Gabon

4 (plus four low-power repeaters) (2001)

Gambia, The

1 (government-owned) (1997)

Gaza Strip

2 (operated by the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation)

(1997)

Georgia

12 (plus repeaters) (1998)

Germany

373 (plus 8,042 repeaters) (1995)

Ghana

10 (2001)

Gibraltar

1 (plus three low-power repeaters) (1997)

Greece

36 (plus 1,341 low-power repeaters); also two stations in the

US Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (1995)

Greenland

1 publicly-owned station, some local low-power stations,

and three AFRTS (US Air Force) stations (1997)

Grenada

2 (1997)

Guadeloupe

5 (plus several low-power repeaters) (1997)

Guam

5 (1997)

Guatemala

26 (plus 27 repeaters) (1997)

Guernsey

1 (1997)

Guinea

6 low-power stations (2001)

Guinea-Bissau

NA (1997)

Guyana

3 (one public station; two private stations which relay US

satellite services) (1997)

Haiti

2 (plus a cable TV service) (1997)

Holy See (Vatican City)

1 (1996)

Honduras

11 (plus 17 repeaters) (1997)

Hong Kong

4 (plus two repeaters) (1997)

Hungary

35 (plus 161 low-power repeaters) (1995)

Iceland

14 (plus 156 low-power repeaters) (1997)

India

562 (of which 82 stations have 1 kW or greater power and 480

stations have less than 1 kW of power) (1997)

Indonesia

41 (1999)

Iran

28 (plus 450 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Iraq

13 (1997); note - unknown number were destroyed during the

March-April 2003 war

Ireland

4 (many low-power repeaters) (2001)

Israel

17 (plus 36 low-power repeaters) (1995)

Italy

358 (plus 4,728 repeaters) (1995)

Jamaica

7 (1997)

Japan

211 plus 7,341 repeaters

note: in addition, US Forces are served by 3 TV stations and 2 TV

cable services (1999)

Jersey

2 (1997)

Johnston Atoll

commercial satellite television system, with 30

channels (2002)

Jordan

20 (plus 96 repeaters) (1995)

Kazakhstan

12 (plus nine repeaters) (1998)

Kenya

8 (2002)

Kiribati

1 (not reported to be active) (2002)

Korea, North

38 (1999)

Korea, South

121 (plus 850 repeater stations and the eight-channel

American Forces Korea Network) (1999)

Kuwait

13 (plus several satellite channels) (1997)

Kyrgyzstan

NA (repeater stations throughout the country relay

programs from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkey) (1997)

Laos

4 (1999)

Latvia

44 (plus 31 repeaters) (1995)

Lebanon

15 (plus 5 repeaters) (1995)

Lesotho

1 (2000)

Liberia

1 (plus four low-power repeaters) (2001)

Libya

12 (plus one low-power repeater) (1999)

Liechtenstein

NA (linked to Swiss networks) (1997)

Lithuania

27

note: Lithuania has approximately 27 broadcasting stations, but may

have as many as 100 transmitters, including repeater stations (2001)

Luxembourg

5 (1999)

Macau

1 (2003)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 31 (plus 166 repeaters) (1995)

Madagascar

1 (plus 36 repeaters) (2001)

Malawi

1 (2001)

Malaysia

1 (plus 15 high-power repeaters) (2001)

Maldives

1 (1997)

Mali

1 (plus repeaters) (2001)

Malta

6 (2000)

Man, Isle of

0 (receives broadcasts from the UK and satellite) (1999)

Marshall Islands

2 (both are US military stations) (2002)

Martinique

11 (plus nine repeaters) (1997)

Mauritania

1 (2002)

Mauritius

2 (plus several repeaters) (1997)

Mayotte

3 (2001)

Mexico

236 (plus repeaters) (1997)

Micronesia, Federated States of

2 (1997)

Moldova

1 (plus 30 repeaters) (1995)

Monaco

5 (1998)

Mongolia

4 (plus 18 provincial repeaters and many low power

repeaters) (1999)

Montserrat

1 (1997)

Morocco

35 (plus 66 repeaters) (1995)

Mozambique

1 (2001)

Namibia

8 (plus about 20 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Nauru

1 (1997)

Nepal

1 (plus 9 repeaters) (1998)

Netherlands

21 (plus 26 repeaters) (1995)

Netherlands Antilles

3 (there is also a cable service, which

supplies programs received from various US satellite networks and

two Venezuelan channels) (1997)

New Caledonia

6 (plus 25 low-power repeaters) (1997)

New Zealand

41 (plus 52 medium-power repeaters and over 650

low-power repeaters) (1997)

Nicaragua

3 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (1997)

Niger

3 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (2002)

Nigeria

3 (the government controls 2 of the broadcasting stations

and 15 repeater stations) (2002)

Niue

1 (1997)

Norfolk Island

1 (local programming station plus two repeaters that

bring in Australian programs by satellite) (1998)

Northern Mariana Islands 1 (on Saipan and one station planned for Rota; in addition, two cable services on Saipan provide varied programming from satellite networks) (1997)

Norway

360 (plus 2,729 repeaters) (1995)

Oman

13 (plus 25 low-power repeaters) (1999)

Pakistan

22 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (1997)

Palau

1 (1997)

Panama

38 (including repeaters) (1998)

Papua New Guinea

3 (all in the Port Moresby area)

note: additional stations at Mt. Hagen, Goroka, Lae, and Rabaul are

planned (2002)

Paraguay

4 (2001)

Peru

13 (plus 112 repeaters) (1997)

Philippines

75 (2000)

Pitcairn Islands

0 (1997)

Poland

179 (plus 256 repeaters) (September 1995)

Portugal

62 (plus 166 repeaters)

note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands (1995)

Puerto Rico

18 (plus three stations of the US Armed Forces Radio and

Television Service) (1997)

Qatar

1 (plus three repeaters) (2001)

Reunion

35 (plus 18 low-power repeaters) (2001)

Romania

48 (plus 392 repeaters) (1995)

Russia

7,306 (1998)

Rwanda

NA

Saint Helena

0

note: television programs are received in Saint Helena via satellite

and distributed by cable (2002)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

1 (plus three repeaters) (1997)

Saint Lucia

3 (of which two are commercial stations and one is a

community antenna television or CATV channel) (1997)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

0 (there are, however, two repeaters which

rebroadcast programs from France, Canada, and the US) (1997)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

1 (plus three repeaters) (1997)

Samoa

2 (2002)

San Marino

1 (San Marino residents also receive broadcasts from

Italy) (1997)

Sao Tome and Principe

2 (2002)

Saudi Arabia

117 (1997)

Senegal

1 (1997)

Serbia and Montenegro

more than 771 (including 86 strong stations

and 685 low-power stations, plus 20 repeaters in the principal

networks; also numerous local or private stations in Serbia and

Vojvodina) (1997)

Seychelles

2 (plus 9 repeaters) (1997)

Sierra Leone

2 (1999)

Singapore

6 (2000)

Slovakia

38 (plus 864 repeaters) (1995)

Slovenia

48 (2001)

Solomon Islands

0 (1997)

Somalia 4 note: two in Mogadishu; two in Hargeisa (2001)

South Africa

556 (plus 144 network repeaters) (1997)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

0 (2003)

Spain

224 (plus 2,105 repeaters)

note: these figures include 11 television broadcast stations and 88

repeaters in the Canary Islands (1995)

Sri Lanka

21 (1997)

Sudan

3 (1997)

Suriname

3 (plus seven repeaters) (2000)

Svalbard

NA

Swaziland

5 plus 7 relay stations (2001)

Sweden

169 (plus 1,299 repeaters) (1995)

Switzerland

115 (plus 1,919 repeaters) (1995)

Syria

44 (plus 17 repeaters) (1995)

Taiwan

29 (plus two repeaters) (1997)

Tajikistan

13 (2001)

Tanzania

3 (1999)

Thailand

5 (all in Bangkok; plus 131 repeaters) (1997)

Togo

3 (plus two repeaters) (1997)

Tonga

2 (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago

4 (1997)

Tunisia

26 (plus 76 repeaters) (1995)

Turkey

635 (plus 2,934 repeaters) (1995)

Turkmenistan

3 (much programming relayed from Russia and Turkey)

(1997)

Turks and Caicos Islands

0 (broadcasts from The Bahamas are

received; cable television is established) (1997)

Tuvalu

0 (1997)

Uganda

8 (plus one low-power repeater) (2001)

Ukraine

at least 33 (plus 21 repeaters that relay broadcasts from

Russia) (1997)

United Arab Emirates

15 (1997)

United Kingdom

228 (plus 3,523 repeaters) (1995)

United States

more than 1,500 (including nearly 1,000 stations

affiliated with the five major networks - NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and

PBS; in addition, there are about 9,000 cable TV systems) (1997)

Uruguay

20 (2001)

Uzbekistan

4 (plus two repeaters that relay Russian programs), 1

cable rebroadcaster in Tashkent; approximately 20 stations in

regional capitals (2003)

Vanuatu

1 (2002)

Venezuela

66 (plus 45 repeaters) (1997)

Vietnam

at least 7 (plus 13 repeaters) (1998)

Virgin Islands

2 (2002)

Wake Island

0 (1997)

Wallis and Futuna

2 (2000)

West Bank

NA

Western Sahara

NA

World

NA

Yemen

7 (plus several low-power repeaters) (1997)

Zambia

9 (2002)

Zimbabwe

16 (1997)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2018 Sex ratio (male(s)/female)

Afghanistan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.11 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Albania

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Algeria

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

American Samoa

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.19 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Andorra

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female

total population: 1.09 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Angola

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Anguilla

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Argentina

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Armenia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Aruba

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Australia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Austria

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Bahrain

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.42 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.04 male(s)/female

total population: 1.28 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.17 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Barbados

at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Belarus

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.5 male(s)/female

total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Belgium

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Belize

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Benin

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Bermuda

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Bhutan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Bolivia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Botswana

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Brazil

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.15 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Brunei

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Burma

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Burundi

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Cambodia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Cameroon

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Canada

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Cape Verde

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Central African Republic

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Chad

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Chile

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

China

at birth: 1.09 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Christmas Island

NA (2003 est.)

Colombia

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Comoros

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Cook Islands

NA (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Croatia

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Cuba

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Cyprus

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Denmark

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Djibouti

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Dominica

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

East Timor

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Ecuador

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Egypt

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

El Salvador

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Eritrea

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Estonia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female

total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Faroe Islands

at birth: 1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Fiji

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Finland

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

France

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

French Guiana

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.17 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

French Polynesia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Gabon

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.08 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Georgia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Germany

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Ghana

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Gibraltar

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Greece

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Greenland

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Grenada

at birth: 1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.12 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Guadeloupe

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Guam

at birth: 1.14 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female

total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Guatemala

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Guernsey

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Guinea

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Guyana

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Haiti

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Honduras

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.14 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Hungary

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Iceland

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

India

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Indonesia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Iran

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Iraq

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Ireland

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Israel

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Italy

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Jamaica

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Japan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Jersey

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Jordan

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.14 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female

total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Kenya

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Kiribati

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Korea, North

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.5 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Korea, South

at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.12 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Kuwait

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.77 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.79 male(s)/female

total population: 1.52 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Laos

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Latvia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female

total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Lebanon

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Lesotho

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Liberia

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.01 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Libya

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

at birth: 1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Lithuania

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.51 male(s)/female

total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Macau

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Madagascar

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Malawi

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Malaysia

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Maldives

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Mali

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Malta

at birth: 1.09 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Martinique

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Mauritania

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Mauritius

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Mayotte

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.2 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female

total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Mexico

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Moldova

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Monaco

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Mongolia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Montserrat

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.11 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Morocco

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Mozambique

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Namibia

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Nauru

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Nepal

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Netherlands

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

New Caledonia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

New Zealand

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Niger

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Nigeria

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Niue

NA (2003 est.)

Norfolk Island

NA (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Norway

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Oman

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.51 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.15 male(s)/female

total population: 1.28 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Pakistan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Palau

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female

total population: 1.14 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Panama

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Paraguay

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Peru

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Philippines

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA (2003 est.)

Poland

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Portugal

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Qatar

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 2.36 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 2.65 male(s)/female

total population: 1.9 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Reunion

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Romania

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Russia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female

total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Rwanda

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Saint Helena

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Samoa

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.68 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.39 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

San Marino

at birth: 1.09 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.37 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.29 male(s)/female

total population: 1.22 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Senegal

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Seychelles

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Singapore

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Slovakia

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Slovenia

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Somalia

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

South Africa

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Spain

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Sudan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.23 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Suriname

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Svalbard

NA (2003 est.)

Swaziland

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Sweden

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Switzerland

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Syria

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Taiwan

at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Tanzania

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Thailand

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Togo

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Tokelau

NA (2003 est.)

Tonga

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Tunisia

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Turkey

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.11 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Tuvalu

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Uganda

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Ukraine

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.5 male(s)/female

total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.65 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 2.56 male(s)/female

total population: 1.47 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

United States

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Uruguay

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Vanuatu

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.15 male(s)/female

total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Venezuela

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Vietnam

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Virgin Islands

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.87 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

West Bank

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Western Sahara

NA (2003 est.)

World

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Yemen

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Zambia

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2019 Heliports

Afghanistan

5 (2002)

Albania

1 (2002)

Algeria

1 (2002)

Antarctica

27 stations have helicopter landing facilities (helipads)

(2002)

Austria

1 (2002)

Bahamas, The

1 (2002)

Bahrain

1 (2002)

Belgium

1 (2002)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

5 (2002)

Brunei

3 (2002)

Bulgaria

1 (2002)

Burma

1 (2002)

Cambodia

2 (2002)

Canada

12 (2002)

Colombia

1 (2002)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

1 (2002)

Croatia

1 (2002)

Cyprus

10 (2002)

Czech Republic

2 (2002)

East Timor

1 (2002)

Ecuador

1 (2002)

Egypt

2 (2002)

El Salvador

1 (2002)

France

3 (2002)

Germany

40 (2002)

Greece

7 (2002)

Holy See (Vatican City)

1 (2002)

Hong Kong

2 (2002)

Hungary

5 (2002)

India

19 (2002)

Indonesia

9 (2002)

Iran

13 (2002)

Iraq

5 (2002)

Israel

3 (2002)

Italy

4 (2002)

Japan

15 (2002)

Jordan

2 (2002)

Korea, South

204 (2002)

Kuwait

3 (2002)

Libya

1 (2002)

Luxembourg

1 (2002)

Malaysia

1 (2002)

Mexico

2 (2002)

Monaco

1 (shuttle service between the international airport at Nice,

France, and Monaco's heliport at Fontvieille) (2002)

Morocco

1 (2002)

Netherlands

1 (2002)

New Caledonia

5 (2002)

New Zealand

1 (2002)

Nigeria

1 (2002)

Northern Mariana Islands

1 (2002)

Oman

1 (2002)

Pakistan

13 (2002)

Papua New Guinea

2 (2002)

Philippines

2 (2002)

Poland

3 (2002)

Qatar

1 (2002)

Romania

1 (2002)

Saudi Arabia

5 (2002)

Serbia and Montenegro

4 (2002)

Sierra Leone

2 (2002)

Slovakia

1 (2002)

Spain

7 (2002)

Sudan

2 (2002)

Sweden

2 (2002)

Switzerland

1 (2002)

Syria

7 (2002)

Taiwan

3 (2002)

Thailand

2 (2002)

Turkey

8 (2002)

United Arab Emirates

2 (2002)

United Kingdom

11 (2002)

United States

149 (2002)

Venezuela

1 (2002)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2020 Elevation extremes (m)

Afghanistan

lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m

highest point: Nowshak 7,485 m

Albania

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,753 m

Algeria

lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m

highest point: Tahat 3,003 m

American Samoa

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Lata 966 m

Andorra

lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m

highest point: Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m

Angola

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morro de Moco 2,620 m

Anguilla

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m

Antarctica

lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,555 m

highest point: Vinson Massif 4,897 m

note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the

Bentley Subglacial Trench; at its surface is the deepest ice yet

discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater

Antigua and Barbuda

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Boggy Peak 402 m

Arctic Ocean

lowest point: Fram Basin -4,665 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Argentina

lowest point: Salinas Chicas -40 m (located on Peninsula

Valdes)

highest point: Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 m

Armenia

lowest point: Debed River 400 m

highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m

Aruba

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Jamanota 188 m

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Atlantic Ocean

lowest point: Milwaukee Deep in the Puerto Rico

Trench -8,605 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Australia

lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m

highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m

Austria

lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m

highest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m

Azerbaijan

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m

Bahamas, The

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Alvernia, on Cat Island 63 m

Bahrain

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m

Baker Island

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 8 m

Bangladesh

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Keokradong 1,230 m

Barbados

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m

Bassas da India

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 2.4 m

Belarus

lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m

highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m

Belgium

lowest point: North Sea 0 m

highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m

Belize

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m

Benin

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m

Bermuda

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Town Hill 76 m

Bhutan

lowest point: Drangme Chhu 97 m

highest point: Kula Kangri 7,553 m

Bolivia

lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m

highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m

Bosnia and Herzegovina

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Maglic 2,386 m

Botswana

lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513

m

highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m

Bouvet Island

lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Olav Peak 935 m

Brazil

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico da Neblina 3,014 m

British Indian Ocean Territory

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m

British Virgin Islands

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Sage 521 m

Brunei

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

Bulgaria

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Musala 2,925 m

Burkina Faso

lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m

highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m

Burma

lowest point: Andaman Sea 0 m

highest point: Hkakabo Razi 5,881 m

Burundi

lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m

highest point: Mount Heha 2,670 m

Cambodia

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

highest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m

Cameroon

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Fako (on Cameroon Mountain) 4,095 m

Canada

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m

Cape Verde

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island)

Cayman Islands

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: The Bluff 43 m

Central African Republic

lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m

highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,420 m

Chad

lowest point: Djourab Depression 160 m

highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m

Chile

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

China

lowest point: Turpan Pendi -154 m

highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m (1999 est.)

Christmas Island

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Murray Hill 361 m

Clipperton Island

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Colombia

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m

note: nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

Comoros

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Le Kartala 2,360 m

Congo, Democratic Republic of the lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m

Congo, Republic of the

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Berongou 903 m

Cook Islands

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Te Manga 652 m

Coral Sea Islands

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m

Costa Rica

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m

Cote d'Ivoire

lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m

highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Croatia

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Dinara 1,830 m

Cuba

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Pico Turquino 2,005 m

Cyprus

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Olympus 1,951 m

Czech Republic

lowest point: Elbe River 115 m

highest point: Snezka 1,602 m

Denmark

lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m

highest point: Yding Skovhoej 173 m

Djibouti

lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m

highest point: Moussa Ali 2,028 m

Dominica

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Morne Diablatins 1,447 m

Dominican Republic

lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m

highest point: Pico Duarte 3,175 m

East Timor

lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m

highest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m

Ecuador

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Chimborazo 6,267 m

Egypt

lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m

highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m

El Salvador

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m

Equatorial Guinea

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico Basile 3,008 m

Eritrea

lowest point: near Kulul within the Denakil depression -75 m

highest point: Soira 3,018 m

Estonia

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m

Ethiopia

lowest point: Denakil Depression -125 m

highest point: Ras Dejen 4,620 m

Europa Island

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 24 m

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m

Faroe Islands

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m

Fiji

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m

Finland

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Halti 1,328 m

France

lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m

highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m

French Guiana

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Bellevue de l'Inini 851 m

French Polynesia

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Ross on Iles Kerguelen 1,850 m

Gabon

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m

Gambia, The

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 53 m

Gaza Strip

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Auda) 105 m

Georgia

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,201 m

Germany

lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.54 m

highest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m

Ghana

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Afadjato 880 m

Gibraltar

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

Glorioso Islands

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 12 m

Greece

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m

Greenland

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Gunnbjorn 3,700 m

Grenada

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Guadeloupe

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Soufriere 1,484 m

Guam

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

Guatemala

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m

Guernsey

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Sark 114 m

Guinea

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Guinea-Bissau

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location in the northeast corner of the

country 300 m

Guyana

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Roraima 2,835 m

Haiti

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Chaine de la Selle 2,680 m

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mawson Peak, on Big Ben 2,745 m

Holy See (Vatican City)

lowest point: unnamed location 19 m

highest point: unnamed location 75 m

Honduras

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m

Hong Kong

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m

Howland Island

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Hungary

lowest point: Tisza River 78 m

highest point: Kekes 1,014 m

Iceland

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Hvannadalshnukur 2,119 m (at Vatnajokull glacier)

India

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Kanchenjunga 8,598 m

Indian Ocean

lowest point: Java Trench -7,258 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Indonesia

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Puncak Jaya 5,030 m

Iran

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

highest point: Kuh-e Damavand 5,671 m

Iraq

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: unamed peak 3,611 m; note - this peak is not Gundah

Zhur 3,607 m or Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m

Ireland

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

Israel

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point: Har Meron 1,208 m

Italy

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur 4,748 m (a

secondary peak of Mont Blanc)

Jamaica

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m

Jan Mayen

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

highest point: Haakon VII Toppen/Beerenberg 2,277 m

Japan

lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m

highest point: Mount Fuji 3,776 m

Jarvis Island

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 7 m

Jersey

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 143 m

Johnston Atoll

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Summit Peak 5 m

Jordan

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point: Jabal Ram 1,734 m

Juan de Nova Island

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 10 m

Kazakhstan

lowest point: Vpadina Kaundy -132 m

highest point: Khan Tangiri Shyngy (Pik Khan-Tengri) 6,995 m

Kenya

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m

Kingman Reef

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 1 m

Kiribati

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Banaba 81 m

Korea, North

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m

highest point: Paektu-san 2,744 m

Korea, South

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m

highest point: Halla-san 1,950 m

Kuwait

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 306 m

Kyrgyzstan

lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m

highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

Laos

lowest point: Mekong River 70 m

highest point: Phou Bia 2,817 m

Latvia

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Gaizinkalns 312 m

Lebanon

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Qurnat as Sawda' 3,088 m

Lesotho

lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers

1,400 m

highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m

Liberia

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Wuteve 1,380 m

Libya

lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m

highest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

Liechtenstein

lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m

highest point: Grauspitz 2,599 m

Lithuania

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Juozapines/Kalnas 292 m

Luxembourg

lowest point: Moselle River 133 m

highest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m

Macau

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Coloane Alto 172.4 m

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

lowest point: Vardar

River 50 m

highest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,753 m

Madagascar

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m

Malawi

lowest point: junction of the Shire River and international

boundary with Mozambique 37 m

highest point: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m

Malaysia

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,100 m

Maldives

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Wilingili island in the Addu

Atoll 2.4 m

Mali

lowest point: Senegal River 23 m

highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

Malta

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)

Man, Isle of

lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m

highest point: Snaefell 621 m

Marshall Islands

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

Martinique

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m

Mauritania

lowest point: Sebkha de Ndrhamcha -3 m

highest point: Kediet Ijill 910 m

Mauritius

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Piton 828 m

Mayotte

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Benara 660 m

Mexico

lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m

highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,700 m

Micronesia, Federated States of

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m

Midway Islands

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 13 m

Moldova

lowest point: Dniester River 2 m

highest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m

Monaco

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mont Agel 140 m

Mongolia

lowest point: Hoh Nuur 518 m

highest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Huyten Orgil) 4,374 m

Montserrat

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Chances Peak (in the Soufriere Hills volcanic

complex) 914 m

Morocco

lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m

highest point: Jbel Toubkal 4,165 m

Mozambique

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m

Namibia

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Konigstein 2,606 m

Nauru

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location along plateau rim 61 m

Navassa Island

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on southwest side 77 m

Nepal

lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m

highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m (1999)

Netherlands

lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m

highest point: Vaalserberg 322 m

Netherlands Antilles

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Scenery 862 m

New Caledonia

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m

New Zealand

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,754 m

Nicaragua

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mogoton 2,438 m

Niger

lowest point: Niger River 200 m

highest point: Mont Bagzane 2,022 m

Nigeria

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

Niue

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Norfolk Island

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Northern Mariana Islands

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m

Norway

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

Oman

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Pacific Ocean

lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench

-10,924 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Pakistan

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

Palau

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Palmyra Atoll

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 2 m

Panama

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Volcan de Chiriqui 3,475 m

Papua New Guinea

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

Paracel Islands

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

Paraguay

lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m

highest point: Cerro Pero (Cerro Tres Kandu) 842 m

Peru

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m

Philippines

lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Pitcairn Islands

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pawala Valley Ridge 347 m

Poland

lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m

highest point: Rysy 2,499 m

Portugal

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in

the Azores 2,351 m

Puerto Rico

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m

Qatar

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Qurayn Abu al Bawl 103 m

Reunion

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Piton des Neiges 3,069 m

Romania

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m

Russia

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

highest point: Gora El'brus 5,633 m

Rwanda

lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m

highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Saint Helena

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 2,060 m

Saint Kitts and Nevis

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

Saint Lucia

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Soufriere 1,234 m

Samoa

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mauga Silisili 1,857 m

San Marino

lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m

highest point: Monte Titano 755 m

Sao Tome and Principe

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

Saudi Arabia

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

Senegal

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed feature near Nepen Diakha 581 m

Serbia and Montenegro

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Daravica 2,656 m

Seychelles

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m

Sierra Leone

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

Singapore

lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m

highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

Slovakia

lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m

highest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

Slovenia

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Triglav 2,864 m

Solomon Islands

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Makarakomburu 2,447 m

Somalia

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m

South Africa

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Njesuthi 3,408 m

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

lowest point: Atlantic

Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m

Southern Ocean

lowest point: -7,235 m at the southern end of the

South Sandwich Trench

highest point: sea level 0 m

Spain

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

Spratly Islands

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 4 m

Sri Lanka

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m

Sudan

lowest point: Red Sea 0 m

highest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m

Suriname

lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m

highest point: Juliana Top 1,230 m

Svalbard

lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m

Swaziland

lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m

highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

Sweden

lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near

Kristianstad -2.41 m

highest point: Kebnekaise 2,111 m

Switzerland

lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m

highest point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m

Syria

lowest point: unnamed location near Lake Tiberias -200 m

highest point: Mount Hermon 2,814 m

Taiwan

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m

Tajikistan

lowest point: Syr Darya (Sirdaryo) 300 m

highest point: Qullai Ismoili Somoni 7,495 m

Tanzania

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Kilimanjaro 5,895 m

Thailand

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

Togo

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Agou 986 m

Tokelau

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Tonga

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Kao Island 1,033 m

Trinidad and Tobago

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

Tromelin Island

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 7 m

Tunisia

lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m

highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m

Turkey

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Ararat 5,166 m

Turkmenistan

lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya -81 m; note -

Sarygamysh Koli is a lake in northern Turkmenistan with a water

level that fluctuates above and below the elevation of Vpadina

Akchanaya (the lake has dropped as low as -110 m)

highest point: Gora Ayribaba 3,139 m

Turks and Caicos Islands

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Blue Hills 49 m

Tuvalu

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Uganda

lowest point: Lake Albert 621 m

highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

Ukraine

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m

United Arab Emirates

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m

United Kingdom

lowest point: The Fens -4 m

highest point: Ben Nevis 1,343 m

United States

lowest point: Death Valley -86 m

highest point: Mount McKinley 6,194 m

Uruguay

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

Uzbekistan

lowest point: Sariqarnish Kuli -12 m

highest point: Adelunga Toghi 4,301 m

Vanuatu

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

Venezuela

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Pico Bolivar (La Columna) 5,007 m

Vietnam

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m

Virgin Islands

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

Wake Island

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 6 m

Wallis and Futuna

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Singavi 765 m

West Bank

lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m

highest point: Tall Asur 1,022 m

Western Sahara

lowest point: Sebjet Tah -55 m

highest point: unnamed location 463 m

World

lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,540 m

note: in the oceanic realm, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is

the lowest point, lying -10,924 m below the surface of the Pacific

Ocean

highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m (1999 est.)

Yemen

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

highest point: Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb 3,760 m

Zambia

lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m

highest point: unnamed location in Mafinga Hills 2,301 m

Zimbabwe

lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save rivers 162 m

highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2021 Natural hazards

Afghanistan

damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains;

flooding; droughts

Albania

destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern

coast; floods; drought

Algeria

mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mudslides

and floods in rainy season

American Samoa

typhoons common from December to March

Andorra

avalanches

Angola

locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau

Anguilla

frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to

October)

Antarctica

katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the

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

cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the

coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West

Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak; large icebergs may

calve from ice shelf

Antigua and Barbuda

hurricanes and tropical storms (July to

October); periodic droughts

Arctic Ocean

ice islands occasionally break away from northern

Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland

and extreme northeastern Canada; permafrost in islands; virtually

ice locked from October to June; ships subject to superstructure

icing from October to May

Argentina

San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes

subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can

strike the Pampas and northeast; heavy flooding

Armenia

occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts

Aruba

lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

surrounded by shoals and reefs that can

pose maritime hazards

Atlantic Ocean

icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and

the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have

been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; ships

subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from

October to May; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to

September; hurricanes (May to December)

Australia

cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires

Austria

landslides; avalanches; earthquakes

Azerbaijan

droughts

Bahamas, The

hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive

flood and wind damage

Bahrain

periodic droughts; dust storms

Baker Island

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be

a maritime hazard

Bangladesh

droughts, cyclones; much of the country routinely

inundated during the summer monsoon season

Barbados

infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides

Bassas da India

maritime hazard since it is usually under water

during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic

cyclones

Belarus

NA

Belgium

flooding is a threat in areas of reclaimed coastal land,

protected from the sea by concrete dikes

Belize

frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and

coastal flooding (especially in south)

Benin

hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December

to March

Bermuda

hurricanes (June to November)

Bhutan

violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the

country's name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon;

frequent landslides during the rainy season

Bolivia

flooding in the northeast (March-April)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

destructive earthquakes

Botswana

periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the

west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure

visibility

Bouvet Island

NA

Brazil

recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost

in south

British Indian Ocean Territory

NA

British Virgin Islands

hurricanes and tropical storms (July to

October)

Brunei

typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

Bulgaria

earthquakes, landslides

Burkina Faso

recurring droughts

Burma

destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides

common during rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts

Burundi

flooding, landslides, drought

Cambodia

monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional

droughts

Cameroon

volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases

from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoes

Canada

continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to

development; cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a

result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and

North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and

snow east of the mountains

Cape Verde

prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces

obscuring dust; volcanically and seismically active

Cayman Islands

hurricanes (July to November)

Central African Republic

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect

northern areas; floods are common

Chad

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic

droughts; locust plagues

Chile

severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis

China

frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and

eastern coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes; droughts;

land subsidence

Christmas Island

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can

be a maritime hazard

Clipperton Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

cyclone season is October to April

Colombia

highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional

earthquakes; periodic droughts

Comoros

cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April);

Le Kartala on Grand Comore is an active volcano

Congo, Democratic Republic of the periodic droughts in south; Congo River floods (seasonal); in the east, in the Great Rift Valley, there are active volcanoes

Congo, Republic of the

seasonal flooding

Cook Islands

typhoons (November to March)

Coral Sea Islands

occasional tropical cyclones

Costa Rica

occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast;

frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and

landslides; active volcanoes

Cote d'Ivoire

coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during

the rainy season torrential flooding is possible

Croatia

destructive earthquakes

Cuba

the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to October

(in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other

year); droughts are common

Cyprus

moderate earthquake activity; droughts

Czech Republic

flooding

Denmark

flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g.,

parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland)

that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes

Djibouti

earthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances

from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods

Dominica

flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes

can be expected during the late summer months

Dominican Republic

lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and

subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding;

periodic droughts

East Timor

floods and landslides are common; earthquakes, tsunamis,

tropical cyclones

Ecuador

frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity; floods;

periodic droughts

Egypt

periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes, flash floods,

landslides; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring;

dust storms, sandstorms

El Salvador

known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes

very destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely

susceptible to hurricanes

Equatorial Guinea

violent windstorms, flash floods

Eritrea

frequent droughts; locust swarms

Estonia

sometimes flooding occurs in the spring

Ethiopia

geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to

earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts

Europa Island

NA

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

strong winds persist throughout

the year

Faroe Islands

NA

Fiji

cyclonic storms can occur from November to January

Finland

NA

France

flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest

fires in south near the Mediterranean

French Guiana

high frequency of heavy showers and severe

thunderstorms; flooding

French Polynesia

occasional cyclonic storms in January

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul

are extinct volcanoes

Gabon

NA

Gambia, The

drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30

years)

Gaza Strip

droughts

Georgia

earthquakes

Germany

flooding

Ghana

dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds occur from January to

March; droughts

Gibraltar

NA

Glorioso Islands

periodic cyclones

Greece

severe earthquakes

Greenland

continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the

island

Grenada

lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from

June to November

Guadeloupe

hurricanes (June to October); Soufriere de Guadeloupe is

an active volcano

Guam

frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare, but

potentially very destructive typhoons (June - December)

Guatemala

numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent

earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and

other tropical storms

Guernsey

NA

Guinea

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during

dry season

Guinea-Bissau

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility

during dry season; brush fires

Guyana

flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons

Haiti

lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe

storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes;

periodic droughts

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is

on Heard Island

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA

Honduras

frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; extremely

susceptible to damaging hurricanes and floods along the Caribbean

coast

Hong Kong

occasional typhoons

Howland Island

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can

be a maritime hazard

Iceland

earthquakes and volcanic activity

India

droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive

flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakes

Indian Ocean

occasional icebergs pose navigational hazard in

southern reaches

Indonesia

occasional floods, severe droughts, tsunamis, earthquakes,

volcanoes, forest fires

Iran

periodic droughts, floods; dust storms, sandstorms; earthquakes

along western border and in the northeast

Iraq

dust storms, sandstorms, floods

Ireland

NA

Israel

sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts;

periodic earthquakes

Italy

regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches,

earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venice

Jamaica

hurricanes (especially July to November)

Jan Mayen

dominated by the volcano Haakon VII Toppen/Beerenberg;

volcanic activity resumed in 1970

Japan

many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic

occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis; typhoons

Jarvis Island

the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island poses

a maritime hazard

Jersey

NA

Johnston Atoll

NA

Jordan

droughts; periodic earthquakes

Juan de Nova Island

periodic cyclones

Kazakhstan

earthquakes in the south, mudslides around Almaty

Kenya

recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasons

Kingman Reef

wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of

about 1 meter makes Kingman Reef a maritime hazard

Kiribati

typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March;

occasional tornadoes; low level of some of the islands make them

very sensitive to changes in sea level

Korea, North

late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding;

occasional typhoons during the early fall

Korea, South

occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods;

low-level seismic activity common in southwest

Kuwait

sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring

heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust

storms occur throughout the year, but are most common between March

and August

Kyrgyzstan

NA

Laos

floods, droughts

Latvia

NA

Lebanon

dust storms, sandstorms

Lesotho

periodic droughts

Liberia

dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to

March)

Libya

hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to

four days in spring and fall; dust storms, sandstorms

Liechtenstein

NA

Lithuania

NA

Luxembourg

NA

Macau

typhoons

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

high seismic risks

Madagascar

periodic cyclones

Malawi

NA

Malaysia

flooding, landslides, forest fires

Maldives

low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level

rise

Mali

hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons;

recurring droughts; occasional Niger River flooding

Malta

NA

Man, Isle of

NA

Marshall Islands

infrequent typhoons

Martinique

hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (an average

of one major natural disaster every five years)

Mauritania

hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in

March and April; periodic droughts

Mauritius

cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded

by reefs that may pose maritime hazards

Mayotte

cyclones during rainy season

Mexico

tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive

earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific,

Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coasts

Micronesia, Federated States of

typhoons (June to December)

Midway Islands

NA

Moldova

landslides (57 cases in 1998)

Monaco

NA

Mongolia

dust storms, grassland and forest fires, drought, and

"zud", which is harsh winter conditions

Montserrat

severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions

(Soufriere Hills volcano has erupted continuously since 1996)

Morocco

northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to

earthquakes; periodic droughts

Mozambique

severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods occur in

central and southern provinces

Namibia

prolonged periods of drought

Nauru

periodic droughts

Navassa Island

NA

Nepal

severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, and

famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the

summer monsoons

Netherlands

flooding

Netherlands Antilles

Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean

hurricane belt and are rarely threatened; Sint Maarten, Saba, and

Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes from July to October

New Caledonia

cyclones, most frequent from November to March

New Zealand

earthquakes are common, though usually not severe;

volcanic activity

Nicaragua

destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides; extremely

susceptible to hurricanes

Niger

recurring droughts

Nigeria

periodic droughts; flooding

Niue

typhoons

Norfolk Island

typhoons (especially May to July)

Northern Mariana Islands active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)

Norway

rockslides, avalanches

Oman

summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in

interior; periodic droughts

Pacific Ocean

surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and

earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the "Pacific Ring of

Fire"; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east

Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October);

tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike

Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in

August and September); cyclical El Nino/La Nina phenomenon occurs in

the equatorial Pacific, influencing weather in the Western

Hemisphere and the western Pacific; ships subject to superstructure

icing in extreme north from October to May; persistent fog in the

northern Pacific can be a maritime hazard from June to December

Pakistan

frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in

north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and

August)

Palau

typhoons (June to December)

Palmyra Atoll

NA

Panama

occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area

Papua New Guinea

active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Ring

of Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe

earthquakes; mud slides; tsunamis

Paracel Islands

typhoons

Paraguay

local flooding in southeast (early September to June);

poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

Peru

earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic

activity

Philippines

astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck

by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active

volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis

Pitcairn Islands

typhoons (especially November to March)

Poland

flooding

Portugal

Azores subject to severe earthquakes

Puerto Rico

periodic droughts; hurricanes

Qatar

haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

Reunion

periodic, devastating cyclones (December to April); Piton de

la Fournaise on the southeastern coast is an active volcano

Romania

earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; geologic

structure and climate promote landslides

Russia

permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to

development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and

earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula; spring floods and

summer/autumn forest fires throughout Siberia and parts of European

Russia

Rwanda

periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the

northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo

Saint Helena

active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha

Saint Kitts and Nevis

hurricanes (July to October)

Saint Lucia

hurricanes and volcanic activity

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

persistent fog throughout the year can be

a maritime hazard

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on

the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat

Samoa

occasional typhoons; active volcanism

San Marino

NA

Sao Tome and Principe

NA

Saudi Arabia

frequent sand and dust storms

Senegal

lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts

Serbia and Montenegro

destructive earthquakes

Seychelles

lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare;

short droughts possible

Sierra Leone

dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara

(December to February); sandstorms, dust storms

Singapore

NA

Slovakia

NA

Slovenia

flooding and earthquakes

Solomon Islands

typhoons, but rarely destructive; geologically

active region with frequent earth tremors; volcanic activity

Somalia

recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains

in summer; floods during rainy season

South Africa

prolonged droughts

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

the South Sandwich

Islands have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them

difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active

volcanism

Southern Ocean

huge icebergs with drafts up to several hundred

meters; smaller bergs and iceberg fragments; sea ice (generally 0.5

to 1 meter thick) with sometimes dynamic short-term variations and

with large annual and interannual variations; deep continental shelf

floored by glacial deposits varying widely over short distances;

high winds and large waves much of the year; ship icing, especially

May-October; most of region is remote from sources of search and

rescue

Spain

periodic droughts

Spratly Islands

typhoons; serious maritime hazard because of

numerous reefs and shoals

Sri Lanka

occasional cyclones and tornadoes

Sudan

dust storms and periodic persistent droughts

Suriname

NA

Svalbard

ice floes often block the entrance to Bellsund (a transit

point for coal export) on the west coast and occasionally make parts

of the northeastern coast inaccessible to maritime traffic

Swaziland

drought

Sweden

ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf

of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic

Switzerland

avalanches, landslides, flash floods

Syria

dust storms, sandstorms

Taiwan

earthquakes and typhoons

Tajikistan

earthquakes and floods

Tanzania

flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season;

drought

Thailand

land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the

depletion of the water table; droughts

Togo

hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during

winter; periodic droughts

Tokelau

lies in Pacific typhoon belt

Tonga

cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity

on Fonuafo'ou

Trinidad and Tobago

outside usual path of hurricanes and other

tropical storms

Tromelin Island

NA

Tunisia

NA

Turkey

very severe earthquakes, especially in northern Turkey, along

an arc extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Van

Turkmenistan

NA

Turks and Caicos Islands

frequent hurricanes

Tuvalu

severe tropical storms are usually rare, but, in 1997, there

were three cyclones; low level of islands make them very sensitive

to changes in sea level

Uganda

NA

Ukraine

NA

United Arab Emirates

frequent sand and dust storms

United Kingdom

winter windstorms; floods

United States

tsunamis, volcanoes, and earthquake activity around

Pacific Basin; hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico

coasts; tornadoes in the midwest and southeast; mud slides in

California; forest fires in the west; flooding; permafrost in

northern Alaska, a major impediment to development

Uruguay

seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and

occasional violent wind which blows north from the Argentine

pampas), droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains,

which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularly

vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts

Uzbekistan

NA

Vanuatu

tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism

causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis

Venezuela

subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts

Vietnam

occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive

flooding, especially in the Mekong River delta

Virgin Islands

several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and

severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes

Wake Island

occasional typhoons

Wallis and Futuna

NA

West Bank

droughts

Western Sahara

hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur

during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of

time, often severely restricting visibility

World

large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones),

natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic

eruptions)

Yemen

sandstorms and dust storms in summer

Zambia

periodic drought, tropical storms (November to April)

Zimbabwe

recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2022 People - note

Afghanistan

large numbers of Afghan refugees create burdens on

neighboring states

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

the landing of illegal immigrants from

Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem

Cuba

illicit migration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to

depart the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien

smugglers, direct flights, or falsified visas; some 2,500 Cubans

took to the Straits of Florida in 2002; the US Coast Guard

interdicted about 60% of these migrants; Cubans also use

non-maritime routes to enter the US; some 1,500 Cubans arrived

overland via the southwest border and direct flights to Miami in 2002

Ghana

there are 9,500 Liberians, 2,000 Sierra Leoneans, and 1,000

Togolese refugees residing in Ghana (2002)

Rwanda

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa

Turks and Caicos Islands

destination and transit point for illegal

Haitian immigrants bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Bahamas,

and US

United States

data for the US are based on projections that do not

take into consideration the results of the 2000 census

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2023 Area - comparative

Afghanistan

slightly smaller than Texas

Albania

slightly smaller than Maryland

Algeria

slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas

American Samoa

slightly larger than Washington, DC

Andorra

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Angola

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Anguilla

about half the size of Washington, DC

Antarctica

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Antigua and Barbuda

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Arctic Ocean

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Argentina

slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US

Armenia

slightly smaller than Maryland

Aruba

slightly larger than Washington, DC

Ashmore and Cartier Islands about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Atlantic Ocean

slightly less than 6.5 times the size of the US

Australia

slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states

Austria

slightly smaller than Maine

Azerbaijan

slightly smaller than Maine

Bahamas, The

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Bahrain

3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Baker Island

about 2.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Bangladesh

slightly smaller than Iowa

Barbados

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Bassas da India

about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington,

DC

Belarus

slightly smaller than Kansas

Belgium

about the size of Maryland

Belize

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Benin

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Bermuda

about one-third the size of Washington, DC

Bhutan

about half the size of Indiana

Bolivia

slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Bosnia and Herzegovina

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Botswana

slightly smaller than Texas

Bouvet Island

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Brazil

slightly smaller than the US

British Indian Ocean Territory

about 0.3 times the size of

Washington, DC

British Virgin Islands

about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Brunei

slightly smaller than Delaware

Bulgaria

slightly larger than Tennessee

Burkina Faso

slightly larger than Colorado

Burma

slightly smaller than Texas

Burundi

slightly smaller than Maryland

Cambodia

slightly smaller than Oklahoma

Cameroon

slightly larger than California

Canada

somewhat larger than the US

Cape Verde

slightly larger than Rhode Island

Cayman Islands

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Central African Republic

slightly smaller than Texas

Chad

slightly more than three times the size of California

Chile

slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

China

slightly smaller than the US

Christmas Island

about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Clipperton Island

about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington,

DC

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

about 24 times the size of The Mall in

Washington, DC

Colombia

slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Comoros

slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC

Congo, Democratic Republic of the slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US

Congo, Republic of the

slightly smaller than Montana

Cook Islands

1.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Coral Sea Islands

NA

Costa Rica

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Cote d'Ivoire

slightly larger than New Mexico

Croatia

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Cuba

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Cyprus

about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut

Czech Republic

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Denmark

slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts

Djibouti

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Dominica

slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Dominican Republic

slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire

East Timor

slightly larger than Connecticut

Ecuador

slightly smaller than Nevada

Egypt

slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico

El Salvador

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Equatorial Guinea

slightly smaller than Maryland

Eritrea

slightly larger than Pennsylvania

Estonia

slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined

Ethiopia

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Europa Island

about 0.16 times the size of Washington, DC

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Faroe Islands

eight times the size of Washington, DC

Fiji

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Finland

slightly smaller than Montana

France

slightly less than twice the size of Colorado

French Guiana

slightly smaller than Indiana

French Polynesia

slightly less than one-third the size of Connecticut

French Southern and Antarctic Lands slightly less than 1.3 times the size of Delaware

Gabon

slightly smaller than Colorado

Gambia, The

slightly less than twice the size of Delaware

Gaza Strip

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Georgia

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Germany

slightly smaller than Montana

Ghana

slightly smaller than Oregon

Gibraltar

about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Glorioso Islands

about eight times the size of The Mall in

Washington, DC

Greece

slightly smaller than Alabama

Greenland

slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Grenada

twice the size of Washington, DC

Guadeloupe

10 times the size of Washington, DC

Guam

three times the size of Washington, DC

Guatemala

slightly smaller than Tennessee

Guernsey

about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Guinea

slightly smaller than Oregon

Guinea-Bissau

slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Guyana

slightly smaller than Idaho

Haiti

slightly smaller than Maryland

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

slightly more than two times the

size of Washington, DC

Holy See (Vatican City)

about 0.7 times the size of The Mall in

Washington, DC

Honduras

slightly larger than Tennessee

Hong Kong

six times the size of Washington, DC

Howland Island

about three times the size of The Mall in Washington,

DC

Hungary

slightly smaller than Indiana

Iceland

slightly smaller than Kentucky

India

slightly more than one-third the size of the US

Indian Ocean

about 5.5 times the size of the US

Indonesia

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Iran

slightly larger than Alaska

Iraq

slightly more than twice the size of Idaho

Ireland

slightly larger than West Virginia

Israel

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Italy

slightly larger than Arizona

Jamaica

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Jan Mayen

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Japan

slightly smaller than California

Jarvis Island

about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington,

DC

Jersey

about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Johnston Atoll

about 4.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Jordan

slightly smaller than Indiana

Juan de Nova Island

about seven times the size of The Mall in

Washington, DC

Kazakhstan

slightly less than four times the size of Texas

Kenya

slightly more than twice the size of Nevada

Kingman Reef

about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Kiribati

four times the size of Washington, DC

Korea, North

slightly smaller than Mississippi

Korea, South

slightly larger than Indiana

Kuwait

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Kyrgyzstan

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Laos

slightly larger than Utah

Latvia

slightly larger than West Virginia

Lebanon

about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut

Lesotho

slightly smaller than Maryland

Liberia

slightly larger than Tennessee

Libya

slightly larger than Alaska

Liechtenstein

about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Lithuania

slightly larger than West Virginia

Luxembourg

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Macau

about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

slightly larger than

Vermont

Madagascar

slightly less than twice the size of Arizona

Malawi

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Malaysia

slightly larger than New Mexico

Maldives

about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Mali

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Malta

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Man, Isle of

slightly more than three times the size of Washington,

DC

Marshall Islands

about the size of Washington, DC

Martinique

slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC

Mauritania

slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico

Mauritius

almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC

Mayotte

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Mexico

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Micronesia, Federated States of

four times the size of Washington,

DC (land area only)

Midway Islands

about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington,

DC

Moldova

slightly larger than Maryland

Monaco

about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Mongolia

slightly smaller than Alaska

Montserrat

about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Morocco

slightly larger than California

Mozambique

slightly less than twice the size of California

Namibia

slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Nauru

about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Navassa Island

about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington,

DC

Nepal

slightly larger than Arkansas

Netherlands

slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Netherlands Antilles

more than five times the size of Washington, DC

New Caledonia

slightly smaller than New Jersey

New Zealand

about the size of Colorado

Nicaragua

slightly smaller than the state of New York

Niger

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Nigeria

slightly more than twice the size of California

Niue

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Norfolk Island

about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Northern Mariana Islands

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Norway

slightly larger than New Mexico

Oman

slightly smaller than Kansas

Pacific Ocean

about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28% of

the global surface; larger than the total land area of the world

Pakistan

slightly less than twice the size of California

Palau

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Palmyra Atoll

about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Panama

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Papua New Guinea

slightly larger than California

Paracel Islands

NA

Paraguay

slightly smaller than California

Peru

slightly smaller than Alaska

Philippines

slightly larger than Arizona

Pitcairn Islands

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Poland

slightly smaller than New Mexico

Portugal

slightly smaller than Indiana

Puerto Rico

slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island

Qatar

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Reunion

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Romania

slightly smaller than Oregon

Russia

approximately 1.8 times the size of the US

Rwanda

slightly smaller than Maryland

Saint Helena

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Saint Kitts and Nevis

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Lucia

3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

twice the size of Washington, DC

Samoa

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

San Marino

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Sao Tome and Principe

more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Saudi Arabia

slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US

Senegal

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Serbia and Montenegro

slightly smaller than Kentucky

Seychelles

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Sierra Leone

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Singapore

slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Slovakia

about twice the size of New Hampshire

Slovenia

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Solomon Islands

slightly smaller than Maryland

Somalia

slightly smaller than Texas

South Africa

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

slightly larger than

Rhode Island

Southern Ocean

slightly more than twice the size of the US

Spain

slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

Spratly Islands

NA

Sri Lanka

slightly larger than West Virginia

Sudan

slightly more than one-quarter the size of the US

Suriname

slightly larger than Georgia

Svalbard

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Swaziland

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Sweden

slightly larger than California

Switzerland

slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Syria

slightly larger than North Dakota

Taiwan

slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined

Tajikistan

slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Tanzania

slightly larger than twice the size of California

Thailand

slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Togo

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Tokelau

about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Tonga

four times the size of Washington, DC

Trinidad and Tobago

slightly smaller than Delaware

Tromelin Island

about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington,

DC

Tunisia

slightly larger than Georgia

Turkey

slightly larger than Texas

Turkmenistan

slightly larger than California

Turks and Caicos Islands

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Tuvalu

0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Uganda

slightly smaller than Oregon

Ukraine

slightly smaller than Texas

United Arab Emirates

slightly smaller than Maine

United Kingdom

slightly smaller than Oregon

United States

about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the

size of Africa; about half the size of South America (or slightly

larger than Brazil); slightly larger than China; about two and a

half times the size of Western Europe

Uruguay

slightly smaller than the state of Washington

Uzbekistan

slightly larger than California

Vanuatu

slightly larger than Connecticut

Venezuela

slightly more than twice the size of California

Vietnam

slightly larger than New Mexico

Virgin Islands

twice the size of Washington, DC

Wake Island

about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Wallis and Futuna

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

West Bank

slightly smaller than Delaware

Western Sahara

about the size of Colorado

World

land area about 16 times the size of the US

Yemen

slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming

Zambia

slightly larger than Texas

Zimbabwe

slightly larger than Montana

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2024 Military manpower - military age (years of age)

Afghanistan

22 years of age (2003 est.)

Albania

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Algeria

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Angola

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Argentina

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Armenia

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Australia

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Austria

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Bahrain

15 years of age (2003 est.)

Belarus

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Belgium

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Belize

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Benin

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Bhutan

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Bolivia

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Botswana

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Brazil

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Brunei

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Burma

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Burundi

16 years of age (2003 est.)

Cambodia

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Cameroon

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Canada

16 years of age (2003 est.)

Chad

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Chile

19 years of age (2003 est.)

China

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Colombia

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Croatia

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Cuba

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Cyprus

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Denmark

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

18 years of age (2003 est.)

East Timor

18-21 years of age (2003 est.)

Ecuador

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Egypt

20 years of age (2003 est.)

El Salvador

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Estonia

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Fiji

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Finland

18 years of age (2003 est.)

France

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Gabon

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Georgia

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Germany

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Ghana

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Greece

21 years of age (2003 est.)

Guatemala

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Haiti

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Honduras

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Hungary

18 years of age (2003 est.)

India

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Indonesia

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Iran

21 years of age (2003 est.)

Iraq

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Ireland

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Israel

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Italy

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Jamaica

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Japan

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Jordan

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Korea, North

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Korea, South

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Kuwait

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Laos

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Latvia

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Libya

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Lithuania

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 19 years of age (2003 est.)

Madagascar

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Malaysia

21 years of age (2003 est.)

Mexico

18 years of age

note: starting in 2000, females were allowed to volunteer for

military service (2003 est.)

Moldova

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Mongolia

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Morocco

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Nepal

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Netherlands

20 years of age (note - age 17 for cadets and

midshipmen) (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

20 years of age (2003 est.)

New Zealand

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Niger

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Nigeria

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Norway

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Oman

14 years of age (2003 est.)

Pakistan

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Paraguay

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Peru

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Philippines

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Poland

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Portugal

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Qatar

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Reunion

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Romania

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Russia

18 years of age (2003)

Saudi Arabia

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Senegal

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Slovakia

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Slovenia

19 years of age (2003 est.)

South Africa

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Spain

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Sudan

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Sweden

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Switzerland

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Syria

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Taiwan

19 years of age (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Thailand

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Tunisia

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Turkey

20 years of age (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Ukraine

18 years of age (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

18 years of age (2003 est.)

United States

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Venezuela

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Vietnam

17 years of age (2003 est.)

Yemen

14 years of age (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2025 Military manpower - fit for military service

Afghanistan

males age 15-49: 3,837,646 (2003 est.)

Albania

males age 15-49: 742,837 (2003 est.)

Algeria

males age 15-49: 5,646,418 (2003 est.)

Angola

males age 15-49: 1,290,884 (2003 est.)

Argentina

males age 15-49: 7,942,837 (2003 est.)

Armenia

males age 15-49: 727,770 (2003 est.)

Australia

males age 15-49: 4,339,011 (2003 est.)

Austria

males age 15-49: 1,725,123 (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

males age 15-49: 1,727,340 (2003 est.)

Bahrain

males age 15-49: 121,739 (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

males age 15-49: 22,807,339 (2003 est.)

Barbados

males age 15-49: 53,282 (2003 est.)

Belarus

males age 15-49: 2,158,875 (2003 est.)

Belgium

males age 15-49: 2,059,131 (2003 est.)

Belize

males age 15-49: 39,337 (2003 est.)

Benin

males age 15-49: 805,603

females age 15-49: 809,961 (2003 est.)

Bhutan

males age 15-49: 283,493 (2003 est.)

Bolivia

males age 15-49: 1,380,883 (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

males age 15-49: 897,856 (2003 est.)

Botswana

males age 15-49: 201,402 (2003 est.)

Brazil

males age 15-49: 34,347,078 (2003 est.)

Brunei

males age 15-49: 63,966 (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

males age 15-49: 1,551,485 (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

males age 15-49: 1,506,944 (2003 est.)

Burma

males age 15-49: 6,566,122

females age 15-49: 6,553,458 (2003 est.)

Burundi

males age 15-49: 723,516 (2003 est.)

Cambodia

males age 15-49: 1,829,535 (2003 est.)

Cameroon

males age 15-49: 1,928,285 (2003 est.)

Canada

males age 15-49: 7,158,016 (2003 est.)

Cape Verde

males age 15-49: 53,842 (2003 est.)

Central African Republic

males age 15-49: 449,466 (2003 est.)

Chad

males age 15-49: 1,015,982 (2003 est.)

Chile

males age 15-49: 3,070,140 (2003 est.)

China

males age 15-49: 206 million (2003 est.)

Colombia

males age 15-49: 7,403,433 (2003 est.)

Comoros

males age 15-49: 89,090 (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the males age 15-49: 6,267,752 (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

males age 15-49: 381,556 (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

males age 15-49: 722,043 (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

males age 15-49: 2,110,276 (2003 est.)

Croatia

males age 15-49: 856,946 (2003 est.)

Cuba

males age 15-49: 1,923,967

females age 15-49: 1,875,412 (2003 est.)

Cyprus

males age 15-49: 138,336 (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

males age 15-49: 2,002,202 (2003 est.)

Denmark

males age 15-49: 1,094,611 (2003 est.)

Djibouti

males age 15-49: 63,459 (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

males age 15-49: 1,453,705 (2003 est.)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

males age 15-49: 2,395,178 (2003 est.)

Egypt

males age 15-49: 12,867,160 (2003 est.)

El Salvador

males age 15-49: 973,884 (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

males age 15-49: 59,110 (2003 est.)

Estonia

males age 15-49: 283,278 (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

males age 15-49: 8,040,381 (2003 est.)

Fiji

males age 15-49: 129,432 (2003 est.)

Finland

males age 15-49: 1,016,693 (2003 est.)

France

males age 15-49: 12,079,413 (2003 est.)

French Guiana

males age 15-49: 33,345 (2003 est.)

Gabon

males age 15-49: 158,226 (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

males age 15-49: 170,904 (2003 est.)

Georgia

males age 15-49: 1,028,913 (2003 est.)

Germany

males age 15-49: 17,399,936 (2003 est.)

Ghana

males age 15-49: 2,911,474 (2003 est.)

Greece

males age 15-49: 2,026,409 (2003 est.)

Guatemala

males age 15-49: 2,167,270 (2003 est.)

Guinea

males age 15-49: 1,038,428 (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

males age 15-49: 181,318 (2003 est.)

Guyana

males age 15-49: 156,174 (2003 est.)

Haiti

males age 15-49: 944,474 (2003 est.)

Honduras

males age 15-49: 948,957 (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

males age 15-49: 1,524,903 (2003 est.)

Hungary

males age 15-49: 2,026,912 (2003 est.)

Iceland

males age 15-49: 62,552 (2003 est.)

India

males age 15-49: 169 million (2003 est.)

Indonesia

males age 15-49: 38,290,550 (2003 est.)

Iran

males age 15-49: 12,094,551 (2003 est.)

Iraq

males age 15-49: 3,541,467 (2003 est.)

Ireland

males age 15-49: 821,378 (2003 est.)

Israel

males age 15-49: 1,279,277

females age 15-49: 1,237,926 (2003 est.)

Italy

males age 15-49: 12,349,356 (2003 est.)

Jamaica

males age 15-49: 528,689 (2003 est.)

Japan

males age 15-49: 25,405,779 (2003 est.)

Jordan

males age 15-49: 1,113,787 (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

males age 15-49: 3,658,815 (2003 est.)

Kenya

males age 15-49: 5,017,501 (2003 est.)

Korea, North

males age 15-49: 3,654,223 (2003 est.)

Korea, South

males age 15-49: 8,994,941 (2003 est.)

Kuwait

males age 15-49: 508,399 (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

males age 15-49: 1,026,063 (2003 est.)

Laos

males age 15-49: 759,499 (2003 est.)

Latvia

males age 15-49: 465,788 (2003 est.)

Lebanon

males age 15-49: 630,657 (2003 est.)

Lesotho

males age 15-49: 250,560 (2003 est.)

Liberia

males age 15-49: 396,725 (2003 est.)

Libya

males age 15-49: 914,649 (2003 est.)

Lithuania

males age 15-49: 735,536 (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

males age 15-49: 93,994 (2003 est.)

Macau

males age 15-49: 71,826 (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of males age 15-49: 446,726 (2003 est.)

Madagascar

males age 15-49: 2,300,587 (2003 est.)

Malawi

males age 15-49: 1,347,248 (2003 est.)

Malaysia

males age 15-49: 3,672,517 (2003 est.)

Maldives

males age 15-49: 43,386 (2003 est.)

Mali

males age 15-49: 1,400,711 (2003 est.)

Malta

males age 15-49: 79,080 (2003 est.)

Mauritania

males age 15-49: 322,288 (2003 est.)

Mauritius

males age 15-49: 171,556 (2003 est.)

Mexico

males age 15-49: 20,123,970 (2003 est.)

Moldova

males age 15-49: 936,629 (2003 est.)

Mongolia

males age 15-49: 516,502 (2003 est.)

Morocco

males age 15-49: 5,411,846 (2003 est.)

Mozambique

males age 15-49: 2,373,444 (2003 est.)

Namibia

males age 15-49: 274,015 (2003 est.)

Nauru

males age 15-49: 1,762 (2003 est.)

Nepal

males age 15-49: 3,467,511 (2003 est.)

Netherlands

males age 15-49: 3,536,586 (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

males age 15-49: 30,840 (2003 est.)

New Zealand

males age 15-49: 859,505 (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

males age 15-49: 825,906 (2003 est.)

Niger

males age 15-49: 1,288,396 (2003 est.)

Nigeria

males age 15-49: 18,259,696 (2003 est.)

Norway

males age 15-49: 910,628 (2003 est.)

Oman

males age 15-49: 438,326 (2003 est.)

Pakistan

males age 15-49: 23,328,575 (2003 est.)

Panama

males age 15-49: 544,967 (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

males age 15-49: 757,421 (2003 est.)

Paraguay

males age 15-49: 1,056,437 (2003 est.)

Peru

males age 15-49: 5,045,619 (2003 est.)

Philippines

males age 15-49: 15,428,043 (2003 est.)

Poland

males age 15-49: 8,077,706 (2003 est.)

Portugal

males age 15-49: 2,017,678 (2003 est.)

Qatar

males age 15-49: 168,416 (2003 est.)

Reunion

males age 15-49: 101,116 (2003 est.)

Romania

males age 15-49: 4,974,240 (2003 est.)

Russia

males age 15-49: 24 million (2003 est.)

Rwanda

males age 15-49: 982,909 (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

males age 15-49: 19,443 (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

males age 15-49: 3,431,281 (2003 est.)

Senegal

males age 15-49: 1,256,973 (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

males age 15-49: 2,077,660 (2003 est.)

Seychelles

males age 15-49: 11,639 (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

males age 15-49: 596,617 (2003 est.)

Singapore

males age 15-49: 1,012,498 (2003 est.)

Slovakia

males age 15-49: 1,135,612 (2003 est.)

Slovenia

males age 15-49: 413,453 (2003 est.)

Somalia

males age 15-49: 1,072,689 (2003 est.)

South Africa

males age 15-49: 7,211,075 (2003 est.)

Spain

males age 15-49: 8,391,612 (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

males age 15-49: 4,172,921 (2003 est.)

Sudan

males age 15-49: 5,558,462 (2003 est.)

Suriname

males age 15-49: 72,039 (2003 est.)

Swaziland

males age 15-49: 165,005 (2003 est.)

Sweden

males age 15-49: 1,800,376 (2003 est.)

Switzerland

males age 15-49: 1,552,728 (2003 est.)

Syria

males age 15-49: 2,629,148 (2003 est.)

Taiwan

males age 15-49: 5,019,268 (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

males age 15-49: 1,397,188 (2003 est.)

Tanzania

males age 15-49: 4,911,235 (2003 est.)

Thailand

males age 15-49: 10,724,565 (2003 est.)

Togo

males age 15-49: 666,132 (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

males age 15-49: 233,488 (2003 est.)

Tunisia

males age 15-49: 1,629,241 (2003 est.)

Turkey

males age 15-49: 11,801,267 (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

males age 15-49: 1,005,686 (2003 est.)

Uganda

males age 15-49: 2,974,259 (2003 est.)

Ukraine

males age 15-49: 9,597,172 (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

males age 15-49: 416,963 (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

males age 15-49: 12,353,942 (2003 est.)

United States

NA

Uruguay

males age 15-49: 672,030 (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

males age 15-49: 5,635,099 (2003 est.)

Venezuela

males age 15-49: 4,870,751 (2003 est.)

Vietnam

males age 15-49: 14,366,732 (2003 est.)

Yemen

males age 15-49: 2,493,612 (2003 est.)

Zambia

males age 15-49: 1,279,846 (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

males age 15-49: 2,003,572 (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2026 Military manpower - reaching military age annually

Afghanistan

males: 275,223 (2003 est.)

Albania

males: 36,985 (2003 est.)

Algeria

males: 412,545 (2003 est.)

Angola

males: 109,752 (2003 est.)

Argentina

males: 331,011 (2003 est.)

Armenia

males: 37,209 (2003 est.)

Australia

males: 142,377 (2003 est.)

Austria

males: 49,090 (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

males: 82,925 (2003 est.)

Bahrain

males: 6,126 (2003 est.)

Belarus

males: 86,654 (2003 est.)

Belgium

males: 60,921 (2003 est.)

Belize

males: 3,046 (2003 est.)

Benin males: 75,021 females: 78,998 (2003 est.)

Bhutan

males: 22,755 (2003 est.)

Bolivia

males: 96,003 (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

males: 29,861 (2003 est.)

Botswana

males: 20,476 (2003 est.)

Brazil

males: 1,744,148 (2003 est.)

Brunei

males: 3,277 (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

males: 54,107 (2003 est.)

Burma

males: 453,420

females: 455,422 (2003 est.)

Burundi

males: 79,462 (2003 est.)

Cambodia

males: 165,395 (2003 est.)

Cameroon

males: 179,586 (2003 est.)

Canada

males: 216,488 (2003 est.)

Chad

males: 86,953 (2003 est.)

Chile

males: 131,324 (2003 est.)

China

males: 10,973,761 (2003 est.)

Colombia

males: 392,468 (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

males: 31,644 (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

males: 41,453 (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

males: 198,115 (2003 est.)

Croatia

males: 30,096 (2003 est.)

Cuba

males: 81,095

females: 87,780 (2003 est.)

Cyprus

males: 6,638 (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

males: 67,777 (2003 est.)

Denmark

males: 28,198 (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

males: 89,073 (2003 est.)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

males: 137,433 (2003 est.)

Egypt

males: 743,305 (2003 est.)

El Salvador

males: 69,534 (2003 est.)

Estonia

males: 11,123 (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

males: 714,165 (2003 est.)

Fiji

males: 9,359 (2003 est.)

Finland

males: 31,926 (2003 est.)

France

males: 392,824 (2003 est.)

Gabon

males: 12,853 (2003 est.)

Georgia

males: 43,359 (2003 est.)

Germany

males: 472,946 (2003 est.)

Ghana

males: 239,742 (2003 est.)

Greece

males: 74,650 (2003 est.)

Guatemala

males: 151,294 (2003 est.)

Haiti

males: 94,349 (2003 est.)

Honduras

males: 74,895 (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

males: 47,477 (2003 est.)

Hungary

males: 64,305 (2003 est.)

India

males: 11,035,174 (2003 est.)

Indonesia

males: 2,213,727 (2003 est.)

Iran

males: 870,711 (2003 est.)

Iraq

males: 292,930 (2003 est.)

Ireland

males: 31,437 (2003 est.)

Israel males: 51,080 females: 53,496 (2003 est.)

Italy

males: 291,529 (2003 est.)

Jamaica

males: 27,398 (2003 est.)

Japan

males: 725,281 (2003 est.)

Jordan

males: 58,840 (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

males: 174,111 (2003 est.)

Korea, North

males: 180,875 (2003 est.)

Korea, South

males: 345,331 (2003 est.)

Kuwait

males: 18,885 (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

males: 54,445 (2003 est.)

Laos

males: 67,260 (2003 est.)

Latvia

males: 19,477 (2003 est.)

Libya

males: 61,511 (2003 est.)

Lithuania

males: 29,420 (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

males: 2,636 (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

males: 17,909 (2003 est.)

Madagascar

males: 163,864 (2003 est.)

Malaysia

males: 218,216 (2003 est.)

Mexico

males: 1,093,752 (2003 est.)

Moldova

males: 44,084 (2003 est.)

Mongolia

males: 32,529 (2003 est.)

Morocco

males: 351,671 (2003 est.)

Nepal

males: 303,222 (2003 est.)

Netherlands

males: 94,034

note: Netherlands has an all-volunteer, 74,100 force in 2001 (2003

est.)

Netherlands Antilles

males: 1,643 (2003 est.)

New Zealand

males: 26,803 (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

males: 59,903 (2003 est.)

Niger

males: 119,367 (2003 est.)

Nigeria

males: 1,418,099 (2003 est.)

Norway

males: 27,249 (2003 est.)

Oman

males: 29,485 (2003 est.)

Pakistan

males: 1,767,502 (2003 est.)

Paraguay

males: 61,706 (2003 est.)

Peru

males: 281,717 (2003 est.)

Philippines

males: 846,994 (2003 est.)

Poland

males: 343,500 (2003 est.)

Portugal

males: 67,816 (2003 est.)

Qatar

males: 7,192 (2003 est.)

Reunion

males: 6,795 (2003 est.)

Romania

males: 157,840 (2003 est.)

Russia

males: 1.243 million (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

males: 253,685 (2003 est.)

Senegal

males: 116,688 (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

males: 81,547 (2003 est.)

Slovakia

males: 44,287 (2003 est.)

Slovenia

males: 13,704 (2003 est.)

South Africa

males: 471,578 (2003 est.)

Spain

males: 255,826 (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

males: 186,691 (2003 est.)

Sudan

males: 429,334 (2003 est.)

Sweden

males: 52,692 (2003 est.)

Switzerland

males: 42,761 (2003 est.)

Syria

males: 210,941 (2003 est.)

Taiwan

males: 189,967 (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

males: 82,490 (2003 est.)

Thailand

males: 520,472 (2003 est.)

Tunisia

males: 106,513 (2003 est.)

Turkey

males: 679,882 (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

males: 53,825 (2003 est.)

Ukraine

males: 389,499 (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

males: 26,636 (2003 est.)

United States

males: 2,116,002 (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

males: 310,915 (2003 est.)

Venezuela

males: 249,319 (2003 est.)

Vietnam

males: 871,036 (2003 est.)

Yemen

males: 249,292 (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2028 Background

Afghanistan

Afghanistan's recent history is characterized by war and

civil unrest. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979, but was forced to

withdraw 10 years later by anti-Communist mujahidin forces supplied

and trained by the US, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and others. Fighting

subsequently continued among the various mujahidin factions, giving

rise to a state of warlordism that eventually spawned the Taliban.

Backed by foreign sponsors, the Taliban developed as a political

force and eventually seized power. The Taliban were able to capture

most of the country, aside from Northern Alliance strongholds

primarily in the northeast, until US and allied military action in

support of the opposition following the 11 September 2001 terrorist

attacks forced the group's downfall. In late 2001, major leaders

from the Afghan opposition groups and diaspora met in Bonn, Germany,

and agreed on a plan for the formulation of a new government

structure that resulted in the inauguration of Hamid KARZAI as

Chairman of the Afghan Interim Authority (AIA) on 22 December 2001.

The AIA held a nationwide Loya Jirga (Grand Assembly) in June 2002,

and KARZAI was elected President by secret ballot of the

Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan (TISA). The Transitional

Authority has an 18-month mandate to hold a nationwide Loya Jirga to

adopt a constitution and a 24-month mandate to hold nationwide

elections. In December 2002, the TISA marked the one-year

anniversary of the fall of the Taliban. In addition to occasionally

violent political jockeying and ongoing military action to root out

remaining terrorists and Taliban elements, the country suffers from

enormous poverty, a crumbling infrastructure, and widespread land

mines.

Albania

Between 1990 and 1992 Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic

Communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The

transition has proven difficult as corrupt governments have tried to

deal with high unemployment, a dilapidated infrastructure,

widespread gangsterism, and disruptive political opponents.

International observers judged legislative elections in 2001 to be

acceptable and a step toward democratic development, but identified

serious deficiencies that should be addressed through reforms in the

Albanian electoral code.

Algeria

After a century of rule by France, Algeria became

independent in 1962. The surprising first round success of the

fundamentalist FIS (Islamic Salvation Front) party in the December

1991 balloting caused the army to intervene, crack down on the FIS,

and postpone the subsequent elections. The fundamentalist response

has resulted in a continuous low-grade civil conflict with the

secular state apparatus, which nonetheless has allowed elections

featuring pro-government and moderate religious-based parties. The

FIS's armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded in January

2000 and many armed militants of other groups surrendered under an

amnesty program designed to promote national reconciliation.

Nevertheless, small numbers of armed militants persist in

confronting government forces and carrying out isolated attacks on

villages and other types of terrorist attacks. Other concerns

include Berber unrest, large-scale unemployment, a shortage of

housing, and the need to diversify the petroleum-based economy.

American Samoa

Settled as early as 1000 B.C., Samoa was "discovered"

by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries

in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899

treaty in which Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago.

The US formally occupied its portion - a smaller group of eastern

islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago - the following year.

Andorra

For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a

unique co-principality, ruled by the French chief of state and the

Spanish bishop of Urgel. In 1993, this feudal system was modified

with the titular heads of state retained, but the government

transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and

impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity

since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants

(legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its

lack of income taxes.

Angola

Civil war has been the norm in Angola since independence from

Portugal in 1975. A 1994 peace accord between the government and the

National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) provided

for the integration of former UNITA insurgents into the government

and armed forces. A national unity government was installed in April

of 1997, but serious fighting resumed in late 1998, rendering

hundreds of thousands of people homeless. Up to 1.5 million lives

may have been lost in fighting over the past quarter century. The

death of insurgent leader Jonas SAVIMBI in 2002 and a subsequent

cease-fire with UNITA may bode well for the country.

Anguilla

Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650,

Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th

century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants -

was incorporated into a single British dependency, along with Saint

Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two

years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this

arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, with Anguilla becoming

a separate British dependency.

Antarctica

Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was

not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American

commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions

began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south

of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that

Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands.

Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th

century. Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientific

research on the continent. A number of countries have set up

year-round research stations on Antarctica. Seven have made

territorial claims, but no other country recognizes these claims. In

order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the

continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies

nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in

1959, it entered into force in 1961.

Antigua and Barbuda

The Siboney were the first to inhabit the

islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and Carib

Indians populated the islands when Columbus landed on his second

voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were

succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery,

established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished

in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British

Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.

Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's five

oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and

the recently delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (US

and Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are two

important seasonal waterways. A sparse network of air, ocean, river,

and land routes circumscribes the Arctic Ocean.

Argentina

Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina

experienced periods of internal political conflict between

conservatives and liberals and between civilian and military

factions. After World War II, a long period of Peronist

authoritarian rule and interference in subsequent governments was

followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy

returned in 1983, and numerous elections since then have underscored

Argentina's progress in democratic consolidation.

Armenia

Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally

adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy,

over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires

including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. It was

incorporated into Russia in 1828 and the USSR in 1920. Armenian

leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Muslim

Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated

region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow.

Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the

struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from

the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold,

Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a

significant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both

sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress

toward a peaceful resolution.

Aruba

Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired

by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by

three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by

prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The

last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry.

Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a

separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in

1990.

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

These uninhabited islands came under

Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years

later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine

habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier

Island, a former bombing range, is now a marine reserve.

Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the

world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than the

Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal

(Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait of

Gibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US)

are important strategic access waterways. The decision by the

International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to

delimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion

of the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south.

Australia

Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in

1901. It was able to take advantage of its natural resources to

rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to

make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and

II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of

the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas,

especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to change

Australia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the British

monarch to a republic, was defeated in 1999.

Austria

Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian

Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in

World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and

subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's

status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955

ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade

unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year

declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for

Soviet military withdrawal. This neutrality, once ingrained as part

of the Austrian cultural identity, has been called into question

since the Soviet collapse of 1991 and Austria's entry into the

European Union in 1995. A prosperous country, Austria entered the

European Monetary Union in 1999.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan - a nation with a Turkic and majority-Muslim

population - regained its independence after the collapse of the

Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet

to resolve its conflict with Armenia over the Azerbaijani

Nagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian populated). Azerbaijan

has lost 16% of its territory and must support some 800,000 refugees

and internally displaced persons as a result of the conflict.

Corruption is ubiquitous and the promise of widespread wealth from

Azerbaijan's undeveloped petroleum resources remains largely

unfulfilled.

Bahamas, The

Arawak Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher

Columbus first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492.

British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became

a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973,

The Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking

and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is

a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly

shipments to the US, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal

migrants into the US.

Bahrain

Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf

countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign

affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves,

Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has

transformed itself into an international banking center. The new

amir, installed in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms

and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In

February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National

Action Charter - the centerpiece of the amir's political

liberalization program. In February 2002, Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al

Khalifa proclaimed himself king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected

members of the lower house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicameral

legislature, the National Assembly.

Baker Island

The US took possession of the island in 1857, and its

guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the

second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at

colonization was begun on this island - as well as on nearby Howland

Island - but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned.

Presently the island is a National Wildlife Refuge run by the US

Department of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middle

of the west coast.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh came into existence in 1971 when Bengali East

Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan. About a third of

this extremely poor country floods annually during the monsoon rainy

season, hampering economic development.

Barbados

The island was uninhabited when first settled by the

British in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on

the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy

remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production

through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social

and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete

independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and

manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance.

Bassas da India

This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs

and is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it was

placed under the administration of a commissioner residing in

Reunion in 1968.

Belarus

After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR,

Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer

political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former

Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state

union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic

integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the

accord, serious implementation has yet to take place.

Belgium

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and

was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered

in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced

European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the

Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking

Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional

amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Belize

Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the

independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981.

Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism

has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued

by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug

trade, and increased urban crime.

Benin

Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West

African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became

a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960,

as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended

in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the

establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles.

A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later,

free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as

president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa

from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by

elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were

alleged.

Bermuda

Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English

colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North

American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism

continues to be important to the island's economy, although

international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has

developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A

referendum on independence was soundly defeated in 1995.

Bhutan

In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,

under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for

ceding some border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was set

up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the

British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and

Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was

assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal

Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the

British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and

defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. A

refugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved;

90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of the

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. Maoist Assamese

separatists from India, who have established themselves in the

southeast portion of Bhutan, have drawn Indian cross-border

incursions.

Bolivia

Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR,

broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history

has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups.

Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s,

but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty,

social unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attracting

foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, resolving

disputes with coca growers over Bolivia's counterdrug efforts,

continuing the privatization program, and waging an anticorruption

campaign.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of

sovereignty in October 1991, was followed by a declaration of

independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a

referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported

by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armed

resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and

joining Serb-held areas to form a "greater Serbia." In March 1994,

Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from

three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/Croat

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in

Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement that

brought to a halt three years of interethnic civil strife (the final

agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton

Agreement retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries

and created a joint multi-ethnic and democratic government. This

national government was charged with conducting foreign, economic,

and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of government

comprised of two entities roughly equal in size: the Bosniak/Croat

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-led

Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments were

charged with overseeing internal functions. In 1995-96, a NATO-led

international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops served in

Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects of the

agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization

Force (SFOR) whose mission is to deter renewed hostilities. SFOR

remains in place although troop levels were reduced to approximately

12,000 by the close of 2002.

Botswana

Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana

adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of

uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and

significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic

economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining,

dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due

to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature

preserves. Botswana has the world's highest known rate of HIV/AIDS

infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and

comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.

Bouvet Island

This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely

covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered

in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named.

No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In

1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied

the island the previous year. In 1971, Bouvet Island and the

adjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since

1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station on the

island.

Brazil

Following three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil

became an independent nation in 1822. By far the largest and most

populous country in South America, Brazil has overcome more than

half a century of military intervention in the governance of the

country to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development

of the interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor

pool, Brazil is today South America's leading economic power and a

regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution remains a

pressing problem.

British Indian Ocean Territory

Established as a territory of the UK

in 1965, a number of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)

islands were transferred to the Seychelles when it attained

independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the

six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. The

largest and most southerly of the islands, Diego Garcia, contains a

joint UK-US naval support facility. All of the remaining islands are

uninhabited. Former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the

islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius but also to the

Seychelles, between 1967 and 1973. In 2000, a British High Court

ruling invalidated the local immigration order that had excluded

them from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of

Diego Garcia.

British Virgin Islands

First settled by the Dutch in 1648, the

islands were annexed in 1672 by the English. The economy is closely

tied to the larger and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west;

the US dollar is the legal currency.

Brunei

The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th

and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of

northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently

entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal

succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In

1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was

achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six

centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas

fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the

developing world.

Bulgaria

The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the

local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first

Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with

the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the

end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman

Turks. Bulgaria regained its independence in 1878, but having fought

on the losing side in both World Wars, it fell within the Soviet

sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946.

Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first

multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious

process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy

while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime.

Today, reforms and democratization keep Bulgaria on a path toward

eventual integration into NATO and the EU - with which it began

accession negotiations in 2000.

Burkina Faso

Independence from France came to Burkina Faso (formerly

Upper Volta) in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and

1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s.

Burkina Faso's high population density and limited natural resources

result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens.

Every year, several hundred thousand seasonal farm workers seek

employment in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana and are adversely affected by

instability in those regions.

Burma

Britain conquered Burma over a period of 62 years (1824-1886)

and incorporated it into its Indian Empire. Burma was administered

as a province of India until 1937 when it became a separate,

self-governing colony; independence outside of the Commonwealth was

attained in 1948. Gen. NE WIN dominated the government from 1962 to

1988, first as military ruler, then as president, and later as

political kingmaker. Despite multiparty elections in 1990 that

resulted in the main opposition party winning a decisive victory,

the ruling military junta refused to hand over power. Key opposition

leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI, under house

arrest from 1989 to 1995, was again placed under house detention

from September 2000 to May 2002 and again in May 2003; her

supporters are routinely harassed or jailed.

Burundi

Burundi's first democratically elected president was

assassinated in October 1993 after only four months in office. Since

then, some 200,000 Burundians have perished in widespread, often

intense ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. Hundreds of

thousands have been internally displaced or have become refugees in

neighboring countries. Burundi troops, seeking to secure their

borders, intervened in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of

the Congo in 1998. More recently, many of these troops have been

redeployed back to Burundi to deal with periodic upsurges in rebel

activity. A new transitional government, inaugurated on 1 November

2001, was to be the first step toward holding national elections in

three years. While the Government of Burundi signed a cease-fire

agreement in December 2002 with three of Burundi's four Hutu rebel

groups, implementation of the agreement has been problematic and one

rebel group refuses to sign on, clouding prospects for a sustainable

peace.

Cambodia

Following a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge

forces captured Phnom Penh in 1975 and ordered the evacuation of all

cities and towns; over 1 million displaced people died from

execution or enforced hardships. A 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove

the Khmer Rouge into the countryside and touched off almost 20 years

of fighting. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some

semblance of normalcy as did the rapid diminishment of the Khmer

Rouge in the mid-1990s. A coalition government, formed after

national elections in 1998, brought renewed political stability and

the surrender of remaining Khmer Rouge forces in 1998.

Cameroon

The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon

merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally

enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of

agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry.

Despite movement toward democratic reform, political power remains

firmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy.

Canada

A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada

became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the

British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has

developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across

an unfortified border. Its paramount political problem continues to

be the relationship of the province of Quebec, with its

French-speaking residents and unique culture, to the remainder of

the country.

Cape Verde

The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by

the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a

trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and

resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following

independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with

Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained

until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues

to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments.

Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused

significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result,

Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one.

Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the

British during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered by Jamaica

since 1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962 when the

former became independent.

Central African Republic

The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari

became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After

three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments

- civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade.

In March 2003 a military coup deposed the civilian government of

President Ange-Felix PATASSE and has since established a new

government.

Chad

Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured

three decades of ethnic warfare as well as invasions by Libya before

a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government

eventually suppressed or came to terms with most political-military

groups, settled a territorial dispute with Libya on terms favorable

to Chad, drafted a democratic constitution, and held multiparty

presidential and National Assembly elections in 1996 and 1997,

respectively. In 1998, a new rebellion broke out in northern Chad,

which continued to escalate throughout 2000. A peace agreement,

signed in January 2002 between the government and the rebels,

provides for the demobilization of the rebels and their

reintegration into the political system. Despite movement toward

democratic reform, power remains in the hands of a northern ethnic

oligarchy.

Chile

A three-year-old Marxist government was overthrown in 1973 by

a dictatorial military regime led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled

until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound

economic policies, first implemented by the PINOCHET dictatorship,

led to unprecedented growth in 1991-97 and have helped secure the

country's commitment to democratic and representative government.

China

For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing

the rest of the world in the arts and sciences. But in the 19th and

early 20th centuries, China was beset by civil unrest, major

famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War

II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established a dictatorship that,

while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over

everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people.

After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping gradually introduced

market-oriented reforms and decentralized economic decision-making.

Output quadrupled by 2000. Political controls remain tight while

economic controls continue to be relaxed.

Christmas Island

Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the

island was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888.

Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty

to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been

declared a national park.

Clipperton Island

This isolated island was named for John

CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th

century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897.

Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took

possession in 1935.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

There are 27 coral islands in the group.

Captain William Keeling discovered the islands in 1609, but they

remained uninhabited until the 19th century. Annexed by the UK in

1857, they were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955.

The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split

between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on

Home Island.

Colombia

Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from

the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and

Venezuela). A 40-year insurgent campaign to overthrow the Colombian

Government escalated during the 1990s, undergirded in part by funds

from the drug trade. Although the violence is deadly and large

swaths of the countryside are under guerrilla influence, the

movement lacks the military strength or popular support necessary to

overthrow the government. An anti-insurgent army of paramilitaries

has grown to be several thousand strong in recent years, challenging

the insurgents for control of territory and illicit industries such

as the drug trade and the government's ability to exert its dominion

over rural areas. While Bogota steps up efforts to reassert

government control throughout the country, neighboring countries

worry about the violence spilling over their borders.

Comoros

Unstable Comoros has endured 19 coups or attempted coups

since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands

of Anjouan and Moheli declared their independence from Comoros. In

1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power. He pledged to resolve

the secessionist crisis through a confederal arrangement named the

2000 Fomboni Accord. In December 2001, voters approved a new

constitution and presidential elections took place in the spring of

2002. Each island in the archipelago elected its own president and a

new union president was sworn in on May 26, 2002.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Since 1997, the Democratic

Republic of the Congo (DROC; formerly called Zaire) has been rent by

ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow in 1994

of refugees from the fighting in Rwanda and Burundi. The government

of former president MOBUTU Sese Seko was toppled by a rebellion led

by Laurent KABILA in May 1997; his regime was subsequently

challenged by a Rwanda- and Uganda-backed rebellion in August 1998.

Troops from Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, Chad, and Sudan intervened to

support the Kinshasa regime. A cease-fire was signed on 10 July 1999

by the DROC, Zimbabwe, Angola, Uganda, Namibia, Rwanda, and

Congolese armed rebel groups, but sporadic fighting continued.

KABILA was assassinated on 16 January 2001 and his son Joseph KABILA

was named head of state ten days later. In October 2002, the new

president was successful in getting occupying Rwandan forces to

withdraw from eastern Congo; two months later, an agreement was

signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and set

up a government of national unity.

Congo, Republic of the

Upon independence in 1960, the former French

region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter

century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a

democratically elected government installed in 1992. A brief civil

war in 1997 restored former Marxist President SASSOU-NGUESSO, but

ushered in a period of ethnically based unrest. Southern-based rebel

groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003. The Republic of

Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers with

significant potential for offshore development.

Cook Islands

Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the

islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900,

administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965

residents chose self-government in free association with New

Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and

government deficits are continuing problems.

Coral Sea Islands

Scattered over some 1 million square kilometers of

ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia

in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a small meteorological

staff on the Willis Islets. Automated weather stations, beacons, and

a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the

late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred

its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural

country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology

and tourism sectors. The standard of living is relatively high. Land

ownership is widespread.

Cote d'Ivoire

Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the

development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment

made Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the tropical

African states, but did not protect it from political turmoil. On 25

December 1999, a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's

history - overthrew the government led by President Henri Konan

BEDIE. Junta leader Robert GUEI held elections in late 2000, but

excluded prominent opposition leader Alassane OUATTARA, blatantly

rigged the polling results, and declared himself winner. Popular

protest forced GUEI to step aside and brought runner-up Laurent

GBAGBO into power. GBAGBO spent his first two years in office trying

to consolidate power to strengthen his weak mandate, but he was

unable to appease his opponents, who launched a failed coup attempt

in September 2002. Rebel forces claimed the northern half of the

country and in January 2003 were granted ministerial positions in a

unity government. However, the central government has yet to exert

control over the northern regions and tension remains high between

GBAGBO and rebel leaders. Several thousand French and West African

troops remain in Cote d'Ivoire to maintain peace and help implement

the peace accords.

Croatia

In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom

known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia

became a federal independent Communist state under the strong hand

of Marshal TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from

Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often

bitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared

from Croatian lands. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held

enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998.

Cuba

Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his iron rule

has held the country together since then. Cuba's Communist

revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin

America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The country

is now slowly recovering from a severe economic recession in 1990,

following the withdrawal of former Soviet subsidies, worth $4

billion to $6 billion annually. Cuba portrays its difficulties as

the result of the US embargo in place since 1961. Illicit migration

to the US - using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, or falsified

visas - is a continuing problem. Some 2,500 Cubans attempted the

crossing of the Straits of Florida in 2002; the US Coast Guard

apprehended about 60% of the individuals.

Cyprus

Independence from the UK was approved in 1960, with

constitutional guarantees by the Greek Cypriot majority to the

Turkish Cypriot minority. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to

seize the government was met by military intervention from Turkey,

which soon controlled almost 40% of the island. In 1983, the

Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern

Cyprus," but it is recognized only by Turkey. UN-led direct talks

between the two sides to reach a comprehensive settlement to the

division of the island began in January 2002.

Czech Republic

Following the First World War, the closely related

Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to

form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's

leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of

other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the

Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II,

a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of

influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the

efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule

and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations

the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the

collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its

freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993,

the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national

components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Now a member of NATO,

the Czech Republic has moved toward integration in world markets, a

development that poses both opportunities and risks. In December

2002, the Czech Republic was invited to join the European Union

(EU). It is expected that the Czech Republic will accede to the EU

in 2004.

Denmark

Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north

European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation

that is participating in the general political and economic

integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the

EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements

of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the European

Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and issues concerning certain

justice and home affairs.

Djibouti

The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became

Djibouti in 1977. Hassan Gouled APTIDON installed an authoritarian

one-party state and proceeded to serve three consecutive six-year

terms as president. Unrest among the Afars minority during the

1990's led to multi-party elections resulting in President Ismail

Omar GUELLEH attaining office in May 1999. A peace accord in 2001

ended the final phases of a ten-year uprising by Afar rebels.

Djibouti occupies a very strategic geographic location at the mouth

of the Red Sea and serves as an important transshipment location for

goods entering and leaving the east African highlands. GUELLEH

favors close ties to France, which maintains a significant military

presence in the country.

Dominica

Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be

colonized by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the

native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763,

which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after

independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and

tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia

CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who

remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still

living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining

in the eastern Caribbean.

Dominican Republic

Explored and claimed by Columbus on his first

voyage in 1492, the island of Hispaniola became a springboard for

Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American mainland. In

1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western third of the

island, which in 1804 became Haiti. The remainder of the island, by

then known as Santo Domingo, sought to gain its own independence in

1821, but was conquered and ruled by the Haitians for 22 years; it

finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844. A

legacy of unsettled, mostly non-representative, rule for much of its

subsequent history was brought to an end in 1966 when Joaquin

BALAGUER became president. He maintained a tight grip on power for

most of the next 30 years when international reaction to flawed

elections forced him to curtail his term in 1996. Since then,

regular competitive elections have been held in which opposition

candidates have won the presidency. The Dominican economy has had

one of the fastest growth rates in the hemisphere over the past

decade.

East Timor

The Portuguese colony of Timor declared itself

independent from Portugal on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and

occupied by Indonesian forces nine days later. It was incorporated

into Indonesia in July 1976 as the province of East Timor. A

campaign of pacification followed over the next two decades, during

which an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 individuals lost their lives.

On 30 August 1999, in a UN-supervised popular referendum, the people

of East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia. During

1999-2001, pro-integrationist militias - supported by Indonesia -

conducted indiscriminate violence. On 20 May 2002, East Timor was

internationally recognized as an independent state and the world's

newest democracy.

Ecuador

The "Republic of the Equator" was one of three countries

that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others

being Colombia and Venezuela). Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost

territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border

war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999.

Egypt

The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood,

coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and

west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great

civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C. and a series

of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last

native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were

replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who

introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who

ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the

Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the

conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the

completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important

world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt.

Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of

Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman

Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in

1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty following World War II. The

completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake

Nasser have altered the time-honored place of the Nile River in the

agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the

largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on

the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The

government has struggled to ready the economy for the new millennium

through economic reform and massive investment in communications and

physical infrastructure.

El Salvador

El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and

from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war,

which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when

the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for

military and political reforms.

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968

after 190 years of Spanish rule. President OBIANG NGUEM MBASOGO has

ruled the tiny country, composed of a mainland portion plus five

inhabited islands and one of the smallest countries on the African

continent, since he seized power in a coup in 1979. Although

nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996 and 2002

presidential elections - as well as the 1999 legislative elections -

were widely seen as being flawed.

Eritrea

Eritrea was awarded to Ethiopia in 1952 as part of a

federation. Ethiopia's annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years

later sparked a 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991

with Eritrean rebels defeating governmental forces; independence was

overwhelmingly approved in a 1993 referendum. A two-and-a-half-year

border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN

auspices on 12 December 2000. Eritrea currently hosts a UN

peacekeeping operation that is monitoring the border region. An

international commission, organized to resolve the border dispute,

posted its findings in 2002 but final demarcation is on hold due to

Ethiopian objections.

Estonia

After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian

rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated

into the USSR in 1940, it regained its freedom in 1991, with the

collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in

1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties

with Western Europe. Estonia received invitations to join NATO and

the EU in 2002.

Ethiopia

Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian

monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule, one exception

being the Italian occupation of 1936-41. In 1974 a military junta,

the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had ruled since 1930)

and established a socialist state. Torn by bloody coups, uprisings,

wide-scale drought, and massive refugee problems, the regime was

finally toppled by a coalition of rebel forces, the Ethiopian

People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), in 1991. A

constitution was adopted in 1994 and Ethiopia's first multiparty

elections were held in 1995. A two and a half year border war with

Eritrea ended with a peace treaty on 12 December 2000. Final

demarcation of the boundary is currently on hold due to Ethiopian

objections to an international commission's finding requiring it to

surrender sensitive territory.

Europa Island

A French possession since 1897, the island is heavily

wooded; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a

weather station.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Although first sighted by an

English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur

until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement

(French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over

to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject

of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then

between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the

islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina

invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an

expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce

fighting forced Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.

Faroe Islands

The population of the Faroe Islands is largely

descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The

islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th

century. A high degree of self-government was attained in 1948.

Fiji

Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a

British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military

coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as

dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers

brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). A 1990

constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to

heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic

difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority.

Amendments enacted in 1997 made the constitution more equitable.

Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by

an Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period

of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001

provided Fiji with a democratically elected government and gave a

mandate to the government of Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE.

Finland

Finland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden

from the 12th to the 19th centuries and an autonomous grand duchy of

Russia after 1809. It finally won its complete independence in 1917.

During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom

and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of

territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a

remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a

diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now on

par with Western Europe. As a member of the European Union, Finland

was the only Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation

in January 1999.

France

Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France

suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank

as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the

most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European

nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy

resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary

democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation

with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of

Europe, including the introduction of the euro in January 2002. At

present, France is at the forefront of European states seeking to

exploit the momentum of monetary union to advance the creation of a

more unified and capable European defense and security apparatus.

French Guiana

First settled by the French in 1604, French Guiana was

the site of notorious penal settlements until 1951. The European

Space Agency launches its communication satellites from Kourou.

French Polynesia

The French annexed various Polynesian island groups

during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up

widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll

after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January

1996.

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

The Southern Lands consist of

two archipelagos, Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen, and two volcanic

islands, Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul. They contain no permanent

inhabitants and are visited only by researchers studying the native

fauna. The Antarctic portion consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice

of the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in

1840.

Gabon

Ruled by autocratic presidents since independence from France

in 1960, Gabon introduced a multiparty system and a new constitution

in the early 1990s that allowed for a more transparent electoral

process and for reforms of governmental institutions. A small

population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign

support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous black

African countries.

Gambia, The

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965;

it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia with Senegal

between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship

and cooperation treaty. A military coup in 1994 overthrew the

president and banned political activity, but a 1996 constitution and

presidential elections, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997,

completed a nominal return to civilian rule. The country undertook

another round of presidential and legislative elections in late 2001

and early 2002.

Gaza Strip

The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim

Self-Government Arrangements (the DOP), signed in Washington on 13

September 1993, provided for a transitional period not exceeding

five years of Palestinian interim self-government in the Gaza Strip

and the West Bank. Under the DOP, Israel agreed to transfer certain

powers and responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, which

includes the Palestinian Legislative Council elected in January

1996, as part of the interim self-governing arrangements in the West

Bank and Gaza Strip. A transfer of powers and responsibilities for

the Gaza Strip and Jericho took place pursuant to the Israel-PLO 4

May 1994 Cairo Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area and

in additional areas of the West Bank pursuant to the Israel-PLO 28

September 1995 Interim Agreement, the Israel-PLO 15 January 1997

Protocol Concerning Redeployment in Hebron, the Israel-PLO 23

October 1998 Wye River Memorandum, and the 4 September 1999 Sharm

el-Sheikh Agreement. The DOP provides that Israel will retain

responsibility during the transitional period for external and

internal security and for public order of settlements and Israeli

citizens. Direct negotiations to determine the permanent status of

Gaza and West Bank had begun in September 1999 after a three-year

hiatus, but have been derailed by a second intifadah that broke out

in September 2000. The resulting widespread violence in the West

Bank and Gaza Strip, Israel's military response, and instability

within the Palestinian Authority continue to undermine progress

toward a permanent agreement.

Georgia

Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th

century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the

Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until

the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Ethnic separation in Abkhazia

and South Ossetia, poor governance, and Russian military bases deny

the government effective control over the entirety of the state's

internationally recognized territory. Despite myriad problems, some

progress on market reforms and democratization has been made. An

attempt by the government to manipulate legislative elections in

November 2003 touched off widespread protests that led to the

resignation of President Eduard SHEVARDNADZE.

Germany

As Europe's largest economy and most populous nation,

Germany remains a key member of the continent's economic, political,

and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed the

country in two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th

century and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied

powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the

advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the

western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German

Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key

Western economic and security organizations, the EC, which became

the EU, and NATO, while the Communist GDR was on the front line of

the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of

the Cold War allowed for German unification in 1990. Since then,

Germany has expended considerable funds to bring eastern

productivity and wages up to western standards. In January 2002,

Germany and 11 other EU countries introduced a common European

currency, the euro.

Ghana

Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast

and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first

country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. A long series

of coups resulted in the suspension of the constitution in 1981 and

the banning of political parties. A new constitution, restoring

multiparty politics, was approved in 1992. Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS, head

of state since 1981, won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996,

but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in

2000. He was succeeded by John KUFUOR, who defeated former Vice

President Atta MILLS in a free and fair election.

Gibraltar

Strategically important, Gibraltar was ceded to Great

Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison

was formally declared a colony in 1830. In referendums held in 1967

and 2002, Gibraltarians ignored Spanish pressure and voted

overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency.

Glorioso Islands

A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso

Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile

Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison

operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.

Greece

Greece achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in

1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half

of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and

territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. Following the

defeat of Communist rebels in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. A

military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political

liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven

years. Democratic elections in 1974 and a referendum created a

parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy; Greece joined the

European Community or EC in 1981 (which became the EU in 1992).

Greenland

The world's largest non-continental island, about 81%

ice-capped, Greenland was granted self-government in 1978 by the

Danish parliament. The law went into effect the following year.

Denmark continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs.

Grenada

One of the smallest independent countries in the western

hemisphere, Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19

October 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and

those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the

ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections

were reinstituted the following year.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe has been a French possession since 1635. The

island of Saint Martin is shared with the Netherlands; its southern

portion is named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands

Antilles and its northern portion is named Saint-Martin and is part

of Guadeloupe

Guam

Guam was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898. Captured by the

Japanese in 1941, it was retaken by the US three years later. The

military installation on the island is one of the most strategically

important US bases in the Pacific.

Guatemala

Guatemala was freed of Spanish colonial rule in 1821.

During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety

of military and civilian governments as well as a 36-year guerrilla

war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally

ending the conflict, which had led to the death of more than 100,000

people and had created some 1 million refugees.

Guernsey

The island of Guernsey and the other Channel Islands

represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy,

which held sway in both France and England. The islands were the

only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II.

Guinea

Independent from France since 1958, Guinea did not hold

democratic elections until 1993 when Gen. Lansana CONTE (head of the

military government) was elected president of the civilian

government. He was reelected in 1998. Unrest in Sierra Leone has

spilled over into Guinea, threatening stability and creating a

humanitarian emergency.

Guinea-Bissau

In 1994, 20 years after independence from Portugal,

the country's first multiparty legislative and presidential

elections were held. An army uprising that triggered a bloody civil

war in 1998 created hundreds of thousands of displaced persons. A

military junta ousted the president in May 1999. An interim

government turned over power in February 2000 when opposition leader

Kumba YALA took office following two rounds of transparent

presidential elections. Guinea-Bissau's transition back to democracy

will be complicated by its crippled economy, devastated in the civil

war.

Guyana

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana

had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to

black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured

servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This

ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent

politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, but

until the early 1990s it was ruled mostly by socialist-oriented

governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president, in what is

considered the country's first free and fair election since

independence. Upon his death five years later, he was succeeded by

his wife Janet, who resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her

successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001.

Haiti

The native Arawak Amerindians - who inhabited the island of

Hispaniola when it was discovered by Columbus in 1492 - were

virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the

early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola,

and in 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the

island - Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and

sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the

Caribbean, but only through the heavy importation of African slaves

and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th

century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint

L'OUVERTURE and after a prolonged struggle, became the first black

republic to declare its independence in 1804. Haiti has been plagued

by political violence for most of its history since then, and it is

now one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Over

three decades of dictatorship followed by military rule ended in

1990 when Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE was elected president. Most of his

term was usurped by a military takeover, but he was able to return

to office in 1994 and oversee the installation of a close associate

to the presidency in 1996. ARISTIDE won a second term as president

in 2000, and took office early in 2001. However, a political crisis

stemming from fraudulent legislative elections in 2000 has not yet

been resolved.

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

These uninhabited, barren,

sub-Antarctic islands were transferred from the UK to Australia in

1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the

islands have been designated a nature preserve.

Holy See (Vatican City)

Popes in their secular role ruled portions

of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the

mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the

newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were

further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between

a series of "prisoner" popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by

three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of

Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy.

In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain

of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman

Catholicism as the Italian state religion. Present concerns of the

Holy See include the failing health of Pope John Paul II,

interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of

church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization. About 1

billion people worldwide profess the Catholic faith.

Honduras

Part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras

became an independent nation in 1821. After two and one-half decades

of mostly military rule, a freely elected civilian government came

to power in 1982. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for

anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government

and an ally to Salvadoran Government forces fighting against leftist

guerrillas. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998,

which killed about 5,600 people and caused almost $1 billion in

damage.

Hong Kong

Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded

by China the following year; various adjacent lands were added later

in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and

the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special

Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997. In this

agreement, China has promised that, under its "one country, two

systems" formula, China's socialist economic system will not be

imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of

autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the

next 50 years.

Howland Island

Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the

island was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British

companies mined for guano until about 1890. Earhart Light is a day

beacon near the middle of the west coast that was partially

destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt; it is

named in memory of the famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART. The island is

administered by the US Department of the Interior as a National

Wildlife Refuge.

Hungary

Hungary was part of the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire,

which collapsed during World War I. The country fell under Communist

rule following World War II. In 1956, a revolt and announced

withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met with a massive military

intervention by Moscow. Under the leadership of Janos KADAR in 1968,

Hungary began liberalizing its economy, introducing so-called

"goulash Communism." Hungary held its first multiparty elections in

1990 and initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and

is scheduled to accede to the EU along with nine other states on 1

May 2004. In an April 2003 referendum, 84 percent voted in favor of

joining the EU.

Iceland

Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish)

immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland

boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the

Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland

was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja

volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused

widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the

island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited

home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence

attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion

are first-rate by world standards.

India

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world,

goes back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest

invaded about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier inhabitants

created the classical Indian culture. Arab incursions starting in

the 8th century and Turkish in 12th were followed by European

traders, beginning in the late 15th century. By the 19th century,

Britain had assumed political control of virtually all Indian lands.

Nonviolent resistance to British colonialism under Mohandas GANDHI

and Jawaharlal NEHRU led to independence in 1947. The subcontinent

was divided into the secular state of India and the smaller Muslim

state of Pakistan. A third war between the two countries in 1971

resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of

Bangladesh. Fundamental concerns in India include the ongoing

dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir, massive overpopulation,

environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and ethnic and

religious strife, all this despite impressive gains in economic

investment and output.

Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's

five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, but larger

than the Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean). Four critically important

access waterways are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb

(Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman), and Strait of

Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia). The decision by the International

Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth

ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Indian Ocean

south of 60 degrees south.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago; it achieved

independence from the Netherlands in 1949. Current issues include:

alleviating widespread poverty, implementing IMF-mandated reforms of

the banking sector, effecting a transition to a popularly-elected

government after four decades of authoritarianism, addressing

charges of cronyism and corruption, holding the military and police

accountable for human rights violations, and resolving growing

separatist pressures in Aceh and Papua.

Iran

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in

1979 after the ruling shah was forced into exile. Conservative

clerical forces established a theocratic system of government with

ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar.

A group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran on 4

November 1979 and held it until 20 January 1981. During 1980-88,

Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq over disputed

territory. Over the past decade, popular dissatisfaction with the

government, driven by demographic changes, restrictive social

policies, and poor economic conditions, has created a powerful and

enduring pressure for political reform.

Iraq

Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by

Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a

League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over

the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in

1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series

of military strongmen have ruled the country since then, the latest

being SADDAM Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an

inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990,

Iraq seized Kuwait, but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces

during the Gulf War of January-February 1991. Following Kuwait's

liberation, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap

all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow

UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC

resolutions over a period of 12 years resulted in the US-led

invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn

regime. Coalition forces remain in Iraq, helping to restore degraded

infrastructure and facilitating the establishment of a freely

elected government.

Ireland

Celtic tribes settled on the island in the 4th century B.C.

Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were

finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014.

English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than

seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions

and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched

off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in

independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern

(Ulster) counties remained part of the United Kingdom. In 1948

Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the

European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the

peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain

against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland,

known as the Good Friday Agreement and approved in 1998, is

currently being implemented.

Israel

Following World War II, the British withdrew from their

mandate of Palestine, and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and

Jewish states, an arrangement rejected by the Arabs. Subsequently,

the Israelis defeated the Arabs in a series of wars without ending

the deep tensions between the two sides. The territories occupied by

Israel since the 1967 war are not included in the Israel country

profile, unless otherwise noted. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew

from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty.

Outstanding territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved

in the 26 October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. In addition,

on 25 May 2000, Israel withdrew unilaterally from southern Lebanon,

which it had occupied since 1982. In keeping with the framework

established at the Madrid Conference in October 1991, bilateral

negotiations were conducted between Israel and Palestinian

representatives (from the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip)

and Syria to achieve a permanent settlement. But progress toward a

permanent status agreement has been undermined by the outbreak of

Palestinian-Israeli violence since September 2000.

Italy

Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the city-states of

the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under

King Victor EMMANUEL. An era of parliamentary government came to a

close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist

dictatorship. His disastrous alliance with Nazi Germany led to

Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the

monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter

member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has

been at the forefront of European economic and political

unification, joining the European Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent

problems include illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption,

high unemployment, and the low incomes and technical standards of

southern Italy compared with the prosperous north.

Jamaica

Jamaica gained full independence within the British

Commonwealth in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the

1970s led to recurrent violence and a dropoff in tourism. Elections

in 1980 saw the democratic socialists voted out of office.

Subsequent governments have been open market oriented. Political

violence marred elections during the 1990s.

Jan Mayen

This desolate, mountainous island was named after a Dutch

whaling captain who indisputably discovered it in 1614 (earlier

claims are inconclusive). Visited only occasionally by seal hunters

and trappers over the following centuries, the island came under

Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Haakon VII

Toppen/Beerenberg volcano resumed activity in 1970; it is the

northernmost active volcano on earth.

Japan

While retaining its time-honored culture, Japan rapidly

absorbed Western technology during the late 19th and early 20th

centuries. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to

become an economic power and a staunch ally of the US. While the

emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, actual

power rests in networks of powerful politicians, bureaucrats, and

business executives. The economy experienced a major slowdown

starting in the 1990s following three decades of unprecedented

growth.

Jarvis Island

First discovered by the British in 1821, the

uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858, but abandoned in

1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island

in 1889, but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The

US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. Abandoned after World

War II, the island is currently a National Wildlife Refuge

administered by the US Department of the Interior; a day beacon is

situated near the middle of the west coast.

Jersey

The island of Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent

the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway

in both France and England. These islands were the only British soil

occupied by German troops in World War II.

Johnston Atoll

Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed

Johnston Atoll in 1858, but it was the US that mined the guano

deposits until the late 1880s. The US Navy took over the atoll in

1934, and subsequently the US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The

site was used for high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and

1960s, and until late in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage

and disposal site for chemical weapons. Munitions destruction is now

complete. Cleanup and closure of the facility is progressing, with

completion anticipated in 2004.

Jordan

For most of its history since independence from British

administration in 1946, Jordan was ruled by King HUSSEIN (1953-99).

A pragmatic ruler, he successfully navigated competing pressures

from the major powers (US, USSR, and UK), various Arab states,

Israel, and a large internal Palestinian population, through several

wars and coup attempts. In 1989 he resumed parliamentary elections

and gradually permitted political liberalization; in 1994 a formal

peace treaty was signed with Israel. King ABDALLAH II - the eldest

son of King HUSSEIN and Princess MUNA - assumed the throne following

his father's death in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated

his power and established his domestic priorities, including an

aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to the World

Trade Organization in January 2000, and signed free trade agreements

with the United States in 2000, and with the European Free Trade

Association in 2001.

Juan de Nova Island

Named after a famous 15th century Spanish

navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession

since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate.

Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological

station.

Kazakhstan

Native Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes

who migrated into the region in the 13th century, were rarely united

as a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th

century and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the

1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, Soviet citizens

were encouraged to help cultivate Kazakhstan's northern pastures.

This influx of immigrants (mostly Russians, but also some other

deported nationalities) skewed the ethnic mixture and enabled

non-Kazakhs to outnumber natives. Independence has caused many of

these newcomers to emigrate. Current issues include: developing a

cohesive national identity; expanding the development of the

country's vast energy resources and exporting them to world markets;

achieving a sustainable economic growth outside the oil, gas, and

mining sectors; and strengthening relations with neighboring states

and other foreign powers.

Kenya

Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA

led Kenya from independence until his death in 1978, when President

Daniel Toroitich arap MOI took power in a constitutional succession.

The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982 when

the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made itself the sole

legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure

for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured

opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992

and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud, but are viewed as

having generally reflected the will of the Kenyan people. President

MOI stepped down in December of 2002 following fair and peaceful

elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic,

united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition, defeated

KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA and assumed the presidency following a

campaign centered on an anticorruption platform.

Kingman Reef

The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon

served as a way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa

flights during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on

the reef, which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant

and diverse marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding

the reef out to 12 NM around the reef were designated a US National

Wildlife Refuge.

Kiribati

The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the UK in

1971 and complete independence in 1979 under the new name of

Kiribati. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited

Phoenix and Line Island groups in a 1979 treaty of friendship with

Kiribati.

Korea, North

Following World War II, Korea was split, with the

northern half coming under Communist domination and the southern

portion becoming Western-oriented. KIM Chong-il has ruled North

Korea since his father and the country's founder, president KIM

Il-song, died in 1994. After decades of mismanagement, the North

relies heavily on international food aid to feed its population

while continuing to expend resources to maintain an army of about 1

million. North Korea's long-range missile development and research

into nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and massive

conventional armed forces are of major concern to the international

community. In December 2002, North Korea repudiated a 1994 agreement

that shut down its nuclear reactors and expelled UN monitors,

further raising fears it would produce nuclear weapons.

Korea, South

After World War II, a republic was set up in the

southern half of the Korean Peninsula while a Communist-style

government was installed in the north. During the Korean War

(1950-1953), US and other UN forces intervened to defend South Korea

from North Korean attacks supported by the Chinese. An armistice was

signed in 1953, splitting the Peninsula along a demilitarized zone

at about the 38th parallel. Thereafter, South Korea achieved rapid

economic growth with per capita income rising to roughly 20 times

the level of North Korea. South Korea has maintained its commitment

to democratize its political processes. In June 2000, a historic

first North-South summit took place between the South's President

KIM Dae-jung and the North's leader KIM Chong-il.

Kuwait

Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling

Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961.

Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following

several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a

ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four

days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure

damaged during 1990-91.

Kyrgyzstan

A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and

proud nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864;

it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Current

concerns include: privatization of state-owned enterprises,

expansion of democracy and political freedoms, interethnic

relations, and combating terrorism.

Laos

In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the

government, ending a six-century-old monarchy. Initial closer ties

to Vietnam and socialization were replaced with a gradual return to

private enterprise, a liberalization of foreign investment laws, and

the admission into ASEAN in 1997.

Latvia

After a brief period of independence between the two World

Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its

independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the

Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to

Moscow. Latvia continues to revamp its economy for eventual

integration into various Western European political and economic

institutions and was invited to join NATO and the EU in 2002.

Lebanon

Lebanon has made progress toward rebuilding its political

institutions since 1991 and the end of the devastating 16-year civil

war. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national

reconciliation - the Lebanese have established a more equitable

political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater say in

the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions

in the government. Since the end of the war, the Lebanese have

conducted several successful elections, most of the militias have

been weakened or disbanded, and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have

extended central government authority over about two-thirds of the

country. Hizballah, the radical Shi'a party, retains its weapons.

Syria maintains about 16,000 troops in Lebanon, based mainly east of

Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Syria's troop deployment was

legitimized by the Arab League during Lebanon's civil war and in the

Ta'if Accord. Damascus justifies its continued military presence in

Lebanon by citing Beirut's requests and the failure of the Lebanese

Government to implement all of the constitutional reforms in the

Ta'if Accord. Israel's withdrawal from its security zone in southern

Lebanon in May 2000, however, has emboldened some Lebanese

Christians and Druze to demand that Syria withdraw its forces as

well.

Lesotho

Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon

independence from the UK in 1966. King MOSHOESHOE was exiled in

1990. Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after 23 years

of military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny

following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody South

African military intervention. Constitutional reforms have since

restored political stability; peaceful parliamentary elections were

held in 2002.

Liberia

Eight years of civil strife were brought to a close in 1997

when free and open presidential and legislative elections were held.

President TAYLOR now holds strong executive power with no real

political opposition. Years of fighting, coupled with the flight of

most businesses, have disrupted formal economic activity. A still

unsettled domestic security situation has slowed the process of

rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn

country. In 2001, the UN imposed sanctions on Liberian diamonds,

along with an arms embargo and a travel ban on government officials,

for Liberia's support of the rebel insurgency in Sierra Leone.

Renewed rebel activity has further eroded stability and economic

activity. A regional peace initiative commenced in the spring of

2003 but was disrupted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL)

indictment of President TAYLOR on war crimes charges.

Libya

Since he took power in a 1969 military coup, Col. Muammar Abu

Minyar al-QADHAFI has espoused his own political system - a

combination of socialism and Islam - which he calls the Third

International Theory. Viewing himself as a revolutionary leader, he

used oil funds during the 1970s and 1980s to promote his ideology

outside Libya, even supporting subversives and terrorists abroad to

hasten the end of Marxism and capitalism. Libyan military adventures

failed, e.g., the prolonged foray of Libyan troops into the Aozou

Strip in northern Chad was finally repulsed in 1987. Libyan support

for terrorism decreased after UN sanctions were imposed in 1992.

Those sanctions were suspended in April 1999.

Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein was established

within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719; it became a sovereign state in

1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria,

but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced

Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with

Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained

neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic

growth. However, shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have

resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for

money laundering.

Lithuania

Independent between the two World Wars, Lithuania was

annexed by the USSR in 1940. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the

first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence, but this

proclamation was not generally recognized until September of 1991

(following the abortive coup in Moscow). The last Russian troops

withdrew in 1993. Lithuania subsequently has restructured its

economy for eventual integration into Western European institutions

and was invited to join NATO and the EU in 2002.

Luxembourg

Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815

and an independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than

half of its territory to Belgium in 1839, but gained a larger

measure of autonomy. Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun

by Germany in both World Wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when

it entered into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO

the following year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six

founding countries of the European Economic Community (later the

European Union) and in 1999 it joined the euro currency area.

Macau

Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the

first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement

signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the

Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 20 December

1999. China has promised that, under its "one country, two systems"

formula, China's socialist economic system will not be practiced in

Macau and that Macau will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all

matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

International recognition

of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (F.Y.R.O.M.)

independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's

objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic

name and symbols. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995,

and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, despite

continued disagreement over F.Y.R.O.M.'s use of "Macedonia."

F.Y.R.O.M.'s large Albanian minority, an ethnic Albanian armed

insurgency in F.Y.R.O.M. in 2001, and the status of neighboring

Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic tension.

Madagascar

Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a

French colony in 1886, but regained its independence in 1960. During

1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were

held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second

presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and

1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential

election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and

Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country.

In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA

the winner.

Malawi

Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland

became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades

of one-party rule, the country held multiparty elections in 1994

under a provisional constitution, which took full effect the

following year. National multiparty elections were held again in

1999.

Malaysia

Malaysia was formed in 1963 through a federation of the

former British colonies of Malaya and Singapore, including the East

Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of

Borneo. The first several years of the country's history were marred

by Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia, Philippine claims to

Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the federation in 1965.

Maldives

The Maldives were long a sultanate, first under Dutch and

then under British protection. They became a republic in 1968, three

years after independence. Tourism and fishing are being developed on

the archipelago.

Mali

The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France

in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a

few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed

Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 with a

transitional government and in 1992 when Mali's first democratic

presidential election was held. After his reelection in 1997,

President Alpha KONARE continued to push through political and

economic reforms and to fight corruption. In keeping with Mali's

two-term constitutional limit, he stepped down in 2002 and was

succeeded by Amadou TOURE.

Malta

Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814.

The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and

remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A

decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the

island has become a freight transshipment point, financial center,

and tourist destination. It is an official candidate for EU

membership.

Man, Isle of

Part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the

13th century when it was ceded to Scotland, the isle came under the

British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the almost

extinct Manx Celtic language.

Marshall Islands

After almost four decades under US administration

as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific

Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a

Compact of Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a

result of US nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and

1962. The Marshall Islands have been home to the US Army Base

Kwajalein (USAKA) since 1964.

Martinique

Colonized by France in 1635, the island has subsequently

remained a French possession except for three brief periods of

foreign occupation.

Mauritania

Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the

southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in

1976, but relinquished it after three years of raids by the

Polisario guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory.

Opposition parties were legalized and a new constitution approved in

1991. Two multiparty presidential elections since then were widely

seen as flawed, but October 2001 legislative and municipal elections

were generally free and open. Mauritania remains, in reality, a

one-party state. The country continues to experience ethnic tensions

between its black minority population and the dominant Maur

(Arab-Berber) populace.

Mauritius

Discovered by the Portuguese in 1505, Mauritius was

subsequently held by the Dutch, French, and British before

independence was attained in 1968. A stable democracy with regular

free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has

attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned one of

Africa's highest per capita incomes. Recent poor weather and

declining sugar prices have slowed economic growth, leading to some

protests over standards of living in the Creole community.

Mayotte

Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of

the Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago

that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego

independence.

Mexico

The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came

under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence

early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994

threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession

in over half a century. The nation continues to make an impressive

recovery. Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real

wages, underemployment for a large segment of the population,

inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities

for the largely Amerindian population in the impoverished southern

states. Elections held in July 2000 marked the first time since the

1910 Mexican Revolution that the opposition defeated the party in

government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Vicente FOX

of the National Action Party (PAN) was sworn in on 1 December 2000

as the first chief executive elected in free and fair elections.

Micronesia, Federated States of

In 1979 the Federated States of

Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a

constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of

Free Association with the US. Present concerns include large-scale

unemployment, overfishing, and overdependence on US aid.

Midway Islands

The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867.

The laying of the trans-Pacific cable, which passed through the

islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947,

Midway was used as a refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights. The

US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of

the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve

as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a

national wildlife refuge. From 1996 to 2001 the refuge was open to

the public. It is now temporarily closed.

Moldova

Formerly ruled by Romania, Moldova became part of the Soviet

Union at the close of World War II. Although independent from the

USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory

east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority

population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a

"Transnistria" republic. One of the poorest nations in Europe,

Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist as

its president in 2001.

Monaco

Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century

with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since

then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and

gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and

recreation center.

Mongolia

The Mongols gained fame in the 13th century when under

Genghis KHAN they conquered a huge Eurasian empire. After his death

the empire was divided into several powerful Mongol states, but

these broke apart in the 14th century. The Mongols eventually

retired to their original steppe homelands and came under Chinese

rule. Mongolia won its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing. A

Communist regime was installed in 1924. During the early 1990s, the

ex-Communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) gradually

yielded its monopoly on power to the Democratic Union Coalition

(DUC), which defeated the MPRP in a national election in 1996. Over

the next four years, the DUC put forward a number of key reforms to

modernize the economy and to democratize the political system. The

former Communists were a strong opposition that stalled additional

restructuring and made implementation difficult. In 2000, the MPRP

won an overwhelming victory in the legislature - with 72 of the 76

seats - and completely reshuffled the government. While it continues

many of the reform policies, the MPRP has focused on social welfare

and public order priorities.

Montserrat

Much of this island has been devastated and two-thirds of

the population has fled abroad due to the eruption of the Soufriere

Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995.

Morocco

Morocco's long struggle for independence from France ended

in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier was turned over to

the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western

Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of

the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the

1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature in

1997.

Mozambique

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a

close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites,

economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a

prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling

party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the

following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market

economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement with rebel forces ended the

fighting in 1992. Heavy flooding in both 1999 and 2000 severely hurt

the economy. Political stability and sound economic policies have

encouraged recent foreign investment.

Namibia

South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa

during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after

World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist

South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group

launched a war of independence for the area that was soon named

Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end

its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire

region. Independence came in 1990 following multi-party elections

and the establishment of a constitution. President NUJOMA is

currently serving his third term as president.

Nauru

Nauru's phosphate deposits began to be mined early in the 20th

century by a German-British consortium; the island was occupied by

Australian forces in World War I. Nauru achieved independence in

1968 and joined the UN in 1999. Nauru is the world's smallest

independent republic.

Navassa Island

This uninhabited island was claimed by the US in 1857

for its guano, and mining took place between 1865 and 1898. The

lighthouse, built in 1917, was shut down in 1996 and administration

of Navassa Island transferred from the Coast Guard to the Department

of the Interior. A 1998 scientific expedition to the island

described it as a unique preserve of Caribbean biodiversity; the

following year it became a National Wildlife Refuge.

Nepal

In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of

rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of

government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy

within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist

insurgency, launched in 1996, has gained traction and is threatening

to bring down the regime. In 2001, the Crown Prince massacred ten

members of the royal family, including the king and queen, and then

took his own life. In October 2002, the new king dismissed the prime

minister and his cabinet for "incompetence" after they dissolved the

parliament and were subsequently unable to hold elections because of

the ongoing insurgency. The country is now governed by the king and

his appointed cabinet, which has negotiated a cease-fire with the

Maoist insurgents, until elections can be held at some unspecified

future date.

Netherlands

The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In

1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands

remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and

occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized

nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural

products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EC (now

the EU), and participated in the introduction of the Economic and

Monetary Union (EMU) in 1999.

Netherlands Antilles

Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade,

the island of Curacao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in

1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in

the early 20th century with the construction of oil refineries to

service the newly discovered Venezuelan oil fields. The island of

Saint Martin is shared with France; its northern portion is named

Saint-Martin and is part of Guadeloupe, and its southern portion is

named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles.

New Caledonia

Settled by both Britain and France during the first

half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in

1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864.

Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s seems to

have dissipated.

New Zealand

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D.

800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain,

the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen

Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the

British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of

land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native

peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent

dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars.

New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances

lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to

address longstanding Maori grievances.

Nicaragua

The Pacific Coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish

colony from Panama in the early 16th century. Independence from

Spain was declared in 1821 and the country became an independent

republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first

half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region

in subsequent decades. Violent opposition to governmental

manipulation and corruption spread to all classes by 1978 and

resulted in a short-lived civil war that brought the Marxist

Sandinista guerrillas to power in 1979. Nicaraguan aid to leftist

rebels in El Salvador caused the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista

contra guerrillas through much of the 1980s. Free elections in 1990,

1996, and again in 2001 saw the Sandinistas defeated. The country

has slowly rebuilt its economy during the 1990s, but was hard hit by

Hurricane Mitch in 1998.

Niger

Not until 1993, 33 years after independence from France, did

Niger hold it's first free and open elections. A 1995 peace accord

ended a five-year Tuareg insurgency in the north. Coups in 1996 and

1999 were followed by the creation of a National Reconciliation

Council that effected a transition to civilian rule by December 1999.

Nigeria

Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new

constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to

civilian government was completed. The president faces the daunting

task of rebuilding a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have

been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and

institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the OBASANJO

administration must defuse longstanding ethnic and religious

tensions, if it is to build a sound foundation for economic growth

and political stability. Despite some irregularities the April 2003

elections marked the first civilian transfer of power in Nigeria's

history.

Niue

Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic

differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest

of the Cook Islands, have caused it to be separately administered.

The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200

in 1966 to about 2,100 in 2002), with substantial emigration to New

Zealand, 2,400 km to the southwest.

Norfolk Island

Two British attempts at establishing the island as a

penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In

1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of

the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Northern Mariana Islands

Under US administration as part of the UN

Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana

Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to

forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status

began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political

union with the US was approved in 1975. A new government and

constitution went into effect in 1978.

Norway

Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off

following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in

994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next

several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with

Denmark that was to last for more than four centuries. In 1814,

Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and

adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to

let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union

under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century

led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Norway

remained neutral in World War I and proclaimed its neutrality at the

outset of World War II. Nevertheless, it was not able to avoid a

five-year occupation by Nazi Germany (1940-1945). In 1949,

neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO.

Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s

boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is on

containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning for

the time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held in

1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.

Oman

In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said ousted his father and has

ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has

opened the country to the outside world and has preserved a

long-standing political and military relationship with the UK.

Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain

good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the world's five

oceans (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern

Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). Strategically important access waterways

include the La Perouse, Tsugaru, Tsushima, Taiwan, Singapore, and

Torres Straits. The decision by the International Hydrographic

Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the

Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Pacific Ocean south of 60

degrees south.

Pakistan

The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim

state of Pakistan (with two sections West and East) and largely

Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved. A third war between

these countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan seceding and

becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. A dispute over the state

of Kashmir is ongoing. In response to Indian nuclear weapons

testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998.

Palau

After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the

Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the

Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the

Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with

the US was approved in 1986, but not ratified until 1993. It entered

into force the following year, when the islands gained independence.

Palmyra Atoll

The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and

the US included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the

archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not

include Palmyra Atoll, which is now privately owned by the Nature

Conservancy. This organization is managing the atoll as a nature

preserve. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12 nautical

mile US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and

Wildlife Service and were designated a National Wildlife Refuge in

January 2001.

Panama

With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and

promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction

of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of

the structure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by

the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. On 7 September

1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal

from the US to Panama by the end of 1999. Certain portions of the

Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over

in the intervening years. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was

deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the

Canal, and remaining US military bases were turned over to Panama by

or on 31 December 1999.

Papua New Guinea

The eastern half of the island of New Guinea -

second largest in the world - was divided between Germany (north)

and the UK (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to

Australia in 1902, which occupied the northern portion during World

War I and continued to administer the combined areas until

independence in 1975. A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island

of Bougainville ended in 1997, after claiming some 20,000 lives.

Paracel Islands

The Paracel Islands are surrounded by productive

fishing grounds and by potential oil and gas reserves. In 1932,

French Indochina annexed the islands and set up a weather station on

Pattle Island; maintenance was continued by its successor, Vietnam.

China has occupied the Paracel Islands since 1974, when its troops

seized a South Vietnamese garrison occupying the western islands.

The islands are claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

Paraguay

In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70),

Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its

territory. It stagnated economically for the next half century. In

the Chaco War of 1932-35, large, economically important areas were

won from Bolivia. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo

STROESSNER was overthrown in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in

political infighting in recent years, relatively free and regular

presidential elections have been held since then.

Peru

Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean

civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was

captured by the Spanish conquistadores in 1533. Peruvian

independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces

defeated in 1824. After a dozen years of military rule, Peru

returned to democratic leadership in 1980, but experienced economic

problems and the growth of a violent insurgency. President Alberto

FUJIMORI's election in 1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic

turnaround in the economy and significant progress in curtailing

guerrilla activity. Nevertheless, the president's increasing

reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late

1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime. FUJIMORI

won reelection to a third term in the spring of 2000, but

international pressure and corruption scandals led to his ouster by

Congress in November of that year. A caretaker government oversaw

new elections in the spring of 2001, which ushered in Alejandro

TOLEDO as the new head of government.

Philippines

The Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898

following the Spanish-American War. They attained independence in

1946 after Japanese occupation in World War II. The 21-year rule of

Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a widespread popular rebellion

forced him into exile. In 1992, the US closed its last military

bases on the islands. The Philippines has had two electoral

presidential transitions since the removal of MARCOS. In January

2001, the Supreme Court declared Joseph ESTRADA unable to rule in

view of mass resignations from his government and administered the

oath of office to Vice President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO as his

constitutional successor. The government continues to struggle with

Muslim insurgencies in the south.

Pitcairn Islands

Pitcairn Island was discovered in 1767 by the

British and settled in 1790 by the Bounty mutineers and their

Tahitian companions. Pitcairn was the first Pacific island to become

a British colony (in 1838) and today remains the last vestige of

that empire in the South Pacific. Outmigration, primarily to New

Zealand, has thinned the population from a peak of 233 in 1937 to

less than 50 today.

Poland

Poland is an ancient nation that was conceived around the

middle of the 10th century. Its golden age occurred in the 16th

century. During the following century, the strengthening of the

gentry and internal disorders weakened the nation, until an

agreement in 1772 between Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned

Poland. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun

by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet

satellite state following the war, but its government was

comparatively tolerant and progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to

the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over

time became a political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary

elections and the presidency. A "shock therapy" program during the

early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of

the most robust in Central Europe, but Poland currently suffers low

GDP growth and high unemployment. Solidarity suffered a major defeat

in the 2001 parliamentary elections when it failed to elect a single

deputy to the lower house of Parliament, and the new leaders of the

Solidarity Trade Union subsequently pledged to reduce the Trade

Union's political role. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and is scheduled

to accede to the European Union along with nine other states on 1

May 2004.

Portugal

Following its heyday as a world power during the 15th and

16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the

destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the

Napoleonic Wars, and the independence in 1822 of Brazil as a colony.

A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy; for most of the next six

decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a

left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The

following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African

colonies. Portugal entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986.

Puerto Rico

Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the

island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following Columbus'

second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial

rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and

African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a

result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US

citizenship in 1917 and popularly elected governors have served

since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for

internal self-government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and

1998 voters chose to retain commonwealth status.

Qatar

Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar

transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for

pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural

gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari

economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum

revenues by the amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. He was

overthrown by his son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani,

in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its

longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Oil

and natural gas revenues enable Qatar to have a per capita income

not far below the leading industrial countries of Western Europe.

Reunion

The Portuguese discovered the uninhabited island in 1513.

From the 17th to the 19th centuries, French immigration,

supplemented by influxes of Africans, Chinese, Malays, and Malabar

Indians, gave the island its ethnic mix. The opening of the Suez

Canal in 1869 cost the island its importance as a stopover on the

East Indies trade route.

Romania

Soviet occupation following World War II led to the

formation of a Communist "peoples republic" in 1947 and the

abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae

CEAUSESCU, who took power in 1965, and his Securitate police state

became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s.

CEAUSESCU was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former

Communists dominated the government until 1996, when they were swept

from power by a fractious coalition of centrist parties. Currently,

the Social Democratic Party forms a nominally minority government,

which governs with the support of the opposition Democratic Union of

Hungarians in Romania. Bucharest must address rampant corruption,

while invigorating lagging economic and democratic reforms, before

Romania can achieve its hope of joining the European Union.

Russia

Repeated devastating defeats of the Russian army in World War

I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the Russian

Empire and to the overthrow in 1917 of the 300-year old Romanov

Dynasty. The Communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon after

and formed the USSR. The brutal rule of Josef STALIN (1928-53)

strengthened Russian dominance of the Soviet Union at a cost of tens

of millions of lives. The Soviet economy and society stagnated in

the following decades until General Secretary Mikhail GORBACHEV

(1985-91) introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika

(restructuring) in an attempt to modernize Communism, but his

initiatives inadvertently released forces that by December 1991

splintered the USSR into 15 independent republics. Since then,

Russia has struggled in its efforts to build a democratic political

system and market economy to replace the strict social, political,

and economic controls of the Communist period. A determined

guerrilla conflict still plagues Russia in Chechnya.

Rwanda

In 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, the

majority ethnic group, the Hutus, overthrew the ruling Tutsi king.

Over the next several years, thousands of Tutsis were killed, and

some 150,000 driven into exile in neighboring countries. The

children of these exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan

Patriotic Front, and began a civil war in 1990. The war, along with

several political and economic upheavals, exacerbated ethnic

tensions, culminating in April 1994 in the genocide of roughly

800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The Tutsi rebels defeated the

Hutu regime and ended the killing in July 1994, but approximately 2

million Hutu refugees - many fearing Tutsi retribution - fled to

neighboring Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zaire. Since then, most

of the refugees have returned to Rwanda. Despite substantial

international assistance and political reforms - including Rwanda's

first local elections in March 1999 - the country continues to

struggle to boost investment and agricultural output and to foster

reconciliation. A series of massive population displacements, a

nagging Hutu extremist insurgency, and Rwandan involvement in two

wars over the past four years in the neighboring DROC continue to

hinder Rwanda's efforts.

Saint Helena

Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in

1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th

century. It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's

exile, from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a

port of call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869.

Ascension Island is the site of a US Air Force auxiliary airfield;

Gough Island has a meteorological station.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

First settled by the British in 1623, the

islands became an associated state with full internal autonomy in

1967. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in

1971. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In 1998,

a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from Saint Kitts fell

short of the two-thirds majority needed.

Saint Lucia

The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries,

was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and

early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally

ceded to the UK in 1814. Self-government was granted in 1967 and

independence in 1979.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

First settled by the French in the early

17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of

France's once vast North American possessions.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Disputed between France and the

United Kingdom in the 18th century, Saint Vincent was ceded to the

latter in 1783. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and independence in

1979.

Samoa

New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa

at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer

the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962,

when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish

independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western"

from its name in 1997.

San Marino

The third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See

and Monaco) also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According

to tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus

in 301 A.D. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of

Italy. Social and political trends in the republic also track

closely with those of its larger neighbor.

Sao Tome and Principe

Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late

15th century, the islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee

and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with plantation slave

labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. Although

independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not

instituted until the late 1980s. Though the first free elections

were held in 1991, the political environment has been one of

continued instability with frequent changes in leadership and coup

attempts in 1995 and 2003. The recent discovery of oil in the Gulf

of Guinea is likely to have a significant impact on the country's

economy.

Saudi Arabia

In 1902, ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al Saud captured

Riyadh and set out on a 30-year campaign to unify the Arabian

Peninsula. In the 1930s, the discovery of oil transformed the

country. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia

accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while

allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the

liberation of Kuwait the following year. A burgeoning population,

aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on petroleum

output and prices are all major governmental concerns.

Senegal

Independent from France in 1960, Senegal joined with The

Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982.

However, the envisaged integration of the two countries was never

carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace

talks, a southern separatist group sporadically has clashed with

government forces since 1982. Senegal has a long history of

participating in international peacekeeping.

Serbia and Montenegro

The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was

formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929.

Occupation by Nazi Germany in 1941 was resisted by various

paramilitary bands that fought themselves as well as the invaders.

The group headed by Marshal TITO took full control upon German

expulsion in 1945. Although Communist, his new government

successfully steered its own path between the Warsaw Pact nations

and the West for the next four and a half decades. In the early

1990s, post-TITO Yugoslavia began to unravel along ethnic lines:

Slovenia, Croatia, and The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia all

declared their independence in 1991; Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992.

The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new

"Federal Republic of Yugoslavia" (FRY) in 1992 and, under President

Slobodan MILOSEVIC, Serbia led various military intervention efforts

to unite Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." All

of these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. In 1999, massive

expulsions by FRY forces and Serb paramilitaries of ethnic Albanians

living in Kosovo provoked an international response, including the

NATO bombing of Serbia and the stationing of NATO, Russian, and

other peacekeepers in Kosovo. Federal elections in the fall of 2000,

brought about the ouster of MILOSEVIC and installed Vojislav

KOSTUNICA as president. The arrest of MILOSEVIC in 2001 allowed for

his subsequent transfer to the International Criminal Tribunal for

the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague to be tried for crimes against

humanity. In 2001, the country's suspension was lifted, and it was

once more accepted into UN organizations under the name of

Yugoslavia. Kosovo has been governed by the UN Interim

Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) since June 1999, under the

authority of UN Security Council Resolution 1244. In 2002, the

Serbian and Montenegrin components of Yugoslavia began negotiations

to forge a looser relationship. These talks became a reality in

February 2003 when lawmakers restructured the country into a loose

federation of two republics called Serbia and Montenegro. An

agreement was also reached to hold a referendum in each republic in

three years on full independence.

Seychelles

A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for

the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter.

Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close

with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. The most recent

presidential elections were held 31 August-2 September 2001.

President RENE, who has served since 1977, was re-elected.

Sierra Leone

Since 1991, civil war between the government and the

Revolutionary United Front (RUF) has resulted in tens of thousands

of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (well

over one-third of the population), many of whom are now refugees in

neighboring countries. After several setbacks, the end to the

11-year conflict in Sierra Leone may finally be near at hand. With

the support of the UN peacekeeping force and contributions from the

World Bank and international community, demobilization and

disarmament of the RUF and Civil Defense Forces (CDF) combatants has

been completed. National elections were held in May 2002 and the

government continues to slowly reestablish its authority.

Singapore

Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819.

It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years

later and became independent. It subsequently became one of the

world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading

links (its port is one of the world's busiest) and with per capita

GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Slovakia

In 1918 the Slovaks joined the closely related Czechs to

form Czechoslovakia. Following the chaos of World War II,

Czechoslovakia became a Communist nation within Soviet-ruled Eastern

Europe. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and Czechoslovakia once

more became free. The Slovaks and the Czechs agreed to separate

peacefully on 1 January 1993. Slovakia was invited to join NATO and

the EU in 2002.

Slovenia

The Slovene lands were part of the Holy Roman Empire and

Austria until 1918 when the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in

forming a new nation, renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War

II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which

though Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied

with the exercise of power of the majority Serbs, the Slovenes

succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991 after a short

10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and

a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a

modern state. In December 2002, Slovenia received an invitation to

join NATO, and it is scheduled to accede to the EU along with nine

other states on 1 May 2004. In a March 2003 referendum on NATO and

EU membership, Slovenes voted 90% in favor of joining the EU and 66%

in favor of joining NATO.

Solomon Islands

The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon

Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II

occurred on these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and

independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government

malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil

society.

Somalia

The SIAD BARRE regime was ousted in January 1991; turmoil,

factional fighting, and anarchy have followed for twelve years. In

May of 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of

Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal,

Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized

by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence,

aided by the overwhelming dominance of a ruling clan and economic

infrastructure left behind by British, Russian, and American

military assistance programs. The regions of Bari and Nugaal and

northern Mudug comprise a neighboring self-declared autonomous state

of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998, but does not

aim at independence; it has also made strides towards reconstructing

a legitimate, representative government, but has suffered civil

strife in 2002. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it

also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993,

a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was able

to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995,

having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been

restored. The mandate of the Transitional National Government (TNG),

created in August 2000 in Arta, Djibouti, expires in August 2003 and

a new interim government was being created at peace talks held in

Kenya. Numerous warlords and factions are still fighting for control

of Mogadishu and the other southern regions. Suspicion of Somali

links with global terrorism further complicates the picture.

South Africa

After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in

1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found

their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold

(1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the

subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British

encroachments, but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902). The

resulting Union of South Africa operated under a policy of apartheid

- the separate development of the races. The 1990s brought an end to

apartheid politically and ushered in black majority rule.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The islands lie

approximately 1,000 km east of the Falkland Islands and have been

under British administration since 1908, except for a brief period

in 1982 when Argentina occupied them. Grytviken, on South Georgia,

was a 19th and early 20th century whaling station. Famed explorer

Ernest SHACKLETON stopped there in 1914 en route to his ill-fated

attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. He returned some 20 months

later with a few companions in a small boat and arranged a

successful rescue for the rest of his crew, stranded off the

Antarctic Peninsula. He died in 1922 on a subsequent expedition and

is buried in Grytviken. Today, the station houses scientists from

the British Antarctic Survey. The islands have large bird and seal

populations, and, recognizing the importance of preserving the

marine stocks in adjacent waters, the UK, in 1993, extended the

exclusive fishing zone from 12 NM to 200 NM around each island.

Southern Ocean

A decision by the International Hydrographic

Organization in the spring of 2000 delimited a fifth world ocean -

the Southern Ocean - from the southern portions of the Atlantic

Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. The Southern Ocean extends

from the coast of Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude,

which coincides with the Antarctic Treaty Limit. The Southern Ocean

is now the fourth largest of the world's five oceans (after the

Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean, but larger than the

Arctic Ocean).

Spain

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries

ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent

failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused

the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic

and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II,

but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). In the

second half of the 20th century, Spain has played a catch-up role in

the western international community; it joined the EU in 1986.

Continuing concerns are Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA)

terrorism and further reductions in unemployment.

Spratly Islands

The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small

islands or reefs. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and

potentially by gas and oil deposits. They are claimed in their

entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed

by Malaysia and the Philippines. About 50 islands are occupied by

China (about 450 soldiers), Malaysia (70-90), the Philippines (about

100), and Vietnam (about 1,500). Brunei is a claimant but has no

outposts. (2002)

Sri Lanka

The Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century

B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced

beginning in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great

civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from

circa 200 B.C. to circa 1000 A.D.) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070

to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty seized power

in the north and established a Tamil kingdom. Occupied by the

Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century,

the island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony

in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it

became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in

1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists

erupted in violence in the mid-1980s. Tens of thousands have died in

an ethnic war that continues to fester. After two decades of

fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam began

a ceasefire in December 2001, with Norway brokering peace

negotiations.

Sudan

Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have

dominated national politics since independence from the UK in 1956.

Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war for all but 10 years of this

period (1972-82). The wars are rooted in northern economic,

political, and social domination of non-Muslim, non-Arab southern

Sudanese. Since 1983, the war and war- and famine-related effects

have led to more than 2 million deaths and over 4 million people

displaced. The ruling regime is a mixture of military elite and an

Islamist party that came to power in a 1989 coup. Some northern

opposition parties have made common cause with the southern rebels

and entered the war as a part of an anti-government alliance. Peace

talks gained momentum in 2002-03 with the signing of several

accords, including a cease-fire agreement.

Suriname

Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five

years later the civilian government was replaced by a military

regime that soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to rule

through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until

1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic

election. In 1989, the military overthrew the civilian government,

but a democratically-elected government returned to power in 1991.

Svalbard

First discovered by the Norwegians in the 12th century, the

islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and

18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was recognized in 1920; five

years later it officially took over the territory.

Swaziland

Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed

by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted

1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s have pressured the

monarchy (one of the oldest on the continent) to grudgingly allow

political reform and greater democracy.

Sweden

A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not

participated in any war in almost two centuries. An armed neutrality

was preserved in both World Wars. Sweden's long-successful economic

formula of a capitalist system interlarded with substantial welfare

elements was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment, rising

maintenance costs, and a declining position in world markets.

Indecision over the country's role in the political and economic

integration of Europe delayed Sweden's entry into the EU until 1995,

and waived the introduction of the euro in 1999.

Switzerland

Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been

honored by the major European powers, and Switzerland was not

involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic

integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as

Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has

strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the

country did not officially become a UN member until 2002.

Switzerland remains active in many UN and international

organizations, but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.

Syria

Following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire during World War

I, Syria was administered by the French until independence in 1946.

In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to

Israel. Since 1976, Syrian troops have been stationed in Lebanon,

ostensibly in a peacekeeping capacity. In recent years, Syria and

Israel have held occasional peace talks over the return of the Golan

Heights.

Taiwan

In 1895, military defeat forced China to cede Taiwan to

Japan. It reverted to Chinese control after World War II. Following

the Communist victory on the mainland in 1949, 2 million

Nationalists fled to Taiwan and established a government using the

1947 constitution drawn up for all of China. Over the next five

decades, the ruling authorities gradually democratized and

incorporated the native population within the governing structure.

In 2000, Taiwan underwent its first peaceful transfer of power from

the Nationalist to the Democratic Progressive Party. Throughout this

period, the island prospered and became one of East Asia's economic

"Tigers." The dominant political issues continue to be the

relationship between Taiwan and China - specifically the question of

eventual unification - as well as domestic political and economic

reform.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan has experienced three changes in government

and a five-year civil war since it gained independence in 1991 from

the USSR. A peace agreement among rival factions was signed in 1997,

and implemented in 2000. The central government's less than total

control over some areas of the country has forced it to compromise

and forge alliances among factions. Attention by the international

community in the wake of the war in Afghanistan has brought

increased economic development assistance, which could create jobs

and increase stability in the long term. Tajikistan is in the early

stages of seeking World Trade Organization membership and has joined

NATO's Partnership for Peace.

Tanzania

Shortly after independence, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged

to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an

end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country

since the 1970s. Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular

opposition have led to two contentious elections since 1995, which

the ruling party won despite international observers' claims of

voting irregularities.

Thailand

A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th

century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast

Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A

bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In

alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally

following the conflict.

Togo

French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA,

installed as military ruler in 1967, is Africa's longest-serving

head of state. Despite the facade of multiparty elections instituted

in the early 1990s, the government continues to be dominated by

President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party

has maintained power almost continually since 1967. In addition,

Togo has come under fire from international organizations for human

rights abuses and is plagued by political unrest. Most bilateral and

multilateral aid to Togo remains frozen.

Tokelau

Originally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding

island groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate

in 1889. They were transferred to New Zealand administration in 1925.

Tonga

The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a

Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in

1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its

independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of

Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

Trinidad and Tobago

The islands came under British control in the

19th century; independence was granted in 1962. The country is one

of the most prosperous in the Caribbean, thanks largely to petroleum

and natural gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in

Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing.

Tromelin Island

First explored by the French in 1776, the island

came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it

serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important

meteorological station.

Tunisia

Following independence from France in 1956, President Habib

BOURGUIBA established a strict one-party state. He dominated the

country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and

establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In

recent years, Tunisia has taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in

its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising

pressure for a more open political society.

Turkey

Present-day Turkey was created in 1923 from the Turkish

remnants of the Ottoman Empire. Soon thereafter, the country

instituted secular laws to replace traditional religious fiats. In

1945 Turkey joined the UN, and in 1952 it became a member of NATO.

Turkey intervened militarily on Cyprus in 1974 to protect Turkish

Cypriots and prevent a Greek takeover of the island; the northern 37

percent of the island remains under Turkish Cypriot control.

Relations between the two countries remain strained, but have begun

to improve over the past few years. In 1984, the Kurdistan Workers'

Party (PKK), a Marxist-Leninist, separatist group, initiated an

insurgency in southeast Turkey, often using terrorist tactics to try

to attain its goal of an independent Kurdistan. The group - whose

leader, Abdullah OCALAN, was captured in Kenya in February 1999 -

has observed a unilateral cease-fire since September 1999, although

there have been occasional clashes between Turkish military units

and some of the 4,000-5,000 armed PKK militants, most of whom

currently are encamped in northern Iraq. The PKK changed its name to

the Kurdistan Freedom and Democracy Congress (KADEK) in April 2002.

Turkmenistan

Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan

became a Soviet republic in 1925. It achieved its independence upon

the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. President NIYAZOV retains

absolute control over the country and opposition is not tolerated.

Extensive hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to

this underdeveloped country if extraction and delivery projects can

be worked out.

Turks and Caicos Islands

The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican

colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate crown

colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas

oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the

islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence

was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands

are presently a British overseas territory.

Tuvalu

In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the

Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice

Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert

Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate

British colony of Tuvalu. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000,

Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv"

for $50 million in royalties over the next dozen years.

Uganda

Uganda achieved independence from the UK in 1962. The

dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79) was responsible for the

deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla war and human rights

abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at least another 100,000

lives. During the 1990s, the government promulgated non-party

presidential and legislative elections.

Ukraine

Ukraine was the center of the first Slavic state, Kievan

Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and

most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels and

Mongol invasions, Kievan Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy

of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

The cultural and religious legacy of Kievan Rus laid the foundation

for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent centuries. A new

Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was established during the

mid-17th century after an uprising against the Poles. Despite

continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate managed to remain

autonomous for well over 100 years. During the latter part of the

18th century, most Ukrainian ethnographic territory was absorbed by

the Russian Empire. Following the collapse of czarist Russia in

1917, Ukraine was able to bring about a short-lived period of

independence (1917-1920), but was reconquered and forced to endure a

brutal Soviet rule that engineered two artificial famines (1921-22

and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died. In World War II, German

and Soviet armies were responsible for some 7 to 8 million more

deaths. Although independence was achieved in 1991 with the

dissolution of the USSR, true freedom remains elusive, as many of

the former Soviet elite remain entrenched, stalling efforts at

economic reform, privatization, and civil liberties.

United Arab Emirates

The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast

granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th

century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman,

Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to

form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by

Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is not far below those of

leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and

its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a

vital role in the affairs of the region.

United Kingdom

Great Britain, the dominant industrial and maritime

power of the 19th century, played a leading role in developing

parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At

its zenith, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the

earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's

strength seriously depleted in two World Wars. The second half

witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself

into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five

permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of

NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to

foreign policy; it currently is weighing the degree of its

integration with continental Europe. A member of the EU, it chose to

remain outside the European Monetary Union for the time being.

Constitutional reform is also a significant issue in the UK. The

Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the

Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1999.

United States

Britain's American colonies broke with the mother

country in 1776 and were recognized as the new nation of the United

States of America following the Treaty of Paris in 1783. During the

19th and 20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13

as the nation expanded across the North American continent and

acquired a number of overseas possessions. The two most traumatic

experiences in the nation's history were the Civil War (1861-65) and

the Great Depression of the 1930s. Buoyed by victories in World Wars

I and II and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the US remains the

world's most powerful nation-state. The economy is marked by steady

growth, low unemployment and inflation, and rapid advances in

technology.

Uruguay

A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement, the Tupamaros,

launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to agree to

military control of his administration in 1973. By yearend, the

rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its

hold throughout the government. Civilian rule was not restored until

1985. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest

on the continent.

Uzbekistan

Russia conquered Uzbekistan in the late 19th century.

Stiff resistance to the Red Army after World War I was eventually

suppressed and a socialist republic set up in 1924. During the

Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain

led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies,

which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain

rivers half dry. Independent since 1991, the country seeks to

gradually lessen its dependence on agriculture while developing its

mineral and petroleum reserves. Current concerns include terrorism

by Islamic militants, a nonconvertible currency, and the curtailment

of human rights and democratization.

Vanuatu

The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the

19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which

administered the islands until independence in 1980.

Venezuela

Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the

collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and

Ecuador). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela

was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted

the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically

elected governments have held sway since 1959. Current concerns

include: an embattled president who is losing his once solid support

among Venezuelans, a divided military, drug-related conflicts along

the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption,

overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price

fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are

endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

Vietnam

France occupied all of Vietnam by 1884. Independence was

declared after World War II, but the French continued to rule until

1954 when they were defeated by Communist forces under Ho Chi MINH,

who took control of the North. US economic and military aid to South

Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the

government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a

cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese

forces overran the South. Economic reconstruction of the reunited

country has proven difficult as aging Communist Party leaders have

only grudgingly initiated reforms necessary for a free market.

Virgin Islands During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.

Wake Island

The US annexed Wake Island in 1899 for a cable station.

An important air and naval base was constructed in 1940-41. In

December 1941, the island was captured by the Japanese and held

until the end of World War II. In subsequent years, Wake was

developed as a stopover and refueling site for military and

commercial aircraft transiting the Pacific. Since 1974, the island's

airstrip has been used by the US military and some commercial cargo

planes, as well as for emergency landings. There are over 700

landings a year on the island.

Wallis and Futuna

Although discovered by the Dutch and the British

in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the French who declared a

protectorate over the islands in 1842. In 1959, the inhabitants of

the islands voted to become a French overseas territory.

West Bank

The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim

Self-Government Arrangements (the DOP), signed in Washington on 13

September 1993, provided for a transitional period not exceeding

five years of Palestinian interim self-government in the Gaza Strip

and the West Bank. Under the DOP, Israel agreed to transfer certain

powers and responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, which

includes the Palestinian Legislative Council elected in January

1996, as part of the interim self-governing arrangements in the West

Bank and Gaza Strip. A transfer of powers and responsibilities for

the Gaza Strip and Jericho took place pursuant to the Israel-PLO 4

May 1994 Cairo Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area and

in additional areas of the West Bank pursuant to the Israel-PLO 28

September 1995 Interim Agreement, the Israel-PLO 15 January 1997

Protocol Concerning Redeployment in Hebron, the Israel-PLO 23

October 1998 Wye River Memorandum, and the 4 September 1999 Sharm

el-Sheikh Agreement. The DOP provides that Israel will retain

responsibility during the transitional period for external security

and for internal security and public order of settlements and

Israeli citizens. Direct negotiations to determine the permanent

status of Gaza and West Bank had begun in September 1999 after a

three-year hiatus, but have been derailed by a second intifadah that

broke out in September 2000. The resulting widespread violence in

the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Israel's military response, and

instability within the Palestinian Authority continue to undermine

progress toward a permanent agreement.

Western Sahara

Morocco virtually annexed the northern two-thirds of

Western Sahara (formerly Spanish Sahara) in 1976, and the rest of

the territory in 1979, following Mauritania's withdrawal. A

guerrilla war with the Polisario Front contesting Rabat's

sovereignty ended in a 1991 UN-brokered cease-fire; a UN-organized

referendum on final status has been repeatedly postponed.

World

Globally, the 20th century was marked by: (a) two devastating

world wars; (b) the Great Depression of the 1930s; (c) the end of

vast colonial empires; (d) rapid advances in science and technology,

from the first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (US) to

the landing on the moon; (e) the Cold War between the Western

alliance and the Warsaw Pact nations; (f) a sharp rise in living

standards in North America, Europe, and Japan; (g) increased

concerns about the environment, including loss of forests, shortages

of energy and water, the decline in biological diversity, and air

pollution; (h) the onset of the AIDS epidemic; and (i) the ultimate

emergence of the US as the only world superpower. The planet's

population continues to explode: from 1 billion in 1820, to 2

billion in 1930, 3 billion in 1960, 4 billion in 1974, 5 billion in

1988, and 6 billion in 2000. For the 21st century, the continued

exponential growth in science and technology raises both hopes

(e.g., advances in medicine) and fears (e.g., development of even

more lethal weapons of war).

Yemen

North Yemen became independent of the Ottoman Empire in 1918.

The British, who had set up a protectorate area around the southern

port of Aden in the 19th century, withdrew in 1967 from what became

South Yemen. Three years later, the southern government adopted a

Marxist orientation. The massive exodus of hundreds of thousands of

Yemenis from the south to the north contributed to two decades of

hostility between the states. The two countries were formally

unified as the Republic of Yemen in 1990. A southern secessionist

movement in 1994 was quickly subdued. In 2000, Saudi Arabia and

Yemen agreed to a delimitation of their border.

Zambia

The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the

South Africa Company from 1891 until it was taken over by the UK in

1923. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred

development and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia upon

independence in 1964. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper

prices and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991

brought an end to one-party rule, but the subsequent vote in 1996

saw blatant harassment of opposition parties. The election in 2001

was marked by administrative problems with three parties filing a

legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate

Levy MWANAWASA. The new president launched a far-reaching

anti-corruption campaign in 2002, which resulted in the 2003 arrest

of the previous president Frederick CHILUBA and many of his

supporters. Opposition parties currently hold a majority of seats in

the National Assembly.

Zimbabwe

The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the South Africa

Company in 1923. A 1961 constitution was formulated that favored

whites in power. In 1965 the government unilaterally declared its

independence, but the UK did not recognize the act and demanded more

complete voting rights for the black African majority in the country

(then called Rhodesia). UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising

finally led to free elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe)

in 1980. Robert MUGABE, the nation's first prime minister, has been

the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) and has dominated

the country's political system since independence. His chaotic land

redistribution campaign begun in 2000 caused an exodus of white

farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages

of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, MUGABE

rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection.

Opposition and labor groups launched general strikes in 2003 to

pressure MUGABE to retire early; security forces continued their

brutal repression of regime opponents.

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2030 Airports - with paved runways

Afghanistan total: 10 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Albania total: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Algeria

total: 54

over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

American Samoa

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Angola

total: 32

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Anguilla total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Argentina total: 145 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 26 1,524 to 2,437 m: 62 914 to 1,523 m: 44 under 914 m: 9 (2002)

Armenia

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Aruba total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Australia

total: 294

over 3,047 m: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 126

914 to 1,523 m: 134

under 914 m: 13 (2002)

Austria

total: 24

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 14 (2002)

Azerbaijan

total: 27

over 3.047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Bahamas, The

total: 30

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Bahrain total: 3 over 3,047 m: 2 1524 to 2437 m: 1 (2002)

Bangladesh total: 15 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Barbados total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Belarus

total: 28

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 21

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Belgium

total: 25

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Belize

total: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Benin

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Bermuda

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Bhutan

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Bolivia

total: 12

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

total: 14

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1523 m: 1

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Botswana total: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Brazil

total: 665

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 23

1,524 to 2,437 m: 155

914 to 1,523 m: 435

under 914 m: 45 (2002)

British Indian Ocean Territory total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

British Virgin Islands total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Brunei total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Bulgaria

total: 128

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 92 (2002)

Burkina Faso

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Burma

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2002)

Burundi total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Cambodia total: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Cameroon

total: 11

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Canada

total: 507

over 3,047 m: 18

2,438 to 3,047 m: 15

1,524 to 2,437 m: 149

914 to 1,523 m: 245

under 914 m: 80 (2002)

Cape Verde total: 6 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2002)

Cayman Islands total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Central African Republic total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Chad

total: 7

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Chile

total: 71

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 21

914 to 1,523 m: 23

under 914 m: 15 (2002)

China

total: 351

over 3,047 m: 32

2,438 to 3,047 m: 108

1,524 to 2,437 m: 143

914 to 1,523 m: 29

under 914 m: 39 (2002)

Christmas Island

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Colombia

total: 96

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 38

914 to 1,523 m: 36

under 914 m: 11 (2002)

Comoros total: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the total: 24 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Congo, Republic of the total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2002)

Cook Islands total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Costa Rica total: 30 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 19 under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire total: 7 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2002)

Croatia

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

Cuba

total: 70

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 22

under 914 m: 31 (2002)

Cyprus

total: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Czech Republic

total: 44

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 19 (2002)

Denmark

total: 28

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Djibouti total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1524 to 2437 m: 1 (2002)

Dominica total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Dominican Republic total: 13 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

East Timor total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,427 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Ecuador

total: 61

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

914 to 1,523 m: 18

under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Egypt

total: 71

over 3,047 m: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 38

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

El Salvador total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Equatorial Guinea

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Eritrea

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2002)

Estonia

total: 14

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Ethiopia total: 14 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Faroe Islands

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Fiji

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Finland

total: 74

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 23

under 914 m: 12 (2002)

France

total: 273

over 3,047 m: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 28

1,524 to 2,437 m: 95

914 to 1,523 m: 80

under 914 m: 57 (2002)

French Guiana total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

French Polynesia

total: 37

over 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 22

under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Gabon

total: 10

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Gambia, The

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Gaza Strip

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Georgia

total: 22

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Germany

total: 328

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 54

1,524 to 2,437 m: 63

914 to 1,523 m: 69

under 914 m: 131 (2002)

Ghana

total: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Gibraltar

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Greece

total: 66

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 15

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 17

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

Greenland

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Grenada

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Guadeloupe

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Guam

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Guatemala total: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Guernsey total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Guinea

total: 5

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2002)

Guinea-Bissau

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Guyana

total: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Haiti

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Honduras total: 12 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Hong Kong total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1523 m: 1 (2002)

Hungary

total: 17

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Iceland total: 13 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 8 (2002)

India

total: 232

over 3,047 m: 14

2,438 to 3,047 m: 47

1,524 to 2,437 m: 78

914 to 1,523 m: 73

under 914 m: 20 (2002)

Indonesia

total: 153

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 46

914 to 1,523 m: 48

under 914 m: 43 (2002)

Iran

total: 122

over 3,047 m: 39

2,438 to 3,047 m: 25

1,524 to 2,437 m: 27

914 to 1,523 m: 27

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Iraq

total: 77

over 3,047 m: 21

2,438 to 3,047 m: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

Ireland

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Israel

total: 28

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Italy

total: 96

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 34

1,524 to 2,437 m: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 30

under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Jamaica

total: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Japan

total: 141

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 37

1,524 to 2,437 m: 38

914 to 1,523 m: 27

under 914 m: 32 (2002)

Jersey

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Johnston Atoll

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Jordan

total: 15

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Kazakhstan

total: 60

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

Kenya

total: 19

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Kiribati total: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2002)

Korea, North

total: 34

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Korea, South

total: 69

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 21 (2002)

Kuwait total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2002)

Kyrgyzstan total: 18 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Laos

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Latvia

total: 22

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Lebanon

total: 5

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Lesotho total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Liberia total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Libya

total: 58

over 3,047 m: 23

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 22

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Lithuania

total: 22

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Luxembourg

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Macau

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Madagascar total: 29 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 20 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Malawi

total: 6

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2002)

Malaysia

total: 35

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Maldives

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Mali

total: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Malta

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Man, Isle of

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Marshall Islands total: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Martinique total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Mauritania

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 (2002)

Mauritius

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Mayotte

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Mexico

total: 231

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 28

1,524 to 2,437 m: 83

914 to 1,523 m: 82

under 914 m: 27 (2002)

Micronesia, Federated States of

total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Midway Islands

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Moldova

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Mongolia

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Morocco

total: 26

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Mozambique

total: 22

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Namibia

total: 21

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2002)

Nauru

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Nepal

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 7 (2002)

Netherlands

total: 21

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Netherlands Antilles

total: 5

over 3,047 m: 1

2038 to 3047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

New Caledonia total: 9 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

New Zealand total: 46 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 28 under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Nicaragua total: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Niger

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Nigeria

total: 36

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Niue

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Norfolk Island

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Northern Mariana Islands

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Norway

total: 66

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 26 (2002)

Oman

total: 6

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Pakistan

total: 87

over 3,047 m: 14

2,438 to 3,047 m: 21

1,524 to 2,437 m: 32

914 to 1,523 m: 17

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Palau

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Panama

total: 41

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 21 (2002)

Papua New Guinea total: 21 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Paracel Islands total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Paraguay total: 11 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2002)

Peru

total: 49

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Philippines

total: 82

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 26

914 to 1,523 m: 34

under 914 m: 13 (2002)

Poland

total: 88

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 39

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

Portugal

total: 40

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 15

under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Puerto Rico total: 19 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Qatar total: 2 over 3,047 m: 2 (2002)

Reunion total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Romania total: 26 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 (2002)

Russia

total: 471

over 3,047 m: 56

2,438 to 3,047 m: 178

1,524 to 2,437 m: 76

914 to 1,523 m: 69

under 914 m: 92 (2002)

Rwanda

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Saint Helena total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Saint Lucia

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Samoa

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Sao Tome and Principe

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Saudi Arabia total: 71 over 3,047 m: 31 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 24 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Senegal total: 9 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Serbia and Montenegro total: 19 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Seychelles total: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Sierra Leone total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Singapore

total: 9

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Slovakia

total: 20

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

Slovenia

total: 6

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Solomon Islands total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Somalia total: 6 over 3,047 m: 4 2438 to 3047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

South Africa

total: 143

over 3,047 m: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 50

914 to 1,523 m: 67

under 914 m: 11 (2002)

Spain

total: 93

over 3,047 m: 15

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

914 to 1,523 m: 23

under 914 m: 27 (2002)

Spratly Islands total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Sri Lanka

total: 14

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 6 (2002)

Sudan

total: 12

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2002)

Suriname

total: 5

over 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Svalbard

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1523 m: 1 (2002)

Swaziland

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Sweden

total: 145

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 82

914 to 1,523 m: 24

under 914 m: 25 (2002)

Switzerland

total: 41

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 14 (2002)

Syria

total: 24

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Taiwan

total: 37

over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Tajikistan total: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Tanzania

total: 11

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Thailand

total: 62

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 17

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Togo

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2002)

Tonga

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Trinidad and Tobago total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Tunisia

total: 14

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Turkey

total: 86

over 3,047 m: 16

2,438 to 3,047 m: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Turkmenistan total: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2002)

Turks and Caicos Islands total: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Uganda total: 4 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Ukraine

total: 182

over 3,047 m: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 51

1,524 to 2,437 m: 31

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 81 (2002)

United Arab Emirates

total: 22

over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

United Kingdom

total: 334

over 3,047 m: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 33

1,524 to 2,437 m: 151

914 to 1,523 m: 83

under 914 m: 59 (2002)

United States

total: 5,131

over 3,047 m: 185

2,438 to 3,047 m: 222

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1,365

914 to 1,523 m: 2,390

under 914 m: 969 (2002)

Uruguay

total: 15

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Uzbekistan

total: 27

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,523 to 2,437 m: 5

under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Vanuatu

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1524 to 2437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Venezuela

total: 127

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 32

914 to 1,523 m: 61

under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Vietnam

total: 24

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Virgin Islands

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Wake Island

total: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Wallis and Futuna

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

West Bank total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Western Sahara total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 (2002)

Yemen

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Zambia

total: 11

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Zimbabwe total: 17 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 8 (2002)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2031 Airports - with unpaved runways

Afghanistan total: 37 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 11 (2002)

Albania

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Algeria

total: 82

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 38

under 914 m: 19 (2002)

American Samoa

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Angola

total: 211

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 30

914 to 1,523 m: 95

under 914 m: 80 (2002)

Anguilla total: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Antarctica total: 19 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Argentina total: 1,197 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 50 914 to 1,523 m: 572 under 914 m: 571 (2002)

Armenia

total: 7

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Australia

total: 150

1,524 to 2,437 m: 20

914 to 1,523 m: 116

under 914 m: 14 (2002)

Austria

total: 31

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 27 (2002)

Azerbaijan total: 44 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 27 (2002)

Bahamas, The total: 34 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 22 (2002)

Bahrain total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Bangladesh total: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Belarus

total: 96

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 67 (2002)

Belgium

total: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 15 (2002)

Belize

total: 38

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 27 (2002)

Benin

total: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)

Bhutan

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Bolivia

total: 1,069

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 64

914 to 1,523 m: 225

under 914 m: 776 (2002)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Botswana

total: 76

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 55

under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Brazil

total: 2,925

1,524 to 2,437 m: 70

914 to 1,523 m: 1,384

under 914 m: 1,471 (2002)

British Virgin Islands

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Brunei

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Bulgaria

total: 88

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 74 (2002)

Burkina Faso

total: 31

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 17 (2002)

Burma

total: 72

over 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 20

under 914 m: 34 (2002)

Burundi total: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Cambodia

total: 16

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Cameroon

total: 38

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 20

under 914 m: 11 (2002)

Canada

total: 882

1,524 to 2,437 m: 73

914 to 1,523 m: 363

under 914 m: 446 (2002)

Cape Verde

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Cayman Islands

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Central African Republic total: 47 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 13 (2002)

Chad

total: 43

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 20

under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Chile

total: 292

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 60

under 914 m: 216 (2002)

China

total: 149

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 25

914 to 1,523 m: 48

under 914 m: 71 (2002)

Colombia

total: 954

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 51

914 to 1,523 m: 315

under 914 m: 587 (2002)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

total: 205

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 95

under 914 m: 91 (2002)

Congo, Republic of the

total: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 11 (2002)

Cook Islands

total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Costa Rica

total: 121

914 to 1,523 m: 28

under 914 m: 93 (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire

total: 29

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Croatia

total: 43

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 34 (2002)

Cuba

total: 91

914 to 1,523 m: 28

under 914 m: 63 (2002)

Cyprus

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Czech Republic

total: 100

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 36

under 914 m: 62 (2002)

Denmark

total: 76

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 71 (2002)

Djibouti

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Dominican Republic

total: 17

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 10 (2002)

East Timor

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Ecuador

total: 144

914 to 1,523 m: 31

under 914 m: 113 (2002)

Egypt

total: 18

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

El Salvador total: 78 914 to 1,523 m: 17 under 914 m: 61 (2002)

Equatorial Guinea total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Eritrea

total: 14

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Estonia

total: 24

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Ethiopia

total: 69

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 32

under 914 m: 21 (2002)

Europa Island

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

total: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Fiji

total: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Finland

total: 76

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 72 (2002)

France

total: 204

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 74

under 914 m: 128 (2002)

French Guiana

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

French Polynesia

total: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Gabon

total: 47

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 15

under 914 m: 24 (2002)

Gaza Strip

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Georgia

total: 18

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Germany

total: 223

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 31

under 914 m: 189 (2002)

Ghana

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Glorioso Islands total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Greece total: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Greenland total: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Guadeloupe

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Guam

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Guatemala total: 455 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 115 under 914 m: 330 (2002)

Guinea

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Guinea-Bissau

total: 25

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 20 (2002)

Guyana

total: 43

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 34 (2002)

Haiti

total: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 6 (2002)

Honduras total: 103 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 18 under 914 m: 83 (2002)

Hungary

total: 32

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Iceland

total: 73

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 21

under 914 m: 49 (2002)

India

total: 102

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 42

under 914 m: 48 (2002)

Indonesia total: 478 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 25 under 914 m: 450 (2002)

Iran

total: 187

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 138

under 914 m: 39 (2002)

Iraq

total: 73

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 28

under 914 m: 11 (2002)

Ireland

total: 20

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 17 (2002)

Israel

total: 24

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 20 (2002)

Italy

total: 38

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 18

under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Jamaica total: 24 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 22 (2002)

Jan Mayen total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Japan

total: 31

over 3047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 26 (2002)

Jordan

total: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Juan de Nova Island

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Kazakhstan total: 428 over 3,047 m: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 19 1,524 to 2,437 m: 44 914 to 1,523 m: 103 under 914 m: 251 (2002)

Kenya

total: 211

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 113

under 914 m: 83 (2002)

Kiribati total: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Korea, North total: 38 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Korea, South

total: 33

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 31 (2002)

Kuwait

total: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Kyrgyzstan total: 50 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 36 (2002)

Laos

total: 42

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 15

under 914 m: 26 (2002)

Latvia

total: 16

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Lebanon

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Lesotho

total: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 20 (2002)

Liberia

total: 45

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 34 (2002)

Libya

total: 78

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 39

under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Lithuania total: 65 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 57 (2002)

Luxembourg total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

total: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Madagascar

total: 92

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 46

under 914 m: 44 (2002)

Malawi

total: 37

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 22 (2002)

Malaysia

total: 79

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 72 (2002)

Maldives

total: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)

Mali

total: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 8 (2002)

Marshall Islands total: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Martinique total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Mauritania total: 16 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Mauritius total: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Mexico

total: 1,592

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 69

914 to 1,523 m: 454

under 914 m: 1,067 (2002)

Micronesia, Federated States of

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Moldova

total: 28

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Mongolia

total: 40

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 13

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Morocco

total: 37

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 11 (2002)

Mozambique

total: 143

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 35

under 914 m: 91 (2002)

Namibia

total: 114

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 22

914 to 1,523 m: 71

under 914 m: 19 (2002)

Nepal

total: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 28 (2002)

Netherlands

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

New Caledonia

total: 21

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 9 (2002)

New Zealand

total: 67

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 26

under 914 m: 39 (2002)

Nicaragua

total: 165

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 23

under 914 m: 141 (2002)

Niger

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Nigeria

total: 34

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 18 (2002)

Northern Mariana Islands

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Norway

total: 36

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 29 (2002)

Oman

total: 133

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 55

914 to 1,523 m: 37

under 914 m: 32 (2002)

Pakistan total: 37 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 19 (2002)

Palau

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2002)

Palmyra Atoll

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Panama

total: 62

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 50 (2002)

Papua New Guinea

total: 470

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 56

under 914 m: 403 (2002)

Paraguay

total: 868

1,524 to 2,437 m: 27

914 to 1,523 m: 323

under 914 m: 518 (2002)

Peru

total: 184

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 61

under 914 m: 100 (2002)

Philippines

total: 175

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 71

under 914 m: 99 (2002)

Poland

total: 62

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 15

under 914 m: 43 (2002)

Portugal

total: 26

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 25 (2002)

Puerto Rico

total: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Qatar

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Romania

total: 39

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 25 (2002)

Russia

total: 2,272

over 3,047 m: 28

2,438 to 3,047 m: 118

1,524 to 2,437 m: 204

914 to 1,523 m: 324

under 914 m: 1,598 (2002)

Rwanda

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Samoa

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Saudi Arabia total: 138 over 3047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 79 914 to 1,523 m: 39 under 914 m: 13 (2002)

Senegal

total: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Serbia and Montenegro

total: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Seychelles

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Sierra Leone

total: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Slovakia

total: 17

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Slovenia

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

Solomon Islands

total: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 20 (2002)

Somalia

total: 54

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

914 to 1,523 m: 30

under 914 m: 3 (2002)

South Africa

total: 584

1,524 to 2,437 m: 34

914 to 1,523 m: 298

under 914 m: 252 (2002)

Spain

total: 59

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 14

under 914 m: 43 (2002)

Spratly Islands total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Sri Lanka total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Sudan

total: 51

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 24

under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Suriname

total: 41

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 35 (2002)

Svalbard total: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Swaziland

total: 17

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 10 (2002)

Sweden

total: 100

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 90 (2002)

Switzerland

total: 25

1524 to 2437 m: 1

under 914 m: 24 (2002)

Syria

total: 68

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 55 (2002)

Taiwan

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Tajikistan total: 53 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 14 under 914 m: 36 (2002)

Tanzania

total: 112

1,524 to 2,437 m: 18

914 to 1,523 m: 60

under 914 m: 34 (2002)

Thailand

total: 49

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 17

under 914 m: 31 (2002)

Togo

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Tonga

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Trinidad and Tobago total: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Tromelin Island total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2002)

Tunisia

total: 16

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Turkey

total: 34

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 24 (2002)

Turkmenistan

total: 63

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 41 (2002)

Turks and Caicos Islands total: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (2002)

Tuvalu total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)

Uganda

total: 23

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 7 (2002)

Ukraine

total: 608

over 3,047 m: 14

2,438 to 3,047 m: 36

1,524 to 2,437 m: 50

914 to 1,523 m: 42

under 914 m: 466 (2002)

United Arab Emirates

total: 19

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 5 (2002)

United Kingdom total: 136 2438 to 3047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 22 under 914 m: 112 (2002)

United States total: 9,670 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 158 914 to 1,523 m: 1,702 under 914 m: 7,802 (2002)

Uruguay

total: 49

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 31 (2002)

Uzbekistan total: 246 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 211 (2002)

Vanuatu total: 27 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 17 (2002)

Venezuela total: 246 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 97 under 914 m: 139 (2002)

Vietnam

total: 23

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 12 (2002)

Wallis and Futuna total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Western Sahara total: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2002)

Yemen

total: 28

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 4 (2002)

Zambia

total: 98

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 63

under 914 m: 30 (2002)

Zimbabwe total: 413 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 197 under 914 m: 212 (2002)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2032 Environment - current issues

Afghanistan

limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate

supplies of potable water; soil degradation; overgrazing;

deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for

fuel and building materials); desertification; air and water

pollution

Albania

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial

and domestic effluents

Algeria

soil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming

practices; desertification; dumping of raw sewage, petroleum

refining wastes, and other industrial effluents is leading to the

pollution of rivers and coastal waters; Mediterranean Sea, in

particular, becoming polluted from oil wastes, soil erosion, and

fertilizer runoff; inadequate supplies of potable water

American Samoa

limited natural fresh water resources; the water

division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past

few years to improve water catchments and pipelines

Andorra

deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes

to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste

disposal

Angola

overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable

to population pressures; desertification; deforestation of tropical

rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical

timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of

biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and

siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water

Anguilla

supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing

demand largely because of poor distribution system

Antarctica

in 1998, NASA satellite data showed that the antarctic

ozone hole was the largest on record, covering 27 million square

kilometers; researchers in 1997 found that increased ultraviolet

light coming through the hole damages the DNA of icefish, an

antarctic fish lacking hemoglobin; ozone depletion earlier was shown

to harm one-celled antarctic marine plants; in 2002, significant

areas of ice shelves disintegrated in response to regional warming

Antigua and Barbuda

water management - a major concern because of

limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the

clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to

run off quickly

Arctic Ocean

endangered marine species include walruses and whales;

fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from

disruptions or damage; thinning polar icepack

Argentina

environmental problems (urban and rural) typical of an

industrializing economy such as deforestation, soil degradation,

desertification, air pollution, and water pollution

note: Argentina is a world leader in setting voluntary greenhouse

gas targets

Armenia

soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; the energy

crisis of the 1990s led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for

firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the

draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a

source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of

Metsamor nuclear power plant in spite of its location in a

seismically active zone

Aruba

NA

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

NA

Atlantic Ocean

endangered marine species include the manatee, seals,

sea lions, turtles, and whales; drift net fishing is hastening the

decline of fish stocks and contributing to international disputes;

municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and

eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico,

Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste

and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and

Mediterranean Sea

Australia

soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development,

urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due

to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for

agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique

animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast

coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by

increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited

natural fresh water resources

Austria

some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution;

soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air

pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power

stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria

between northern and southern Europe

Azerbaijan

local scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron

Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be

the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe

air, soil, and water pollution; soil pollution results from oil

spills, from the use of DDT as a pesticide, and from toxic

defoliants used in the production of cotton

Bahamas, The

coral reef decay; solid waste disposal

Bahrain

desertification resulting from the degradation of limited

arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal

degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation)

resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers,

oil refineries, and distribution stations; lack of freshwater

resources, groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all

water needs

Baker Island

no natural fresh water resources

Bangladesh

many people are landless and forced to live on and

cultivate flood-prone land; water-borne diseases prevalent in

surface water; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results

from the use of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by

naturally occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of

falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the

country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe

overpopulation

Barbados

pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships;

soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination

of aquifers

Bassas da India

NA

Belarus

soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the

country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident

at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine

Belgium

the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human

activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry,

extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water

pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries;

uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now

resolved) have slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges

Belize

deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial

effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal

Benin

inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens

wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification

Bermuda

asbestos disposal; water pollution; preservation of open

space; sustainable development

Bhutan

soil erosion; limited access to potable water

Bolivia

the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the

international demand for tropical timber are contributing to

deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation

methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification;

loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used

for drinking and irrigation

Bosnia and Herzegovina

air pollution from metallurgical plants;

sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; water shortages and

destruction of infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strife

Botswana

overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources

Bouvet Island

NA

Brazil

deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and

endangers a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the

area; there is a lucrative illegal wildlife trade; air and water

pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large

cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper

mining activities; wetland degradation; severe oil spills

British Indian Ocean Territory

NA

British Virgin Islands

limited natural fresh water resources (except

for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the

islands' water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchments)

Brunei

seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Bulgaria

air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted

from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest

damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil

contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and

industrial wastes

Burkina Faso

recent droughts and desertification severely affecting

agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy;

overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation

Burma

deforestation; industrial pollution of air, soil, and water;

inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease

Burundi

soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of

agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation (little forested land

remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel); habitat

loss threatens wildlife populations

Cambodia

illegal logging activities throughout the country and strip

mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand

have resulted in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in

particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural

fisheries); soil erosion; in rural areas, a majority of the

population does not have access to potable water; toxic waste

delivery from Taiwan sparked unrest in Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville)

in December 1998

Cameroon

water-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation;

overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing

Canada

air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting

lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting, coal-burning utilities,

and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest

productivity; ocean waters becoming contaminated due to

agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry activities

Cape Verde

soil erosion; demand for wood used as fuel has resulted

in deforestation; desertification; environmental damage has

threatened several species of birds and reptiles; illegal beach sand

extraction; overfishing

Cayman Islands

no natural fresh water resources; drinking water

supplies must be met by rainwater catchments

Central African Republic

tap water is not potable; poaching has

diminished its reputation as one of the last great wildlife refuges;

desertification; deforestation

Chad

inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal

in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution;

desertification

Chile

widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural

resources; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions;

water pollution from raw sewage

China

air pollution (greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide particulates)

from reliance on coal produces acid rain; water shortages,

particularly in the north; water pollution from untreated wastes;

deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land

since 1949 to soil erosion and economic development;

desertification; trade in endangered species

Christmas Island

NA

Clipperton Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

fresh water resources are limited to

rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs

Colombia

deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse

of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle

emissions

Comoros

soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation

on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation

Congo, Democratic Republic of the poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; deforestation; refugees responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching; mining of minerals (coltan - a mineral used in creating capacitors, diamonds, and gold) causing environmental damage

Congo, Republic of the

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water

pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable;

deforestation

Cook Islands

NA

Coral Sea Islands

no permanent fresh water resources

Costa Rica

deforestation and land use change, largely a result of

the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil

erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste

management; air pollution

Cote d'Ivoire

deforestation (most of the country's forests - once

the largest in West Africa - have been heavily logged); water

pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents

Croatia

air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid

rain is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and

domestic waste; landmine removal and reconstruction of

infrastructure consequent to 1992-95 civil strife

Cuba

air and water pollution; biodiversity loss; deforestation

Cyprus

water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments,

seasonal disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's

largest aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution

from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of

wildlife habitats from urbanization

Czech Republic

air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia

and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid

rain damaging forests; efforts to bring industry up to EU code

should improve domestic pollution

Denmark

air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant

emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea;

drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and

pesticides

Djibouti

inadequate supplies of potable water; limited arable land;

desertification; endangered species

Dominica

NA

Dominican Republic

water shortages; soil eroding into the sea

damages coral reefs; deforestation; Hurricane Georges damage

East Timor

widespread use of slash and burn agriculture has led to

deforestation and soil erosion

Ecuador

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water

pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically

sensitive areas of the Galapagos Islands

Egypt

agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown

sands; increasing soil salination below Aswan High Dam;

desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and

marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides,

raw sewage, and industrial effluents; very limited natural fresh

water resources away from the Nile which is the only perennial water

source; rapid growth in population overstraining the Nile and

natural resources

El Salvador

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution;

contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes

Equatorial Guinea

tap water is not potable; deforestation

Eritrea

deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing;

loss of infrastructure from civil warfare

Estonia

air polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning

power plants in northeast; however, the amount of pollutants emitted

to the air have fallen steadily, the emissions of 2000 were 80% less

than in 1980; the amount of unpurified wastewater discharged to

water bodies in 2000 was one twentieth the level of 1980; in

connection with the start-up of new water purification plants, the

pollution load of wastewater decreased; Estonia has more than 1,400

natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural

areas need to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain

locations

Ethiopia

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification;

water shortages in some areas from water-intensive farming and poor

management

Europa Island

NA

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer were introduced to the islands in 2001 for commercial reasons; this is the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the Chornobyl disaster

Faroe Islands

NA

Fiji

deforestation; soil erosion

Finland

air pollution from manufacturing and power plants

contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes,

agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

France

some forest damage from acid rain (major forest damage

occurred as a result of severe December 1999 windstorm); air

pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution

from urban wastes, agricultural runoff

French Guiana

NA

French Polynesia

NA

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

NA

Gabon

deforestation; poaching

Gambia, The

deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases

prevalent

Gaza Strip

desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage

treatment; water-borne disease; soil degradation; depletion and

contamination of underground water resources

Georgia

air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi; heavy pollution of

Mtkvari River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable

water; soil pollution from toxic chemicals

Germany

emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries

contribute to air pollution; acid rain, resulting from sulfur

dioxide emissions, is damaging forests; pollution in the Baltic Sea

from raw sewage and industrial effluents from rivers in eastern

Germany; hazardous waste disposal; government established a

mechanism for ending the use of nuclear power over the next 15

years; government working to meet EU commitment to identify nature

preservation areas in line with the EU's Flora, Fauna, and Habitat

directive

Ghana

recurrent drought in north severely affects agricultural

activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and

habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution;

inadequate supplies of potable water

Gibraltar

limited natural freshwater resources: large concrete or

natural rock water catchments collect rainwater (no longer used for

drinking water) and adequate desalination plant

Glorioso Islands

NA

Greece

air pollution; water pollution

Greenland

protection of the arctic environment; preservation of the

Inuit traditional way of life, including whaling and seal hunting

Grenada

NA

Guadeloupe

NA

Guam

extirpation of native bird population by the rapid

proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic, invasive species

Guatemala

deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water

pollution

Guernsey

NA

Guinea

deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water;

desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing,

overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices have led to

environmental damage

Guinea-Bissau

deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing

Guyana

water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial

chemicals; deforestation

Haiti

extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land

is being cleared for agriculture and used as fuel); soil erosion;

inadequate supplies of potable water

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

NA

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA

Honduras

urban population expanding; deforestation results from

logging and the clearing of land for agricultural purposes; further

land degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled

development and improper land use practices such as farming of

marginal lands; mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa (the

country's largest source of fresh water), as well as several rivers

and streams, with heavy metals

Hong Kong

air and water pollution from rapid urbanization

Howland Island

no natural fresh water resources

Hungary

the approximation of Hungary's standards in waste

management, energy efficiency, and air, soil, and water pollution

with environmental requirements for EU accession will require large

investments

Iceland

water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate

wastewater treatment

India

deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air

pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water

pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap

water is not potable throughout the country; huge and growing

population is overstraining natural resources

Indian Ocean

endangered marine species include the dugong, seals,

turtles, and whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf,

and Red Sea

Indonesia

deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes,

sewage; air pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest

fires

Iran

air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle

emissions, refinery operations, and industrial effluents;

deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the

Persian Gulf; wetland losses from drought; soil degradation

(salination); inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution

from raw sewage and industrial waste; urbanization

Iraq

government water control projects have drained most of the

inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting

the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Marsh

Arabs, who inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been

displaced; furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses

serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate

supplies of potable water; development of the Tigris and Euphrates

rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian

Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation (salination) and

erosion; desertification

Ireland

water pollution, especially of lakes, from agricultural

runoff

Israel

limited arable land and natural fresh water resources pose

serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial

and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and

domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides

Italy

air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur

dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and

agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate

industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities

Jamaica

heavy rates of deforestation; coastal waters polluted by

industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air

pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions

Jan Mayen

NA

Japan

air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain;

acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and

threatening aquatic life; Japan is one of the largest consumers of

fish and tropical timber, contributing to the depletion of these

resources in Asia and elsewhere

Jarvis Island

no natural fresh water resources

Jersey

NA

Johnston Atoll

no natural fresh water resources

Jordan

limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation;

overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Juan de Nova Island

NA

Kazakhstan

radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with its

former defense industries and test ranges throughout the country

pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial pollution is

severe in some cities; because the two main rivers which flowed into

the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and

leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural

salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown

into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea; soil

pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salination from

poor infrastructure and wasteful irrigation practices

Kenya

water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation

of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers;

water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil

erosion; desertification; poaching

Kingman Reef

none

Kiribati

heavy pollution in lagoon of south Tarawa atoll due to

heavy migration mixed with traditional practices such as lagoon

latrines and open-pit dumping; ground water at risk

Korea, North

water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water;

water-borne disease; deforestation; soil erosion and degradation

Korea, South

air pollution in large cities; acid rain; water

pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents;

drift net fishing

Kuwait

limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's

largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much

of the water; air and water pollution; desertification

Kyrgyzstan

water pollution; many people get their water directly

from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne

diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty

irrigation practices

Laos

unexploded ordnance; deforestation; soil erosion; a majority of

the population does not have access to potable water

Latvia

Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service

industries after the country regained independence; the main

environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality

and sewage system, household and hazardous waste management, and

reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession

negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of

EU environmental directives by 2010

Lebanon

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution

in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial

wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills

Lesotho

population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas

results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, and soil exhaustion;

desertification; Highlands Water Project controls, stores, and

redirects water to South Africa

Liberia

tropical rain forest deforestation; soil erosion; loss of

biodiversity; pollution of coastal waters from oil residue and raw

sewage

Libya

desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources;

the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development

scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large

aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities

Liechtenstein

NA

Lithuania

contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum

products and chemicals at military bases

Luxembourg

air and water pollution in urban areas, soil pollution of

farmland

Macau

NA

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

air pollution from

metallurgical plants

Madagascar

soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing;

desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and

other organic wastes; several species of flora and fauna unique to

the island are endangered

Malawi

deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from

agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes; siltation of

spawning grounds endangers fish populations

Malaysia

air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions;

water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from

Indonesian forest fires

Maldives

depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies;

global warming and sea level rise; coral reef bleaching

Mali

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate

supplies of potable water; poaching

Malta

very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing

reliance on desalination

Man, Isle of

waste disposal (both household and industrial);

transboundary air pollution

Marshall Islands

inadequate supplies of potable water; pollution of

Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing

vessels

Martinique

NA

Mauritania

overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated

by drought are contributing to desertification; very limited natural

fresh water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only

perennial river

Mauritius

water pollution, degradation of coral reefs

Mayotte

NA

Mexico

scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities; rural to

urban migration; natural fresh water resources scarce and polluted

in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme

southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in

urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification;

deteriorating agricultural lands; serious air and water pollution in

the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border; land

subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion

note: the government considers the lack of clean water and

deforestation national security issues

Micronesia, Federated States of

overfishing, climate change,

pollution

Midway Islands

NA

Moldova

heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned

pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater;

extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods

Monaco

NA

Mongolia

limited natural fresh water resources in some areas; the

policies of former Communist regimes promoted rapid urbanization and

industrial growth that had negative effects on the environment; the

burning of soft coal in power plants and the lack of enforcement of

environmental laws severely polluted the air in Ulaanbaatar;

deforestation, overgrazing, and the converting of virgin land to

agricultural production increased soil erosion from wind and rain;

desertification and mining activities had a deleterious effect on

the environment

Montserrat

land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for

cultivation

Morocco

land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting

from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of

vegetation); water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation of

reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters

Mozambique

a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands

have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and

coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences;

desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters; elephant

poaching for ivory is a problem

Namibia

very limited natural fresh water resources; desertification;

wildlife poaching; land degradation has led to few conservation areas

Nauru

limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks

collect rainwater, but mostly dependent on a single, aging

desalination plant; intensive phosphate mining during the past 90

years - mainly by a UK, Australia, and NZ consortium - has left the

central 90% of Nauru a wasteland and threatens limited remaining

land resources

Navassa Island

NA

Nepal

deforestation (overuse of wood for fuel and lack of

alternatives); contaminated water (with human and animal wastes,

agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents); wildlife

conservation; vehicular emissions

Netherlands

water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic

compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air

pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain

Netherlands Antilles

NA

New Caledonia

erosion caused by mining exploitation and forest fires

New Zealand

deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna

hard-hit by species introduced from outside

Nicaragua

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution

Niger

overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification;

wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and

lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction

Nigeria

soil degradation; rapid deforestation; urban air and water

pollution; desertification; oil pollution - water, air, and soil;

has suffered serious damage from oil spills; loss of arable land;

rapid urbanization

Niue

increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter

loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture

Norfolk Island

NA

Northern Mariana Islands

contamination of groundwater on Saipan may

contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of

endangered species conflicts with development

Norway

water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely

affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle

emissions

Oman

rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; very

limited natural fresh water resources

Pacific Ocean

endangered marine species include the dugong, sea

lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in

Philippine Sea and South China Sea

Pakistan

water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and

agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; a

majority of the population does not have access to potable water;

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification

Palau

inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to

the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing

practices, and overfishing

Palmyra Atoll

NA

Panama

water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery

resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation

and soil erosion threatens siltation of Panama Canal; air pollution

in urban areas; mining threatens natural resources

Papua New Guinea

rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of

growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining

projects; severe drought

Paracel Islands

NA

Paraguay

deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste

disposal present health risks for many urban residents; loss of

wetlands

Peru

deforestation (some the result of illegal logging); overgrazing

of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion;

desertification; air pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and

coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes

Philippines

uncontrolled deforestation in watershed areas; soil

erosion; air and water pollution in Manila; increasing pollution of

coastal mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

Pitcairn Islands

deforestation (only a small portion of the original

forest remains because of burning and clearing for settlement)

Poland

situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy

industry and increased environmental concern by post-Communist

governments; air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of

sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the

resulting acid rain has caused forest damage; water pollution from

industrial and municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal

of hazardous wastes; pollution levels should continue to decrease as

industrial establishments bring their facilities up to European

Union code, but at substantial cost to business and the government

Portugal

soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and

vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areas

Puerto Rico

erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages

Qatar

limited natural fresh water resources are increasing

dependence on large-scale desalination facilities

Reunion

NA

Romania

soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution

in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta

wetlands

Russia

air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired

electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial,

municipal, and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and

seacoasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from

improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of

sometimes intense radioactive contamination; groundwater

contamination from toxic waste; urban solid waste management;

abandoned stocks of obsolete pesticides

Rwanda

deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for

fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; widespread poaching

Saint Helena

NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA

Saint Lucia

deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the

northern region

Saint Pierre and Miquelon recent test drilling for oil in waters around Saint Pierre and Miquelon may bring future development that would impact the environment

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive

Samoa

soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, overfishing

San Marino

NA

Sao Tome and Principe

deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion

Saudi Arabia

desertification; depletion of underground water

resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies

has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination

facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills

Senegal

wildlife populations threatened by poaching; deforestation;

overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; overfishing

Serbia and Montenegro

pollution of coastal waters from sewage

outlets, especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor; air

pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities; water

pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows

into the Danube

Seychelles

water supply depends on catchments to collect rainwater

Sierra Leone

rapid population growth pressuring the environment;

overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and

slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil

exhaustion; civil war depleting natural resources; overfishing

Singapore

industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water

resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal

problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in

Indonesia

Slovakia

air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human

health risks; acid rain damaging forests

Slovenia

Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste;

pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals;

forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at

metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain

Solomon Islands

deforestation; soil erosion; many of the surrounding

coral reefs are dead or dying

Somalia

famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human

health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;

desertification

South Africa

lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires

extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water

usage outpacing supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff

and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil

erosion; desertification

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

NA

Southern Ocean

increased solar ultraviolet radiation resulting from

the Antarctic ozone hole in recent years, reducing marine primary

productivity (phytoplankton) by as much as 15% and damaging the DNA

of some fish; illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in recent

years, especially the landing of an estimated five to six times more

Patagonian toothfish than the regulated fishery, which is likely to

affect the sustainability of the stock; large amount of incidental

mortality of seabirds resulting from long-line fishing for toothfish

note: the now-protected fur seal population is making a strong

comeback after severe overexploitation in the 18th and 19th centuries

Spain

pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and

effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; water quality

and quantity nationwide; air pollution; deforestation;

desertification

Spratly Islands

NA

Sri Lanka

deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations

threatened by poaching and urbanization; coastal degradation from

mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources

being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste

disposal; air pollution in Colombo

Sudan

inadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife populations

threatened by excessive hunting; soil erosion; desertification;

periodic drought

Suriname

deforestation as timber is cut for export; pollution of

inland waterways by small-scale mining activities

Svalbard

NA

Swaziland

limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations

being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil

degradation; soil erosion

Sweden

acid rain damage to soils and lakes; pollution of the North

Sea and the Baltic Sea

Switzerland

air pollution from vehicle emissions and open-air

burning; acid rain; water pollution from increased use of

agricultural fertilizers; loss of biodiversity

Syria

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification;

water pollution from raw sewage and petroleum refining wastes;

inadequate potable water

Taiwan

air pollution; water pollution from industrial emissions, raw

sewage; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in

endangered species; low-level radioactive waste disposal

Tajikistan

inadequate sanitation facilities; increasing levels of

soil salinity; industrial pollution; excessive pesticides

Tanzania

soil degradation; deforestation; desertification;

destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent

droughts affected marginal agriculture; wildlife threatened by

illegal hunting and trade, especially for ivory

Thailand

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from

organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife

populations threatened by illegal hunting

Togo

deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and

the use of wood for fuel; water pollution presents health hazards

and hinders the fishing industry; air pollution increasing in urban

areas

Tokelau

very limited natural resources and overcrowding are

contributing to emigration to New Zealand

Tonga

deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared

for agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from

starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; overhunting

threatens native sea turtle populations

Trinidad and Tobago

water pollution from agricultural chemicals,

industrial wastes, and raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches;

deforestation; soil erosion

Tromelin Island

NA

Tunisia

toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and poses

health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh

water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;

desertification

Turkey

water pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents; air

pollution, particularly in urban areas; deforestation; concern for

oil spills from increasing Bosporus ship traffic

Turkmenistan

contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural

chemicals, pesticides; salination, water-logging of soil due to poor

irrigation methods; Caspian Sea pollution; diversion of a large

share of the flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to

that river's inability to replenish the Aral Sea; desertification

Turks and Caicos Islands

limited natural fresh water resources,

private cisterns collect rainwater

Tuvalu

since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not

potable, most water needs must be met by catchment systems with

storage facilities (the Japanese Government has built one

desalination plant and plans to build one other); beachhead erosion

because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive

clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral

reefs from the spread of the Crown of Thorns starfish; Tuvalu is

very concerned about global increases in greenhouse gas emissions

and their effect on rising sea levels, which threaten the country's

underground water table; in 2000, the government appealed to

Australia and New Zealand to take in Tuvaluans if rising sea levels

should make evacuation necessary

Uganda

draining of wetlands for agricultural use; deforestation;

overgrazing; soil erosion; water hyacinth infestation in Lake

Victoria; poaching is widespread

Ukraine

inadequate supplies of potable water; air and water

pollution; deforestation; radiation contamination in the northeast

from 1986 accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant

United Arab Emirates

lack of natural freshwater resources

compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution

from oil spills

United Kingdom

continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (has met

Kyoto Protocol target of a 12.5% reduction from 1990 levels and

intends to meet the legally binding target and move towards a

domestic goal of a 20% cut in emissions by 2010); by 2005 the

government aims to reduce the amount of industrial and commercial

waste disposed of in landfill sites to 85% of 1998 levels and to

recycle or compost at least 25% of household waste, increasing to

33% by 2015; between 1998-99 and 1999-2000, household recycling

increased from 8.8% to 10.3%

United States

air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US

and Canada; the US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide

from the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of

pesticides and fertilizers; very limited natural fresh water

resources in much of the western part of the country require careful

management; desertification

Uruguay

water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry;

inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal

Uzbekistan

shrinkage of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing

concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these

substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and

contribute to desertification; water pollution from industrial

wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause

of many human health disorders; increasing soil salination; soil

contamination from buried nuclear processing and agricultural

chemicals, including DDT

Vanuatu

a majority of the population does not have access to a

potable and reliable supply of water; deforestation

Venezuela

sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban

pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation;

urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean

coast; threat to the rainforest ecosystem from irresponsible mining

operations

Vietnam

logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices contribute

to deforestation and soil degradation; water pollution and

overfishing threaten marine life populations; groundwater

contamination limits potable water supply; growing urban

industrialization and population migration are rapidly degrading

environment in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Virgin Islands

lack of natural freshwater resources

Wake Island

NA

Wallis and Futuna

deforestation (only small portions of the original

forests remain) largely as a result of the continued use of wood as

the main fuel source; as a consequence of cutting down the forests,

the mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion;

there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of

natural fresh water resources

West Bank

adequacy of fresh water supply; sewage treatment

Western Sahara

sparse water and lack of arable land

World

large areas subject to overpopulation, industrial disasters,

pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances), loss of

vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification), loss of

wildlife, soil degradation, soil depletion, erosion

Yemen

very limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate

supplies of potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Zambia

air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral

extraction and refining region; chemical runoff into watersheds;

poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros, elephant, antelope, and

large cat populations; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification;

lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks

Zimbabwe

deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and

water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd - once the largest

concentration of the species in the world - has been significantly

reduced by poaching; poor mining practices have led to toxic waste

and heavy metal pollution

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2033 Environment - international agreements

Afghanistan

party to: Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban

signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous

Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Albania

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Algeria

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Andorra

party to: Hazardous Wastes

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Angola

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law

of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Antigua and Barbuda

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Argentina

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Armenia

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Australia

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Austria

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol

Azerbaijan

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bahamas, The

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bahrain

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bangladesh

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Barbados

party to: Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity

Belarus

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Belgium

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto

Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Belize

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Benin

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bhutan

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Bolivia

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,

Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection

Bosnia and Herzegovina

party to: Air Pollution, Climate Change,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear

Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Botswana

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Brazil

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine

Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,

Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Brunei

party to: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Bulgaria

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol

Burkina Faso

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life

Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Burma

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Burundi

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,

Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Cambodia

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Cameroon

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Canada

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law

of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Cape Verde

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Central African Republic

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Chad

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Chile

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine

Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,

Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Nuclear

Test Ban

China

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Colombia

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of

the Sea, Marine Dumping

Comoros

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Congo, Democratic Republic of the party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Congo, Republic of the party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Cook Islands

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Costa Rica

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Marine Life

Conservation

Cote d'Ivoire

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Croatia

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Cuba

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Marine Life Conservation

Cyprus

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Czech Republic

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen

Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol

Denmark

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of

the Sea

Djibouti

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Dominica

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Dominican Republic

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,

Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Egypt

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

El Salvador

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Equatorial Guinea

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of

the Sea, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Eritrea

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Estonia

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Ship Pollution, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Ethiopia

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the

Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Fiji

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea,

Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,

Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Finland

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

France

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Gabon

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,

Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Gambia, The

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Georgia

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Germany

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Ghana

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Greece

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic

Treaty, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Grenada

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guatemala

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol

Guinea

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guinea-Bissau

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Guyana

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Haiti

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law

of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer

Protection

signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban

Holy See (Vatican City)

party to: none of the selected agreements

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution, Environmental Modification

Honduras

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Hong Kong

party to: Marine Dumping (associate member), Ship

Pollution (associate member)

Hungary

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Law of the Sea

Iceland

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Environmental Protection through Criminal Law, Hazardous Wastes,

Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Oil Pollution, Ozone Layer Protection, Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Ship Pollution, Transboundary Air Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

India

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine

Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Indonesia

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,

Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Marine Life

Conservation

Iran

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the

Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Iraq

party to: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Ireland

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation

Israel

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Marine Life

Conservation

Italy

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Jamaica

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea,

Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Japan

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine

Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,

Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

Jordan

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Kazakhstan

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Kenya

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Kiribati

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine

Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Korea, North

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of

the Sea

Korea, South

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,

Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Kuwait

party to: Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Marine

Dumping

Kyrgyzstan

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Laos

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Latvia

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Lebanon

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Lesotho

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life

Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping

Liberia

party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change, Environmental

Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life

Conservation

Libya

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Liechtenstein

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen

Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea

Lithuania

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Luxembourg

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur

85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic

Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

party to: Air Pollution,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Madagascar

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Malawi

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear

Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Malaysia

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Maldives

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mali

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Nuclear

Test Ban

Malta

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Marshall Islands

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Mauritania

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mauritius

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Mexico

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Micronesia, Federated States of

party to: Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous

Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Moldova

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Monaco

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic

Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Mongolia

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone

Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Morocco

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea

Mozambique

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Namibia

party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity,

Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous

Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Nauru

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Nepal

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Netherlands

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur

85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic

Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,

Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,

Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands,

Whaling

New Zealand

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,

Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic Seals, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Marine Life Conservation

Nicaragua

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Niger

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law of the

Sea

Nigeria

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Niue

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Norway

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Oman

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Pakistan

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban

Palau

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Panama

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Papua New Guinea

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol

Paraguay

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Peru

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine

Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,

Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Philippines

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Poland

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Portugal

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life

Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental

Modification, Nuclear Test Ban

Qatar

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Romania

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,

Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol

Russia

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,

Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Persistent Organic Pollutants

Rwanda

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Saint Kitts and Nevis

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Saint Lucia

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

party to: Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Samoa

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

San Marino

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Nuclear Test Ban

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution

Sao Tome and Principe

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law

of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Saudi Arabia

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the

Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Senegal

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law

of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping

Serbia and Montenegro

party to: Air Pollution, Climate Change,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity

Seychelles

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Sierra Leone

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Singapore

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Slovakia

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air

Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea,

Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol

Slovenia

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94,

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,

Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Solomon Islands

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Somalia

party to: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban

South Africa

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine

Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Southern Ocean

the Southern Ocean is subject to all international

agreements regarding the world's oceans; in addition, it is subject

to these agreements specific to the Antarctic region: International

Whaling Commission (prohibits commercial whaling south of 40 degrees

south [south of 60 degrees south between 50 degrees and 130 degrees

west]); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (limits

sealing); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living

Resources (regulates fishing)

note: many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource

exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front

(Antarctic Convergence) which is in the middle of the Antarctic

Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the very

cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the

north

Spain

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification

Sri Lanka

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Sudan

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Suriname

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Swaziland

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered

Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Desertification, Law of the Sea

Sweden

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Switzerland

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur

85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic

Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear

Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber

83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea

Syria

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Taiwan

party to: none of the selected agreements because of Taiwan's

international status

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements because of

Taiwan's international status

Tajikistan

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tanzania

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Thailand

party to: Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered

Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol, Law of the Sea

Togo

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tonga

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law

of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Trinidad and Tobago

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear

Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber

83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tunisia

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Turkey

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,

Environmental Modification

Turkmenistan

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone

Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Tuvalu

party to: Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol,

Desertification, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Law of the Sea

Uganda

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Ukraine

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air

Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic

Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic

Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change-Kyoto

Protocol

United Arab Emirates

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine

Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

United Kingdom

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen

Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic

Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate

Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental

Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,

Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,

Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands,

Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

United States

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen

Oxides, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living

Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,

Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic

Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Hazardous Wastes

Uruguay

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine

Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone

Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation,

Nuclear Test Ban

Uzbekistan

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate

Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,

Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Vanuatu

party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity,

Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer

Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Venezuela

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,

Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life

Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping

Vietnam

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Nuclear

Test Ban

Western Sahara

party to: none of the selected agreements

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Yemen

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,

Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban

Zambia

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test

Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Zimbabwe

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2034 Military expenditures - percent of GDP (%)

Afghanistan

7.7% (FY02)

Albania

1.49% (FY02)

Algeria

4.1% (FY99)

Angola

5.4% (FY02)

Antigua and Barbuda

NA%

Argentina

1.3% (FY00)

Armenia

6.5% (FY01)

Australia

2.9% (FY02)

Austria

0.8% (FY01/02)

Azerbaijan

2.6% (FY99)

Bahamas, The

0.7% (FY99)

Bahrain

6.7% (FY01)

Bangladesh

1.8% (FY96)

Barbados

NA%

Belarus

1.4% (FY02)

Belgium

1.4% (FY01/02)

Belize

1.87% (FY00/01)

Benin

2.7% (FY02)

Bermuda

0.11% (FY00/01)

Bhutan

1.9% (FY02)

Bolivia

1.8% (FY99)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

4.5% (FY02)

Botswana

3.5% (FY02)

Brazil

1.9% (FY99)

Brunei

5% (FY02)

Bulgaria

2.7% (FY02)

Burkina Faso

1.4% (FY02)

Burma

2.1% (FY97)

Burundi

5.3% (FY02)

Cambodia

3% (FY01 est.)

Cameroon

1.4% (FY98)

Canada

1.1% (FY01/02)

Cape Verde

1.6% (FY02)

Central African Republic

1.1% (FY02)

Chad

1.9% (FY02)

Chile

3.1% (FY99)

China

4.3% (FY02)

Colombia

3.4% (FY01)

Comoros

3% (FY02)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

4.6% (FY97)

Congo, Republic of the

2.8% (FY01)

Costa Rica

1.6% (FY99)

Cote d'Ivoire

1.4% (FY02)

Croatia

2.39% (2002 est.)

Cuba

roughly 4% (FY95 est.)

Cyprus

3.8% (FY02)

Czech Republic

2.1% (FY01)

Denmark

1.4% (FY99/00)

Djibouti

4.4% (FY02)

Dominica

NA%

Dominican Republic

1.1% (FY98)

East Timor

NA%

Ecuador

3.4% (FY98)

Egypt

4.1% (FY99)

El Salvador

0.7% (FY99)

Equatorial Guinea

2.5% (FY02)

Eritrea

12% (FY02)

Estonia

2% (2002 est.)

Ethiopia

12.6% (FY00)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA%

Faroe Islands

NA%

Fiji

2.2% (FY02)

Finland

2% (FY98/99)

France

2.57% (2002)

French Guiana

NA%

Gabon

2% (FY02)

Gambia, The

0.3% (FY02)

Gaza Strip

NA%

Georgia

0.59% (FY00)

Germany

1.38% (2002)

Ghana

0.6% (FY02)

Greece

4.91% (FY99/00 est.)

Grenada

NA%

Guatemala

0.6% (FY99)

Guinea

3.3% (FY02)

Guinea-Bissau

2.8% (FY02)

Guyana

NA%

Haiti

1.3% (FY00)

Honduras

0.6% (FY99)

Hong Kong

NA% (FY02)

Hungary

1.75% (2002 est.)

India

2.3% (FY02)

Indonesia

1.3% (FY98)

Iran

3.1% (FY00)

Iraq

NA%

Ireland

0.9% (FY00/01)

Israel

8.75% (FY02)

Italy

1.64% (2002)

Jamaica

NA%

Japan

1% (FY02)

Jordan

8.6% (FY01)

Kazakhstan

0.9% (Ministry of Defense expenditures) (FY02)

Kenya

1.8% (FY02)

Kiribati

NA%

Korea, North

33.9% (FY02)

Korea, South

2.8% (FY02)

Kuwait

5.5% (FY01)

Kyrgyzstan

1.4% (FY01)

Laos

4.2% (FY96)

Latvia

1.2% (FY01)

Lebanon

4.8% (FY99)

Lesotho

NA%

Liberia

1.3% (FY02)

Libya

3.9% (FY99)

Lithuania

1.9% (FY01)

Luxembourg

0.8% (FY01/02)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

6% (FY01/02 est.)

Madagascar

1.2% (FY02)

Malawi

0.7% (FY02)

Malaysia

2.03% (FY00)

Maldives

8.6% (FY02)

Mali

15% (FY02)

Malta

1.7% (2000)

Marshall Islands

NA%

Mauritania

3.7% (FY02)

Mauritius

0.2% (FY02)

Mexico

1% (FY99)

Moldova

0.4% (FY02)

Mongolia

2.2% (FY02)

Morocco

4% (FY99)

Mozambique

1% (2000 est.)

Namibia

2.4% (FY02)

Nauru

NA%

Nepal

1.1% (FY02)

Netherlands

1.5% (FY00/01 est.)

New Caledonia

5.3% (FY96)

New Zealand

1% (FY02)

Nicaragua

1.2% (FY98)

Niger

1.1% (FY02)

Nigeria

1% (FY02)

Norway

2.13% (2002)

Oman

12.2% (FY01)

Pakistan

4.6% (FY02)

Palau

NA%

Panama

1.3% (FY99)

Papua New Guinea

1.4% (FY02)

Paraguay

1.4% (FY98)

Peru

1.8% (FY01)

Philippines

1.5% (FY98)

Poland

1.71% (2002)

Portugal

2.2% (FY99/00)

Qatar

10% (FY00)

Romania

2.47% (2002)

Russia

NA%

Rwanda

3% (FY02)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA%

Saint Lucia

$NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

NA%

Samoa

NA%

San Marino

NA%

Sao Tome and Principe

0.8% (FY01)

Saudi Arabia

13% (FY00)

Senegal

1.4% (FY02)

Serbia and Montenegro

NA%

Seychelles

1.8% (FY02)

Sierra Leone

1.5% (FY02)

Singapore

4.9% (FY01)

Slovakia

1.89% (2002)

Slovenia

1.7% (FY00)

Solomon Islands

NA%

Somalia

0.9% (FY02)

South Africa

1.7% (FY02)

Spain

1.15% (2002)

Sri Lanka

4.2% (FY98)

Sudan

2.5% (1999)

Suriname

1.6% (FY97 est.)

Swaziland

4.75% (FY00)

Sweden

2.1% (FY01)

Switzerland

1% (FY01)

Syria

5.9% (FY00)

Taiwan

2.7% (FY02)

Tajikistan

3.9% (FY01)

Tanzania

0.2% (FY02)

Thailand

1.4% (FY00)

Togo

1.8% (FY02)

Tonga

NA%

Trinidad and Tobago

1.4% (1999)

Tunisia

1.5% (FY99)

Turkey

4.5% (2002 est.)

Turkmenistan

3.4% (FY99)

Tuvalu

NA%

Uganda

2.1% (FY02)

Ukraine

1.4% (FY02)

United Arab Emirates

3.1% (FY00)

United Kingdom

2.32% (2002)

United States

3.2% (FY99 est.)

Uruguay

1.1% (2000)

Uzbekistan

2% (FY97)

Vanuatu

NA%

Venezuela

0.9% (FY99)

Vietnam

2.5% (FY98)

West Bank

NA%

Western Sahara

NA%

World

roughly 2% of gross world product (1999 est.)

Yemen

5.2% (FY01)

Zambia

0.9% (FY02)

Zimbabwe

3.2% (FY02)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2038 Electricity - production (kWh)

Afghanistan

334.8 million kWh (2001)

Albania

5.289 billion kWh (2001)

Algeria

24.69 billion kWh (2001)

American Samoa

130 million kWh (2001)

Andorra

NA kWh

Angola

1.45 billion kWh (2001)

Anguilla

NA (2000)

Antigua and Barbuda

105.3 million kWh (2001)

Argentina

97.17 billion kWh (2001)

Armenia

6.479 billion kWh (2001)

Aruba

531.9 million kWh (2001)

Australia

198.2 billion kWh (2001)

Austria

58.75 billion kWh (2001)

Azerbaijan

18.23 billion kWh (2001)

Bahamas, The

1.56 billion kWh (2001)

Bahrain

6.257 billion kWh (2001)

Bangladesh

15.33 billion kWh (2001)

Barbados

780 million kWh (2001)

Belarus

24.4 billion kWh (2001)

Belgium

74.28 billion kWh (2001)

Belize

199.5 million kWh (2001)

Benin

274.3 million kWh (2001)

Bermuda

643.7 million kWh (2001)

Bhutan

1.896 billion kWh (2001)

Bolivia

3.901 billion kWh (2001)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

9.979 billion kWh (2001)

Botswana

409.8 million kWh (2001)

Brazil

321.2 billion kWh (2001)

British Indian Ocean Territory

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied

by the US military

British Virgin Islands

38.1 million kWh (2001)

Brunei

2.497 billion kWh (2001)

Bulgaria

41.38 billion kWh (2001)

Burkina Faso

279.2 million kWh (2001)

Burma

6.139 billion kWh (2001)

Burundi

155.4 million kWh (2001)

Cambodia

119 million kWh (2001)

Cameroon

3.613 billion kWh (2001)

Canada

566.3 billion kWh (2001)

Cape Verde

42.03 million kWh (2001)

Cayman Islands

381.9 million kWh (2001)

Central African Republic

106 million kWh (2001)

Chad

94.04 million kWh (2001)

Chile

41.66 billion kWh (2001)

China

1.42 trillion kWh (2001)

Christmas Island

NA kWh

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA kWh

Colombia

42.99 billion kWh (2001)

Comoros

21.27 million kWh (2001)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

5.243 billion kWh (2001)

Congo, Republic of the

358.1 million kWh (2001)

Cook Islands

27.43 million kWh (2001)

Costa Rica

6.839 billion kWh (2001)

Cote d'Ivoire

4.605 billion kWh (2001)

Croatia

12.12 billion kWh (2001)

Cuba

14.38 billion kWh (2001)

Cyprus

3.401 billion kWh; Turkish Cypriot area: NA kWh (2001)

Czech Republic

70.04 billion kWh (2001)

Denmark

35.47 billion kWh (2001)

Djibouti

180 million kWh (2001)

Dominica

72.41 million kWh (2001)

Dominican Republic

9.186 billion kWh (2001)

East Timor

NA kWh (2001)

Ecuador

75.23 billion kWh (2001)

Egypt

75.23 billion kWh (2001)

El Salvador

3.729 billion kWh (2001)

Equatorial Guinea

23.56 million kWh (2001)

Eritrea

220.5 million kWh (2001)

Estonia

7.937 billion kWh (2001)

Ethiopia

1.713 billion kWh (2001)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

16.33 million kWh (2001)

Faroe Islands

160.4 million kWh (2001)

Fiji

520.1 million kWh (2001)

Finland

71.2 billion kWh (2001)

France

520.1 billion kWh (2001)

French Guiana

455 million kWh (2001)

French Polynesia

428.3 million kWh (2001)

Gabon

798.4 million kWh (2001)

Gambia, The

85.33 million kWh (2001)

Gaza Strip

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by Israel

Georgia

7.27 billion kWh (2001)

Germany

544.8 billion kWh (2001)

Ghana

8.801 billion kWh (2001)

Gibraltar

100 million kWh (2001)

Greece

49.79 billion kWh (2001)

Greenland

245 million kWh (2001)

Grenada

138 million kWh (2001)

Guadeloupe

1.155 billion kWh (2001)

Guam

830 million kWh (2001)

Guatemala

6.237 billion kWh (2001)

Guernsey

NA kWh

Guinea

790.6 million kWh (2001)

Guinea-Bissau

55 million kWh (2001)

Guyana

852 million kWh (2001)

Haiti

580 million kWh (2001)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA kWh

Honduras

3.778 billion kWh (2001)

Hong Kong

30.48 billion kWh (2001)

Hungary

34.39 billion kWh (2001)

Iceland

7.894 billion kWh (2001)

India

533.3 billion kWh (2001)

Indonesia

95.78 billion kWh (2001)

Iran

124.6 billion kWh (2001)

Iraq

36.01 billion kWh (2001)

Ireland

23.53 billion kWh (2001)

Israel

42.24 billion kWh (2001)

Italy

258.8 billion kWh (2001)

Jamaica

6.272 billion kWh (2001)

Japan

1.037 trillion kWh (2001)

Johnston Atoll

44.2 million kWh; note - approximate annual

production; there are six 25,000 kWh generators operated by the base

operating support contractor (1999)

Jordan

7.091 billion kWh (2001)

Kazakhstan

52.43 billion kWh (2001)

Kenya

4.033 billion kWh (2001)

Kiribati

7 million kWh (2001)

Korea, North

30.01 billion kWh (2001)

Korea, South

290.7 billion kWh (2001)

Kuwait

31.49 billion kWh (2001)

Kyrgyzstan

13.45 billion kWh (2001)

Laos

1.317 billion kWh (2001)

Latvia

4.365 billion kWh (2001)

Lebanon

6.728 billion kWh (2001)

Lesotho

0 kWh NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa

(2001)

Liberia

468.8 million kWh (2001)

Libya

20.18 billion kWh (2001)

Lithuania

14.62 billion kWh (2001)

Luxembourg

457 million kWh (2001)

Macau

1.611 billion kWh (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

6.465 billion kWh (2001)

Madagascar

830.2 million kWh (2001)

Malawi

769.2 million kWh (2001)

Malaysia

68.34 billion kWh (2001)

Maldives

117 million kWh (2001)

Mali

480.2 million kWh (2001)

Malta

1.768 billion kWh (2001)

Martinique

1.151 billion kWh (2001)

Mauritania

157.4 million kWh (2001)

Mauritius

1.311 billion kWh (2001)

Mayotte

NA kWh

Mexico

198.6 billion kWh (2001)

Micronesia, Federated States of

NA kWh

Moldova

3.394 billion kWh (2001)

Mongolia

2.225 billion kWh (2001)

Montserrat

2.5 million kWh (2001)

Morocco

13.35 billion kWh (2001)

Mozambique

7.193 billion kWh (2001)

Namibia

26.95 million kWh (2001)

Nauru

30 million kWh (2001)

Nepal

1.755 billion kWh (2001)

Netherlands

88.32 billion kWh (2001)

Netherlands Antilles

1.061 billion kWh (2001)

New Caledonia

1.613 billion kWh (2001)

New Zealand

37.51 billion kWh (2001)

Nicaragua

2.549 billion kWh (2001)

Niger

242 million kWh (2001)

Nigeria

15.67 billion kWh (2001)

Niue

3 million kWh (2001)

Norfolk Island

NA kWh

Northern Mariana Islands

NA kWh

Norway

120.1 billion kWh (2001)

Oman

9.274 billion kWh (2001)

Pakistan

66.96 billion kWh (2001)

Panama

4.039 billion kWh (2001)

Papua New Guinea

1.496 billion kWh (2001)

Paraguay

44.89 billion kWh (2001)

Peru

20.59 billion kWh (2001)

Philippines

45.21 billion kWh (2001)

Pitcairn Islands

NA kWh; note - electric power is provided by a

small diesel-powered generator

Poland

135 billion kWh (2001)

Portugal

44.32 billion kWh (2001)

Puerto Rico

20.9 billion kWh (2001)

Qatar

9.264 billion kWh (2001)

Reunion

1.08 billion kWh (2001)

Romania

50.86 billion kWh (2001)

Russia

846.5 billion kWh (2001)

Rwanda

96.78 million kWh (2001)

Saint Helena

5 million kWh (2001)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

100.3 million kWh (2001)

Saint Lucia

120.2 million kWh (2001)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

42.03 million kWh (2001)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

92.48 million kWh (2001)

Samoa

105.1 million kWh (2001)

San Marino

NA

Sao Tome and Principe

17 million kWh (2001)

Saudi Arabia

122.4 billion kWh (2001)

Senegal

1.518 billion kWh (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro

31.71 billion kWh (2001)

Seychelles

160 million kWh (2001)

Sierra Leone

250.1 million kWh (2001)

Singapore

30.48 billion kWh (2001)

Slovakia

30.29 billion kWh (2001)

Slovenia

13.69 billion kWh (2001)

Solomon Islands

32 million kWh (2001)

Somalia

245.1 million kWh (2001)

South Africa

195.6 billion kWh (2001)

Spain

222.5 billion kWh (2001)

Sri Lanka

6.36 billion kWh (2001)

Sudan

2.389 billion kWh (2001)

Suriname

1.959 billion kWh (2001)

Svalbard

NA kWh

Swaziland

348.3 million kWh (2001)

Sweden

152.9 billion kWh (2001)

Switzerland

68.68 billion kWh (2001)

Syria

23.26 billion kWh (2001)

Taiwan

151.1 billion kWh (2001)

Tajikistan

14.18 billion kWh (2001)

Tanzania

2.906 billion kWh (2001)

Thailand

97.6 billion kWh (2001)

Togo

101.6 million kWh (2001)

Tokelau

NA kWh

Tonga

27.27 million kWh (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago

5.315 billion kWh (2001)

Tunisia

10.48 billion kWh (2001)

Turkey

116.6 billion kWh (2001)

Turkmenistan

10.18 billion kWh (2001)

Turks and Caicos Islands

5 million kWh (2001)

Uganda

1.928 billion kWh (2001)

Ukraine

164.7 billion kWh (2001)

United Arab Emirates

37.74 billion kWh (2001)

United Kingdom

360.9 billion kWh (2001)

United States

3.719 trillion kWh (2001)

Uruguay

7.963 billion kWh (2001)

Uzbekistan

44.49 billion kWh (2001)

Vanuatu

43.46 million kWh (2001)

Venezuela

87.6 billion kWh (2001)

Vietnam

29.8 billion kWh (2001)

Virgin Islands

1.03 billion kWh (2001)

Wake Island

NA

Wallis and Futuna

NA kWh

West Bank

NA kWh; note - most electricity imported from Israel; East

Jerusalem Electric Company buys and distributes electricity to

Palestinians in East Jerusalem and its concession in the West Bank;

the Israel Electric Company directly supplies electricity to most

Jewish residents and military facilities; some Palestinian

municipalities, such as Nablus and Janin, generate their own

electricity from small power plants

Western Sahara

90 million kWh (2001)

World

14.85 trillion kWh (2001 est.)

Yemen

3.01 billion kWh (2001)

Zambia

7.751 billion kWh (2001)

Zimbabwe

6.735 billion kWh (2001)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2042 Electricity - consumption (kWh)

Afghanistan

511.4 million kWh (2001)

Albania

5.898 billion kWh (2001)

Algeria

22.9 billion kWh (2001)

American Samoa

120.9 million kWh (2001)

Andorra

NA kWh

Angola

1.348 billion kWh (2001)

Anguilla

42.6 million kWh

Antigua and Barbuda

97.89 million kWh (2001)

Argentina

92.12 billion kWh (2001)

Armenia

5.784 billion kWh (2001)

Aruba

494.7 million kWh (2001)

Australia

184.4 billion kWh (2001)

Austria

54.85 billion kWh (2001)

Azerbaijan

16.65 billion kWh (2001)

Bahamas, The

1.451 billion kWh (2001)

Bahrain

5.819 billion kWh (2001)

Bangladesh

14.25 billion kWh (2001)

Barbados

725.4 million kWh (2001)

Belarus

26.69 billion kWh (2001)

Belgium

78.18 billion kWh (2001)

Belize

185.5 million kWh (2001)

Benin

631.1 million kWh (2001)

Bermuda

598.6 million kWh (2001)

Bhutan

379.5 million kWh (2001)

Bolivia

3.634 billion kWh (2001)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

8.116 billion kWh (2001)

Botswana

1.564 billion kWh (2001)

Brazil

335.9 billion kWh (2001)

British Indian Ocean Territory

NA kWh

British Virgin Islands

35.43 million kWh (2001)

Brunei

2.322 billion kWh (2001)

Bulgaria

32.52 billion kWh (2001)

Burkina Faso

259.6 million kWh (2001)

Burma

5.709 billion kWh (2001)

Burundi

177.5 million kWh (2001)

Cambodia

110.6 million kWh (2001)

Cameroon

3.36 billion kWh (2001)

Canada

504.4 billion kWh (2001)

Cape Verde

39.08 million kWh (2001)

Cayman Islands

355.2 million kWh (2001)

Central African Republic

98.63 million kWh (2001)

Chad

87.46 million kWh (2001)

Chile

40.13 billion kWh (2001)

China

1.312 trillion kWh (2001)

Christmas Island

NA kWh

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA kWh

Colombia

39.81 billion kWh (2001)

Comoros

19.78 million kWh (2001)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

3.839 billion kWh (2001)

Congo, Republic of the

633 million kWh (2001)

Cook Islands

25.51 million kWh (2001)

Costa Rica

6.109 billion kWh (2001)

Cote d'Ivoire

2.983 billion kWh (2001)

Croatia

14.27 billion kWh (2001)

Cuba

13.38 billion kWh (2001)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: 3.163 billion kWh; Turkish Cypriot area:

NA kWh (2001)

Czech Republic

55.6 billion kWh (2001)

Denmark

32.41 billion kWh (2001)

Djibouti

167.4 million kWh (2001)

Dominica

67.35 million kWh (2001)

Dominican Republic

8.543 billion kWh (2001)

East Timor

NA kWh (2001)

Ecuador

69.96 billion kWh (2001)

Egypt

69.96 billion kWh (2001)

El Salvador

3.777 billion kWh (2001)

Equatorial Guinea

21.91 million kWh (2001)

Eritrea

205.1 million kWh (2001)

Estonia

6.192 billion kWh (2001)

Ethiopia

1.594 billion kWh (2001)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

15.19 million kWh (2001)

Faroe Islands

149.1 million kWh (2001)

Fiji

483.7 million kWh (2001)

Finland

76.18 billion kWh (2001)

France

415.3 billion kWh (2001)

French Guiana

423.2 million kWh (2001)

French Polynesia

398.3 million kWh (2001)

Gabon

742.5 million kWh (2001)

Gambia, The

79.36 million kWh (2001)

Gaza Strip

NA kWh

Georgia

7.611 billion kWh (2001)

Germany

506.8 billion kWh (2001)

Ghana

8.835 billion kWh (2001)

Gibraltar

93 million kWh (2001)

Greece

48.8 billion kWh (2001)

Greenland

227.9 million kWh (2001)

Grenada

128.3 million kWh (2001)

Guadeloupe

1.074 billion kWh (2001)

Guam

771.9 million kWh (2001)

Guatemala

5.559 billion kWh (2001)

Guernsey

NA kWh

Guinea

735.2 million kWh (2001)

Guinea-Bissau

51.15 million kWh (2001)

Guyana

792.4 million kWh (2001)

Haiti

539.4 million kWh (2001)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA kWh

Honduras

3.822 billion kWh (2001)

Hong Kong

37.12 billion kWh (2001)

Hungary

35.15 billion kWh (2001)

Iceland

7.341 billion kWh (2001)

India

497.2 billion kWh (2001)

Indonesia

89.08 billion kWh (2001)

Iran

115.9 billion kWh (2001)

Iraq

33.49 billion kWh (2001)

Ireland

21.63 billion kWh (2001)

Israel

37.82 billion kWh (2001)

Italy

289.1 billion kWh (2001)

Jamaica

5.833 billion kWh (2001)

Japan

964.2 billion kWh (2001)

Johnston Atoll

2.002 million kWh; note - approximate annual

consumption

Jordan

6.86 billion kWh (2001)

Kazakhstan

48.36 billion kWh (2001)

Kenya

3.981 billion kWh (2001)

Kiribati

6.51 million kWh (2001)

Korea, North

27.91 billion kWh (2001)

Korea, South

270.3 billion kWh (2001)

Kuwait

29.29 billion kWh (2001)

Kyrgyzstan

10.46 billion kWh (2001)

Laos

824.7 million kWh (2001)

Latvia

6.046 billion kWh (2001)

Lebanon

7.44 billion kWh (2001)

Lesotho

40 million kWh (2001)

Liberia

435.9 million kWh (2001)

Libya

18.77 billion kWh (2001)

Liechtenstein

NA kWh

Lithuania

8.683 billion kWh (2001)

Luxembourg

6.07 billion kWh (2001)

Macau

1.688 billion kWh (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

6.112 billion kWh (2001)

Madagascar

772.1 million kWh (2001)

Malawi

715.3 million kWh (2001)

Malaysia

63.48 billion kWh (2001)

Maldives

108.8 million kWh (2001)

Mali

446.6 million kWh (2001)

Malta

1.644 billion kWh (2001)

Martinique

1.07 billion kWh (2001)

Mauritania

146.3 million kWh (2001)

Mauritius

1.219 billion kWh (2001)

Mayotte

NA kWh

Mexico

186.7 billion kWh (2001)

Micronesia, Federated States of

NA kWh

Moldova

3.216 billion kWh (2001)

Monaco

NA kWh

Mongolia

2.194 billion kWh (2001)

Montserrat

2.325 million kWh (2001)

Morocco

14.61 billion kWh (2001)

Mozambique

1.39 billion kWh (2001)

Namibia

603.1 million kWh (2001)

Nauru

27.9 million kWh (2001)

Nepal

1.764 billion kWh (2001)

Netherlands

99.42 billion kWh (2001)

Netherlands Antilles

986.8 million kWh (2001)

New Caledonia

1.5 billion kWh (2001)

New Zealand

34.88 billion kWh (2001)

Nicaragua

2.388 billion kWh (2001)

Niger

325.1 million kWh (2001)

Nigeria

14.55 billion kWh (2001)

Niue

2.79 million kWh (2001)

Norfolk Island

NA kWh

Northern Mariana Islands

NA kWh

Norway

115.3 billion kWh (2001)

Oman

8.625 billion kWh (2001)

Pakistan

62.27 billion kWh (2001)

Panama

3.681 billion kWh (2001)

Papua New Guinea

1.391 billion kWh (2001)

Paraguay

2.637 billion kWh (2001)

Peru

19.15 billion kWh (2001)

Philippines

42.04 billion kWh (2001)

Pitcairn Islands

NA kWh

Poland

118.8 billion kWh (2001)

Portugal

41.48 billion kWh (2001)

Puerto Rico

19.44 billion kWh (2001)

Qatar

8.616 billion kWh (2001)

Reunion

1.005 billion kWh (2001)

Romania

46.1 billion kWh (2001)

Russia

773 billion kWh (2001)

Rwanda

140 million kWh (2001)

Saint Helena

4.65 million kWh (2001)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

93.26 million kWh (2001)

Saint Lucia

111.8 million kWh (2001)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

39.08 million kWh (2001)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

86 million kWh (2001)

Samoa

97.74 million kWh (2001)

San Marino

NA (2000)

Sao Tome and Principe

15.81 million kWh (2001)

Saudi Arabia

113.8 billion kWh (2001)

Senegal

1.412 billion kWh (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro

32.37 billion kWh (2001)

Seychelles

148.8 million kWh (2001)

Sierra Leone

232.6 million kWh (2001)

Singapore

28.35 billion kWh (2001)

Slovakia

24.41 billion kWh (2001)

Slovenia

13.83 billion kWh (2001)

Solomon Islands

29.76 million kWh (2001)

Somalia

227.9 million kWh (2001)

South Africa

181.2 billion kWh (2001)

Spain

210.4 billion kWh (2001)

Sri Lanka

5.915 billion kWh (2001)

Sudan

2.222 billion kWh (2001)

Suriname

1.822 billion kWh (2001)

Svalbard

NA kWh

Swaziland

962.9 million kWh (2001)

Sweden

134.9 billion kWh (2001)

Switzerland

53.43 billion kWh (2001)

Syria

21.63 billion kWh (2001)

Taiwan

140.5 billion kWh (2001)

Tajikistan

14.52 billion kWh (2001)

Tanzania

2.752 billion kWh (2001)

Thailand

90.91 billion kWh (2001)

Togo

614.5 million kWh (2001)

Tokelau

NA kWh

Tonga

25.36 million kWh (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago

4.943 billion kWh (2001)

Tunisia

9.748 billion kWh (2001)

Turkey

112.6 billion kWh (2001)

Turkmenistan

8.509 billion kWh (2001)

Turks and Caicos Islands

4.65 million kWh (2001)

Uganda

1.62 billion kWh (2001)

Ukraine

152.4 billion kWh (2001)

United Arab Emirates

35.1 billion kWh (2001)

United Kingdom

346.1 billion kWh (2001)

United States

3.602 trillion kWh (2001)

Uruguay

6.152 billion kWh (2001)

Uzbekistan

47.07 billion kWh (2001)

Vanuatu

40.42 million kWh (2001)

Venezuela

81.47 billion kWh (2001)

Vietnam

27.71 billion kWh (2001)

Virgin Islands

957.9 million kWh (2001)

Wallis and Futuna

NA kWh

West Bank

NA kWh

Western Sahara

83.7 million kWh (2001)

World

13.93 trillion kWh (2001 est.)

Yemen

2.8 billion kWh (2001)

Zambia

5.458 billion kWh (2001)

Zimbabwe

9.813 billion kWh (2001)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2043 Electricity - imports (kWh)

Afghanistan

200 million kWh (2001)

Albania

1.2 billion kWh (2001)

Algeria

275 million kWh (2001)

American Samoa

0 kWh (2001)

Andorra

NA kWh; note - most electricity supplied by Spain and

France; Andorra generates a small amount of hydropower

Angola

0 kWh (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda

0 kWh (2001)

Argentina

7.417 billion kWh (2001)

Armenia

463 million kWh; note - imports an unknown quantity from

Iran (2001)

Aruba

0 kWh (2001)

Australia

0 kWh (2001)

Austria

14.47 billion kWh (2001)

Azerbaijan

400 million kWh (2001)

Bahamas, The

0 kWh (2001)

Bahrain

0 kWh (2001)

Bangladesh

0 kWh (2001)

Barbados

0 kWh (2001)

Belarus

4.3 billion kWh (2001)

Belgium

15.82 billion kWh (2001)

Belize

0 kWh (2001)

Benin

376 million kWh (2001)

Bermuda

0 kWh (2001)

Bhutan

16 million kWh (2001)

Bolivia

9 million kWh (2001)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

1.405 billion kWh (2001)

Botswana

1.183 billion kWh (2001)

Brazil

37.19 billion kWh; note - supplied by Paraguay (2001)

British Virgin Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Brunei

0 kWh (2001)

Bulgaria

830 million kWh (2001)

Burkina Faso

0 kWh (2001)

Burma

0 kWh (2001)

Burundi

33 million kWh; note - supplied by the Democratic Republic

of the Congo (2001)

Cambodia

0 kWh (2001)

Cameroon

0 kWh (2001)

Canada

16.11 billion kWh (2001)

Cape Verde

0 kWh (2001)

Cayman Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Central African Republic

0 kWh (2001)

Chad

0 kWh (2001)

Chile

1.386 billion kWh (2001)

China

1.55 billion kWh (2001)

Colombia

40 million kWh (2001)

Comoros

0 kWh (2001)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

60 million kWh (2001)

Congo, Republic of the

300 million kWh (2001)

Cook Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Costa Rica

128 million kWh (2001)

Cote d'Ivoire

0 kWh (2001)

Croatia

3.386 billion kWh (2001)

Cuba

0 kWh (2001)

Cyprus

0 kWh (2001)

Czech Republic

9.38 billion kWh (2001)

Denmark

8.199 billion kWh (2001)

Djibouti

0 kWh (2001)

Dominica

0 kWh (2001)

Dominican Republic

0 kWh (2001)

East Timor

0 kWh (2001)

Ecuador

0 kWh (2001)

Egypt

0 kWh (2001)

El Salvador

353 million kWh (2001)

Equatorial Guinea

0 kWh (2001)

Eritrea

0 kWh NA kWh (2001)

Estonia

0 kWh (2001)

Ethiopia

0 kWh (2001)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

0 kWh (2001)

Faroe Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Fiji

0 kWh (2001)

Finland

11.77 billion kWh (2001)

France

4.2 billion kWh (2001)

French Guiana

0 kWh (2001)

French Polynesia

0 kWh (2001)

Gabon

0 kWh (2001)

Gambia, The

0 kWh (2001)

Gaza Strip

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by Israel (2001)

Georgia

850 million kWh (2001)

Germany

44 billion kWh (2001)

Ghana

950 million kWh (2001)

Gibraltar

0 kWh (2001)

Greece

3.562 billion kWh (2001)

Greenland

0 kWh (2001)

Grenada

0 kWh (2001)

Guadeloupe

0 kWh (2001)

Guam

0 kWh (2001)

Guatemala

95 million kWh (2001)

Guernsey

0 kWh (2002)

Guinea

0 kWh (2001)

Guinea-Bissau

0 kWh (2001)

Guyana

0 kWh (2001)

Haiti

0 kWh (2001)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by Italy

Honduras

308 million kWh (2001)

Hong Kong

10.36 billion kWh (2001)

Hungary

10.43 billion kWh (2001)

Iceland

0 kWh (2001)

India

1.54 billion kWh (2001)

Indonesia

0 kWh (2001)

Iran

0 kWh (2001)

Iraq

0 kWh (2001)

Ireland

38 million kWh (2001)

Israel

0 kWh (2001)

Italy

48.93 billion kWh (2001)

Jamaica

0 kWh (2001)

Japan

0 kWh (2001)

Jersey

NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France

Jordan

267 million kWh (2001)

Kazakhstan

3.2 billion kWh (2001)

Kenya

230 million kWh (2001)

Kiribati

0 kWh (2001)

Korea, North

0 kWh (2001)

Korea, South

0 kWh (2001)

Kuwait

0 kWh (2001)

Kyrgyzstan

200 million kWh (2001)

Laos

0 kWh (2001)

Latvia

2.69 billion kWh (2001)

Lebanon

1.183 billion kWh (2001)

Lesotho

40 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa

(2001)

Liberia

0 kWh (2001)

Libya

0 kWh (2001)

Liechtenstein

0 kWh (2002)

Lithuania

1.389 billion kWh (2001)

Luxembourg

6.389 billion kWh (2001)

Macau

193 million kWh (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

100 million kWh (2001)

Madagascar

0 kWh (2001)

Malawi

0 kWh (2001)

Malaysia

0 kWh (2001)

Maldives

0 kWh (2001)

Mali

0 kWh (2001)

Malta

0 kWh (2001)

Martinique

0 kWh (2001)

Mauritania

0 kWh (2001)

Mauritius

0 kWh (2001)

Mexico

2.068 billion kWh (2001)

Moldova

60 million kWh (2001)

Monaco

NA kWh

note: electricity supplied by France

Mongolia

196 million kWh (2001)

Montserrat

0 kWh (2001)

Morocco

2.2 billion kWh (2001)

Mozambique

500 million kWh (2001)

Namibia

578 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa

(2001)

Nauru

0 kWh (2001)

Nepal

227 million kWh (2001)

Netherlands

21.49 billion kWh (2001)

Netherlands Antilles

0 kWh (2001)

New Caledonia

0 kWh (2001)

New Zealand

0 kWh (2001)

Nicaragua

17 million kWh (2001)

Niger

100 million kWh (2001)

Nigeria

0 kWh (2001)

Niue

0 kWh (2001)

Northern Mariana Islands

0 kWh

Norway

10.76 billion kWh (2001)

Oman

0 kWh (2001)

Pakistan

0 kWh (2001)

Panama

43 million kWh (2001)

Papua New Guinea

0 kWh (2001)

Paraguay

0 kWh (2001)

Peru

0 kWh (2001)

Philippines

0 kWh (2001)

Poland

4.306 billion kWh (2001)

Portugal

3.743 billion kWh (2001)

Puerto Rico

0 kWh (2001)

Qatar

0 kWh (2001)

Reunion

0 kWh (2001)

Romania

400 million kWh (2001)

Russia

7 billion kWh (2001)

Rwanda

50 million kWh (2001)

Saint Helena

0 kWh (2001)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

0 kWh (2001)

Saint Lucia

0 kWh (2001)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

0 kWh (2001)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

0 kWh (2001)

Samoa

0 kWh (2001)

San Marino 0 kWh note: electricity supplied by Italy

Sao Tome and Principe

0 kWh (2001)

Saudi Arabia

0 kWh (2001)

Senegal

0 kWh (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro

3.33 billion kWh (2001)

Seychelles

0 kWh (2001)

Sierra Leone

0 kWh (2001)

Singapore

0 kWh (2001)

Slovakia

1.381 billion kWh (2001)

Slovenia

4.1 billion kWh (2001)

Solomon Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Somalia

0 kWh (2001)

South Africa

6.2 billion kWh (2001)

Spain

7.588 billion kWh (2001)

Sri Lanka

0 kWh (2001)

Sudan

0 kWh (2001)

Suriname

0 kWh (2001)

Swaziland

639 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South

Africa (2001)

Sweden

11.14 billion kWh (2001)

Switzerland

24.1 billion kWh (2001)

Syria

0 kWh (2001)

Taiwan

0 kWh (2001)

Tajikistan

5.242 billion kWh (2001)

Tanzania

50 million kWh (2001)

Thailand

350 million kWh (2001)

Togo

520 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by Ghana (2001)

Tonga

0 kWh (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago

0 kWh (2001)

Tunisia

1 million kWh (2001)

Turkey

4.579 billion kWh (2001)

Turkmenistan

20 million kWh (2001)

Turks and Caicos Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Uganda

1 million kWh (2001)

Ukraine

0 kWh (2001)

United Arab Emirates

0 kWh (2001)

United Kingdom

10.66 billion kWh (2001)

United States

38.48 billion kWh (2001)

Uruguay

123 million kWh (2001)

Uzbekistan

9.7 billion kWh (2001)

Vanuatu

0 kWh (2001)

Venezuela

0 kWh (2001)

Vietnam

0 kWh (2001)

Virgin Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Wallis and Futuna

0 kWh (2002)

West Bank

NA kWh

Western Sahara

0 kWh (2001)

Yemen

0 kWh (2001)

Zambia

0 kWh (2001)

Zimbabwe

3.55 billion kWh (2001)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2044 Electricity - exports (kWh)

Afghanistan

0 kWh (2001)

Albania

221 million kWh (2001)

Algeria

340 million kWh (2001)

American Samoa

0 kWh (2001)

Andorra

0 kWh (2002)

Angola

0 kWh (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda

0 kWh (2001)

Argentina

5.662 billion kWh (2001)

Armenia

704 million kWh; note - exports an unknown quantity to

Georgia; includes exports to Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan

(2001)

Aruba

0 kWh (2001)

Australia

0 kWh (2001)

Austria

14.25 billion kWh (2001)

Azerbaijan

700 million kWh (2001)

Bahamas, The

0 kWh (2001)

Bahrain

0 kWh (2001)

Bangladesh

0 kWh (2001)

Barbados

0 kWh (2001)

Belarus

300 million kWh (2001)

Belgium

6.712 billion kWh (2001)

Belize

0 kWh (2001)

Benin

0 kWh (2001)

Bermuda

0 kWh (2001)

Bhutan

1.4 billion kWh (2001)

Bolivia

3 million kWh (2001)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

2.569 billion kWh (2001)

Botswana

0 kWh (2001)

Brazil

0 kWh (2001)

British Virgin Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Brunei

0 kWh (2001)

Bulgaria

6.79 billion kWh (2001)

Burkina Faso

0 kWh (2001)

Burma

0 kWh (2001)

Burundi

0 kWh (2001)

Cambodia

0 kWh (2001)

Cameroon

0 kWh (2001)

Canada

38.4 billion kWh (2001)

Cape Verde

0 kWh (2001)

Cayman Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Central African Republic

0 kWh (2001)

Chad

0 kWh (2001)

Chile

0 kWh (2001)

China

10.3 billion kWh (2001)

Colombia

210 million kWh (2001)

Comoros

0 kWh (2001)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

1.097 billion kWh (2001)

Congo, Republic of the

0 kWh (2001)

Cook Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Costa Rica

379 million kWh (2001)

Cote d'Ivoire

1.3 billion kWh (2001)

Croatia

386 million kWh (2001)

Cuba

0 kWh (2001)

Cyprus

0 kWh (2001)

Czech Republic

18.92 billion kWh (2001)

Denmark

8.775 billion kWh (2001)

Djibouti

0 kWh (2001)

Dominica

0 kWh (2001)

Dominican Republic

0 kWh (2001)

East Timor

0 kWh (2001)

Ecuador

0 kWh (2001)

Egypt

0 kWh (2001)

El Salvador

44 million kWh (2001)

Equatorial Guinea

0 kWh (2001)

Eritrea

0 kWh NA kWh (2001)

Estonia

1.19 billion kWh (2001)

Ethiopia

0 kWh (2001)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

0 kWh (2001)

Faroe Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Fiji

0 kWh (2001)

Finland

1.81 billion kWh (2001)

France

72.6 billion kWh (2001)

French Guiana

0 kWh (2001)

French Polynesia

0 kWh (2001)

Gabon

0 kWh (2001)

Gambia, The

0 kWh (2001)

Gaza Strip

0 kWh (2001)

Georgia

0 kWh (2001)

Germany

43.9 billion kWh (2001)

Ghana

300 million kWh (2001)

Gibraltar

0 kWh (2001)

Greece

1.062 billion kWh (2001)

Greenland

0 kWh (2001)

Grenada

0 kWh (2001)

Guadeloupe

0 kWh (2001)

Guam

0 kWh (2001)

Guatemala

336 million kWh (2001)

Guernsey

0 kWh (2002)

Guinea

0 kWh (2001)

Guinea-Bissau

0 kWh (2001)

Guyana

0 kWh (2001)

Haiti

0 kWh (2001)

Holy See (Vatican City)

0 kWh

Honduras

0 kWh (2001)

Hong Kong

1.581 billion kWh (2001)

Hungary

7.261 billion kWh (2001)

Iceland

0 kWh (2001)

India

321 million kWh (2001)

Indonesia

0 kWh (2001)

Iran

0 kWh (2001)

Iraq

0 kWh (2001)

Ireland

285 million kWh (2001)

Israel

1.457 billion kWh (2001)

Italy

556 million kWh (2001)

Jamaica

0 kWh (2001)

Japan

0 kWh (2001)

Jordan

2 million kWh (2001)

Kazakhstan

3.6 billion kWh (2001)

Kenya

0 kWh (2001)

Kiribati

0 kWh (2001)

Korea, North

0 kWh (2001)

Korea, South

0 kWh (2001)

Kuwait

0 kWh (2001)

Kyrgyzstan

2.25 billion kWh (2001)

Laos

400 million kWh (2001)

Latvia

703 million kWh (2001)

Lebanon

0 kWh (2001)

Lesotho

0 kWh (2001)

Liberia

0 kWh (2001)

Libya

0 kWh (2001)

Liechtenstein

0 kWh (2002)

Lithuania

6.3 billion kWh (2001)

Luxembourg

744 million kWh (2001)

Macau

1 million kWh (2001)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

0 kWh (2001)

Madagascar

0 kWh (2001)

Malawi

0 kWh (2001)

Malaysia

75 million kWh (2001)

Maldives

0 kWh (2001)

Mali

0 kWh; note - recent hydropower developments may be providing

electricity to Senegal and Mauritania (2001)

Malta

0 kWh (2001)

Martinique

0 kWh (2001)

Mauritania

0 kWh (2001)

Mauritius

0 kWh (2001)

Mexico

77 million kWh (2001)

Moldova

0 kWh (2001)

Mongolia

25 million kWh (2001)

Montserrat

0 kWh (2001)

Morocco

0 kWh (2001)

Mozambique

5.8 billion kWh (2001)

Namibia

0 kWh (2001)

Nauru

0 kWh (2001)

Nepal

95 million kWh (2001)

Netherlands

4.209 billion kWh (2001)

Netherlands Antilles

0 kWh (2001)

New Caledonia

0 kWh (2001)

New Zealand

0 kWh (2001)

Nicaragua

0 kWh (2001)

Niger

0 kWh (2001)

Nigeria

20 million kWh (2001)

Niue

0 kWh (2001)

Northern Mariana Islands

0 kWh

Norway

7.162 billion kWh (2001)

Oman

0 kWh (2001)

Pakistan

0 kWh (2001)

Panama

118 million kWh (2001)

Papua New Guinea

0 kWh (2001)

Paraguay

39.11 billion kWh (2001)

Peru

0 kWh (2001)

Philippines

0 kWh (2001)

Poland

11.04 billion kWh (2001)

Portugal

3.479 billion kWh (2001)

Puerto Rico

0 kWh (2001)

Qatar

0 kWh (2001)

Reunion

0 kWh (2001)

Romania

1.6 billion kWh (2001)

Russia

21.16 billion kWh (2001)

Rwanda

0 kWh (2001)

Saint Helena

0 kWh (2001)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

0 kWh (2001)

Saint Lucia

0 kWh (2001)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

0 kWh (2001)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

0 kWh (2001)

Samoa

0 kWh (2001)

San Marino 0 kWh note: electric power supplied by Italy

Sao Tome and Principe

0 kWh (2001)

Saudi Arabia

0 kWh (2001)

Senegal

0 kWh (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro

446 million kWh (2001)

Seychelles

0 kWh (2001)

Sierra Leone

0 kWh (2001)

Singapore

0 kWh (2001)

Slovakia

5.141 billion kWh (2001)

Slovenia

3 billion kWh (2001)

Solomon Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Somalia

0 kWh (2001)

South Africa

6.91 billion kWh (2001)

Spain

4.138 billion kWh (2001)

Sri Lanka

0 kWh (2001)

Sudan

0 kWh (2001)

Suriname

0 kWh (2001)

Swaziland

0 kWh (2001)

Sweden

18.45 billion kWh (2001)

Switzerland

34.54 billion kWh (2001)

Syria

0 kWh (2001)

Taiwan

0 kWh (2001)

Tajikistan

3.909 billion kWh (2001)

Tanzania

0 kWh (2001)

Thailand

200 million kWh (2001)

Togo

0 kWh (2001)

Tonga

0 kWh (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago

0 kWh (2001)

Tunisia

0 kWh (2001)

Turkey

433 million kWh (2001)

Turkmenistan

980 million kWh (2001)

Turks and Caicos Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Uganda

174 million kWh (2001)

Ukraine

800 million kWh (2001)

United Arab Emirates

0 kWh (2001)

United Kingdom

264 million kWh (2001)

United States

18.17 billion kWh (2001)

Uruguay

1.377 billion kWh (2001)

Uzbekistan

3.998 billion kWh (2001)

Vanuatu

0 kWh (2001)

Venezuela

0 kWh (2001)

Vietnam

0 kWh (2001)

Virgin Islands

0 kWh (2001)

Wallis and Futuna

0 kWh (2002)

Western Sahara

0 kWh (2001)

Yemen

0 kWh (2001)

Zambia

1.75 billion kWh (2001)

Zimbabwe

0 kWh (2001)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2045 Electricity - production by source (%)

Afghanistan

fossil fuel: 36.3%

hydro: 63.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Albania

fossil fuel: 2.9%

hydro: 97.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Algeria

fossil fuel: 99.7%

hydro: 0.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

American Samoa

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Andorra

fossil fuel: 0%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

Angola

fossil fuel: 36.4%

hydro: 63.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Anguilla

fossil fuel: NA%

hydro: NA%

nuclear: NA%

other: NA%

Antigua and Barbuda

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Argentina

fossil fuel: 52.2%

hydro: 40.8%

nuclear: 6.7%

other: 0.2% (2001)

Armenia

fossil fuel: 42.3%

hydro: 27%

nuclear: 30.7%

other: 0% (2001)

Aruba

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Australia

fossil fuel: 90.8%

hydro: 8.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.9% (2001)

Austria

fossil fuel: 29.3%

hydro: 67.2%

nuclear: 0%

other: 3.5% (2001)

Azerbaijan

fossil fuel: 89.7%

hydro: 10.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Bahamas, The

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Bahrain

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Bangladesh

fossil fuel: 93.7%

hydro: 6.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Barbados

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Belarus

fossil fuel: 99.5%

hydro: 0.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.4% (2001)

Belgium

fossil fuel: 38.4%

hydro: 0.6%

nuclear: 59.3%

other: 1.8% (2001)

Belize

fossil fuel: 59.9%

hydro: 40.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Benin

fossil fuel: 14.2%

hydro: 85.8%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Bermuda

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Bhutan

fossil fuel: 0.1%

hydro: 99.9%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Bolivia

fossil fuel: 44.4%

hydro: 54%

nuclear: 0%

other: 1.5% (2001)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

fossil fuel: 53.5%

hydro: 46.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Botswana

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Brazil

fossil fuel: 8.3%

hydro: 82.7%

nuclear: 4.4%

other: 4.6% (2001)

British Virgin Islands

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Brunei

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Bulgaria

fossil fuel: 47.8%

hydro: 8.1%

nuclear: 44.1%

other: 0% (2001)

Burkina Faso

fossil fuel: 69.9%

hydro: 30.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Burma

fossil fuel: 44.4%

hydro: 55.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Burundi

fossil fuel: 0.6%

hydro: 99.4%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Cambodia

fossil fuel: 65%

hydro: 35%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Cameroon

fossil fuel: 2.7%

hydro: 97.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Canada

fossil fuel: 28%

hydro: 57.9%

nuclear: 12.9%

other: 1.3% (2001)

Cape Verde

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Cayman Islands

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Central African Republic

fossil fuel: 19.8%

hydro: 80.2%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Chad

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Chile

fossil fuel: 47%

hydro: 51.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 1.4% (2001)

China

fossil fuel: 80.2%

hydro: 18.5%

nuclear: 1.2%

other: 0.1% (2001)

Christmas Island

fossil fuel: NA%

hydro: NA%

nuclear: NA%

other: NA%

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

fossil fuel: NA%

hydro: NA%

nuclear: NA%

other: NA%

Colombia

fossil fuel: 26%

hydro: 72.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 1.3% (2001)

Comoros

fossil fuel: 90.6%

hydro: 9.4%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

fossil fuel: 1.8%

hydro: 98.2%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Congo, Republic of the

fossil fuel: 0.3%

hydro: 99.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Cook Islands

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Costa Rica

fossil fuel: 1.5%

hydro: 81.9%

nuclear: 0%

other: 16.6% (2001)

Cote d'Ivoire

fossil fuel: 61.9%

hydro: 38.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Croatia

fossil fuel: 33.6%

hydro: 66%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.4% (2001)

Cuba

fossil fuel: 93.9%

hydro: 0.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 5.4% (2001)

Cyprus

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Czech Republic

fossil fuel: 76.1%

hydro: 2.9%

nuclear: 20%

other: 1% (2001)

Denmark

fossil fuel: 82.7%

hydro: 0.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 17.3% (2001)

Djibouti

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Dominica

fossil fuel: 47.1%

hydro: 52.9%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Dominican Republic

fossil fuel: 92%

hydro: 7.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.4% (2001)

East Timor

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Ecuador

fossil fuel: 81%

hydro: 19%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Egypt

fossil fuel: 81%

hydro: 19%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

El Salvador

fossil fuel: 44%

hydro: 30.9%

nuclear: 0%

other: 25.1% (2001)

Equatorial Guinea

fossil fuel: 94.3%

hydro: 5.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Eritrea

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Estonia

fossil fuel: 99.8%

hydro: 0.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.2% (2001)

Ethiopia

fossil fuel: 1.3%

hydro: 97.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 1.2% (2001)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Faroe Islands

fossil fuel: 62.4%

hydro: 37.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Fiji

fossil fuel: 18.5%

hydro: 81.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Finland

fossil fuel: 39%

hydro: 18.7%

nuclear: 30.4%

other: 11.8% (2001)

France

fossil fuel: 8.2%

hydro: 14%

nuclear: 77.1%

other: 0.7% (2001)

French Guiana

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

French Polynesia

fossil fuel: 60.7%

hydro: 39.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%; note - sun, wind, biomass (2001)

Gabon

fossil fuel: 34.5%

hydro: 65.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Gambia, The

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Georgia

fossil fuel: 19.7%

hydro: 80.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Germany

fossil fuel: 61.8%

hydro: 4.2%

nuclear: 29.9%

other: 4.1% (2001)

Ghana

fossil fuel: 5%

hydro: 95%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Gibraltar

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Greece

fossil fuel: 94.5%

hydro: 3.8%

nuclear: 0%

other: 1.7% (2001)

Greenland

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

note: Greenland is shifting its electricity production from fossil

fuel to hydropower production (2001)

Grenada

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Guadeloupe

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Guam

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Guatemala

fossil fuel: 51.9%

hydro: 35.2%

nuclear: 0%

other: 12.9% (2001)

Guernsey

fossil fuel: 0%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

Guinea

fossil fuel: 45.5%

hydro: 54.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Guinea-Bissau

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Guyana

fossil fuel: 99.4%

hydro: 0.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Haiti

fossil fuel: 60.3%

hydro: 39.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Honduras

fossil fuel: 50.2%

hydro: 49.8%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Hong Kong

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Hungary

fossil fuel: 60.1%

hydro: 0.5%

nuclear: 39%

other: 0.3% (2001)

Iceland

fossil fuel: 0.1%

hydro: 82.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 17.5% (2001)

India

fossil fuel: 81.7%

hydro: 14.5%

nuclear: 3.4%

other: 0.3% (2001)

Indonesia

fossil fuel: 86.9%

hydro: 10.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 2.5% (2001)

Iran

fossil fuel: 97.1%

hydro: 2.9%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Iraq

fossil fuel: 98.4%

hydro: 1.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Ireland

fossil fuel: 95.9%

hydro: 2.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 1.7% (2001)

Israel

fossil fuel: 99.9%

hydro: 0.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Italy

fossil fuel: 78.6%

hydro: 18.4%

nuclear: 0%

other: 3% (2001)

Jamaica

fossil fuel: 96.8%

hydro: 1.8%

nuclear: 0%

other: 1.5% (2001)

Japan

fossil fuel: 60%

hydro: 8.4%

nuclear: 29.8%

other: 1.8% (2001)

Jordan

fossil fuel: 99.4%

hydro: 0.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Kazakhstan

fossil fuel: 84.3%

hydro: 15.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Kenya

fossil fuel: 71%

hydro: 17.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 11.3% (2001)

Kiribati

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Korea, North

fossil fuel: 29%

hydro: 71%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Korea, South

fossil fuel: 62.4%

hydro: 0.8%

nuclear: 36.6%

other: 0.2% (2001)

Kuwait

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Kyrgyzstan

fossil fuel: 7.6%

hydro: 92.4%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Laos

fossil fuel: 1.4%

hydro: 98.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Latvia

fossil fuel: 29.1%

hydro: 70.9%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Lebanon

fossil fuel: 97.2%

hydro: 2.8%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Liberia

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Libya

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Liechtenstein

fossil fuel: 0%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2002)

Lithuania

fossil fuel: 16.5%

hydro: 5.7%

nuclear: 77.7%

other: 0% (2001)

Luxembourg

fossil fuel: 57.3%

hydro: 25.2%

nuclear: 0%

other: 17.5% (2001)

Macau

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

fossil fuel: 83.7%

hydro: 16.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Madagascar

fossil fuel: 36.1%

hydro: 63.9%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Malawi

fossil fuel: 3.3%

hydro: 96.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Malaysia

fossil fuel: 89.5%

hydro: 10.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Maldives

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Mali

fossil fuel: 41.7%

hydro: 58.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Malta

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Marshall Islands

fossil fuel: 99%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 1% (solar)

Martinique

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Mauritania

fossil fuel: 85.9%

hydro: 14.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Mauritius

fossil fuel: 90.8%

hydro: 9.2%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Mayotte

fossil fuel: 0%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

Mexico

fossil fuel: 78.7%

hydro: 14.2%

nuclear: 4.2%

other: 2.9% (2001)

Micronesia, Federated States of

fossil fuel: 0%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

Moldova

fossil fuel: 90.6%

hydro: 9.4%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Mongolia

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Montserrat

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Morocco

fossil fuel: 95.4%

hydro: 4.6%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Mozambique

fossil fuel: 2.9%

hydro: 97.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Namibia

fossil fuel: 0%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

Nauru

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Nepal

fossil fuel: 8.5%

hydro: 91.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Netherlands

fossil fuel: 89.9%

hydro: 0.1%

nuclear: 4.3%

other: 5.7% (2001)

Netherlands Antilles

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

New Caledonia

fossil fuel: 76.3%

hydro: 23.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

New Zealand

fossil fuel: 31.6%

hydro: 57.8%

nuclear: 0%

other: 10.7% (2001)

Nicaragua

fossil fuel: 83.9%

hydro: 7.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 8.4% (2001)

Niger

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Nigeria

fossil fuel: 61.9%

hydro: 38.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Niue

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Norfolk Island

fossil fuel: 0%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2002)

Norway

fossil fuel: 0.4%

hydro: 99.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.4% (2001)

Oman

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Pakistan

fossil fuel: 68.8%

hydro: 28.2%

nuclear: 3%

other: 0% (2001)

Palau

0%

Panama

fossil fuel: 37%

hydro: 61.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 1.7% (2001)

Papua New Guinea

fossil fuel: 54.1%

hydro: 45.9%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Paraguay

fossil fuel: 0%

hydro: 99.9%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.1% (2001)

Peru

fossil fuel: 14.5%

hydro: 84.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.8% (2001)

Philippines

fossil fuel: 55.6%

hydro: 17.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 26.9% (2001)

Poland

fossil fuel: 98.1%

hydro: 1.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.4% (2001)

Portugal

fossil fuel: 64.5%

hydro: 31.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 4.1% (2001)

Puerto Rico

fossil fuel: 99.2%

hydro: 0.8%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Qatar

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Reunion

fossil fuel: 55.5%

hydro: 44.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Romania

fossil fuel: 62.5%

hydro: 27.6%

nuclear: 9.9%

other: 0% (2001)

Russia

fossil fuel: 64.3%

hydro: 20.5%

nuclear: 14.8%

other: 0.4% (2001)

Rwanda

fossil fuel: 2.3%

hydro: 97.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Saint Helena

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Saint Lucia

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

fossil fuel: 69.3%

hydro: 30.7%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Samoa

fossil fuel: 58%

hydro: 42%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

San Marino

fossil fuel: 41.18%

hydro: 58.82%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

Sao Tome and Principe

fossil fuel: 41.2%

hydro: 58.8%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Saudi Arabia

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Senegal

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro

fossil fuel: 62.9%

hydro: 37.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Seychelles

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Sierra Leone

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Singapore

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Slovakia

fossil fuel: 30.3%

hydro: 16%

nuclear: 53.6%

other: 0% (2001)

Slovenia

fossil fuel: 35.2%

hydro: 27.3%

nuclear: 36.8%

other: 0.7% (2001)

Solomon Islands

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Somalia

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

South Africa

fossil fuel: 93.5%

hydro: 1.1%

nuclear: 5.5%

other: 0% (2001)

Spain

fossil fuel: 50.4%

hydro: 18.2%

nuclear: 27.2%

other: 4.1% (2001)

Sri Lanka

fossil fuel: 51.7%

hydro: 48.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Sudan

fossil fuel: 52.1%

hydro: 47.9%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Suriname

fossil fuel: 25.2%

hydro: 74.8%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Svalbard

fossil fuel: 58%

hydro: 42%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

Swaziland

fossil fuel: 58%

hydro: 42%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Sweden

fossil fuel: 4%

hydro: 50.8%

nuclear: 43%

other: 2.3% (2001)

Switzerland

fossil fuel: 1.3%

hydro: 59.5%

nuclear: 37.1%

other: 2% (2001)

Syria

fossil fuel: 57.6%

hydro: 42.4%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Taiwan

fossil fuel: 71.4%

hydro: 6%

nuclear: 22.6%

other: 0% (2001)

Tajikistan

fossil fuel: 1.9%

hydro: 98.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Tanzania

fossil fuel: 18.9%

hydro: 81.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Thailand

fossil fuel: 91.3%

hydro: 6.4%

nuclear: 0%

other: 2.4% (2001)

Togo

fossil fuel: 98.7%

hydro: 1.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Tokelau

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Tonga

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago

fossil fuel: 99.8%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.2% (2001)

Tunisia

fossil fuel: 99.5%

hydro: 0.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Turkey

fossil fuel: 79.3%

hydro: 20.4%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.3% (2001)

Turkmenistan

fossil fuel: 99.9%

hydro: 0.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Turks and Caicos Islands

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Tuvalu

fossil fuel: NA%

hydro: NA%

nuclear: NA%

other: NA%

Uganda

fossil fuel: 0.9%

hydro: 99.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Ukraine

fossil fuel: 48.6%

hydro: 7.9%

nuclear: 43.5%

other: 0% (2001)

United Arab Emirates

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

United Kingdom

fossil fuel: 73.8%

hydro: 0.9%

nuclear: 23.7%

other: 1.6% (2001)

United States

fossil fuel: 71.4%

hydro: 5.6%

nuclear: 20.7%

other: 2.3% (2001)

Uruguay

fossil fuel: 0.7%

hydro: 99.1%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.3% (2001)

Uzbekistan

fossil fuel: 88.2%

hydro: 11.8%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Vanuatu

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Venezuela

fossil fuel: 31.7%

hydro: 68.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Vietnam

fossil fuel: 43.7%

hydro: 56.3%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Virgin Islands

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Wallis and Futuna

fossil fuel: 0%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

West Bank

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

Western Sahara

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

World

fossil fuel: NA%

hydro: NA%

nuclear: NA%

other: NA%

Yemen

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Zambia

fossil fuel: 0.5%

hydro: 99.5%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Zimbabwe

fossil fuel: 47%

hydro: 53%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2046 Population below poverty line (%)

Afghanistan

NA%

Albania

30% (2001 est.)

Algeria

23% (1999 est.)

American Samoa

NA%

Andorra

NA%

Angola

NA%

Anguilla

NA%

Antigua and Barbuda

NA%

Argentina

37% (2001 est.)

Armenia

50% (2002 est.)

Aruba

NA%

Australia

NA%

Austria

NA%

Azerbaijan

49% (2002 est.)

Bahamas, The

NA%

Bahrain

NA%

Bangladesh

35.6% (FY 95/96 est.)

Barbados

NA%

Belarus

22% (1995 est.)

Belgium

4%

Belize

33% (1999 est.)

Benin

37% (2001 est.)

Bermuda

NA%

Bhutan

NA%

Bolivia

70% (1999 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

NA%

Botswana

47%

Brazil

22% (1998 est.)

British Virgin Islands

NA%

Brunei

NA%

Bulgaria

12.6% (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso

45% (2001 est.)

Burma

25% (2000 est.)

Burundi

70% (2002 est.)

Cambodia

36% (1997 est.)

Cameroon

48% (2000 est.)

Canada

NA%

Cape Verde

30% (2000)

Cayman Islands

NA%

Central African Republic

NA%

Chad

80% (2001 est.)

Chile

21% (1998 est.)

China

10% (2001 est.)

Christmas Island

NA%

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA%

Colombia

55% (2001)

Comoros

60% (2002 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

NA%

Congo, Republic of the

NA%

Cook Islands

NA%

Costa Rica

20.6% (1999 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

37% (1995)

Croatia

NA%

Cuba

NA%

Cyprus

NA%

Czech Republic

NA%

Denmark

NA%

Djibouti

50% (2001 est.)

Dominica

30% (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic

25%

East Timor

42% (2002 est.)

Ecuador

70% (2001 est.)

Egypt

22.9% (FY 95/96 est.)

El Salvador

48% (1999 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

NA%

Eritrea

53% (1993/94)

Estonia

NA% (2000)

Ethiopia

45% (2002 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA%

Faroe Islands

NA%

Fiji

25.5% (1990-91)

Finland

NA%

France

6.4% (1999)

French Guiana

NA%

French Polynesia

NA%

Gabon

NA%

Gambia, The

NA%

Gaza Strip

60% (2002 est.)

Georgia

54% (2001 est.)

Germany

NA%

Ghana

31.4% (1992 est.)

Gibraltar

NA%

Greece

NA%

Greenland

NA%

Grenada

32% (2000)

Guadeloupe

NA%

Guam

23% (2001 est.)

Guatemala

75% (2002 est.)

Guernsey

NA%

Guinea

40% (1994 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

NA%

Guyana

NA%

Haiti

80% (2002 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA%

Honduras

53% (1993 est.)

Hong Kong

NA%

Hungary

8.6% (1993 est.)

Iceland

NA%

India

25% (2002 est.)

Indonesia

27% (1999)

Iran

40% (2002 est.)

Iraq

NA

Ireland

10% (1997 est.)

Israel

18% (2001 est.)

Italy

NA%

Jamaica

34.2% (1992 est.)

Japan

NA%

Jersey

NA%

Jordan

30% (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

26% (2001 est.)

Kenya

50% (2000 est.)

Kiribati

NA%

Korea, North

NA%

Korea, South

4% (2001 est.)

Kuwait

NA%

Kyrgyzstan

55% (2001 est.)

Laos

40% (2002 est.)

Latvia

NA%

Lebanon

28% (1999 est.)

Lesotho

49% (1999)

Liberia

80%

Libya

NA%

Liechtenstein

NA%

Lithuania

NA%

Luxembourg

NA%

Macau

NA%

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

24% (2001 est.)

Madagascar

71% (1999 est.)

Malawi

54% (FY 90/91 est.)

Malaysia

8% (1998 est.)

Maldives

NA%

Mali

64% average; 30% of the total population living in urban areas;

70% of the total population living in rural areas) (2001 est.)

Malta

NA%

Man, Isle of

NA%

Marshall Islands

NA%

Martinique

NA%

Mauritania

50% (2001 est.)

Mauritius

10% (2001 est.)

Mayotte

NA%

Mexico

40% (2001 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

26.7%

Moldova

80% (2001 est.)

Monaco

NA%

Mongolia

36% (2001 est.)

Montserrat

NA%

Morocco

19% (1999 est.)

Mozambique

70% (2001 est.)

Namibia

50% (2002 est.)

Nauru

NA%

Nepal

42% (1995-96)

Netherlands

NA%

Netherlands Antilles

NA%

New Caledonia

NA%

New Zealand

NA%

Nicaragua

50% (2001 est.)

Niger

63% (1993 est.)

Nigeria

60% (2000 est.)

Niue

NA%

Norfolk Island

NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

NA%

Norway

NA%

Oman

NA%

Pakistan

35% (2001 est.)

Palau

NA%

Panama

37% (1999 est.)

Papua New Guinea

37% (2002 est.)

Paraguay

36% (2001 est.)

Peru

50% (2000 est.)

Philippines

40% (2001 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA%

Poland

18.4% (2000 est.)

Portugal

NA%

Puerto Rico

NA%

Qatar

NA%

Reunion

NA%

Romania

44.5% (2000)

Russia

25% (37622 est.)

Rwanda

60% (2001 est.)

Saint Helena

NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA%

Saint Lucia

NA%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

NA%

Samoa

NA%

San Marino

NA%

Sao Tome and Principe

NA%

Saudi Arabia

NA%

Senegal

54% (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

30%

Seychelles

NA%

Sierra Leone

68% (1989 est.)

Singapore

NA%

Slovakia

NA%

Slovenia

NA%

Solomon Islands

NA%

Somalia

NA%

South Africa

50% (2000 est.)

Spain

NA%

Sri Lanka

22% (1997 est.)

Sudan

NA%

Suriname

70% (2002 est.)

Svalbard

NA%

Swaziland

40% (1995)

Sweden

NA%

Switzerland

NA%

Syria

15%-25%

Taiwan

1% (2000 est.)

Tajikistan

60% (2001 est.)

Tanzania

36% (2002 est.)

Thailand

12.5% (1998 est.)

Togo

32% (1989 est.)

Tokelau

NA%

Tonga

NA%

Trinidad and Tobago

21% (1992 est.)

Tunisia

6% (2000 est.)

Turkey

NA%

Turkmenistan

34.4% (2001 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA%

Tuvalu

NA%

Uganda

35% (2001 est.)

Ukraine

29% (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

NA%

United Kingdom

17%

United States

12.7% (2001 est.)

Uruguay

6% (1997)

Uzbekistan

NA%

Vanuatu

NA%

Venezuela

47% (1998 est.)

Vietnam

37% (1998 est.)

Virgin Islands

NA%

Wallis and Futuna

NA%

West Bank

60% (2002 est.)

Western Sahara

NA%

Yemen

NA

Zambia

86% (1993)

Zimbabwe

70% (2002 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2047 Household income or consumption by percentage share (%)

Afghanistan

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Albania

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Algeria

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 26.8% (1995)

American Samoa

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Andorra

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Angola

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Anguilla

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Antigua and Barbuda

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Argentina

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Armenia

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 46.2% (1999)

Aruba

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Australia

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 25.4% (1994)

Austria

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 22.5% (1995)

Azerbaijan

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 27.8% (1995)

Bahamas, The

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Bahrain

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Bangladesh

lowest 10%: 3.9%

highest 10%: 28.6% (1995-96 est.)

Barbados

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Belarus

lowest 10%: 5.1%

highest 10%: 20% (1998)

Belgium

lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 23% (1996)

Belize

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Benin

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Bermuda

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Bhutan

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Bolivia

lowest 10%: 1.3%

highest 10%: 32% (1999)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Botswana

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Brazil

lowest 10%: 0.7%

highest 10%: 48% (1998)

British Virgin Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Brunei

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Bulgaria

lowest 10%: 4.5%

highest 10%: 22.8% (1997)

Burkina Faso

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 46.8% (1994)

Burma

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 32.4% (1998)

Burundi

lowest 10%: 1.8%

highest 10%: 32.9% (1998)

Cambodia

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 33.8% (1997)

Cameroon

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 36.6% (1996)

Canada

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 23.8% (1994)

Cape Verde

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Cayman Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Central African Republic

lowest 10%: 0.7%

highest 10%: 47.7% (1993)

Chad

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Chile

lowest 10%: 1.3%

highest 10%: 45.6% (1998)

China

lowest 10%: 2.4%

highest 10%: 30.4% (1998)

Christmas Island

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Colombia

lowest 10%: 1%

highest 10%: 44% (1999)

Comoros

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Congo, Republic of the

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Cook Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Costa Rica

lowest 10%: 1.7%

highest 10%: 34.6% (2001)

Cote d'Ivoire

lowest 10%: 3.1%

highest 10%: 28.8% (1995)

Croatia

lowest 10%: 3.7%

highest 10%: 23.3% (1998)

Cuba

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Cyprus

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Czech Republic

lowest 10%: 4.3%

highest 10%: 22.4% (1996)

Denmark

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 24% (2000 est.)

Djibouti

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Dominica

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Dominican Republic

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 37.9% (1998)

East Timor

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Ecuador

lowest 10%: 2.2%

highest 10%: 33.8% (1995)

Egypt

lowest 10%: 4.4%

highest 10%: 25% (1995)

El Salvador

lowest 10%: 1.4%

highest 10%: 39.3% (2001)

Equatorial Guinea

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Eritrea

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Estonia

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 29.8% (1998)

Ethiopia

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 33.7% (1995)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Faroe Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Fiji

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Finland

lowest 10%: 4.2%

highest 10%: 21.6% (1991)

France

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 25.1% (1995)

French Guiana

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

French Polynesia

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Gabon

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Gambia, The

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Gaza Strip

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Georgia

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 27.9% (1996)

Germany

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 25.1% (1997)

Ghana

lowest 10%: 2.2%

highest 10%: 30.1% (1999)

Gibraltar

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Greece

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 25.3% (1993 est.)

Greenland

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Grenada

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Guadeloupe

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Guam

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Guatemala

lowest 10%: 1.6%

highest 10%: 46% (1998)

Guernsey

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Guinea

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 32% (1994)

Guinea-Bissau

lowest 10%: 0.5%

highest 10%: 42.4% (1991)

Guyana

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Haiti

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Holy See (Vatican City)

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Honduras

lowest 10%: 0.6%

highest 10%: 42.7% (1998)

Hong Kong

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Hungary

lowest 10%: 4.1%

highest 10%: 20.5% (1998)

Iceland

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

India

lowest 10%: 3.5%

highest 10%: 33.5% (1997)

Indonesia

lowest 10%: 4%

highest 10%: 26.7% (1999)

Iran

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Iraq

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Ireland

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 27.3% (1997)

Israel

lowest 10%: 2.4%

highest 10%: 28.3% (1997)

Italy

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 26.6% (2000)

Jamaica

lowest 10%: 2.7%

highest 10%: 30.3% (2000)

Japan

lowest 10%: 4.8%

highest 10%: 21.7% (1993)

Jersey

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Jordan

lowest 10%: 3.3%

highest 10%: 29.8% (1997)

Kazakhstan

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 27.3% (2001)

Kenya

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 37.2% (2000)

Kiribati

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Korea, North

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Korea, South

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 24.8% (1998 est.)

Kuwait

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Kyrgyzstan

lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 27.7% (1999)

Laos

lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 30.6% (1997)

Latvia

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 25.9% (1998)

Lebanon

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Lesotho

lowest 10%: 0.9%

highest 10%: 43.4%

Liberia

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Libya

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Liechtenstein

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Lithuania

lowest 10%: 3.1%

highest 10%: 25.6% (1996)

Luxembourg

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Macau

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Madagascar

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 29% (1999)

Malawi

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Malaysia

lowest 10%: 1.7%

highest 10%: 38.4% (1997 est.)

Maldives

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Mali

lowest 10%: 1.8%

highest 10%: 40.4% (1994)

Malta

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Man, Isle of

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Marshall Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Martinique

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Mauritania

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 30.2% (2000)

Mauritius

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Mayotte

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Mexico

lowest 10%: 1.6%

highest 10%: 41.1% (2001)

Micronesia, Federated States of

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Moldova

lowest 10%: 2.2%

highest 10%: 30.7% (1997)

Monaco

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Mongolia

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 24.5% (1995)

Montserrat

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Morocco

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 30.9% (1998-99)

Mozambique

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 31.7% (1997)

Namibia

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Nauru

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Nepal

lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 29.8% (1995-96)

Netherlands

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 25.1% (1994)

Netherlands Antilles

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

New Caledonia

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

New Zealand

lowest 10%: 0.3%

highest 10%: 29.8% (1991 est.)

Nicaragua

lowest 10%: 0.7%

highest 10%: 48.8% (1998)

Niger

lowest 10%: 0.8%

highest 10%: 35.4% (1995)

Nigeria

lowest 10%: 1.6%

highest 10%: 40.8% (1996-97)

Niue

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Norfolk Island

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Norway

lowest 10%: 4.1%

highest 10%: 21.8% (1995)

Oman

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Pakistan

lowest 10%: 4.1%

highest 10%: 27.6% (1996-97)

Palau

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Panama

lowest 10%: 1.2%

highest 10%: 35.7% (1997)

Papua New Guinea

lowest 10%: 1.7%

highest 10%: 40.5% (1996)

Paraguay

lowest 10%: 0.5%

highest 10%: 43.8% (1998)

Peru

lowest 10%: 1.6%

highest 10%: 35.4% (1996)

Philippines

lowest 10%: 1.5%

highest 10%: 39.3% (1998)

Pitcairn Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Poland

lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 24.7% (1998)

Portugal

lowest 10%: 3.1%

highest 10%: 28.4% (1995 est.)

Puerto Rico

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Qatar

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Reunion

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Romania

lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 25% (1998)

Russia

lowest 10%: 5.9%

highest 10%: 47% (2001)

Rwanda

lowest 10%: 4.2%

highest 10%: 24.2% (1985)

Saint Helena

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Saint Lucia

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Samoa

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

San Marino

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Sao Tome and Principe

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Saudi Arabia

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Senegal

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 33.5% (1995)

Serbia and Montenegro

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Seychelles

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Sierra Leone

lowest 10%: 0.5%

highest 10%: 43.6% (1989)

Singapore

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Slovakia

lowest 10%: 5.1%

highest 10%: 18.2% (1992)

Slovenia

lowest 10%: 3.9%

highest 10%: 23% (1998)

Solomon Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Somalia

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

South Africa

lowest 10%: 1.1%

highest 10%: 45.9% (1994)

Spain

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 25.2% (1990)

Sri Lanka

lowest 10%: 3.5%

highest 10%: 28% (1995)

Sudan

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Suriname

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Svalbard

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Swaziland

lowest 10%: 1%

highest 10%: 50.2% (1995)

Sweden

lowest 10%: 3.7%

highest 10%: 20.1% (1992)

Switzerland

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 25.2% (1992)

Syria

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Taiwan

lowest 10%: 6.4%

highest 10%: 41.1% (2002 est.)

Tajikistan

lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 25.2% (1998)

Tanzania

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 30.1% (1993)

Thailand

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 32.4% (1998)

Togo

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Tokelau

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Tonga

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Trinidad and Tobago

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Tunisia

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 31.8% (1995)

Turkey

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 32.3% (1994)

Turkmenistan

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 31.7% (1998)

Turks and Caicos Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Tuvalu

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Uganda

lowest 10%: 4%

highest 10%: 21% (2000)

Ukraine

lowest 10%: 3.7%

highest 10%: 23.2% (1999)

United Arab Emirates

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

United Kingdom

lowest 10%: 2.3%

highest 10%: 27.7% (1995)

United States

lowest 10%: 1.8%

highest 10%: 30.5% (1997)

Uruguay

lowest 10%: 3.7%

highest 10%: 25.8% (1997)

Uzbekistan

lowest 10%: 1.2%

highest 10%: 32.8% (1998)

Vanuatu

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Venezuela

lowest 10%: 0.8%

highest 10%: 36.5% (1998)

Vietnam

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 29.9% (1998)

Virgin Islands

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Wallis and Futuna

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

West Bank

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Western Sahara

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

World

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Yemen

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 25.9% (1998)

Zambia

lowest 10%: 1.1%

highest 10%: 41% (1998)

Zimbabwe

lowest 10%: 1.97%

highest 10%: 40.42% (1995)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2048 Labor force - by occupation (%)

Afghanistan

agriculture 80%, industry 10%, services 10% (1990 est.)

Albania

agriculture 50%, industry and services 50%

Algeria

government 29%, agriculture 25%, construction and public

works 15%, industry 11%, other 20% (1996 est.)

American Samoa

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

Andorra

agriculture 1%, industry 21%, services 78% (2000 est.)

Angola

agriculture 85%, industry and services 15% (1997 est.)

Anguilla

commerce 36%, services 29%, construction 18%,

transportation and utilities 10%, manufacturing 3%,

agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining 4% (2000 est,)

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

Argentina

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Armenia

agriculture 45%, services 30%, industry 25% (2002 est.)

Aruba

most employment is in wholesale and retail trade and repair,

followed by hotels and restaurants; oil refining

Australia

services 73%, industry 22%, agriculture 5% (1997 est.)

Austria

services 67%, industry and crafts 29%, agriculture and

forestry 4% (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

agriculture and forestry 41%, industry 7%, services 52%

(2001)

Bahamas, The

tourism 50%, other services 40%, industry 5%,

agriculture 5% (1999 est.)

Bahrain

industry, commerce, and service 79%, government 20%,

agriculture 1% (1997 est.)

Bangladesh

agriculture 63%, services 26%, industry 11% (FY 95/96)

Barbados

services 75%, industry 15%, agriculture 10% (1996 est.)

Belarus

industry and construction NA%, agriculture and forestry NA%,

services NA%

Belgium

services 73%, industry 25%, agriculture 2% (1999 est.)

Belize

agriculture 27%, industry 18%, services 55% (2001 est.)

Bermuda

clerical 22%, services 20%, laborers 17%, professional and

technical 17%, administrative and managerial 13%, sales 8%,

agriculture and fishing 3% (2000 est.)

Bhutan

agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%

Bolivia

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Bosnia and Herzegovina

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Botswana

NA

Brazil

services 53%, agriculture 23%, industry 24%

British Virgin Islands

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Brunei

government 48%, production of oil, natural gas, services, and

construction 42%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 10% (1999 est.)

Bulgaria

agriculture 26%, industry 31%, services 43% (1998 est.)

Burkina Faso

agriculture 90% (2000 est.)

Burma

agriculture 70%, industry 7%, services 23% (2001 est.)

Burundi

NA

Cambodia

agriculture 80% (2001 est.)

Cameroon

agriculture 70%, industry and commerce 13%, other 17%

Canada

services 74%, manufacturing 15%, construction 5%, agriculture

3%, other 3% (2000)

Cayman Islands

agriculture 1.4%, industry 12.6%, services 86% (1995)

Chad

agriculture more than 80% (subsistence farming, herding, and

fishing)

Chile

agriculture 14%, industry 27%, services 59% (1997 est.)

China

agriculture 50%, industry 22%, services 28% (2001 est.)

Christmas Island

tourism 400 people, mining 100 people (1995)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage workers; tourism employs others

Colombia

services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990)

Comoros

agriculture 80%

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

NA

Cook Islands

agriculture 29%, industry 15%, services 56%

note: shortage of skilled labor (1995)

Costa Rica

agriculture 20%, industry 22%, services 58% (1999 est.)

Croatia

agriculture 13.2% NA, industry 25.4% NA, services 46.4% NA

(2002)

Cuba

agriculture 24%, industry 25%, services 51% (1999)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: services 73%, industry 22%, agriculture

5% (2000); Turkish Cypriot area: services 56.4%, industry 22.8%,

agriculture 20.8% (1998)

Czech Republic

agriculture 5%, industry 35%, services 60% (2001 est.)

Denmark

services 79%, industry 17%, agriculture 4% (2002 est.)

Djibouti

NA%

Dominica

agriculture 40%, industry and commerce 32%, services 28%

Dominican Republic

services and government 58.7%, industry 24.3%,

agriculture 17% (1998 est.)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

agriculture 30%, industry 25%, services 45% (2001 est.)

Egypt

agriculture 29%, industry 22%, services 49% (2000 est.)

El Salvador

agriculture 30%, industry 15%, services 55% (1999 est.)

Eritrea

agriculture 80%, industry and services 20%

Estonia

industry 20%, agriculture 11%, services 69% (1999 est.)

Ethiopia

agriculture and animal husbandry 80%, government and

services 12%, industry and construction 8% (1985)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

agriculture 95% (mostly

sheepherding and fishing)

Faroe Islands

fishing, fish processing, and manufacturing 33%,

construction and private services 33%, public services 34%

Fiji

agriculture, including subsistence agriculture 70% (2001 est.)

Finland

public services 32%, industry 22%, commerce 14%, finance,

insurance, and business services 10%, agriculture and forestry 8%,

transport and communications 8%, construction 6%

France

services 71%, industry 25%, agriculture 4% (1997)

French Guiana

services, government, and commerce 60.6%, industry

21.2%, agriculture 18.2% (1980)

French Polynesia

agriculture 13%, industry 19%, services 68% (1997)

Gabon

agriculture 60%, services 25%, industry 15%

Gambia, The

agriculture 75%, industry, commerce, and services 19%,

government 6%

Gaza Strip

services 66%, industry 21%, agriculture 13% (1996)

Georgia

industry 20%, agriculture 40%, services 40% (1999 est.)

Germany

industry 33.4%, agriculture 2.8%, services 63.8% (1999)

Ghana

agriculture 60%, industry 15%, services 25% (1999 est.)

Gibraltar

services 60%, industry 40%, agriculture NEGL%

Greece

industry 20%, agriculture 20%, services 59% (2000 est.)

Grenada

services 62%, agriculture 24%, industry 14% (1999 est.)

Guadeloupe

NA

Guam

federal and territorial government 26%, private 74% (trade 24%,

other services 40%, industry 10%) (2000 est.)

Guatemala

agriculture 50%, industry 15%, services 35% (1999 est.)

Guinea

agriculture 80%, industry and services 20% (2000 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

agriculture 82% (2000 est.)

Guyana

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Haiti

agriculture 66%, services 25%, industry 9%

Holy See (Vatican City) essentially services with a small amount of industry; note - dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vatican

Honduras

agriculture 34%, industry 21%, services 45% (2001 est.)

Hong Kong

wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels 31%,

financing, insurance, and real estate 13%, community and social

services 12%, manufacturing 6%, transport and communications 6%,

construction 5%, other 25% (2002 est.)

Hungary

services 65%, industry 27%, agriculture 8% (1996)

Iceland

agriculture 5.1%, fishing and fish processing 11.8%,

manufacturing 12.9%, construction 10.7%, other services 59.5% (1999)

India

agriculture 60%, services 23%, industry 17% (1999)

Indonesia

agriculture 45%, industry 16%, services 39% (1999 est.)

Iran

agriculture 30%, industry 25%, services 45% (2001 est.)

Iraq

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Ireland

agriculture 8%, industry 29%, services 64% (2002 est.)

Israel

public services 31.2%, manufacturing 20.2%, finance and

business 13.1%, commerce 12.8%, construction 7.5%, personal and

other services 6.4%, transport, storage, and communications 6.2%,

agriculture, forestry, and fishing 2.6% (1996)

Italy

services 63%, industry 32%, agriculture 5% (2001)

Jamaica

services 60%, agriculture 21%, industry 19% (1998)

Japan

services 70%, industry 25%, agriculture 5% (2002 est.)

Jordan

services 82.5%, industry 12.5%, agriculture 5% (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

industry 30%, agriculture 20%, services 50% (2002 est.)

Kenya

agriculture 75% 75%-80%

Korea, North

agricultural 36%, nonagricultural 64%

Korea, South

services 69%, industry 21.5%, agriculture 9.5% (2001)

Kuwait

agriculture NA, industries NA, services NA

Kyrgyzstan

agriculture 55%, industry 15%, services 30% (2000 est.)

Laos

agriculture 80% (1997 est.)

Latvia

agriculture 15%, industry 25%, services 60% (2000 est.)

Lebanon

services NA%, industry NA%, agriculture NA%

Lesotho

86% of resident population engaged in subsistence

agriculture; roughly 35% of the active male wage earners work in

South Africa

Liberia

agriculture 70%, industry 8%, services 22% (2000 est.)

Libya

services 54%, industry 29%, agriculture 17% (1997 est.)

Liechtenstein

industry 47.4%, services 51.3%, agriculture 1.3%

(37256 est.)

Lithuania

industry 30%, agriculture 20%, services 50% (1997 est.)

Luxembourg

services 90.1%, industry 8%, agriculture 1.9% (1999 est.)

Macau

restaurants and hotels 12%, manufacturing 20%, other services

and agriculture 68% (2002 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

agriculture NA%, industry

NA%, services NA%

Malawi

agriculture 86% (1997 est.)

Malaysia

local trade and tourism 28%, manufacturing 27%,

agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 16%, services 10%, government

10%, construction 9% (2000 est.)

Maldives

agriculture 22%, industry 18%, services 60% (1995)

Mali

agriculture and fishing 80% (2001 est.)

Malta

industry 24%, services 71%, agriculture 5% (1999 est.)

Man, Isle of

agriculture, forestry and fishing 3%, manufacturing

11%, construction 10%, transport and communication 8%, wholesale and

retail distribution 11%, professional and scientific services 18%,

public administration 6%, banking and finance 18%, tourism 2%,

entertainment and catering 3%, miscellaneous services 10%

Marshall Islands

agriculture 21.4%, industry 20.9%, services 57.7%

Martinique

agriculture 10%, industry 17%, services 73% (1997)

Mauritania

agriculture 50%, services 40%, industry 10% (2001 est.)

Mauritius

construction and industry 36%, services 24%, agriculture

and fishing 14%, trade, restaurants, hotels 16%, transportation and

communication 7%, finance 3% (1995)

Mexico

agriculture 20%, industry 24%, services 56% (1998)

Micronesia, Federated States of

two-thirds are government employees

Moldova

agriculture 40%, industry 14%, services 46% (1998)

Mongolia

primarily herding/agricultural

Montserrat

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Morocco

agriculture 50%, services 35%, industry 15% (1999 est.)

Mozambique

agriculture 81%, industry 6%, services 13% (1997 est.)

Namibia

agriculture 47%, industry 20%, services 33% (1999 est.)

Nauru

employed in mining phosphates, public administration,

education, and transportation

Nepal

agriculture 81%, services 16%, industry 3%

Netherlands

services 73%, industry 23%, agriculture 4% (1998 est.)

Netherlands Antilles agriculture 1%, industry 13%, services 86% (2000 est.)

New Caledonia

agriculture 7%, industry 23%, services 70% (1999 est.)

New Zealand

services 65%, industry 25%, agriculture 10% (1995)

Nicaragua

services 43%, agriculture 42%, industry 15% (1999 est.)

Niger

agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 6%, government 4%

Nigeria

agriculture 70%, industry 10%, services 20% (1999 est.)

Niue

most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in

government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Norfolk Island

tourism NA%, subsistence agriculture NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

NA

Norway

services 74%, industry 22%, agriculture, forestry, and

fishing 4% (1995)

Oman

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Pakistan

agriculture 44%, industry 17%, services 39% (1999 est.)

Palau

agriculture 20%, industry NA%, services NA% (1990)

Panama

agriculture 20.8%, industry 18%, services 61.2% (1995 est.)

Papua New Guinea

agriculture 85%, industry NA%, services NA%

Paraguay

agriculture 45%

Peru

agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, construction,

transport, services

Philippines

agriculture 45%, industry 15%, services 40% (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishing

Poland

industry 22.1%, agriculture 27.5%, services 50.4% (1999)

Portugal

services 60%, industry 30%, agriculture 10% (1999 est.)

Puerto Rico

agriculture 3%, industry 20%, services 77% (2000 est.)

Reunion

agriculture 13%, industry 12%, services 75% (2000)

Romania

agriculture 40%, industry 25%, services 35% (1998)

Russia

agriculture 12.3%, industry 22.7%, services 65% (2002 est.)

Rwanda

agriculture 90%

Saint Helena

agriculture and fishing 6%, industry (mainly

construction) 48%, services 46% (1987 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA

Saint Lucia

agriculture 21.7%, services 53.6%, industry, commerce,

and manufacturing 24.7% (2002 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

fishing 18%, industry (mainly

fish-processing) 41%, services 41% (1996 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

agriculture 26%, industry 17%,

services 57% (1980 est.)

Samoa

NA

San Marino

services 57%, industry 42%, agriculture 1% (2000 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing note: shortages of skilled workers

Saudi Arabia

agriculture 12%, industry 25%, services 63% (1999 est.)

Senegal

agriculture 70%

Serbia and Montenegro

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Seychelles

industry 19%, services 71%, agriculture 10% (1989)

Sierra Leone

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Singapore

financial, business, and other services 35%, manufacturing

21%, construction 13%, transportation and communication 9%, other 22%

Slovakia

industry 29.3%, agriculture 8.9%, construction 8%,

transport and communication 8.2%, services 45.6% (1994)

Slovenia

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Solomon Islands

agriculture 75%, industry 5%, services 20% (2000

est.)

Somalia

agriculture (mostly pastoral nomadism) 71%, industry and

services 29%

South Africa

agriculture 30%, industry 25%, services 45% (1999 est.)

Spain

services 64%, manufacturing, mining, and construction 29%,

agriculture 7% (2001 est.)

Sri Lanka

services 45%, agriculture 38%, industry 17% (1998 est.)

Sudan

agriculture 80%, industry and commerce 7%, government 13%

(1998 est.)

Suriname

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Swaziland

NA

Sweden

agriculture 2%, industry 24%, services 74% (2000 est.)

Switzerland

services 69.1%, industry 26.3%, agriculture 4.6% (1998)

Syria

agriculture, industry, services NA (2002)

Taiwan

services 58%, industry 35%, agriculture 7% (2001 est.)

Tajikistan

agriculture 67.2%, industry 7.5%, services 25.3% (2000

est.)

Tanzania

agriculture 80%, industry and services 20% (2002 est.)

Thailand

agriculture 54%, industry 15%, services 31% (1996 est.)

Togo

agriculture 65%, industry 5%, services 30% (1998 est.)

Tonga

agriculture 65% (1997 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

construction and utilities 12.4%, manufacturing,

mining, and quarrying 14%, agriculture 9.5%, services 64.1% (1997

est.)

Tunisia

services 55%, industry 23%, agriculture 22% (1995 est.)

Turkey

agriculture 39.7%, services 37.9%, industry 22.4% (3rd

quarter, 2001)

Turkmenistan

agriculture 48%, industry 15%, services 37% (1998 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

about 33% in government and 20% in

agriculture and fishing; significant numbers in tourism, financial,

and other services

Tuvalu

people make a living mainly through exploitation of the sea,

reefs, and atolls and from wages sent home by those abroad (mostly

workers in the phosphate industry and sailors)

Uganda

agriculture 82%, industry 5%, services 13% (1999 est.)

Ukraine

industry 32%, agriculture 24%, services 44% (1996)

United Arab Emirates services 78%, industry 15%, agriculture 7% (2000 est.)

United Kingdom

agriculture 1%, industry 25%, services 74% (1999)

United States

managerial and professional 31%, technical, sales and

administrative support 28.9%, services 13.6%, manufacturing, mining,

transportation, and crafts 24.1%, farming, forestry, and fishing 2.4%

note: figures exclude the unemployed (2001)

Uruguay

agriculture 14%, industry 16%, services 70%

Uzbekistan

agriculture 44%, industry 20%, services 36% (1995)

Vanuatu

agriculture 65%, services 30%, industry 5% (2000 est.)

Venezuela

services 64%, industry 23%, agriculture 13% (1997 est.)

Vietnam

agriculture 63%, industry and services 37% (2000 est.)

Virgin Islands

agriculture 1%, industry 20%, services 79% (1990 est.)

Wallis and Futuna agriculture, livestock, and fishing 80%, government 4% (2001 est.)

West Bank

services 66%, industry 21%, agriculture 13% (1996)

Western Sahara

animal husbandry and subsistence farming 50%

World

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Yemen

most people are employed in agriculture and herding; services,

construction, industry, and commerce account for less than

one-fourth of the labor force

Zambia

agriculture 85%, industry 6%, services 9%

Zimbabwe

agriculture 66%, services 24%, industry 10% (1996)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2049 Exports - commodities

Afghanistan

opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton,

hides and pelts, precious and semi-precious gems

Albania

textiles and footwear; asphalt, metals and metallic ores,

crude oil; vegetables, fruits, tobacco

Algeria

petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products 97%

American Samoa

canned tuna 93%

Andorra

tobacco products, furniture

Angola

crude oil, diamonds, refined petroleum products, gas, coffee,

sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton

Anguilla

lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum

Antigua and Barbuda

petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%,

machinery and transport equipment 17%, food and live animals 4%,

other 8%

Argentina

edible oils, fuels and energy, cereals, feed, motor

vehicles

Armenia

diamonds, mineral products, foodstuffs, energy

Aruba

live animals and animal products, art and collectibles,

machinery and electrical equipment, transport equipment

Australia

coal, gold, meat, wool, alumina, iron ore, wheat,

machinery and transport equipment

Austria

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, paper and

paperboard, metal goods, chemicals, iron and steel; textiles,

foodstuffs

Azerbaijan

oil and gas 90%, machinery, cotton, foodstuffs

Bahamas, The

fish and crawfish; rum, salt, chemicals; fruit and

vegetables

Bahrain

petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles

Bangladesh

garments, jute and jute goods, leather, frozen fish and

seafood (2001)

Barbados

sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and beverages,

chemicals, electrical components

Belarus

machinery and equipment, mineral products, chemicals,

metals; textiles, foodstuffs

Belgium

machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and

metal products, foodstuffs

Belize

sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses,

wood

Benin

cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa

Bermuda

reexports of pharmaceuticals

Bhutan

electricity (to India), cardamom, gypsum, timber,

handicrafts, cement, fruit, precious stones, spices

Bolivia

soybeans, natural gas, zinc, gold, wood (2000)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

metals, clothing, wood products

Botswana

diamonds 90%, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles

Brazil

transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee,

autos

British Virgin Islands

rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals; gravel, sand

Brunei

crude oil, natural gas, refined products

Bulgaria

clothing, footwear, iron and steel, machinery and

equipment, fuels

Burkina Faso

cotton, livestock, gold

Burma

gas, wood products, pulses, beans, fish, rice

Burundi

coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, hides

Cambodia

timber, garments, rubber, rice, fish

Cameroon

crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans,

aluminum, coffee, cotton

Canada

motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft,

telecommunications equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers; wood

pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity, aluminum

Cape Verde

fuel, shoes, garments, fish, hides

Cayman Islands

turtle products, manufactured consumer goods

Central African Republic

diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco

Chad

cotton, cattle, gum arabic

Chile

copper, fish, fruits, paper and pulp, chemicals

China

machinery and equipment; textiles and clothing, footwear, toys

and sporting goods; mineral fuels

Christmas Island

phosphate

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

copra

Colombia

petroleum, coffee, coal, apparel, bananas, cut flowers

Comoros

vanilla, ylang-ylang, cloves, perfume oil, copra

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

diamonds, copper, crude oil,

coffee, cobalt

Congo, Republic of the

petroleum, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa,

coffee, diamonds

Cook Islands

copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee;

fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing

Costa Rica

coffee, bananas, sugar; pineapples; textiles, electronic

components, medical equipment

Cote d'Ivoire

cocoa, coffee, timber, petroleum, cotton, bananas,

pineapples, palm oil, fish

Croatia

transport equipment, textiles, chemicals, foodstuffs, fuels

Cuba

sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, coffee

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: citrus, potatoes, pharmaceuticals,

cement, clothing and cigarettes; Turkish Cypriot area: citrus,

potatoes, textiles

Czech Republic

machinery and transport equipment 44%, intermediate

manufactures 25%, chemicals 7%, raw materials and fuel 7% (2000)

Denmark

machinery and instruments, meat and meat products, dairy

products, fish, chemicals, furniture, ships, windmills

Djibouti

reexports, hides and skins, coffee (in transit)

Dominica

bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges

Dominican Republic

ferronickel, sugar, gold, silver, coffee, cocoa,

tobacco, meats, consumer goods

East Timor

coffee, sandalwood, marble; note - the potential for oil

and vanilla exports

Ecuador

petroleum, bananas, shrimp, coffee, cocoa, cut flowers, fish

Egypt

crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal

products, chemicals

El Salvador

offshore assembly exports, coffee, sugar, shrimp,

textiles, chemicals, electricity

Equatorial Guinea

petroleum, methanol, timber, cocoa

Eritrea

livestock, sorghum, textiles, food, small manufactures (2000)

Estonia

machinery and equipment 33%, wood and paper 15%, textiles

14%, food products 8%, furniture 7%, metals, chemical products (2001)

Ethiopia

coffee, qat, gold, leather products, live animals, oilseeds

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

wool, hides, meat

Faroe Islands

fish and fish products 94%, stamps, ships (1999)

Fiji

sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil

Finland

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals; timber, paper,

pulp (1999)

France

machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics,

chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages

French Guiana

shrimp, timber, gold, rum, rosewood essence, clothing

French Polynesia cultured pearls 50%, coconut products, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, shark meat (1997)

Gabon

crude oil 77%, timber, manganese, uranium (2001)

Gambia, The

peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels,

re-exports

Gaza Strip

citrus, flowers

Georgia

scrap metal, machinery, chemicals; fuel reexports; citrus

fruits, tea, wine

Germany

machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals and manufactures,

foodstuffs, textiles

Ghana

gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore,

diamonds

Gibraltar

(principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods

41%, other 8%

Greece

food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products,

chemicals, textiles

Greenland

fish and fish products 94% (prawns 63%)

Grenada

bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, mace

Guadeloupe

bananas, sugar, rum

Guam

mostly transshipments of refined petroleum products;

construction materials, fish, food and beverage products

Guatemala

coffee, sugar, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom,

meat, apparel, petroleum, electricity

Guernsey

tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other

vegetables

Guinea

bauxite, alumina, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural

products

Guinea-Bissau

cashew nuts, shrimp, peanuts, palm kernels, sawn lumber

Guyana

sugar, gold, bauxite/alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum,

timber

Haiti

manufactures, coffee, oils, cocoa

Honduras

coffee, bananas, shrimp, lobster, meat; zinc, lumber (2000)

Hong Kong

electrical machinery and appliances, textiles, apparel,

footwear, watches and clocks, toys, plastics, precious stones

Hungary

machinery and equipment 57.6%, other manufactures 31.0%,

food products 7.5%, raw materials 1.9%, fuels and electricity 1.9%

(2001)

Iceland

fish and fish products 70%, animal products, aluminum,

diatomite, ferrosilicon

India

textile goods, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, chemicals,

leather manufactures

Indonesia

oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles,

rubber

Iran

petroleum 85%, carpets, fruits and nuts, iron and steel,

chemicals

Iraq

crude oil

Ireland

machinery and equipment, computers, chemicals,

pharmaceuticals; live animals, animal products (1999)

Israel

machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural

products, chemicals, textiles and apparel

Italy

engineering products, textiles and clothing, production

machinery, motor vehicles, transport equipment, chemicals; food,

beverages and tobacco; minerals and nonferrous metals

Jamaica

alumina, bauxite; sugar, bananas, rum

Japan

motor vehicles, semiconductors, office machinery, chemicals

Jersey

light industrial and electrical goods, foodstuffs, textiles

Jordan

phosphates, fertilizers, potash, agricultural products,

manufactures, pharmaceuticals

Kazakhstan

oil and oil products 58%, ferrous metals 24%, chemicals

5%, machinery 3%, grain, wool, meat, coal (2001)

Kenya

tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish,

cement

Kiribati

copra 62%, coconuts, seaweed, fish

Korea, North

minerals, metallurgical products, manufactures

(including armaments); textiles and fishery products

Korea, South

electronic products, machinery and equipment, motor

vehicles, steel, ships; textiles, clothing, footwear; fish

Kuwait

oil and refined products, fertilizers

Kyrgyzstan

cotton, wool, meat, tobacco; gold, mercury, uranium,

natural gas, hydropower; machinery; shoes

Laos

wood products, garments, electricity, coffee, tin

Latvia

wood and wood products, machinery and equipment, metals,

textiles, foodstuffs

Lebanon

foodstuffs and tobacco, textiles, chemicals, precious

stones, metal products, electrical products, jewelry, paper products

Lesotho

manufactures 75% (clothing, footwear, road vehicles), wool

and mohair, food and live animals (2000)

Liberia

rubber, timber, iron, diamonds, cocoa, coffee

Libya

crude oil, refined petroleum products (1999)

Liechtenstein

small specialty machinery, connectors for audio and

video, parts for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware, prepared

foodstuffs, electronic equipment, optical products

Lithuania

mineral products 23%, textiles and clothing 16%, machinery

and equipment 11%, chemicals 6%, wood and wood products 5%,

foodstuffs 5% (2001)

Luxembourg

machinery and equipment, steel products, chemicals,

rubber products, glass

Macau

clothing, textiles, footwear, cement, machines, and parts

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

food, beverages, tobacco;

miscellaneous manufactures, iron and steel

Madagascar

coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar; cotton cloth,

chromite, petroleum products

Malawi

tobacco 60%, tea, sugar, cotton, coffee, peanuts, wood

products, apparel

Malaysia

electronic equipment, petroleum and liquefied natural gas,

wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals (2000)

Maldives

fish, clothing

Mali

cotton, gold, livestock

Malta

machinery and transport equipment, manufactures

Man, Isle of

tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb

Marshall Islands

copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish

Martinique

refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples

(2001 est.)

Mauritania

iron ore, fish and fish products, gold

Mauritius

clothing and textiles, sugar, cut flowers, molasses

Mayotte

ylang-ylang (perfume essence), vanilla, copra, coconuts,

coffee, cinnamon

Mexico

manufactured goods, oil and oil products, silver, fruits,

vegetables, coffee, cotton

Micronesia, Federated States of

fish, garments, bananas, black pepper

Moldova

foodstuffs, textiles, machinery

Mongolia

copper, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides,

fluorspar, other nonferrous metals

Montserrat

electronic components, plastic bags, apparel, hot

peppers, live plants, cattle

Morocco

clothing, fish, inorganic chemicals, transistors, crude

minerals, fertilizers (including phosphates), petroleum products,

fruits, vegetables

Mozambique

aluminum, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber;

bulk electricity

Namibia

diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium; cattle,

processed fish, karakul skins

Nauru

phosphates

Nepal

carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, grain

Netherlands

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs

Netherlands Antilles

petroleum products

New Caledonia

ferronickels, nickel ore, fish

New Zealand

dairy products, meat, wood and wood products, fish,

machinery

Nicaragua

coffee, shrimp and lobster, cotton, tobacco, bananas,

beef, sugar, gold

Niger

uranium ore, livestock, cowpeas, onions

Nigeria

petroleum and petroleum products 95%, cocoa, rubber

Niue

canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit

products, pawpaws, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts

Norfolk Island

postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and

Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados

Northern Mariana Islands

garments

Norway

petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment,

metals, chemicals, ships, fish

Oman

petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Pakistan

textiles (garments, cotton cloth, and yarn), rice, leather,

sports goods, and carpets and rugs

Palau

shellfish, tuna, copra, garments

Panama

bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing (1999)

Papua New Guinea oil, gold, copper ore, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, crayfish, prawns

Paraguay

soybeans, feed, cotton, meat, edible oils, electricity

Peru

fish and fish products, gold, copper, zinc, crude petroleum and

byproducts, lead, coffee, sugar, cotton

Philippines

electronic equipment, machinery and transport equipment,

garments, coconut products, chemicals

Pitcairn Islands

fruits, vegetables, curios, stamps

Poland

machinery and transport equipment 30.2%, intermediate

manufactured goods 25.5%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 20.9%,

food and live animals 8.5% (1999)

Portugal

clothing and footwear, machinery, chemicals, cork and paper

products, hides

Puerto Rico

chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum,

beverage concentrates, medical equipment

Qatar

petroleum products, fertilizers, steel

Reunion

sugar 63%, rum and molasses 4%, perfume essences 2%, lobster

3%, (1993)

Romania

textiles and footwear, metals and metal products, machinery

and equipment, minerals and fuels

Russia

petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, wood and wood

products, metals, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and

military manufactures

Rwanda

coffee, tea, hides, tin ore

Saint Helena

fish (frozen, canned, and salt-dried skipjack, tuna),

coffee, handicrafts

Saint Kitts and Nevis

machinery, food, electronics, beverages,

tobacco

Saint Lucia

bananas 41%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits,

coconut oil

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

fish and fish products, soybeans, animal

feed, mollusks and crustaceans, fox and mink pelts

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

bananas 39%, eddoes and dasheen

(taro), arrowroot starch, tennis racquets

Samoa

fish, coconut oil and cream, copra, taro, automotive parts,

garments, beer

San Marino

building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked

goods, hides, ceramics

Sao Tome and Principe

cocoa 80%, copra, coffee, palm oil

Saudi Arabia

petroleum and petroleum products 90%

Senegal

fish, groundnuts (peanuts), petroleum products, phosphates,

cotton

Serbia and Montenegro

manufactured goods, food and live animals, raw

materials

Seychelles

canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum

products (reexports)

Sierra Leone

diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish (1999)

Singapore

machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer

goods, chemicals, mineral fuels

Slovakia

machinery and transport equipment 39.4%, intermediate

manufactured goods 27.5%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 13%,

chemicals 8% (1999)

Slovenia

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment,

chemicals, food

Solomon Islands

timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa

Somalia

livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal

South Africa

gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals,

machinery and equipment (1998 est.)

Spain

machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, other consumer goods

Sri Lanka

textiles and apparel, tea, diamonds, coconut products,

petroleum products

Sudan

oil and petroleum products; cotton, sesame, livestock,

groundnuts, gum arabic, sugar

Suriname

alumina, crude oil, lumber, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas

Swaziland

soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn,

refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit

Sweden

machinery 35%, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood,

iron and steel products, chemicals

Switzerland

machinery, chemicals, metals, watches, agricultural

products

Syria

crude oil 70%, petroleum products 7%, fruits and vegetables

5%, cotton fiber 4%, clothing 3%, meat and live animals 2% (2000

est.)

Taiwan

machinery and electrical equipment 54%, metals, textiles,

plastics, chemicals (2002)

Tajikistan

aluminum, electricity, cotton, fruits, vegetable oil,

textiles

Tanzania

gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manufactures, cotton

Thailand

computers, transistors, seafood, clothing, rice (2000)

Togo

reexports, cotton, phosphates, coffee, cocoa

Tokelau

stamps, copra, handicrafts

Tonga

squash, fish, vanilla beans, root crops

Trinidad and Tobago

petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals,

steel products, fertilizer, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus, flowers

Tunisia

textiles, mechanical goods, phosphates and chemicals,

agricultural products, hydrocarbons

Turkey

apparel, foodstuffs, textiles, metal manufactures, transport

equipment

Turkmenistan

gas 57%, oil 26%, cotton fiber 3%, textiles 2% (2001)

Turks and Caicos Islands

lobster, dried and fresh conch, conch shells

Tuvalu

copra, fish

Uganda

coffee, fish and fish products, tea; gold, cotton, flowers,

horticultural products

Ukraine

ferrous and nonferrous metals, fuel and petroleum products,

chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, food products

United Arab Emirates

crude oil 45%, natural gas, reexports, dried

fish, dates

United Kingdom

manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food,

beverages, tobacco

United States

capital goods, automobiles, industrial supplies and

raw materials, consumer goods, agricultural products

Uruguay

meat, rice, leather products, wool, vehicles, dairy products

Uzbekistan

cotton 41.5%, gold 9.6%, energy products 9.6%, mineral

fertilizers, ferrous metals, textiles, food products, automobiles

(1998 est.)

Vanuatu

copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee

Venezuela

petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, steel, chemicals,

agricultural products, basic manufactures

Vietnam

crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea,

garments, shoes

Virgin Islands

refined petroleum products

Wallis and Futuna

copra, chemicals, construction materials

West Bank

olives, fruit, vegetables, limestone

Western Sahara

phosphates 62%

World

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and

services

Yemen

crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish

Zambia

copper 55%, cobalt, electricity, tobacco, flowers, cotton

Zimbabwe

tobacco, gold, ferroalloys, textiles/clothing

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2050 Exports - partners (%)

Afghanistan

Pakistan 26.8%, India 26.5%, Finland 5.8%, Germany 5.1%,

UAE 4.4%, Belgium 4.3%, Russia 4.2%, US 4.2% (2002)

Albania

Italy 76.6%, Germany 5.6%, Greece 2.7% (2002)

Algeria

Italy 18.9%, Spain 13.1%, France 13%, US 12.1%, Netherlands

6%, Brazil 5.9%, Canada 5.7%, Turkey 5.3%, Belgium 5.1% (2002)

American Samoa

Indonesia 71.1%, Japan 7.7%, Samoa 7.7%, Australia

6.7% (2002)

Andorra

Spain 58%, France 34% (2000)

Angola

US 41.2%, China 13.7%, France 8%, Belgium 6.3%, Taiwan 6.3%,

Japan 4.9%, Spain 4.3% (2002)

Anguilla

UK, US, Puerto Rico, Saint-Martin (2000)

Antigua and Barbuda

France 68.5%, Germany 26.4%, Italy 1.2% (2002)

Argentina

Brazil 23.6%, US 10.9%, Chile 9.7%, Spain 4.3% (2002)

Armenia

Belgium 21.5%, Russia 14.6%, Israel 10.3%, Iran 9.4%, US

8.2%, Switzerland 6.8%, Germany 6.2% (2002)

Aruba

Netherlands 28.6%, Colombia 21.7%, Panama 16.8%, US 12.1%,

Netherlands Antilles 8.3%, Venezuela 7.6% (2002)

Australia

Japan 18.5%, US 9.6%, South Korea 8.3%, China 6.9%, New

Zealand 6.5%, UK 4.7%, Singapore 4.1%, Taiwan 4% (2002)

Austria

Germany 31.5%, Italy 9.3%, Switzerland 5.4%, US 4.9%, UK

4.9%, France 4.7%, Hungary 4.3% (2002)

Azerbaijan

Italy 28.7%, Germany 17.7%, Israel 10.6%, France 8.4%,

Georgia 6.7%, Russia 4.7% (2002)

Bahamas, The

US 39.1%, Germany 15.4%, Spain 10.8%, France 7.4%,

Poland 4.6%, Switzerland 4.3% (2002)

Bahrain

US 4.5%, India 3.2%, Saudi Arabia 2.1% (2002)

Bangladesh

US 27.6%, Germany 10.4%, UK 9.8%, France 5.7%, Italy 4%

(2002)

Barbados

US 14.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 12%, UK 10.6%, Jamaica 6.2%,

Saint Lucia 4.7% (2002)

Belarus

Russia 50.8%, Latvia 7.3%, Ukraine 6.3%, Lithuania 4.1%,

Germany 4.1% (2002)

Belgium

Germany 18.6%, France 16.3%, Netherlands 11.6%, UK 9.6%, US

7.9%, Italy 5.4% (2002)

Belize

US 40.5%, UK 23.2%, Peru 8.3% (2002)

Benin

India 25%, Italy 11.1%, Indonesia 7.4%, China 7.2%, Thailand

6.7%, Brazil 6.1%, UK 4.4%, Niger 4% (2002)

Bermuda

France 77.4%, UK 2.8%, US 2.4% (2002)

Bhutan

US 24.1%, UK 23.9%, Pakistan 23.1%, France 13.9% (2002)

Bolivia

Brazil 24.3%, Switzerland 15.7%, US 14.1%, Venezuela 12.8%,

Colombia 10.2%, Peru 5.4% (2002)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Italy 31.6%, Croatia 18%, Germany 12.9%,

Austria 10.1%, Slovenia 6.9%, Greece 4.3% (2002)

Botswana

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) 87%, Southern

African Customs Union (SACU) 7%, Zimbabwe 4% (2000)

Brazil

US 23.8%, Argentina 8.5%, Germany 5%, China 4.3%, Netherlands

4.2% (2002)

British Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US

Brunei

Japan 40.3%, South Korea 12.3%, Thailand 12.1%, Australia

9.2%, US 8.1%, China 6.4%, Singapore 5.7% (2002)

Bulgaria

Italy 15.5%, Germany 9.6%, Turkey 9.4%, Greece 9.2%, France

5.3%, US 4.8% (2002)

Burkina Faso

Singapore 14.7%, Italy 11.3%, Colombia 8.6%, France

7.7%, India 6.9%, Ghana 6%, Japan 4.4%, Thailand 4.3% (2002)

Burma

Thailand 31.4%, US 13%, India 7.4%, China 4.7% (2002)

Burundi

Switzerland 28.8%, Germany 20.2%, Belgium 9.4%, Kenya 7.8%,

Rwanda 6.5%, Netherlands 4.6% (2002)

Cambodia

US 60.2%, Germany 9.1%, UK 7.1%, Singapore 4.4% (2002)

Cameroon

Italy 16.7%, Spain 16%, France 12.8%, US 8.3%, Netherlands

8.2%, Taiwan 7.7%, China 5.2%, UK 4.4% (2002)

Canada

US 87.7%, Japan 2%, UK 1.1% (2002)

Cape Verde

Portugal 38.5%, UK 26.4%, France 23.1%, US 8.2% (2002)

Cayman Islands

mostly US

Central African Republic

Belgium 66.8%, Spain 6.4%, Kazakhstan 4%

(2002)

Chad

Portugal 28.3%, Germany 13.6%, US 7.8%, Czech Republic 6.5%,

France 5.8%, Nigeria 5.8%, Poland 5.5%, Spain 5.2%, Morocco 4.5%

(2002)

Chile

US 19.1%, Japan 10.5%, China 6.7%, Mexico 5%, Italy 4.7%, UK

4.4% (2002)

China

US 21.5%, Hong Kong 18%, Japan 14.9%, South Korea 4.8% (2002)

Christmas Island

Australia, NZ

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Australia (1999)

Colombia

US 44.8%, Venezuela 9.4%, Ecuador 6.8% (2002)

Comoros

France 32.4%, Germany 19.4%, US 17.6%, Singapore 11.5%,

Netherlands 6.5% (2002)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Belgium 64.4%, US 13.4%, Zimbabwe

6.7%, Finland 4.9% (2002)

Congo, Republic of the

Taiwan 28.1%, South Korea 20.4%, China 9.3%,

US 8.4%, Germany 6.6%, France 5.2% (2002)

Cook Islands

Australia 34%, Japan 27%, New Zealand 25%, US 8% (2000)

Costa Rica

US 31.5%, Netherlands 8.9%, UK 4.5% (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire

France 14.5%, Netherlands 12.9%, US 7.6%, Germany

5.4%, Mali 4.6%, Belgium 4.4%, Spain 4.3% (2002)

Croatia

Italy 22.4%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.4%, Germany 12.5%,

Slovenia 8%, Austria 7.3% (2002)

Cuba

Netherlands 19.1%, Russia 18.1%, Canada 14.3%, Spain 9.5%,

China 7.3% (2002)

Cyprus

UK 28.2%, Greece 7%, UAE 5.3%, France 5.2% (2002)

Czech Republic

Germany 40.2%, Slovakia 7.1%, Austria 5.8%, UK 5.1%,

Poland 5%, France 4% (2002)

Denmark

Germany 17.1%, Sweden 11.6%, UK 7.8%, US 6.8%, France 5.8%,

Norway 5.7%, Japan 4.4% (2002)

Djibouti

Somalia 56.7%, Yemen 24.4%, Pakistan 4.8%, Ethiopia 4.4%,

UAE 4.1% (2002)

Dominica

UK 36.1%, Jamaica 18%, US 7.5%, Antigua and Barbuda 6.4%,

Guyana 5.4%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.4% (2002)

Dominican Republic

US 85%, Canada 1.6%, UK 1.6% (2002)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

US 39%, Colombia 5.6%, South Korea 5.1%, Germany 5%, Italy

4.4% (2002)

Egypt

US 18.3%, Italy 13.7%, UK 8.4% (2002)

El Salvador

US 63.3%, Guatemala 12%, Honduras 6.8%, Nicaragua 4.5%

(2002)

Equatorial Guinea

US 28.3%, Spain 25.3%, China 17.4%, Canada 10.6%,

France 4.9% (2002)

Eritrea

Italy 36.9%, Germany 16.7%, France 10.3%, US 5.4%,

Netherlands 5.2% (2002)

Estonia

Finland 19.2%, Sweden 13.2%, UK 10.6%, Latvia 7.4%, Germany

7.2% (2002)

Ethiopia

UK 16.2%, Djibouti 10.9%, Germany 7.6%, Italy 7.2%, Japan

6.7%, Saudi Arabia 6.5%, US 4.4% (2002)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Spain 76.2%, UK 9.2%, US 7.1%

(2002)

Faroe Islands

Denmark 39.9%, UK 32.1%, Norway 7.4%, Netherlands 6.1%

(2002)

Fiji

US 25.1%, Australia 19.5%, UK 10.6%, Japan 6.3%, Samoa 5.5%

(2002)

Finland

Germany 11.8%, UK 9.6%, US 9%, Sweden 8.5%, Russia 6.6%,

Netherlands 4.6%, France 4.5% (2002)

France

Germany 15%, UK 9.8%, Spain 9%, Italy 9%, US 7.8%, Belgium

6.9% (2002)

French Guiana

France 62%, Switzerland 7%, US 2% (2001)

French Polynesia

France 37.4%, Japan 35.5%, US 17.5% (2002)

Gabon

US 46.5%, France 11.6%, China 6.5%, Netherlands Antilles 5.8%

(2002)

Gambia, The

France 21.9%, UK 19.1%, Malaysia 11.8%, Italy 11.1%,

Germany 7.3%, Belgium 6.3%, South Africa 4.2% (2002)

Gaza Strip

Israel, Egypt, West Bank

Georgia

Turkey 23%, Italy 12.1%, Russia 11.4%, Greece 8.5%,

Netherlands 7.5%, Spain 5.9%, Turkmenistan 4.7%, Ukraine 4.3% (2002)

Germany

France 10.7%, US 10.3%, UK 8.4%, Italy 7.3%, Netherlands

6.1%, Austria 5.1%, Belgium 4.8%, Spain 4.6%, Switzerland 4.2% (2002)

Ghana

Netherlands 14.8%, UK 9.9%, US 7%, Germany 6.6%, France 5.8%,

Nigeria 4.8%, Belgium 4.4%, Italy 4.2% (2002)

Gibraltar

UK 27.7%, Switzerland 14.3%, Germany 12%, France 6.9%,

Spain 6.1%, Turkmenistan 5%, Ukraine 4.6% (2002)

Greece

Germany 10.4%, Italy 8.5%, UK 6.3%, Bulgaria 5.4%, US 5.3%,

Cyprus 4.7% (2002)

Greenland

Denmark 60.3%, Japan 15.5%, US 6%, Thailand 5%, Germany 4%

(2002)

Grenada

Germany 14%, US 13.6%, Bangladesh 9.7%, Netherlands 8.6%,

Saint Lucia 6.4%, Antigua and Barbuda 4.3%, France 4.1% (2002)

Guadeloupe

France 60%, Martinique 18%, US 4% (1999)

Guam

Japan 81.7%, South Korea 6.1%, Canada 2.4% (2002)

Guatemala

US 58.7%, El Salvador 9.3%, Nicaragua 3.1% (2002)

Guernsey

UK (regarded as internal trade)

Guinea

South Korea 17.8%, Spain 10.1%, Cameroon 9.7%, Belgium 9.6%,

US 9.2%, Ireland 8.6%, France 7.1%, Russia 6.8%, Germany 5% (2002)

Guinea-Bissau

India 51.5%, Uruguay 19.5%, Thailand 19.4% (2002)

Guyana

Canada 21.1%, US 17.9%, Netherlands Antilles 12.9%, UK 10.4%,

Jamaica 5.3%, Portugal 4.2% (2002)

Haiti

US 83.9%, Dominican Republic 6.6%, Canada 2.4% (2002)

Honduras

US 69.5%, El Salvador 3%, Guatemala 2% (2002)

Hong Kong

China 34%, US 19.5%, UK 5.5%, Japan 4.8% (2002)

Hungary

Germany 34.3%, Austria 8.5%, Italy 5.5%, France 5.4%, US

4.9%, UK 4.5% (2002)

Iceland

Germany 18.5%, UK 17.5%, Netherlands 11.4%, US 10.9%, Spain

5.2%, Denmark 4.6%, Portugal 4.3%, Norway 4.2% (2002)

India

US 22.5%, UK 5.1%, UAE 5.1%, Hong Kong 4.5%, Germany 4.3%,

China 4.1% (2002)

Indonesia

Japan 21.1%, US 13.2%, Singapore 9.4%, South Korea 7.2%,

China 5.1%, Taiwan 4.2% (2002)

Iran

Japan 17.4%, China 8.6%, UAE 7.6%, Italy 6.6%, South Korea

4.9%, South Africa 4.4% (2002)

Iraq

US 40.9%, Canada 8.2%, France 8.2%, Jordan 7.5%, Netherlands

6.4%, Italy 5.4%, Morocco 4.7%, Spain 4.4% (2002)

Ireland

UK 23.3%, US 16.7%, Belgium 14.6%, Germany 7.3%, France 5%

(2002)

Israel

US 39.2%, Belgium 6.5%, Germany 4.4%, UK 4.2% (2002)

Italy

Germany 13.7%, France 12.2%, US 9.8%, UK 6.9%, Spain 6.4%

(2002)

Jamaica

US 28.1%, Canada 12.2%, Norway 10.7%, UK 10.5%, Germany 7%,

Netherlands 5.6% (2002)

Japan

US 28.8%, China 9.6%, South Korea 6.9%, Taiwan 6.2%, Hong Kong

6.1% (2002)

Jersey

UK

Jordan

Iraq 20.1%, US 14.5%, India 8.1%, Saudi Arabia 5.4%, Israel

4.4% (2002)

Kazakhstan

Russia 16.2%, Bermuda 12.1%, China 11.3%, Germany 8.8%,

Italy 5.5%, Ukraine 4.9%, France 4% (2002)

Kenya

Uganda 18.3%, UK 12.9%, US 8%, Netherlands 7.6%, Pakistan

4.9%, Tanzania 4.4%, Egypt 4.1% (2002)

Kiribati

Japan 56.7%, Thailand 16.6%, South Korea 16.3% (2002)

Korea, North

China 23.5%, Japan 19.9%, Costa Rica 12.4%, Brazil 6.5%

(2002)

Korea, South

US 20.4%, China 14.7%, Japan 9.4%, Hong Kong 6.3% (2002)

Kuwait

Japan 24.4%, South Korea 12.9%, US 11.9%, Singapore 10.1%,

Taiwan 7%, Netherlands 4.5%, Pakistan 4.4% (2002)

Kyrgyzstan

Switzerland 19.9%, Russia 16.5%, UAE 14.2%, China 8.5%,

Kazakhstan 7.6%, US 7.4%, Uzbekistan 5.7% (2002)

Laos

Vietnam 25.7%, Thailand 19%, France 7.5%, Germany 5.3% (2002)

Latvia

UK 21.6%, Sweden 13.1%, Germany 12.5%, US 6.4%, Lithuania

5.9%, Russia 4.6%, Estonia 4.2%, Denmark 4% (2002)

Lebanon

Switzerland 10.8%, Saudi Arabia 9%, UAE 8.6%, US 6.7%,

Jordan 4.6%, Turkey 4.3% (2002)

Lesotho

US 97.5%, Canada 0.9%, France 0.6% (2002)

Liberia

Germany 54.8%, Poland 8.9%, France 8.5%, China 4.9%, Italy

4.5%, US 4.2% (2002)

Libya

Italy 42.6%, Germany 14.1%, Spain 13.6%, Turkey 6.9%,

Switzerland 4.4% (2002)

Liechtenstein

EU 62.6% (Germany 24.3%, Austria 9.5%, France 8.9%,

Italy 6.6%, UK 4.6%), US 18.9%, Switzerland 15.7%

Lithuania

Latvia 12.8%, Germany 12%, UK 7.6%, Poland 6.3%, US 5.9%,

France 5.8%, Russia 5.7%, Sweden 5%, Denmark 4.3% (2002)

Luxembourg

Germany 23.9%, France 20.1%, Belgium 10.5%, UK 8.7%,

Italy 6.1%, Spain 4.5%, Netherlands 4.4% (2002)

Macau

US 48.6%, China 15.5%, Germany 7.4%, Hong Kong 5.8%, UK 5.4%

(2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Germany 19.2%, Italy

9.2%, US 6.7%, Croatia 5.5%, Greece 4.6% (2002)

Madagascar

France 34%, US 24.6%, Netherlands 6%, Germany 5.9%,

Mauritius 4% (2002)

Malawi

US 17.3%, Germany 13.6%, South Africa 10.2%, Egypt 6.2%,

Japan 6%, Netherlands 5.5%, Russia 4.8%, UK 4.3% (2002)

Malaysia

US 21%, Singapore 17.4%, Japan 10.9%, China 6.5%, Hong Kong

5%, Thailand 4% (2002)

Maldives

US 51.7%, Sri Lanka 16.2%, Thailand 9.3%, Japan 7.6%, UK

4.6% (2002)

Mali

Thailand 13.9%, Italy 9.8%, India 7.7%, Brazil 5.5%, Germany

5%, Spain 4.9%, Portugal 4.3%, Taiwan 4.3% (2002)

Malta

Singapore 17.3%, US 11.4%, UK 9.4%, Germany 9%, France 7.2%,

China 6.5%, Italy 6% (2002)

Man, Isle of

UK (2000 est.)

Marshall Islands

US, Japan, Australia, China (2000)

Martinique

France 45%, Guadeloupe 28% (2000)

Mauritania

Italy 14.3%, France 14%, Spain 11.7%, Germany 10.9%,

Belgium 9.9%, Japan 7.1% (2002)

Mauritius

UK 27.7%, France 25.5%, US 16.4%, Madagascar 6.2%, Belgium

5% (2002)

Mayotte

France 80%, Comoros 15%, Reunion (2000)

Mexico

US 82.7%, Canada 5.4%, Japan 1.1% (2002)

Micronesia, Federated States of

Japan, US, Guam (2000)

Moldova

Russia 35%, Italy 11.7%, Germany 8.8%, Ukraine 8.5%, Romania

5.7%, US 5.2%, Belarus 4.5%, Spain 4.1% (2002)

Mongolia

China 43.8%, US 33.6%, Russia 9.6% (2002)

Montserrat

US, Antigua and Barbuda

Morocco

France 26.5%, Spain 14.3%, UK 7.9%, Germany 5.8%, Italy

5.6%, US 4.8% (2002)

Mozambique

Belgium 24.3%, South Africa 9.1%, Germany 6.2% (2002)

Namibia

EU 79%, US 4% (2001)

Nauru

India 46.1%, South Korea 18.3%, Australia 10.6%, New Zealand

7.8%, Netherlands 5.6% (2002)

Nepal

India 47.5%, US 27.6%, Germany 7.5% (2002)

Netherlands

Germany 25.1%, Belgium 12.7%, UK 10.7%, France 10.2%,

Italy 6%, US 4.6% (2002)

Netherlands Antilles

US 20.9%, Guatemala 12%, Venezuela 10.5%,

Guyana 6.6%, Singapore 4.4%, Cuba 4% (2002)

New Caledonia

Japan 20.6%, France 20.4%, Taiwan 16.3%, South Africa

11.3%, Spain 7.7%, South Korea 5.4%, Australia 5.4%, Italy 5.3%

(2002)

New Zealand

Australia 20.3%, US 15.5%, Japan 11.5%, UK 4.8%, China

4.6%, South Korea 4.4% (2002)

Nicaragua

US 59.4%, El Salvador 7.5%, Honduras 4.8% (2002)

Niger

France 39%, Nigeria 33.2%, Japan 17.1% (2002)

Nigeria

US 32.3%, Brazil 8.3%, Spain 7.2%, Indonesia 5.9%, France

5.6%, India 4.6% (2002)

Niue

NZ mainly, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia (2000)

Norfolk Island

Australia, other Pacific island countries, NZ, Asia,

Europe

Northern Mariana Islands

US (2000)

Norway

UK 18.1%, Germany 13.8%, France 11%, US 9.2%, Netherlands

8.2%, Sweden 8% (2002)

Oman

Japan 20.5%, South Korea 18.5%, China 14.1%, Thailand 11.7%,

UAE 9.2%, Singapore 4.3%, US 4.1% (2002)

Pakistan

US 24.5%, UAE 8.5%, UK 7.2%, Germany 4.9%, Hong Kong 4.8%

(2002)

Palau

US, Japan, Singapore (2000)

Panama

US 47.8%, Sweden 5.8%, Costa Rica 4.8%, Honduras 4.4% (2002)

Papua New Guinea

Australia 23.7%, Japan 9.3%, China 5.3% (2002)

Paraguay

Brazil 25.1%, Argentina 23%, Chile 5.5%, Bermuda 4% (2002)

Peru

US 28.1%, China 10.5%, UK 7%, Switzerland 6.1%, Japan 5.6%

(2002)

Philippines

US 26.2%, Japan 14.9%, China 7.4%, Taiwan 5.8%,

Singapore 5.7%, Hong Kong 5.3%, Malaysia 5.3%, Netherlands 5%,

Germany 4.6%, South Korea 4.3% (2002)

Pitcairn Islands

NA (2000)

Poland

Germany 33%, Italy 5.7%, France 5%, UK 4.8%, Czech Republic

4.3% (2002)

Portugal

Spain 20.3%, Germany 18.4%, France 12.6%, UK 10.5%, US

5.8%, Italy 4.8%, Belgium 4.5% (2002)

Puerto Rico

US 88.2%, UK 1.5%, Dominican Republic 1.4% (2001)

Qatar

Japan 40.1%, South Korea 16.6%, Singapore 8.2%, US 4.1% (2002)

Reunion

France 74%, Japan 6%, Comoros 4% (2000)

Romania

Italy 24.4%, Germany 15.5%, France 7.7%, UK 5.4%, US 5%,

Turkey 4.4% (2002)

Russia

Germany 7.5%, Italy 6.9%, Netherlands 6.7%, China 6.3%, US

6.1%, Ukraine 5.5%, Belarus 5.4%, Switzerland 5% (2002)

Rwanda

Indonesia 30.8%, Germany 14.6%, Hong Kong 9%, South Africa

5.5% (2002)

Saint Helena

US 23.7%, Japan 20.5%, Netherlands 16%, Tanzania 15.4%,

Spain 6.4%, UK 5.1%, Indonesia 4.5% (2002)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

US 66.5%, UK 7.6%, Canada 6.8%, Portugal 6%

(2002)

Saint Lucia

UK 48.6%, US 27.8%, Barbados 7.6% (2002)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

US 33.3%, Zambia 30.3%, Ecuador 16.2%,

France 5.1%, Canada 4%, Spain 4% (2002)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

France 25.2%, Greece 19.1%, Spain

16.4%, UK 9.5%, US 7.1% (2002)

Samoa

Australia 66.1%, US 10%, Japan 3.7% (2002)

Sao Tome and Principe

Netherlands 30.1%, Poland 11.8%, Canada 9.7%,

Germany 7.5%, Philippines 7.5%, Spain 7.5%, Belgium 6.5%, France

4.3%, Portugal 4.3% (2002)

Saudi Arabia

US 18.6%, Japan 15.6%, South Korea 10.1%, Singapore

5.1%, China 4.6% (2002)

Senegal

India 20.7%, France 13%, Mali 8.9%, Greece 7.7%, Italy 4.4%

(2002)

Serbia and Montenegro

Italy 32%, Germany 19.5%, Greece 7%, Austria

6.1%, France 4.6% (2002)

Seychelles

UK 28.6%, France 20%, Italy 8.7%, US 8.4%, Spain 6.7%,

Japan 6.7%, Netherlands 6.6%, Thailand 6.4% (2002)

Sierra Leone

Belgium 41.9%, Germany 28.1%, UK 3.6% (2002)

Singapore

Malaysia 17.4%, US 15.3%, Hong Kong 9.2%, Japan 7.1%,

China 5.5%, Taiwan 4.9%, Thailand 4.6%, South Korea 4.2% (2002)

Slovakia

Germany 30.1%, Czech Republic 16.4%, Austria 10.7%, Italy

7.2%, Poland 5.7%, Hungary 4.6% (2002)

Slovenia

Germany 23.9%, Italy 12.7%, Austria 9.5%, Croatia 8%,

France 7.4%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 4.4% (2002)

Solomon Islands

Japan 21.2%, China 18.8%, South Korea 16.3%,

Philippines 8.9%, Thailand 7.6%, Singapore 4.1% (2002)

Somalia

UAE 45.6%, Yemen 24.3%, Oman 9.5% (2002)

South Africa

UK 12.8%, US 12.7%, Germany 9%, Japan 8.8%, Italy 5.8%

(2002)

Spain

France 19%, Germany 11.4%, UK 9.6%, Portugal 9.5%, Italy 9.3%,

US 4.6% (2002)

Sri Lanka

US 39.1%, UK 12.9%, Belgium 4.7%, Germany 4.5% (2002)

Sudan

China 55.7%, Japan 14%, Saudi Arabia 4.9% (2002)

Suriname

US 25.3%, Norway 20.4%, France 8.2%, Trinidad and Tobago

6.4%, Iceland 6%, Canada 5.9%, Netherlands 5.6% (2002)

Swaziland

South Africa 72%, EU 14.2%, Mozambique 3.7%, US 3.5%, UK

(1999)

Sweden

US 11.6%, Germany 10.1%, Norway 9%, UK 8.2%, Denmark 5.9%,

Finland 5.6%, Netherlands 5.3%, France 5.1%, Belgium 4.7% (2002)

Switzerland

Germany 19.2%, US 10.2%, Italy 9.6%, France 8.9%, UK

7.7% (2002)

Syria

Germany 19.1%, Italy 17.5%, Turkey 7.8%, France 7.5%, Lebanon

5.2% (2002)

Taiwan

Hong Kong 23.9%, US 20.8%, Japan 9.3%, China 7.7% (2002)

Tajikistan

Netherlands 29.4%, Turkey 16.1%, Russia 11.9%, Uzbekistan

9.9%, Switzerland 9.3%, Hungary 5.4%, Latvia 4.2% (2002)

Tanzania

India 15.2%, Japan 12.4%, Netherlands 9.2%, UK 6.8%,

Belgium 6.5%, Kenya 5.9%, Germany 4.8% (2002)

Thailand

US 19.6%, Japan 14.5%, Singapore 8.1%, Hong Kong 5.4%,

China 5.2%, Malaysia 4.1% (2002)

Togo

Ghana 17.7%, Benin 13.3%, Burkina Faso 8.2%, Philippines 4.9%,

Niger 4.1% (2002)

Tokelau

NZ (2000)

Tonga

Japan 43.2%, US 41.2%, Greece 4% (2002)

Trinidad and Tobago

US 56.9%, Jamaica 7.3%, France 4.4% (2002)

Tunisia

France 31.3%, Italy 21.6%, Germany 11.5%, Spain 4.8%, Libya

4.7%, Belgium 4.3% (2002)

Turkey

Germany 16.6%, US 9.2%, UK 8.5%, Italy 6.4%, France 6% (2002)

Turkmenistan

Ukraine 49.7%, Italy 18%, Iran 13.1%, Turkey 6.2% (2002)

Turks and Caicos Islands

US, UK

Tuvalu

UK 58.3%, Italy 16.7%, Denmark 8.3%, Fiji 8.3% (2002)

Uganda

Belgium 16.2%, Netherlands 13.7%, Germany 7.5%, Spain 5.5%,

Hong Kong 4.9%, US 4.6%, UK 4.3%, Italy 4.1%, Portugal 4.1% (2002)

Ukraine

Russia 18.6%, Italy 7.4%, Turkey 5.6%, Germany 4.1%, China

4.1% (2002)

United Arab Emirates

Japan 27.8%, South Korea 10.1%, Singapore 3.8%

(2002)

United Kingdom

US 15.5%, Germany 11.2%, France 9.4%, Ireland 8%,

Netherlands 7.1%, Belgium 5.2%, Italy 4.4%, Spain 4.3% (2002)

United States

Canada 23.2%, Mexico 14.1%, Japan 7.4%, UK 4.8% (2002)

Uruguay

Brazil 21%, Argentina 15%, US 8.1%, Germany 5.1%, Italy 4%

(2002)

Uzbekistan

Russia 17.7%, Ukraine 11%, Italy 7.6%, Tajikistan 6.8%,

Poland 5.1%, South Korea 5%, Kazakhstan 4.5%, US 4.2% (2002)

Vanuatu

India 32.5%, Thailand 22.8%, South Korea 10.5%, Indonesia

6.3%, Japan 4.9% (2002)

Venezuela

US 53.4%, Netherlands Antilles 17.3%, Canada 2.9% (2002)

Vietnam

US 15.2%, Japan 14.9%, Australia 7.6%, China 6.6%, Germany

6.5%, Singapore 5.5%, UK 4.3% (2002)

Virgin Islands

US, Puerto Rico

Wallis and Futuna

Italy 40%, Croatia 15%, US 14%, Denmark 13%

West Bank

Israel, Jordan, Gaza Strip (2000)

Western Sahara

Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so

trade partners are included in overall Moroccan accounts

World

US 17.4%, Germany 7.6%, UK 5.4%, France 5.1%, Japan 4.8%,

China 4% (2002)

Yemen

India 21.1%, Thailand 16.9%, South Korea 11.2%, China 11.1%,

Malaysia 7.7%, US 6.7%, Singapore 4% (2002)

Zambia

Malawi 10.3%, Thailand 9.2%, Japan 9.1%, Saint Pierre and

Miquelon 9.1%, Taiwan 8.5%, South Africa 7.8%, Egypt 6.4%, China

6.3%, Netherlands 5.5%, Tanzania 4.5% (2002)

Zimbabwe

China 6%, South Africa 5.7%, Germany 5.4%, UK 4.8%, Japan

4.7%, Netherlands 4.4%, US 4.1% (2002)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2051 Administrative divisions

Afghanistan

32 provinces (velayat, singular - velayat); Badakhshan,

Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamian, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghowr,

Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabol, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khowst, Konar,

Kondoz, Laghman, Lowgar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Nurestan, Oruzgan,

Paktia, Paktika, Parvan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Vardak, and

Zabol

Albania

12 counties (qarqe, singular - qark); Qarku i Beratit, Qarku

i Dibres, Qarku i Durresit, Qarku i Elbasanit, Qarku i Fierit, Qarku

i Gjirokastres, Qarku i Korces, Qarku i Kukesit, Qarku i Lezhes,

Qarku i Shkodres, Qarku i Tiranes, Qarku i Vlores

Algeria

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

Ain Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida,

Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa,

El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel,

Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M'Sila,

Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi

Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset, Tebessa, Tiaret,

Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen

American Samoa

none (territory of the US); there are no first-order

administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there

are three districts and two islands* at the second order; Eastern,

Manu'a, Rose Island*, Swains Island*, Western

Andorra

7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra la

Vella, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Escaldes-Engordany, Ordino, Sant

Julia de Loria

Angola

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

Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul,

Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje,

Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire

Anguilla

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda

6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*,

Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint

Peter, Saint Philip

Argentina

23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1

autonomous city* (distrito federal); Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Capital Federal*, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes,

Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones,

Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe,

Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego - Antartida e Islas del

Atlantico Sur, Tucuman

note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica

Armenia

11 provinces (marzer, singular - marz); Aragatsotn, Ararat,

Armavir, Geghark'unik', Kotayk', Lorri, Shirak, Syunik', Tavush,

Vayots' Dzor, Yerevan

Aruba

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Australia

6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital

Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South

Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Austria

9 states (Bundeslaender, singular - Bundesland); Burgenland,

Kaernten, Niederoesterreich, Oberoesterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark,

Tirol, Vorarlberg, Wien

Azerbaijan

59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities*

(saharlar; sahar - singular), 1 autonomous republic** (muxtar

respublika); Abseron Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas

Rayonu, Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, Ali Bayramli Sahari*, Astara

Rayonu, Baki Sahari*, Balakan Rayonu, Barda Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu,

Bilasuvar Rayonu, Cabrayil Rayonu, Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan

Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fuzuli Rayonu, Gadabay Rayonu, Ganca Sahari*,

Goranboy Rayonu, Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu, Imisli Rayonu,

Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu, Lacin Rayonu,

Lankaran Rayonu, Lankaran Sahari*, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu,

Mingacevir Sahari*, Naftalan Sahari*, Naxcivan Muxtar

Respublikasi**, Neftcala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax

Rayonu, Qazax Rayonu, Qobustan Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu,

Qusar Rayonu, Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Saki

Sahari*, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu,

Siyazan Rayonu, Sumqayit Sahari*, Susa Rayonu, Susa Sahari*, Tartar

Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xankandi Sahari*,

Xanlar Rayonu, Xizi Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimli

Rayonu, Yevlax Rayonu, Yevlax Sahari*, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala

Rayonu, Zardab Rayonu

Bahamas, The

21 districts; Acklins and Crooked Islands, Bimini, Cat

Island, Exuma, Freeport, Fresh Creek, Governor's Harbour, Green

Turtle Cay, Harbour Island, High Rock, Inagua, Kemps Bay, Long

Island, Marsh Harbour, Mayaguana, New Providence, Nichollstown and

Berry Islands, Ragged Island, Rock Sound, Sandy Point, San Salvador

and Rum Cay

Bahrain

12 municipalities (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd,

Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al

Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa' wa al Mintaqah al

Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar,

Sitrah

note: all municipalities administered from Manama

Bangladesh

5 divisions; Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna,

Rajshahi; note - there may be one additional division named Sylhet

Barbados

11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George,

Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael,

Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas; note - the city of

Bridgetown may be given parish status

Belarus

6 voblastsi (singular - voblasts') and one municipality*

(harady, singular - horad); Brestskaya (Brest), Homyel'skaya

(Homyel'), Horad Minsk*, Hrodzyenskaya (Hrodna), Mahilyowskaya

(Mahilyow), Minskaya, Vitsyebskaya (Vitsyebsk); note - when using a

place name with the adjectival ending 'skaya,' the word voblasts'

should be added to the place name

note: voblasti have the administrative center name following in

parentheses

Belgium

10 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Dutch:

provincies, singular - provincie) and 3 regions* (French: regions;

Dutch: gewesten); Antwerpen, Brabant Wallon, Brussels* (Bruxelles),

Flanders*, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur,

Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams-Brabant, Wallonia*, West-Vlaanderen

Belize

6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek,

Toledo

Benin

12 departments; Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou,

Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou

Bermuda

9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton,

Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys,

Smith's, Southampton, Warwick

Bhutan

18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang,

Chhukha, Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro,

Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang,

Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang

note: there may be two new districts named Gasa and Yangtse

Bolivia

9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);

Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa

Cruz, Tarija

Bosnia and Herzegovina

there are two first-order administrative

divisions and one internationally supervised district* - Brcko

district (Brcko Distrikt)*, the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia

and Herzegovina (Federacija Bosna i Hercegovina) and the Bosnian

Serb-led Republika Srpska; note - Brcko district is in northeastern

Bosnia and is an administrative unit under the sovereignty of Bosnia

and Herzegovina; the district remains under international supervision

Botswana

9 districts and four town councils*; Central, Francistown*,

Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*,

Northwest, Northeast, Selebi-Pikwe*, Southeast, Southern

Brazil

26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal

district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia,

Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato

Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana,

Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande

do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe,

Tocantins

British Virgin Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei

4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait,

Brunei and Muara, Temburong, Tutong

Bulgaria

28 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Blagoevgrad,

Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Khaskovo, Kurdzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech,

Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen,

Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofiya, Sofiya-Grad, Stara Zagora,

Turgovishte, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Yambol

Burkina Faso

45 provinces; Bale, Bam, Banwa, Bazega, Bougouriba,

Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Comoe, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Ioba,

Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komondjari, Kompienga, Kossi, Koulpelogo,

Kouritenga, Kourweogo, Leraba, Loroum, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Nahouri,

Nayala, Noumbiel, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie,

Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Tuy, Yagha, Yatenga,

Ziro, Zondoma, Zoundweogo

Burma

7 divisions* (taing-myar, singular - taing) and 7 states (pyi

ne-myar, singular - pyi ne); Chin State, Ayeyarwady*, Bago*, Kachin

State, Kayin State, Kayah State, Magway*, Mandalay*, Mon State,

Rakhine State, Sagaing*, Shan State, Tanintharyi*, Yangon*

Burundi

16 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke,

Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro,

Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi

Cambodia

20 provinces (khett, singular and plural) and 4

municipalities* (krong, singular and plural); Banteay Mean Cheay,

Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong

Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Keb*, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Otdar

Mean Cheay, Pailin*, Phnum Penh*, Pouthisat, Preah Seihanu*, Preah

Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanah Kiri, Siem Reab, Stoeng Treng, Svay

Rieng, Takev

Cameroon

10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord,

Littoral, Nord, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Ouest

Canada

10 provinces and 3 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia,

Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest

Territories*, Nova Scotia, Nunavut*, Ontario, Prince Edward Island,

Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*

Cape Verde

17 municipalities (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa

Vista, Brava, Maio, Mosteiros, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira

Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Domingos, Sao Filipe,

Sao Miguel, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal

Cayman Islands

8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town,

Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western

Central African Republic

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular -

prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques,

singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**;

Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou,

Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei, Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere,

Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga

Chad

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture); Batha,

Biltine, Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac,

Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari,

Ouaddai, Salamat, Tandjile

note: instead of 14 prefectures, there may be a new administrative

structure of 28 departments (departments, singular - department),

and 1 city*; Assongha, Baguirmi, Bahr El Gazal, Bahr Koh, Batha

Oriental, Batha Occidental, Biltine, Borkou, Dababa, Ennedi, Guera,

Hadjer Lamis, Kabia, Kanem, Lac, Lac Iro, Logone Occidental, Logone

Oriental, Mandoul, Mayo-Boneye, Mayo-Dallah, Monts de Lam,

N'Djamena*, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile Oriental, Tandjile

Occidental, Tibesti

Chile

13 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General

Carlos Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio,

Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos,

Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana

(Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso

note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

China

23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous

regions* (zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 4 municipalities**

(shi, singular and plural); Anhui, Beijing**, Chongqing**, Fujian,

Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi*, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang,

Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol*,

Ningxia*, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai**, Shanxi, Sichuan,

Tianjin**, Xinjiang*, Xizang* (Tibet), Yunnan, Zhejiang; note -

China considers Taiwan its 23rd province; see separate entries for

the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau

Christmas Island

none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none (territory of Australia)

Colombia

32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and

1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca,

Atlantico, Distrito Capital de Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas,

Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca,

Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte

de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y

Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes,

Vichada

Comoros

3 islands; Grande Comore (Njazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and

Moheli (Mwali); note - there are also four municipalities named

Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and Moutsamoudou

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10 provinces (provinces, singular - province) and one city* (ville); Bandundu, Bas-Congo, Equateur, Kasai-Occidental, Kasai-Oriental, Katanga, Kinshasa*, Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Orientale, Sud-Kivu

Congo, Republic of the 9 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha

Cook Islands

none

Costa Rica

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela,

Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose

Cote d'Ivoire

58 departments (departements, singular - departement);

Abengourou, Abidjan, Aboisso, Adiake, Adzope, Agboville,

Agnibilekrou, Alepe, Bocanda, Bangolo, Beoumi, Biankouma, Bondoukou,

Bongouanou, Bouafle, Bouake, Bouna, Boundiali, Dabakala, Dabou,

Daloa, Danane, Daoukro, Dimbokro, Divo, Duekoue, Ferkessedougou,

Gagnoa, Grand-Bassam, Grand-Lahou, Guiglo, Issia, Jacqueville,

Katiola, Korhogo, Lakota, Man, Mankono, Mbahiakro, Odienne, Oume,

Sakassou, San-Pedro, Sassandra, Seguela, Sinfra, Soubre, Tabou,

Tanda, Tiebissou, Tingrela, Tiassale, Touba, Toulepleu, Toumodi,

Vavoua, Yamoussoukro, Zuenoula

Croatia

20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city*

(grad - singular); Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska Zupanija, Brodsko-Posavska

Zupanija, Dubrovacko-Neretvanska Zupanija, Istarska Zupanija,

Karlovacka Zupanija, Koprivnicko-Krizevacka Zupanija,

Krapinsko-Zagorska Zupanija, Licko-Senjska Zupanija, Medimurska

Zupanija, Osjecko-Baranjska Zupanija, Pozesko-Slavonska Zupanija,

Primorsko-Goranska Zupanija, Sibensko-Kninska Zupanija,

Sisacko-Moslavacka Zupanija, Splitsko-Dalmatinska Zupanija,

Varazdinska Zupanija, Viroviticko-Podravska Zupanija,

Vukovarsko-Srijemska Zupanija, Zadarska Zupanija, Zagreb*,

Zagrebacka Zupanija

Cuba

14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special

municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila,

Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla

de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio,

Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara

Cyprus

6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia,

Paphos; note - Turkish Cypriot area's administrative divisions

include Kyrenia, all but a small part of Famagusta, and small parts

of Lefkosa (Nicosia) and Larnaca

Czech Republic

13 regions (kraje, singular - kraj) and 1 capital

city* (hlavni mesto); Jihocesky Kraj, Jihomoravsky Kraj, Karlovarsky

Kraj, Kralovehradecky Kraj, Liberecky Kraj, Moravskoslezsky Kraj,

Olomoucky Kraj, Pardubicky Kraj, Plzensky Kraj, Praha*, Stredocesky

Kraj, Ustecky Kraj, Vysocina, Zlinsky Kraj

Denmark

metropolitan Denmark - 14 counties (amter, singular - amt)

and 2 boroughs* (amtskommuner, singular - amtskomunes); Arhus,

Bornholm, Fredericksberg*, Frederiksborg, Fyn, Kobenhavn,

Kobenhavns*, Nordjylland, Ribe, Ringkobing, Roskilde, Sonderjylland,

Storstrom, Vejle, Vestsjalland, Viborg

note: see separate entries for the Faroe Islands and Greenland,

which are part of the Kingdom of Denmark and are self-governing

overseas administrative divisions

Djibouti

5 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); 'Ali Sabih,

Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjoura

Dominica

10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint

John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint

Paul, Saint Peter

Dominican Republic

29 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia)

and 1 district* (distrito); Azua, Baoruco, Barahona, Dajabon,

Distrito Nacional*, Duarte, Elias Pina, El Seibo, Espaillat, Hato

Mayor, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria

Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata,

Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Salcedo, Samana, Sanchez Ramirez,

San Cristobal, San Juan, San Pedro de Macoris, Santiago, Santiago

Rodriguez, Valverde

East Timor

13 administrative districts; Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau,

Bobonaro (Maliana), Cova-Lima (Suai), Dili, Ermera, Lautem (Los

Palos), Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi (Same), Oecussi (Ambeno),

Viqueque

Ecuador

22 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay,

Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas,

Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi,

Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Sucumbios,

Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe

Egypt

26 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ad

Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar, Al Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah,

Al Iskandariyah, Al Isma'iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah, Al Minya,

Al Qahirah, Al Qalyubiyah, Al Wadi al Jadid, Ash Sharqiyah, As

Suways, Aswan, Asyut, Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa'id, Dumyat, Janub Sina',

Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal Sina', Suhaj

El Salvador

14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);

Ahuachapan, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz,

La Union, Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Vicente,

Sonsonate, Usulutan

Equatorial Guinea

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia);

Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral,

Wele-Nzas

Eritrea

6 regions (regions, singular - region); Central, Anelba,

Southern Red Sea, Northern Red Sea, Southern, Gash-Barka

Estonia

15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond): Harjumaa

(Tallinn), Hiiumaa (Kardla), Ida-Virumaa (Johvi), Jarvamaa (Paide),

Jogevamaa (Jogeva), Laanemaa (Haapsalu), Laane-Virumaa (Rakvere),

Parnumaa (Parnu), Polvamaa (Polva), Raplamaa (Rapla), Saaremaa

(Kuressaare), Tartumaa (Tartu), Valgamaa (Valga), Viljandimaa

(Viljandi), Vorumaa (Voru)

note: counties have the administrative center name following in

parentheses

Ethiopia

9 ethnically-based states (kililoch, singular - kilil) and

2 self-governing administrations* (astedaderoch, singular -

astedader); Adis Abeba* (Addis Ababa), Afar, Amara (Amhara),

Binshangul Gumuz, Dire Dawa*, Gambela Hizboch (Gambela Peoples),

Hareri Hizb (Harari People), Oromiya (Oromia), Sumale (Somali),

Tigray, Ye Debub Biheroch Bihereseboch na Hizboch (Southern Nations,

Nationalities and Peoples)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

none (overseas territory of the

UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing

overseas administrative division of Denmark); there are no

first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are 49 municipalities

Fiji

4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern,

Rotuma*, Western

Finland

6 provinces (laanit, singular - laani); Aland, Etela-Suomen

Laani, Ita-Suomen Laani, Lansi-Suomen Laani, Lappi, Oulun Laani

France

22 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine,

Auvergne, Basse-Normandie, Bourgogne, Bretagne, Centre,

Champagne-Ardenne, Corse, Franche-Comte, Haute-Normandie,

Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin, Lorraine,

Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la Loire, Picardie,

Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Rhone-Alpes

note: metropolitan France is divided into 22 regions (including the

"territorial collectivity" of Corse or Corsica) and is subdivided

into 96 departments; see separate entries for the overseas

departments (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion) and the

overseas territorial collectivities (Mayotte, Saint Pierre and

Miquelon)

French Guiana

none (overseas department of France)

French Polynesia

none (overseas territory of France); there are no

first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are 5 archipelagic divisions named Archipel

des Marquises, Archipel des Tuamotu, Archipel des Tubuai, Iles du

Vent, and Iles Sous-le-Vent

note: Clipperton Island is administered by France from French

Polynesia

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

none (overseas territory of

France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as

defined by the US Government, but there are 3 districts named Ile

Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, and Iles Saint-Paul et Amsterdam; excludes

"Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Gabon

9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie,

Nyanga, Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem

Gambia, The

5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Central River, Lower

River, North Bank, Upper River, Western

Georgia

9 regions, (mkharebi, singular - mkhare), 9 cities*

(k'alak'ebi, singular - k'alak'i), and 2 autonomous republics**

(avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom respublika); Abkhazia or

Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri Respublika** (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis

Avtonomiuri Respublika** (Bat'umi), Chiat'ura*, Gori*, Guria,

Imereti, Kakheti, K'ut'aisi*, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti,

P'ot'i*, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Rust'avi*, Samegrelo and

Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli, T'bilisi*, Tqibuli*,

Tsqaltubo*, Zugdidi*

note: the administrative centers of the 2 autonomous republics are

shown in parentheses

Germany

16 states (Laender, singular - Land); Baden-Wuerttemberg,

Bayern, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen,

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen,

Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt,

Schleswig-Holstein, Thueringen

Ghana

10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater

Accra, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western

Gibraltar

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Greece

51 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos)and 1 autonomous

region*; Agion Oros* (Mt. Athos), Achaia, Aitolia kai Akarmania,

Argolis, Arkadia, Arta, Attiki, Chalkidiki, Chanion, Chios,

Dodekanisos, Drama, Evros, Evrytania, Evvoia, Florina, Fokidos,

Fthiotis, Grevena, Ileia, Imathia, Ioannina, Irakleion, Karditsa,

Kastoria, Kavala, Kefallinia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Korinthia, Kozani,

Kyklades, Lakonia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lefkas, Lesvos, Magnisia,

Messinia, Pella, Pieria, Preveza, Rethynnis, Rodopi, Samos, Serrai,

Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakynthos

Greenland

3 districts (landsdele); Avannaa (Nordgronland), Tunu

(Ostgronland), Kitaa (Vestgronland)

note: there are 18 municipalities in Greenland

Grenada

6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petit

Martinique*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John,

Saint Mark, Saint Patrick

Guadeloupe

none (overseas department of France)

Guam

none (territory of the US)

Guatemala

22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);

Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso,

Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten,

Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa

Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa

Guernsey

none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order

administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there

are 10 parishes including Saint Peter Port, Saint Sampson, Vale,

Castel, Saint Saviour, Saint Pierre du Bois, Torteval, Forest, Saint

Martin, Saint Andrew

Guinea

33 prefectures and 1 special zone (zone special)*; Beyla,

Boffa, Boke, Conakry*, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Dubreka,

Faranah, Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane,

Kindia, Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma,

Lola, Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri,

Telimele, Tougue, Yomou

Guinea-Bissau

9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata,

Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali; note -

Bolama may have been renamed Bolama/Bijagos

Guyana

10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica,

East Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara,

Mahaica-Berbice, Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper

Demerara-Berbice, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo

Haiti

9 departments (departements, singular - departement);

Artibonite, Centre, Grand 'Anse, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest,

Sud, Sud-Est

Holy See (Vatican City)

none

Honduras

18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);

Atlantida, Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso,

Francisco Morazan, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La

Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro

Hong Kong

none (special administrative region of China)

Hungary

19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 20 urban counties*

(singular - megyei varos), and 1 capital city** (fovaros);

Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Bekescsaba*, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen,

Budapest**, Csongrad, Debrecen*, Dunaujvaros*, Eger*, Fejer, Gyor*,

Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Hodmezovasarhely*,

Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Kaposvar*, Kecskemet*, Komarom-Esztergom,

Miskolc*, Nagykanizsa*, Nograd, Nyiregyhaza*, Pecs*, Pest, Somogy,

Sopron*, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Szeged*, Szekesfehervar*, Szolnok*,

Szombathely*, Tatabanya*, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Veszprem*, Zala,

Zalaegerszeg*

Iceland

23 counties (syslur, singular - sysla) and 14 independent

towns* (kaupstadhir, singular - kaupstadhur); Akranes*, Akureyri*,

Arnessysla, Austur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Austur-Hunavatnssysla,

Austur-Skaftafellssysla, Borgarfjardharsysla, Dalasysla,

Eyjafjardharsysla, Gullbringusysla, Hafnarfjordhur*, Husavik*,

Isafjordhur*, Keflavik*, Kjosarsysla, Kopavogur*, Myrasysla,

Neskaupstadhur*, Nordhur-Isafjardharsysla, Nordhur-Mulasys-la,

Nordhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Olafsfjordhur*, Rangarvallasysla,

Reykjavik*, Saudharkrokur*, Seydhisfjordhur*, Siglufjordhur*,

Skagafjardharsysla, Snaefellsnes-og Hnappadalssysla, Strandasysla,

Sudhur-Mulasysla, Sudhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Vesttmannaeyjar*,

Vestur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Vestur-Hunavatnssysla,

Vestur-Isafjardharsysla, Vestur-Skaftafellssysla

note: there may be four other counties

India

28 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar

Islands*, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,

Chandigarh*, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*,

Delhi*, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir,

Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa,

Pondicherry*, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura,

Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal

Indonesia

27 provinces (propinsi-propinsi, singular - propinsi), 2

special regions* (daerah-daerah istimewa, singular - daerah

istimewa), and 1 special capital city district** (daerah khusus

ibukota); Aceh*, Bali, Banten, Bengkulu, Gorontalo, Jakarta Raya**,

Jambi, Jawa Barat, Jawa Tengah, Jawa Timur, Kalimantan Barat,

Kalimantan Selatan, Kalimantan Tengah, Kalimantan Timur, Kepulauan

Bangka Belitung, Lampung, Maluku, Maluku Utara, Nusa Tenggara Barat,

Nusa Tenggara Timur, Papua, Riau, Sulawesi Selatan, Sulawesi Tengah,

Sulawesi Tenggara, Sulawesi Utara, Sumatera Barat, Sumatera Selatan,

Sumatera Utara, Yogyakarta*; note - with the implementation of

decentralization on 1 January 2001, the 357 districts (regencies)

have become the key administrative units responsible for providing

most government services

note: following the 30 August 1999 provincial referendum for

independence that was overwhelmingly approved by the people of Timor

Timur and the October 1999 concurrence of Indonesia's national

legislature, the name East Timor was adopted as the provisional name

for the political entity formerly known as Propinsi Timor Timur;

East Timor gained its formal independence on 20 May 2002

Iran

28 provinces (ostanha, singular - ostan); Ardabil, Azarbayjan-e

Gharbi, Azarbayjan-e Sharqi, Bushehr, Chahar Mahall va Bakhtiari,

Esfahan, Fars, Gilan, Golestan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman,

Kermanshah, Khorasan, Khuzestan, Kohkiluyeh va Buyer Ahmad,

Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi, Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan,

Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd, Zanjan

Iraq

18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Anbar, Al

Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Arbil, As Sulaymaniyah,

At Ta'mim, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Maysan,

Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit

Ireland

26 counties; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin,

Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick,

Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo,

Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow

note: Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan are part of Ulster Province

Israel

6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa,

Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv

Italy

20 regions (regioni, singular - regione); Abruzzi, Basilicata,

Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio,

Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte, Puglia, Sardegna,

Sicilia, Toscana, Trentino-Alto Adige, Umbria, Valle d'Aosta, Veneto

Jamaica

14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester,

Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth,

Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland

Japan

47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui,

Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gumma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo,

Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi,

Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara,

Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga,

Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama,

Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi

Jersey

none (British crown dependency)

Jordan

12 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ajlun, Al

'Aqabah, Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az

Zarqa', Irbid, Jarash, Ma'an, Madaba

Kazakhstan

14 provinces (oblystar, singular - oblys) and 3 cities*

(qala, singular - qalasy); Almaty Oblysy, Almaty Qalasy*, Aqmola

Oblysy (Astana), Aqtobe Oblysy, Astana Qalasy*, Atyrau Oblysy, Batys

Qazaqstan Oblysy (Oral), Bayqongyr Qalasy*, Mangghystau Oblysy

(Aqtau), Ongtustik Qazaqstan Oblysy (Shymkent), Pavlodar Oblysy,

Qaraghandy Oblysy, Qostanay Oblysy, Qyzylorda Oblysy, Shyghys

Qazaqstan Oblysy (Oskemen), Soltustik Qazaqstan Oblysy

(Petropavlovsk), Zhambyl Oblysy (Taraz)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their

administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center

name following in parentheses); in 1995 the Governments of

Kazakhstan and Russia entered into an agreement whereby Russia would

lease for a period of 20 years an area of 6,000 sq km enclosing the

Baykonur space launch facilities and the city of Bayqongyr

(Baykonyr, formerly Leninsk)

Kenya

7 provinces and 1 area*; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi

Area*, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western

Kiribati

3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands;

note - in addition, there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts,

Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21

island councils - one for each of the inhabited islands (Abaiang,

Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Kanton,

Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa,

Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina)

Korea, North

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 4 special

cities* (si, singular and plural); Chagang-do (Chagang Province),

Hamgyong-bukto (North Hamgyong Province), Hamgyong-namdo (South

Hamgyong Province), Hwanghae-bukto (North Hwanghae Province),

Hwanghae-namdo (South Hwanghae Province), Kaesong-si* (Kaesong

City), Kangwon-do (Kangwon Province), Najin Sonbong-si*, Namp'o-si*

(Namp'o City), P'yongan-bukto (North P'yongan Province),

P'yongan-namdo (South P'yongan Province), P'yongyang-si* (Pyongyang

City), Yanggang-do (Yanggang Province)

Korea, South

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 7

metropolitan cities* (gwangyoksi, singular and plural); Cheju-do,

Cholla-bukto, Cholla-namdo, Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Ch'ungch'ong-namdo,

Inch'on-gwangyoksi*, Kangwon-do, Kwangju-gwangyoksi*, Kyonggi-do,

Kyongsang-bukto, Kyongsang-namdo, Pusan-gwangyoksi*,

Soul-t'ukpyolsi*, Taegu-gwangyoksi*, Taejon-gwangyoksi*,

Ulsan-gwangyoksi*

Kuwait

5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi,

Al Farwaniyah, Al 'Asimah, Al Jahra', Hawalli

Kyrgyzstan

7 provinces (oblastlar, singular - oblasty) and 1 city*

(shaar); Batken Oblasty, Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek),

Jalal-Abad Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty,

Ysyk-Kol Oblasty (Karakol)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their

administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center

name following in parentheses)

Laos

16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural), 1 municipality*

(kampheng nakhon, singular and plural), and 1 special zone**

(khetphiset, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai,

Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang,

Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan*, Viangchan,

Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun**, Xekong, Xiangkhoang

Latvia

26 counties (singular - rajons) and 7 municipalities*:

Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons,

Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils*, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons,

Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgava*, Jelgavas Rajons,

Jurmala*, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Liepaja*, Liepajas

Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons,

Preilu Rajons, Rezekne*, Rezeknes Rajons, Riga*, Rigas Rajons,

Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras

Rajons, Ventspils*, Ventspils Rajons

Lebanon

6 governorates (mohafazat, singular - mohafazah); Beyrouth,

Beqaa, Liban-Nord, Liban-Sud, Mont-Liban, Nabatiye

Lesotho

10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru,

Mohales Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka

Liberia

15 counties; Bomi, Bong, Gparbolu, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape

Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado,

Nimba, River Cess, River Gee, Sinoe

Libya

25 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ajdabiya,

Al 'Aziziyah, Al Fatih, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jufrah, Al Khums, Al

Kufrah, An Nuqat al Khams, Ash Shati', Awbari, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi,

Darnah, Ghadamis, Gharyan, Misratah, Murzuq, Sabha, Sawfajjin, Surt,

Tarabulus, Tarhunah, Tubruq, Yafran, Zlitan; note - the 25

municipalities may have been replaced by 13 regions

Liechtenstein

11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers,

Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg,

Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz

Lithuania

10 counties (apskritys, singular - apskritis); Alytaus,

Kauno, Klaipedos, Marijampoles, Panevezio, Siauliu, Taurages,

Telsiu, Utenos, Vilniaus

Luxembourg

3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Macau

none (special administrative region of China)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

123 municipalities

(opstini, singular - opstina); Aracinovo, Bac, Belcista, Berovo,

Bistrica, Bitola, Blatec, Bogdanci, Bogomila, Bogovinje, Bosilovo,

Brvenica, Cair (Skopje), Capari, Caska, Cegrane, Centar (Skopje),

Centar Zupa, Cesinovo, Cucer-Sandevo, Debar, Delcevo, Delogozdi,

Demir Hisar, Demir Kapija, Dobrusevo, Dolna Banjica, Dolneni, Dorce

Petrov (Skopje), Drugovo, Dzepciste, Gazi Baba (Skopje), Gevgelija,

Gostivar, Gradsko, Ilinden, Izvor, Jegunovce, Kamenjane, Karbinci,

Karpos (Skopje), Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kisela Voda (Skopje), Klecevce,

Kocani, Konce, Kondovo, Konopiste, Kosel, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka,

Krivogastani, Krusevo, Kuklis, Kukurecani, Kumanovo, Labunista,

Lipkovo, Lozovo, Lukovo, Makedonska Kamenica, Makedonski Brod,

Mavrovi Anovi, Meseista, Miravci, Mogila, Murtino, Negotino,

Negotino-Polosko, Novaci, Novo Selo, Oblesevo, Ohrid, Orasac,

Orizari, Oslomej, Pehcevo, Petrovec, Plasnica, Podares, Prilep,

Probistip, Radovis, Rankovce, Resen, Rosoman, Rostusa, Samokov,

Saraj, Sipkovica, Sopiste, Sopotnica, Srbinovo, Star Dojran,

Staravina, Staro Nagoricane, Stip, Struga, Strumica, Studenicani,

Suto Orizari (Skopje), Sveti Nikole, Tearce, Tetovo, Topolcani,

Valandovo, Vasilevo, Velesta, Veles, Vevcani, Vinica, Vitoliste,

Vranestica, Vrapciste, Vratnica, Vrutok, Zajas, Zelenikovo, Zeleno,

Zitose, Zletovo, Zrnovci

note: the seven municipalities followed by Skopje in parentheses

collectively constitute "greater Skopje"

Madagascar

6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana,

Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara

Malawi

27 districts; Balaka, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu,

Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Likoma, Lilongwe, Machinga

(Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata

Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Phalombe, Rumphi, Salima, Thyolo,

Zomba

Malaysia

13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 3 federal

territories* (wilayah-wilayah persekutuan, singular - wilayah

persekutuan); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri

Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Putrajaya*, Sabah,

Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan*

note: the city of Kuala Lumpur is within the federal territory of

Wilayah Persekutuan; the terms therefore are not interchangeable;

Maldives

19 atolls (atholhu, singular and plural) and 1 other

first-order administrative division*; Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu, Faafu,

Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu,

Laamu, Lhaviyani, Maale*, Meemu, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa,

Vaavu

Mali

8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal,

Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou

Malta

none (administered directly from Valletta); note - Local

Councils carry out administrative orders

Man, Isle of

there are no first-order administrative divisions as

defined by the US Government, but there are 24 local authorities

each with its own elections

Marshall Islands

33 municipalities; Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk,

Arno, Aur, Bikar, Bikini, Bokak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabat,

Jaluit, Jemo, Kili, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap,

Mejit, Mili, Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongrik, Toke, Ujae, Ujelang,

Utirik, Wotho, Wotje

Martinique

none (overseas department of France)

Mauritania

12 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 capital

district*; Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol,

Guidimaka, Hodh Ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Nouakchott*,

Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza

Mauritius

9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black

River, Cargados Carajos Shoals*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka,

Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart,

Rodrigues*, Savanne

Mayotte

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Mexico

31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal

district* (distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja

California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza,

Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo,

Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan de Ocampo, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon,

Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro de Arteaga, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi,

Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz-Llave,

Yucatan, Zacatecas

Micronesia, Federated States of

4 states; Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae

(Kosaie), Pohnpei (Ponape), Yap

Moldova

9 counties (judetele, singular - judetul), 1 municipality*

(municipiul), 1 autonomous territorial unit** (unitate teritoriala

autonoma), and 1 territorial unit*** (unitate teritoriala); Balti,

Cahul, Chisinau, Chisinau*, Edinet, Gagauzia**, Lapusna, Orhei,

Soroca, Stinga Nistrului***, Tighina, Ungheni

Monaco

none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as

defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters

(quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine,

Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo

Mongolia

21 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 1

municipality* (singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy,

Bulgan, Darhan Uul, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan,

Govi-Altay, Govi-Sumber, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Orhon,

Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs

Montserrat

3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter

Morocco

37 provinces and 2 wilayas*; Agadir, Al Hoceima, Azilal,

Beni Mellal, Ben Slimane, Boulemane, Casablanca*, Chaouen, El

Jadida, El Kelaa des Sraghna, Er Rachidia, Essaouira, Fes, Figuig,

Guelmim, Ifrane, Kenitra, Khemisset, Khenifra, Khouribga, Laayoune,

Larache, Marrakech, Meknes, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat-Sale*,

Safi, Settat, Sidi Kacem, Tanger, Tan-Tan, Taounate, Taroudannt,

Tata, Taza, Tetouan, Tiznit; three additional provinces of Ad Dakhla

(Oued Eddahab), Boujdour, and Es Smara as well as parts of Tan-Tan

and Laayoune fall within Moroccan-claimed Western Sahara

note: as part of a 1997 decentralization/regionalization law passed

by the legislature 16 new regions (provided below) were created

although full details and scope of the reorganization are limited :

Casablanca, Chaouia-Ourdigha, Doukkala-Abda, Fes-Boulmane,

Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Guelmim-Es Smara, Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia

El Hamra, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz, Meknes-Tafilalet, Oriental,

Oued Eddahab-Lagouira, Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer, Souss-Massa-Draa,

Tadla-Azilal, Tangier-Tetouan, Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate

Mozambique

10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 1 city*;

Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Maputo City*,

Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia

Namibia

13 regions; Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene,

Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa

Nauru

14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe,

Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren

Nepal

14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri,

Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali,

Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti

Netherlands

12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie);

Drenthe, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg,

Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland, Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland,

Zuid-Holland

Netherlands Antilles

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

note: each island has its own government

New Caledonia

none (overseas territory of France); there are no

first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are 3 provinces named Iles Loyaute, Nord, and

Sud

New Zealand

16 regions; Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury,

Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago,

Southland, Taranaki, Tasman, Waikato, Manawatu-Wanganui, Wellington,

West Coast

Nicaragua

15 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento)

and 2 autonomous regions* (regiones autonomistas, singular - region

autonomista); Atlantico Norte*, Atlantico Sur*, Boaco, Carazo,

Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz,

Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas

Niger

7 departments (departements, singular - departement) and 1

capital district* (capitale district); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi,

Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder

Nigeria

36 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja Federal Capital

Territory*, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue,

Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo,

Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa,

Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe,

Zamfara

Niue

none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions

as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the

second order

Norfolk Island

none (territory of Australia)

Northern Mariana Islands

none (commonwealth in political union with

the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as

defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at

the second order; Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Norway

19 provinces (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus,

Aust-Agder, Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal,

Nordland, Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og

Fjordane, Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold

Oman

6 regions (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah) and 2 governorates*

(muhafazat, singular - muhafazah) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al

Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat, Musandam*, Zufar*; note -

the US Embassy in Oman reports that Masqat is a governorate, but

this has not been confirmed by the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN)

Pakistan

4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**;

Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital

Territory**, North-West Frontier Province, Punjab, Sindh

note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and

Kashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas

Palau

16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatobohei, Kayangel,

Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang,

Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsoral

Panama

9 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1

territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon,

Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*, and Veraguas

Papua New Guinea

20 provinces; Bougainville, Central, Chimbu,

Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang,

Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern,

Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New

Britain

Paraguay

17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and

1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*,

Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion,

Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari,

Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

Peru

24 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1

constitutional province* (provincia constitucional); Amazonas,

Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao*, Cusco,

Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima,

Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin,

Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

note: some reports indicate that the 24 departments and 1

constitutional province are now being referred to as regions; Peru

is implementing a decentralization program whereby these 25

administrative divisions will begin to exercise greater governmental

authority over their territories; in November 2002, voters chose

their new regional presidents and other regional leaders; the

authority that the regional government will exercise has not yet

been clearly defined, but it will be devolved to the regions over

the course of several years

Philippines

73 provinces and 61 chartered cities*; Abra, Agusan del

Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Angeles*, Antique, Aurora,

Bacolod*, Bago*, Baguio*, Bais*, Basilan, Basilan City*, Bataan,

Batanes, Batangas, Batangas City*, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon,

Bulacan, Butuan*, Cabanatuan*, Cadiz*, Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro*,

Calbayog*, Caloocan*, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin,

Canlaon*, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cavite City*, Cebu, Cebu

City*, Cotabato*, Dagupan*, Danao*, Dapitan*, Davao City*, Davao del

Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dipolog*, Dumaguete*, Eastern

Samar, General Santos*, Gingoog*, Ifugao, Iligan*, Ilocos Norte,

Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Iloilo City*, Iriga*, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao,

La Carlota*, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Laoag*,

Lapu-Lapu*, La Union, Legaspi*, Leyte, Lipa*, Lucena*, Maguindanao,

Mandaue*, Manila*, Marawi*, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental,

Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain,

Naga*, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern

Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Olongapo*, Ormoc*, Oroquieta*,

Ozamis*, Pagadian*, Palawan, Palayan*, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasay*,

Puerto Princesa*, Quezon, Quezon City*, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon,

Roxas*, Samar, San Carlos* (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos* (in

Pangasinan), San Jose*, San Pablo*, Silay*, Siquijor, Sorsogon,

South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao*,

Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacloban*, Tagaytay*,

Tagbilaran*, Tangub*, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi, Toledo*, Trece Martires*,

Zambales, Zamboanga*, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur

Pitcairn Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland

16 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo);

Dolnoslaskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lodzkie, Lubelskie, Lubuskie,

Malopolskie, Mazowieckie, Opolskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie,

Pomorskie, Slaskie, Swietokrzyskie, Warminsko-Mazurskie,

Wielkopolskie, Zachodniopomorskie

Portugal

18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2

autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma);

Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco,

Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa, Madeira*, Portalegre,

Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu

Puerto Rico

none (commonwealth associated with the US); there are no

first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular -

municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas

Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta,

Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas,

Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio,

Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama,

Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao,

Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las

Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca,

Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce,

Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San

German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa

Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja,

Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco

Qatar

10 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad

Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar

Rayyan, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Sa'id, Umm Salal

Reunion

none (overseas department of France); there are no

first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are 4 arrondissements, 24 communes, and 47

cantons

Romania

41 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality*

(municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud,

Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti*, Buzau, Calarasi,

Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati,

Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Ilfov,

Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare,

Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea

Russia

49 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast), 21 republics*

(respublik, singular - respublika), 10 autonomous

okrugs**(avtonomnykh okrugov, singular - avtonomnyy okrug), 6

krays*** (krayev, singular - kray), 2 federal cities (singular -

gorod)****, and 1 autonomous oblast*****(avtonomnaya oblast');

Adygeya (Maykop)*, Aginskiy Buryatskiy (Aginskoye)**, Altay

(Gorno-Altaysk)*, Altayskiy (Barnaul)***, Amurskaya

(Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'skaya, Astrakhanskaya, Bashkortostan

(Ufa)*, Belgorodskaya, Bryanskaya, Buryatiya (Ulan-Ude)*, Chechnya

(Groznyy)*, Chelyabinskaya, Chitinskaya, Chukotskiy (Anadyr')**,

Chuvashiya (Cheboksary)*, Dagestan (Makhachkala)*, Evenkiyskiy

(Tura)**, Ingushetiya (Nazran')*, Irkutskaya, Ivanovskaya,

Kabardino-Balkariya (Nal'chik)*, Kaliningradskaya, Kalmykiya

(Elista)*, Kaluzhskaya, Kamchatskaya (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy),

Karachayevo-Cherkesiya (Cherkessk)*, Kareliya (Petrozavodsk)*,

Kemerovskaya, Khabarovskiy***, Khakasiya (Abakan)*,

Khanty-Mansiyskiy (Khanty-Mansiysk)**, Kirovskaya, Komi

(Syktyvkar)*, Koryakskiy (Palana)**, Kostromskaya, Krasnodarskiy***,

Krasnoyarskiy***, Kurganskaya, Kurskaya, Leningradskaya, Lipetskaya,

Magadanskaya, Mariy-El (Yoshkar-Ola)*, Mordoviya (Saransk)*,

Moskovskaya, Moskva (Moscow)****, Murmanskaya, Nenetskiy

(Nar'yan-Mar)**, Nizhegorodskaya, Novgorodskaya, Novosibirskaya,

Omskaya, Orenburgskaya, Orlovskaya (Orel), Penzenskaya, Permskaya,

Komi-Permyatskiy (Kudymkar)**, Primorskiy (Vladivostok)***,

Pskovskaya, Rostovskaya, Ryazanskaya, Sakha (Yakutiya)*,

Sakhalinskaya (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samarskaya, Sankt-Peterburg

(Saint Petersburg)****, Saratovskaya, Severnaya Osetiya-Alaniya

[North Ossetia] (Vladikavkaz)*, Smolenskaya, Stavropol'skiy***,

Sverdlovskaya (Yekaterinburg), Tambovskaya, Tatarstan (Kazan')*,

Taymyrskiy (Dudinka)**, Tomskaya, Tul'skaya, Tverskaya, Tyumenskaya,

Tyva (Kyzyl)*, Udmurtiya (Izhevsk)*, Ul'yanovskaya, Ust'-Ordynskiy

Buryatskiy (Ust'-Ordynskiy)**, Vladimirskaya, Volgogradskaya,

Vologodskaya, Voronezhskaya, Yamalo-Nenetskiy (Salekhard)**,

Yaroslavskaya, Yevreyskaya*****; note - when using a place name with

an adjectival ending 'skaya' or 'skiy,' the word Oblast' or

Avonomnyy Okrug or Kray should be added to the place name

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their

administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center

name following in parentheses)

Rwanda

12 prefectures (in French - prefectures, singular -

prefecture; in Kinyarwanda - plural - NA, singular - prefegitura);

Butare, Byumba, Cyangugu, Gikongoro, Gisenyi, Gitarama, Kibungo,

Kibuye, Kigali Rurale, Kigali-ville, Umutara, Ruhengeri

Saint Helena

1 administrative area and 2 dependencies*; Ascension*,

Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha*

Saint Kitts and Nevis

14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint

Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland,

Saint James Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree,

Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown,

Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle

Island, Trinity Palmetto Point

Saint Lucia

11 quarters; Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin,

Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

none (territorial collectivity of France);

note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined

by the US Government, but there are two communes - Saint Pierre,

Miquelon at the second order

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines,

Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick

Samoa

11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga,

Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga,

Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano

San Marino

9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello);

Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano,

Fiorentino, Monte Giardino, San Marino, Serravalle

Sao Tome and Principe

2 provinces; Principe, Sao Tome

note: Principe has had self-government since 29 April 1995

Saudi Arabia

13 provinces (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah,

Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah, Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Ar Riyad,

Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern Province), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah,

Najran, Tabuk

Senegal

10 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel,

Fatick, Kaolack, Kolda, Louga, Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, Thies,

Ziguinchor

note: there may be another region called Matam

Serbia and Montenegro

2 republics (republike, singular - republika);

and 2 nominally autonomous provinces* (autonomn pokrajine, singular

- autonomna pokrajina); Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia, Vojvodina*

Seychelles

23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau,

Anse Etoile, Anse Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne,

Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on

Mahe), Grand' Anse (on Praslin), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont

Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Saint

Louis, Takamaka

Sierra Leone

3 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, Southern,

Western*

Singapore

none

Slovakia

8 regions (kraje, singular - kraj); Banskobystricky,

Bratislavsky, Kosicky, Nitriansky, Presovsky, Trenciansky, Trnavsky,

Zilinsky

Slovenia

182 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) and 11 urban

municipalities* (mestne obcine , singular - mestna obcina )

Ajdovscina, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled, Bloke,

Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice, Brezovica,

Cankova, Celje*, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno,

Cerkvenjak, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj, Destrnik, Divaca,

Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Horjul-Polhov Gradec,

Dobrovnik-Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale,

Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gornja

Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje, Hajdina,

Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos-Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina,

Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola-Isola, Jesenice,

Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje,

Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Koper-Capodistria*, Kostel, Kozje, Kranj*,

Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota, Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart,

Lendava-Lendva, Litija, Ljubljana*, Ljubno, Ljutomer, Logatec, Loska

Dolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk,

Maribor*, Markovci, Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz na

Dravskem Polju, Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Moravce,

Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Murska Sobota*, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje,

Nova Gorica*, Novo Mesto*, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica,

Pesnica, Piran-Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka,

Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Ptuj*, Puconci,

Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica, Ravne na

Koroskem, Razkrizje, Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogasovci, Rogaska

Slatina, Rogatec, Ruse, Salovci, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic,

Sempeter-Vrtojba, Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur pri Celju,

Sevnica, Sezana, Skocjan, Skofja Loka, Skofljica, Slovenj Gradec*,

Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smartno ob

Paki, Smartno pri Litiji, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sostanj, Starse,

Store, Sveta Ana, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij,

Tabor, Tisina, Tolmin, Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trnovska Vas, Trzic,

Trzin, Turnisce, Velenje*, Velika Polana, Velike Lasce, Verzej,

Videm, Vipava, Vitanje, Vodice, Vojnik, Vransko, Vrhnika, Vuzenica,

Zagorje ob Savi, Zalec, Zavrc, Zelezniki, Zetale, Ziri, Zirovnica,

Zuzemberk, Zrece

note: there may be 45 more municipalities

Solomon Islands

9 provinces and 1 capital territory*; Central,

Choiseul (Lauru), Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita,

Rennell/Bellona, Temotu, Western

Somalia

18 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Awdal, Bakool,

Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe,

Jubbada Hoose, Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag, Shabeellaha Dhexe, Shabeellaha

Hoose, Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed

South Africa

9 provinces; Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng,

KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, Northern Cape,

Western Cape

Spain

19 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular -

comunidad autonoma); Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Baleares (Balearic

Islands), Ceuta, Canarias (Canary Islands), Cantabria, Castilla-La

Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Cataluna, Communidad Valencian,

Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Melilla, Murcia, Navarra,

Pais Vasco (Basque Country)

note: three small Spanish possessions are located off the coast of

Morocco: Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de

la Gomera; Ceuta and Melilla gained limited autonomous status in 1994

Sri Lanka

8 provinces; Central, North Central, North Eastern, North

Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western; note - North Eastern

province may have been divided in two - Northern and Eastern

Sudan

26 states (wilayat, singular - wilayah); A'ali an Nil, Al Bahr

al Ahmar, Al Buhayrat, Al Jazirah, Al Khartum, Al Qadarif, Al

Wahdah, An Nil al Abyad, An Nil al Azraq, Ash Shamaliyah, Bahr al

Jabal, Gharb al Istiwa'iyah, Gharb Bahr al Ghazal, Gharb Darfur,

Gharb Kurdufan, Janub Darfur, Janub Kurdufan, Junqali, Kassala, Nahr

an Nil, Shamal Bahr al Ghazal, Shamal Darfur, Shamal Kurdufan, Sharq

al Istiwa'iyah, Sinnar, Warab

Suriname

10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo,

Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo,

Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

Swaziland

4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni

Sweden

21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Blekinge, Dalarnas,

Gavleborgs, Gotlands, Hallands, Jamtlands, Jonkopings, Kalmar,

Kronobergs, Norrbottens, Orebro, Ostergotlands, Skane,

Sodermanlands, Stockholms, Uppsala, Varmlands, Vasterbottens,

Vasternorrlands, Vastmanlands, Vastra Gotalands

Switzerland

26 cantons (cantons, singular - canton in French;

cantoni, singular - cantone in Italian; kantone, singular - kanton

in German); Aargau, Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden, Appenzell Inner-Rhoden,

Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve, Glarus,

Graubunden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Sankt

Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri,

Valais, Vaud, Zug, Zurich

Syria

14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al

Ladhiqiyah, Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a, Dayr az

Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq, Tartus

Taiwan

the central administrative divisions include the provinces of

Fu-chien (some 20 offshore islands of Fujian Province including

Quemoy and Matsu) and Taiwan (the island of Taiwan and the

Pescadores islands); Taiwan is further subdivided into 16 counties

(hsien, singular and plural), 5 municipalities* (shih, singular and

plural), and 2 special municipalities** (chuan-shih, singular and

plural); Chang-hua, Chia-i, Chia-i*, Chi-lung*, Hsin-chu, Hsin-chu*,

Hua-lien, I-lan, Kao-hsiung, Kao-hsiung**, Miao-li, Nan-t'ou,

P'eng-hu, P'ing-tung, T'ai-chung, T'ai-chung*, T'ai-nan, T'ai-nan*,

T'ai-pei, T'ai-pei**, T'ai-tung, T'ao-yuan, and Yun-lin; the

provincial capital is at Chung-hsing-hsin-ts'un

note: Taiwan uses the Wade-Giles system for romanization

Tajikistan

2 provinces (viloyatho, singular - viloyat) and 1

autonomous province* (viloyati mukhtor); Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni

Badakhshon* (Khorugh), Viloyati Khatlon (Qurghonteppa), Viloyati

Sughd (Khujand)

note: the administrative center name follows in parentheses

Tanzania

25 regions; Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kagera,

Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza,

Pemba North, Pemba South, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga, Singida,

Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar North, Zanzibar

Urban/West

Thailand

76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat

Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum,

Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin,

Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep

Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong

Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon

Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan,

Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani,

Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi,

Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket,

Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi

Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut

Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla,

Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon

Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Togo

5 regions (regions, singular - region); De La Kara, Des

Plateaux, Des Savanes, Centrale, Maritime

Tokelau

none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga

3 island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u

Trinidad and Tobago

8 counties, 3 municipalities*, and 1 ward**;

Arima*, Caroni, Mayaro, Nariva, Port-of-Spain*, Saint Andrew, Saint

David, Saint George, Saint Patrick, San Fernando*, Tobago**, Victoria

Tunisia

24 governorates; Ariana (Aryanah), Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous

(Bin 'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart), Gabes (Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah),

Jendouba (Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine (Al Qasrayn),

Kebili (Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba

(Manubah), Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul

(Nabul), Sfax (Safaqis), Sidi Bou Zid (Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana

(Silyanah), Sousse (Susah), Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar),

Tunis, Zaghouan (Zaghwan)

Turkey

81 provinces (iller, singular - il); Adana, Adiyaman, Afyon,

Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Ardahan, Artvin, Aydin,

Balikesir, Bartin, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol, Bitlis, Bolu,

Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli, Diyarbakir,

Duzce, Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Gaziantep,

Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Igdir, Isparta, Istanbul, Izmir,

Kahramanmaras, Karabuk, Karaman, Kars, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kilis,

Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kocaeli, Konya, Kutahya, Malatya,

Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Mugla, Mus, Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Osmaniye,

Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sinop, Sirnak, Sivas,

Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, Usak, Van, Yalova, Yozgat,

Zonguldak

Turkmenistan

5 provinces (welayatlar, singular - welayat): Ahal

Welayaty (Ashgabat), Balkan Welayaty (Balkanabat), Dashoguz

Welayaty, Lebap Welayaty (Turkmenabat), Mary Welayaty

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their

administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center

name following in parentheses)

Turks and Caicos Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu

none

Uganda

56 districts; Adjumani, Apac, Arua, Bugiri, Bundibugyo,

Bushenyi, Busia, Gulu, Hoima, Iganga, Jinja, Kabale, Kabarole,

Kaberamaido, Kalangala, Kampala, Kamuli, Kamwenge, Kanungu,

Kapchorwa, Kasese, Katakwi, Kayunga, Kibale, Kiboga, Kisoro, Kitgum,

Kotido, Kumi, Kyenjojo, Lira, Luwero, Masaka, Masindi, Mayuge,

Mbale, Mbarara, Moroto, Moyo, Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Nakapiripirit,

Nakasongola, Nebbi, Ntungamo, Pader, Pallisa, Rakai, Rukungiri,

Sembabule, Sironko, Soroti, Tororo, Wakiso, Yumbe

Ukraine

24 oblasti (singular - oblast'), 1 autonomous republic*

(avtomnaya respublika), and 2 municipalities (mista, singular -

misto) with oblast status**; Cherkas'ka (Cherkasy), Chernihivs'ka

(Chernihiv), Chernivets'ka (Chernivtsi), Dnipropetrovs'ka

(Dnipropetrovs'k), Donets'ka (Donets'k), Ivano-Frankivs'ka

(Ivano-Frankivs'k), Kharkivs'ka (Kharkiv), Khersons'ka (Kherson),

Khmel'nyts'ka (Khmel'nyts'kyy), Kirovohrads'ka (Kirovohrad),

Kyyiv**, Kyyivs'ka (Kiev), Luhans'ka (Luhans'k), L'vivs'ka (L'viv),

Mykolayivs'ka (Mykolayiv), Odes'ka (Odesa), Poltavs'ka (Poltava),

Avtonomna Respublika Krym* (Simferopol'), Rivnens'ka (Rivne),

Sevastopol'**, Sums'ka (Sumy), Ternopil's'ka (Ternopil'), Vinnyts'ka

(Vinnytsya), Volyns'ka (Luts'k), Zakarpats'ka (Uzhhorod), Zaporiz'ka

(Zaporizhzhya), Zhytomyrs'ka (Zhytomyr); note - when using a place

name with an adjectival ending "s'ka" or "z'ka," the word Oblast'

should be added to the place name

note: oblasts have the administrative center name following in

parentheses

United Arab Emirates

7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu

Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah),

Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn

United Kingdom

England - 47 boroughs, 36 counties*, 29 London

boroughs**, 12 cities and boroughs***, 10 districts****, 12

cities*****, 3 royal boroughs******; Barking and Dagenham**,

Barnet**, Barnsley, Bath and North East Somerset****, Bedfordshire*,

Bexley**, Birmingham***, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Bolton,

Bournemouth, Bracknell Forest, Bradford***, Brent**, Brighton and

Hove, City of Bristol*****, Bromley**, Buckinghamshire*, Bury,

Calderdale, Cambridgeshire*, Camden**, Cheshire*, Cornwall*,

Coventry***, Croydon**, Cumbria*, Darlington, Derby*****,

Derbyshire*, Devon*, Doncaster, Dorset*, Dudley, Durham*, Ealing**,

East Riding of Yorkshire****, East Sussex*, Enfield**, Essex*,

Gateshead, Gloucestershire*, Greenwich**, Hackney**, Halton,

Hammersmith and Fulham**, Hampshire*, Haringey**, Harrow**,

Hartlepool, Havering**, Herefordshire*, Hertfordshire*,

Hillingdon**, Hounslow**, Isle of Wight*, Islington**, Kensington

and Chelsea******, Kent*, City of Kingston upon Hull*****, Kingston

upon Thames******, Kirklees, Knowsley, Lambeth**, Lancashire*,

Leeds***, Leicester*****, Leicestershire*, Lewisham**,

Lincolnshire*, Liverpool***, City of London*****, Luton,

Manchester***, Medway, Merton**, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes,

Newcastle upon Tyne***, Newham**, Norfolk*, Northamptonshire*, North

East Lincolnshire****, North Lincolnshire****, North Somerset****,

North Tyneside, Northumberland*, North Yorkshire*, Nottingham*****,

Nottinghamshire*, Oldham, Oxfordshire*, Peterborough*****,

Plymouth*****, Poole, Portsmouth*****, Reading, Redbridge**, Redcar

and Cleveland, Richmond upon Thames**, Rochdale, Rotherham,

Rutland****, Salford***, Shropshire*, Sandwell, Sefton,

Sheffield***, Slough, Solihull, Somerset*, Southampton*****,

Southend-on-Sea, South Gloucestershire****, South Tyneside,

Southwark**, Staffordshire*, St. Helens, Stockport,

Stockton-on-Tees, Stoke-on-Trent*****, Suffolk*, Sunderland***,

Surrey*, Sutton**, Swindon, Tameside, Telford and Wrekin****,

Thurrock, Torbay, Tower Hamlets**, Trafford, Wakefield***, Walsall,

Waltham Forest**, Wandsworth**, Warrington, Warwickshire*, West

Berkshire****, Westminster***, West Sussex*, Wigan, Wiltshire*,

Windsor and Maidenhead******, Wirral, Wokingham****, Wolverhampton,

Worcestershire*, York*****; Northern Ireland - 24 districts, 2

cities*, 6 counties**; Antrim, County Antrim**, Ards, Armagh, County

Armagh**, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Banbridge, Belfast*, Carrickfergus,

Castlereagh, Coleraine, Cookstown, Craigavon, Down, County Down**,

Dungannon, Fermanagh, County Fermanagh**, Larne, Limavady, Lisburn,

County Londonderry**, Derry*, Magherafelt, Moyle, Newry and Mourne,

Newtownabbey, North Down, Omagh, Strabane, County Tyrone**; Scotland

- 32 council areas; Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll and

Bute, The Scottish Borders, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway,

Dundee City, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East

Renfrewshire, City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow City,

Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, North Ayrshire, North

Lanarkshire, Orkney Islands, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire,

Shetland Islands, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, West

Dunbartonshire, Eilean Siar (Western Isles), West Lothian; Wales -

11 county boroughs, 9 counties*, 2 cities and counties**; Isle of

Anglesey*, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff**,

Ceredigion*, Carmarthenshire*, Conwy, Denbighshire*, Flintshire*,

Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire*, Neath Port Talbot, Newport,

Pembrokeshire*, Powys*, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea**, Torfaen, The

Vale of Glamorgan*, Wrexham

United States

50 states and 1 district*; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona,

Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of

Columbia*, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,

Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,

Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,

Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North

Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode

Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,

Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Uruguay

19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);

Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida,

Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera,

Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

Uzbekistan

12 provinces (viloyatlar, singular - viloyat), 1

autonomous republic* (respublika), and 1 city** (shahar); Andijon

Viloyati, Buxoro Viloyati, Farg'ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati,

Namangan Viloyati, Navoiy Viloyati, Qashqadaryo Viloyati (Qarshi),

Qaraqalpog'iston Respublikasi* (Nukus), Samarqand Viloyati, Sirdaryo

Viloyati (Guliston), Surxondaryo Viloyati (Termiz), Toshkent

Shahri**, Toshkent Viloyati, Xorazm Viloyati (Urganch)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their

administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center

name following in parentheses)

Vanuatu

6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba

Venezuela

23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 federal

district* (distrito federal), and 1 federal dependency**

(dependencia federal); Amazonas, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas,

Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales**,

Distrito Federal*, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas,

Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Vargas,

Yaracuy, Zulia

note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled

island groups with a total of 72 individual islands

Vietnam

58 provinces (tinh, singular and plural), and 3

municipalities* (thu do, singular and plural); An Giang, Bac Giang,

Bac Kan, Bac Lieu, Bac Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh,

Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Cao Bang, Dac

Lak, Da Nang, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Hai Duong, Hai

Phong*, Ha Nam, Ha Noi*, Ha Tay, Ha Tinh, Hoa Binh, Ho Chi Minh*,

Hung Yen, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, Lang

Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Phu

Tho, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Quang

Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa,

Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh

Phuc, Yen Bai

Virgin Islands

none (territory of the US); there are no first-order

administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there

are three islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John,

Saint Thomas

Wallis and Futuna

none (overseas territory of France); there are no

first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are three kingdoms at the second order named

Alo, Sigave, Wallis

Western Sahara

none (under de facto control of Morocco)

World

268 nations, dependent areas, other, and miscellaneous entries

Yemen

19 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Abyan,

'Adan, Ad Dali', Al Bayda', Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Al Mahrah, Al

Mahwit, 'Amran, Dhamar, Hadramawt, Hajjah, Ibb, Lahij, Ma'rib,

Sa'dah, San'a', Shabwah, Ta'izz

note: there may be one additional governorate of the capital city of

Sanaa

Zambia

9 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka,

Northern, North-Western, Southern, Western

Zimbabwe

8 provinces and 2 cities* with provincial status;

Bulawayo*, Harare*, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland

East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland

South, Midlands

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2052 Agriculture - products

Afghanistan

opium, wheat, fruits, nuts, wool, mutton, sheepskins,

lambskins

Albania

wheat, corn, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, sugar beets,

grapes; meat, dairy products

Algeria

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

cattle

American Samoa

bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit,

yams, copra, pineapples, papayas; dairy products, livestock

Andorra

small quantities of rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables;

sheep

Angola

bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc

(tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest

products; fish

Anguilla

small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising

Antigua and Barbuda

cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts,

cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock

Argentina

sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco,

peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock

Armenia

fruit (especially grapes), vegetables; livestock

Aruba

aloes; livestock; fish

Australia

wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry

Austria

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, wine, fruit; dairy products,

cattle, pigs, poultry; lumber

Azerbaijan

cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea,

tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats

Bahamas, The

citrus, vegetables; poultry

Bahrain

fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish

Bangladesh

rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco,

pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit; beef, milk, poultry

Barbados

sugarcane, vegetables, cotton

Belarus

grain, potatoes, vegetables, sugar beets, flax; beef, milk

Belgium

sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef,

veal, pork, milk

Belize

bananas, coca, citrus, sugar; fish, cultured shrimp; lumber;

garments

Benin

cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil,

peanuts, livestock (2001)

Bermuda

bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products

Bhutan

rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products,

eggs

Bolivia

soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice,

potatoes; timber

Bosnia and Herzegovina

wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables; livestock

Botswana

livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers,

groundnuts

Brazil

coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa,

citrus; beef

British Virgin Islands

fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish

Brunei

rice, vegetables, fruits, chickens, water buffalo

Bulgaria

vegetables, fruits, tobacco, livestock, wine, wheat,

barley, sunflowers, sugar beets

Burkina Faso

cotton, peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, sorghum, millet,

corn, rice; livestock

Burma

rice, pulses, beans, sesame, groundnuts, sugarcane; hardwood;

fish and fish products

Burundi

coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas,

manioc (tapioca); beef, milk, hides

Cambodia

rice, rubber, corn, vegetables

Cameroon

coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains,

root starches; livestock; timber

Canada

wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy

products; forest products; fish

Cape Verde

bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee,

peanuts; fish

Cayman Islands

vegetables, fruit; livestock, turtle farming

Central African Republic

cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc (tapioca),

yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber

Chad

cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc

(tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels

Chile

wheat, corn, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, fruit;

beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber

China

rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley,

cotton, oilseed; pork; fish

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts

Colombia

coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn,

sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp

Comoros

vanilla, cloves, perfume essences, copra, coconuts, bananas,

cassava (tapioca)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits; wood products

Congo, Republic of the

cassava (tapioca), sugar, rice, corn,

peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa; forest products

Cook Islands

copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws,

bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry

Costa Rica

coffee, pineapples, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans,

potatoes; beef; timber

Cote d'Ivoire

coffee, cocoa beans, bananas, palm kernels, corn,

rice, manioc (tapioca), sweet potatoes, sugar, cotton, rubber; timber

Croatia

wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflower seed, barley, alfalfa,

clover, olives, citrus, grapes, soybeans, potatoes; livestock, dairy

products

Cuba

sugar, tobacco, citrus, coffee, rice, potatoes, beans; livestock

Cyprus

potatoes, citrus, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives,

vegetables

Czech Republic

wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs,

poultry

Denmark

barley, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets; pork, dairy products;

fish

Djibouti

fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels

Dominica

bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, coconuts, cocoa;

forest and fishery potential not exploited

Dominican Republic

sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice,

beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef,

eggs

East Timor

coffee, rice, maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, soybeans,

cabbage, mangoes, bananas, vanilla

Ecuador

bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca),

plantains, sugarcane; cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy

products; balsa wood; fish, shrimp

Egypt

cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle,

water buffalo, sheep, goats

El Salvador

coffee, sugar, corn, rice, beans, oilseed, cotton,

sorghum; shrimp; beef, dairy products

Equatorial Guinea

coffee, cocoa, rice, yams, cassava (tapioca),

bananas, palm oil nuts; livestock; timber

Eritrea

sorghum, lentils, vegetables, corn, cotton, tobacco, coffee,

sisal; livestock, goats; fish

Estonia

potatoes, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish

Ethiopia

cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseed, sugarcane, potatoes, qat;

hides, cattle, sheep, goats

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

fodder and vegetable crops; sheep,

dairy products

Faroe Islands

milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish

Fiji

sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes,

bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish

Finland

barley, wheat, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; fish

France

wheat, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; beef,

dairy products; fish

French Guiana

corn, rice, manioc (tapioca), sugar, cocoa,

vegetables, bananas; cattle, pigs, poultry

French Polynesia

coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits; poultry,

beef, dairy products, coffee

Gabon

cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber; cattle; okoume (a

tropical softwood); fish

Gambia, The

rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava

(tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats

Gaza Strip

olives, citrus, vegetables; beef, dairy products

Georgia

citrus, grapes, tea, hazlenuts, vegetables; livestock

Germany

potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbages;

cattle, pigs, poultry

Ghana

cocoa, rice, coffee, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shea

nuts, bananas; timber

Gibraltar

none

Greece

wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine,

tobacco, potatoes; beef, dairy products

Greenland

forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep,

reindeer; fish

Grenada

bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops,

sugarcane, corn, vegetables

Guadeloupe

bananas, sugarcane, tropical fruits and vegetables;

cattle, pigs, goats

Guam

fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef

Guatemala

sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle,

sheep, pigs, chickens

Guernsey

tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant,

fruit; Guernsey cattle

Guinea

rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca),

bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber

Guinea-Bissau

rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts,

peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; timber; fish

Guyana

sugar, rice, wheat, vegetable oils; beef, pork, poultry,

dairy products; fish (shrimp)

Haiti

coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum; wood

Honduras

bananas, coffee, citrus; beef; timber; shrimp

Hong Kong

fresh vegetables; poultry, fish, pork

Hungary

wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets; pigs,

cattle, poultry, dairy products

Iceland

potatoes, green vegetables, chicken, pork, mutton; fish

India

rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes;

cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry; fish

Indonesia

rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee,

palm oil, copra; poultry, beef, pork, eggs

Iran

wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, fruits, nuts, cotton;

dairy products, wool; caviar

Iraq

wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep

Ireland

turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat; beef, dairy

products

Israel

citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products

Italy

fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans,

grain, olives; beef, dairy products; fish

Jamaica

sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, potatoes, vegetables;

poultry, goats, milk

Japan

rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy

products, eggs; fish

Jersey

potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes; beef, dairy products

Jordan

wheat, barley, citrus, tomatoes, melons, olives; sheep,

goats, poultry

Kazakhstan

grain (mostly spring wheat), cotton; livestock

Kenya

tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables; dairy

products, beef, pork, poultry, eggs

Kiribati

copra, taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; fish

Korea, North

rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, pulses; cattle, pigs,

pork, eggs

Korea, South

rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; cattle,

pigs, chickens, milk, eggs; fish

Kuwait

practically no crops; fish

Kyrgyzstan

tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and

berries; sheep, goats, cattle, wool

Laos

sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, tobacco,

cotton; tea, peanuts, rice; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry

Latvia

grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; beef, pork, milk,

eggs; fish

Lebanon

citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples, vegetables, potatoes,

olives, tobacco; sheep, goats

Lesotho

corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley; livestock

Liberia

rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil,

sugarcane, bananas; sheep, goats; timber

Libya

wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus, vegetables, peanuts,

soybeans; cattle

Liechtenstein

wheat, barley, corn, potatoes; livestock, dairy

products

Lithuania

grain, potatoes, sugar beets, flax, vegetables; beef,

milk, eggs; fish

Luxembourg

barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, wine grapes;

livestock products

Macau

vegetables, livestock

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

rice, tobacco, wheat,

corn, millet, cotton, sesame, mulberry leaves, citrus, vegetables;

beef, pork, poultry, mutton

Madagascar

coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava

(tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts; livestock products

Malawi

tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava

(tapioca), sorghum, pulses; groundnuts, Macadamia nuts; cattle, goats

Malaysia

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah

- subsistence crops, rubber, timber, coconuts, rice; Sarawak -

rubber, pepper; timber

Maldives

coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish

Mali

cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; cattle, sheep,

goats

Malta

potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes,

citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs

Man, Isle of

cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry

Marshall Islands

coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit,

fruits; pigs, chickens

Martinique

pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables,

sugarcane

Mauritania

dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn, dates; cattle, sheep

Mauritius

sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses; cattle,

goats; fish

Mayotte

vanilla, ylang-ylang (perfume essence), coffee, copra

Mexico

corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit,

tomatoes; beef, poultry, dairy products; wood products

Micronesia, Federated States of

black pepper, tropical fruits and

vegetables, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), betel nuts, sweet potatoes;

pigs, chickens

Moldova

vegetables, fruits, wine, grain, sugar beets, sunflower

seed, tobacco; beef, milk

Monaco

none

Mongolia

wheat, barley, potatoes, forage crops; sheep, goats,

cattle, camels, horses

Montserrat

cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers;

livestock products

Morocco

barley, wheat, citrus, wine, vegetables, olives; livestock

Mozambique

cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (tapioca),

corn, coconuts, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits, potatoes,

sunflowers; beef, poultry

Namibia

millet, sorghum, peanuts; livestock; fish

Nauru

coconuts

Nepal

rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops; milk, water buffalo

meat

Netherlands

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables;

livestock

Netherlands Antilles

aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical

fruit

New Caledonia

vegetables; beef, deer, other livestock products

New Zealand

wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables;

wool, beef, dairy products; fish

Nicaragua

coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, tobacco,

sesame, soya, beans; beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products

Niger

cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (tapioca),

rice; cattle, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, horses, poultry

Nigeria

cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet,

cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; timber;

fish

Niue

coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams, cassava

(tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle

Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals,

vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry

Northern Mariana Islands

coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle

Norway

barley, wheat, potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish

Oman

dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish

Pakistan

cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk,

beef, mutton, eggs

Palau

coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes

Panama

bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables;

livestock; shrimp

Papua New Guinea

coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, tea, rubber,

sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables; poultry, pork

Paraguay

cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava

(tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber

Peru

coffee, cotton, sugarcane, rice, wheat, potatoes, corn,

plantains, coca; poultry, beef, dairy products, wool; fish

Philippines

rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples,

mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish

Pitcairn Islands

wide variety of fruits and vegetables, goats,

chickens

Poland

potatoes, fruits, vegetables, wheat; poultry, eggs, pork

Portugal

grain, potatoes, olives, grapes; sheep, cattle, goats,

poultry, beef, dairy products

Puerto Rico

sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas;

livestock products, chickens

Qatar

fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish

Reunion

sugarcane, vanilla, tobacco, tropical fruits, vegetables,

corn

Romania

wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes,

grapes; eggs, sheep

Russia

grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, vegetables, fruits; beef,

milk

Rwanda

coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from

chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock

Saint Helena

corn, potatoes, vegetables; timber; fish, crawfish (on

Tristan da Cunha)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas;

fish

Saint Lucia

bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs;

fish

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes,

spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats; fish

Samoa

coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee, cocoa

San Marino

wheat, grapes, corn, olives; cattle, pigs, horses, beef,

cheese, hides

Sao Tome and Principe

cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, copra,

cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, papayas, beans; poultry; fish

Saudi Arabia

wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton,

chickens, eggs, milk

Senegal

peanuts, millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes,

green vegetables; cattle, poultry, pigs; fish

Serbia and Montenegro

cereals, fruits, vegetables, tobacco, olives;

cattle, sheep, goats

Seychelles

coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava

(tapioca), bananas; broiler chickens; tuna fish

Sierra Leone

rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts;

poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Singapore

rubber, copra, fruit, orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs,

fish, ornamental fish

Slovakia

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle,

poultry; forest products

Slovenia

potatoes, hops, wheat, sugar beets, corn, grapes; cattle,

sheep, poultry

Solomon Islands

cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes,

vegetables, fruit; cattle, pigs; timber; fish

Somalia

cattle, sheep, goats; bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts,

rice, sugarcane, mangoes, sesame seeds, beans; fish

South Africa

corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; beef,

poultry, mutton, wool, dairy products

Spain

grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus;

beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish

Sri Lanka

rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, spices, tea,

rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, beef

Sudan

cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), sorghum, millet, wheat, gum

arabic, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca), mangos, papaya, bananas, sweet

potatoes, sesame; sheep, livestock

Suriname

paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains,

peanuts; beef, chickens; forest products; shrimp

Swaziland

sugarcane, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, citrus,

pineapples, sorghum, peanuts; cattle, goats, sheep

Sweden

barley, wheat, sugar beets; meat, milk

Switzerland

grains, fruits, vegetables; meat, eggs

Syria

wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas, olives, sugar

beets; beef, mutton, eggs, poultry, milk

Taiwan

rice, corn, vegetables, fruit, tea; pigs, poultry, beef,

milk; fish

Tajikistan

cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle, sheep,

goats

Tanzania

coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made

from chrysanthemums), cashew nuts, tobacco, cloves, corn, wheat,

cassava (tapioca), bananas, fruits, vegetables; cattle, sheep, goats

Thailand

rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts,

soybeans

Togo

coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, cassava (tapioca), corn, beans,

rice, millet, sorghum; livestock; fish

Tokelau

coconuts, copra, breadfruit, papayas, bananas; pigs,

poultry, goats

Tonga

squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa,

coffee, ginger, black pepper; fish

Trinidad and Tobago

cocoa, sugarcane, rice, citrus, coffee,

vegetables; poultry

Tunisia

olives, olive oil, grain, dairy products, tomatoes, citrus

fruit, beef, sugar beets, dates, almonds

Turkey

tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, pulse, citrus;

livestock

Turkmenistan

cotton, grain; livestock

Turks and Caicos Islands corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), citrus fruits; fish

Tuvalu

coconuts; fish

Uganda

coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), potatoes,

corn, millet, pulses; beef, goat meat, milk, poultry, cut flowers

Ukraine

grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables; beef, milk

United Arab Emirates

dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs,

dairy products; fish

United Kingdom

cereals, oilseed, potatoes, vegetables; cattle,

sheep, poultry; fish

United States

wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton;

beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; forest products; fish

Uruguay

rice, wheat, corn, barley; livestock; fish

Uzbekistan

cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain; livestock

Vanuatu

copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, coconuts,

fruits, vegetables; fish, beef

Venezuela

corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables,

coffee; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Vietnam

paddy rice, corn, potatoes, rubber, soybeans, coffee, tea,

bananas, sugar; poultry, pigs; fish

Virgin Islands

fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle

Wallis and Futuna

breadfruit, yams, taro, bananas; pigs, goats

West Bank

olives, citrus, vegetables; beef, dairy products

Western Sahara

fruits and vegetables (grown in the few oases);

camels, sheep, goats (kept by nomads)

Yemen

grain, fruits, vegetables, pulses, qat (mildly narcotic

shrub), coffee, cotton; dairy products, livestock (sheep, goats,

cattle, camels), poultry; fish

Zambia

corn, sorghum, rice, peanuts, sunflower seed, vegetables,

flowers, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, cassava (tapioca); cattle,

goats, pigs, poultry, milk, eggs, hides; coffee

Zimbabwe

corn, cotton, tobacco, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts;

cattle, sheep, goats, pigs

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2053 Airports

Afghanistan

47 (2002)

Albania

12 (2002)

Algeria

136 (2002)

American Samoa

3 (2002)

Andorra

none (2002)

Angola

243 (2002)

Anguilla

3 (2002)

Antarctica

30

note: 30 stations, operated by 16 national governments party to the

Antarctic Treaty, have aircraft landing facilities for either

helicopters and/or fixed-wing aircraft; commercial enterprises

operate two additional aircraft landing facilities; helicopter pads

are available at 27 stations; runways at 15 locations are gravel,

sea-ice, blue-ice, or compacted snow suitable for landing wheeled,

fixed-wing aircraft; of these, 1 is greater than 3 km in length, 6

are between 2 km and 3 km in length, 3 are between 1 km and 2 km in

length, 3 are less than 1 km in length, and 2 are of unknown length;

snow surface skiways, limited to use by ski-equipped, fixed-wing

aircraft, are available at another 15 locations; of these, 4 are

greater than 3 km in length, 3 are between 2 km and 3 km in length,

2 are between 1 km and 2 km in length, 2 are less than 1 km in

length, and 4 are of unknown length; aircraft landing facilities

generally subject to severe restrictions and limitations resulting

from extreme seasonal and geographic conditions; aircraft landing

facilities do not meet ICAO standards; advance approval from the

respective governmental or nongovernmental operating organization

required for landing; landed aircraft are subject to inspection in

accordance with Article 7, Antarctic Treaty (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda

3 (2002)

Argentina

1,342 (2002)

Armenia

15 (2002)

Aruba

1 (2002)

Australia

444 (2002)

Austria

55 (2002)

Azerbaijan

71 (2002)

Bahamas, The

64 (2002)

Bahrain

4 (2002)

Baker Island

1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m, completely

covered with vegetation and unusable (2002)

Bangladesh

18 (2002)

Barbados

1 (2002)

Belarus

124 (2002)

Belgium

42 (2002)

Belize

42 (2002)

Benin

5 (2002)

Bermuda

1 (2002)

Bhutan

2 (2002)

Bolivia

1,081 (2002)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

32 (2002)

Botswana

86 (2002)

Brazil

3,590 (2002)

British Indian Ocean Territory

1 (2002)

British Virgin Islands

3 (2002)

Brunei

2 (2002)

Bulgaria

216 (2002)

Burkina Faso

33 (2002)

Burma

80 (2002)

Burundi

7 (2002)

Cambodia

21 (2002)

Cameroon

49 (2002)

Canada

1,389 (2002)

Cape Verde

9

note: 3 airports are reported to be nonoperational (2002)

Cayman Islands

3 (2002)

Central African Republic

50 (2002)

Chad

50 (2002)

Chile

363 (2002)

China

500 (2002)

Christmas Island

1 (2002)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

1 (2002)

Colombia

1,050 (2002)

Comoros

4 (2002)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

229 (2002)

Congo, Republic of the

31 (2002)

Cook Islands

7 (2002)

Costa Rica

151 (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire

36 (2002)

Croatia

59 (2002)

Cuba

161 (2002)

Cyprus

16 (2002)

Czech Republic

144 (2002)

Denmark

104 (2002)

Djibouti

13 (2002)

Dominica

2 (2002)

Dominican Republic

30 (2002)

East Timor

8 (2002)

Ecuador

205 (2002)

Egypt

89 (2002)

El Salvador

82 (2002)

Equatorial Guinea

3 (2002)

Eritrea

18 (2002)

Estonia

38 (2002)

Ethiopia

83 (2002)

Europa Island

1 (2002)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

5 (2002)

Faroe Islands

1 (2002)

Fiji

27 (2002)

Finland

150 (2002)

France

477 (2002)

French Guiana

11 (2002)

French Polynesia

45 (2002)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

none (2002)

Gabon

57 (2002)

Gambia, The

1 (2002)

Gaza Strip

2 (2001)

note: includes Gaza International Airport (GIA), inaugurated on 24

November 1998 as part of agreements stipulated in the September 1995

Oslo II Accord and the 23 October 1998 Wye River Memorandum; GIA has

been largely closed since October 2000 by Israeli orders and its

runway was destroyed by the Israeli Defense Forces in December 2001

(2002)

Georgia

40 (2002)

Germany

551 (2002)

Ghana

12 (2002)

Gibraltar

1 (2002)

Glorioso Islands

1 (2002)

Greece

79 (note - new Athens airport at Spata opened in March 2001)

(2002)

Greenland

14 (2002)

Grenada

3 (2002)

Guadeloupe

9 (2002)

Guam

5 (2002)

Guatemala

466 (2002)

Guernsey

2 (2002)

Guinea

15 (2002)

Guinea-Bissau

28 (2002)

Guyana

51 (2002)

Haiti

12 (2002)

Holy See (Vatican City)

none (2002)

Honduras

115 (2002)

Hong Kong

3 (2002)

Howland Island

airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling

stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred NOONAN

- they left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island, but were never seen

again; the airstrip is no longer serviceable (2002)

Hungary

49 (2002)

Iceland

86 (2002)

India

334 (2002)

Indonesia

631 (2002)

Iran

309 (2002)

Iraq

150 (2002); note - unknown number were damaged during the

March-April 2003 war

Ireland

36 (2002)

Israel

52 (2002)

Italy

134 (2002)

Jamaica

35 (2002)

Jan Mayen

1 (2002)

Japan

172 (2002)

Jersey

1 (2002)

Johnston Atoll

1 (2002)

Jordan

17 (2002)

Juan de Nova Island

1 (2002)

Kazakhstan

488 (2002)

Kenya

230 (2002)

Kingman Reef

lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii and

American Samoa by Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937 and

1938 (2002)

Kiribati

20 (2002)

Korea, North

72 (2002)

Korea, South

102 (2002)

Kuwait

6 (2002)

Kyrgyzstan

68 (2002)

Laos

51 (2002)

Latvia

38 (2002)

Lebanon

8 (2002)

Lesotho

28 (2002)

Liberia

47 (2002)

Libya

136 (2002)

Liechtenstein

none (2002)

Lithuania

87 (2002)

Luxembourg

2 (2002)

Macau

1 (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

18 (2002)

Madagascar

121 (2002)

Malawi

43 (2002)

Malaysia

114 (2002)

Maldives

5 (2002)

Mali

26 (2002)

Malta

1 (2002)

Man, Isle of

1 (2002)

Marshall Islands

15 (2002)

Martinique

2 (2002)

Mauritania

26 (2002)

Mauritius

5 (2002)

Mayotte

1 (2002)

Mexico

1,823 (2002)

Micronesia, Federated States of

7 (2002)

Midway Islands

2 (2002)

Moldova

36 (2002)

Monaco

none; linked to airport in Nice, France, by helicopter

service (2002)

Mongolia

50 (2002)

Montserrat

none; only airport was destroyed by volcanic activity; a

helicopter service to Antigua is used (2002)

Morocco

63 (2002)

Mozambique

165 (2002)

Namibia

135 (2002)

Nauru

1 (2002)

Nepal

45 (2002)

Netherlands

28 (2002)

Netherlands Antilles

5 (2002)

New Caledonia

30 (2002)

New Zealand

113 (2002)

Nicaragua

176 (2002)

Niger

27 (2002)

Nigeria

70 (2002)

Niue

1 (2002)

Norfolk Island

1 (2002)

Northern Mariana Islands

6 (2002)

Norway

102 (2002)

Oman

139 (2002)

Pakistan

124 (2002)

Palau

3 (2002)

Palmyra Atoll

1 (2002)

Panama

103 (2002)

Papua New Guinea

491 (2002)

Paracel Islands

1 (2002)

Paraguay

879 (2002)

Peru

233 (2002)

Philippines

257 (2002)

Pitcairn Islands

none (2002)

Poland

150 (2002)

Portugal

66 (2002)

Puerto Rico

31 (2002)

Qatar

4 (2002)

Reunion

2 (2002)

Romania

65 (2002)

Russia

2,743 (2002)

Rwanda

9 (2002)

Saint Helena

1 (2002)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

2 (2002)

Saint Lucia

2 (2002)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

2 (2002)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

6 (2002)

Samoa

4 (2002)

San Marino

none (2002)

Sao Tome and Principe

2 (2002)

Saudi Arabia

209 (2002)

Senegal

20 (2002)

Serbia and Montenegro

45 (2002)

Seychelles

14 (2002)

Sierra Leone

10 (2002)

Singapore

9 (2002)

Slovakia

37 (2002)

Slovenia

16 (2002)

Solomon Islands

32 (2002)

Somalia

60 (2002)

South Africa

727 (2002)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

none (2002)

Spain

152 (2002)

Spratly Islands

3 (2002)

Sri Lanka

15 (2002)

Sudan

63 (2002)

Suriname

46 (2002)

Svalbard

4 (2002)

Swaziland

18 (2002)

Sweden

245 (2002)

Switzerland

66 (2002)

Syria

92 (2002)

Taiwan

39 (2002)

Tajikistan

66 (2002)

Tanzania

123 (2002)

Thailand

111 (2002)

Togo

9 (2002)

Tokelau

none; lagoon landings are possible by amphibious aircraft

(2002)

Tonga

6 (2002)

Trinidad and Tobago

6 (2002)

Tromelin Island

1 (2002)

Tunisia

30 (2002)

Turkey

120 (2002)

Turkmenistan

76 (2002)

Turks and Caicos Islands

8 (2002)

Tuvalu

1 (2002)

Uganda

27 (2002)

Ukraine

790 (2002)

United Arab Emirates

41 (2002)

United Kingdom

470 (2002)

United States

14,801 (2002)

Uruguay

64 (2002)

Uzbekistan

273 (2002)

Vanuatu

30 (2002)

Venezuela

373 (2002)

Vietnam

47 (2002)

Virgin Islands

2 (2002)

Wake Island

1 (2002)

Wallis and Futuna

2 (2002)

West Bank

3 (2002)

Western Sahara

11 (2002)

Yemen

44 (2002)

Zambia

109 (2002)

Zimbabwe

430 (2002)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2054 Birth rate (births/1,000 population)

Afghanistan

40.63 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Albania

18.2 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Algeria

21.94 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

American Samoa

23.26 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Andorra

9.65 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Angola

45.57 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Anguilla

14.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

18.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Argentina

17.47 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Armenia

12.57 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Aruba

11.86 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Australia

12.55 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Austria

9.43 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

19.28 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

18.57 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bahrain

19.02 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

29.9 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Barbados

13.15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Belarus

10.18 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Belgium

10.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Belize

30.46 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Benin

43.15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bermuda

12.13 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bhutan

34.82 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bolivia

25.53 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

12.65 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Botswana

25.5 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Brazil

17.67 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands

15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Brunei

19.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

8.02 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

44.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Burma

19.15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Burundi

39.72 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cambodia

27.28 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cameroon

35.49 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Canada

10.99 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cape Verde

26.95 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

13.33 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Central African Republic

35.93 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Chad

47.06 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Chile

16.1 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

China

12.96 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Christmas Island

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Colombia

21.59 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Comoros

38.5 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 45.12 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

29.46 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cook Islands

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

19.4 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

40.01 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Croatia

12.76 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cuba

11.87 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cyprus

12.77 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

9.01 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Denmark

11.52 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Djibouti

40.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Dominica

16.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

23.94 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

East Timor

27.75 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ecuador

24.94 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Egypt

24.36 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

El Salvador

27.9 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

36.94 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Eritrea

39.44 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Estonia

9.24 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

39.81 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA births/1,000 population

Faroe Islands

13.81 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Fiji

23.06 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Finland

10.54 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

France

12.54 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

French Guiana

21.33 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

French Polynesia

17.74 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gabon

36.54 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

40.77 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

41.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Georgia

11.79 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Germany

8.6 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ghana

25.84 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gibraltar

11.09 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Greece

9.79 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Greenland

16.09 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Grenada

22.87 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guadeloupe

16.16 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guam

23.19 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guatemala

35.05 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guernsey

9.43 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guinea

42.5 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

38.41 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guyana

17.87 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Haiti

34.06 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Honduras

31.67 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

10.71 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Hungary

9.32 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Iceland

14.13 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

India

23.28 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Indonesia

21.49 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Iran

17.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Iraq

33.66 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ireland

14.63 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Israel

18.67 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Italy

9.18 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Jamaica

17.35 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Japan

9.61 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Jersey

10.44 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Jordan

23.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

18.36 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kenya

28.81 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kiribati

31.24 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Korea, North

17.61 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Korea, South

12.6 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kuwait

21.83 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

26.06 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Laos

36.93 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Latvia

8.55 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Lebanon

19.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Lesotho

27.26 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Liberia

45.28 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Libya

27.43 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

10.92 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Lithuania

10.48 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

11.92 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Macau

12.07 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 13.2 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Madagascar

42.16 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Malawi

44.7 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Malaysia

23.7 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Maldives

36.71 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mali

47.79 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Malta

12.75 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

11.38 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

34.18 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Martinique

14.96 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mauritania

42.16 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mauritius

16.1 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mayotte

42.86 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mexico

21.92 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of 26.47 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Moldova

14.31 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Monaco

9.46 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mongolia

21.39 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Montserrat

17.57 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Morocco

23.26 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mozambique

38.2 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Namibia

34.1 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nauru

26.09 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nepal

32.46 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Netherlands

11.31 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

15.76 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

New Caledonia

19.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

New Zealand

14.14 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

26.29 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Niger

49.54 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nigeria

38.75 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Niue

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Norfolk Island

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands

19.97 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Norway

12.17 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Oman

37.47 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Pakistan

29.59 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Palau

19.02 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Panama

20.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

31.07 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Paraguay

30.14 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Peru

22.81 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Philippines

26.3 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Poland

10.47 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Portugal

11.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Qatar

15.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Reunion

20.17 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Romania

10.79 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Russia

10.09 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Rwanda

40.1 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Helena

12.9 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

18.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

20.93 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

14.62 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 17.16 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Samoa

15.41 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

San Marino

10.49 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

41.87 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

37.2 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Senegal

36.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

12.74 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Seychelles

16.89 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

43.89 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Singapore

12.75 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Slovakia

10.1 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Slovenia

9.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

32.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Somalia

46.42 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

South Africa

18.87 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Spain

10.08 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

16.12 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sudan

36.48 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Suriname

19.4 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Svalbard

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Swaziland

29.37 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sweden

9.71 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Switzerland

9.59 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Syria

29.54 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Taiwan

12.74 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

32.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tanzania

39.5 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Thailand

16.37 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Togo

35.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tokelau

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tonga

24.51 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

12.74 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tunisia

16.53 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Turkey

17.59 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

28.02 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

23.51 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tuvalu

21.58 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Uganda

46.57 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ukraine

9.89 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

18.48 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

10.99 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

United States

14.14 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Uruguay

17.19 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

26.09 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Vanuatu

24.26 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Venezuela

19.78 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Vietnam

19.58 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Virgin Islands

15.8 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

West Bank

34.07 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Western Sahara

NA births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

World

20.43 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Yemen

43.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Zambia

39.53 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

30.34 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2055 Military branches

Afghanistan

NA; note - the December 2001 Bonn Agreement called for

all militia forces to come under the authority of the central

government, but regional leaders have continued to retain their

militias and the formation of a nation army will be a gradual

process; Afghanistan's forces continue to be factionalized, largely

along ethnic lines

Albania

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

Troops, Border Guards

Algeria

People's National Army (ANP), Algerian National Navy (ANN),

Air Force, Territorial Air Defense, National Gendarmerie

Andorra

no regular military forces, but there is a police force

Angola

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Police Force

Antigua and Barbuda

Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Royal

Antigua and Barbuda Police Force (including the Coast Guard)

Argentina

Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic (includes

naval aviation and Marines), Coast Guard, Argentine Air Force,

National Gendarmerie, National Aeronautical Police Force

Armenia

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guards

Aruba

no regular indigenous military forces; Royal Dutch Navy and

Marines, Coast Guard

Australia

Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian

Air Force

Austria

Land Forces (KdoLdSK), Air Forces (KdoLuSK)

Azerbaijan

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces

Bahamas, The

Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), Royal

Bahamas Police Force

Bahrain

Bahrain Defense Forces (BDF) comprising Ground Force

(includes Air Defense), Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Police Force,

Amiri Guards, National Guard

Bangladesh

Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, paramilitary forces

(includes Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Village Defense

Parties, Armed Police Battalions, National Cadet Corps)

Barbados

Royal Barbados Defense Force (including Ground Forces and

Coast Guard), Royal Barbados Police Force

Belarus

Army, Air Force (including air defense), Interior Ministry

Troops, Border Guards

Belgium

Army, Navy, Air Components, Federal Police

Belize

Belize Defense Force (includes Army, Maritime Wing, Air Wing,

and Volunteer Guard)

Benin

Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National

Gendarmerie

Bermuda

no regular indigenous military forces; Bermuda Regiment,

Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary

Bhutan

Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal

Bhutan Police, Forest Guards

Bolivia

Army (Ejercito Boliviano), Navy (Fuerza Naval, includes

Marines), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana), National Police Force

(Policia Nacional de Bolivia)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

VF Army (the air and air defense forces are

subordinate commands within the Army), VRS Army (the air and air

defense forces are subordinate commands within the Army)

Botswana

Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing),

Botswana National Police

Brazil

Brazilian Army, Brazilian Navy (includes naval air and

marines), Brazilian Air Force, Federal Police (paramilitary)

Brunei

Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, Royal Brunei Police

Bulgaria

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (subordinate to

Ministry of Defense), Internal Forces (subordinate to Ministry of

Interior), Civil Defense Forces (subordinate to the president)

Burkina Faso

Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police,

People's Militia

Burma

Army, Navy, Air Force

Burundi

Army (including naval and air units), Gendarmerie

Cambodia

Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF): Army, Navy, Air Force

Cameroon

Army, Navy (includes naval infantry), Air Force, National

Gendarmerie, Presidential Guard

Canada

Canadian Armed Forces (comprising Land Forces Command,

Maritime Command, Air Command, Communications Command, Training

Command)

Cape Verde

Army, Coast Guard

Cayman Islands

no regular indigenous military forces; Royal Cayman

Islands Police Force (RCIPF)

Central African Republic

Central African Armed Forces (FACA)

(including Republican Guard, Ground Forces, Naval Forces, and Air

Force), Presidential Security Guard, Gendarmerie, National Police

Chad

Armed Forces (including National Army, Air Force, and

Gendarmerie), Rapid Intervention Force, National and Nomadic Guard

(GNNT), Presidential Security Guard, Police

Chile

Army of the Nation, National Navy (including naval air, coast

guard, and marines), Air Force of the Nation, Chilean Carabineros

(National Police), Investigations Police

China

People's Liberation Army (PLA): comprises ground forces, Navy

(including naval infantry and naval aviation), Air Force, and II

Artillery Corps (strategic missile force), People's Armed Police

Force (internal security troops, nominally a state security body but

included by the Chinese as part of the "armed forces" and considered

to be an adjunct to the PLA), militia

Colombia

Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, including

Marines and Coast Guard), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana),

National Police (Policia Nacional)

Comoros

Comoran Security Force

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Army, Navy, Air Force, Special

Security Battalion

Congo, Republic of the

Army, Air Force, Navy, Gendarmerie, National

Police

Costa Rica

no regular indigenous military forces; Air Section,

Ministry of Public Forces (Fuerza Publica)

Cote d'Ivoire

Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Gendarmerie,

Republican Guard (includes Presidential Guard)

Croatia

Ground Forces (Hrvatska Vojska, HV), Naval Forces, Air and

Air Defense Forces

Cuba

Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) including Revolutionary Army

(ER), Revolutionary Navy (MGR), Air and Air Defense Force (DAAFAR),

Territorial Militia Troops (MTT), and Youth Labor Army (EJT); note -

the Border Guard Troops (TGF) are controlled by the Interior Ministry

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG;

including air and naval elements), Greek Cypriot Police

Turkish Cypriot area: Turkish Cypriot Security Force (GKK)

Czech Republic

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Territorial Defense

Force

Denmark

Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air

Force, Home Guard

Djibouti

Djibouti National Army (including Navy and Air Force)

Dominica

Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (including Special

Service Unit, Coast Guard)

Dominican Republic

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police

East Timor

The East Timor Defense Force or FALINTIL-FDTL comprises a

light-infantry Army and a small Naval component; note - plans are to

develop a force of 1,500 active personnel and 1,500 reserve

personnel over the next five years

Ecuador

Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Police

Egypt

Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Command

El Salvador

Army, Navy (FNES), Air Force

Equatorial Guinea

Army, Navy, Air Force, Rapid Intervention Force,

National Police

Eritrea

Army, Navy, Air Force

Estonia

Estonia Defense Forces (including Ground Forces, Navy, Air

Force), Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops),

Volunteer Defense League (Kaitseliit), Maritime Border Guard, Coast

Guard

note: Border Guards and Ministry of Internal Affairs become part of

the Estonian Defense Forces in wartime; the Coast Guard is

subordinate to the Ministry of Defense in peacetime and the Estonian

Navy in wartime

Ethiopia

Ethiopian National Defense Force (Ground Forces, Air Force,

militia, police)

note: Ethiopia is landlocked and has no navy; following the

secession of Eritrea, Ethiopian naval facilities remained in

Eritrean possession

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

British Forces Falkland Islands no

regular indigenous military forces; (includes Army, Royal Air Force,

and Royal Navy), Police Force

Faroe Islands

no regular indigenous military forces; small Police

Force and Coast Guard are maintained

Fiji

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), includes ground

forces, naval division

Finland

Army, Navy, Air Force, Frontier Guard (including Sea Guard)

France

Army (includes marines), Navy (includes naval air), Air Force

(includes Air Defense), National Gendarmerie

French Guiana

no regular indigenous military forces; French Forces,

Gendarmerie

French Polynesia

no regular indigenous military forces; French

Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), Gendarmerie

Gabon

Army, Navy, Air Force, Presidential (Republican) Guard

(charged with protecting the president and other senior officials),

National Gendarmerie, National Police

Gambia, The

Gambian National Army (GNA) (includes marine unit),

National Police, Presidential Guard

Gaza Strip

in accordance with the peace agreement, the Palestinian

Authority is not permitted conventional military forces; there are,

however, a Public Security Force and a civil Police Force

Georgia

Ground Forces (includes National Guard), combined Air and

Air Defense Forces, Naval Forces, Republic Security and Police

Forces (internal and border troops)

Germany

Army, Navy (including naval air arm), Air Force, Medical

Corps, Joint Support Service

Ghana

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police Force

Gibraltar

no regular indigenous military forces; British Army, Royal

Navy, Royal Air Force

Greece

Hellenic Army, Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Air Force, Police,

National Guard

Grenada

Royal Grenada Police Force, Coast Guard

Guadeloupe

no regular indigenous military forces; French Forces,

Gendarmerie

Guatemala

Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force

Guinea

Army, Navy, Air Force, Republican Guard, Presidential Guard,

paramilitary National Gendarmerie, National Police Force (Surete

National)

Guinea-Bissau

People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP; includes

Army, Navy, and Air Force), paramilitary force

Guyana

Guyana Defense Force (including Ground Forces, Coast Guard,

and Air Corps), Guyana Police Force, Guyana People's Militia, Guyana

National Service

Haiti

Haitian National Police (HNP)

note: the regular Haitian Army, Navy, and Air Force have been

demobilized but still exist on paper until or unless they are

constitutionally abolished

Holy See (Vatican City)

Swiss Guards Corps (Corpo della Guardia

Svizzera)

Honduras

Army, Navy (including marines), Air Force

Hong Kong

no regular indigenous military forces; Hong Kong garrison

of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) including elements of the

PLA Ground Forces, PLA Navy, and PLA Air Force; these forces are

under the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission in

Beijing and under administrative control of the adjacent Guangzhou

Military Region

Hungary

Ground Forces, Air Forces

Iceland

no regular armed forces; Police, Coast Guard

India

Army, Navy (including naval air arm), Air Force, Strategic

Nuclear Command (SNC), Coast Guard, various security or paramilitary

forces (including Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, Rashtriya

Rifles, National Security Guards, Indo-Tibetan Border Police,

Special Frontier Force, Ladakh Scouts, Central Reserve Police Force,

Central Industrial Security Force, Railway Protection Force, Defense

Security Corps, and Indian Reserve Battalions)

Indonesia

Army, Navy (including marines and naval air arm), Air Force

Iran

Islamic Republic of Iran regular forces (includes Ground

Forces, Navy, Air Force and Air Defense Command), Iranian

Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) (includes Ground Forces, Air

Force, Navy, Qods [special operations], and Basij [Popular

Mobilization Army] forces), Law Enforcement Forces

Iraq

Army, Republican Guard, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force,

Border Guard Force, Fedayeen Saddam; note - with the defeat of

Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003, the data listed in the following

entries for Iraq is invalid, but is retained here for historical

purposes and until replaced by valid information related to the

future Iraqi Government (April 2003)

Ireland

Army (including Naval Service and Air Corps), National

Police (Garda Siochana)

Israel

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) (includes ground, naval, and air

components with Air Defense Forces), Pioneer Fighting Youth (Nahal);

note - historically there have been no separate Israeli military

services

Italy

Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri

Jamaica

Jamaica Defense Force (including Ground Forces, Coast Guard,

and Air Wing), Jamaica Constabulary Force

Japan

Ground Self-Defense Force (Army), Maritime Self-Defense Force

(Navy), Air Self-Defense Force (Air Force), Coast Guard

Jordan

Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) (Royal Jordanian Land Force,

Royal Naval Force, Royal Jordanian Air Force, and Special Operations

Command or SOCOM); note - Public Security Directorate normally falls

under Ministry of Interior but comes under JAF in wartime or crisis

situations

Kazakhstan

Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Naval Force,

Border Service, Republican Guard

Kenya

Army, Navy, Air Force

Kiribati

no regular military forces; Police Force (carries out law

enforcement functions and paramilitary duties; small police posts

are on all islands)

Korea, North

Korean People's Army (includes Army, Navy, Air Force),

Civil Security Forces

Korea, South

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Maritime

Police (Coast Guard)

Kuwait

Army, Navy, Air Force (including Air Defense Force), National

Police Force, National Guard, Coast Guard

Kyrgyzstan

Army, Air and Air Defense, Security Forces, Border Troops

Laos

Lao People's Army (LPA; including Riverine Force), Air Force,

National Police Department

Latvia

Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border

Guard, National Guard

Lebanon

Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF; includes Army, Navy, and Air

Force)

Lesotho

Lesotho Defense Force (LDF; including Army and Air Wing),

Royal Lesotho Mounted Police

Liberia

Army, Navy, Air Force

Libya

Armed Peoples on Duty (Army), Navy, Air and Air Defense

Command (includes Air Force)

Lithuania

Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force, National

Volunteer Defense Forces (SKAT)

Luxembourg

Army, Grand Ducal Police

Macau

no regular indigenous military forces; responsibility for

defense reverted to China on 20 December 1999; there is a local

police force

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Army (ARM), Air and Air

Defense Forces, Police Force

Madagascar

People's Armed Forces (comprising Intervention Force,

Development Force, Aeronaval [Navy and Air] Force), Gendarmerie,

Presidential Security Regiment

Malawi

Army (including Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police

(including paramilitary Mobile Force Unit)

Malaysia

Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air

Force, Royal Malaysian Police Field Force, Marine Police, Sarawak

Border Scouts

Maldives

National Security Service

Mali

Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Guard,

National Police (Surete Nationale)

Malta

Armed Forces (including land forces [with subordinate air

squadron and maritime squadron] and the Revenue Security Corps),

Maltese Police Force

Marshall Islands

no regular military forces; Police Force

Martinique

no regular indigenous military forces; French Forces

(Army, Navy, Air Force), Gendarmerie

Mauritania

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National

Guard, National Police, Presidential Guard

Mauritius

National Police Force (includes the paramilitary Special

Mobile Force or SMF and National Coast Guard)

Mexico

National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA) (including Army and Air

Force), Navy Secretariat (including Naval Air and Marines)

Moldova

Ground Forces (includes Air and Air Defense Forces),

Republic Security Forces (includes paramilitary Internal Troops and

Border Troops)

Mongolia

Mongolian Armed Forces (includes General Purpose Forces,

Air and Air Defense Forces, Civil Defense Troops); note - Border

Troops are under Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs in peacetime

Montserrat

no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Morocco

Royal Armed Forces (includes Army, Navy, Air Force),

Gendarmerie, Auxiliary Forces

Mozambique

Army, Naval Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Special

Forces, Militia

Namibia

National Defense Force (Army, including Air Wing), Police

Nauru

no regular military forces; Nauru Police Force

Nepal

Royal Nepalese Army (includes Royal Nepalese Army Air

Service), Nepalese Police Force

Netherlands

Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy

(including Naval Air Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands

Air Force, Royal Constabulary

Netherlands Antilles

no regular indigenous military forces; Royal

Netherlands Navy, Marine Corps, Royal Netherlands Air Force,

National Guard, Police Force

New Caledonia

no regular indigenous military forces; French Armed

Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie); Police Force

New Zealand

New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New

Zealand Air Force

Nicaragua

Army, Navy, Air Force

Niger

Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, National Intervention and

Security Force

Nigeria

Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force

Niue

no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Norway

Norwegian Army, Royal Norwegian Navy (including Coast

Artillery and Coast Guard), Royal Norwegian Air Force, Home Guard

Oman

Royal Omani Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), Royal Omani

Police

Pakistan

Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces, National Guard

Palau

NA

Panama

an amendment to the Constitution abolished the armed forces,

but there are security forces (Panamanian Public Forces or PPF

includes the Panamanian National Police, National Maritime Service,

and National Air Service)

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea Defense Force (includes Ground

Force, Maritime Operations Element, and Air Operations Element)

Paraguay

Army, Navy (includes Naval Air and Marines), Air Force

Peru

Army (Ejercito Peruano), Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru;

includes Naval Air, Marines, and Coast Guard), Air Force (Fuerza

Aerea del Peru; FAP), National Police (includes General Police,

Security Police, and Technical Police)

Philippines

Army, Navy (including Coast Guard and Marine Corps), Air

Force, paramilitary units

Poland

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force

Portugal

Army, Navy (PON) (includes Marines), Air Force, Republican

Guard (includes Fiscal Guard)

Puerto Rico

no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary

National Guard, Police Force

Qatar

Army, Navy, Air Force

Reunion

no regular indigenous military forces; French forces

(including Army, Navy, Air Force, and Gendarmerie)

Romania

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces (AMR), Paramilitary

Forces, Civil Defense, Border Guards

Russia

Ground Forces, Navy, Air Forces; Airborne troops, Strategic

Rocket Forces, and Military Space Forces are classified as

independent combat arms, not subordinate to any of the three branches

Rwanda

Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (including

Coast Guard), Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force (including

Special Service Unit)

Saint Lucia

Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (includes Special Service

Unit and Coast Guard)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Royal Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines Police Force (includes Special Service Unit), Coast Guard

Samoa

no regular armed services; Samoa Police Force

San Marino

Voluntary Military Force (Corpi Militari Voluntar),

Gendarmerie; note - the Voluntary Military Force performs ceremonial

duties and limited police assistance

Sao Tome and Principe

Army, Navy, Security Police

Saudi Arabia

Land Force (Army), Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force,

National Guard, Ministry of Interior Forces (paramilitary)

Senegal

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police

(Surete Nationale)

Serbia and Montenegro

Army (VJ) (including ground forces with border

troops, naval forces, air and air defense forces)

Seychelles

Army, Coast Guard (includes Air Wing), Presidential

Protection Unit (includes Presidential Guard), Police Force

(includes Police Mobile Unit, a special weapons and tactics unit

capable of assisting the Army in maintaining internal stability)

Sierra Leone

Army (RSLAF)

Singapore

Army, Navy, Air Force, People's Defense Force, Police Force

Slovakia

Army (Ground Forces), Air and Air Defense Forces, Home

Guards (Territorial Defense Forces), Civil Defense Force, Railway

Armed Forces (subordinate to the Ministry of Transportation, Post,

and Telecommunications)

Slovenia

Slovenian Army (includes Air and Naval Forces)

Solomon Islands

no regular military forces; Solomon Islands National

Reconnaissance and Surveillance Force; Royal Solomon Islands Police

(RSIP)

Somalia

A Somali National Army was attempted under the interim

government; numerous factions and clans maintain independent

militias, and the Somaliland and Puntland regional governments

maintain their own security and police forces

South Africa

South African National Defense Force (including Army,

Navy, Air Force, and Medical Services), South African Police Service

Spain

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Civil Guard, National Police,

Coastal Civil Guard

Sri Lanka

Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force

Sudan

Army, Navy, Air Force, Popular Defense Force Militia

Suriname

National Army (including small Navy and Air Force

elements), Civil Police

Swaziland

Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (Army), Royal Swaziland

Police Force

Sweden

Army, Royal Navy (including Coast Artillery and Naval

Helicopter Service), Air Force

Switzerland

Army, Air Force, Frontier Guards, Fortification Guards

Syria

Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Navy, Syrian Arab Air Force

(includes Air Defense Forces), Police and Security Force

Taiwan

Army, Navy (including Marine Corps), Air Force, Coast Guard

Administration, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Combined Service

Forces Command

Tajikistan

Army, Air Force and Air Defense Force, Presidential

National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border troops)

Tanzania

Tanzanian People's Defense Force (including Army, Navy, and

Air Force), paramilitary Police Field Force Unit (including Police

Marine Unit and Police Air Wing), territorial militia

Thailand

Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (includes Royal Thai

Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force, paramilitary forces (includes

the Border Patrol Police [including Police Aerial Reinforcement

Unit], Thahan Phran, Special Action Forces, Police Aviation

Division, Thai Marine Police, and the Volunteer Defense Corps)

Togo

Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie

Tonga

Tonga Defense Services (made up of three operational command

components and two support elements, including the Royal Marines,

Royal Guards, Maritime Force, a support/logistics group, and a

training group), Police; note - a new air wing that will be

subordinate to the Ministry of Defense is being developed

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (including

Ground Force, Coast Guard, and Air Wing), Trinidad and Tobago Police

Service

Tunisia

Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces, National Guard

Turkey

Land Forces, Navy (includes Naval Air and Naval Infantry),

Air Force, Coast Guard, Gendarmerie

Turkmenistan

Ministry of Defense (Army, Air and Air Defense, Navy,

Border Troops, and Internal Troops), National Guard

Tuvalu

no regular military forces; Police Force (includes Maritime

Surveillance Unit for search and rescue missions and surveillance

operations)

Uganda

Ugandan Peoples' Defense Force (including Army, Marine unit,

Air Wing)

Ukraine

Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Force, Air Defense Forces,

Interior Troops, Border Troops

United Arab Emirates

Army, Navy (including Marines and Coast Guard),

Air Force, Air Defense, paramilitary forces (includes Federal Police

Force)

United Kingdom

Army, Royal Navy (including Royal Marines), Royal Air

Force

United States

Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast

Guard (Coast Guard administered in peacetime by the Department of

Homeland Security but in wartime reports to the Department of the

Navy)

Uruguay

Army, Navy (including Naval Air Arm, Coast Guard, Marines),

Air Force, Police (Coracero Guard, Grenadier Guard)

Uzbekistan

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard,

Security Forces (internal security and border troops)

Vanuatu

no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF;

including the paramilitary Mobile Force or VMF)

Venezuela

National Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Nacionales or FAN)

includes Ground Forces or Army (Fuerzas Terrestres or Ejercito),

Naval Forces (Fuerzas Navales or Armada - including marines and

Coast Guard), Air Force (Fuerzas Aereas or Aviacion), Armed Forces

of Cooperation or National Guard (Fuerzas Armadas de Cooperacion or

Guardia Nacional)

Vietnam

People's Army of Vietnam (includes Ground Forces, People's

Navy Command [including Naval Infantry], Air and Air Defense Force,

Coast Guard)

Yemen

Army (includes Special Forces, established in 1999), Navy, Air

Force, Air Defense Forces, Republican Guard

Zambia

Army, Air Force, Police, paramilitary forces

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

Republic Police (includes Police Support Unit, Paramilitary Police)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2056 Budget

Afghanistan

revenues: $200 million

expenditures: $550 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2003 plan est.)

Albania

revenues: $697 million

expenditures: $1.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $368

million (2002 est.)

Algeria

revenues: $20.3 billion

expenditures: $18.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.8

billion (2001 est.)

American Samoa

revenues: $121 million (37% in local revenue and 63%

in US grants)

expenditures: $127 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY96/97)

Andorra

revenues: $385 million

expenditures: $342 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997)

Angola

revenues: $928 million

expenditures: $2.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $963

million (1992 est.)

Anguilla

revenues: $22.8 million

expenditures: $22.5 million, including capital expenditures of NA

(2000 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

revenues: $123.7 million

expenditures: $145.9 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Argentina

revenues: $44 billion

expenditures: $48 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Armenia

revenues: $402 million

expenditures: $482 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Aruba

revenues: $135.81 million

expenditures: $147 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

Australia

revenues: $86.8 billion

expenditures: $84.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Austria

revenues: $53 billion

expenditures: $54 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

revenues: $786 million

expenditures: $807 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Bahamas, The

revenues: $918.5 million

expenditures: $956.5 million, including capital expenditures of

$106.7 million (FY 99/00)

Bahrain

revenues: $1.8 billion

expenditures: $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $700

million (2002 est.)

Bangladesh

revenues: $4.9 billion

expenditures: $6.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY99/00 est.)

Barbados

revenues: $847 million (including grants)

expenditures: $886 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Belarus

revenues: $4 billion

expenditures: $4.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $180

million (1997 est.)

Belgium

revenues: $113.4 billion

expenditures: $106 billion, including capital expenditures of $7.17

billion (2000)

Belize

revenues: $224 million

expenditures: $209 million, including capital expenditures of $70

million (2002 est.)

Benin

revenues: $377.4 million

expenditures: $561.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001)

Bermuda

revenues: $609.5 million

expenditures: $574.6 million, including capital expenditures of

$54.8 million (FY 00/01)

Bhutan

revenues: $146 million

expenditures: $152 million, including capital expenditures of NA

note: the government of India finances nearly three-fifths of

Bhutan's budget expenditures (FY95/96 est.)

Bolivia

revenues: $4 billion

expenditures: $4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

revenues: $1.9 billion

expenditures: $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Botswana

revenues: $2.3 billion

expenditures: $2.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 01/02)

Brazil

revenues: $100.6 billion

expenditures: $91.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

British Virgin Islands

revenues: $121.5 million

expenditures: $115.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997)

Brunei

revenues: $2.5 billion

expenditures: $2.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.35

billion (1997 est.)

Bulgaria

revenues: $5.57 billion

expenditures: $5.68 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Burkina Faso

revenues: $316 million

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (2001)

Burma

revenues: $7.9 billion

expenditures: $12.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.7

billion (FY96/97)

Burundi

revenues: $125 million

expenditures: $176 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Cambodia

revenues: $396 million

expenditures: $607 million, including capital expenditures of $254

million (2001 est.)

Cameroon

revenues: $2.2 billion

expenditures: $2.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Canada

revenues: $178.6 billion

expenditures: $161.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Cape Verde

revenues: $112 million

expenditures: $198 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

Cayman Islands

revenues: $265.2 million

expenditures: $248.9 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997)

Central African Republic

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Chad

revenues: $198 million

expenditures: $218 million, including capital expenditures of $146

million (1998 est.)

Chile

revenues: $17 billion

expenditures: $17 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

China

revenues: $224.8 billion

expenditures: $267.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

Christmas Island

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Colombia

revenues: $24 billion

expenditures: $25.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Comoros

revenues: $27.6 million

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

revenues: $269 million

expenditures: $244 million, including capital expenditures of $24

million (1996 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

revenues: $870 million

expenditures: $970 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997 est.)

Cook Islands

revenues: $28 million

expenditures: $27 million, including capital expenditures of $3.3

million (FY 00/01 est.)

Costa Rica

revenues: $1.91 billion

expenditures: $2.35 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

revenues: $1.72 billion

expenditures: $2.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $420

million (2001 est.)

Croatia

revenues: $8.6 billion

expenditures: $9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Cuba

revenues: $14.9 billion

expenditures: $15.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Cyprus

revenues: Greek Cypriot area - $4.4 billion, Turkish Cypriot

area - $231.3 million (2002 est.)

expenditures: $3.7 billion, Greek Cypriot area - $539 million,

including capital expenditures of $539 million, Turkish Cypriot area

- $432.8 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

revenues: $16.7 billion

expenditures: $18 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Denmark

revenues: $52.9 billion

expenditures: $51.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $500

million (2001 est.)

Djibouti

revenues: $135 million

expenditures: $182 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Dominica

revenues: $73.9 million

expenditures: $84.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001)

Dominican Republic

revenues: $2.9 billion

expenditures: $3.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.1

billion (2001 est.)

East Timor

revenues: $36 million

expenditures: $97 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2003 est.)

Ecuador

revenues: $5.6 billion

expenditures: planned $5.6 billion, including capital expenditures

of $NA (2001 est.)

Egypt

revenues: $21.5 billion

expenditures: $26.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.9

billion (2001)

El Salvador

revenues: $2.1 billion

expenditures: $2.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

revenues: $200 million

expenditures: $158 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Eritrea

revenues: $206.4 million

expenditures: $615.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Estonia

revenues: $1.89 billion

expenditures: $1.89 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Ethiopia

revenues: $1.8 billion

expenditures: $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $600

million (2002 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

revenues: $66.2 million

expenditures: $67.9 million, including capital expenditures of $23.2

million (FY98/99 est.)

Faroe Islands

revenues: $488 million

expenditures: $484 million, including capital expenditures of $21

million (1999)

Fiji

revenues: $427.9 million

expenditures: $531.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Finland

revenues: $36.1 billion

expenditures: $31 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

France

revenues: $286 billion

expenditures: $330 billion, including capital expenditures of $23

billion (2002 est.)

French Guiana

revenues: $225 million

expenditures: $390 million, including capital expenditures of $105

million (1996)

French Polynesia

revenues: $1 billion

expenditures: $900 million, including capital expenditures of $185

million (1996)

Gabon

revenues: $1.8 billion

expenditures: $1.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $310

million (2002 est.)

Gambia, The

revenues: $90.5 million

expenditures: $80.9 million, including capital expenditures of $4.1

million (2001 est.)

Gaza Strip

revenues: $930 million

expenditures: $1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $15

million (includes West Bank) (2000 est.)

Georgia

revenues: $499 million

expenditures: $554 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Germany

revenues: $802 billion

expenditures: $825 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Ghana

revenues: $1.603 billion

expenditures: $1.975 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Gibraltar

revenues: $307 million

expenditures: $284 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Greece

revenues: $45 billion

expenditures: $47.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Greenland

revenues: $646 million

expenditures: $629 million, including capital expenditures of $85

million (1999)

Grenada

revenues: $85.8 million

expenditures: $102.1 million, including capital expenditures of $28

million (1997)

Guadeloupe

revenues: $225 million

expenditures: $390 million, including capital expenditures of $105

million (1996)

Guam

revenues: $340 million

expenditures: $445 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Guatemala

revenues: $2.3 billion

expenditures: $2.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $750

million (2002 est.)

Guernsey

revenues: $381.3 million

expenditures: $368.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Guinea

revenues: $395.7 million

expenditures: $472.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

million (2000 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Guyana

revenues: $227 million

expenditures: $235.2 million, including capital expenditures of

$93.4 million (2000)

Haiti

revenues: $273 million

expenditures: $361 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

revenues: $173.5 million

expenditures: $176.6 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001)

Honduras

revenues: $607 million

expenditures: $411.9 million, including capital expenditures of $106

million (1999 est.)

Hong Kong

revenues: $22.8 billion

expenditures: $30.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY02/03)

Hungary

revenues: $13 billion

expenditures: $14.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Iceland

revenues: $3.5 billion

expenditures: $3.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $467

million (1999)

India

revenues: $48.3 billion

expenditures: $78.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $14

(FY01/02 est.)

Indonesia

revenues: $26 billion

expenditures: $30 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Iran

revenues: $29.5 billion

expenditures: $31.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Iraq

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Ireland

revenues: $30.7 billion

expenditures: $30.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.5

billion (2002)

Israel

revenues: $38.5 billion

expenditures: $45.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Italy

revenues: $504 billion

expenditures: $517 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Jamaica

revenues: $2.23 billion

expenditures: $2.56 billion, including capital expenditures of

$232.5 million (FY 99/00 est.)

Japan

revenues: $441 billion

expenditures: $718 billion, including capital expenditures (public

works only) of about $0 NA (FY 01/02 est.)

Jersey

revenues: $601 million

expenditures: $588 million, including capital expenditures of $98

million (2000 est.)

Jordan

revenues: $2.7 billion

expenditures: $3 billion, including capital expenditures of $614

million (2002 est.)

Kazakhstan

revenues: $4.2 billion

expenditures: $5.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Kenya

revenues: $2.91 billion

expenditures: $2.97 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Kiribati

revenues: $28.4 million

expenditures: $37.2 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Korea, North

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Korea, South

revenues: $118.1 billion

expenditures: $95.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $22.6

billion (2000)

Kuwait

revenues: $11 billion

expenditures: $17.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 02/03)

Kyrgyzstan

revenues: $207.4 million

expenditures: $238.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Laos

revenues: $211 million

expenditures: $462 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY98/99 est. est.)

Latvia

revenues: $2.4 billion

expenditures: $2.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Lebanon

revenues: $3.1 billion

expenditures: $5.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Lesotho

revenues: $76 million

expenditures: $80 million, including capital expenditures of $15

million (FY 99/00 est.)

Liberia

revenues: $85.4 million

expenditures: $90.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Libya

revenues: $13.7 billion

expenditures: $8.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Liechtenstein

revenues: $424.2 million

expenditures: $414.1 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Lithuania

revenues: $1.59 billion

expenditures: $1.77 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Luxembourg

revenues: $5.5 billion

expenditures: $5.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $760

million (2002 est.)

Macau

revenues: $1.41 billion

expenditures: $1.19 billion, including capital expenditures of $194

million (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

revenues: $1.13 billion

expenditures: $1.02 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Madagascar

revenues: $553 million

expenditures: $735 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Malawi

revenues: $490 million

expenditures: $523 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 99/00 est.)

Malaysia

revenues: $20.3 billion

expenditures: $27.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $9.4

billion (2001 est.)

Maldives

revenues: $224 million (excluding foreign grants)

expenditures: $282 million, including capital expenditures of $80

million (2002 est.)

Mali

revenues: $764 million

expenditures: $828 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Malta

revenues: $1.5 billion

expenditures: $1.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

Man, Isle of

revenues: $485 million

expenditures: $463 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY00/01 est.)

Marshall Islands

revenues: $42 million

expenditures: $40 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999)

Martinique

revenues: $900 million

expenditures: $2.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $140

million (1996)

Mauritania

revenues: $421 million

expenditures: $378 million, including capital expenditures of $154

million (2002 est.)

Mauritius

revenues: $1.1 billion

expenditures: $1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Mayotte

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $73 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1991 est.)

Mexico

revenues: $136 billion

expenditures: $140 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

revenues: $161 million ($69 million

less grants)

expenditures: $160 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Moldova

revenues: $536 million

expenditures: $594 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Monaco

revenues: $518 million

expenditures: $531 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1995)

Mongolia

revenues: $386 million

expenditures: $427 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Montserrat

revenues: $31.4 million

expenditures: $31.6 million, including capital expenditures of $8.4

million (1997 est.)

Morocco

revenues: $13.8 billion

expenditures: $14.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.1

billion (2001 est.)

Mozambique

revenues: $393.1 million

expenditures: $1.025 billion, including capital expenditures of

$479.4 million (2001 est.)

Namibia

revenues: $883 million

expenditures: $950 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998)

Nauru

revenues: $23.4 million

expenditures: $64.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 95/96)

Nepal

revenues: $665 million

expenditures: $1.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 99/00 est.)

Netherlands

revenues: $134 billion

expenditures: $134 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

revenues: $710.8 million

expenditures: $741.6 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997 est.)

New Caledonia

revenues: $861.3 million

expenditures: $735.3 million, including capital expenditures of $52

million (1996 est.)

New Zealand

revenues: $29.2 billion

expenditures: $31.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002)

Nicaragua

revenues: $726 million

expenditures: $908 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Niger

revenues: $320 million - including $134 million from foreign

sources

expenditures: $320 million, including capital expenditures of $178

million (2002 est.)

Nigeria

revenues: $3.4 billion

expenditures: $3.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Niue

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Norfolk Island

revenues: $4.6 million

expenditures: $4.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 92/93)

Northern Mariana Islands

revenues: $193 million

expenditures: $223 million, including capital expenditures of NA (FY

01/02 est.)

Norway

revenues: $71.7 billion

expenditures: $57.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Oman

revenues: $9.2 billion

expenditures: $6.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Pakistan

revenues: $12.6 billion

expenditures: $14.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY02/03 est.)

Palau

revenues: $57.7 million

expenditures: $80.8 million, including capital expenditures of $17.1

million (FY 98/99 est.)

Panama

revenues: $1.9 billion

expenditures: $2 billion, including capital expenditures of $471

million (2000 est.)

Papua New Guinea

revenues: $894 million

expenditures: $1.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $344

million (2000 est.)

Paraguay

revenues: $1.3 billion

expenditures: $2 billion, including capital expenditures of $700

million (1999 est.)

Peru

revenues: $10.4 billion

expenditures: $10.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Philippines

revenues: $10.9 billion

expenditures: $15 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

revenues: $729,884

expenditures: $878,119, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY

94/95 est.)

Poland

revenues: $49.6 billion

expenditures: $52.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999)

Portugal

revenues: $45 billion

expenditures: $48 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Puerto Rico

revenues: $6.7 billion

expenditures: $9.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 99/00)

Qatar

revenues: $5 billion

expenditures: $5.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.2

billion (FY 02/03 est.)

Reunion

revenues: $1.26 billion

expenditures: $2.62 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998)

Romania

revenues: $11.7 billion

expenditures: $12.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Russia

revenues: $70 billion

expenditures: $62 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Rwanda

revenues: $199.3 million

expenditures: $445 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Saint Helena

revenues: $11.2 million

expenditures: $11 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY92)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

revenues: $89.7 million

expenditures: $128.2 million, including capital expenditures of

$19.5 million (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

revenues: $141.2 million

expenditures: $146.7 million, including capital expenditures of

$25.1 million (2000 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

revenues: $70 million

expenditures: $60 million, including capital expenditures of $24

million (1996 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

revenues: $94.6 million

expenditures: $85.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Samoa

revenues: $105 million

expenditures: $119 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001/2002)

San Marino

revenues: $400 million

expenditures: $400 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

revenues: $58 million

expenditures: $114 million, including capital expenditures of $54

million (1993 est.)

Saudi Arabia

revenues: $46 billion

expenditures: $56.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2003 est.)

Senegal

revenues: $1.373 billion

expenditures: $1.373 billion, including capital expenditures of $357

million (2002 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

revenues: $3.9 billion

expenditures: $4.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Seychelles

revenues: $249 million

expenditures: $262 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Sierra Leone

revenues: $96 million

expenditures: $351 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Singapore

revenues: $27.9 billion

expenditures: $19.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.4

billion (FY 00/01 est.)

Slovakia

revenues: $5.2 billion

expenditures: $5.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999)

Slovenia

revenues: $8.11 billion

expenditures: $8.32 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997 est.)

Solomon Islands

revenues: $38 million

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (2001)

Somalia

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

South Africa

revenues: $22.6 billion

expenditures: $24.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

billion (FY 02/03)

Spain

revenues: $105 billion

expenditures: $109 billion, including capital expenditures of $12.8

billion (2000 est.)

Sri Lanka

revenues: $2.8 billion

expenditures: $4.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Sudan

revenues: $1.6 billion

expenditures: $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Suriname

revenues: $393 million

expenditures: $403 million, including capital expenditures of $34

million (1997 est.)

Svalbard

revenues: $11.5 million

expenditures: $11.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

Swaziland

revenues: $448 million

expenditures: $506.9 million, including capital expenditures of $147

million (FY 01/02)

Sweden

revenues: $119 billion

expenditures: $110 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Switzerland

revenues: $30 billion

expenditures: $30 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Syria

revenues: $6 billion

expenditures: $7 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.6

billion (2002 est.)

Taiwan

revenues: $36 billion

expenditures: $36.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

Tajikistan

revenues: $502 million

expenditures: $520 million, including capital expenditures of $86

million (2002 est.)

Tanzania

revenues: $1.01 billion

expenditures: $1.38 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 00/01 est.)

Thailand

revenues: $19 billion

expenditures: $21 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Togo

revenues: $232 million

expenditures: $252 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997 est.)

Tokelau

revenues: $430,830

expenditures: $2.8 million, including capital expenditures of

$37,300 (1987 est.)

Tonga

revenues: $39.9 million

expenditures: $52.4 million, including capital expenditures of $1.9

million (FY 99/00 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

revenues: $1.54 billion

expenditures: $1.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $117.3

million (1998)

Tunisia

revenues: $5.2 billion

expenditures: $5.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.6

billion (2002 est.)

Turkey

revenues: $42.4 billion

expenditures: $69.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001)

Turkmenistan

revenues: $588.6 million

expenditures: $658.2 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

revenues: $47 million

expenditures: $33.6 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1997-98 est.)

Tuvalu

revenues: $22.5 million

expenditures: $11.2 million, including capital expenditures of $4.2

million (2000 est.)

Uganda

revenues: $959 million

expenditures: $1.04 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY98/99 est.)

Ukraine

revenues: $10.2 billion

expenditures: $11.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2002 est.)

United Arab Emirates

revenues: $20 billion

expenditures: $22 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

United Kingdom

revenues: $565 billion

expenditures: $540 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(FY 01)

United States

revenues: $1.946 trillion

expenditures: $2.052 trillion, including capital expenditures of NA

(2002 est.)

Uruguay

revenues: $3.7 billion

expenditures: $4.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $500

million (2000)

Uzbekistan

revenues: $4 billion

expenditures: $4.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1999 est.)

Vanuatu

revenues: $94.4 million

expenditures: $99.8 million, including capital expenditures of $30.4

million (1996 est.)

Venezuela

revenues: $21.5 billion

expenditures: $27 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000 est.)

Vietnam

revenues: $5.3 billion

expenditures: $5.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.8

billion (1999 est.)

Virgin Islands

revenues: $364.4 million

expenditures: $364.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1990 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

revenues: $20 million

expenditures: $17 million, including capital expenditures of $NA

(1998 est.)

West Bank

revenues: $930 million

expenditures: $1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $15

million

note: includes Gaza Strip (2000 est.)

Western Sahara

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Yemen

revenues: $3 billion

expenditures: $3.1 billion, including capital expenditures of NA

(2001 est.)

Zambia

revenues: $1.2 billion

expenditures: $1.25 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2001 est.)

Zimbabwe

revenues: $2.5 billion

expenditures: $2.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA

(2000)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2057 Capital

Afghanistan

Kabul

Albania

Tirana

Algeria

Algiers

American Samoa

Pago Pago

Andorra

Andorra la Vella

Angola

Luanda

Anguilla

The Valley

Antigua and Barbuda

Saint John's

Argentina

Buenos Aires

Armenia

Yerevan

Aruba

Oranjestad

Australia

Canberra

Austria

Vienna

Azerbaijan

Baku (Baki)

Bahamas, The

Nassau

Bahrain

Manama

Bangladesh

Dhaka

Barbados

Bridgetown

Belarus

Minsk

Belgium

Brussels

Belize

Belmopan

Benin

Porto-Novo is the official capital; Cotonou is the seat of

government

Bermuda

Hamilton

Bhutan

Thimphu

Bolivia

La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat

of judiciary)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo

Botswana

Gaborone

Brazil

Brasilia

British Virgin Islands

Road Town

Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan

Bulgaria

Sofia

Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou

Burma

Rangoon (regime refers to the capital as Yangon)

Burundi

Bujumbura

Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Cameroon

Yaounde

Canada

Ottawa

Cape Verde

Praia

Cayman Islands

George Town

Central African Republic

Bangui

Chad

N'Djamena

Chile

Santiago

China

Beijing

Christmas Island

The Settlement

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

West Island

Colombia

Bogota

Comoros

Moroni

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Kinshasa

Congo, Republic of the

Brazzaville

Cook Islands

Avarua

Costa Rica

San Jose

Cote d'Ivoire

Yamoussoukro; note - although Yamoussoukro has been

the official capital since 1983, Abidjan remains the commercial and

administrative center; the US, like other countries, maintains its

Embassy in Abidjan

Croatia

Zagreb

Cuba

Havana

Cyprus

Nicosia

Czech Republic

Prague

Denmark

Copenhagen

Djibouti

Djibouti

Dominica

Roseau

Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo

East Timor

Dili

Ecuador

Quito

Egypt

Cairo

El Salvador

San Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Malabo

Eritrea

Asmara (formerly Asmera)

Estonia

Tallinn

Ethiopia

Addis Ababa

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Stanley

Faroe Islands

Torshavn

Fiji

Suva

Finland

Helsinki

France

Paris

French Guiana

Cayenne

French Polynesia

Papeete

Gabon

Libreville

Gambia, The

Banjul

Georgia

T'bilisi

Germany

Berlin

Ghana

Accra

Gibraltar

Gibraltar

Greece

Athens

Greenland

Nuuk (Godthab)

Grenada

Saint George's

Guadeloupe

Basse-Terre

Guam

Hagatna (Agana)

Guatemala

Guatemala

Guernsey

Saint Peter Port

Guinea

Conakry

Guinea-Bissau

Bissau

Guyana

Georgetown

Haiti

Port-au-Prince

Holy See (Vatican City)

Vatican City

Honduras

Tegucigalpa

Hungary

Budapest

Iceland

Reykjavik

India

New Delhi

Indonesia

Jakarta

Iran

Tehran

Iraq

Baghdad

Ireland

Dublin

Israel

Jerusalem; note - Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital

in 1950, but the US, like nearly all other countries, maintains its

Embassy in Tel Aviv

Italy

Rome

Jamaica

Kingston

Japan

Tokyo

Jersey

Saint Helier

Jordan

'Amman

Kazakhstan

Astana; note - the government moved from Almaty to Astana

in December 1998

Kenya

Nairobi

Kiribati

Tarawa

Korea, North

Pyongyang

Korea, South

Seoul

Kuwait

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek

Laos

Vientiane

Latvia

Riga

Lebanon

Beirut

Lesotho

Maseru

Liberia

Monrovia

Libya

Tripoli

Liechtenstein

Vaduz

Lithuania

Vilnius

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Skopje

Madagascar

Antananarivo

Malawi

Lilongwe

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Maldives

Male

Mali

Bamako

Malta

Valletta

Man, Isle of

Douglas

Marshall Islands

Majuro

Martinique

Fort-de-France

Mauritania

Nouakchott

Mauritius

Port Louis

Mayotte

Mamoutzou

Mexico

Mexico (Distrito Federal)

Micronesia, Federated States of

Palikir

Moldova

Chisinau

Monaco

Monaco

Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar

Montserrat

Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity;

interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate, in

the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of

Montserrat)

Morocco

Rabat

Mozambique

Maputo

Namibia

Windhoek

Nauru

no official capital; government offices in Yaren District

Nepal

Kathmandu

Netherlands

Amsterdam; The Hague is the seat of government

Netherlands Antilles

Willemstad

New Caledonia

Noumea

New Zealand

Wellington

Nicaragua

Managua

Niger

Niamey

Nigeria

Abuja; note - on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially

transferred from Lagos to Abuja; most federal government offices

have now made the move to Abuja

Niue

Alofi

Norfolk Island

Kingston

Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan

Norway

Oslo

Oman

Muscat

Pakistan

Islamabad

Palau

Koror; note - a new capital is being built about 20 km

northeast of Koror

Panama

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby

Paraguay

Asuncion

Peru

Lima

Philippines

Manila

Pitcairn Islands

Adamstown

Poland

Warsaw

Portugal

Lisbon

Puerto Rico

San Juan

Qatar

Doha

Reunion

Saint-Denis

Romania

Bucharest

Russia

Moscow

Rwanda

Kigali

Saint Helena

Jamestown

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre

Saint Lucia

Castries

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Saint-Pierre

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Kingstown

Samoa

Apia

San Marino

San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh

Senegal

Dakar

Serbia and Montenegro

Belgrade; note - Podgorica is the judicial

capital

Seychelles

Victoria

Sierra Leone

Freetown

Singapore

Singapore

Slovakia

Bratislava

Slovenia

Ljubljana

Solomon Islands

Honiara

Somalia

Mogadishu

South Africa

Pretoria; note - Cape Town is the legislative center

and Bloemfontein the judicial center

Spain

Madrid

Sri Lanka

Colombo; note - Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the

legislative capital

Sudan

Khartoum

Suriname

Paramaribo

Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Swaziland

Mbabane; note - Lobamba is the royal and legislative

capital

Sweden

Stockholm

Switzerland

Bern

Syria

Damascus

Taiwan

Taipei

Tajikistan

Dushanbe

Tanzania

Dar es Salaam; note - legislative offices have been

transferred to Dodoma, which is planned as the new national capital;

the National Assembly now meets there on regular basis

Thailand

Bangkok

Togo

Lome

Tokelau

none; each atoll has its own administrative center

Tonga

Nuku'alofa

Trinidad and Tobago

Port-of-Spain

Tunisia

Tunis

Turkey

Ankara

Turkmenistan

Ashgabat

Turks and Caicos Islands

Grand Turk (Cockburn Town)

Tuvalu

Funafuti

Uganda

Kampala

Ukraine

Kiev (Kyyiv)

United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

United Kingdom

London

United States

Washington, DC

Uruguay

Montevideo

Uzbekistan

Tashkent (Toshkent)

Vanuatu

Port-Vila

Venezuela

Caracas

Vietnam

Hanoi

Virgin Islands

Charlotte Amalie

Wallis and Futuna

Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)

Western Sahara

none

Yemen

Sanaa

Zambia

Lusaka

Zimbabwe

Harare

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2058 Imports - commodities

Afghanistan

capital goods, food, textiles, petroleum products

Albania

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals

Algeria

capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

American Samoa

materials for canneries 56%, food 8%, petroleum

products 7%, machinery and parts 6%

Andorra

consumer goods, food, electricity

Angola

machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts;

medicines, food, textiles, military goods

Anguilla

fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles

Antigua and Barbuda

food and live animals, machinery and transport

equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oil

Argentina

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal

manufactures, plastics

Armenia

natural gas, petroleum, tobacco products, foodstuffs,

diamonds

Aruba

machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and

reexport, chemicals; foodstuffs

Australia

machinery and transport equipment, computers and office

machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and

petroleum products

Austria

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal

goods, oil and oil products; foodstuffs

Azerbaijan

machinery and equipment, oil products, foodstuffs,

metals, chemicals

Bahamas, The

machinery and transport equipment, manufactures,

chemicals, mineral fuels; food and live animals

Bahrain

crude oil, machinery, chemicals

Bangladesh

machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel,

textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement (2000)

Barbados

consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction

materials, chemicals, fuel, electrical components

Belarus

mineral products, machinery and equipment, chemicals,

foodstuffs, metals

Belgium

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals and metal

products, foodstuffs

Belize

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods; fuels,

chemicals, pharmaceuticals; food, beverages, tobacco

Benin

foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products

Bermuda

machinery and transport equipment, construction materials,

chemicals, food and live animals

Bhutan

fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles,

fabrics, rice

Bolivia

capital goods, raw materials and semi-manufactures,

chemicals, petroleum, food

Bosnia and Herzegovina

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels,

foodstuffs

Botswana

foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport

equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper

products, metal and metal products

Brazil

machinery, electrical, and transport equipment, chemical

products, oil

British Virgin Islands

building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs,

machinery

Brunei

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food,

chemicals

Bulgaria

fuels, minerals, and raw materials; machinery and

equipment; metals and ores; chemicals and plastics; food, textiles

Burkina Faso

capital goods, foodstuffs, petroleum

Burma

machinery, transport equipment, construction materials, crude

oil; food products

Burundi

capital goods, petroleum products, foodstuffs

Cambodia

petroleum products, cigarettes, gold, construction

materials, machinery, motor vehicles

Cameroon

machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel,

food

Canada

machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude oil,

chemicals, electricity, durable consumer goods

Cape Verde

foodstuffs, industrial products, transport equipment,

fuels

Cayman Islands

foodstuffs, manufactured goods

Central African Republic

food, textiles, petroleum products,

machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals,

pharmaceuticals

Chad

machinery and transportation equipment, industrial goods,

petroleum products, foodstuffs, textiles

Chile

consumer goods, chemicals, motor vehicles, fuels, electrical

machinery, heavy industrial machinery, food

China

machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, plastics, iron and

steel, chemicals

Christmas Island

consumer goods

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

foodstuffs

Colombia

industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer

goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity

Comoros

rice and other foodstuffs, consumer goods; petroleum

products, cement, transport equipment

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

foodstuffs, mining and other

machinery, transport equipment, fuels

Congo, Republic of the

capital equipment, construction materials,

foodstuffs

Cook Islands

foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods

Costa Rica

raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment,

petroleum

Cote d'Ivoire

fuel, capital equipment, foodstuffs

Croatia

machinery, transport and electrical equipment, chemicals,

fuels and lubricants, foodstuffs

Cuba

petroleum, food, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants,

intermediate goods, machinery, transport equipment; Turkish Cypriot

area: food, minerals, chemicals, machinery

Czech Republic

machinery and transport equipment 40%, intermediate

manufactures 21%, raw materials and fuels 13%, chemicals 11% (2000)

Denmark

machinery and equipment, raw materials and semimanufactures

for industry, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, consumer goods

Djibouti

foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum

products

Dominica

manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicals

Dominican Republic foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals

East Timor

mainly food (2001)

Ecuador

machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw materials, fuels;

consumer goods

Egypt

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products,

fuels

El Salvador

raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods, fuels,

foodstuffs, petroleum, electricity

Equatorial Guinea

petroleum sector equipment, other equipment

Eritrea

machinery, petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

(2000)

Estonia

machinery and equipment 33.5%, chemical products 11.6%,

textiles 10.3%, foodstuffs 9.4%, transportation equipment 8.9% (2001)

Ethiopia

food and live animals, petroleum and petroleum products,

chemicals, machinery, motor vehicles, cereals, textiles

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

fuel, food and drink, building

materials, clothing

Faroe Islands

machinery and transport equipment 29%, consumer goods

36%, raw materials and semi-manufactures 32%, fuels, fish and salt

(1999)

Fiji

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment,

petroleum products, food, chemicals

Finland

foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals,

transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and

fabrics, grains (1999)

France

machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft,

plastics, chemicals

French Guiana

food (grains, processed meat), machinery and transport

equipment, fuels and chemicals

French Polynesia

fuels, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment

Gabon

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, construction

materials

Gambia, The

foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery and transport

equipment

Gaza Strip

food, consumer goods, construction materials

Georgia

fuels, machinery and parts, transport equipment, grain and

other foods, pharmaceuticals

Germany

machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals

Ghana

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs

Gibraltar

fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs

Greece

machinery, transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Greenland

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,

food, petroleum products

Grenada

food, manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals, fuel

Guadeloupe

foodstuffs, fuels, vehicles, clothing and other consumer

goods, construction materials

Guam

petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Guatemala

fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction

materials, grain, fertilizers, electricity

Guernsey

coal, gasoline, oil, machinery and equipment

Guinea

petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment,

textiles, grain and other foodstuffs

Guinea-Bissau

foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment,

petroleum products

Guyana

manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food

Haiti

food, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment,

fuels, raw materials

Honduras

machinery and transport equipment, industrial raw

materials, chemical products, fuels, foodstuffs (2000)

Hong Kong

foodstuffs, transport equipment, raw materials,

semimanufactures, petroleum, plastics, machinery, electrical

equipment; a large share is reexported

Hungary

machinery and equipment 51.6%, other manufactures 35.3%,

fuels and electricity 8.2%, food products 2.9%, raw materials 2.0%

(2001)

Iceland

machinery and equipment, petroleum products; foodstuffs,

textiles

India

crude oil, machinery, gems, fertilizer, chemicals

Indonesia

machinery and equipment; chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Iran

industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods,

foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services, military

supplies

Iraq

food, medicine, manufactures

Ireland

data processing equipment, other machinery and equipment,

chemicals; petroleum and petroleum products, textiles, clothing

Israel

raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough

diamonds, fuels, grain, consumer goods

Italy

engineering products, chemicals, transport equipment, energy

products, minerals and nonferrous metals, textiles and clothing;

food, beverages and tobacco

Jamaica

machinery and transport equipment, construction materials,

fuel, food, chemicals, fertilizers

Japan

machinery and equipment, fuels, foodstuffs, chemicals,

textiles, raw materials (2001)

Jersey

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,

foodstuffs, mineral fuels, chemicals

Jordan

crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, food, live

animals, manufactured goods

Kazakhstan

machinery and equipment 41%, metal products 28%,

foodstuffs 8% (2001)

Kenya

machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products,

motor vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics

Kiribati

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous

manufactured goods, fuel

Korea, North

petroleum, coking coal, machinery and equipment;

textiles, grain

Korea, South

machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil,

steel, transport equipment, textiles, organic chemicals, grains

Kuwait

food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing

Kyrgyzstan

oil and gas, machinery and equipment, chemicals,

foodstuffs

Laos

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, consumer goods

Latvia

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, vehicles

Lebanon

foodstuffs, electrical products, vehicles, minerals,

chemicals, textiles, fuels

Lesotho

food; building materials, vehicles, machinery, medicines,

petroleum products (2000)

Liberia

fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment,

manufactured goods; foodstuffs

Libya

machinery, transport equipment, food, manufactured goods (1999)

Liechtenstein

agricultural products, raw materials, machinery, metal

goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles

Lithuania

mineral products 21%, machinery and equipment 17%,

transport equipment 11%, chemicals 9%, textiles and clothing 9%,

metals 5% (2001)

Luxembourg

minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods

Macau

clothing, textiles, yarn, foodstuffs, fuel, automobiles,

capital goods

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

machinery and equipment,

chemicals, fuels; food products

Madagascar

capital goods, petroleum, consumer goods, food

Malawi

food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods,

transportation equipment

Malaysia

electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics,

vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals (2000)

Maldives

consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum

products

Mali

petroleum, machinery and equipment, construction materials,

foodstuffs, textiles

Malta

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured and

semi-manufactured goods; food, drink, and tobacco

Man, Isle of

timber, fertilizers, fish

Marshall Islands

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels,

beverages and tobacco

Martinique

petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction

materials, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods

Mauritania

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital

goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Mauritius

manufactured goods, capital equipment, foodstuffs,

petroleum products, chemicals

Mayotte

food, machinery and equipment, transportation equipment,

metals, chemicals

Mexico

metalworking machines, steel mill products, agricultural

machinery, electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair

parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts

Micronesia, Federated States of

food, manufactured goods, machinery

and equipment, beverages

Moldova

mineral products and fuel 32%, machinery and equipment,

chemicals, textiles (2000)

Mongolia

machinery and equipment, fuels, food products, industrial

consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea

Montserrat

machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs,

manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials

Morocco

crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications

equipment, wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics

Mozambique

machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, metal

products, foodstuffs, textiles

Namibia

foodstuffs; petroleum products and fuel, machinery and

equipment, chemicals

Nauru

food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery

Nepal

gold, machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer

Netherlands

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels;

foodstuffs, clothing

Netherlands Antilles

crude petroleum, food, manufactures

New Caledonia

machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs

New Zealand

machinery and equipment, vehicles and aircraft,

petroleum, electronics, textiles, plastics

Nicaragua

machinery and equipment, raw materials, petroleum

products, consumer goods

Niger

foodstuffs, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals

Nigeria

machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured

goods, food and live animals

Niue

food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels,

lubricants, chemicals, drugs

Norfolk Island

NA

Northern Mariana Islands food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Norway

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs

Oman

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food,

livestock, lubricants

Pakistan

petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, chemicals,

transportation equipment, edible oils, pulses, iron an steel, tea

Palau

machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs

Panama

capital goods, crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods,

chemicals (1999)

Papua New Guinea

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured

goods, food, fuels, chemicals

Paraguay

road vehicles, consumer goods, tobacco, petroleum products,

electrical machinery

Peru

machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum, iron and

steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals

Philippines

raw materials, machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals

Pitcairn Islands

fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour,

sugar, other foodstuffs

Poland

machinery and transport equipment 38.2%, intermediate

manufactured goods 20.8%, chemicals 14.3%, miscellaneous

manufactured goods 9.5% (1999)

Portugal

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum,

textiles, agricultural products

Puerto Rico

chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food,

fish, petroleum products

Qatar

machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals

Reunion

manufactured goods, food, beverages, tobacco, machinery and

transportation equipment, raw materials, and petroleum products

Romania

machinery and equipment 23%, fuels and minerals 12%,

chemicals 9%, textile and products 19% (1999)

Russia

machinery and equipment, consumer goods, medicines, meat,

sugar, semifinished metal products

Rwanda

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum

products, cement and construction material

Saint Helena

food, beverages, tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed,

building materials, motor vehicles and parts, machinery and parts

Saint Kitts and Nevis

machinery, manufactures, food, fuels

Saint Lucia

food 23%, manufactured goods 21%, machinery and

transportation equipment 19%, chemicals, fuels

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

meat, clothing, fuel, electrical

equipment, machinery, building materials

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

foodstuffs, machinery and

equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels

Samoa

machinery and equipment, industrial supplies, foodstuffs

San Marino

wide variety of consumer manufactures, food

Sao Tome and Principe

machinery and electrical equipment, food

products, petroleum products

Saudi Arabia

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor

vehicles, textiles

Senegal

foods and beverages, capital goods, fuels

Serbia and Montenegro

machinery and transport equipment, fuels and

lubricants, manufactured goods, chemicals, food and live animals,

raw materials

Seychelles

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products,

chemicals

Sierra Leone

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels and

lubricants, chemicals (1995)

Singapore

machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals,

foodstuffs

Slovakia

machinery and transport equipment 37.7%, intermediate

manufactured goods 18%, fuels 13%, chemicals 11%, miscellaneous

manufactured goods 9.5% (1999)

Slovenia

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,

chemicals, fuels and lubricants, food

Solomon Islands

food, plant and equipment, manufactured goods,

fuels, chemicals

Somalia

manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction

materials, qat

South Africa

machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum products,

scientific instruments, foodstuffs (2000 est.)

Spain

machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods;

foodstuffs, consumer goods (1997)

Sri Lanka

textiles, mineral products, petroleum, foodstuffs,

machinery and equipment

Sudan

foodstuffs, manufactured goods, refinery and transport

equipment, medicines and chemicals, textiles, wheat

Suriname

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer

goods

Swaziland

motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment,

foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals

Sweden

machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor

vehicles, iron and steel; foodstuffs, clothing

Switzerland

machinery, chemicals, vehicles, metals; agricultural

products, textiles

Syria

machinery and transport equipment 21%, food and livestock 18%,

metal and metal products 15%, chemicals and chemical products 10%

(2000 est.)

Taiwan

machinery and electrical equipment 44.5%, minerals, precision

instruments (2002)

Tajikistan

electricity, petroleum products, aluminum oxide,

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs

Tanzania

consumer goods, machinery and transportation equipment,

industrial raw materials, crude oil

Thailand

capital goods, intermediate goods and raw materials,

consumer goods, fuels (2000)

Togo

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products

Tokelau

foodstuffs, building materials, fuel

Tonga

foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Trinidad and Tobago

machinery, transportation equipment,

manufactured goods, food, live animals

Tunisia

textiles, machinery and equipment, hydrocarbons, chemicals,

food

Turkey

machinery, chemicals, semi-finished goods, fuels, transport

equipment

Turkmenistan

machinery and equipment 60%, foodstuffs 15% (1999)

Turks and Caicos Islands food and beverages, tobacco, clothing, manufactures, construction materials

Tuvalu

food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery, manufactured goods

Uganda

capital equipment, vehicles, petroleum, medical supplies;

cereals

Ukraine

energy, machinery and equipment, chemicals

United Arab Emirates machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

United Kingdom

manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs

United States

crude oil and refined petroleum products, machinery,

automobiles, consumer goods, industrial raw materials, food and

beverages

Uruguay

machinery, chemicals, road vehicles, crude petroleum

Uzbekistan

machinery and equipment 49.8%, foodstuffs 16.4%,

chemicals, metals (1998 est.)

Vanuatu

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels

Venezuela

raw materials, machinery and equipment, transport

equipment, construction materials

Vietnam

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer,

steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles

Virgin Islands

crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building

materials

Wallis and Futuna

chemicals, machinery, passenger ships, consumer

goods

West Bank

food, consumer goods, construction materials

Western Sahara

fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs

World

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and

services

Yemen

food and live animals, machinery and equipment, chemicals

Zambia

machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products,

electricity, fertilizer; foodstuffs, clothing

Zimbabwe

machinery and transport equipment, other manufactures,

chemicals, fuels

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2059 Climate

Afghanistan

arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers

Albania

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

summers; interior is cooler and wetter

Algeria

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

along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high

plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in

summer

American Samoa

tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds;

annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season from November to

April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature

variation

Andorra

temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers

Angola

semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool,

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

Anguilla

tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds

Antarctica

severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation,

and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West

Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has

the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January

along the coast and average slightly below freezing

Antigua and Barbuda

tropical marine; little seasonal temperature

variation

Arctic Ocean

polar climate characterized by persistent cold and

relatively narrow annual temperature ranges; winters characterized

by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and

clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and

foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snow

Argentina

mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in

southwest

Armenia

highland continental, hot summers, cold winters

Aruba

tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

tropical

Atlantic Ocean

tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast

of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea;

hurricanes can occur from May to December, but are most frequent

from August to November

Australia

generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east;

tropical in north

Austria

temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent

rain in lowlands and snow in mountains; cool summers with occasional

showers

Azerbaijan

dry, semiarid steppe

Bahamas, The

tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Bahrain

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Baker Island

equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Bangladesh

tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid

summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)

Barbados

tropical; rainy season (June to October)

Bassas da India

tropical

Belarus

cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between

continental and maritime

Belgium

temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Belize

tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November);

dry season (February to May)

Benin

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Bermuda

subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in

winter

Bhutan

varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot

summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in

Himalayas

Bolivia

varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Bosnia and Herzegovina

hot summers and cold winters; areas of high

elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild,

rainy winters along coast

Botswana

semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Bouvet Island

antarctic

Brazil

mostly tropical, but temperate in south

British Indian Ocean Territory

tropical marine; hot, humid,

moderated by trade winds

British Virgin Islands

subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by

trade winds

Brunei

tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Bulgaria

temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers

Burkina Faso

tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Burma

tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest

monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild

temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon,

December to April)

Burundi

equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude

variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual

temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees centigrade

but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m;

average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; wet seasons from February

to May and September to November, and dry seasons from June to

August and December to January

Cambodia

tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry

season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation

Cameroon

varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid

and hot in north

Canada

varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in

north

Cape Verde

temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and

very erratic

Cayman Islands

tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October)

and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April)

Central African Republic

tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot,

wet summers

Chad

tropical in south, desert in north

Chile

temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region;

cool and damp in south

China

extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north

Christmas Island

tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds

Clipperton Island

tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees

C, rains May-October

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

tropical with high humidity, moderated by

the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year

Colombia

tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

Comoros

tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator - wet season April to October, dry season December to February; south of Equator - wet season November to March, dry season April to October

Congo, Republic of the

tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry

season (June to October); constantly high temperatures and humidity;

particularly enervating climate astride the Equator

Cook Islands

tropical; moderated by trade winds

Coral Sea Islands

tropical

Costa Rica

tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April);

rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands

Cote d'Ivoire

tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three

seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to

May), hot and wet (June to October)

Croatia

Mediterranean and continental; continental climate

predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry

summers along coast

Cuba

tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to

April); rainy season (May to October)

Cyprus

temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool

winters

Czech Republic

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Denmark

temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool

summers

Djibouti

desert; torrid, dry

Dominica

tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall

Dominican Republic tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall

East Timor

tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons

Ecuador

tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher

elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

Egypt

desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

El Salvador

tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season

(November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

Equatorial Guinea

tropical; always hot, humid

Eritrea

hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter

in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually);

semiarid in western hills and lowlands; rainfall heaviest during

June-September except in coastal desert

Estonia

maritime, wet, moderate winters, cool summers

Ethiopia

tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation

Europa Island

tropical

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 24 inches in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate

Faroe Islands

mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy,

windy

Fiji

tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Finland

cold temperate; potentially subarctic, but comparatively

mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current,

Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes

France

generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and

hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry,

north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral

French Guiana

tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature

variation

French Polynesia

tropical, but moderate

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

antarctic

Gabon

tropical; always hot, humid

Gambia, The

tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler,

dry season (November to May)

Gaza Strip

temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Georgia

warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Germany

temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers;

occasional warm foehn wind

Ghana

tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast;

hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north

Gibraltar

Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Glorioso Islands

tropical

Greece

temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Greenland

arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters

Grenada

tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds

Guadeloupe

subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high

humidity

Guam

tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by

northeast trade winds; dry season from January to June, rainy season

from July to December; little seasonal temperature variation

Guatemala

tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Guernsey

temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of

days are overcast

Guinea

generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to

November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May)

with northeasterly harmattan winds

Guinea-Bissau

tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type

rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season

(December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Guyana

tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two

rainy seasons (May to mid-August, mid-November to mid-January)

Haiti

tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

antarctic

Holy See (Vatican City) temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to mid-May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)

Honduras

subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains

Hong Kong

tropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy

from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall

Howland Island

equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Hungary

temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers

Iceland

temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy

winters; damp, cool summers

India

varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north

Indian Ocean

northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest

monsoon (June to October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June

and October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and

January/February in the southern Indian Ocean

Indonesia

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Iran

mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast

Iraq

mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless

summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish

borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that

melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in

central and southern Iraq

Ireland

temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild

winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the

time

Israel

temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas

Italy

predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in

south

Jamaica

tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior

Jan Mayen

arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog

Japan

varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north

Jarvis Island

tropical; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Jersey

temperate; mild winters and cool summers

Johnston Atoll

tropical, but generally dry; consistent northeast

trade winds with little seasonal temperature variation

Jordan

mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Juan de Nova Island

tropical

Kazakhstan

continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and

semiarid

Kenya

varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior

Kingman Reef

tropical, but moderated by prevailing winds

Kiribati

tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds

Korea, North

temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer

Korea, South

temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter

Kuwait

dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Kyrgyzstan

dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical

in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone

Laos

tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season

(December to April)

Latvia

maritime; wet, moderate winters

Lebanon

Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry

summers; Lebanon mountains experience heavy winter snows

Lesotho

temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Liberia

tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to

cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers

Libya

Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Liechtenstein

continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow

or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers

Lithuania

transitional, between maritime and continental; wet,

moderate winters and summers

Luxembourg

modified continental with mild winters, cool summers

Macau

subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of warm, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall

Madagascar

tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south

Malawi

sub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May

to November)

Malaysia

tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast

(October to February) monsoons

Maldives

tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to

March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)

Mali

subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy,

humid, and mild June to November; cool and dry November to February

Malta

Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers

Man, Isle of

temperate; cool summers and mild winters; overcast

about one-third of the time

Marshall Islands

wet season from May to November; hot and humid;

islands border typhoon belt

Martinique

tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to

October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every

eight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid

Mauritania

desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty

Mauritius

tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry

winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)

Mayotte

tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during

northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to

November)

Mexico

varies from tropical to desert

Micronesia, Federated States of

tropical; heavy year-round rainfall,

especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the

typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage

Midway Islands

subtropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly

winds

Moldova

moderate winters, warm summers

Monaco

Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers

Mongolia

desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature

ranges)

Montserrat

tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Morocco

Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior

Mozambique

tropical to subtropical

Namibia

desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Nauru

tropical; monsoonal; rainy season (November to February)

Navassa Island

marine, tropical

Nepal

varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to

subtropical summers and mild winters in south

Netherlands

temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

Netherlands Antilles

tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade winds

New Caledonia

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid

New Zealand

temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Nicaragua

tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Niger

desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south

Nigeria

varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in

north

Niue

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Norfolk Island

subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature

variation

Northern Mariana Islands

tropical marine; moderated by northeast

trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season

December to June, rainy season July to October

Norway

temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current;

colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers;

rainy year-round on west coast

Oman

dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong

southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Pacific Ocean

planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind

patterns exhibit remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade

winds and westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by

seasonal fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south

of Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central

America; continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much

less pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same

latitude in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is

monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when

moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry

season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian

landmass back to the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike

southeast and east Asia from May to December

Pakistan

mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in

north

Palau

wet season May to November; hot and humid

Palmyra Atoll

equatorial, hot, and very rainy

Panama

tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season

(May to January), short dry season (January to May)

Papua New Guinea

tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March),

southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature

variation

Paracel Islands

tropical

Paraguay

subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the

eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

Peru

varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate

to frigid in Andes

Philippines

tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April);

southwest monsoon (May to October)

Pitcairn Islands

tropical, hot, humid; modified by southeast trade

winds; rainy season (November to March)

Poland

temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with

frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and

thundershowers

Portugal

maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and

drier in south

Puerto Rico

tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature

variation

Qatar

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Reunion

tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool and

dry from May to November, hot and rainy from November to April

Romania

temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog;

sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms

Russia

ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in

much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in

the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to

frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool

along Arctic coast

Rwanda

temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to

January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Saint Helena

Saint Helena - tropical; marine; mild, tempered by

trade winds; Tristan da Cunha - temperate; marine, mild, tempered by

trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

tropical tempered by constant sea breezes;

little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Saint Lucia

tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season

from January to April, rainy season from May to August

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

cold and wet, with much mist and fog;

spring and autumn are windy

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

tropical; little seasonal

temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Samoa

tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season (May to

October)

San Marino

Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers

Sao Tome and Principe

tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season

(October to May)

Saudi Arabia

harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Senegal

tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has

strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by

hot, dry, harmattan wind

Serbia and Montenegro

in the north, continental climate (cold

winters and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall);

central portion, continental and Mediterranean climate; to the

south, Adriatic climate along the coast, hot, dry summers and

autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall inland

Seychelles

tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast

monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest

monsoon (March to May)

Sierra Leone

tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to

December); winter dry season (December to April)

Singapore

tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons

- Northeastern monsoon from December to March and Southwestern

monsoon from June to September; inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon

and early evening thunderstorms

Slovakia

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Slovenia

Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate

with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and

valleys to the east

Solomon Islands

tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and

weather

Somalia

principally desert; December to February - northeast

monsoon, moderate temperatures in north and very hot in south; May

to October - southwest monsoon, torrid in the north and hot in the

south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili)

between monsoons

South Africa

mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny

days, cool nights

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

variable, with mostly

westerly winds throughout the year interspersed with periods of

calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow

Southern Ocean

sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius

to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the

continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature

contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about

latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average

winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward

to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees

south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures

well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense

persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline

ice-free throughout the winter

Spain

temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and

cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy

and cool along coast

Spratly Islands

tropical

Sri Lanka

tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March);

southwest monsoon (June to October)

Sudan

tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season varies

by region (April to November)

Suriname

tropical; moderated by trade winds

Svalbard

arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool

summers, cold winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and

north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most

of the year

Swaziland

varies from tropical to near temperate

Sweden

temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly

cloudy summers; subarctic in north

Switzerland

temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy,

rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with

occasional showers

Syria

mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and

mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather

with snow or sleet periodically in Damascus

Taiwan

tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June

to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year

Tajikistan

midlatitude continental, hot summers, mild winters;

semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains

Tanzania

varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands

Thailand

tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to

September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March);

southern isthmus always hot and humid

Togo

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Tokelau

tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)

Tonga

tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to

May), cool season (May to December)

Trinidad and Tobago

tropical; rainy season (June to December)

Tromelin Island

tropical

Tunisia

temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry

summers; desert in south

Turkey

temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher

in interior

Turkmenistan

subtropical desert

Turks and Caicos Islands

tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds;

sunny and relatively dry

Tuvalu

tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to

November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)

Uganda

tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to

February, June to August); semiarid in northeast

Ukraine

temperate continental; Mediterranean only on the southern

Crimean coast; precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest

in west and north, lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from

cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland; summers are warm

across the greater part of the country, hot in the south

United Arab Emirates

desert; cooler in eastern mountains

United Kingdom

temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds

over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are

overcast

United States

mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida,

arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the great plains west of the

Mississippi River, and arid in the Great Basin of the southwest; low

winter temperatures in the northwest are ameliorated occasionally in

January and February by warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes

of the Rocky Mountains

Uruguay

warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Uzbekistan

mostly midlatitude desert, long, hot summers, mild

winters; semiarid grassland in east

Vanuatu

tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds

Venezuela

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Vietnam

tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season

(mid-May to mid-September) and warm, dry season (mid-October to

mid-March)

Virgin Islands

subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds,

relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation;

rainy season May to November

Wake Island

tropical

Wallis and Futuna

tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April);

cool, dry season (May to October); rains 2,500-3,000 mm per year

(80% humidity); average temperature 26.6 degrees C

West Bank

temperate; temperature and precipitation vary with

altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild winters

Western Sahara

hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air

currents produce fog and heavy dew

World

two large areas of polar climates separated by two rather

narrow temperate zones form a wide equatorial band of tropical to

subtropical climates

Yemen

mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in

western mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot,

dry, harsh desert in east

Zambia

tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to

April)

Zimbabwe

tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to

March)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2060 Coastline (km)

Afghanistan

0 km (landlocked)

Albania

362 km

Algeria

998 km

American Samoa

116 km

Andorra

0 km (landlocked)

Angola

1,600 km

Anguilla

61 km

Antarctica

17,968 km

Antigua and Barbuda

153 km

Arctic Ocean

45,389 km

Argentina

4,989 km

Armenia

0 km (landlocked)

Aruba

68.5 km

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

74.1 km

Atlantic Ocean

111,866 km

Australia

25,760 km

Austria

0 km (landlocked)

Azerbaijan

0 km (landlocked); note - Azerbaijan borders the Caspian

Sea (800 km, est.)

Bahamas, The

3,542 km

Bahrain

161 km

Baker Island

4.8 km

Bangladesh

580 km

Barbados

97 km

Bassas da India

35.2 km

Belarus

0 km (landlocked)

Belgium

66 km

Belize

386 km

Benin

121 km

Bermuda

103 km

Bhutan

0 km (landlocked)

Bolivia

0 km (landlocked)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

20 km

Botswana

0 km (landlocked)

Bouvet Island

29.6 km

Brazil

7,491 km

British Indian Ocean Territory

698 km

British Virgin Islands

80 km

Brunei

161 km

Bulgaria

354 km

Burkina Faso

0 km (landlocked)

Burma

1,930 km

Burundi

0 km (landlocked)

Cambodia

443 km

Cameroon

402 km

Canada

202,080 km

Cape Verde

965 km

Cayman Islands

160 km

Central African Republic

0 km (landlocked)

Chad

0 km (landlocked)

Chile

6,435 km

China

14,500 km

Christmas Island

80 km

Clipperton Island

11.1 km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

26 km

Colombia

3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448

km)

Comoros

340 km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

37 km

Congo, Republic of the

169 km

Cook Islands

120 km

Coral Sea Islands

3,095 km

Costa Rica

1,290 km

Cote d'Ivoire

515 km

Croatia

5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km)

Cuba

3,735 km

Cyprus

648 km

Czech Republic

0 km (landlocked)

Denmark

7,314 km

Djibouti

314 km

Dominica

148 km

Dominican Republic

1,288 km

East Timor

706 km

Ecuador

2,237 km

Egypt

2,450 km

El Salvador

307 km

Equatorial Guinea

296 km

Eritrea

2,234 km total; mainland on Red Sea 1,151 km, islands in Red

Sea 1,083 km

Estonia

3,794 km

Ethiopia

0 km (landlocked)

Europa Island

22.2 km

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

1,288 km

Faroe Islands

1,117 km

Fiji

1,129 km

Finland

1,126 km (excludes islands and coastal indentations)

France

3,427 km

French Guiana

378 km

French Polynesia

2,525 km

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

1,232 km

Gabon

885 km

Gambia, The

80 km

Gaza Strip

40 km

Georgia

310 km

Germany

2,389 km

Ghana

539 km

Gibraltar

12 km

Glorioso Islands

35.2 km

Greece

13,676 km

Greenland

44,087 km

Grenada

121 km

Guadeloupe

306 km

Guam

125.5 km

Guatemala

400 km

Guernsey

50 km

Guinea

320 km

Guinea-Bissau

350 km

Guyana

459 km

Haiti

1,771 km

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

101.9 km

Holy See (Vatican City)

0 km (landlocked)

Honduras

820 km

Hong Kong

733 km

Howland Island

6.4 km

Hungary

0 km (landlocked)

Iceland

4,988 km

India

7,000 km

Indian Ocean

66,526 km

Indonesia

54,716 km

Iran

2,440 km; note - Iran also borders the Caspian Sea (740 km)

Iraq

58 km

Ireland

1,448 km

Israel

273 km

Italy

7,600 km

Jamaica

1,022 km

Jan Mayen

124.1 km

Japan

29,751 km

Jarvis Island

8 km

Jersey

70 km

Johnston Atoll

34 km

Jordan

26 km

Juan de Nova Island

24.1 km

Kazakhstan

0 km (landlocked); note - Kazakhstan borders the Aral

Sea, now split into two bodies of water (1,070 km), and the Caspian

Sea (1,894 km)

Kenya

536 km

Kingman Reef

3 km

Kiribati

1,143 km

Korea, North

2,495 km

Korea, South

2,413 km

Kuwait

499 km

Kyrgyzstan

0 km (landlocked)

Laos

0 km (landlocked)

Latvia

531 km

Lebanon

225 km

Lesotho

0 km (landlocked)

Liberia

579 km

Libya

1,770 km

Liechtenstein

0 km (doubly landlocked)

Lithuania

99 km

Luxembourg

0 km (landlocked)

Macau

41 km

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

0 km (landlocked)

Madagascar

4,828 km

Malawi

0 km (landlocked)

Malaysia

4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607

km)

Maldives

644 km

Mali

0 km (landlocked)

Malta

196.8 km (does not include 56.01 km for the island of Gozo)

Man, Isle of

160 km

Marshall Islands

370.4 km

Martinique

350 km

Mauritania

754 km

Mauritius

177 km

Mayotte

185.2 km

Mexico

9,330 km

Micronesia, Federated States of

6,112 km

Midway Islands

15 km

Moldova

0 km (landlocked)

Monaco

4.1 km

Mongolia

0 km (landlocked)

Montserrat

40 km

Morocco

1,835 km

Mozambique

2,470 km

Namibia

1,572 km

Nauru

30 km

Navassa Island

8 km

Nepal

0 km (landlocked)

Netherlands

451 km

Netherlands Antilles

364 km

New Caledonia

2,254 km

New Zealand

15,134 km

Nicaragua

910 km

Niger

0 km (landlocked)

Nigeria

853 km

Niue

64 km

Norfolk Island

32 km

Northern Mariana Islands

1,482 km

Norway

21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413

km, long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations

16,093 km)

Oman

2,092 km

Pacific Ocean

135,663 km

Pakistan

1,046 km

Palau

1,519 km

Palmyra Atoll

14.5 km

Panama

2,490 km

Papua New Guinea

5,152 km

Paracel Islands

518 km

Paraguay

0 km (landlocked)

Peru

2,414 km

Philippines

36,289 km

Pitcairn Islands

51 km

Poland

491 km

Portugal

1,793 km

Puerto Rico

501 km

Qatar

563 km

Reunion

207 km

Romania

225 km

Russia

37,653 km

Rwanda

0 km (landlocked)

Saint Helena

60 km

Saint Kitts and Nevis

135 km

Saint Lucia

158 km

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

120 km

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

84 km

Samoa

403 km

San Marino

0 km (landlocked)

Sao Tome and Principe

209 km

Saudi Arabia

2,640 km

Senegal

531 km

Serbia and Montenegro

199 km

Seychelles

491 km

Sierra Leone

402 km

Singapore

193 km

Slovakia

0 km (landlocked)

Slovenia

46.6 km

Solomon Islands

5,313 km

Somalia

3,025 km

South Africa

2,798 km

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

NA km

Southern Ocean

17,968 km

Spain

4,964 km

Spratly Islands

926 km

Sri Lanka

1,340 km

Sudan

853 km

Suriname

386 km

Svalbard

3,587 km

Swaziland

0 km (landlocked)

Sweden

3,218 km

Switzerland

0 km (landlocked)

Syria

193 km

Taiwan

1,566.3 km

Tajikistan

0 km (landlocked)

Tanzania

1,424 km

Thailand

3,219 km

Togo

56 km

Tokelau

101 km

Tonga

419 km

Trinidad and Tobago

362 km

Tromelin Island

3.7 km

Tunisia

1,148 km

Turkey

7,200 km

Turkmenistan

0 km; note - Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea

(1,768 km)

Turks and Caicos Islands

389 km

Tuvalu

24 km

Uganda

0 km (landlocked)

Ukraine

2,782 km

United Arab Emirates

1,318 km

United Kingdom

12,429 km

United States

19,924 km

Uruguay

660 km

Uzbekistan

0 km (doubly landlocked); note - Uzbekistan includes the

southern portion of the Aral Sea with a 420 km shoreline

Vanuatu

2,528 km

Venezuela

2,800 km

Vietnam

3,444 km (excludes islands)

Virgin Islands

188 km

Wake Island

19.3 km

Wallis and Futuna

129 km

West Bank

0 km (landlocked)

Western Sahara

1,110 km

World

356,000 km

Yemen

1,906 km

Zambia

0 km (landlocked)

Zimbabwe

0 km (landlocked)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2061 Imports - partners (%)

Afghanistan

Pakistan 25.1%, South Korea 14.4%, Japan 9.4%, US 9%,

Kenya 5.8%, Germany 5.4% (2002)

Albania

Italy 39.4%, Greece 24.5%, Turkey 6%, Germany 5% (2002)

Algeria

France 31%, Italy 10%, US 8.3%, Germany 6.6%, Spain 5.9%,

Turkey 4.2% (2002)

American Samoa

Australia 41%, New Zealand 23%, South Korea 18% (2002)

Andorra

Spain 48%, France 35%, US 2.3% (2000)

Angola

Portugal 20.2%, US 13.9%, South Africa 12.4%, France 6.7%,

Brazil 5.8%, Belgium 5.3%, Netherlands 4% (2002)

Anguilla

US, Puerto Rico, UK (2000)

Antigua and Barbuda

France 23.4%, Germany 14.2%, US 13.2%, Poland

9.8%, South Korea 8.3%, Singapore 5%, UK 4.4% (2002)

Argentina

Brazil 42%, US 12.8%, Germany 4.4% (2002)

Armenia

US 15.3%, Russia 12.9%, Belgium 12.3%, Iran 10.3%, UAE 6.3%,

Germany 5.5%, Italy 4.9% (2002)

Aruba

US 54.7%, Netherlands 12.7%, UK 5.7% (2002)

Australia

US 18.3%, Japan 12.3%, China 10.1%, Germany 5.7%, UK 4.6%

(2002)

Austria

Germany 42.6%, Italy 6.6%, Hungary 5.1%, Switzerland 4.8%,

Netherlands 4.4% (2002)

Azerbaijan

Russia 17.8%, Turkey 11.9%, Germany 10.7%, France 7%,

Kazakhstan 6.3%, China 6%, UK 5.5%, US 4.5% (2002)

Bahamas, The

US 20.3%, South Korea 20.1%, Germany 11.5%, Norway

11.5%, Japan 10%, Italy 7.2% (2002)

Bahrain

Saudi Arabia 30.1%, US 11.7%, Japan 7.1%, Germany 6.5%, UK

5.6% (2002)

Bangladesh

India 14.6%, China 11.6%, Singapore 11.5%, Japan 7.6%,

Hong Kong 5.4%, South Korea 4.3% (2002)

Barbados

US 41.1%, Trinidad and Tobago 17%, UK 7.3%, Japan 4.2%

(2002)

Belarus

Russia 68.2%, Germany 9.4%, Ukraine 3.2% (2002)

Belgium

Germany 17.2%, Netherlands 15.6%, France 12.8%, UK 7.3%,

Ireland 7%, US 6.4%, Italy 4% (2002)

Belize

US 35.7%, Mexico 10.1%, Netherlands Antilles 6.1%, Japan

5.9%, Cuba 5.7%, UK 5.4% (2002)

Benin

China 30.7%, France 15.7%, UK 4.8%, Italy 4.2% (2002)

Bermuda

Kazakhstan 30.9%, France 24.7%, Italy 10.5%, US 9.7%, South

Korea 8.4%, Mexico 4.3% (2002)

Bhutan

Japan 44.5%, Germany 12.2%, UK 8.5%, Singapore 6%, South

Korea 5%, US 4.2% (2002)

Bolivia

Brazil 22%, Argentina 17.4%, US 15.6%, Chile 7%, Japan 5.5%,

Peru 5.4%, China 4.8% (2002)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Croatia 23.7%, Slovenia 14.8%, Germany 14%,

Italy 13.1%, Hungary 8%, Austria 7.7% (2002)

Botswana

Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 74%, EFTA 17%,

Zimbabwe 4% (2000)

Brazil

US 23.3%, Argentina 12.6%, Germany 8.7%, France 5.2% (2002)

British Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US

Brunei

Singapore 30.6%, Japan 21.5%, Malaysia 17.4%, UK 6.1%, Hong

Kong 4% (2002)

Bulgaria

Russia 14.6%, Germany 14.4%, Italy 11.4%, Greece 6.1%,

France 5.7%, Turkey 5% (2002)

Burkina Faso

France 27.7%, Cote d'Ivoire 23%, Togo 4.3% (2002)

Burma

China 27%, Singapore 19.5%, Thailand 12%, Malaysia 9.1%,

Taiwan 6.3%, South Korea 5.3%, Japan 4.3% (2002)

Burundi

Belgium 12.4%, Saudi Arabia 12.3%, Tanzania 9.3%, Kenya

7.7%, France 7.4%, India 4.5% (2002)

Cambodia

Thailand 24.8%, Singapore 16.9%, China 12.1%, Hong Kong

10.9%, South Korea 5.5%, Vietnam 5.2% (2002)

Cameroon

France 28.2%, Nigeria 12.8%, US 8%, Belgium 5.7%, Germany

5.3%, Italy 4.3% (2002)

Canada

US 62.6%, China 4.6%, Japan 4.4% (2002)

Cape Verde

Portugal 49.1%, Netherlands 7.2%, Germany 5.7% (2002)

Cayman Islands

US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles,

Japan

Central African Republic

France 30%, US 5.2%, Cameroon 4.5%, Germany

4.3% (2002)

Chad

France 31.5%, US 31.4%, Germany 5.5%, Nigeria 4.6% (2002)

Chile

Argentina 18%, US 14.9%, Brazil 9.5%, China 6.5%, Germany 4.3%

(2002)

China

Japan 18.1%, Taiwan 10.5%, South Korea 9.7%, US 9.2%, Germany

5.6% (2002)

Christmas Island

principally Australia

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Australia (1999)

Colombia

US 32.6%, Venezuela 7%, Mexico 5.3%, Japan 5.3%, Brazil

5.2%, Germany 4.2% (2002)

Comoros

France 34.3%, South Africa 12%, Japan 6.1%, Kenya 5.9%, UAE

5.8%, Mauritius 4.9%, Thailand 4.6% (2002)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Belgium 14.6%, South Africa 14.2%,

Nigeria 10.3%, France 9.5%, Germany 7.3%, Netherlands 5.3%, Kenya

5.2% (2002)

Congo, Republic of the

France 22.1%, Italy 8.5%, Belgium 6%, US

5.2%, India 4.1% (2002)

Cook Islands

NZ 61%, Fiji 19%, US 9%, Australia 6%, Japan 2% (2000)

Costa Rica

US 36.7%, Japan 4.4%, Mexico 4.2% (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire

France 22.7%, Nigeria 16.6%, China 7.9%, Italy 4.2%

(2002)

Croatia

Italy 16.8%, Germany 16.4%, Slovenia 7.8%, Russia 6.8%,

Austria 6.7%, France 5.2% (2002)

Cuba

Spain 17.2%, China 12%, Italy 9.1%, France 7.6%, Mexico 7.3%,

Canada 6.2%, US 5.6%, Brazil 4.7% (2002)

Cyprus

Russia 17.9%, Greece 7.4%, Germany 6.7%, France 6.6%, UK

6.6%, Italy 6.6%, South Korea 5.7%, Japan 5.3% (2002)

Czech Republic

Germany 39.1%, Slovakia 6%, Austria 5.6%, Italy 5.4%,

France 5.3%, Poland 4.1%, UK 4.1%, Russia 4% (2002)

Denmark

Germany 22.9%, Sweden 10.7%, UK 8.7%, Netherlands 7.8%,

France 6%, Norway 4.9%, Italy 4.4% (2002)

Djibouti

Saudi Arabia 18.2%, Ethiopia 10.5%, US 9.2%, France 8.6%,

China 8.2%, Netherlands 4.1% (2002)

Dominica

China 23.9%, US 23.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.9%, South

Korea 7.6%, UK 7.3%, Japan 4.5% (2002)

Dominican Republic

US 51.5%, Venezuela 9.6%, Mexico 5.1%, Spain 4%

(2002)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

US 28.6%, Colombia 14.4%, Japan 6%, Chile 4.5%, Brazil 4.1%

(2002)

Egypt

US 16.9%, Germany 7.9%, Italy 6.7%, France 6.5%, China 5%, UK

4.1% (2002)

El Salvador

US 39%, Guatemala 10.1%, Mexico 7.2%, France 4% (2002)

Equatorial Guinea

US 29.1%, Spain 15.9%, UK 14.8%, France 10.4%,

Norway 7.2%, Netherlands 4.8%, Italy 4.7% (2002)

Eritrea

Italy 27.1%, US 15.7%, Germany 7.2%, Ukraine 5.8%, Turkey

5.5%, France 4.5%, Netherlands 4% (2002)

Estonia

Russia 26.6%, Finland 18.9%, Germany 9.2%, Sweden 8.2% (2002)

Ethiopia

Saudi Arabia 28.7%, China 6%, Italy 5.9%, India 4.8%,

Germany 4.1% (2002)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

UK 57.9%, Spain 19.8%, Italy 16.7%

(2002)

Faroe Islands

Denmark 53.8%, Norway 24.2%, Iceland 5.7% (2002)

Fiji

Australia 37.3%, New Zealand 17.2%, Singapore 16.1%, Japan

4.2%, China 4% (2002)

Finland

Germany 14.5%, Sweden 10.9%, Russia 9.9%, UK 5.7%, France

4.3%, Denmark 4.2% (2002)

France

Germany 19.4%, Belgium 9.2%, Italy 8.8%, UK 7.3%, Netherlands

7%, US 6.8%, Spain 6.7% (2002)

French Guiana

France 63%, US, Trinidad and Tobago, Italy (2002)

French Polynesia

France 58.9%, Australia 12.2%, New Zealand 6.9%, US

6.6% (2002)

Gabon

France 50.7%, US 6.3%, Netherlands 3.6% (2002)

Gambia, The

China 21.8%, Senegal 8.9%, Brazil 7.8%, UK 6.5%,

Netherlands 5.4%, India 4.9%, Belgium 4.5%, Hong Kong 4.1% (2002)

Gaza Strip

Israel, Egypt, West Bank

Georgia

Turkey 15.6%, Azerbaijan 11.2%, US 9.9%, Russia 9.1%,

Germany 7.2%, Italy 5.1%, Bulgaria 4.9%, Romania 4.3%, France 4.2%,

Ukraine 4.1% (2002)

Germany

France 9.5%, Netherlands 8.2%, US 7.7%, UK 6.5%, Italy 6.4%,

Belgium 5.2%, Austria 4%, China 4% (2002)

Ghana

Nigeria 21.3%, UK 7.2%, US 6.6%, China 6.2%, Italy 6.1%, Cote

d'Ivoire 6.1%, Germany 4.7%, Netherlands 4% (2002)

Gibraltar

Germany 27.3%, Spain 21.8%, UK 12.1%, Italy 8% (2002)

Greece

Germany 12.2%, Italy 11.5%, Russia 7.4%, South Korea 6%,

France 5.7%, Netherlands 5.6%, US 4.7%, Belgium 4.3%, UK 4.1% (2002)

Greenland

Denmark 74.6%, Norway 14.2%, Russia 2.3% (2002)

Grenada

US 30.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 27.3%, UK 4.4% (2002)

Guadeloupe

France 63%, Germany 4%, US 3%, Japan 2%, Netherlands

Antilles 2% (1999)

Guam

Singapore 40.5%, South Korea 21.7%, Japan 21.6%, Hong Kong 4.9%

(2002)

Guatemala

US 33.2%, Mexico 9.9%, South Korea 8.2%, El Salvador 5.7%,

China 4% (2002)

Guernsey

UK (regarded as internal trade)

Guinea

France 18.7%, Cote d'Ivoire 11%, Italy 8.9%, US 8.2%, Belgium

7.6%, China 5.6%, UK 5.2% (2002)

Guinea-Bissau

Senegal 19.6%, Portugal 19.1%, India 15.3%, Taiwan

5.1% (2002)

Guyana

US 23.7%, Netherlands Antilles 20.2%, Trinidad and Tobago

15.2%, Italy 6.3%, UK 5.1%, Cuba 4.2% (2002)

Haiti

US 53.4%, Dominican Republic 5.3%, Colombia 3.4% (2002)

Honduras

US 55.3%, El Salvador 4.3%, Mexico 4.2% (2002)

Hong Kong

China 37.5%, Japan 12.2%, Taiwan 7.3%, US 6.2%, Singapore

5.3%, South Korea 5% (2002)

Hungary

Germany 25.3%, Austria 7.7%, Italy 7.5%, Russia 6%, China

5%, France 5% (2002)

Iceland

US 10.9%, Germany 10.7%, Denmark 8.5%, Norway 8%, UK 7.5%,

Netherlands 6%, Sweden 5.9% (2002)

India

US 7.1%, Belgium 6.7%, China 4.6%, Singapore 4.6%, UK 4.6%

(2002)

Indonesia

Japan 14.1%, Singapore 13.1%, US 8.5%, China 7.8%, South

Korea 5.3%, Taiwan 5.1%, Australia 5.1% (2002)

Iran

Germany 10.9%, Italy 9%, France 7.9%, China 7.4%, South Korea

6.5%, UAE 4.4%, Japan 4.1%, Russia 4% (2002)

Iraq

Jordan 11%, France 8.8%, China 8.4%, Germany 7.6%, Russia 7.3%,

Australia 7.2%, Vietnam 6.6%, Italy 6.4%, Japan 5.6% (2002)

Ireland

UK 41.1%, US 15.3%, Germany 6.8% (2002)

Israel

US 21.6%, Belgium 8.9%, Germany 6.7%, UK 6.6%, Switzerland

4.9%, Italy 4.5% (2002)

Italy

Germany 17.8%, France 11.3%, Netherlands 5.9%, UK 5%, US 4.9%,

Spain 4.6%, Belgium 4.4% (2002)

Jamaica

US 45%, Trinidad and Tobago 11%, Japan 4.7% (2002)

Japan

China 18.3%, US 17.4%, South Korea 4.6%, Indonesia 4.2%,

Australia 4.1% (2002)

Jersey

UK

Jordan

Iraq 13.4%, Germany 8.8%, US 8%, China 6%, France 4.2%, UK

4.1%, Italy 4.1% (2002)

Kazakhstan

Russia 37.1%, US 9.3%, China 9.3%, Germany 9.1% (2002)

Kenya

UAE 12%, Saudi Arabia 8.7%, US 8.1%, UK 7.1%, South Africa

7.1%, France 5.8%, China 5.5%, Japan 5%, India 4.8% (2002)

Kiribati

France 28.7%, Australia 26.3%, Fiji 12.5%, Japan 9.5%,

Latvia 5.4%, US 4.6%, New Zealand 4% (2002)

Korea, North

China 24.9%, Brazil 12.1%, India 9.2%, Thailand 9.2%,

Germany 7.8%, Japan 7.1%, Singapore 4.5%, Qatar 4% (2002)

Korea, South

Japan 19.6%, US 15.2%, China 11.4%, Saudi Arabia 5%

(2002)

Kuwait

US 13.1%, Japan 11.1%, Germany 9.7%, Saudi Arabia 6.6%, UK

6%, Italy 5.4%, France 5.2% (2002)

Kyrgyzstan

Kazakhstan 21.1%, Russia 19.9%, Uzbekistan 10.2%, China

10.1%, US 8.1%, Germany 5.3% (2002)

Laos

Thailand 58.9%, Vietnam 12.3%, China 7.9% (2002)

Latvia

Germany 17.9%, Russia 15.1%, Finland 6.6%, Lithuania 6.4%,

Sweden 5.5%, Italy 4.8%, Estonia 4.8% (2002)

Lebanon

Italy 11.3%, France 10.7%, Germany 8.4%, US 5.6%, Syria

5.4%, China 4.8%, Belgium 4.5%, UK 4.2% (2002)

Lesotho

Hong Kong 51.9%, China 25%, France 3.9% (2002)

Liberia

South Korea 30.3%, Japan 19.1%, Germany 15.6%, France 9.1%,

Singapore 7.9% (2002)

Libya

Italy 25.6%, Germany 9.8%, South Korea 6.6%, UK 6.6%, Tunisia

6.5%, Japan 6.4%, France 5.7% (2002)

Liechtenstein

EU, Switzerland

Lithuania

Russia 24.1%, Germany 20.3%, Italy 5.9%, Poland 4.3% (2002)

Luxembourg

Belgium 29.7%, Germany 23%, France 13.2%, Taiwan 6.7%,

Netherlands 4.6% (2002)

Macau

China 41.7%, Hong Kong 14.5%, Japan 6.7%, Taiwan 6.6%, South

Korea 5%, France 4.3%, US 4.1% (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Greece 19.4%, Germany

14.4%, Bulgaria 7.5%, Slovenia 6.9%, Italy 6.9%, Turkey 5.9%,

Ukraine 5%, Austria 4.1% (2002)

Madagascar

France 17.2%, Iran 11%, Mauritius 10.6%, Bahrain 9.4%,

Hong Kong 6.9%, South Africa 5.9%, China 4.1% (2002)

Malawi

South Africa 44.4%, Zambia 12.7%, US 5.6%, India 4.2% (2002)

Malaysia

Japan 16.9%, Singapore 15.9%, US 15.5%, China 7.3%, South

Korea 5%, Taiwan 4.7% (2002)

Maldives

Singapore 25.6%, Sri Lanka 15%, UAE 14.5%, India 6.6%,

Malaysia 5.7%, Thailand 4% (2002)

Mali

Cote d'Ivoire 17.1%, France 13.5%, Senegal 6.5%, Germany 4%

(2002)

Malta

Italy 18.3%, France 12.1%, South Korea 11.3%, UK 7.5%,

Singapore 5.3%, Germany 5.2%, Japan 5%, US 4.6%, Spain 4.2% (2002)

Man, Isle of

UK (2000)

Marshall Islands

US, Japan, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Fiji, China,

Philippines (2000)

Martinique

France 62%, Venezuela 6%, Germany 4%, Italy 4%, US 3%

(2000)

Mauritania

France 18.5%, Belgium 7.8%, China 7%, Spain 5.9%, Germany

5.2% (2002)

Mauritius

France 18.4%, South Africa 13.5%, India 7.8%, China 4.5%,

UK 4.2% (2002)

Mayotte

France 66%, Africa 14%, Southeast Asia 11% (2000 est.)

Mexico

US 70.6%, Germany 3.5%, Japan 2.7% (2002)

Micronesia, Federated States of

US, Australia, Japan (2000)

Moldova

Russia 23.9%, Ukraine 13.4%, Germany 12.6%, Italy 8.3%,

Romania 8.2% (2002)

Mongolia

Russia 32%, China 19.4%, South Korea 12.1%, US 9.1%,

Germany 4.7%, Japan 4.3% (2002)

Montserrat

US, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, Canada

Morocco

France 20.9%, Spain 12.6%, Italy 6.3%, Germany 5.5%, US

4.6%, UK 4.1%, Saudi Arabia 4.1% (2002)

Mozambique

South Africa 27.5%, France 8.9%, US 7%, Australia 6.9%,

Japan 6%, Malaysia 4% (2002)

Namibia

US 50%, EU 31% (2001)

Nauru

Australia 59.3%, US 10.1%, Ireland 7.6%, Malaysia 6% (2002)

Nepal

India 21.2%, China 13%, UAE 11.1%, Singapore 8.5%, Hong Kong

5.9%, Saudi Arabia 4.9%, Kuwait 4.1% (2002)

Netherlands

Germany 17.8%, Belgium 9.7%, US 9.1%, UK 6.9%, France

5.5%, China 5.1%, Japan 4% (2002)

Netherlands Antilles

Venezuela 60.8%, Mexico 11.7%, US 9.7% (2002)

New Caledonia

France 52.8%, Australia 12.7%, Singapore 9.8% (2002)

New Zealand

Australia 22.1%, US 13.6%, Japan 12%, China 8%, Germany

5.2% (2002)

Nicaragua

US 23.7%, Costa Rica 10.3%, Venezuela 10.1%, Guatemala

7.8%, Mexico 6.7%, El Salvador 6%, South Korea 4.6% (2002)

Niger

France 16.8%, Cote d'Ivoire 14.9%, China 9.8%, Nigeria 7.4%,

US 5.2%, Japan 4.6%, India 4.4% (2002)

Nigeria

UK 9.6%, US 9.4%, China 9.3%, France 8.7%, Germany 6.8%,

South Korea 6.1%, Netherlands 5.2%, Italy 4.7% (2002)

Niue

NZ mainly, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Australia, US (2000)

Norfolk Island

Australia, other Pacific island countries, NZ, Asia,

Europe

Northern Mariana Islands

US, Japan (2000)

Norway

Sweden 17.7%, Germany 13.4%, UK 7.8%, Denmark 7.7%, US 5.7%,

Netherlands 5.3%, France 4.2%, Italy 4% (2002)

Oman

UAE 27.5%, Japan 16.7%, UK 7.4%, US 6.9%, Germany 5% (2002)

Pakistan

UAE 11.7%, Saudi Arabia 11.7%, Kuwait 6.7%, US 6.4%, China

6.2%, Japan 6%, Malaysia 4.5%, Germany 4.4% (2002)

Palau

US, Guam, Japan, Singapore, Korea (2000)

Panama

US 34.3%, Colombia 5.9%, Japan 5.4%, Costa Rica 4.2%,

Venezuela 4.2% (2002)

Papua New Guinea

Australia 49.3%, Singapore 18.8%, New Zealand 4.4%,

Japan 4.2% (2002)

Paraguay

Brazil 32.7%, Argentina 22.7%, US 18.1%, Hong Kong 4.7%

(2002)

Peru

US 26.1%, Chile 7.9%, Spain 5.1%, Colombia 5%, Brazil 4.7%,

Venezuela 4.7%, Argentina 4.3% (2002)

Philippines

Japan 21.6%, US 18.6%, Singapore 7.8%, South Korea 7.5%,

China 5.2%, Hong Kong 4.5%, Taiwan 4.1% (2002)

Pitcairn Islands

NA (2000)

Poland

Germany 29.9%, Italy 8.1%, Russia 7.4%, France 7.2%,

Netherlands 5.3% (2002)

Portugal

Spain 28.1%, Germany 15%, France 10.2%, Italy 6.5%, UK

5.2%, Netherlands 4.5% (2002)

Puerto Rico

US 53.5%, Ireland 16.3%, Japan 4.5% (2001)

Qatar

France 17.8%, Japan 10.1%, US 8.5%, UK 8.3%, Germany 8%, Italy

6.7%, UAE 5.1%, Saudi Arabia 4.1%, South Korea 4% (2002)

Reunion

France 64%, Bahrain 3%, Germany 3%, Italy 3% (2000)

Romania

Italy 20.2%, Germany 18.1%, France 6.6%, Russia 5.6%,

Austria 4.9%, Hungary 4.1% (2002)

Russia

Germany 14.3%, Belarus 8.9%, Ukraine 7.1%, US 6.4%, China

5.2%, Italy 4.8%, Kazakhstan 4.3%, France 4.1% (2002)

Rwanda

Kenya 21.8%, Germany 8.4%, Belgium 7.9%, Israel 4.3% (2002)

Saint Helena

UK 47.6%, Tanzania 14.6%, Italy 12.1%, South Africa

10.9%, US 5.3% (2002)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

US 41.6%, Trinidad and Tobago 16.2%, Canada

9.8%, UK 6.9%, Japan 4% (2002)

Saint Lucia

Brazil 41.7%, US 21.4%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.9% (2002)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Zambia 61.5%, France 21.8%, Canada 13%

(2002)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

France 32.7%, US 11.3%, Trinidad

and Tobago 10.4%, Singapore 10.1%, Spain 7.9%, Greece 4.3% (2002)

Samoa

New Zealand 23.3%, Fiji 20.2%, Australia 15.7%, Japan 13.1%,

Taiwan 6.4%, US 4.2% (2002)

Sao Tome and Principe

Portugal 51.4%, Germany 10.1%, UK 7.6%,

Belgium 6.3% (2002)

Saudi Arabia

US 11.2%, Japan 8.8%, Germany 7.6%, UK 4.9%, France

4.9%, Italy 4.1% (2002)

Senegal

France 25.6%, Nigeria 8.7%, Thailand 7.2%, US 5.4%, Germany

5.4%, Italy 4.5%, Spain 4% (2002)

Serbia and Montenegro

Germany 19.4%, Italy 18%, Austria 8.5%,

Slovenia 5.6%, Greece 4.4%, France 4.3%, Bulgaria 4.2%, Romania 4.1%

(2002)

Seychelles

Saudi Arabia 15.6%, France 12.8%, Spain 9.9%, Italy 9.7%,

South Africa 8.4%, Singapore 7.3%, UK 6.1%, Taiwan 4.2% (2002)

Sierra Leone

Germany 25%, UK 10.9%, Netherlands 7.5%, US 5.7%, Cote

d'Ivoire 4.9%, Italy 4.3% (2002)

Singapore

Malaysia 18.2%, US 14.3%, Japan 12.5%, China 7.6%,

Thailand 4.6%, Taiwan 4.6% (2002)

Slovakia

Germany 24.8%, Czech Republic 16%, Russia 13.5%, Austria

7%, Italy 6.4%, France 4% (2002)

Slovenia

Germany 20%, Italy 19%, Austria 11.3%, France 10.5% (2002)

Solomon Islands

Australia 31.3%, Singapore 19.7%, New Zealand 5.1%,

Fiji 4.6%, Papua New Guinea 4.5% (2002)

Somalia

Djibouti 29.8%, Kenya 13.6%, Brazil 10.5%, Thailand 4.7%, UK

4.4%, UAE 4.3% (2002)

South Africa

Germany 15.4%, US 9.4%, UK 9%, Saudi Arabia 6.9%, Japan

5.8%, France 5%, China 4.9%, Iran 4.1% (2002)

Spain

France 17%, Germany 16.5%, Italy 8.6%, UK 6.4%, Netherlands

4.8% (2002)

Sri Lanka

India 11%, Hong Kong 7.6%, Singapore 7.1%, China 6.3%,

Taiwan 5.9%, South Korea 5.7%, Japan 5.3%, Iran 4.2% (2002)

Sudan

China 19.7%, Saudi Arabia 7.4%, Germany 5.5%, India 5.5%, UK

5.4%, Indonesia 4.7%, Australia 4% (2002)

Suriname

US 22.2%, Netherlands 15.6%, China 11.9%, Trinidad and

Tobago 11.2%, France 7.5%, Netherlands Antilles 7.2%, Japan 5.7%

(2002)

Swaziland

South Africa 88.8%, EU 5.6%, Japan 0.6%, Singapore 0.4%

(1999)

Sweden

Germany 18.5%, Denmark 8.8%, UK 8.6%, Norway 8.2%,

Netherlands 6.7%, France 5.4%, Finland 5.2%, US 5% (2002)

Switzerland

Germany 27.4%, France 11.4%, Italy 9.7%, US 8.5%, Russia

5.8%, UK 5.4%, Austria 4.6%, Netherlands 4.1% (2002)

Syria

Italy 8.3%, Germany 7.4%, China 5.7%, South Korea 4.8%, France

4.6%, US 4.4%, Turkey 4.1% (2002)

Taiwan

Japan 24.3%, US 16.1%, China 7.1%, South Korea 6.9% (2002)

Tajikistan

Russia 22.7%, Uzbekistan 18.4%, Ukraine 11.2%, Kazakhstan

10%, Turkmenistan 6.5%, Azerbaijan 5.7%, India 4.4% (2002)

Tanzania

South Africa 12.7%, China 7.9%, Kenya 6.6%, India 6.3%, UK

6%, Japan 4.5%, US 4%, Australia 4% (2002)

Thailand

Japan 23%, US 9.6%, China 7.6%, Malaysia 5.6%, Singapore

4.5%, Taiwan 4.4% (2002)

Togo

France 21.3%, China 17%, Netherlands 6.5%, Germany 5.3%, UK

4.8%, Italy 4.4% (2002)

Tokelau

NZ (2000)

Tonga

New Zealand 30.8%, Fiji 20.7%, US 14.2%, Australia 13.2%,

China 6.1% (2002)

Trinidad and Tobago

US 42%, Cote d'Ivoire 5.5%, UK 5%, Japan 4.5%,

Brazil 4.3% (2002)

Tunisia

France 25.6%, Italy 19.5%, Germany 8.9%, Spain 5% (2002)

Turkey

Germany 13.7%, Italy 8.1%, Russia 7.6%, US 6%, France 5.9%,

UK 4.8%, Switzerland 4.1% (2002)

Turkmenistan

Russia 19.8%, Turkey 12.8%, Ukraine 11.7%, UAE 10%, US

7.5%, China 6%, Germany 5.7%, Iran 4.4% (2002)

Turks and Caicos Islands

US, UK

Tuvalu

Hungary 68.2%, Japan 12.9%, Fiji 11.9% (2002)

Uganda

Kenya 45.3%, South Africa 6.8%, India 5.7%, UK 5.5% (2002)

Ukraine

Russia 32.3%, Germany 11.7%, Turkmenistan 7.4%, Poland 6%,

Italy 4% (2002)

United Arab Emirates

US 8.1%, China 7.8%, Japan 6.6%, Germany 6.5%,

India 5.7%, France 5.6%, UK 5.4%, South Korea 5.1%, Iran 4.2% (2002)

United Kingdom

Germany 12.9%, US 11.9%, France 7.8%, Netherlands

6.3%, Belgium 5%, Italy 4.4% (2002)

United States

Canada 17.8%, Mexico 11.3%, China 11.1%, Japan 10.4%,

Germany 5.3% (2002)

Uruguay

Argentina 25.6%, Brazil 22.7%, US 7.7%, Venezuela 6.2% (2002)

Uzbekistan

Russia 22.6%, Germany 9.8%, South Korea 9.4%, Kazakhstan

8.1%, US 6.9%, Ukraine 6.8%, China 5.2%, Turkey 4.6% (2002)

Vanuatu

Australia 22.1%, Japan 19.2%, New Zealand 10.1%, Singapore

8.1%, Fiji 6.6%, Taiwan 5%, India 5% (2002)

Venezuela

US 27.5%, Colombia 6.9%, Brazil 5.7%, Mexico 4.4% (2002)

Vietnam

South Korea 12.7%, China 12.2%, Japan 12.1%, Singapore

11.8%, Taiwan 10.6%, Thailand 5.4% (2002)

Virgin Islands

US, Puerto Rico

Wallis and Futuna

France 97%, Australia 2%, New Zealand 1%

West Bank

Israel, Jordan, Gaza Strip (2000)

Western Sahara

Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so

trade partners are included in overall Moroccan accounts (2000)

World

US 11.2%, Germany 9.2%, China 7%, Japan 6.8%, France 4.7%, UK

4% (2002)

Yemen

US 10.4%, Saudi Arabia 9.5%, China 8.7%, UAE 6.9%, Russia

5.8%, France 4.7% (2002)

Zambia

South Africa 64.4%, US 3.7%, China 3.6% (2002)

Zimbabwe

South Africa 47.7%, Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5.7%,

Mozambique 5.3% (2002)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2062 Economic aid - donor

Australia

ODA, $894 million (FY 99/00)

Austria

ODA, $410 million (2000)

Belgium

ODA, $764 million (1997)

Canada

ODA, $1.3 billion (1999)

Denmark

ODA, $1.63 billion (1999)

Finland

ODA, $379 million (2001)

France

ODA, $6.3 billion (1997)

Germany

ODA, $5.6 billion (1998)

Iceland

$NA

Ireland

ODA, $283 million (2001)

Italy

ODA, $1 billion (2002 est.)

Japan

ODA, $9.1 billion (1999)

Korea, South

ODA $200 million

Lesotho

ODA $4.4 million

Luxembourg

ODA, $160 million (1999)

Netherlands

ODA, $3.5 billion (2000 est.)

New Zealand

ODA, $99.7 million

Norway

ODA, $1.4 billion (1998)

Portugal

ODA, $271 million (1995)

Saudi Arabia

pledged $100 million in 1993 to fund reconstruction of

Lebanon; since 2000, Saudi Arabia has committed $307 million for

assistance to the Palestinians; pledged $240 million to development

in Afghanistan

Spain

ODA, $1.33 billion (1999)

Sweden

ODA, $1.7 billion (1997)

Switzerland

ODA, $1.1 billion (1995)

United Arab Emirates

$NA

United Kingdom

ODA, $4.5 billion (2000)

United States

ODA, $6.9 billion (1997)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2063 Constitution

Afghanistan

the Bonn Agreement called for a Loya Jirga (Grand

Council) to be convened within 18 months of the establishment of the

Transitional Authority to draft a new constitution for the country;

the basis for the next constitution is the 1964 Constitution,

according to the Bonn Agreement

Albania

a constitution was adopted by popular referendum on 28

November 1998; note - the opposition Democratic Party boycotted the

vote

Algeria

19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976; revised 3

November 1988, 23 February 1989, and 28 November 1996

American Samoa

ratified 1966, in effect 1967

Andorra

Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991;

approved by referendum 14 March 1993; came into force 4 May 1993

Angola

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

March 1991, and 26 August 1992

Anguilla

Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990

Antigua and Barbuda

1 November 1981

Argentina

1 May 1853; revised August 1994

Armenia

adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995

Aruba

1 January 1986

Australia

9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901

Austria

1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1 May 1945)

Azerbaijan

adopted 12 November 1995

Bahamas, The

10 July 1973

Bahrain

adopted late December 2000; Bahrani voters approved on 13-14

February 2001 a referendum on legislative changes (revised

constitution calls for a partially elected legislature, a

constitutional monarchy, and an independent judiciary)

Bangladesh

4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended

following coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended

many times

Barbados

30 November 1966

Belarus

30 March 1994; revised by national referendum of 24 November

1996 giving the presidency greatly expanded powers and became

effective 27 November 1996

Belgium

7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament

approved a constitutional package creating a federal state

Belize

21 September 1981

Benin

December 1990

Bermuda

8 June 1968, amended 1989

Bhutan

no written constitution or bill of rights; note - the King

commissioned a committee to draft a constitution in 2001, but has

yet to be approved

Bolivia

2 February 1967; revised in August 1994

Bosnia and Herzegovina

the Dayton Agreement, signed 14 December

1995, included a new constitution now in force; note - each of the

entities also has its own constitution

Botswana

March 1965, effective 30 September 1966

Brazil

5 October 1988

British Virgin Islands

1 June 1977

Brunei

29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of

Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1

January 1984)

Bulgaria

adopted 12 July 1991

Burkina Faso

2 June 1991 approved by referendum; 11 June 1991

formally adopted

Burma

3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); national

convention started on 9 January 1993 to draft a new constitution;

progress has since been stalled

Burundi

13 March 1992; provided for establishment of a plural

political system; supplanted on 6 June 1998 by a Transitional

Constitution which enlarged the National Assembly and created two

vice presidents

Cambodia

promulgated 21 September 1993

Cameroon

20 May 1972 approved by referendum; 2 June 1972 formally

adopted; revised January 1996

Canada

17 April 1982 (Constitution Act); originally, the machinery

of the government was set up in the British North America Act of

1867; charter of rights and unwritten customs

Cape Verde

new constitution came into force 25 September 1992;

underwent a major revision on 23 November 1995, substantially

increasing the powers of the president, and a further revision in

1999, to create the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de

Justica)

Cayman Islands

1959, revised 1972 and 1992

Central African Republic passed by referendum 29 December 1994; adopted 7 January 1995

Chad

passed by referendum 31 March 1996

Chile

11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981, amended 30 July

1989, 1993, and 1997

China

most recent promulgation 4 December 1982

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955

Colombia

5 July 1991

Comoros

23 December 2001

note: a Transitional National Unity Government (GUNT) was formed on

20 January 2002 following the passing of the new constitution; the

GUNT governed until the presidential elections on 14 April 2002

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 24 June 1967, amended August 1974, revised 15 February 1978, amended April 1990; transitional constitution promulgated in April 1994; in November 1998, a draft constitution was approved by former President Laurent KABILA but it was not ratified by a national referendum; one outcome of the ongoing inter-Congolese dialogue is to be a new constitution

Congo, Republic of the constitution approved by referendum 20 January 2002

Cook Islands

4 August 1965

Costa Rica

7 November 1949

Cote d'Ivoire

3 November 1960; has been amended numerous times, last

time 27 July 1998

Croatia

adopted on 22 December 1990

Cuba

24 February 1976, amended July 1992 and June 2002

Cyprus

16 August 1960; negotiations to create the basis for a new or

revised constitution to govern the island and to better relations

between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently; in

1975 Turkish Cypriots created their own constitution and governing

bodies within the "Turkish Federated State of Cyprus," which was

renamed the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in 1983; a new

constitution for the Turkish Cypriot area passed by referendum on 5

May 1985

Czech Republic

ratified 16 December 1992; effective 1 January 1993

Denmark

1849 was the original constitution; there was a major

overhaul 5 June 1953, allowing for a unicameral legislature and a

female chief of state

Djibouti

multiparty constitution approved by referendum 4 September

1992

Dominica

3 November 1978

Dominican Republic

28 November 1966

East Timor

22 March 2002 (based on the Portuguese model)

Ecuador

10 August 1998

Egypt

11 September 1971

El Salvador

23 December 1983

Equatorial Guinea

approved by national referendum 17 November 1991;

amended January 1995

Eritrea

the transitional constitution, decreed on 19 May 1993, was

replaced by a new constitution adopted on 23 May 1997, but not yet

implemented

Estonia

adopted 28 June 1992

Ethiopia

ratified December 1994; effective 22 August 1995

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 3 October 1985; amended 1997 and 1998

Faroe Islands

5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Fiji

promulgated on 25 July 1990 and amended on 25 July 1997 to

allow nonethnic Fijians greater say in government and to make

multiparty government mandatory; entered into force 28 July 1998;

note - the May 1999 election was the first test of the amended

constitution and introduced open voting - not racially prescribed -

for the first time at the national level

Finland

1 March 2000

France

28 September 1958, amended concerning election of president

in 1962, amended to comply with provisions of 1992 EC Maastricht

Treaty, 1996 Amsterdam Treaty, 2000 Treaty of Nice; amended to

tighten immigration laws 1993

French Guiana

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

French Polynesia

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Gabon

adopted 14 March 1991

Gambia, The

24 April 1970; suspended July 1994; rewritten and

approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; reestablished in

January 1997

Georgia

adopted 17 October 1995

Germany

23 May 1949, known as Basic Law; became constitution of the

united German people 3 October 1990

Ghana

approved 28 April 1992

Gibraltar

30 May 1969

Greece

11 June 1975; amended March 1986 and April 2001

Greenland

5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Grenada

19 December 1973

Guadeloupe

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Guam

Organic Act of 1 August 1950

Guatemala

31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; note - suspended

25 May 1993 by former President SERRANO; reinstated 5 June 1993

following ouster of president; amended November 1993

Guernsey

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Guinea

23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)

Guinea-Bissau

16 May 1984, amended 4 May 1991, 4 December 1991, 26

February 1993, 9 June 1993, and 1996

Guyana

6 October 1980

Haiti

approved March 1987; suspended June 1988, with most articles

reinstated March 1989; in October 1991, government claimed to be

observing the constitution; return to constitutional rule, October

1994

Holy See (Vatican City)

Apostolic Constitution of 1967 (effective 1

March 1968)

Honduras

11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982; amended 1995

Hong Kong

Basic Law approved in March 1990 by China's National

People's Congress is Hong Kong's "mini-constitution"

Hungary

18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949, revised 19 April

1972; 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals

and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and

also established the principle of parliamentary oversight; 1997

amendment streamlined the judicial system

Iceland

16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944

India

26 January 1950

Indonesia

August 1945, abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and

Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959

Iran

2-3 December 1979; revised 1989 to expand powers of the

presidency and eliminate the prime ministership

Iraq

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn

regime by US-led coalition

Ireland

29 December 1937; adopted 1 July 1937 by plebiscite

Israel

no formal constitution; some of the functions of a

constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948),

the Basic Laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli

citizenship law

Italy

1 January 1948

Jamaica

6 August 1962

Japan

3 May 1947

Jersey

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Jordan

8 January 1952

Kazakhstan

adopted by national referendum 30 August 1995; first

post-independence constitution was adopted 28 January 1993

Kenya

12 December 1963, amended as a republic 1964; reissued with

amendments 1979, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1997, and 2001

Kiribati

12 July 1979

Korea, North

adopted 1948, completely revised 27 December 1972,

revised again in April 1992 and September 1998

Korea, South

17 July 1948

Kuwait

approved and promulgated 11 November 1962

Kyrgyzstan

adopted 5 May 1993; note - amendment proposed by

President AKAYEV and passed in a national referendum on 2 February

2003 significantly expands the powers of the president at the

expense of the legislature

Laos

promulgated 14 August 1991

Latvia

the 1991 Constitutional Law, which supplements the 1922

constitution, provides for basic rights and freedoms

Lebanon

23 May 1926, amended a number of times, most recently

Charter of Lebanese National Reconciliation (Ta'if Accord) of

October 1989

Lesotho

2 April 1993

Liberia

6 January 1986

Libya

11 December 1969, amended 2 March 1977

Liechtenstein

5 October 1921

Lithuania

adopted 25 October 1992

Luxembourg

17 October 1868, occasional revisions

Macau

Basic Law, approved in March 1993 by China's National People's

Congress, is Macau's "mini-constitution"

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991 note: in November of 2001, the Macedonian Parliament approved a series of new constitutional amendments strengthening minority rights

Madagascar

19 August 1992 by national referendum

Malawi

18 May 1994

Malaysia

31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963

Maldives

adopted January 1998

Mali

adopted 12 January 1992

Malta

1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974

and again in 1987

Man, Isle of

unwritten; note - The Isle of Man Constitution Act,

1961, does not embody the Manx Constitution

Marshall Islands

1 May 1979

Martinique

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Mauritania

12 July 1991

Mauritius

12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992

Mayotte

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Mexico

5 February 1917

Micronesia, Federated States of

10 May 1979

Moldova

new constitution adopted 28 July 1994; replaces old Soviet

constitution of 1979

Monaco

17 December 1962

Mongolia

12 February 1992

Montserrat

present constitution came into force 19 December 1989

Morocco

10 March 1972, revised 4 September 1992, amended (to create

bicameral legislature) September 1996

Mozambique

30 November 1990

Namibia

ratified 9 February 1990; effective 12 March 1990

Nauru

29 January 1968

Nepal

9 November 1990

Netherlands

adopted 1814; amended many times, last time 17 February

1983

Netherlands Antilles

29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the

Netherlands, as amended

New Caledonia

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

New Zealand

consists of a series of legal documents, including

certain acts of the UK and New Zealand Parliaments and The

Constitution Act 1986 which is the principal formal charter

Nicaragua

9 January 1987, with reforms in 1995 and 2000

Niger

the constitution of January 1993 was revised by national

referendum on 12 May 1996 and again by referendum on 18 July 1999

Nigeria

new constitution adopted May 1999

Niue

19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island Act of 1979

Northern Mariana Islands

Covenant Agreement effective 4 November

1986 and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern

Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978

Norway

17 May 1814, modified in 1884

Oman

none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal

decree promulgating a new basic law which, among other things,

clarifies the royal succession, provides for a prime minister, bars

ministers from holding interests in companies doing business with

the government, establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees

basic civil liberties for Omani citizens

Pakistan

10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with

amendments 30 December 1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored on

31 December 2002

note: selected provisions of the Constitution pertaining to changes

President MUSHARRAF made while the Constitution was suspended,

remain contested by political opponents

Palau

1 January 1981

Panama

11 October 1972; major reforms adopted 1978, 1983 and 1994

Papua New Guinea

16 September 1975

Paraguay

promulgated 20 June 1992

Peru

31 December 1993

Philippines

2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Pitcairn Islands

1838; reformed 1904 with additional reforms in

1940; further refined by the Local Government Ordinance of 1964

Poland

16 October 1997; adopted by the National Assembly 2 April

1997; passed by national referendum 23 May 1997

Portugal

25 April 1976, revised 30 October 1982, 1 June 1989, 5

November 1992, and 3 September 1997

Puerto Rico

ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July

1952; effective 25 July 1952

Qatar

provisional constitution enacted 19 April 1972; in July 1999

Amir HAMAD issued a decree forming a committee to draft a permanent

constitution; in the 29 April 2003 referendum, 96.6% of Qatari

voters approved the new constitution

Reunion

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Romania

8 December 1991

Russia

adopted 12 December 1993

Rwanda

on 5 May 1995, the Transitional National Assembly adopted as

Fundamental Law the constitution of 18 June 1991, provisions of the

1993 Arusha peace accord, the July 1994 Declaration by the Rwanda

Patriotic Front, and the November 1994 multiparty protocol of

understanding

Saint Helena

1 January 1989

Saint Kitts and Nevis

19 September 1983

Saint Lucia

22 February 1979

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

27 October 1979

Samoa

1 January 1962

San Marino

8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the

functions of a constitution

Sao Tome and Principe

approved March 1990; effective 10 September

1990

Saudi Arabia

governed according to Shari'a (Islamic law); the Basic

Law that articulates the government's rights and responsibilities

was introduced in 1993

Senegal

a new constitution was adopted 7 January 2001

Serbia and Montenegro

4 February 2003

Seychelles

18 June 1993

Sierra Leone

1 October 1991; subsequently amended several times

Singapore

3 June 1959, amended 1965 (based on preindependence State

of Singapore Constitution)

Slovakia

ratified 1 September 1992, fully effective 1 January 1993;

changed in September 1998 to allow direct election of the president;

amended February 2001 to allow Slovakia to apply for NATO and EU

membership

Slovenia

adopted 23 December 1991, effective 23 December 1991

Solomon Islands

7 July 1978

Somalia

25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979

note: the Transitional National Government formed in August 2000 has

a mandate to create a new constitution and hold elections within

three years

South Africa

10 December 1996; this new constitution was certified

by the Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996, was signed by then

President MANDELA on 10 December 1996, and entered into effect on 3

February 1997; it is being implemented in phases

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

adopted 3 October 1985

Spain

6 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978

Sri Lanka

adopted 16 August 1978

Sudan

12 April 1973, suspended following coup of 6 April 1985;

interim constitution of 10 October 1985 suspended following coup of

30 June 1989; new constitution implemented on 30 June 1998 partially

suspended 12 December 1999 by President BASHIR

Suriname

ratified 30 September 1987

Swaziland

none; constitution of 6 September 1968 was suspended 12

April 1973; a new constitution was promulgated 13 October 1978, but

was not formally presented to the people; since then a few more

outlines for a constitution have been compiled under the

Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), but so far none have been

accepted

Sweden

1 January 1975

Switzerland

18 December 1998

Syria

13 March 1973

Taiwan

1 January 1947, amended in 1992, 1994, 1997, and 1999

Tajikistan

6 November 1994

Tanzania

25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984

Thailand

new constitution signed by King PHUMIPHON on 11 October 1997

Togo

multiparty draft constitution approved by High Council of the

Republic 1 July 1992; adopted by public referendum 27 September 1992

Tokelau

administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948, as

amended in 1970

Tonga

4 November 1875, revised 1 January 1967

Trinidad and Tobago

1 August 1976

Tunisia

1 June 1959; amended 12 July 1988

Turkey

7 November 1982

Turkmenistan

adopted 18 May 1992

Turks and Caicos Islands introduced 30 August 1976; suspended in 1986; restored and revised 5 March 1988

Tuvalu

1 October 1978

Uganda

8 October 1995; adopted by the interim, 284-member

Constituent Assembly, charged with debating the draft constitution

that had been proposed in May 1993; the Constituent Assembly was

dissolved upon the promulgation of the constitution in October 1995

Ukraine

adopted 28 June 1996

United Arab Emirates

2 December 1971 (made permanent in 1996)

United Kingdom

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and

practice

United States

17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789

Uruguay

27 November 1966, effective February 1967, suspended 27 June

1973, new constitution rejected by referendum 30 November 1980; two

constitutional reforms approved by plebiscite 26 November 1989 and 7

January 1997

Uzbekistan

new constitution adopted 8 December 1992

Vanuatu

30 July 1980

Venezuela

30 December 1999

Vietnam

15 April 1992

Virgin Islands

Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954

Wallis and Futuna

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Yemen

16 May 1991; amended 29 September 1994 and February 2001

Zambia

2 August 1991

Zimbabwe

21 December 1979

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2064 Economic aid - recipient

Afghanistan

international pledges made by more than 60 countries and

international financial institutions at the Tokyo Donors Conference

for Afghan reconstruction in January 2002 reached $4.5 billion

through 2006, with $1.8 billion allocated for 2002; another $1.7

billion was pledged for 2003.

Albania

ODA: $315 million (top donors were Italy, EU, Germany) (2000

est.)

Algeria

$162 million (2000 est.)

American Samoa

important financial support from the US, more than

$40 million in 1994

Andorra

none

Angola

$383.5 million (1999)

Anguilla

$3.5 million (1995)

Antigua and Barbuda

$2.3 million (1995)

Argentina

$10 billion (2001 est.)

Armenia

ODA $170 million (2000)

Aruba

$26 million (1995); note - the Netherlands provided a $127

million aid package to Aruba and Suriname in 1996

Azerbaijan

ODA, $140 million (2000 est.)

Bahamas, The

$9.8 million (1995)

Bahrain

$150 million; note - $50 million annually since 1992 from

each of Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait (2002)

Bangladesh

$1.575 billion (2000 est.)

Barbados

$9.1 million (1995)

Belarus

$194.3 million (1995)

Belize

$NA

Benin

$342.6 million (2000)

Bermuda

$NA

Bhutan

substantial aid from India and other nations

Bolivia

$588 million (1997)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

$650 million (2001 est.)

Botswana

$73 million (1995)

Brazil

$30 billion IMF disbursement (2002)

British Virgin Islands

NA%

Brunei

$4.3 million (1995)

Bulgaria

$300 million (2000 est.)

Burkina Faso

$484.1 million (1995)

Burma

$99 million (FY98/99)

Burundi

$92.7 million (2000)

Cambodia

$548 million pledged in grants and concessional loans for

2001 by international donors

Cameroon

on 23 January 2001, the Paris Club agreed to reduce

Cameroon's debt of $1.3 billion by $900 million; total debt relief

now amounts to $1.26 billion

Cape Verde

$136 million (1999)

Cayman Islands

$NA

Central African Republic

ODA $73 million; note - traditional budget

subsidies from France (2000 est.)

Chad

$238.3 million; note - $125 million committed by Taiwan (August

1997); $30 million committed by African Development Bank; ODA $150

million

Chile

ODA, $40 million (2001 est.)

China

$NA

Christmas Island

$NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

$NA

Colombia

$NA

Comoros

$10 million (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

$195.3 million (1995)

Congo, Republic of the

$159.1 million (1995)

Cook Islands

$13.1 million; note - New Zealand continues to furnish

the greater part (1995)

Cote d'Ivoire

ODA, $1 billion (1996 est.)

Croatia

ODA $66 million (2000)

Cuba

$68.2 million (1997 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area - $17 million (1998);; Turkish Cypriot

area - $700 million from Turkey in grants and loans (1990-97), which

are usually forgiven (1998)

Czech Republic

$108 million; EU structural adjustment funds (2002)

Djibouti

$36 million (2001)

Dominica

$24.4 million (1995)

Dominican Republic

$239.6 million (1995)

East Timor

$2.2 billion (1999-2002 est.)

Ecuador

$120 million (2001)

Egypt

ODA, $2.25 billion (1999)

El Salvador

total $252 million; $57 million from US (1999 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

$33.8 million (1995)

Eritrea

$77 million (1999)

Estonia

$108 million (2000)

Ethiopia

$308 million (FY00/01)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

none

Faroe Islands

$55 million (annual subsidy from Denmark)

Fiji

$40.3 million (1995)

French Guiana

$NA

French Polynesia

$367 million (1997)

Gabon

$331 million (1995)

Gambia, The

$45.4 million (1995)

Gaza Strip

$800 million (includes West Bank) (2001 est.)

Georgia

ODA $150 million (2000 est.)

Ghana

$6.9 billion (1999)

Gibraltar

$NA; note - if an agreement between Spain and the UK is

reached, could receive 50 million euros from the EU

Greece

$5.4 billion from EU

Greenland

$380 million subsidy from Denmark

Grenada

$8.3 million (1995)

Guadeloupe

$NA; note - substantial annual French subsidies

Guam

Guam receives large transfer payments from the US Federal

Treasury ($143 million in 1997) into which Guamanians pay no income

or excise taxes; under the provisions of a special law of Congress,

the Guam Treasury, rather than the US Treasury, receives federal

income taxes paid by military and civilian Federal employees

stationed in Guam

Guatemala

$250 million (2000 est.)

Guernsey

$NA

Guinea

$359.2 million (1998)

Guinea-Bissau

$115.4 million (1995)

Guyana

$84 million (1995), Heavily Indebted Poor Country Initiative

(HIPC) $253 million (1997)

Haiti

$120 million (FY02)

Holy See (Vatican City)

none

Honduras

$557.8 million (1999)

Hungary

ODA $250 million (2000)

India

$2.9 billion (FY 98/99)

Indonesia

$43 billion from IMF program and other official external

financing (1997-2000)

Iran

$408 million (2002 est.)

Iraq

$327.5 million (1995)

Israel

$720 million from US (2001 est.)

Jamaica

NA

Jersey

none

Jordan

ODA, $553 million (2000 est.)

Kazakhstan

$610 million in US assistance programs, 1992-2000

Kenya

$457 million (1997)

Kiribati

$15.5 million largely from UK and Japan (1995)

Korea, North

$NA; note - nearly $300 million in food aid alone from

US, South Korea, Japan, and EU in 2001 plus much additional aid from

the UN and non-governmental organizations

Kuwait

NA

Kyrgyzstan

$50 million from the US (2001)

Laos

$345 million (1999 est.)

Latvia

$96.2 million (1995)

Lebanon

$3.5 billion (pledges 1997-2001) $4.2 billion in pledges

November 2002 Paris II Aid Conference

Lesotho

$41.5 million (2000)

Liberia

$94 million (1999)

Libya

$15 million (2000)

Liechtenstein

none

Lithuania

$228.5 million (1995)

Macau

$NA

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

$150 million (2001 est.)

Madagascar

$838 million (1997)

Malawi

$540 million (1999)

Maldives

$NA

Mali

$596.4 million (2001)

Malta

$NA

Man, Isle of

$NA

Marshall Islands

more than $1 billion from the US, 1986-2002

Martinique

$NA; note - substantial annual aid from France

Mauritania

$220 million (2000)

Mauritius

$42 million (1997)

Mayotte

$107.7 million; note - extensive French financial assistance

(1995)

Mexico

$1.166 billion (1995)

Micronesia, Federated States of under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US pledged $1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001

Moldova

$100 million (2000)

Monaco

$NA

Mongolia

$208.7 million (1999 est.)

Montserrat

Country Policy Plan (2001) is a three-year program for

spending $122.8 million in British budgetary assistance

Morocco

$565.6 million (1995)

Mozambique

$632.8 million (2001)

Namibia

ODA $160 million (2000 est.)

Nauru

$2.25 million from Australia (FY96/97 est.)

Nepal

$424 million (FY 00/01)

Netherlands Antilles

IMF provided $61 million in 2000, and the

Netherlands continued its support with $40 million

New Caledonia

$880 million annual subsidy from France

Nicaragua

Substantial foreign support

Niger

$341 million (1997)

Nigeria

ODA $250 million (1998)

Niue

$2.6 million from New Zealand (2002)

Norfolk Island

$NA

Northern Mariana Islands

extensive funding from US

Oman

$76.4 million (1995)

Pakistan

$2.4 billion (FY01/02)

Palau

$155.8 million ; note - the Compact of Free Association with

the US, entered into after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1

October 1994, provides Palau with up to $700 million in US aid over

15 years in return for furnishing military facilities

Panama

$197.1 million (1995)

Papua New Guinea

$400 million (1999 est.)

Paraguay

$NA

Peru

$895.1 million (1995)

Philippines

ODA, $1.1 billion (1998)

Pitcairn Islands

$NA

Poland

EU structural adjustment funds

Puerto Rico

$NA

Qatar

$NA

Reunion

$NA; note - substantial annual subsidies from France

Russia

in FY01 from US, $979 million (including $750 million in

non-proliferation subsidies); in 2001 from EU, $200 million

Rwanda

$372.9 million (1999)

Saint Helena

$12.6 million (1995); note - $5.3 million from UK (1997)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

$8 million (2001)

Saint Lucia

$51.8 million (1995)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

approximately $60 million in annual grants

from France

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

$47.5 million (1995); note - EU

$34.5 million (1998)

Samoa

$42.9 million (1995)

San Marino

$NA

Sao Tome and Principe $200 million in December 2000 under the HIPC program

Senegal $362.6 million (2002 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro $2 billion pledged in 2001 (disbursements to follow for several years)

Seychelles

$16.4 million (1995)

Sierra Leone

$103 million (2001 est.)

Singapore

$NA

Slovakia

ODA $113 million (2000),; $92 million EU structural

adjustment funds (2000 est.)

Slovenia

ODA, $62 million (2000 est.)

Solomon Islands

$28 million mainly from Japan, Australia, China, and

NZ (2001 est.)

Somalia

$60 million (1999 est.)

South Africa

$487.5 million (2000)

Sri Lanka

$577 million (1998)

Sudan

$187 million (1997)

Suriname

Netherlands provided $37 million for project and program

assistance, European Development Fund $4 million, Belgium $2 million

(1998)

Svalbard

$8.2 million from Norway (1998)

Swaziland

$104 million (2001)

Syria

$199 million (1997 est.)

Tajikistan

$60.7 million from US (2001)

Tanzania

$963 million (1997)

Thailand

$131.5 million (1998 est.)

Togo

ODA $80 million (2000 est.)

Tokelau

from New Zealand about $4 million annually

Tonga

Australia $5.5 million, New Zealand $2.3 million (FY01/02)

Trinidad and Tobago

$24 million (1999 est.)

Tunisia

$222.7 million (2000)

Turkey

ODA, $300 million (2000)

Turkmenistan

$16 million from the US (2001)

Turks and Caicos Islands

$4.1 million (1997)

Tuvalu

$13 million ; note - major donors are Australia, Japan, and

the US (1999 est.)

Uganda

$1.4 billion (2000)

Ukraine

$637.7 million (1995); IMF Extended Funds Facility $2.2

billion (1998)

Uruguay

$NA

Uzbekistan

approximately $150 million from the US (2001)

Vanuatu

$45.8 million (1995)

Venezuela

$74 million (2000)

Vietnam

$2.1 billion in credits and grants pledged by international

donors for 2000

Virgin Islands

$NA

Wallis and Futuna

assistance from France

West Bank

$800 million (includes Gaza Strip) (2001 est.)

Western Sahara

$NA

World

official development assistance (ODA) $50 billion

Yemen

$2.3 billion to be disbursed 2003-07 (2003-07 disbursements)

Zambia

$651 million (2000 est.)

Zimbabwe

$178 million (2000 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2065 Currency

Afghanistan

afghani (AFA)

Albania

lek (ALL)

Algeria

Algerian dinar (DZD)

American Samoa

US dollar (USD)

Andorra

euro (EUR)

Angola

kwanza (AOA)

Anguilla

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Antigua and Barbuda

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Argentina

Argentine peso (ARS)

Armenia

dram (AMD)

Aruba

Aruban guilder/florin (AWG)

Australia

Australian dollar (AUD)

Austria

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by the financial institutions

of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani manat (AZM)

Bahamas, The

Bahamian dollar (BSD)

Bahrain

Bahraini dinar (BHD)

Bangladesh

taka (BDT)

Barbados

Barbadian dollar (BBD)

Belarus

Belarusian ruble (BYB/BYR)

Belgium

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Belize

Belizean dollar (BZD)

Benin

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note -

responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Bermuda

Bermudian dollar (BMD)

Bhutan

ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupee (INR)

Bolivia

boliviano (BOB)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

marka (BAM)

Botswana

pula (BWP)

Brazil

real (BRL)

British Virgin Islands

US dollar (USD)

Brunei

Bruneian dollar (BND)

Bulgaria

lev (BGL)

Burkina Faso

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note -

responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Burma

kyat (MMK)

Burundi

Burundi franc (BIF)

Cambodia

riel (KHR)

Cameroon

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note -

responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Canada

Canadian dollar (CAD)

Cape Verde

Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)

Cayman Islands

Caymanian dollar (KYD)

Central African Republic

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc

(XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central

African States

Chad

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible

authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Chile

Chilean peso (CLP)

China

yuan (CNY)

note:: also referred to as the Renminbi (RMB)

Christmas Island

Australian dollar (AUD)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Australian dollar (AUD)

Colombia

Colombian peso (COP)

Comoros

Comoran franc (KMF)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Congolese franc (CDF)

Congo, Republic of the

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF);

note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African

States

Cook Islands

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Costa Rica

Costa Rican colon (CRC)

Cote d'Ivoire

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note -

responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Croatia

kuna (HRK)

Cuba

Cuban peso (CUP)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: Cypriot pound (CYP); Turkish Cypriot

area: Turkish lira (TRL)

Czech Republic

Czech koruna (CZK)

Denmark

Danish krone (DKK)

Djibouti

Djiboutian franc (DJF)

Dominica

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Dominican Republic

Dominican peso (DOP)

East Timor

US dollar (USD)

Ecuador

US dollar (USD)

Egypt

Egyptian pound (EGP)

El Salvador

US dollar (USD)

Equatorial Guinea

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note

- responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Eritrea

nakfa (ERN)

Estonia

Estonian kroon (EEK)

Ethiopia

birr (ETB)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Falkland pound (FKP)

Faroe Islands

Danish krone (DKK)

Fiji

Fijian dollar (FJD)

Finland

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

France

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

French Guiana

euro (EUR); French franc (FRF)

French Polynesia

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF); note -

may adopt the euro in 2003

Gabon

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note -

responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Gambia, The

dalasi (GMD)

Gaza Strip

new Israeli shekel (ILS)

Georgia

lari (GEL)

Germany

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Ghana

cedi (GHC)

Gibraltar

Gibraltar pound (GIP)

Greece

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Greenland

Danish krone (DKK)

Grenada

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Guadeloupe

euro (EUR); French franc (FRF)

Guam

US dollar (USD)

Guatemala

quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed

Guernsey

British pound (GBP); note - there is also a Guernsey pound

Guinea

Guinean franc (GNF)

Guinea-Bissau

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note -

responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African

States; previously the Guinea-Bissau peso (GWP) was used

Guyana

Guyanese dollar (GYD)

Haiti

gourde (HTG)

Holy See (Vatican City)

euro (EUR)

Honduras

lempira (HNL)

Hong Kong

Hong Kong dollar (HKD)

Hungary

forint (HUF)

Iceland

Icelandic krona (ISK)

India

Indian rupee (INR)

Indonesia

Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

Iran

Iranian rial (IRR)

Iraq

Iraqi dinar (IQD)

Ireland

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Israel

new Israeli shekel (ILS); note - NIS is the currency

abbreviation; ILS is the International Organization for

Standarization (ISO) code for the NIS

Italy

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Jamaica

Jamaican dollar (JMD)

Japan

yen (JPY)

Jersey

British pound (GBP); note - there is also a Jersey pound

Jordan

Jordanian dinar (JOD)

Kazakhstan

tenge (KZT)

Kenya

Kenyan shilling (KES)

Kiribati

Australian dollar (AUD)

Korea, North

North Korean won (KPW)

Korea, South

South Korean won (KRW)

Kuwait

Kuwaiti dinar (KD)

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstani som (KGS)

Laos

kip (LAK)

Latvia

Latvian lat (LVL)

Lebanon

Lebanese pound (LBP)

Lesotho

loti (LSL); South African rand (ZAR)

Liberia

Liberian dollar (LRD)

Libya

Libyan dinar (LYD)

Liechtenstein

Swiss franc (CHF)

Lithuania

litas (LTL)

Luxembourg

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Macau

pataca (MOP)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonian denar (MKD)

Madagascar

Malagasy franc (MGF)

Malawi

Malawian kwacha (MWK)

Malaysia

ringgit (MYR)

Maldives

rufiyaa (MVR)

Mali

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible

authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Malta

Maltese lira (MTL)

Man, Isle of

British pound (GBP); note - there is also a Manx pound

Marshall Islands

US dollar (USD)

Martinique

euro (EUR)

Mauritania

ouguiya (MRO)

Mauritius

Mauritian rupee (MUR)

Mayotte

euro (EUR)

Mexico

Mexican peso (MXN)

Micronesia, Federated States of

US dollar (USD)

Moldova

Moldovan leu (MDL)

Monaco

euro (EUR)

Mongolia

togrog/tugrik (MNT)

Montserrat

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Morocco

Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Mozambique

metical (MZM)

Namibia

Namibian dollar (NAD); South African rand (ZAR)

Nauru

Australian dollar (AUD)

Nepal

Nepalese rupee (NPR)

Netherlands

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG)

New Caledonia

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF); note -

may adopt the euro in 2003

New Zealand

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Nicaragua

gold cordoba (NIO)

Niger

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note -

responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Nigeria

naira (NGN)

Niue

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Norfolk Island

Australian dollar (AUD)

Northern Mariana Islands

US dollar (USD)

Norway

Norwegian krone (NOK)

Oman

Omani rial (OMR)

Pakistan

Pakistani rupee (PKR)

Palau

US dollar (USD)

Panama

balboa (PAB); US dollar (USD)

Papua New Guinea

kina (PGK)

Paraguay

guarani (PYG)

Peru

nuevo sol (PEN)

Philippines

Philippine peso (PHP)

Pitcairn Islands

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Poland

zloty (PLN)

Portugal

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of

member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Puerto Rico

US dollar (USD)

Qatar

Qatari rial (QAR)

Reunion

euro (EUR)

Romania

leu (ROL)

Russia

Russian ruble (RUR)

Rwanda

Rwandan franc (RWF)

Saint Helena

Saint Helenian pound (SHP)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Saint Lucia

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

euro (EUR)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Samoa

tala (SAT)

San Marino

euro (EUR)

Sao Tome and Principe

dobra (STD)

Saudi Arabia

Saudi riyal (SAR)

Senegal

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note -

responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Serbia and Montenegro

new Yugoslav dinar (YUM); note - in Montenegro

the euro is legal tender; in Kosovo both the euro and the Yugoslav

dinar are legal (2002)

Seychelles

Seychelles rupee (SCR)

Sierra Leone

leone (SLL)

Singapore

Singapore dollar (SGD)

Slovakia

Slovak koruna (SKK)

Slovenia

tolar (SIT)

Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands dollar (SBD)

Somalia

Somali shilling (SOS)

South Africa

rand (ZAR)

Spain

euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the

euro as a common currency to be used by the financial institutions

of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole

currency for everyday transactions with the member countries

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)

Sudan

Sudanese dinar (SDD)

Suriname

Surinamese guilder (SRG)

Svalbard

Norwegian krone (NOK)

Swaziland

lilangeni (SZL)

Sweden

Swedish krona (SEK)

Switzerland

Swiss franc (CHF)

Syria

Syrian pound (SYP)

Taiwan

new Taiwan dollar (TWD)

Tajikistan

somoni

Tanzania

Tanzanian shilling (TZS)

Thailand

baht (THB)

Togo

Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible

authority is the Central Bank of the West African States

Tokelau

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Tonga

pa'anga (TOP)

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD)

Tunisia

Tunisian dinar (TND)

Turkey

Turkish lira (TRL)

Turkmenistan

Turkmen manat (TMM)

Turks and Caicos Islands

US dollar (USD)

Tuvalu

Australian dollar (AUD); note - there is also a Tuvaluan

dollar

Uganda

Ugandan shilling (UGX)

Ukraine

hryvnia (UAH)

United Arab Emirates

Emirati dirham (AED)

United Kingdom

British pound (GBP)

United States

US dollar (USD)

Uruguay

Uruguayan peso (UYU)

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistani sum (UZS)

Vanuatu

vatu (VUV)

Venezuela

bolivar (VEB)

Vietnam

dong (VND)

Virgin Islands

US dollar (USD)

Wallis and Futuna

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF); note

- may adopt the euro in 2003

West Bank

new Israeli shekel (ILS); Jordanian dinar (JOD)

Western Sahara

Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Yemen

Yemeni rial (YER)

Zambia

Zambian kwacha (ZMK)

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2066 Death rate (deaths/1,000 population)

Afghanistan

17.15 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Albania

6.48 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Algeria

5.09 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

American Samoa

4.38 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Andorra

5.74 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Angola

25.83 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Anguilla

5.42 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

5.64 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Argentina

7.58 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Armenia

10.16 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Aruba

6.38 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Australia

7.31 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Austria

9.69 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

9.68 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

8.68 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bahrain

3.99 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

8.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Barbados

9.02 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Belarus

14.05 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Belgium

10.07 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Belize

6.05 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Benin

13.65 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bermuda

7.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bhutan

13.47 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bolivia

7.91 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

8.21 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Botswana

31 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Brazil

6.13 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands

4.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Brunei

3.39 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

14.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

18.76 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Burma

12.17 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Burundi

17.8 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cambodia

9.26 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cameroon

15.3 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Canada

7.61 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cape Verde

6.86 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

4.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Central African Republic

19.73 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Chad

16.38 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Chile

5.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

China

6.74 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Christmas Island

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Colombia

5.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Comoros

8.86 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 14.87 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

14.2 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cook Islands

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

4.31 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

18.41 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Croatia

11.25 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cuba

7.38 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cyprus

7.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

10.74 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Denmark

10.72 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Djibouti

19.45 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Dominica

6.99 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

6.88 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

East Timor

6.41 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ecuador

5.29 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Egypt

5.35 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

El Salvador

6.01 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

12.54 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Eritrea

13.23 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Estonia

13.42 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

20.17 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA deaths/1,000 population

Faroe Islands

8.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Fiji

5.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Finland

9.82 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

France

9.05 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

French Guiana

4.8 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

French Polynesia

4.53 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gabon

11.17 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

12.35 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

4.03 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Georgia

14.71 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Germany

10.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ghana

10.53 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gibraltar

8.93 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Greece

9.86 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Greenland

7.66 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Grenada

7.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guadeloupe

6.04 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guam

4.29 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guatemala

6.78 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guernsey

9.84 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guinea

15.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

16.62 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guyana

9.27 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Haiti

13.36 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Honduras

6.44 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

6.19 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Hungary

13 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Iceland

6.95 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

India

8.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Indonesia

6.26 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Iran

5.54 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Iraq

5.84 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ireland

7.94 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Israel

6.2 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Italy

10.12 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Jamaica

5.42 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Japan

8.55 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Jersey

9.17 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Jordan

2.62 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

10.78 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kenya

16.01 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kiribati

8.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Korea, North

6.93 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Korea, South

6.03 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kuwait

2.45 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

9.1 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Laos

12.39 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Latvia

14.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Lebanon

6.32 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Lesotho

24.58 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Liberia

17.84 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Libya

3.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

6.85 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Lithuania

12.89 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

8.78 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Macau

3.85 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 7.78 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Madagascar

11.88 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Malawi

22.64 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Malaysia

5.12 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Maldives

7.65 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mali

19.21 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Malta

7.8 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

11.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

5.03 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Martinique

6.41 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mauritania

13.04 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mauritius

6.81 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mayotte

8.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mexico

4.97 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of 5.1 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Moldova

12.7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Monaco

12.82 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mongolia

7.18 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Montserrat

7.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Morocco

5.78 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mozambique

30.04 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Namibia

19.17 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nauru

7.08 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nepal

9.84 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Netherlands

8.66 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

6.4 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

New Caledonia

5.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

New Zealand

7.54 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

4.69 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Niger

21.71 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nigeria

13.76 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Niue

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Norfolk Island

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands

2.44 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Norway

9.72 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Oman

3.97 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Pakistan

8.79 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Palau

7 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Panama

6.25 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

7.63 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Paraguay

4.64 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Peru

5.69 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Philippines

5.6 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Poland

9.96 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Portugal

10.21 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

7.68 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Qatar

4.43 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Reunion

5.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Romania

12.25 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Russia

13.99 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Rwanda

21.72 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Helena

6.24 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

8.85 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

5.24 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

6.74 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6.08 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Samoa

6.41 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

San Marino

7.86 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

7.11 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

5.79 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Senegal

10.88 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

10.62 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Seychelles

6.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

20.66 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Singapore

4.31 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Slovakia

9.22 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Slovenia

10.15 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

4.12 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Somalia

17.64 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

South Africa

18.42 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Spain

9.48 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

6.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sudan

9.59 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Suriname

6.83 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Svalbard

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Swaziland

21.08 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sweden

10.58 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Switzerland

8.82 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Syria

5.04 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Taiwan

6.2 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

8.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tanzania

17.38 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Thailand

6.86 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Togo

11.51 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tokelau

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tonga

5.54 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

8.71 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tunisia

5.02 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Turkey

5.95 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

8.87 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

4.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tuvalu

7.34 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Uganda

16.95 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ukraine

16.39 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

4.02 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

10.21 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

United States

8.44 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Uruguay

8.97 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

7.97 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Vanuatu

8.13 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Venezuela

4.9 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Vietnam

6.19 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Virgin Islands

5.68 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

West Bank

4.16 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Western Sahara

NA deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

World

8.83 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Yemen

9.04 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Zambia

24.3 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

22.02 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2067 Military expenditures - dollar figure

Afghanistan

$525.2 million (FY02)

Albania

$56.5 million (FY02)

Algeria

$1.87 billion (FY99)

Angola

$222.7 million (FY02)

Antigua and Barbuda

$NA

Argentina

$4.3 billion (FY99)

Armenia

$135 million (FY01)

Australia

$11.39 billion (FY02)

Austria

$1.497 billion (FY01/02)

Azerbaijan

$121 million (FY99)

Bahamas, The

$20 million (FY95/96)

Bahrain

$526.2 million (FY01)

Bangladesh

$559 million (FY96)

Barbados

$NA

Belarus

$176.1 million (FY02)

Belgium

$3.077 billion (FY01/02)

Belize

$7.7 million (FY00/01)

Benin

$80.8 million (FY02)

Bermuda

$4.028 million (January 2002)

Bhutan

$9.3 million (FY02)

Bolivia

$147 million (FY99)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

$234.3 million (FY02)

Botswana

$207.3 million (FY02)

Brazil

$13.408 billion (FY99)

Brunei

$329.7 million (FY02)

Bulgaria

$356 million (FY02)

Burkina Faso

$45.83 million (FY02)

Burma

$39 million (FY97)

Burundi

$42.13 million (FY02)

Cambodia

$112 million (FY01 est.)

Cameroon

$118.6 million (FY00)

Canada

$7.861 billion (FY01/02)

Cape Verde

$9.3 million (FY02)

Central African Republic

$13.43 million (FY02)

Chad

$40.74 million (FY02)

Chile

$2.5 billion (FY99)

China

$55.91 billion (FY02)

Colombia

$3.3 billion (FY01)

Comoros

$6 million (FY02)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

$250 million (FY97)

Congo, Republic of the

$84 million (FY01)

Costa Rica

$69 million (FY99)

Cote d'Ivoire

$143.5 million (FY02)

Croatia

$520 million (2002 est.)

Cuba

$NA

Cyprus

$384 million (FY02)

Czech Republic

$1,190.2 million (FY01)

Denmark

$2.47 billion (FY99/00)

Djibouti

$26.53 million (FY02)

Dominica

$NA

Dominican Republic

$180 million (FY98)

East Timor

$4.4 million (FY03)

Ecuador

$720 million (FY98)

Egypt

$4.04 billion (FY99)

El Salvador

$112 million (FY99)

Equatorial Guinea

$30 million (FY02)

Eritrea

$95.75 million (FY02)

Estonia

$155 million (2002 est.)

Ethiopia

$800 million (FY00)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

$NA

Faroe Islands

$NA

Fiji

$39.21 million (FY02)

Finland

$1.8 billion (FY98/99)

France

$46.5 billion (2000)

French Guiana

$NA

Gabon

$81.9 million (FY02)

Gambia, The

$1.2 million (FY02)

Gaza Strip

$NA

Georgia

$23 million (FY00)

Germany

$38.8 billion (2002)

Ghana

$36.01 million (FY02)

Greece

$6.12 billion (FY99/00 est.)

Grenada

$NA

Guatemala

$120 million (FY99)

Guinea

$154 million (FY02)

Guinea-Bissau

$5.6 million (FY02)

Guyana

$NA

Haiti

$50 million (FY00)

Honduras

$35 million (FY99)

Hungary

$1.08 billion (2002 est.)

Iceland

$0

India

$11.52 billion (FY02)

Indonesia

$1 billion (FY98)

Iran

$9.7 billion (FY00)

Iraq

$1.3 billion (FY00)

Ireland

$700 million (FY00/01)

Israel

$8.97 billion (FY02)

Italy

$20.2 billion (2002)

Jamaica

$30 million (FY95/96 est.)

Japan

$39.52 billion (FY02)

Jordan

$757.5 million (FY01)

Kazakhstan

$221.8 million (Ministry of Defense expenditures) (FY02)

Kenya

$185.2 million (FY02)

Kiribati

$NA

Korea, North

$5,217.4 million (FY02)

Korea, South

$13,094.3 million (FY02)

Kuwait

$1,967.3 million (FY01)

note: Kuwait is changing its fiscal year; the above figure is for

July-March 2001; future budget years will be April-March annually

Kyrgyzstan

$19.2 million (FY01)

Laos

$55 million (FY98)

Latvia

$87 million (FY01)

Lebanon

$541 million (2002)

Lesotho

$34 million (1999)

Liberia

$7.8 million (FY02)

Libya

$1.3 billion (FY99)

Lithuania

$230.8 million (FY01)

Luxembourg

$147.8 million (FY01/02)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of $200 million (FY01/02 est.)

Madagascar

$52.3 million (FY02)

Malawi

$13.01 million (FY02)

Malaysia

$1.69 billion (FY00 est.)

Maldives

$34.46 million (FY02)

Mali

$419.7 million (FY02)

Malta

$60 million (2000 est.)

Marshall Islands

$NA

Mauritania

$37.11 million (FY02)

Mauritius

$9.712 million (FY02)

Mexico

$4 billion (FY99)

Moldova

$6.4 million (FY02)

Mongolia

$23.1 million (FY02)

Morocco

$1.4 billion (FY99/00)

Mozambique

$35.1 million (2000 est.)

Namibia

$73.1 million (FY02)

Nauru

$NA

Nepal

$57.22 million (FY02)

Netherlands

$6.5 billion (FY00/01 est.)

New Caledonia

$192.3 million (FY96)

New Zealand

$605.7 million (FY02)

Nicaragua

$26 million (FY98)

Niger

$20.54 million (FY02)

Nigeria

$417.9 million (FY02)

Norway

$3.113 billion (FY98/99)

Oman

$2.424 billion (FY01)

Pakistan

$2.964 billion (FY02)

Palau

$NA

Panama

$128 million (FY99)

Papua New Guinea

$40.21 million (FY02)

Paraguay

$125 million (FY98)

Peru

$1 billion (FY01)

Philippines

$995 million (FY98)

Poland

$3.5 billion (2002)

Portugal

$1.286 billion (FY99/00)

Qatar

$723 million (FY00)

Romania

$985 million (2002)

Russia

$NA

Rwanda

$59.57 million (FY02)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

$NA

Saint Lucia

$NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

$NA

Samoa

$NA

San Marino

$700,000 (FY00/01)

Sao Tome and Principe

$400,000 (FY01)

Saudi Arabia

$18.3 billion (FY00)

Senegal

$68.6 million (FY02)

Serbia and Montenegro

$654 million (2002)

Seychelles

$12.8 million (FY02)

Sierra Leone

$10.26 million (FY02)

Singapore

$4.47 billion (FY01 est.)

Slovakia

$406 million (2002)

Slovenia

$370 million (FY00)

Solomon Islands

$NA

Somalia

$17.1 million (FY02)

South Africa

$1.746 billion (FY02)

Spain

$8.6 billion (2002)

Sri Lanka

$719 million (FY98)

Sudan

$581 million (2001 est.)

Suriname

$NA

Swaziland

$20 million (FY01)

Sweden

$4.395 billion (FY01)

Switzerland

$2.548 billion (FY01)

Syria

$858 million (FY00 est.); note - based on official budget data

that may understate actual spending

Taiwan

$7.574 billion (FY02)

Tajikistan

$35.4 million (FY01)

Tanzania

$19.68 million (FY02)

Thailand

$1.775 billion (FY00)

Togo

$23.72 million (FY02)

Tonga

$NA

Trinidad and Tobago

$90 million (1999)

Tunisia

$356 million (FY99)

Turkey

$8.1 billion (2002 est.)

Turkmenistan

$90 million (FY99)

Tuvalu

$NA

Uganda

$124.7 million (FY02)

Ukraine

$617.9 million (FY02)

United Arab Emirates

$1.6 billion (FY00)

United Kingdom

$31.7 billion (2002)

United States

$276.7 billion (FY99 est.)

Uruguay

$250 million (1999)

Uzbekistan

$200 million (FY97)

Vanuatu

$NA

Venezuela

$934 million (FY99)

Vietnam

$650 million (FY98)

West Bank

$NA

Western Sahara

$NA

World

aggregate real expenditure on arms worldwide in 1999 remained

at approximately the 1998 level, about three-quarters of a trillion

dollars (1999 est.)

Yemen

$482.5 million (FY01)

Zambia

$33.46 million (FY02)

Zimbabwe

$625.1 million (FY02)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2068 Dependent areas

Australia

Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos

(Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald

Islands, Norfolk Island

France

Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French

Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands,

Juan de Nova Island, New Caledonia, Tromelin Island, Wallis and

Futuna

note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

Netherlands

Aruba, Netherlands Antilles

New Zealand

Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau

Norway

Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

United Kingdom

Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory,

British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar,

Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint

Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and

Caicos Islands

United States

American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island,

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

Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin

Islands, Wake Island

note: from 18 July 1947 until 1 October 1994, the US administered

the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, but recently entered

into a new political relationship with all four political units: the

Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with

the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau concluded a Compact of

Free Association with the US (effective 1 October 1994); the

Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association

with the US (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the

Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US

(effective 21 October 1986)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2070 Disputes - international

Afghanistan

thousands of Afghan refugees still reside in Iran and

Pakistan; isolating terrain and close ties among Pashtuns in

Pakistan make cross-border activities difficult to control;

prolonged regional drought strains water-sharing arrangements for

Amu Darya and Helmand River states

Albania

the Albanian Government calls for the protection of the

rights of ethnic Albanians outside its borders in the Kosovo region

of Serbia and Montenegro, and in the northern Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, while continuing to seek regional

cooperation; some outside ethnic Albanian groups voice union with

Albania

Algeria

Libya claims about 32,000 sq km in a dormant dispute still

reflected on its maps in southeastern Algeria; armed bandits based

in Mali attack southern Algerian towns; border with Morocco remains

closed over mutual claims of harboring militants, arms smuggling;

Algeria supports the exiled Sahrawi Polisario Front and rejects

Moroccan administration of Western Sahara

American Samoa

none

Andorra

none; border is undemarcated in sections but is not in

dispute (a few French farmers still remain upset about the transfer

of 35 hectares of land to Andorra)

Angola

gives shelter to thousands of refugees from the Democratic

Republic of the Congo while thousands of Angolan refugees still

remain in neighboring states as a consequence of the protracted

civil wars in both states

Anguilla

none

Antarctica

Antarctic Treaty freezes claims (see Antarctic Treaty

Summary in Government type entry); sections (some overlapping)

claimed by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK;

the US and most other states do not recognize the territorial claims

of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US and

Russia reserve the right to do so); no claims have been made in the

sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west; several states

with land claims in Antarctica have expressed their intention to

submit data to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental

Shelf to extend their continental shelf claims to adjoining undersea

ridges

Antigua and Barbuda

none

Arctic Ocean

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Argentina

claims UK-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands in its

constitution, but in 1995 ceded the right to settle the dispute by

force; Beagle Channel islands dispute resolved through Papal

mediation in 1984, but armed incidents persist since 1992 oil

discovery; territorial claim in Antarctica partially overlaps UK and

Chilean claims (see Antarctic disputes); unruly region at

convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money

laundering, smuggling, arms and drug trafficking, and harbors

Islamist militants; uncontested dispute between Brazil and Uruguay

over Braziliera Island in the Quarai/Cuareim leaves the tripoint

with Argentina in question

Armenia

Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in

Nagorno-Karabakh and militarily occupies 16% of Azerbaijan -

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues

to mediate dispute; border with Turkey remains closed over

Nagorno-Karabakh dispute; traditional demands regarding former

Armenian lands in Turkey have subsided; ethnic Armenian groups in

Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater autonomy, closer ties with

Armenia

Aruba

none

Ashmore and Cartier Islands nationalist group in Indonesia reportedly seeks to populate reefs to assert claims; Australia has moved to close reefs to Indonesian traditional fishing and to create a national park while prospecting for hydrocarbons in the vicinity

Atlantic Ocean

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Australia

maritime delimitation and resource sharing agreements

signed with East Timor resolve dispute over "Timor Gap" hydrocarbon

reserves; no agreement reached on dividing Timor Sea with Indonesia

(see Ashmore and Cartier Islands disputes); Australia asserts a

territorial claim to Antarctica and to its continental shelf (see

Antarctica)

Austria

minor disputes with Czech Republic and Slovenia continue

over nuclear power plants and post-World War II treatment of

German-speaking minorities

Azerbaijan

Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in

Nagorno-Karabakh and militarily occupies about one-sixth of

Azerbaijan - Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

(OSCE) continues to mediate dispute; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and

Russia ratify Caspian seabed delimitation treaties based on

equidistance, while Iran continues to insist on an even one-fifth

allocation and challenges Azerbaijan's hydrocarbon exploration in

disputed waters; ICJ decision expected to resolve dispute with

Turkmenistan over sovereignty of certain Caspian oilfields

Bahamas, The

have not been able to agree on a maritime boundary with

the US

Bahrain

none

Baker Island

none

Bangladesh

discussions with India remain stalled to delimit a small

section of river boundary, demarcate and fence the porous land

boundary, exchange 162 miniscule enclaves, allocate divided

villages, and stop illegal cross-border trade and violence;

Bangladesh protests India's attempts to fence off high-traffic

sections of the porous boundary; dispute with India over New

Moore/South Talpatty Island in the Bay of Bengal prevents maritime

boundary delimitation; Burmese Muslim refugees strain Bangladesh's

meager resources

Barbados

none

Bassas da India

claimed by Madagascar

Belarus

1997 boundary treaty with Ukraine remains unratified over

unresolved financial claims, preventing demarcation and encouraging

illegal border crossing; boundaries with Latvia and Lithuania remain

undemarcated despite European Union financial support

Belgium

none

Belize

Guatemala has claimed half of southern Belize; Guatemalan

squatters continue to settle along the border despite a 2000

agreement; OAS brokered a Differendum in 2002 that created a small

adjustment to land boundary, a large Guatemalan maritime corridor in

the Caribbean, a joint ecological park for disputed Sapodilla Cays,

and a substantial US-UK financial package, but agreement was not

brought to a popular referendum

Benin

two villages are in dispute along the border with Burkina

Faso; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with Nigeria,

remains undemarcated, but states accept 2001 arbitration over

disputed Niger River islands; several villages along the Okpara

River are in dispute with Nigeria; in 2001, Benin claimed Togo moved

the boundary stones - joint commission presently resurveying the

boundary

Bermuda

none

Bhutan

approximately 100,000 Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal, 90%

of whom reside in seven UN Office of the High Commissioner for

Refugees camps, place decades-long strains on Nepal

Bolivia

continues to press Chile and Peru to restore the Atacama

corridor ceded to Chile in 1884; Chile demands water rights to

Bolivia's Rio Lauca and Silala Spring

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and

Montenegro have delimited about half of their boundary, but sections

along the Drina River remain in dispute; discussions continue with

Croatia on problem sections of the Una River and villages at the

base of Mount Pljesevica

Botswana

established a commission with Namibia to resolve small

residual disputes along the Caprivi Strip, including the Situngu

marshlands along the Linyanti River; downstream Botswana residents

protest Namibia's planned construction of the Okavango hydroelectric

dam on Popa Falls; dormant dispute remains where Botswana, Namibia,

Zambia, and Zimbabwe boundaries converge

Bouvet Island

none

Brazil

unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay

borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and drug

trafficking, and harbors Islamist militants; uncontested dispute

with Uruguay over certain islands in the Quarai/Cuareim and

Invernada boundary streams and the resulting tripoint with Argentina

British Indian Ocean Territory Mauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Archipelago and its former inhabitants, who reside chiefly in Mauritius, but in 2001 were granted UK citizenship and the right to repatriation since eviction in 1965; repatriation is complicated by the US military lease of Diego Garcia, the largest island in the chain

British Virgin Islands

none

Brunei

Involved in dispute over the Spratly Islands with China,

Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam; Brunei established an

exclusive economic fishing zone encompassing Louisa Reef in southern

Spratly Islands in 1984 but makes no public territorial claim to the

offshore reefs; claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration

on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea", a mechanism to

ease tension but which fell short of a legally binding "code of

conduct"

Bulgaria

joint boundary commission is rectifying boundary with

Romania based on shifts in Danube since last delimitation in 1920

Burkina Faso

two villages are in dispute along the border with

Benin; Burkina Faso border regions have become a staging area for

Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire rebels and an asylum for refugees caught

in regional fighting; the Ivorian Government accuses Burkina Faso of

supporting Ivorian rebels

Burma

despite continuing border committee talks, significant

differences remain with Thailand over boundary alignment and the

handling of ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border

activities

Burundi

Tutsi, Hutu, and other conflicting ethnic groups, associated

political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces

continue fighting in the Great Lakes region, transcending the

boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and

Uganda to gain control over populated and natural resource areas;

government heads pledge to end conflict, but localized violence

continues despite UN peacekeeping efforts

Cambodia

completed boundary demarcation with Thailand; accuses

Vietnam of moving and destroying boundary markers and encroachments,

initiating border incidents; accuses Thailand of preventing access

to Preah Vihear temple ruins awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in

1962; maritime boundary with Vietnam hampered by dispute over

offshore islands

Cameroon

ICJ ruled in 2002 on the Cameroon-Nigeria land and maritime

boundary by awarding the potentially petroleum-rich Bakassi

Peninsula and offshore region to Cameroon; Nigeria rejected cession

of the peninsula, but the parties have formed a Joint Border

Commission to resolve differences bilaterally and have commenced

with demarcation in less-contested sections of the boundary; Lake

Chad Commission continues to urge signatories Cameroon, Chad, Niger,

and Nigeria to ratify delimitation treaty over the lake region,

which remains the site of armed clashes among local populations and

militias; Nigeria agreed to ratify the treaty and relinquish

sovereignty of disputed lands to Cameroon by December 2003

Canada

managed maritime boundary disputes with the US at Dixon

Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and around the

disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; uncontested dispute

with Denmark over Hans Island sovereignty in the Kennedy Channel

between Ellesmere Island and Greenland

Cape Verde

none

Cayman Islands

none

Central African Republic

internal political instabilities with

fighting and violence overlap into Chad and CAR, leaving refugees

and rebel groups in both countries; violent ethnic skirmishes

persist along the border with Sudan

Chad

internal political instabilities with fighting and violence

overlap into Chad and Central African Republic, leaving refugees and

rebel groups in both countries; Chadian Aozou rebels reside in

southern Libya; Lake Chad Commission continues to urge signatories

Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to ratify delimitation treaty

over lake region, which remains the site of armed clashes among

local populations and militias; Chad rejects Nigerian request to

redemarcate boundary, the site of continuing cross-border incidents

Chile

Bolivia continues to press Chile and Peru to restore the

Atacama corridor ceded to Chile in 1884; dispute with Peru over the

economic zone delimited by the maritime boundary; Chile demands

water rights to Bolivia's Rio Lauca and Silala Spring; Beagle

Channel islands dispute resolved through Papal mediation in 1984,

but armed incidents persist since 1992 oil discovery; territorial

claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps

Argentine and British claims

China

involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with

Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei;

claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of

Parties in the South China Sea", a mechanism to ease tension but

which fell short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; much of the

rugged, militarized boundary with India is in dispute, but the two

sides have participated in more than 13 rounds of joint working

group sessions on this issue; India objects to Pakistan ceding lands

to China in 1965 boundary agreement that India believes are part of

disputed Kashmir; China, as well as Taiwan, claims

Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Diaoyu Tai) islands;

negotiations with Tajikistan resolved the longstanding boundary

dispute; China and Kazakhstan have resolved their border dispute and

are working to delimit their large open borders to control

population migration, illegal activities, and trade; Kyrgyzstan's

constitutional court rules that 1,270 sq km ceded to China in 2000

delimitation agreement were legally transferred; certain islands in

Yalu and Tumen rivers are in uncontested dispute with North Korea

and a section of boundary around Mount Paektu is indefinite - China

objects to illegal migration of North Koreans into northern China;

China continues to seek a mutually acceptable solution to the

disputed alluvial islands with Russia at the confluence of the Amur

and Ussuri rivers and a small island on the Argun river as part of

the 2001 Treaty of Good Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation;

boundary agreements signed in 2002 with Tajikistan cedes 1,000 sq km

of Pamir Mountain range to China in return for China's relinquishing

claims to 28,000 sq km; demarcation of land boundary with Vietnam

continues but maritime boundary and joint fishing zone agreement

remains unratified; China occupies Paracel Islands also claimed by

Vietnam and Taiwan

Christmas Island

none

Clipperton Island

none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none

Colombia

Nicaragua filed a claim against Honduras in 1999 and

against Colombia in 2001 at the ICJ over disputed maritime boundary

involving 50,000 sq km in the Caribbean Sea, including the

Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank;

maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela;

Colombian drug activities penetrate Peruvian border area

Comoros

claims French-administered Mayotte

Congo, Democratic Republic of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is in the grip of a civil war that has drawn in military forces from neighboring states, with Uganda and Rwanda supporting the rebel movements that occupy much of the eastern portion of the state - Tutsi, Hutu, Lendu, Hema and other conflicting ethnic groups, political rebels, and various government forces continue fighting in Great Lakes region, transcending the boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda - heads of the Great Lakes states pledge to end conflict, but localized violence continues despite UN peacekeeping efforts; most of the Congo River boundary with the Republic of the Congo is indefinite (no agreement has been reached on the division of the river or its islands, except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area)

Congo, Republic of the

most of the Congo River boundary with the

Democratic Republic of the Congo is indefinite (no agreement has

been reached on the division of the river or its islands, except in

the Stanley Pool/Pool Malebo area)

Cook Islands

none

Coral Sea Islands

none

Costa Rica

legal dispute over navigational rights of Rio San Juan on

border with Nicaragua

Cote d'Ivoire

rebel fighting extended to neighboring states and has

driven out nationals and foreign workers to nearby countries; the

Ivorian Government accuses Burkina Faso and Liberia of supporting

Ivorian rebels

Croatia

discussions continue with Bosnia and Herzegovina on sections

of the Una River and villages at the base of Mount Pljesevica;

parliamentarians are far from ratifying the Croatia-Slovenia land

and maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most of

Pirin Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to

Croatia; in late 2002, Croatia and Serbia and Montenegro adopted an

interim agreement to settle the disputed Prevlaka Peninsula,

allowing the withdrawal of the UN monitoring mission (UNMOP), but

discussions could be complicated by the inability of Serbia and

Montenegro to come to an agreement on the economic aspects of the

new federal union; Croatia and Italy continue to debate bilateral

property and ethnic minority rights issues stemming from border

changes after the Second World War

Cuba

US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased to US and only mutual

agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease

Cyprus

hostilities in 1974 divided the island into two de facto

autonomous areas, a Greek Cypriot area controlled by the

internationally recognized Cypriot Government and a Turkish-Cypriot

area, separated by a UN buffer zone; UN deadline on sides accepting

a federation plan for reunification have expired, diminishing

chances of Turkish-Cypriot participation in EU membership in 2004

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein's royal family claims restitution for

1,600 sq km of land in the Czech Republic confiscated in 1918;

individual Sudeten German claims for restitution of property

confiscated in connection with their expulsion after World War II;

Austria has minor dispute with Czech Republic over the Temelin

nuclear power plant and post-World War II treatment of

German-speaking minorities

Denmark

Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark,

Iceland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary

agreement in the Rockall area); dispute with Iceland over the Faroe

Islands' fisheries median line boundary within 200 NM; disputes with

Iceland, the UK, and Ireland over the Faroe Islands continental

shelf boundary outside 200 NM; Faroese are considering proposals for

full independence; uncontested dispute with Canada over Hans Island

sovereignty in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and

Greenland

Djibouti

Djibouti maintains economic ties and border accords with

"Somaliland" leadership while maintaining some political ties to

various factions in Somalia including the Somali Transitional

National Government in Mogadishu

Dominica

protests Venezuela's claim to give full effect to Aves

Island, which creates a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending

over a large portion of the Caribbean Sea

Dominican Republic

despite efforts to control illegal migration,

destitute Haitians continue to cross into the Dominican Republic

East Timor

East Timor-Indonesia Boundary Committee meets regularly

to survey and delimit the land boundary; some East Timor refugees

delay return from camps in Indonesia; maritime delimitation and

resource-sharing agreements signed with Australia resolved dispute

over "Timor Gap" hydrocarbon reserves, but maritime agreement with

Indonesia awaits further discussions

Ecuador

none

Egypt

Egypt and Sudan retain claims to administer the triangular

areas that extend north and south of the 1899 Treaty boundary along

the 22nd Parallel, but have withdrawn their military presence -

Egypt is economically developing the "Hala'ib triangle" north of the

Treaty line

El Salvador

in 1992, the ICJ ruled on the delimitation of "bolsones"

(disputed areas) along the El Salvador-Honduras boundary, but they

remain largely undemarcated; in 2002, El Salvador filed an

application to the ICJ to revise the decision on a section of

bolsones; the ICJ also advised a tripartite resolution to a maritime

boundary in the Golfo de Fonseca with consideration of Honduran

access to the Pacific; El Salvador claims tiny Conejo Island, not

mentioned by the ICJ, off Honduras in the Golfo de Fonseca

Equatorial Guinea

in 2002, ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement

of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf

of Guinea, but states have not yet agreed to abide by the decision;

creation of a maritime boundary in hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay with

Gabon is hampered by dispute over small islets on Mbane/Mbagne bank,

administered and occupied by Gabon since the 1970s

Eritrea

Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by 2002 independent

boundary commission delimitation decision, but demarcation,

scheduled to begin in 2003, has been hampered by technical delays

and Ethiopian concerns that the decision ignored "human geography"

and awarded Badme, the focus of the 1998-2000 war, to Eritrea,

demarcation of the boundary has been postponed indefinately; UN

Peacekeeping Mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) monitors a 25

km wide Temporary Security Zone in Eritrea until the demarcation;

Sudan accuses Eritrea of supporting Sudanese rebel groups; Eritrea

protests Yemeni fishing around the Hanish Islands awarded to Eritrea

by the ICJ in 1999

Estonia

Russia continues to reject signing and ratifying the joint

December 1996 technical border agreement with Estonia

Ethiopia

Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by 2002 independent

boundary commission delimitation decision, but demarcation,

scheduled to begin in 2003, has been hampered by technical delays

and Ethiopian concerns that the decision ignored "human geography"

and awarded Badme, the focus of the 1998-2000 war, to Eritrea,

demarcation of the boundary has been postponed indefinately;

Ethiopia maintains only an administrative line and no international

border with the Oromo region of southern Somalia and maintains

alliances with local clans in opposition to the Transitional

National Government in Mogadishu; "Somaliland" secessionists provide

port facilities and trade ties to land-locked Ethiopia; efforts to

demarcate the porous boundary with Sudan have been delayed by civil

war there

Europa Island

claimed by Madagascar

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

claimed by Argentina whose forces

briefly occupied it in 1982, but now declares it will no longer seek

settlement by force

Faroe Islands

Faroese are considering proposals for full

independence; Denmark dispute with Iceland over the Faroe Islands

fisheries median line boundary of 200 NM; Denmark disputes with

Iceland, the UK, and Ireland over the Faroe Islands continental

shelf boundary outside 200 NM

Fiji

none

Finland

none

France

Madagascar claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso

Islands, and Juan de Nova Island; Comoros claims Mayotte; Mauritius

claims Tromelin Island; territorial dispute between Suriname and

French Guiana; territorial claim in Antarctica (Adelie Land);

Matthew and Hunter Islands, east of New Caledonia, claimed by France

and Vanuatu

French Guiana

Suriname claims area between Riviere Litani and

Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa)

French Polynesia

none

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

"Adelie Land" claim in

Antarctica is not recognized by the US

Gabon

creation of a maritime boundary in hydrocarbon-rich Corisco

Bay with Equatorial Guinea is hampered by dispute over small islets

on Mbane/Mbagne bank, administered and occupied by Gabon since the

1970s

Gambia, The

none

Gaza Strip

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with

current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement

- permanent status to be determined through further negotiation

Georgia

boundary with Russia has been largely delimited, but not

demarcated with several small, strategic segments remaining in

dispute and OSCE observers monitoring volatile areas such as the

Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and the Argun Gorge in Abkhazia;

Meshkheti Turks scattered throughout the former Soviet Union seek to

return to Georgia; ethnic Armenian groups in Javakheti region of

Georgia seek greater autonomy, closer ties with Armenia

Germany

none

Ghana

Ghana has received many refugees and returning nationals

escaping rebel fighting in Cote d'Ivoire

Gibraltar

Gibraltar residents vote overwhelmingly in referendum

against "total shared sovereignty" arrangement worked out between

Spain and UK to change 300-year rule over colony

Glorioso Islands

claimed by Madagascar

Greece

Greece and Turkey have resumed discussions to resolve their

complex maritime, air, territorial, and boundary disputes in the

Aegean Sea; Cyprus question with Turkey; dispute with The Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia over its name

Greenland

uncontested dispute between Canada and Denmark over Hans

Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland

Grenada

none

Guadeloupe

none

Guam

none

Guatemala

Guatemalan squatters continue to settle in Belize border

region; OAS brokered Differendum in 2002 creating small adjustment

to land boundary, large Guatemalan maritime corridor in Caribbean,

joint ecological park for disputed Sapodilla Cays, and substantial

US-UK financial package, but agreement was not brought to popular

referendum leaving Guatemalan claim to southern half of Belize intact

Guernsey

none

Guinea

domestic fighting among disparate rebel groups in Guinea,

Liberia, and Sierra Leone have created skirmishes, deaths, and

refugees in border areas

Guinea-Bissau

separatist war in Senegal's Casamance region results

in refugees and cross-border raids, arms smuggling and other illegal

activities, and political instability in Guinea-Bissau

Guyana

all of the area west of the Essequibo (river) claimed by

Venezuela; Suriname claims area between New (Upper Courantyne) and

Courantyne/Kutari [Koetari] rivers (all headwaters of the

Courantyne); territorial sea boundary with Suriname is in dispute

Haiti

despite efforts to control illegal migration, destitute

Haitians continue to cross into Dominican Republic; claims

US-administered Navassa Island

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

none

Holy See (Vatican City)

none

Honduras

in 1992, ICJ ruled on the delimitation of "bolsones"

(disputed areas) along the El Salvador-Honduras border, but they

still remain largely undemarcated; in 2002, El Salvador filed an

application to the ICJ to revise the decision on a section of

bolsones; the ICJ also advised a tripartite resolution to a maritime

boundary in the Golfo de Fonseca with consideration of Honduran

access to the Pacific; El Salvador claims tiny Conejo Island, not

mentioned by the ICJ, off Honduras in the Golfo de Fonseca; Honduras

claims Sapodilla Cays off the coast of Belize but agreed to creation

of a joint ecological park and Guatemalan corridor in the Caribbean

in the 2002 Belize-Guatemala Differendum; Nicaragua filed a claim

against Honduras in 1999 and against Colombia in 2001 at the ICJ

over a complex maritime dispute in the Caribbean Sea

Hong Kong

none

Howland Island

none

Hungary

Hungary has yet to amend status law extending special social

and cultural benefits to ethnic Hungarians in neighboring states,

who protest the law

Iceland

Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark,

Iceland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary

agreement in the Rockall area); dispute with Denmark over the Faroe

Islands' fisheries median line boundary within 200 NM; disputes with

Denmark, the UK, and Ireland over the Faroe Islands continental

shelf boundary outside 200 NM

India

much of the rugged, militarized boundary with China is in

dispute, but the two sides have participated in more than 13 rounds

of joint working group sessions on this issue; India objects to

Pakistan ceding lands to China in 1965 boundary agreement that India

believes are part of disputed Kashmir; with Pakistan, armed

stand-off over the status and sovereignty of Kashmir continues;

disputes with Pakistan over Indus River water sharing and the

terminus of the Rann of Kutch, which prevents maritime boundary

delimitation; Joint Border Committee with Nepal continues to work on

resolution of disputed boundary sections; dispute with Bangladesh

over New Moore/South Talpatty Island in the Bay of Bengal prevents

maritime boundary delimitation

Indian Ocean

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Indonesia

East Timor-Indonesia Boundary Committee continues to meet

regularly to survey and delimit land boundary; East Timor refugees

delay return from camps in Indonesia; maritime delimitations with

Australia and East Timor await further discussions; ICJ awarded

Sipadan and Ligitan islands to Malaysia in 2002; Indonesian

secessionists, squatters and illegal migrants create repatriation

problems for Papua New Guinea

Iran

Iran protests Afghanistan's limiting flow of dammed waters on

Helmand River tributaries in response to prolonged drought in

region; thousands of Afghan refugees still reside in Iran; despite

restored diplomatic relations in 1990, disputes with Iraq over

maritime and land boundaries, navigation channel, and other issues

from eight-year war persist; UAE engage direct talks and Arab League

support to resolve disputes over Iran's occupation of Tunb Islands

and Abu Musa Island; Iran insists on division of the Caspian Sea

into five equal sectors, while other littoral states have generally

agreed to equidistant seabed boundaries - Iran has threatened

Azerbaijanian hydrocarbon exploration in disputed waters

Iraq

despite restored diplomatic relations in 1990, disputes with

Iran over maritime and land boundaries, navigation channel, and

other issues from eight-year war persist; land and Shatt al Arab

boundary demarcation put an end to claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan

and Warbah islands, but no maritime boundary exists with Kuwait in

the Persian Gulf; Iraq protests Turkey's hydrological projects to

regulate the Tigris and Euphrates rivers upstream

Ireland

disputes with Iceland, Denmark, and the UK over the Faroe

Islands continental shelf boundary outside 200 NM

Israel

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current

status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement -

permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Golan

Heights is Israeli-occupied (Lebanon claims the Shab'a Farms area of

Golan Heights)

Italy

Croatia and Italy continue to debate bilateral property and

ethnic minority rights issues stemming from border changes after the

Second World War

Jamaica

none

Jan Mayen

none

Japan

islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai

group occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by

Russia, claimed by Japan; Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do)

disputed with South Korea; Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Tai) claimed by

China and Taiwan

Jarvis Island

none

Jersey

none

Johnston Atoll

none

Jordan

none

Juan de Nova Island

claimed by Madagascar

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan and China have resolved their border dispute

and are working to delimit their large open borders to control

population migration, illegal activities, and trade; delimitation of

boundary with Russia is scheduled for completion in 2003 -

delimitations with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are complete with

demarcations underway - delimitation with Kyrgyzstan is largely

complete; equidistant seabed treaties have been signed with

Azerbaijan and Russia in the Caspian Sea but no resolution has been

made on dividing the water column among any of the littoral states;

no resolution of Caspian seabed boundary with Turkmenistan

Kenya

Kenya's administrative boundary still extends into the Sudan,

creating the "Ilemi triangle"

Kingman Reef

none

Kiribati

none

Korea, North

with China, certain islands in Yalu and Tumen rivers

are in uncontested dispute; a section of boundary around Paektu-san

(mountain) is indefinite; China objects to illegal migration of

North Koreans into northern China; Military Demarcation Line within

the 4-km wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South

Korea since 1953

Korea, South

Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km wide

Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South Korea since 1953;

Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do) are disputed with Japan

Kuwait

the Kuwait 1994 land and Khawr 'Abd Allah channel boundary

demarcation ended Iraqi claims to Kuwait and Bubiyan and Warbah

islands; Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are negotiating maritime boundary

with Iran

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan's constitutional court has ruled that 1,270 sq

km ceded to China in a 2000 delimitation agreement were legally

transferred; delimitation with Kazakhstan is largely complete with

only minor disputed areas; disputes in Isfara Valley delay

completion of delimitation with Tajikistan; serious disputes with

Uzbekistan around Uzbek enclaves mar progress on delimitation efforts

Laos

demarcation of boundaries with Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam

is nearing completion, but with Thailand several areas including

Mekong River islets remain in dispute; ongoing disputes with

Thailand and Vietnam over squatters

Latvia

the Russian Duma refuses to ratify boundary delimitation

treaty with Latvia; the Latvian Parliament has not ratified its 1998

maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns

over oil exploration rights

Lebanon

Syrian troops in central and eastern Lebanon since October

1976; Lebanese Government claims Shab'a Farms area of

Israeli-occupied Golan Heights

Lesotho

none

Liberia

rebels and refugees contribute to border instabilities with

Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, and Guinea; the Ivorian Government

accuses Liberia of supporting Ivorian rebels

Libya

Libya has claimed more than 32,000 sq km in southeastern

Algeria and about 25,000 sq km in Niger in currently dormant

disputes; various Chadian rebels from the Aozou region reside in

southern Libya

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein's royal family claims restitution for

1,600 sq km of land in the Czech Republic confiscated in 1918

Lithuania

in May 2003, the Russian Parliament ratified a 1997 land

and maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, which had ratified the

treaty in 1999, legalizing limits of former Soviet republic borders;

the Latvian Parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary

treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil

exploration rights; discussions are still ongoing among Russia,

Lithuania, and the EU concerning a simplified transit document for

residents of the Kaliningrad coastal exclave to transit through

Lithuania to Russia

Luxembourg

none

Macau

none

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

the Albanian government

calls for the protection of the rights of ethnic Albanians in

F.Y.R.O.M. while continuing to seek regional cooperation; ethnic

Albanians in Kosovo continue to protest 2000 F.Y.R.O.M.-Serbia and

Montenegro boundary treaty, which transfers small tracts of land to

F.Y.R.O.M.; dispute with Greece over country's name persists

Madagascar

claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands,

and Juan de Nova Island (all administered by France)

Malawi

dispute with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake

Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River remain dormant

Malaysia

involved in complex dispute over Spratly Islands with

China, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and possibly Brunei; claimants

in November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties

in the South China Sea," a mechanism to ease tension but which fell

short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; disputes over

deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation

on Johor, maritime boundaries, and Singapore-occupied Pedra Branca

Island/Pulau Batu Putih persist - parties agree to ICJ arbitration

on island dispute within three years; ICJ awarded Ligitan and

Sipadan islands off the coast of Sabah, also claimed by Indonesia

and Philippines, to Malaysia; a small section of the

Malaysia-Thailand boundary in the Kolok River remains in dispute

Maldives

none

Mali

armed bandits based in Mali attack southern Algerian towns

Malta

none

Man, Isle of

none

Marshall Islands

claims US territory of Wake Island

Martinique

none

Mauritania

Mauritanian claims to Western Sahara have been dormant in

recent years

Mauritius

Mauritius claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered

British Indian Ocean Territory), and its former inhabitants, who

reside chiefly in Mauritius, but were granted UK citizenship and the

right to repatriation in 2001; claims French-administered Tromelin

Island

Mayotte

claimed by Comoros

Mexico

prolonged regional drought in the border region with the US

has strained water-sharing arrangements

Micronesia, Federated States of

none

Midway Islands

none

Moldova

difficulties with the Transnistria region complicate border

crossing and customs with Ukraine, facilitating smuggling, arms

transfers, and other illegal activities

Monaco

none

Mongolia

none

Montserrat

none

Morocco

claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty

remains unresolved - UN-administered cease-fire has remained in

effect since September 1991, but attempts to hold a referendum have

failed and parties thus far have rejected other proposals; Morocco

protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta,

Melilla, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de

Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; Morocco also

rejected Spain's unilateral designation of a median line from the

Canary Islands in 2002 to set limits to undersea resource

exploration and refugee interdiction; Morocco allowed Spanish

fishermen to fish temporarily off the coast of Western Sahara after

an oil spill soiled Spanish fishing grounds

Mozambique

none

Namibia

commission established with Botswana to resolve small

residual disputes along the Caprivi Strip, including the Situngu

marshlands along the Linyanti River; Botswana residents protest

Namibia's planned construction of the Okavango hydroelectric dam on

Popa Falls; managed dispute with South Africa over the location of

the boundary in the Orange River; dormant dispute remains where

Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe boundaries converge; Angolan

rebels and refugees still reside in Namibia

Nauru

none

Navassa Island

claimed by Haiti

Nepal

joint border commission continues to work on small disputed

sections of boundary with India; India has instituted a stricter

border regime to restrict transit of Maoist insurgents

Netherlands

none

Netherlands Antilles

none

New Caledonia

Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia

claimed by France and Vanuatu

New Zealand

territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross Dependency)

Nicaragua

territorial disputes with Colombia over the Archipelago de

San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank region; with respect

to the maritime boundary question in the Golfo de Fonseca, the ICJ

referred to the line determined by the 1900 Honduras-Nicaragua Mixed

Boundary Commission and advised that some tripartite resolution

among El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua likely would be required;

legal dispute over navigational rights of San Juan River on border

with Costa Rica

Niger

Libya claims about 25,000 sq km in a currently dormant

dispute; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with

Nigeria, remains undemarcated but states accept 2001 arbitration

over disputed Niger River islands; Lake Chad Commission continues to

urge signatories Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to ratify

delimitation treaty over the lake region, which remains the site of

armed clashes among local populations and militias

Nigeria

ICJ ruled in 2002 on the Cameroon-Nigeria land and maritime

boundary by awarding the potentially petroleum-rich Bakassi

Peninsula and offshore region to Cameroon; Nigeria rejected the

cession of the peninsula but the parties formed a Joint Border

Commission to peaceably resolve the dispute and commence with

demarcation in other less-contested sections of the boundary;

several villages along the Okpara River are in dispute with Benin;

Lake Chad Commission continues to urge signatories Cameroon, Chad,

Niger, and Nigeria to ratify delimitation treaty over lake region,

which remains the site of armed clashes among local populations and

militias; Nigeria agreed to ratify the treaty and relinquish

sovereignty of disputed lands to Cameroon by December 2003

Niue

none

Norfolk Island

none

Northern Mariana Islands

none

Norway

Norway asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud

Land and its continental shelf); despite recent discussions, Russia

and Norway continue to dispute their maritime limits in the Barents

Sea and Russia's fishing rights beyond Svalbard's territorial limits

within the Svalbard Treaty zone

Oman

boundary agreement signed and ratified with UAE in 2003 for

entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah

enclaves

Pacific Ocean

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Pakistan

thousands of Afghan refugees still reside in Pakistan;

isolating terrain and close ties among Pashtuns in Pakistan make

cross-border activities difficult to control; armed stand-off with

India over the status and sovereignty of Kashmir continues - India

objects to Pakistan ceding lands to China in 1965 boundary agreement

that India believes are part of disputed Kashmir; disputes with

India over Indus River water sharing and the terminus of the Rann of

Kutch, which prevents maritime boundary delimitation

Palau

none

Palmyra Atoll

none

Panama

none

Papua New Guinea

Indonesian secessionists, squatters, and illegal

migrants create repatriation problems for Papua New Guinea

Paracel Islands

occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam

Paraguay

unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay

borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and drug

trafficking, and harbors Islamist militants

Peru

Bolivia continues to press Chile and Peru to restore the

Atacama corridor ceded to Chile in 1884

Philippines

involved in complex dispute over Spratly Islands with

China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and possibly Brunei; claimants in

November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in

the South China Sea", a mechanism to ease tension but which fell

short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; Sultanate of Sulu

granted Philippines Government power of attorney to pursue its

sovereignty claim over Malaysia's Sabah State but Malaysia rejects

claim

Pitcairn Islands

none

Poland

small boundary changes made with Slovakia in 2003

Portugal

Portugal has periodically reasserted claims to territories

around the town of Olivenza, Spain

Puerto Rico

none

Qatar

none

Reunion

none

Romania

has not resolved claims to Ukrainian-administered Zmyinyy

(Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary despite ongoing talks

based on 1997 friendship treaty to find a solution in two years;

joint boundary commission is rectifying boundary with Bulgaria based

on shifts in Danube since last delimitation in 1920; Hungary has yet

to amend status law extending special social and cultural benefits

to ethnic Hungarians in Romania, who protest the law

Russia

China continues to seek a mutually acceptable solution to the

disputed alluvial islands at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri

rivers and a small island on the Argun River as part of the 2001

Treaty of Good Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation; the

islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group

identified by the Russians as the "Southern Kurils" and by Japan as

the "Northern Territories" occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now

administered by Russia, claimed by Japan; boundary with Georgia has

been largely delimited but not demarcated with several small,

strategic segments remaining in dispute and OSCE observers

monitoring volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti

region and the Argun Gorge in Abkhazia; equidistant seabed treaties

have been signed with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in the Caspian Sea

but no resolution on dividing the water column among any of the

littoral states; Russia and Norway dispute their maritime limits in

the Barents Sea and Russia's fishing rights beyond Svalbard's

territorial limits within the Svalbard Treaty zone; Russia continues

to reject signing and ratifying the joint 1996 technical border

agreement with Estonia; the Russian Parliament refuses to consider

ratification of the boundary treaties with Estonia and Latvia, but

in May 2003, ratified land and maritime boundary treaty with

Lithuania, which ratified the 1997 treaty in 1999, legalizing limits

of former Soviet republic borders; discussions are still ongoing

among Russia, Lithuania and the EU concerning a simplified transit

document for residents of the Kaliningrad coastal exclave to transit

through Lithuania to Russia; land delimitation with Ukraine is

ratified, but maritime regime of the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait is

unresolved; delimitation with Kazakhstan is scheduled for completion

in 2003; Russian Duma has not yet ratified 1990 Maritime Boundary

Agreement with the US in the Bering Sea

Rwanda

Tutsi, Hutu, and other conflicting ethnic groups, associated

political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces

continue fighting in Great Lakes region, transcending the boundaries

of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda to

gain control over populated areas and natural resources - government

heads pledge to end conflicts, but localized violence continues

despite UN peacekeeping efforts

Saint Helena

none

Saint Kitts and Nevis

protests Venezuela's claim to give full effect

to Aves Island, which creates a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf

extending over a large portion of the Caribbean Sea

Saint Lucia

protests Venezuela's claim to give full effect to Aves

Island, which creates a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending

over a large portion of the Caribbean Sea

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

none

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

protests Venezuela's claim to give

full effect to Aves Island, which creates a Venezuelan

EEZ/continental shelf extending over a large portion of the

Caribbean Sea

Samoa

none; note - some EEZ demarcations, including the one with

American Samoa, are undefined

San Marino

none

Sao Tome and Principe

none

Saudi Arabia

nomadic groups on border region with Yemen resist

demarcation of boundary; Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have been

negotiating a long-contested maritime boundary with Iran; because

the treaties have not been made public, the exact alignment of the

boundary with the UAE is still unknown and labeled approximate

Senegal

separatist war in Casamance region results in refugees and

cross-border raids, arms smuggling, other illegal activities, and

political instability in Guinea-Bissau

Serbia and Montenegro

the Albanian government calls for the

protection of the rights of ethnic Albanians outside its borders in

the Kosovo region of Serbia and Montenegro while continuing to seek

regional cooperation; several ethnic Albanian groups in Kosovo voice

union with Albania; has delimited about half of the boundary with

Bosnia and Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in

dispute; in late 2002, Serbia and Montenegro and Croatia adopted an

interim agreement to settle the disputed Prevlaka Peninsula,

allowing the withdrawal of the UN monitoring mission (UNMOP), but

discussions could be complicated by the inability of Serbia and

Montenegro to come to an agreement on the economic aspects of the

new federal union

Seychelles

claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered British

Indian Ocean Territory)

Sierra Leone

large UN peacekeeping presence ended civil war but

rebel gang fighting, ethnic rivalries, illegal diamond trading,

corruption, and refugees spill over into neighboring states beset

with their own civil disorder, refugees, and violence

Singapore

disputes with Malaysia over deliveries of fresh water to

Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation works on Johor, maritime

boundaries, and Singapore-occupied Pedra Branca Island/Pulau Batu

Putih persist - parties agree to ICJ arbitration on island dispute

within three years

Slovakia

small boundary changes made with Poland in 2003; Hungary

has yet to amend status law extending special social and cultural

benefits to ethnic Hungarians in Slovakia, who protest the law

Slovenia

parliamentarians are far from ratifying the

Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement, which would

have ceded most of Piran Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and

several villages to Croatia

Solomon Islands

none

Somalia

"Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities to

land-locked Ethiopia and establish commercial ties with regional

states; "Puntland" secessionists clash with "Somaliland"

secessionists to establish territorial limits and clan loyalties,

each seeking support from neighboring states; Ethiopia maintains

only an administrative line with the Oromo region of southern

Somalia and maintains alliances with local Somali clans opposed to

the unrecognized Transitional National Government in Mogadishu

South Africa

managed dispute with Namibia over the location of the

boundary in the Orange River

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

briefly occupied by

military force in 1982 - claimed by Argentina in constitution but

declares it will no longer seek settlement by force

Southern Ocean

Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica

entry), but Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK

assert claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in

the Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in

extending those continental shelf claims under the United Nations

Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS) to include undersea ridges;

the US and most other states do not recognize the land or maritime

claims of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US

and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal claims have

been made in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west

Spain

Gibraltar residents vote overwhelmingly in referendum against

"total shared sovereignty" arrangement worked out between Spain and

UK to change 300-year rule over colony; Morocco protests Spain's

control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and Penon de

Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de Alhucemas and Islas

Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; Morocco also rejected Spain's

unilateral designation of a median line from the Canary Islands in

2002 to set limits to undersea resource exploration and refugee

interdiction; Morocco allowed Spanish fishermen to fish temporarily

off the coast of Western Sahara after an oil spill soiled Spanish

fishing grounds; Portugal has periodically reasserted claims to

territories around the town of Olivenza, Spain

Spratly Islands

all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China,

Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the

Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone

that encompasses Louisa Reef in the southern Spratly Islands but has

not publicly claimed the island; claimants in November 2002 signed

the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea",

a mechanism to ease tension but which fell short of a legally

binding "code of conduct"

Sri Lanka

none

Sudan

the north-south civil war has drawn Sudan's neighbors into the

fighting, sheltering refugees, and infiltration by rebel groups -

Kenya and Uganda have acted as mediators; Sudan accuses Eritrea of

supporting Sudanese rebel groups; efforts to demarcate the porous

boundary with Ethiopia have been delayed by fighting in Sudan;

Kenya's administrative boundary still extends into the Sudan,

creating the "Ilemi triangle"; Egypt and Sudan retain claims to

administer the triangular areas that extend north and south of the

1899 Treaty boundary along the 22nd Parallel, but have withdrawn

their military presence; Egypt is economically developing the

"Hala'ib triangle"

Suriname

area disputed by French Guiana between Riviere Litani and

Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa); area disputed by

Guyana between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Koetari

[Kutari] rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne); territorial sea

boundary with Guyana is in dispute

Svalbard

despite recent discussions, Russia and Norway dispute their

maritime limits in the Barents Sea and Russia's fishing rights

beyond Svalbard's territorial limits within the Svalbard Treaty zone

Swaziland

none

Sweden

none

Switzerland

none

Syria

Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied; Lebanon claims Shaba'a

farms in Golan Heights; Syrian troops have been stationed in Lebanon

since October 1976; Syria protests Turkish hydrological projects

regulating upper Euphrates waters; Turkey is quick to rebuff any

perceived Syrian claim to Hatay province

Taiwan

involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with

China, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei;

claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of

Parties in the South China Sea", a mechanism to ease tension but

which fell short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; Paracel

Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam; claims

Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai), as

does China

Tajikistan

prolonged regional drought creates water-sharing

difficulties for Amu Darya river states; boundary agreements signed

in 2002 cede 1,000 sq km of Pamir Mountain range to China in return

for China relinquishing claims to 28,000 sq km of Tajikistani lands;

negotiations with China resolved the longstanding boundary dispute;

talks have begun with Uzbekistan to demine and delimit border;

disputes in Isfara Valley delay completion of delimitation with

Kyrgyzstan

Tanzania

disputes with Malawi over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake

Malawi) and the meandering Songwe River remain dormant

Thailand

completion of boundary demarcation with Cambodia hampered

by accusations of moving and destroying boundary markers,

encroachments, initiating border incidents, and sealing off Preah

Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962;

demarcation complete except for a 1 kilometer segment at the mouth

of the Kolok River in dispute with Malaysia; demarcation with Laos

complete except for certain Mekong River islets and complaints of

Thai squatters; despite continuing border committee talks,

significant differences remain with Burma over boundary alignment

and the handling of ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal

cross-border activities

Togo

in 2001 Benin claimed Togo moved boundary monuments - joint

commission presently resurveying the boundary

Tokelau

none

Tonga

none

Trinidad and Tobago

none

Tromelin Island

claimed by Mauritius

Tunisia

none

Turkey

complex maritime, air, and territorial disputes with Greece

in the Aegean Sea; Cyprus question remains with Greece; Syria and

Iraq protest Turkish hydrological projects to control upper

Euphrates waters; Turkey is quick to rebuff any perceived Syrian

claim to Hatay province; border with Armenia remains closed over

Nagorno-Karabakh

Turkmenistan

prolonged regional drought creates water-sharing

difficulties for Amu Darya river states; Turkmenistan has not

committed to follow either Iran or the other littoral states in the

division of the Caspian Sea seabed and water column; ICJ decision

expected to resolve dispute with Azerbaijan over sovereignty over

Caspian oilfields; demarcation of land boundary with Kazakhstan is

underway - maritime boundary not resolved

Turks and Caicos Islands

none

Tuvalu

none

Uganda

Tutsi, Hutu, and other ethnic groups, associated political

rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces continue fighting

in the Great Lakes region, transcending the boundaries of Burundi,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda to gain control

over populated areas and natural resources; government heads pledge

to end conflict, but localized violence continues despite UN

peacekeeping efforts; conflict in Sudan has extended rebel forces

and refugees into Uganda

Ukraine

1997 boundary treaty with Belarus remains unratified over

unresolved financial claims, preventing demarcation and encouraging

illegal cross-border activities; land delimitation of boundary with

Russia is complete, but maritime regime of the Sea of Azov and Kerch

Strait remains unresolved; difficulties in the Transnistria region

of Moldova complicate border crossing and customs, facilitating

smuggling, arms transfers, and other illegal activities; has not

resolved Romanian claims to Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy (Snake)

Island and Black Sea maritime boundary despite ongoing talks based

on 1997 friendship treaty to find a solution in two years

United Arab Emirates

because the treaties have not been made public,

the exact alignment of the boundary with Saudi Arabia is still

unknown and labeled approximate; boundary agreement signed and

ratified with Oman in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's

Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah enclaves; UAE engage direct talks

and Arab League support to resolve disputes over Iran's occupation

of Lesser and Greater Tunb islands and Abu Musa island

United Kingdom

Gibraltar residents vote overwhelmingly in referendum

against "total shared sovereignty" arrangement worked out between

Spain and UK to change 300-year rule over colony; Mauritius and

Seychelles claim the Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean

Territory) and its former inhabitants, who reside chiefly in

Mauritius, but in 2001 were granted UK citizenship and the right to

repatriation since eviction in 1965; Argentina claims the Falkland

Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich

Islands; Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark and

Iceland; territorial claim in Antarctica (British Antarctic

Territory) overlaps Argentine claim and partially overlaps Chilean

claim; disputes with Iceland, Denmark, and Ireland over the Faroe

Islands continental shelf boundary outside 200 NM

United States

prolonged drought in the Mexico border region has

strained water-sharing arrangements; 1990 Maritime Boundary

Agreement in the Bering Sea awaits Russian Duma ratification;

maritime boundary disputes with Canada at Dixon Entrance, Beaufort

Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and around the disputed Machias Seal

Island and North Rock; The Bahamas have not been able to agree on a

maritime boundary; US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased from

Cuba and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the area can

terminate the lease; Haiti claims Navassa Island; US has made no

territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do

so) and does not recognize the claims of any other state; Marshall

Islands claims Wake Island

Uruguay

uncontested dispute with Brazil over certain islands in the

Quarai/Cuareim and Invernada streams and the resulting tripoint with

Argentina

Uzbekistan

prolonged regional drought creates water-sharing

difficulties for Amu Darya river states; delimitation with

Kazakhstan complete with demarcation underway; serious disputes with

Kyrgyzstan around Uzbek enclaves mar progress on delimitation

efforts; talks have begun with Tajikistan to determine and delimit

border

Vanuatu

Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by

Vanuatu and France

Venezuela

claims all of Guyana west of the Essequibo River; maritime

boundary dispute with Colombia in the Gulf of Venezuela and the

Caribbean Sea; US, France and the Netherlands recognize Venezuela's

claim to give full effect to Aves Island, which creates a Venezuelan

EEZ/continental shelf extending over a large portion of the

Caribbean Sea; Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines protest the claim and other states'

recognition of it

Vietnam

demarcation of the land boundary with China continues, but

maritime boundary and joint fishing zone agreement remains

unratified; Cambodia and Laos protest Vietnamese squatters and armed

encroachments along border; China occupies Paracel Islands also

claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; involved in a complex dispute over

Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and

possibly Brunei; claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration

on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea", a mechanism to

ease tension but which fell short of a legally binding "code of

conduct"

Virgin Islands

none

Wake Island

claimed by Marshall Islands

Wallis and Futuna

none

West Bank

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current

status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement -

permanent status to be determined through further negotiation

Western Sahara

Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, but

sovereignty remains unresolved; UN-administered cease-fire has

remained in effect since September 1991, but attempts to hold a

referendum have failed and parties have rejected other proposals;

Mauritanian claims to Western Sahara have been dormant in recent

years; Morocco allowed Spanish fishermen to fish temporarily off the

coast of Western Sahara after an oil spill soiled Spanish fishing

grounds

World

Globally, there are over 250,000 km of international land

boundaries that separate the world's 192 independent states, along

with 70 dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, and other

miscellaneous entities. Maritime states have claimed limits and have

so far established over 130 maritime boundaries and joint

development zones to allocate ocean resources and to provide for

their national security at sea. On land, ethnicity, culture, race,

religion, and language have divided states into separate political

entities as much as history, physical terrain, political fiat, or

conquest, resulting in sometimes arbitrary and imposed boundaries.

All of these factors have contributed to a wide array of boundary,

borderland, and territorial disagreements that vary in intensity

from unresolved or dormant to outright war. Territorial disputes may

evolve from historical and/or cultural animosities, or they may be

brought on by resource competition. Ethnic clashes continue to be

responsible for territorial fragmentation around the world.

Undemarcated, indefinite, porous, and unmanaged boundaries encourage

illegal cross-border activities, uncontrolled migration, and

political confrontation over boundary allocations. Other sources of

contention include the use of water and mineral (especially

petroleum) resources, fisheries, dams, and nuclear power plants.

Many islands or island groups are also disputed, including those at

sea and in streams. Nonetheless, many nations are actively

cooperating to clarify, delineate, and demarcate their international

borders. The tragic aspect of international discord is the impact on

the sustenance and welfare of populations caught in the conflict. It

is frequently left to members of the world community to cope with

enormous refugee situations, and the resultant hunger, disease, and

impoverishment that they create.

Yemen

Eritrea protests Yemeni fishing around the Hanish islands

awarded to Eritrea by the ICJ in 1999; nomadic groups in border

region with Saudi Arabia resist demarcation of boundary

Zambia

dormant dispute remains where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and

Zimbabwe boundaries converge

Zimbabwe

dormant dispute remains where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia,

and Zimbabwe boundaries converge

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2075 Ethnic groups (%)

Afghanistan

Pashtun 44%, Tajik 25%, Hazara 10%, minor ethnic groups

(Aimaks, Turkmen, Baloch, and others) 13%, Uzbek 8%

Albania

Albanian 95%, Greek 3%, other 2% (Vlach, Gypsy, Serb, and

Bulgarian) (1989 est.)

note: in 1989, other estimates of the Greek population ranged from

1% (official Albanian statistics) to 12% (from a Greek organization)

Algeria

Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%

American Samoa

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

other 5%

Andorra

Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other

6% (1998)

Angola

Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed

European and Native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%

Anguilla

black (predominant), mulatto, white

Antigua and Barbuda

black, British, Portuguese, Lebanese, Syrian

Argentina

white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo,

Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups 3%

Armenia

Armenian 93%, Azeri 1%, Russian 2%, other (mostly Yezidi

Kurds) 4% (2002)

note: as of the end of 1993, virtually all Azeris had emigrated from

Armenia

Aruba

mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%

Australia

Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Austria

German 88%, non-nationals 9.3% (includes Croatians,

Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Roma), naturalized 2%

(includes those who have lived in Austria at least three generations)

Azerbaijan

Azeri 90%, Dagestani 3.2%, Russian 2.5%, Armenian 2%,

other 2.3% (1998 est.)

note: almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh

region

Bahamas, The

black 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%

Bahrain

Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%

Bangladesh

Bengali 98%, tribal groups, non-Bengali Muslims (1998)

Barbados

black 90%, white 4%, Asian and mixed 6%

Belarus

Belarusian 81.2%, Russian 11.4%, Polish, Ukrainian, and

other 7.4%

Belgium

Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%

Belize

mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other

9.7%

Benin

African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja,

Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500

Bermuda

black 58%, white 36%, other 6%

Bhutan

Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas—one of

several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

Bolivia

Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry)

30%, Aymara 25%, white 15%

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Serb 37.1%, Bosniak 48%, Croat 14.3%, other

0.6% (2000)

note: Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid

confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam

Botswana

Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other,

including Kgalagadi and white 7%

Brazil

white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish)

55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese,

Arab, Amerindian) 1%

British Virgin Islands

black 83%, white, Indian, Asian and mixed

Brunei

Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, indigenous 6%, other 12%

Bulgaria

Bulgarian 83.6%, Turk 9.5%, Roma 4.6%, other 2.3%

(including Macedonian, Armenian, Tatar, Circassian) (1998)

Burkina Faso

Mossi over 40%, Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande,

Fulani

Burma

Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian

2%, Mon 2%, other 5%

Burundi

Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%,

Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000

Cambodia

Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%

Cameroon

Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%,

Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other

African 13%, non-African less than 1%

Canada

British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European

15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed

background 26%

Cape Verde

Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Cayman Islands

mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of

various ethnic groups 20%

Central African Republic

Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%,

Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%, Yakoma 4%, other 2%

Chad

200 distinct groups; in the north and center: Arabs, Gorane

(Toubou, Daza, Kreda), Zaghawa, Kanembou, Ouaddai, Baguirmi,

Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Hausa, Boulala, and Maba, most of whom are

Muslim; in the south: Sara (Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye), Moundang,

Moussei, Massa, most of whom are Christian or animist; about 1,000

French citizens live in Chad

Chile

white and white-Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2%

China

Han Chinese 91.9%, Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao,

Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1%

Christmas Island

Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10%

note: no indigenous population (2001)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Europeans, Cocos Malays

Colombia

mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed

black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%

Comoros

Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

over 200 African ethnic groups of

which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba,

Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about

45% of the population

Congo, Republic of the

Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%,

Europeans and other 3%

note: Europeans estimated at 8,500, mostly French, before the 1997

civil war; may be half that in 1998, following the widespread

destruction of foreign businesses in 1997

Cook Islands

Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European

7.7%, Polynesian and non-European 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9%

Costa Rica

white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%,

Chinese 1%, other 1%

Cote d'Ivoire

Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes

16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 130,000

Lebanese and 20,000 French) (1998)

Croatia

Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, Bosniak 0.5%, Hungarian 0.4%,

Slovene 0.3%, Czech 0.2%, Roma 0.2%, Albanian 0.1%, Montenegrin

0.1%, others 4.1% (2001)

Cuba

mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1%

Cyprus

Greek 85.2%, Turkish 11.6%, other 3.2% (2000)

Czech Republic

Czech 81.2%, Moravian 13.2%, Slovak 3.1%, Polish

0.6%, German 0.5%, Silesian 0.4%, Roma 0.3%, Hungarian 0.2%, other

0.5% (1991)

Denmark

Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian,

Somali

Djibouti

Somali 60%, Afar 35%, French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian

5%

Dominica

black, mixed black and European, European, Syrian, Carib

Amerindian

Dominican Republic

white 16%, black 11%, mixed 73%

East Timor

Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian), Papuan, small Chinese

minority

Ecuador

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%,

Spanish and others 7%, black 3%

Egypt

Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%,

Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and

French) 1%

El Salvador

mestizo 90%, Amerindian 1%, white 9%

Equatorial Guinea

Bioko (primarily Bubi, some Fernandinos), Rio Muni

(primarily Fang), Europeans less than 1,000, mostly Spanish

Eritrea

ethnic Tigrinya 50%, Tigre and Kunama 40%, Afar 4%, Saho

(Red Sea coast dwellers) 3%, other 3%

Estonia

Estonian 65.3%, Russian 28.1%, Ukrainian 2.5%, Belarusian

1.5%, Finn 1%, other 1.6% (1998)

Ethiopia

Oromo 40%, Amhara and Tigre 32%, Sidamo 9%, Shankella 6%,

Somali 6%, Afar 4%, Gurage 2%, other 1%

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

British

Faroe Islands

Scandinavian

Fiji

Fijian 51% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian

admixture), Indian 44%, European, other Pacific Islanders, overseas

Chinese, and other 5% (1998 est.)

Finland

Finn 93%, Swede 6%, Sami 0.11%, Roma 0.12%, Tatar 0.02%

France

Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African,

Indochinese, Basque minorities

French Guiana

black or mulatto 66%, white 12%, East Indian, Chinese,

Amerindian 12%, other 10%

French Polynesia

Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%,

metropolitan French 4%

Gabon

Bantu tribes including four major tribal groupings (Fang,

Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba), other Africans and Europeans 154,000,

including 10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality

Gambia, The

African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola

10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1%

Gaza Strip

Palestinian Arab and other 99.4%, Jewish 0.6%

Georgia

Georgian 70.1%, Armenian 8.1%, Russian 6.3%, Azeri 5.7%,

Ossetian 3%, Abkhaz 1.8%, other 5%

Germany

German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of

Serbo-Croatian, Italian, Russian, Greek, Polish, Spanish)

Ghana

black African 98.5% (major tribes - Akan 44%, Moshi-Dagomba

16%, Ewe 13%, Ga 8%, Gurma 3%, Yoruba 1%), European and other 1.5%

(1998)

Gibraltar

Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese

Greece

Greek 98%, other 2%

note: the Greek Government states there are no ethnic divisions in

Greece

Greenland

Greenlander 88% (Inuit and Greenland-born whites), Danish

and others 12% (January 2000)

Grenada

black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East

Indian 5% , and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian

Guadeloupe

black or mulatto 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese,

Chinese less than 5%

Guam

Chamorro 37%, Filipino 26%, white 10%, Chinese, Japanese,

Korean, and other 27%

Guatemala

Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish or assimilated

Amerindian - in local Spanish called Ladino), approximately 55%,

Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian, approximately 43%, whites

and others 2%

Guernsey

UK and Norman-French descent

Guinea

Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller ethnic groups 10%

Guinea-Bissau

African 99% (Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%,

Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%), European and mulatto less than 1%

Guyana

East Indian 50%, black 36%, Amerindian 7%, white, Chinese,

and mixed 7%

Haiti

black 95%, mulatto and white 5%

Holy See (Vatican City)

Italians, Swiss, other

Honduras

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%,

black 2%, white 1%

Hong Kong

Chinese 95%, other 5%

Hungary

Hungarian 89.9%, Roma 4%, German 2.6%, Serb 2%, Slovak 0.8%,

Romanian 0.7%

Iceland

homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94%,

population of foreign origin 6%

India

Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% (2000)

Indonesia

Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays

7.5%, other 26%

Iran

Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%,

Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%

Iraq

Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or other 5%

Ireland

Celtic, English

Israel

Jewish 80.1% (Europe/America-born 32.1%, Israel-born 20.8%,

Africa-born 14.6%, Asia-born 12.6%), non-Jewish 19.9% (mostly Arab)

(1996 est.)

Italy

Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and

Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and

Greek-Italians in the south)

Jamaica

black 90.9%, East Indian 1.3%, white 0.2%, Chinese 0.2%,

mixed 7.3%, other 0.1%

Japan

Japanese 99%, others 1% (Korean 511,262, Chinese 244,241,

Brazilian 182,232, Filipino 89,851, other 237,914) (2000)

Jersey

UK and Norman-French descent

Jordan

Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%

Kazakhstan

Kazakh (Qazaq) 53.4%, Russian 30%, Ukrainian 3.7%, Uzbek

2.5%, German 2.4%, Uighur 1.4%, other 6.6% (1999 census)

Kenya

Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii

6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and

Arab) 1%

Kiribati

predominantly Micronesian with some Polynesian

Korea, North

racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese

community and a few ethnic Japanese

Korea, South

homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Kuwait

Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%,

other 7%

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz 52.4%, Russian 18%, Uzbek 12.9%, Ukrainian 2.5%,

German 2.4%, other 11.8%

Laos

Lao Loum (lowland) 68%, Lao Theung (upland) 22%, Lao Soung

(highland) including the Hmong ("Meo") and the Yao (Mien) 9%, ethnic

Vietnamese/Chinese 1%

Latvia

Latvian 57.7%, Russian 29.6%, Belarusian 4.1%, Ukrainian

2.7%, Polish 2.5%, Lithuanian 1.4%, other 2%

Lebanon

Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%

Lesotho

Sotho 99.7%, Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3%,

Liberia

indigenous African tribes 95% (including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio,

Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, Dei, Bella,

Mandingo, and Mende), Americo-Liberians 2.5% (descendants of

immigrants from the US who had been slaves), Congo People 2.5%

(descendants of immigrants from the Caribbean who had been slaves)

Libya

Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians,

Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, Tunisians

Liechtenstein

Alemannic 86%, Italian, Turkish, and other 14%

Lithuania

Lithuanian 80.6%, Russian 8.7%, Polish 7%, Belarusian

1.6%, other 2.1%

Luxembourg

Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese,

Italian, Slavs (from Montenegro, Albania, and Kososvo) and European

(guest and resident workers)

Macau

Chinese 95%, Macanese (mixed Portuguese and Asian ancestry),

Portuguese, other

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonian 64.2%,

Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.8%, Roma 2.7%, Serb 1.8%, other 2.3% (1994)

Madagascar

Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers

(mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry -

Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian,

Creole, Comoran

Malawi

Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuka, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni,

Ngonde, Asian, European

Malaysia

Malay and other indigenous 58%, Chinese 24%, Indian 8%,

others 10% (2000)

Maldives

South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs

Mali

Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%,

Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Malta

Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians,

with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Man, Isle of

Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton

Marshall Islands

Micronesian

Martinique

African and African-white-Indian mixture 90%, white 5%,

East Indian, Chinese less than 5%

Mauritania

mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%

Mauritius

Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%,

Franco-Mauritian 2%

Mayotte

NA

Mexico

mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly

Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%

Micronesia, Federated States of

nine ethnic Micronesian and

Polynesian groups

Moldova

Moldovan/Romanian 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13%,

Jewish 1.5%, Bulgarian 2%, Gagauz and other 5.2% (1989 est.)

note: internal disputes with ethnic Slavs in the Transnistrian region

Monaco

French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%

Mongolia

Mongol (predominantly Khalkha) 85%, Turkic (of which Kazakh

is the largest group) 7%, Tungusic 4.6%, other (including Chinese

and Russian) 3.4% (1998)

Montserrat

black, white

Morocco

Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Mozambique

indigenous tribal groups 99.66% (Shangaan, Chokwe,

Manyika, Sena, Makua, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans

0.2%, Indians 0.08%

Namibia

black 87.5%, white 6%, mixed 6.5%

note: about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9%

to the Kavangos tribe; other ethnic groups are: Herero 7%, Damara

7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

Nauru

Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European

8%

Nepal

Brahman, Chetri, Newar, Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Rai, Limbu,

Sherpa, Tharu, and others (1995)

Netherlands

Dutch 83%, other 17% (of which 9% are non-western origin

mainly Turks, Moroccans, Antilleans, Surinamese and Indonesians)

(1999 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

mixed black 85%, Carib Amerindian, white, East

Asian

New Caledonia

Melanesian 42.5%, European 37.1%, Wallisian 8.4%,

Polynesian 3.8%, Indonesian 3.6%, Vietnamese 1.6%, other 3%

New Zealand

New Zealand European 74.5%, Maori 9.7%, other European

4.6%, Pacific Islander 3.8%, Asian and others 7.4%

Nicaragua

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black

9%, Amerindian 5%

Niger

Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri

(Kanouri) 4.3%, Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%, about 1,200

French expatriates

Nigeria

Nigeria, which is Africa's most populous country, is

composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the following are the most

populous and politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba

21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Niue

Polynesian (with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans)

Norfolk Island

descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New

Zealander, Polynesians

Northern Mariana Islands

Chamorro, Carolinians and other

Micronesians, Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean

Norway

Norwegian, Sami 20,000

Oman

Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan,

Bangladeshi), African

Pakistan

Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir

(immigrants from India at the time of partition and their

descendants)

Palau

Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures)

70%, Asian (mainly Filipinos, followed by Chinese, Taiwanese, and

Vietnamese) 28%, white 2% (2000 est.)

Panama

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and

mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%

Papua New Guinea

Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Paraguay

mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%

Peru

Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white

15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

Philippines

Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%,

other 3%

Pitcairn Islands

descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their

Tahitian wives

Poland

Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Belarusian 0.5%

(1990 est.)

Portugal

homogeneous Mediterranean stock; citizens of black African

descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less

than 100,000; since 1990 East Europeans have entered Portugal

Puerto Rico

white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%,

Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, mixed and other 10.9%

Qatar

Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Reunion

French, African, Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani, Indian

Romania

Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%,

German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002)

Russia

Russian 81.5%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 3%, Chuvash 1.2%,

Bashkir 0.9%, Belarusian 0.8%, Moldavian 0.7%, other 8.1% (1989)

Rwanda

Hutu 84%, Tutsi 15%, Twa (Pygmoid) 1%

Saint Helena

African descent 50%, white 25%, Chinese 25%

Saint Kitts and Nevis predominantly black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese

Saint Lucia

black 90%, mixed 6%, East Indian 3%, white 1%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

black 66%, mixed 19%, East Indian

6%, Carib Amerindian 2%, other 7%

Samoa

Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7% (persons of European and

Polynesian blood), Europeans 0.4%

San Marino

Sammarinese, Italian

Sao Tome and Principe

mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan

slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract

laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children

of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)

Saudi Arabia

Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Senegal

Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka

3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%

Serbia and Montenegro

Serb 62.6%, Albanian 16.5%, Montenegrin 5%,

Hungarian 3.3%, other 12.6% (1991)

Seychelles

mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab

Sierra Leone

20 native African tribes 90% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%,

other 30%), Creole (Krio) 10% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves

who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century),

refugees from Liberia's recent civil war, small numbers of

Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians

Singapore

Chinese 76.7%, Malay 14%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4%

Slovakia

Slovak 85.7%, Hungarian 10.6%, Roma 1.6% (the 1992 census

figures underreport the Gypsy/Romany community, which is about

500,000), Czech, Moravian, Silesian 1.1%, Ruthenian and Ukrainian

0.6%, German 0.1%, Polish 0.1%, other 0.2% (1996)

Slovenia

Slovene 88%, Croat 3%, Serb 2%, Bosniak 1%, Yugoslav 0.6%,

Hungarian 0.4%, other 5% (1991)

Solomon Islands

Melanesian 93%, Polynesian 4%, Micronesian 1.5%,

European 0.8%, Chinese 0.3%, other 0.4%

Somalia

Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including Arabs

30,000)

South Africa

black 75.2%, white 13.6%, Colored 8.6%, Indian 2.6%

Spain

composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Sri Lanka

Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7%, Burgher, Malay, and

Vedda 1%

Sudan

black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%

Suriname

Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their

ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the

19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%,

"Maroons" (their African ancestors were brought to the country in

the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior)

10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese 2%, white 1%, other 2%

Svalbard

Norwegian 55.4%, Russian and Ukrainian 44.3%, other 0.3%

(1998)

Swaziland

African 97%, European 3%

Sweden

indigenous population: Swedes and Finnish and Sami

minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns,

Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks

Switzerland

German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other

6%

Syria

Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Taiwan

Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%,

aborigine 2%

Tajikistan

Tajik 64.9%, Uzbek 25%, Russian 3.5% (declining because

of emigration), other 6.6%

Tanzania

mainland - native African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu

consisting of more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian,

European, and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, native African, mixed Arab and

native African

Thailand

Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Togo

native African (37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe,

Mina, and Kabre) 99%, European and Syrian-Lebanese less than 1%

Tokelau

Polynesian

Tonga

Polynesian, Europeans about 300

Trinidad and Tobago

black 39.5%, East Indian (a local term -

primarily immigrants from northern India) 40.3%, mixed 18.4%, white

0.6%, Chinese and other 1.2%

Tunisia

Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Turkey

Turkish 80%, Kurdish 20% (estimated)

Turkmenistan

Turkmen 77%, Uzbek 9.2%, Russian 6.7%, Kazakh 2%, other

5.1% (1995)

Turks and Caicos Islands

black 90%, mixed, European, or north

American 10%

Tuvalu

Polynesian 96%, Micronesian 4%

Uganda

Baganda 17%, Ankole 8%, Basoga 8%, Iteso 8%, Bakiga 7%, Langi

6%, Rwanda 6%, Bagisu 5%, Acholi 4%, Lugbara 4%, Batoro 3%, Bunyoro

3%, Alur 2%, Bagwere 2%, Bakonjo 2%, Jopodhola 2%, Karamojong 2%,

Rundi 2%, non-African (European, Asian, Arab) 1%, other 8%

Ukraine

Ukrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3%, Belarusian 0.6%, Moldovan

0.5%, Crimean Tatar 0.5%, Bulgarian 0.4%, Hungarian 0.3%, Romanian

0.3%, Polish 0.3%, Jewish 0.2%, other 1.8% (2001)

United Arab Emirates

Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South

Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians)

8% (1982)

note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)

United Kingdom

English 81.5%, Scottish 9.6%, Irish 2.4%, Welsh 1.9%,

Ulster 1.8%, West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, and other 2.8%

United States

white 77.1%, black 12.9%, Asian 4.2%, Amerindian and

Alaska native 1.5%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.3%,

other 4% (2000)

note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the US

Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean a person of Latin American

descent (including persons of Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican

origin) living in the US who may be of any race or ethnic group

(white, black, Asian, etc.)

Uruguay

white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%, Amerindian, practically

nonexistent

Uzbekistan

Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak

2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 est.)

Vanuatu

indigenous Melanesian 98%, French, Vietnamese, Chinese,

other Pacific Islanders

Venezuela

Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African,

indigenous people

Vietnam

Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham,

mountain groups

Virgin Islands

black 78%, white 10%, other 12%

note: West Indian 81% (49% born in the Virgin Islands and 32% born

elsewhere in the West Indies), US mainland 13%, Puerto Rican 4%,

other 2%

Wallis and Futuna

Polynesian

West Bank

Palestinian Arab and other 83%, Jewish 17%

Western Sahara

Arab, Berber

Yemen

predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Zambia

African 98.7%, European 1.1%, other 0.2%

Zimbabwe

African 98% (Shona 82%, Ndebele 14%, other 2%), mixed and

Asian 1%, white less than 1%

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2076 Exchange rates

Afghanistan

afghanis per US dollar - 3,000 (October-December 2002),

3,000 (2001), 3,000 (2000), 3,000 (1999), 3,000 (1998), note: before

2002 the market rate varied widely from the official rate; in 2002

the afghani was revalued and the currency stabilized

Albania

leke per US dollar - NA (2002), 143.49 (2001), 143.71

(2000), 137.69 (1999), 150.63 (1998)

Algeria

Algerian dinars per US dollar - 79.68 (2002), 77.22 (2001),

75.26 (2000), 66.57 (1999), 58.74 (1998)

American Samoa

the US dollar is used

Andorra

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000),

0.94 (1999)

Angola

kwanza per US dollar - 43.53 (2002), 22.06 (2001), 10.04

(2000), 2.79 (1999), 0.39 (1998); note - in December 1999 the kwanza

was revalued with six zeroes dropped off the old value

Anguilla

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7000 (fixed rate

since 1976)

Antigua and Barbuda

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7

(2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7 (2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998) (fixed rate

since 1976)

Argentina

Argentine pesos per US dollar - 3.06 (2002), 1 (2001), 1

(2000), 1 (1999), 1 (1998)

Armenia

drams per US dollar - NA (2002), 555.08 (2001), 539.53

(2000), 535.06 (1999), 504.92 (1998)

Aruba

Aruban guilders/florins per US dollar - 1.79 (2002), 1.79

(2001), 1.79 (2000), 1.79 (1999), 1.79 (1998)

Australia

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.84 (2002), 1.93

(2001), 1.72 (2000), 1.55 (1999), 1.59 (1998)

Austria

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000),

0.94 (1999), 12.38 (1998)

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani manats per US dollar - 4,860.82 (2002),

4,656.58 (2001), 4,474.15 (2000), 4,120.17 (1999), 3,869 (1998)

Bahamas, The

Bahamian dollars per US dollar - 1 (2002), 1 (2001), 1

(2000), 1 (1999), 1 (1998)

Bahrain

Bahraini dinars per US dollar - 0.38 (2002), 0.38 (2001),

0.38 (2000), 0.38 (1999), 0.38 (1998)

Bangladesh

taka per US dollar - 57.89 (2002), 55.81 (2001), 52.14

(2000), 49.09 (1999), 46.91 (1998)

Barbados

Barbadian dollars per US dollar - 2 (2002), 2 (2001), 2

(2000), 2 (1999), 2 (1998)

Belarus

Belarusian rubles per US dollar - NA (2002), 1,390 (2001),

876.75 (2000), 248.8 (1999), 46.13 (1998)

Belgium

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000),

0.94 (1999), 36.3 (1998)

Belize

Belizean dollars per US dollar - 2 (2002), 2 (2001), 2

(2000), 2 (1999), 2 (1998)

Benin

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95

(1998)

Bermuda

Bermudian dollar per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate pegged

to the US dollar)

Bhutan

ngultrum per US dollar - 48.61 (2002), 47.19 (2001), 44.94

(2000), 43.06 (1999), 41.26 (1998)

Bolivia

bolivianos per US dollar - 7.17 (2002), 6.61 (2001), 6.18

(2000), 5.81 (1999), 5.51 (1998)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

marka per US dollar - NA (2002), 2.19 (2001),

2.12 (2000), 1.84 (1999), 1.76 (1998)

Botswana

pulas per US dollar - 6.33 (2002), 5.84 (2001), 5.1 (2000),

4.62 (1999), 4.23 (1998)

Brazil

reals per US dollar - 2.92 (2002), 2.36 (2001), 1.83 (2000),

1.81 (1999), 1.16 (1998)

note: from October 1994 through 14 January 1999, the official rate

was determined by a managed float; since 15 January 1999, the

official rate floats independently with respect to the US dollar

British Virgin Islands

the US dollar is used

Brunei

Bruneian dollars per US dollar - 1.79 (2002), 1.79 (2001),

1.72 (2000), 1.69 (1999), 1.67 (1998)

Bulgaria

leva per US dollar - 2.08 (2002), 2.18 (2001), 2.12 (2000),

1.84 (1999), 1.76 (1998)

note: on 5 July 1999, the lev was redenominated; the post-5 July

1999 lev is equal to 1,000 of the pre-5 July 1999 lev

Burkina Faso

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US

dollar - 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999),

589.95 (1998)

Burma

kyats per US dollar - 6.64 (2002), 6.75 (2001), 6.52 (2000),

6.29 (1999), 6.34 (1998)

Burundi

Burundi francs per US dollar - NA (2002), 830.35 (2001),

720.67 (2000), 563.56 (1999), 447.77 (1998)

Cambodia

riels per US dollar - 3,912.08 (2002), 3,916.33 (2001),

3,840.75 (2000), 3,807.83 (1999), 3,744.42 (1998)

Cameroon

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar

- 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95

(1998)

Canada

Canadian dollars per US dollar - 1.57 (2002), 1.55 (2001),

1.49 (2000), 1.49 (1999), 1.48 (1998)

Cape Verde

Cape Verdean escudos (CVE) per US dollar - NA (2002),

123.21 (2001), 115.88 (2000), 102.7 (1999), 98.16 (1998)

Cayman Islands

Caymanian dollars per US dollar - 0.82 (29 October

2001), 0.83 (3 November 1995), 0.85 (22 November 1993)

Central African Republic

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs

(XAF) per US dollar - 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000),

615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)

Chad

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar -

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95

(1998)

Chile

Chilean pesos per US dollar - 688.95 (2002), 634.94 (2001),

535.47 (2000), 508.78 (1999), 460.29 (1998)

China

yuan per US dollar - 8.28 (2002), 8.28 (2001), 8.28 (2000),

8.28 (1999), 8.28 (1998)

Christmas Island

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.9354 (2002),

1.9320 (2001), 1.7173(2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.9354

(2002), 1.9320 (2001), 1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998),

1.3439 (1997)

Colombia

Colombian pesos per US dollar - 2,504.24 (2002), 2,299.63

(2001), 2,087.9 (2000), 1,756.23 (1999), 1,426.04 (1998)

Comoros

Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar - 522.74 (2002), 549.78

(2001), 533.98 (2000), 461.78 (1999), 442.46 (1998)

note: prior to January 1999, the official rate was pegged to the

French franc at 75 Comoran francs per French franc; since 1 January

1999, the Comoran franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of 491.9677

Comoran francs per euro

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Congolese francs per US dollar -

346.49 (2002), 206.62 (2001), 21.82 (2000), 4.02 (1999), 1.61 (1998)

Congo, Republic of the

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF)

per US dollar - 697 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7

(1999), 589.95 (1998)

Cook Islands

New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.3535 (January

2002), 2.3776 (2001), 2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999), 1.8632 (1998),

1.5083 (1997)

Costa Rica

Costa Rican colones per US dollar - 359.82 (2002), 328.87

(2001), 308.19 (2000), 285.69 (1999), 257.23 (1998)

Cote d'Ivoire

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US

dollar - 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999),

589.95 (1998)

Croatia

kuna per US dollar - 7.87 (2002), 8.34 (2001), 8.28 (2000),

7.11 (1999), 6.36 (1998)

Cuba

Cuban pesos per US dollar - 1.0000 (nonconvertible, official

rate, for international transactions, pegged to the US dollar);

convertible peso sold for domestic use at a rate of 1.00 US dollar

per 27 pesos by the Government of Cuba (2002)

Cyprus

Cypriot pounds per US dollar - 0.61 (2002), 0.64 (2001), 0.62

(2000), 0.54 (1999), 0.52 (1998), Turkish lira per US dollar NA

(2002), 1,225,590 (2001), 625,218 (2000), 418,783 (1999), 260,724

(1998)

Czech Republic

koruny per US dollar - 32.74 (2002), 38.04 (2001),

38.6 (2000), 34.57 (1999), 32.28 (1998)

Denmark

Danish kroner per US dollar - 7.89 (2002), 8.32 (2001), 8.08

(2000), 6.98 (1999), 6.7 (1998)

Djibouti

Djiboutian francs per US dollar - 177.72 (2002), 177.72

(2001), 177.72 (2000), 177.72 (1999), 177.72 (1998)

Dominica

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.7

(2001), 2.7 (2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998)

Dominican Republic

Dominican pesos per US dollar - 18.61 (2002),

16.95 (2001), 16.42 (2000), 16.03 (1999), 15.27 (1998)

East Timor

see US dollar

Ecuador

sucres per US dollar - 25,000 (2002), 25,000 (2001),

24,988.4 (2000), 11,786.8 (1999), 5,446.57 (1998)

Egypt

Egyptian pounds per US dollar - 4.5 (2002), 3.97 (2001), 3.47

(2000), 3.4 (1999), 3.39 (1998)

El Salvador

8.75 the US dollar is the legal tender

Equatorial Guinea

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per

US dollar - 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7

(1999), 589.95 (1998)

Eritrea

nakfa (ERN) per US dollar - 9.5 (January 2000), 7.6 (January

1999), 7.2 (March 1998 est.)

Estonia

krooni per US dollar - 16.61 (2002), 17.56 (2001), 16.97

(2000), 14.68 (1999), 14.07 (1998)

Ethiopia

birr per US dollar - NA (2002), 8.46 (2001), 8.22 (2000),

7.94 (1999), 7.12 (1998)

note: since 24 October 2001 exchange rates are determined on a daily

basis via interbank transactions regulated by the Central Bank

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Falkland pounds per US dollar -

0.67 (2002), 0.69 (2001), 0.66 (2000), 0.62 (1999), 0.6 (1998); note

- the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound

Faroe Islands

Danish kroner per US dollar - 7.89 (2002), 8.32

(2001), 8.08 (2000), 6.98 (1999), 6.7 (1998)

Fiji

Fijian dollars per US dollar - 2.19 (2002), 2.28 (2001), 2.13

(2000), 1.97 (1999), 1.99 (1998)

Finland

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000),

0.94 (1999)

France

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000),

0.94 (1999)

French Guiana

Euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09

(2000), 0.94 (1999)

French Polynesia

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US

dollar - 126.41 (2002), 133.26 (2001), 129.44 (2000), 111.93 (1999),

107.25 (1998)

note: pegged at the rate of 119.25 XPF to the euro

Gabon

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar -

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95

(1998)

Gambia, The

dalasi per US dollar - NA (2002), 15.69 (2001), 12.79

(2000), 11.4 (1999), 10.64 (1998)

Gaza Strip

new Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.7378 (2002), 4.2057

(2001), 4.0773 (2000), 4.1397 (1999), 3.8001 (1998), 3.4494 (1997)

Georgia

lari per US dollar - 2.2 (2002), 2.07 (2001), 1.98 (2000),

2.02 (1999), 1.39 (1998)

Germany

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000),

0.94 (1999), 1.76 (1998)

Ghana

cedis per US dollar - NA (2002), 7,170.76 (2001), 5,455.06

(2000), 2,669.3 (1999), 2,314.15 (1998)

Gibraltar

Gibraltar pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944

(2001), 0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998); note - the

Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound

Greece

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 365.4 (2000),

305.65 (1999), 295.53 (1998)

note: in January 2001, the drachma became a participating currency

within the Eurosystem, and the euro market rate became applicable to

all transactions

Greenland

Danish kroner per US dollar - 7.8947 (2002), 8.323 (2001),

8.083 (2000), 6.976 (1999), 6.701 (1998)

Grenada

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.7

(2001), 2.7 (2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998)

Guadeloupe

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001),

1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US dollar - 5.8995

(1998)

Guam

the US dollar is used

Guatemala

quetzales per US dollar - 7.82 (2002), 7.86 (2001), 7.76

(2000), 7.39 (1999), 6.39 (1998)

Guernsey

Guernsey pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944

(2001), 0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998); note - the

Guernsey pound is at par with the British pound

Guinea

Guinean francs per US dollar - NA (2002), 1,950.56 (2001),

1,746.87 (2000), 1,387.4 (1999), 1,236.83 (1998)

Guinea-Bissau

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US

dollar - 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999),

589.95 (1998)

note: as of 1 May 1997, Guinea-Bissau adopted the XOF franc as the

national currency; since 1 January 1999, the XOF franc is pegged to

the euro at a rate of 655.957 XOF francs per euro

Guyana

Guyanese dollars per US dollar - NA (2002), 187.32 (2001),

182.43 (2000), 178 (1999), 150.52 (1998)

Haiti

gourdes per US dollar - 29.25 (2002), 24.43 (2001), 21.17

(2000), 16.94 (1999), 16.77 (1998)

Holy See (Vatican City)

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.1324 (2002),

1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999)

Honduras

lempiras per US dollar - 16.43 (2002), 15.47 (2001), 14.84

(2000), 14.21 (1999), 13.39 (1998)

Hong Kong

Hong Kong dollars per US dollar - 7.8 (2002), 7.8 (2001),

7.79 (2000), 7.76 (1999), 7.75 (1998)

Hungary

forints per US dollar - 257.89 (2002), 286.49 (2001), 282.18

(2000), 237.15 (1999), 214.4 (1998)

Iceland

Icelandic kronur per US dollar - 91.66 (2002), 97.42 (2001),

78.62 (2000), 72.34 (1999), 70.96 (1998)

India

Indian rupees per US dollar - 48.61 (2002), 47.19 (2001),

44.94 (2000), 43.06 (1999), 41.26 (1998)

Indonesia

Indonesian rupiahs per US dollar - 9,311.19 (2002),

10,260.8 (2001), 8,421.77 (2000), 7,855.15 (1999), 10,013.6 (1998)

Iran

rials per US dollar 6,906.96 (2002), 1,753.56 (2001), 1,764.43

(2000), 1,752.93 (1999), 1,751.86 (1998)

note: from 1997 to 2001, Iran had a multi-exchange-rate system; one

of these rates, the official floating exchange rate, by which most

essential goods were imported, averaged 1,750 rials per US dollar;

in March 2002, the multi-exchange-rate system was converged into one

rate at about 7,900 rials per US dollar

Iraq

Iraqi dinars per US dollar - 0.31 (2002), 0.31 (2001), 0.31

(2000), 0.31 (1999), 0.31 (1998), note: fixed official rate since

1982; market rate subject to wide fluctuations

Ireland

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000),

0.94 (1999), 0.7 (1998)

Israel

new Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.74 (2002), 4.21 (2001),

4.08 (2000), 4.14 (1999), 3.8 (1998)

Italy

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000),

0.94 (1999)

Jamaica

Jamaican dollars per US dollar - 48.42 (2002), 46 (2001),

42.7 (2000), 39.04 (1999), 36.55 (1998)

Japan

yen per US dollar - 125.39 (2002), 121.53 (2001), 107.77

(2000), 113.91 (1999), 130.91 (1998)

Jersey

Jersey pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944 (2001),

0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998); the Jersey pound is at

par with the British pound

Jordan

Jordanian dinars per US dollar - 0.71 (2002), 0.71 (2001),

0.71 (2000), 0.71 (1999), 0.71 (1998)

Kazakhstan

tenge per US dollar - 153.28 (2002), 146.74 (2001),

142.13 (2000), 119.52 (1999), 78.3 (1998)

Kenya

Kenyan shillings per US dollar - 78.75 (2002), 78.56 (2001),

76.18 (2000), 70.33 (1999), 60.37 (1998)

Kiribati

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.84 (2002), 1.93

(2001), 1.72 (2000), 1.55 (1999), 1.59 (1998)

Korea, North

official: North Korean won per US dollar - 150

(December 2002), 2.15 (December 2001), 2.15 (May 1994), 2.13 (May

1992), 2.14 (September 1991), 2.1 (January 1990); market: North

Korean won per US dollar - 300-600 (December 2002), 200 (December

2001)

Korea, South

South Korean won per US dollar - 1,251.09 (2002),

1,290.99 (2001), 1,130.96 (2000), 1,188.82 (1999), 1,401.44 (1998)

Kuwait

Kuwaiti dinars per US dollar - 0.3 (2002), 0.31 (2001), 0.31

(2000), 0.3 (1999), 0.3 (1998)

Kyrgyzstan

soms per US dollar - 46.94 (2002), 48.38 (2001), 47.7

(2000), 39.01 (1999), 20.84 (1998)

Laos

kips per US dollar - 7,562 (2002), 8,954.58 (2001), 7,887.64

(2000), 7,102.02 (1999), 3,298.33 (1998)

Latvia

lati per US dollar - 0.62 (2002), 0.63 (2001), 0.61 (2000),

0.59 (1999), 0.59 (1998)

Lebanon

Lebanese pounds per US dollar - 1,507.5 (2002), 1,507.5

(2001), 1,507.5 (2000), 1,507.84 (1999), 1,516.13 (1998)

Lesotho

maloti per US dollar - 10.54 (2002), 8.61 (2001), 6.94

(2000), 6.11 (1999), 5.53 (1998)

Liberia

Liberian dollars per US dollar - NA (2002), 48.58 (2001),

40.95 (2000), 41.9 (1999), 41.51 (1998)

note: until December 1997, rates were based on a fixed relationship

with the US dollar; beginning in January 1998, rates are market

determined

Libya

Libyan dinars per US dollar - 1.2 (2003), 0.6 (2002), 0.51

(2001), 0.5 (2000), 0.39 (1999)

Liechtenstein

Swiss francs per US dollar - 1.5586 (2002), 1.6876

(2001), 1.6888 (2000), 1.5022 (1999), 1.4498 (1998)

Lithuania

litai per US dollar - 3.68 (2002), 4 (2001), 4 (2000), 4

(1999), 4 (1998)

Luxembourg

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09

(2000), 0.94 (1999)

Macau

patacas per US dollar - 8.03 (2002), 8.03 (2001), 8.03 (2000),

7.99 (1999), 7.98 (1998)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonian denars per US

dollar - 64.35 (2002), 68.04 (2001), 65.9 (2000), 56.9 (1999), 54.46

(1998)

Madagascar

Malagasy francs per US dollar - 6,831.96 (2002), 6,588.49

(2001), 6,767.48 (2000), 6,283.77 (1999), 5,441.4 (1998)

Malawi

Malawian kwachas per US dollar - 76.69 (2002), 72.2 (2001),

59.54 (2000), 44.09 (1999), 31.07 (1998)

Malaysia

ringgits per US dollar - 3.8 (2002), 3.8 (2001), 3.8

(2000), 3.8 (1999), 3.92 (1998)

Maldives

rufiyaa per US dollar - 12.8 (2002), 12.24 (2001), 11.77

(2000), 11.77 (1999), 11.77 (1998)

Mali

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95

(1998)

Malta

Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.43 (2002), 0.45 (2001), 0.44

(2000), 0.4 (1999), 0.39 (1998)

Man, Isle of

Manx pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944

(2001), 0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998); the Manx pound

is at par with the British pound

Marshall Islands

the US dollar is the legal tender

Martinique

euros per US dollar - 1.06 euros per US dollar - 1.0626

(2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs

per US dollar - 5.8995 (1998)

Mauritania

ouguiyas per US dollar - ouguiyas per US dollar - 254.350

(December 2001), 238.923 (2000), 209.514 (1999), 188.476 (1998),

151.853 (1997), 137.222 (1996)

Mauritius

Mauritian rupees per US dollar - 29.96 (2002), 29.13

(2001), 26.25 (2000), 25.19 (1999), 23.99 (1998)

Mayotte

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001),

1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US dollar - 5.8995

(1998), 5.8367 (1997)

Mexico

Mexican pesos per US dollar - 9.66 (2002), 9.34 (2001), 9.46

(2000), 9.56 (1999), 9.14 (1998)

Micronesia, Federated States of

the US dollar is used 1

Moldova

lei per US dollar - NA (2002), 12.87 (2001), 12.43 (2000),

10.52 (1999), 5.37 (1998)

Monaco

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001),

1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US dollar - 5.8995

(1998)

Mongolia

togrogs/tugriks per US dollar - 1,134 (2002), 1,097.7

(2001), 1,076.67 (2000), 1,021.87 (1999), 840.83 (1998)

Montserrat

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7000 (fixed rate

since 1976)

Morocco

Moroccan dirhams per US dollar - 11.02 (2002), 11.3 (2001),

10.63 (2000), 9.8 (1999), 9.6 (1998)

Mozambique

meticais per US dollar - 23,678 (2002), 20,703.6 (2001),

15,447.1 (2000), 13,028.6 (1999), 12,110.2 (1998)

note: effective October 2000, the exchange rate is determined as the

weighted average of buying and selling exchange rates of all

transactions of commercial banks and stock exchanges with the public

Namibia

Namibian dollars per US dollar - 10.54 (2002), 8.61 (2001),

6.94 (2000), 6.11 (1999), 5.53 (1998)

Nauru

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.2641 (2002) 1.9320

(2001), 1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998)

Nepal

Nepalese rupees per US dollar - 77.88 (2002), 74.95 (2001),

71.09 (2000), 68.24 (1999), 65.98 (1998)

Netherlands

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09

(2000), 0.94 (1999)

Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands Antillean guilders per US dollar -

1.79 (2002), 1.79 (2001), 1.79 (2000), 1.79 (1999), 1.79 (1998)

New Caledonia

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US

dollar - 135.04 (January 2002), 133.26 (2001), 129.44 (2000), 111.93

(1999), 107.25 (1998)

New Zealand

New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.16 (2002), 2.38

(2001), 2.2 (2000), 1.89 (1999), 1.87 (1998)

Nicaragua

gold cordobas per US dollar - 14.25 (2002), 13.37 (2001),

12.68 (2000), 11.81 (1999), 10.58 (1998)

Niger

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95

(1998)

Nigeria

nairas per US dollar - NA (2002), 111.23 (2001), 101.7

(2000), 92.34 (1999), 21.89 (1998)

Niue

New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.162 (2002), 2.3776

(2001), 2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999), 1.8629 (1998)

Norfolk Island

Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.8406 (2002),

1.9320 (2001), 1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998)

Northern Mariana Islands

the US dollar is used

Norway

Norwegian kroner per US dollar - 7.98 (2002), 8.99 (2001),

8.8 (2000), 7.8 (1999), 7.55 (1998)

Oman

Omani rials per US dollar - 0.38 (2002), 0.38 (2001), 0.38

(2000), 0.38 (1999), 0.38 (1998)

Pakistan

Pakistani rupees per US dollar - 59.72 (2002), 61.93

(2001), 53.65 (2000), 49.12 (1999), 44.94 (1998)

Palau

the US dollar is used

Panama

balboas per US dollar - 1 (2002), 1 (2001), 1 (2000), 1

(1999), 1 (1998)

Papua New Guinea

kina per US dollar - 3.8 (2002), 3.39 (2001), 2.78

(2000), 2.57 (1999), 2.07 (1998)

Paraguay

guarani per US dollar - 5,720.44 (2002), 4,105.92 (2001),

3,486.35 (2000), 3,119.07 (1999), 2,726.49 (1998)

Peru

nuevo sol per US dollar - 3.52 (2002), 3.51 (2001), 3.49

(2000), 3.38 (1999), 2.93 (1998)

Philippines

Philippine pesos per US dollar - 51.67 (2002), 50.99

(2001), 44.19 (2000), 39.09 (1999), 40.89 (1998)

Pitcairn Islands

New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.162 (2002),

2.3776 (2001), 2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999), 1.8629 (1998), 1.5083

(1997)

Poland

zlotych per US dollar - 3.99 (2002), 4.09 (2001), 4.35

(2000), 3.97 (1999), 3.48 (1998)

note: zlotych is the plural form of zloty

Portugal

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09

(2000), 0.94 (1999)

Puerto Rico

the US dollar is used

Qatar

Qatari rials per US dollar - 3.64 (2002), 3.64 (2001), 3.64

(2000), 3.64 (1999), 3.64 (1998)

Reunion

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001),

1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US dollar - 5.8995

(1998)

Romania

lei per US dollar - 33,055.4 (2002), 29,060.8 (2001),

21,708.7 (2000), 15,332.8 (1999), 8,875.58 (1998)

Russia

Russian rubles per US dollar - 31.27 (2002), 29.17 (2001),

28.13 (2000), 24.62 (1999), 9.71 (1998)

note: the post-1 January 1998 ruble is equal to 1,000 of the pre-1

January 1998 rubles

Rwanda

Rwandan francs per US dollar - 475.37 (2002), 442.99 (2001),

389.7 (2000), 333.94 (1999), 312.31 (1998)

Saint Helena

Saint Helenian pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002),

0.6944 (2001), 0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998),

Saint Kitts and Nevis

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7

(2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7 (2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998)

Saint Lucia

East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.7

(2001), 2.7 (2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

euros per US dollar - 1.06 1.0626 (2001),

1.08540 (2000), 0.93863 (1999)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

East Caribbean dollars per US

dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7 (2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998)

Samoa

tala per US dollar - 3.37 (2002), 3.48 (2001), 3.29 (2000),

3.01 (1999), 2.95 (1998)

San Marino

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09

(2000), 0.94 (1999)

Sao Tome and Principe

dobras per US dollar - NA (2002), 8,842.11

(2001), 7,978.17 (2000), 7,118.96 (1999), 6,883.24 (1998)

Saudi Arabia

Saudi riyals per US dollar - 3.75 (2002), 3.75 (2001),

3.75 (2000), 3.75 (1999), 3.75 (1998)

Senegal

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95

(1998)

Serbia and Montenegro

new Yugoslav dinars per US dollar - official

rate: 65 (2002), 10.0 (December 1998); black market rate: 14.5

(December 1998)

Seychelles

Seychelles rupees per US dollar - 5.48 (2002), 5.86

(2001), 5.71 (2000), 5.34 (1999), 5.26 (1998)

Sierra Leone

leones per US dollar - 2,099.03 (2002), 1,986.15

(2001), 2,092.12 (2000), 1,804.19 (1999), 1,563.62 (1998)

Singapore

Singapore dollars per US dollar - 1.79 (2002), 1.79

(2001), 1.72 (2000), 1.69 (1999), 1.67 (1998)

Slovakia

koruny per US dollar - 45.33 (2002), 48.35 (2001), 46.04

(2000), 41.36 (1999), 35.23 (1998)

Slovenia

tolars per US dollar - 240.25 (2002), 242.75 (2001), 222.66

(2000), 181.77 (1999), 166.13 (1998)

Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands dollars per US dollar - NA (2002),

NA (2001), 5.09 (2000), 4.84 (1999), 4.82 (1998)

Somalia

Somali shillings per US dollar - 11,000 (November 2000),

2,620 (January 1999), 7,500 (November 1997 est.), 7,000 (January

1996 est.), 5,000 (1 January 1995)

note: the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independent

country not recognized by any foreign government, issues its own

currency, the Somaliland shilling

South Africa

rand per US dollar - 10.54 (2002), 8.61 (2001), 6.94

(2000), 6.11 (1999), 5.53 (1998)

Spain

euros per US dollar - 1.06 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000),

0.94 (1999)

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan rupees per US dollar - 95.66 (2002), 89.38

(2001), 77.01 (2000), 70.64 (1999), 64.45 (1998)

Sudan

Sudanese dinars per US dollar - 263.31 (2002), 258.7 (2001),

257.12 (2000), 252.55 (1999), 200.8 (1998)

Suriname

Surinamese guilders per US dollar - 2,346.75 (2002),

2,178.5 (2001), 1,322.47 (2000), 859.44 (1999), 401 (1998)

note: during 1998, the exchange rate splintered into four distinct

rates; in January 1999 the government floated the guilder, but

subsequently fixed it when the black-market rate plunged; the

government currently allows trading within a band of SRG 500 around

the official rate

Svalbard

Norwegian kroner per US dollar - 7.9838 (2002), 8.9917

(2001), 8.8018 (2000), 7.7992 (1999), 7.5451 (1998)

Swaziland

emalangeni per US dollar - 10.54 (2002), 8.61 (2001), 6.94

(2000), 6.11 (1999), 5.53 (1998)

Sweden

Swedish kronor per US dollar - 9.74 (2002), 10.33 (2001),

9.16 (2000), 8.26 (1999), 7.95 (1998)

Switzerland

Swiss francs per US dollar - 1.56 (2002), 1.69 (2001),

1.69 (2000), 1.5 (1999), 1.45 (1998)

Syria

Syrian pounds per US dollar - (Official rate): 11.23 (2002),

11.23 (2001), 11.23 (2000), 11.23 (1999), 11.23 (1998), (Free market

rate): 49.65 (2001), 49.4 (2000), 51.7 (1999), 52 (1998)

Taiwan

34.88 (2002), 34.74 (2001), 33.09 (2000), 31.6 (1999)

Tajikistan

Tajikistani somoni per US dollar - 2.7 (2002), 2.37

(2001), 2.08 (2000), 1.24 (1999), 0.78 (1998)

note: the new unit of exchange was introduced on 30 October 2000,

with one somoni equal to 1,000 of the old Tajikistani rubles

Tanzania

Tanzanian shillings per US dollar - NA (2002), 876.41

(2001), 800.41 (2000), 744.76 (1999), 664.67 (1998)

Thailand

baht per US dollar - 42.96 (2002), 44.43 (2001), 40.11

(2000), 37.81 (1999), 41.36 (1998)

Togo

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95

(1998)

Tokelau

New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.154 (2002), 2.3776

(2001), 2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999), 1.8632 (1998), 1.5083 (1997)

Tonga

pa'anga per US dollar NA (2002), 2.12 (2001), 1.76 (2000), 1.6

(1999), 1.49 (1998)

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago dollars per US dollar - 6.24

(2002), 6.23 (2001), 6.3 (2000), 6.3 (1999), 6.3 (1998)

Tunisia

Tunisian dinars per US dollar - 1.42 (2002), 1.44 (2001),

1.37 (2000), 1.19 (1999), 1.14 (1998)

Turkey

NA (2002), 1,225,590 (2001), 625,218 (2000), 418,783 (1999),

260,724 (1998), 151,865 (1997)

Turkmenistan

Turkmen manats per US dollar - 5,200 (2002), 5,200

(2001), 5,200 (2000), 5,200 (1999), 4,890.17 (1998); note - the

official exchange rate has not varied for the last four years; the

unofficial rate has fluctuated slightly, hovering around 21,000

manats to the dollar

Turks and Caicos Islands

the US dollar is used

Tuvalu

Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.8406

(2002), 1.9320 (2001), 1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998)

Uganda

Ugandan shillings per US dollar - 1,797.55 (2002), 1,755.66

(2001), 1,644.48 (2000), 1,454.83 (1999), 1,240.31 (1998)

Ukraine

hryvnia per US dollar - 5.33 (2002), 5.37 (2001), 5.44

(2000), 4.13 (1999), 2.45 (1998)

United Arab Emirates

Emirati dirhams per US dollar - 3.67 (2002),

3.67 (2001), 3.67 (2000), 3.67 (1999), 3.67 (1998)

United Kingdom

British pounds per US dollar - 0.67 (2002), 0.69

(2001), 0.66 (2000), 0.62 (1999), 0.6 (1998)

United States

British pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944

(2001), 0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998), Canadian

dollars per US dollar - 1.5693 (2002), 1.5488 (2001), 1.4851 (2000),

1.4857 (1999), 1.4835 (1998), Japanese yen per US dollar - 125.39

(2002), 121.53 (2001), 107.77 (2000), 113.91 (1999), 130.91 (1998),

euros per US dollar - 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.08540 (2000),

0.93863 (1999)

note: financial institutions in France, Italy, and Germany and eight

other European countries started using the euro on 1 January 1999

with the euro replacing the local currency in consenting countries

for all transactions in 2002

Uruguay

Uruguayan pesos per US dollar - 21.26 (2002), 13.32 (2001),

12.1 (2000), 11.34 (1999), 10.47 (1998)

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistani sums per US dollar - 970 (2002), 325 (2001),

236.61 (2000), 124.63 (1999), 94.49 (1998)

Vanuatu

vatu per US dollar - 139.2 (2002), 145.31 (2001), 137.64

(2000), 129.08 (1999), 127.52 (1998)

Venezuela

bolivares per US dollar - 1,160.44 (2002), 723.67 (2001),

679.96 (2000), 605.72 (1999), 547.56 (1998)

Vietnam

dong per US dollar - 15,325.8 (2002), 14,725.2 (2001),

14,167.7 (2000), 13,943.2 (1999), 13,268 (1998)

Virgin Islands

the US dollar is used

Wallis and Futuna

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per

US dollar - 126.41 (2002), 133.26 (2001), 129.43 (2000), 111.93

(1999), 107.25 (1998)

West Bank

new Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.7378 (2002), 4.2057

(2001), 4.0773 (2000), 4.1397 (1999), 3.8001 (1998), 3.4494 (1997);

Jordanian dinars per US dollar - fixed rate of 0.7090 (from 1996)

Western Sahara

Moroccan dirhams per US dollar - 11.584 (2002),

11.303 (2001), 10.626 (2000), 9.804 (1999), 9.604 (1998), 9.527

(1997)

Yemen

Yemeni rials per US dollar - NA (2002), 168.67 (2001), 161.72

(2000), 155.72 (1999), 135.88 (1998)

Zambia

Zambian kwacha per US dollar - NA (2002), 3,610.93 (2001),

3,110.84 (2000), 2,388.02 (1999), 1,862.07 (1998)

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean dollars per US dollar - 55 (2002), 55.05 (2001),

44.42 (2000), 38.3 (1999), 23.68 (1998)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2077 Executive branch

Afghanistan

note: following the Taliban's refusal to hand over Usama

bin LADIN to the US for his suspected involvement in the 11

September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US, a US-led international

coalition was formed; after several weeks of aerial bombardment by

coalition forces and military action on the ground, including Afghan

opposition forces, the Taliban was ousted from power on 17 November

2001; in December 2001, a number of prominent Afghans met under UN

auspices in Bonn, Germany, to decide on a plan for governing the

country; as a result, the Afghan Interim Authority (AIA) - made up

of 30 members, headed by a chairman - was inaugurated on 22 December

2001 with a six-month mandate to be followed by a two-year

Transitional Authority (TA), after which elections are to be held;

the structure of the follow-on TA was announced on 10 June 2002,

when the Loya Jirga (Grand Assembly) convened establishing the

Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan (TISA), which has 18

months to hold a Loya Jirga to adopt a constitution and 24 months to

hold nationwide elections

chief of state: President of the TISA, Hamid KARZAI (since 10 June

2002); note - presently the president and head of government

head of government: President of the TISA, Hamid KARZAI (since 10

June 2002); note - presently the president and head of government

cabinet: the 30-member TISA

elections: nationwide elections are to be held by June 2004,

according to the Bonn Agreement

Albania

chief of state: President of the Republic Alfred MOISIU

(since 24 July 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Fatos NANO (since 31 July 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and

approved by the president

elections: president elected by the People's Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 24 June 2002 (next to be held NA

June 2007); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Alfred MOISIU elected president; People's Assembly

vote by number - total votes 116, for 97, against 19

Algeria

chief of state: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28

April 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed OUYAHIA (since 9 May 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 15 April 1999 (next to be held NA April 2004);

prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA elected president; percent of

vote - Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA over 70%; note - his six opposing

candidates withdrew on the eve of the election citing electoral fraud

American Samoa

chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US

(since 20 January 2001) and Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since

20 January 2001)

head of government: Governor Togiola TULAFONO (since 7 April 2003)

following the death of Governor Tauese P. SUNIA on 26 March 2003;

TULAFONO had been the Lieutenant Governor

cabinet: NA

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same

ticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor elected

on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election

last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2004)

election results: Tauese P. SUNIA reelected governor; percent of

vote - Tauese P. SUNIA (Democrat) 50.7%, Lealaifuaneva Peter REID

(independent) 47.8%

note: Togiola TULAFONO became acting governor 26 March 2003 upon the

death of Governor Tauese P. SUNIA

Andorra

chief of state: French Coprince Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May

1995), represented by Philippe MASSONI (since 26 July 2002); Spanish

Coprince Episcopal Monsignor Joan Enric VIVES SICILIA (since 12 May

2003), represented by Nemesi MARQUES OSTE (since NA)

head of government: Executive Council President Marc FORNE MOLNE

(since 21 December 1994)

cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the Executive

Council president

elections: Executive Council president elected by the General

Council and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-year

term; election last held 4 March 2001 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: Marc FORNE Molne elected executive council

president; percent of General Council vote - NA%

Angola

chief of state: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21

September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and

head of government

head of government: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21

September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and

head of government; Fernando de Piedade Dias DOS SANTOS was

appointed Prime Minister on 6 December 2002, but this is not a

position of real power

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by universal ballot for a NA-year term;

President DOS SANTOS originally elected (in 1979) without opposition

under a one-party system and stood for reelection in Angola's first

multiparty elections 29-30 September 1992 (next to be held NA)

election results: DOS SANTOS 49.6%, Jonas SAVIMBI 40.1%, making a

run-off election necessary; the run-off was not held and SAVIMBI's

National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA)

repudiated the results of the first election; the civil war resumed

Anguilla

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);

represented by Governor Peter JOHNSTONE (since NA February 2000)

head of government: Chief Minister Osbourne FLEMING (since 3 March

2000)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the

elected members of the House of Assembly

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually

appointed chief minister by the governor

Antigua and Barbuda

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6

February 1952), represented by Governor General James B. CARLISLE

(since NA 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister Lester Bryant BIRD (since 8 March

1994); Deputy Prime Minister Robin YEARWOOD

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on

the advice of the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general chosen

by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following

legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the

leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister

by the governor general

Argentina

chief of state: President Nestor KIRCHNER (since 25 May

2003); note - declared winner of a runoff election by default after

Carlos Saul MENEM withdrew his candidacy on the eve of the election;

Vice President Daniel SCIOLI (since 25 May 2003); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Nestor KIRCHNER (since 25 May 2003);

note - declared winner of a runoff election by default after Carlos

Saul MENEM withdrew his candidacy on the eve of the election; Vice

President Daniel SCIOLI (since 25 May 2003); note - the president is

both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; the last election held was the

presidential primary election of 27 April 2003 (next election to be

held NA 2007); a runoff election slated for 25 May 2003 between the

two candidates receiving the highest votes in the primary was

awarded to KIRCHNER by default after MENEM withdrew his candidacy on

the eve of the election

election results: results of the presidential primary of 27 April

2003: Carlos Saul MENEM 24.3%, Nestor KIRCHNER 22%, Ricardo Lopez

MURPHY 16.4%, Adolfo Rodriguez SAA 14.4%, Elisa CARRIO 14.2%, other

8.7%; the subsequent runoff election slated for 25 May 2003 was

awarded to KIRCHNER by default after MENEM withdrew his candidacy on

the eve of the election

Armenia

chief of state: President Robert KOCHARIAN (since 30 March

1998)

head of government: Prime Minister Andranik MARKARYAN (since 12 May

2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 19 February and 5 March 2003 (next to be held NA

2008); prime minister appointed by the president; the prime minister

and Council of Ministers must resign if the National Assembly

refuses to accept their program

election results: Robert KOCHARIAN reelected president; percent of

vote - Robert KOCHARIAN 67.5%, Stepan DEMIRCHYAN 32.5%

Aruba

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30

April 1980), represented by Governor General Olindo KOOLMAN (since 1

January 1992)

head of government: Prime Minister Nelson O. ODUBER (since 30

October 2001); Deputy Prime Minister Fredis REFUNJOL

cabinet: Council of Ministers (elected by the Staten)

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed for

a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime

minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last

held 28 September 2001 (next to be held by December 2005)

election results: Nelson O. ODUBER elected prime minister; percent

of legislative vote - NA%

Australia

chief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6

February 1952), represented by Governor General Maj. Gen. (Ret.)

Michael JEFFREY (since 11 August 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister John Winston HOWARD (since 11

March 1996); Deputy Prime Minister John ANDERSON Deputy Prime

Minister John ANDERSON (since 20 July 1999)

cabinet: Parliament nominates and selects, from among its members, a

list of candidates to serve as government ministers; from this list,

the governor general swears in the final selections for the Cabinet

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime

minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or leader of a majority coalition is sworn in as

prime minister by the governor general

note: government coalition - Liberal Party and National Party

Austria

chief of state: President Thomas KLESTIL (since 8 July 1992)

head of government: Chancellor Wolfgang SCHUESSEL (OeVP)(since 4

February 2000); Vice Chancellor Hubert GORBACH (since 21 October

2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice

of the chancellor

elections: president elected by direct popular vote for a six-year

term; presidential election last held 19 April 1998 (next to be held

in the spring of 2004); chancellor traditionally chosen by the

president from the plurality party in the National Council; vice

chancellor chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor

election results: Thomas KLESTIL reelected president; percent of

vote - Thomas KLESTIL 63%, Gertraud KNOLL 14%, Heide SCHMIDT 11%,

Richard LUGNER 10%, Karl NOWAK 2%

note: government coalition - OeVP and FPOe

Azerbaijan

chief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October

2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 4 November

2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Abbas ABBASOV (since 10 November

2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and

confirmed by the National Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote to a five-year term;

election last held 15 October 2003 (next to be held NA October

2008); prime minister and first deputy prime ministers appointed by

the president and confirmed by the National Assembly

election results: Ilham ALIYEV elected president; percent of vote -

Ilham ALIYEV 76.8%, Isa GAMBAROV 14%

Bahamas, The

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952), represented by Governor General Ivy DUMONT (since NA May 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Perry CHRISTIE (since 3 May 2002)

and Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia PRATT (since 7 May 2002)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the prime

minister's recommendation

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the

prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Bahrain

chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa (since 6 March

1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of the

monarch, born 21 October 1969)

head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa

(since NA 1971)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister

appointed by the monarch

Bangladesh

chief of state: President Iajuddin AHMED (since 6

September 2002); note - the president's duties are normally

ceremonial, but with the 13th amendment to the constitution

("Caretaker Government Amendment"), the president's role becomes

significant at times when Parliament is dissolved and a caretaker

government is installed - at presidential direction - to supervise

the elections

head of government: Prime Minister Khaleda ZIA (since 10 October

2001)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the

president

elections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-year

term; election scheduled for 16 September 2002 was not held since

Iajuddin AHMED was the only presidential candidate; he was sworn in

on 6 September 2002 (next election to be held by NA 2007); following

legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most

seats is usually appointed prime minister by the president

election results: Iajuddin AHMED declared by the Election Commission

elected unopposed as president; percent of National Parliament vote

- NA%

Barbados

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS

(since 1 June 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Owen Seymour ARTHUR (since 6

September 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 26 May

2003)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the

prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Belarus

chief of state: President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20

July 1994)

head of government: Prime Minister Sergei SIDORSKY (acting; since 10

July 2003); Deputy Prime Ministers Andrei KOBYAKOV (since 13 March

2000), Sergei SIDORSKY (since 24 September 2001), Vladimir DRAZHIN

(since 24 September 2001), Roman VNUCHKO (since 10 July 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

first election took place 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to the

1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999,

however LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via a November 1996

referendum; new election held 9 September 2001 (next election to be

held by September 2006); prime minister and deputy prime ministers

appointed by the president

election results: Aleksandr LUKASHENKO reelected president; percent

of vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 75.6%, Vladimir GONCHARIK 15.4%

Belgium

chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir

Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch

head of government: Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT (since 13 July

1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch and approved

by Parliament

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the

monarch and then approved by Parliament

note: government coalition - VLD, MR, PS, SP, AGALEV, and ECOLO

Belize

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17

November 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister Said Wilbert MUSA (since 28

August 1998); Deputy Prime Minister John BRICENO (since 1 September

1998)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime

minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Benin

chief of state: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April

1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;

runoff election held 22 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2006)

election results: Mathieu KEREKOU reelected president; percent of

vote - Mathieu KEREKOU 84.1%, Bruno AMOUSSOU 15.9%

note: the four top-ranking contenders following the first-round

presidential elections were: Mathieu KEREKOU (incumbent) 45.4%,

Nicephore SOGOLO (former president) 27.1%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI

(National Assembly Speaker) 12.6%, and Bruno AMOUSSOU (Minister of

State) 8.6%; the second-round balloting, originally scheduled for 18

March 2001, was postponed four days because both SOGOLO and

HOUNGBEDJI withdrew alleging electoral fraud; this left KEREKOU to

run against his own Minister of State, AMOUSSOU, in what was termed

a "friendly match"

Bermuda

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor Sir John VEREKER (since NA April 2002)

head of government: Premier Alex SCOTT (since 24 July 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually

appointed premier by the governor

Bhutan

chief of state: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July

1972)

head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Lyonpo

Jigme Y. THINLEY (since 30 August 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the

monarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed,

five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council

(Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary, but democratic reforms

in July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the

monarch with two-thirds vote

Bolivia

chief of state: President Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert (since

17 October 2003); Vice President (vacant); note - the president is

both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert (since 17

October 2003); Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both

the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 30 June 2002

(next to be held NA June 2007)

election results: as a result of no candidate winning a majority in

the 30 June 2002 election, Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA Bustamante was

chosen president by Congress; Congressional votes - Gonzalo SANCHEZ

DE LOZADA Bustamante 84, Evo MORALES 43; note - following the

resignation of the elected president on 17 October 2003, Vice

President Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert assumed the presidency

Bosnia and Herzegovina

chief of state: Chairman of the Presidency

Dragan COVIC (chairman since 27 June 2003; presidency member since 5

October 2002 - Croat) other members of the three-member rotating

(every eight months) presidency: Sulejman TIHIC (since 5 October

2002 - Bosniak) and Borislav PARAVAC (since 10 April 2003 - Serb);

note - Mirko SAROVIC resigned 2 April 2003

head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Adnan

TERZIC (since 20 December 2002),

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman;

approved by the National House of Representatives

elections: the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one

Croat, one Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term;

the member with the most votes becomes the chairman unless he or she

was the incumbent chairman at the time of the election, but the

chairmanship rotates every eight months; election last held 5

October 2002 (next to be held NA 2006); the chairman of the Council

of Ministers is appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the

National House of Representatives

election results: percent of vote - Mirko SAROVIC with 35.5% of the

Serb vote was elected chairman of the collective presidency for the

first eight months; Dragan COVIC received 61.5% of the Croat vote;

Sulejman TIHIC received 37% of the Bosniak vote

note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Niko

LOZANCIC (since 27 January 2003); Vice Presidents Sahbaz DZIHANOVIC

(since NA 2003) and Desnica RADIVOJEVIC (since NA 2003); President

of the Republika Srpska: Dragan COVIC (since 28 November 2002)

Botswana

chief of state: President Festus MOGAE (since 1 April 1998)

and Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Festus MOGAE (since 1 April 1998) and

Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 16 October 1999 (next to be held

NA October 2004); vice president appointed by the president

election results: Festus MOGAE elected president; percent of

National Assembly vote - 54.3%

Brazil

chief of state: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (since 1

January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (since 1

January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 6 October

2002 (next to be held NA October 2006); runoff election held 27

October 2002

election results: in runoff election 27 October 2002, Luiz Inacio

LULA DA SILVA (PT) was elected with 61.3% of the vote; Jose SERRA

(PSDB) 38.7%

British Indian Ocean Territory

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II

(since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Commissioner Alan HUCKLE (since 2001);

Administrator Louise SAVILL (since NA); note - both reside in the UK

cabinet: NA

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; commissioner and

administrator appointed by the monarch

British Virgin Islands

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6

February 1952), represented by Governor Tom MACAN (since 14 October

2002)

head of government: Chief Minister Orlando SMITH (since 17 June 2003)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of

the Legislative Council

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually

appointed chief minister by the governor

Brunei

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL

Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief

of state and head of government

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah

(since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of

state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by

the monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also a

Religious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises on

religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the

monarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of

Succession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines the

succession to the throne if the need arises

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary

Bulgaria

chief of state: President Georgi PURVANOV (since 22 January

2002); Vice President Angel MARIN (since 22 January 2002)

head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime

Minister) Simeon SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA (since 24 July 2001); Deputy

Prime Ministers Nikolay VASILEV (since 24 July 2001), and Lidiya

SHULEVA (since 24 July 2001), Plamen PANAYOTOV (since 17 July 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 11 November

and 18 November 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); chairman of the

Council of Ministers (prime minister) nominated by the president;

deputy prime ministers nominated by the prime minister

election results: Georgi PURVANOV elected president; percent of vote

- Georgi PURVANOV 54.13%, Petar STOYANOV 45.87%

Burkina Faso

chief of state: President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15

October 1987)

head of government: Prime Minister Ernest Paramanga YONLI (since 6

November 2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 15 November 1998 (next to be held NA 2005); in

April 2000, the constitution was amended reducing the presidential

term from seven to five years, enforceable as of 2005, and allowing

the president to be reelected only once; it is unclear whether this

amendment will be applied retroactively or not; prime minister

appointed by the president with the consent of the legislature

election results: Blaise COMPAORE reelected president with 87.5%

percent of the vote

note: President COMPAORE faces an increasingly well-coordinated

opposition; recent charges against a former member of his

Presidential Guard in the 1998 assassination of a newspaper editor

signify an attempt to defuse chronic areas of dissatisfaction

Burma

chief of state: Chairman of the State Peace and Development

Council Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992)

head of government: Chairman of the State Peace and Development

Council Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992); note - the

appointed Prime Minister, Gen. KNIN NYUNT (since 25 August 2003), is

not the head of government

cabinet: State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); military junta,

so named 15 November 1997, which initially assumed power 18

September 1988 under the name State Law and Order Restoration

Council; the SPDC oversees the cabinet

elections: none

Burundi

chief of state: President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since 30 April

2003); note - NDAYIZEYE, a Hutu, was sworn in as president for the

second half of the three-year transitional government inaugurated on

1 November 2001; Vice President Alphonse KADEGE (since 30 April

2003); note - from the Tutsi minority

head of government: President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since 30 April

2003); note - NDAYIZEYE, a Hutu, was sworn in as president for the

second half of the three-year transitional government inaugurated on

1 November 2001; Vice President Alphonse KADEGE (since 30 April

2003); note - from the Tutsi minority

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president

elections: NA; current president assumed power on 30 April 2003 as

part of the transitional government established by the 2000 Arusha

Accord

Cambodia

chief of state: King Norodom SIHANOUK (reinstated 24

September 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 30 November 1998)

and Deputy Prime Ministers SAR KHENG (since 1993) and TOL LAH (since

1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is chosen by a Royal Throne Council;

following legislative elections, a member of the majority party or

majority coalition is named prime minister by the Chairman of the

National Assembly and appointed by the king

Cameroon

chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)

head of government: Prime Minister Peter Mafany MUSONGE (since 19

September 1996)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from proposals submitted

by the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 12 October 1997 (next to be held NA October

2004); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote -

Paul BIYA 92.6%; note - supporters of the opposition candidates

boycotted the elections, making a comparison of vote shares

relatively meaningless

Canada

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Adrienne CLARKSON (since 7 October

1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Paul MARTIN (since 12 December

2003); Deputy Prime Minister Anne MCLELLAN (since 12 December 2003)

cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister from among

the members of his own party sitting in Parliament

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a

five-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House

of Commons is automatically designated prime minister by the

governor general

Cape Verde

chief of state: President Pedro PIRES (since 22 March

2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1

February 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 11 and 25 February 2001 (next to be held NA

February 2006); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly

and appointed by the president

election results: Pedro PIRES elected president; percent of vote -

Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 49.43%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 49.42%; note - the

election was won by only twelve votes

Cayman Islands

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952); Governor Bruce DINWIDDY (since 29 May 2002)

head of government: Chief Secretary W. McKeeva BUSH (since NA

December 2001)

cabinet: Executive Council (three members appointed by the governor,

four members elected by the Legislative Assembly)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor is

appointed by the monarch; the chief secretary is appointed by the

governor

Central African Republic

chief of state: President Francois BOZIZE

(since 15 March 2003 coup)

head of government: Prime Minister Abel GOUMBA (since NA March 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers

elections: NA; current president assumed power following a coup on

15 March 2003 in which former President Ange-Felix PATASSE was

overthrown (President BOZIZE has stated that elections will be held

by NA 2004); prime minister appointed by the president

Chad

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY (since 4

December 1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Moussa Faki MAHAMAT (since NA

July 2003)

cabinet: Council of State, members appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote to serve five-year

term; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the

two candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second

round of voting; last held 20 May 2001 (next to be held NA 2006);

prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY reelected president; percent

of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 63%, Ngarlegy YORONGAR 16%, Saleh

KEBZABO 7%

note: government coalition - MPS, UNDR, and URD

Chile

chief of state: President Ricardo LAGOS Escobar (since 11

March 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

head of government: President Ricardo LAGOS Escobar (since 11 March

2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 12 December 1999, with runoff election held 16

January 2000 (next to be held NA December 2005)

election results: Ricardo LAGOS Escobar elected president; percent

of vote - Ricardo LAGOS Escobar 51.32%, Joaquin LAVIN 48.68%

China

chief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003) and

Vice President ZENG Qinghong (since 15 March 2003)

head of government: Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003); Vice

Premiers HUANG Ju (since 17 March 2003), WU Yi (17 March 2003), ZENG

Peiyan (since 17 March 2003), and HUI Liangyu (since 17 March 2003)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the National People's Congress

(NPC)

elections: president and vice president elected by the National

People's Congress for five-year terms; elections last held 15-17

March 2003 (next to be held mid-March 2008); premier nominated by

the president, confirmed by the National People's Congress

election results: HU Jintao elected president by the Tenth National

People's Congress with a total of 2,937 votes (4 delegates voted

against him, 4 abstained, and 38 did not vote); ZENG Qinghong

elected vice president by the Tenth National People's Congress with

a total of 2,578 votes (177 delegates voted against him, 190

abstained, and 38 did not vote); 2 seats were vacant

Christmas Island

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6

February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Administrator William Leonard TAYLOR (since 4

February 1999)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed

by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and

Australia

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6

February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Administrator (nonresident) William Leonard

TAYLOR (since 4 February 1999)

cabinet: NA

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed

by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and

Australia

Colombia

chief of state: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7

August 2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7 August

2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet consists of a coalition of the two dominant parties

- the PL and PSC - and independents

elections: president and vice president elected by popular vote for

a four-year term; election last held 26 May 2002 (next to be held NA

May 2006)

election results: President Alvaro URIBE Velez received 53% of the

vote; Vice President Francisco SANTOS was elected on the same ticket

Comoros

chief of state: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May

2002); note - following a 1999 coup AZALI was appointed president;

in January 2002 he resigned his position to run in the 14 April 2002

presidential elections; Prime Minister Hamada Madi BOLERO was

appointed interim president until replaced again by AZALI in May

2002 when BOLERO was appointed Minister of External Defense and

Territorial Security; the president is both the chief of state and

the head of government

head of government: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2002);

note - following a 1999 coup AZALI was appointed president; in

January 2002 he resigned his position to run in the 14 April 2002

presidential elections; Prime Minister Hamada Madi BOLERO was

appointed interim president until replaced again by AZALI in May

2002 when BOLERO was appointed Minister of External Defense and

Territorial Security; the president is both the chief of state and

the head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: as defined by the 2001 constitution, the presidency

rotates every four years among the elected presidents from the three

main islands in the Union; election last held 14 April 2002 (next to

be held NA April 2007); prime minister appointed by the president;

note - AZALI has not appointed a Prime Minister since he was sworn

into office in May 2002

election results: President AZALI Assoumani elected president with

75% of the vote

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

chief of state: President Joseph

KABILA (since 26 January 2001); note - following the assassination

of his father, Laurent Desire KABILA, on 16 January 2001, Joseph

KABILA succeeded to the presidency; the president is both the chief

of state and head of government

head of government: President Joseph KABILA (since 26 January 2001);

note - following the assassination of his father, Laurent Desire

KABILA, on 16 January 2001, Joseph KABILA succeeded to the

presidency; the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: National Executive Council, appointed by the president

elections: prior to the overthrow of MOBUTU Sese Seko, the president

was elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last

held 29 July 1984 (next was scheduled to be held in May 1997);

formerly, there was also a prime minister who was elected by the

High Council of the Republic; note - a Transitional Government is

drafting a new constitution with free elections scheduled to be held

in NA 2005

election results: results of the last election were: MOBUTU Sese

Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga reelected president in 1984 without

opposition

note: Joseph KABILA succeeded his father, Laurent Desire KABILA,

following the latter's assassination in January 2001, negotiations

with rebel leaders led to the establishment of a Transitional

Government in July 2003 with free elections scheduled to be held in

NA 2005

Congo, Republic of the

chief of state: President Denis

SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war in

which he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October

1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected president

Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief of state

and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term

(eligible for a second seven-year term); election last held 10 March

2002 (next to be held NA 2009)

election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percent

of vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 89.4%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU

2.7%

Cook Islands

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952), represented by Frederick GOODWIN (since NA); New Zealand High

Commissioner Kurt MEYER (since NA), representative of New Zealand

head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Robert WOONTON (since 12

February 2002); Deputy Prime Minister Ngamau MUNOKOA (since 5

November 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively

responsible to Parliament

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the UK representative is

appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner is

appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition usually becomes prime minister

Coral Sea Islands

administered from Canberra by the Department of

the Environment, Sport, and Territories

Costa Rica

chief of state: President Abel PACHECO (since 8 May

2002); First Vice President Lineth SABORIO (since NA May 2002);

Second Vice President Luis FISHMAN (since NA May 2002); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Abel PACHECO (since 8 May 2002); First

Vice President Lineth SABORIO (since NA May 2002); Second Vice

President Luis FISHMAN (since NA May 2002); note - the president is

both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president

elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 3 February

2002; run-off election held 7 April 2002 (next to be held NA

February 2006)

election results: Abel PACHECO elected president; percent of vote -

Abel PACHECO (PUSC) 58%; Rolando ARAYA (PLN) 42%

Cote d'Ivoire

chief of state: President Laurent GBAGBO (since 26

October 2000); note - took power following a popular overthrow of

the interim leader Gen. Robert GUEI who had claimed a dubious

victory in presidential elections; Gen. GUEI himself had assumed

power on 25 December 1999, following a military coup against the

government of former President Henri Konan BEDIE

head of government: Prime Minister Seydou DIARRA (since 25 January

2003); note - appointed as transitional Prime Minister by President

GBAGBO as part of a French brokered peace plan

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 26 October 2000 (next to be held NA 2005); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: Laurent GBAGBO elected president; percent of vote

- Laurent GBAGBO 59.4%, Robert GUEI 32.7%, Francis WODIE 5.7%, other

2.2%

Croatia

chief of state: President Stjepan (Stipe) MESIC (since 18

February 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Ivica RACAN (since 27 January

2000); Deputy Prime Ministers Goran GRANIC (since 27 January 2000),

Ante SIMONIC (since 30 July 2002), Zeljka ANTUNOVI (since 27 January

2000), Slavko LINIC (since 27 January 2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and

approved by the House of Representatives

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 7 February 2000 (next to be held NA 2005); prime

minister nominated by the president in line with the balance of

power in the Assembly

election results: Stjepan MESIC elected president; percent of vote -

Stjepan MESIC (HNS) 56%, Drazen BUDISA (HSLS) 44%

note: government coalition - SDP, HSLS, HSS, LP, HNS; a sixth party,

the Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS), withdrew in June 2001

Cuba

chief of state: President of the Council of State and President

of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister from

February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;

president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the

Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of

Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President of the Council of State and President

of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister from

February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;

president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the

Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of

Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the

Council of State, appointed by the National Assembly; note - there

is also a Council of State whose members are elected by the National

Assembly

elections: president and vice president elected by the National

Assembly; election last held 6 March 2003 (next to be held in 2008)

election results: Fidel CASTRO Ruz reelected president; percent of

legislative vote - 100%; Raul CASTRO Ruz elected vice president;

percent of legislative vote - 100%

Cyprus

chief of state: President Tassos PAPADOPOULOS (since 1 March

2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the

1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot

head of government: President Tassos PAPADOPOULOS (since 1 March

2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the

1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and

vice president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 16 February 2003 (next to be held NA February

2008)

election results: Tassos PAPADOPOULOS elected president; percent of

vote - Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 51.5%, Glafkos KLIRIDIS 38.8%, Alekos

MARKIDIS 6.6%

note: Rauf R. DENKTASH has been "president" of the Turkish Cypriot

area since 13 February 1975 ("president" elected by popular vote for

a five-year term); elections last held 15 April 2000 (next to be

held NA April 2005); results - Rauf R. DENKTASH reelected president

after the other contender withdrew; Dervis EROGLU has been "prime

minister" of the Turkish Cypriot area since 16 August 1996; there is

a Council of Ministers (cabinet) in the Turkish Cypriot area

Czech Republic

chief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March

2003)

note: the Czech Republic's first president Vaclav HAVEL stepped down

from office on 2 February 2003 having served exactly 10 years;

parliament finally elected a successor on 28 February 2003 after two

inconclusive elections in January 2003

head of government: Prime Minister Vladimir SPIDLA (since 12 July

2002), Deputy Prime Ministers Bohuslav SOBOTKA (since 20 August

2003), Cyril SVOBODA (since July 2002), Stanislav GROSS (since July

2002), Petr MARES (since July 2002)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of

the prime minister

elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;

last successful election held 28 February 2003 (after earlier

elections held 15 and 24 January 2003 were inconclusive); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: Vaclav KLAUS elected president on 28 February

2003; Vaclav KLAUS 142 votes, Jan SOKOL 124 votes (third round;

combined votes of both chambers of parliament)

Denmark

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972);

Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born

26 May 1968)

head of government: Prime Minister Anders Fogh RASMUSSEN (since 27

November 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by

Parliament

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

Djibouti

chief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May

1999)

head of government: Prime Minister DILEITA Mohamed Dileita (since 4

March 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 9 April 1999 (next to be held NA 2005); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH elected president; percent of

vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH 74.4%, IDRIS Moussa Ahmed 25.6%

Dominica

chief of state: President Nicholas LIVERPOOL (since 10

November 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Pierre CHARLES (since 1 October

2000); note - assumed post after death of Prime Minister Roosevelt

DOUGLAS

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the

prime minister

elections: president elected by the House of Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 1 October 2003 (next to be held

NA October 2008); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL elected president; percent of

legislative vote - NA%

Dominican Republic

chief of state: President Rafael Hipolito MEJIA

Dominguez (since 16 August 2000); Vice President Milagros

ORTIZ-BOSCH (since 16 August 2000); note - the president is both the

chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez (since

16 August 2000); Vice President Milagros ORTIZ-BOSCH (since 16

August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 16 May 2000

(next to be held NA May 2004)

election results: Raphael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez elected

president; percent of vote - Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez (PRD)

49.87%, Danilo MEDINA (PLD) 24.95%, Joaquin BALAGUER (PRSC) 24.6%

East Timor

chief of state: President Jose Alexander GUSMAO (since 20

May 2002); note - the president plays a largely symbolic role but is

able to veto some legislation; he often is referred to as Xanana

GUSMAO

head of government: Prime Minister Mari Bin Amude ALKATIRI (since 20

May 2002)

cabinet: Council of State

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 14 April 2002 (next to be held NA April 2007);

after the first legislative elections, the leader of the majority

party was appointed prime minister by the president, suggesting a

precedent for the future

election results: Jose Alexander GUSMAO elected president; percent

of vote - Jose Alexander GUSMAO 82.7%, Francisco Xavier do AMARAL

17.3%

Ecuador

chief of state: President Lucio GUTIERREZ (since 15 January

2003); Vice President Alfredo PALACIO (since 15 January 2003); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Lucio GUTIERREZ (since 15 January

2003); Vice President Alfredo PALACIO (since 15 January 2003); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: the president and vice president are elected on the same

ticket by popular vote for four-year term (no reelection); election

last held 20 October 2002; runoff election held 24 November 2002

(next to be held NA October 2006)

election results: results of the 24 November 2002 runoff election -

Lucio GUTIERREZ elected president; percent of vote - Lucio GUTIERREZ

54.3%; Alvaro NOBOA 45.7%

Egypt

chief of state: President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14

October 1981)

head of government: Prime Minister Atef Mohammed ABEID (since 5

October 1999)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president nominated by the People's Assembly for a

six-year term, the nomination must then be validated by a national,

popular referendum; national referendum last held 26 September 1999

(next to be held NA October 2005); prime minister appointed by the

president

election results: national referendum validated President MUBARAK's

nomination by the People's Assembly to a fourth term

El Salvador

chief of state: President Francisco FLORES Perez (since

1 June 1999); Vice President Carlos QUINTANILLA Schmidt (since 1

June 1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head

of government

head of government: President Francisco FLORES Perez (since 1 June

1999); Vice President Carlos QUINTANILLA Schmidt (since 1 June

1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 7 March 1999

(next to be held NA March 2004)

election results: Francisco FLORES Perez elected president; percent

of vote - Francisco FLORES (ARENA) 52%, Facundo GUARDADO (FMLN) 29%,

Ruben ZAMORA (CD) 7.5%, other (no individual above 3%) 11.5%

Equatorial Guinea

chief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.)

Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seized

power in a military coup)

head of government: Prime Minister Candido Muatetema RIVAS (since 26

February 2001); First Deputy Prime Minister Miguel OYONO NDONG

(since NA January 1998); Deputy Prime Minister Demetrio Elo NDONG

NZE FUMU (since NA January 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 15 December 2002 (next to be held NA December

2009); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the

president

election results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president;

percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 97.1%, Celestino

Bonifacio BACALE 2.2%; elections marred by widespread fraud

Eritrea

chief of state: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June

1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly

head of government: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly

cabinet: State Council is the collective executive authority;

members appointed by the president

elections: president elected by the National Assembly; election last

held 8 June 1993 (next election date uncertain as the National

Assembly did not hold a presidential election in December 2001 as

anticipated)

election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of

National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%

Estonia

chief of state: President Arnold RUUTEL (since 8 October

2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Juhan PARTS (since 10 April 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,

approved by Parliament

elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if

he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three rounds

of balloting in the Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up

of Parliament plus members of local governments) elects the

president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest

percentage of votes; election last held 21 September 2001 (next to

be held in the fall of 2006); prime minister nominated by the

president and approved by Parliament

election results: Arnold RUUTEL elected president on 21 September

2001 by a 367-member electoral assembly that convened following

Parliament's failure in August to elect then-President MERI's

successor; on the second ballot of voting, RUUTEL received 188 votes

to Parliament Speaker Toomas SAVI's 155; the remaining 24 ballots

were either left blank or invalid

Ethiopia

chief of state: President GIRMA Woldegiorgis (since 8

October 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since NA August

1995)

cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided for in the December 1994

constitution; ministers are selected by the prime minister and

approved by the House of People's Representatives

elections: president elected by the House of People's

Representatives for a six-year term; election last held 8 October

2001 (next to be held NA October 2007); prime minister designated by

the party in power following legislative elections

election results: GIRMA Woldegiorgis elected president; percent of

vote by the House of People's Representatives - 100%

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II

(since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Governor Howard PEARCE (since 3 December 2002);

Chief Executive Chris SIMPKINS (since NA March 2003); Financial

Secretary Derek F. HOWATT (since NA)

cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative

Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial

secretary), and the governor

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch

Faroe Islands

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since

14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Birgit KLEIS,

chief administrative officer (since 1 November 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Anfinn KALLSBERG (since 15 May

1998)

cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister

elections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually

elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held

30 April 2002 (next to be held no later than April 2006)

election results: Anfinn KALLSBERG elected prime minister; percent

of parliamentary vote - 52.8%

note: coalition of People's Party, Republican Party, Home Rule

Party, and Center Party

Fiji

chief of state: President Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda

(since NA 2000); Vice President Jope SENILOLI (since NA 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10

September 2000)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the

members of Parliament and is responsible to Parliament; note - there

is also a Presidential Council that advises the president on matters

of national importance and a Great Council of Chiefs, which consists

of the highest ranking members of the traditional chief system

elections: president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a

five-year term; prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda elected president

by the Great Council of Chiefs; percent of vote - NA%

Finland

chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Matti VANHANEN (since 24 June

2003) and Deputy Prime Minister Antti KALLIOMAKI (since 17 April

2003); note - former Prime Minister Anneli JAATTEENMAKI resigned

cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the

president, responsible to Parliament

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 16 January 2000 and 6 February 2000 (next to be

held NA February 2006); prime minister and deputy prime minister

appointed from the majority party by the president after

parliamentary elections

election results: Tarja HALONEN elected president; percent of vote -

Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 51.6%, Esko AHO (Kesk) 48.4%

note: government coalition - KESK, SDP, and SFP

France

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN (since 7 May

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

suggestion of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term

(changed from seven-year term in 2001); election last held 21 April

and 5 May 2002 (next to be held, first round NA April 2007, second

round NA May 2007); prime minister nominated by the National

Assembly majority and appointed by the president

election results: Jacques CHIRAC reelected president; percent of

vote, second ballot - Jacques CHIRAC (RPR) 81.96%, Jean-Marie LE PEN

(FN) 18.04%

French Guiana

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France

(since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Ange MANCINI (since 31

July 2002)

head of government: President of the General Council Joseph

HO-TEN-YOU (since 26 March 2001); President of the Regional Council

Antoine KARAM (since 22 March 1992)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the

French Ministry of Interior; presidents of the General and Regional

Councils are appointed by the members of those councils

French Polynesia

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France

(since 17 May 1995), represented by High Commissioner of the

Republic Michel MATHIEU (since 24 October 2001)

head of government: President of the Territorial Government of

French Polynesia Gaston FLOSSE (since 4 April 1991); President of

the Territorial Assembly Lucette TAERO (since 17 May 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president submits a list of members

of the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve as

ministers

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the

advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the

Territorial Government and the president of the Territorial Assembly

are elected by the members of the assembly

Gabon

chief of state: President El Hadj Omar BONGO (since 2 December

1967)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Francois NTOUTOUME-EMANE

(since 23 January 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in

consultation with the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 6 December 1998 (next to be held NA 2005); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: President El Hadj Omar BONGO reelected; percent of

vote - El Hadj Omar BONGO 66.6%, Pierre MAMBOUNDOU 16.5%, Fr. Paul

M'BA-ABESSOLE 13.4%

Gambia, The

chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since

18 October 1996; note - from 1994 to 1996 he was Chairman of the

Junta); Vice President Isatou Njie SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18

October 1996; note - from 1994 to 1996 was he Chairman of the

Junta); Vice President Isatou Njie SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

the number of terms is not restricted; election last held 18 October

2001 (next to be held NA October 2006)

election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percent

of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 52.9%, Ousainou DARBOE 32.7%

Georgia

chief of state: President Nino BURJANADZE (acting president

since 23 November 2003; formerly parliamentary speaker, she assumed

the presidency upon the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Nino BURJANADZE (acting president

since 23 November 2003; formerly parliamentary speaker, she assumed

the presidency upon the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 9 April 2000 (next to be held 4 January 2004 to

replace Eduard SHEVARDNADZE)

election results: Eduard SHEVARDNADZE reelected president; percent

of vote - Eduard SHEVARDNADZE 80%; note - following the resignation

of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, Nino BURJANADZE became acting president

Germany

chief of state: President Johannes RAU (since 1 July 1999)

head of government: Chancellor Gerhard SCHROEDER (since 27 October

1998)

cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by

the president on the recommendation of the chancellor

elections: president elected for a five-year term by a Federal

Convention including all members of the Federal Assembly and an

equal number of delegates elected by the state parliaments; election

last held 23 May 1999 (next to be held 23 May 2004); chancellor

elected by an absolute majority of the Federal Assembly for a

four-year term; election last held 22 September 2002 (next to be

held NA September 2006)

election results: Johannes RAU elected president; percent of Federal

Convention vote - 57.6%; Gerhard SCHROEDER elected chancellor;

percent of Federal Assembly vote 50.7%

Ghana

chief of state: President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7 January

2001); Vice President Alhaji Aliu MAHAMA (since 7 January 2001);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7 January

2001); Vice President Alhaji Aliu MAHAMA (since 7 January 2001);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president nominates members subject

to approval by Parliament

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 7 and 28

December 2000 (next to be held NA December 2004)

election results: John Agyekum KUFUOR elected president in runoff

election; percent of vote - John KUFUOR 56.4%, John Atta MILLS 43.6%

Gibraltar

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952), represented by Governor and Commander-in-Chief Sir Francis

RICHARDS (since 27 May 2003)

head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 15 elected

members of the House of Assembly by the governor in consultation

with the chief minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually

appointed chief minister by the governor

Greece

chief of state: President Konstandinos (Kostis)

STEPHANOPOULOS (since 10 March 1995)

head of government: Prime Minister Konstandinos SIMITIS (since 19

January 1996)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of

the prime minister

elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;

election last held 8 February 2000 (next to be held by NA February

2005); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Konstandinos STEPHANOPOULOS reelected president;

percent of Parliament vote - 90%

Greenland

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14

January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Gunnar MARTENS

(since NA 1995)

head of government: Prime Minister Hans ENOKSEN (since 14 December

2002)

cabinet: Home Rule Government is elected by the Parliament

(Landstinget) on the basis of the strength of parties

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed

by the monarch; prime minister is elected by Parliament (usually the

leader of the majority party); election last held 3 December 2002

(next to be held NA December 2006)

election results: Hans ENOKSEN elected prime minister

note: government coalition - Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit

Grenada

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Daniel WILLIAMS (since 9 August 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Keith MITCHELL (since 22 June

1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general

Guadeloupe

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since

17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Dominique VIAN (since 6 August

2002)

head of government: President of the General Council Jacques GILLOT

(since 26 March 2001); President of the Regional Council Lucette

MICHAUX-CHEVRY (since 22 March 1992)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the

French Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the General and

Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils

election results: NA

Guam

chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20

January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January

2001)

head of government: Governor Felix P. P. CAMACHO (since 6 January

2003) and Lieutenant Governor Kaleo MOYLAN (since 6 January 2003)

cabinet: executive departments; heads appointed by the governor with

the consent of the Guam legislature

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same

ticket for a four-year term; governor and lieutenant governor

elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year term;

election last held 5 November 2002 (next to be held NA November 2006)

election results: Felix P. P. CAMACHO elected governor; percent of

vote - Felix P. P. CAMACHO (Republican Party) 55.4%, Robert A.

UNDERWOOD (Democratic Party) 44.6%

Guatemala

chief of state: President Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera

(since 14 January 2000); Vice President Juan Francisco REYES Lopez

(since 14 January 2000); note - the president is both the chief of

state and head of government

head of government: President Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera

(since 14 January 2000); Vice President Juan Francisco REYES Lopez

(since 14 January 2000); note - the president is both the chief of

state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;

election last held 7 November 1999; runoff held 26 December 1999

(next to be held NA November 2003)

election results: Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera elected

president; percent of vote - Alfonso Antonio PORTILLO Cabrera (FRG)

68%, Oscar BERGER Perdomo (PAN) 32%

Guernsey

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander-in-Chief Lt.

Gen. Sir John FOLEY (since NA 2000) and Bailiff de Vic Graham CAREY

(since NA 1999)

cabinet: Advisory and Finance Committee appointed by the Assembly of

the States

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor

appointed by the monarch; bailiff appointed by the monarch

Guinea

chief of state: President Lansana CONTE (head of military

government since 5 April 1984, elected president 19 December 1993)

head of government: Prime Minister Lamine SIDIME (since 8 March 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast to be elected

president; election last held 14 December 1998 (next to be held NA

December 2003); the prime minister is appointed by the president

election results: Lansana CONTE reelected president; percent of vote

- Lansana CONTE (PUP) 56.1%, Mamadou Boye BA (UPR) 24.6%, Alpha

CONDE (RPG) 16.6%,

Guinea-Bissau

chief of state: President Henrique ROSA (interim;

since 28 September 2003); note - a September 2003 coup overthrough

the elected government of Kumba YALA; General Verissimo Correia

SEABRA served as interim president from 14 to 28 September 2003

head of government: Prime Minister Artur SANHA (since 28 September

2003)

cabinet: NA

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 28 November 1999 and 16 January 2000 (next to be

held NA 2004); prime minister appointed by the president after

consultation with party leaders in the legislature

election results: Kumba YALA elected president; percent of vote,

second ballot - Kumba YALA (PRS) 72%, Malan Bacai SANHA (PAIGC) 28%

note: a bloodless coup led to the dissolution of the elected

government of Kumba YALA in September 2003; General Verissimo

Correia SEABRA served as interim president from 14 September 2003

until stepping aside on 28 September 2003 with the establishment of

a caretaker government

Guyana

chief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August

1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of President JAGAN

head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since NA December

1997)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president,

responsible to the legislature

elections: president elected by the majority party in the National

Assembly following legislative elections, which must be held at

least every five years; elections last held 19 March 2001 (next to

be held by March 2006); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent of

legislative vote - NA%

Haiti

chief of state: President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE (since 7

February 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Yvon NEPTUNE (since 4 March

2002); note - former Prime Minister CHERESTAL resigned in January

2002

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with

the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 26 November 2000 (next to be held NA 2005); prime

minister appointed by the president, ratified by the National

Assembly

election results: Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE elected president; percent

of vote - Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE 92%

Holy See (Vatican City)

chief of state: Pope JOHN PAUL II (since 16

October 1978)

head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo SODANO (since

2 December 1990)

cabinet: Pontifical Commission appointed by the pope

elections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals;

election last held 16 October 1978 (next to be held after the death

of the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope

election results: Karol WOJTYLA elected pope

Honduras

chief of state: President Ricardo (Joest) MADURO (since 27

January 2002); First Vice President Vicente WILLIAMS Agasse (since

27 January 2002); Second Vice President Armida Villela Maria DE

LOPEZ Contreras (since 27 January 2002); Third Vice President

Alberto DIAZ Lobo (since 27 January 2002); note - the president is

both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Ricardo (Joest) MADURO (since 27

January 2002); First Vice President Vicente WILLIAMS Agasse (since

27 January 2002); Second Vice President Armida Villela Maria DE

LOPEZ Contreras (since 27 January 2002); Third Vice President

Alberto DIAZ Lobo (since 27 January 2002); note - the president is

both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;

election last held 25 November 2001 (next to be held NA November

2005)

election results: Ricardo (Joest) MADURO (PN) elected president -

52.2%, Raphael PINEDA Ponce (PL) 44.3%, others 3.5%

Hong Kong

chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15

March 2003)

head of government: Chief Executive TUNG Chee-hwa (since 1 July 1997)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of three ex-officio members and

10 appointed members; ex-officio members are: Chief Secretary Donald

TSANG Yam-kuen (since 1 May 2001), Financial Secretary Antony LEUNG

(since 1 May 2001), and Secretary of Justice Elsie LEUNG (since 1

July 1997)

elections: TUNG Chee-Hwa was elected to a second term in March 2002

by an 800-member election committee dominated by pro-Beijing forces;

the next election is scheduled to be held in 2007

Hungary

chief of state: Ferenc MADL (since 4 August 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Peter MEDGYESSY (since 27 May

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly on

the recommendation of the president

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 6 June 2000 (next to be held by

June 2005); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the

recommendation of the president

election results: Ferenc MADL elected president; percent of

legislative vote - NA% (but by a simple majority in the third round

of voting); Peter MEDGYESSY elected prime minister; percent of

legislative vote - NA%

note: to be elected, the president must win two-thirds of

legislative vote in the first two rounds or a simple majority in the

third round

Iceland

chief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1

August 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister David ODDSSON (since 30 April

1991)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by

Parliament

elections: president, which is largely a ceremonial post, elected by

popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 29 June 1996

(next to be held NA June 2004); President GRIMSSON ran unopposed in

June 2000 so there were no elections; prime minister appointed by

the president

election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON ran unopposed in 2000 and

was reelected

India

chief of state: President Abdul KALAM (since 26 July 2002);

Vice President Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT (since 12 August 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Atal Bihari VAJPAYEE (since 19

March 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of

elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of

the states for a five-year term; election last held NA July 2002

(next to be held NA July 2007); vice president elected by both

houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last held 12

August 2002 (next to be held NA August 2007); prime minister elected

by parliamentary members of the majority party following legislative

elections; election last held NA October 1999 (next to be held NA

October 2004)

election results: Abdul KALAM elected president; percent of

electoral college vote - NA%; Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT elected vice

president; percent of Parliament vote - 59.8%; Atal Bihari VAJPAYEE

elected prime minister; percent of vote - NA%

Indonesia

chief of state: President MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri (since 23

July 2001) and Vice President Hamzah HAZ (since 26 July 2001); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri (since 23 July

2001) and Vice President Hamzah HAZ (since 26 July 2001); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected separately by the

People's Consultative Assembly or MPR for five-year terms; selection

of president last held 23 July 2001; selection of vice president

last held 26 July 2001; next election to be held in July 2004; in

accordance with constitutional changes, the election of the

president and vice president will be by direct vote of the citizenry

election results: MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri elected president, receiving

591 votes in favor (91 abstentions); Hamzah HAZ elected vice

president, receiving 340 votes in favor (237 against)

note: the People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan

Rakyat or MPR) includes the House of Representatives (Dewan

Perwakilan Rakyat or DPR) plus 195 indirectly selected members; it

meets every five years to elect the president and vice president and

to approve broad outlines of national policy and also has yearly

meetings to consider constitutional and legislative changes;

constitutional amendments adopted in 2001 and 2002 provide for the

MPR to be restructured in 2004 and to consist entirely of

popularly-elected members who will be in the DPR and the new House

of Regional Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah or DPD); the

MPR will no longer formulate national policy

Iran

chief of state: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI

(since 4 June 1989)

head of government: President (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani (since

3 August 1997); First Vice President Dr. Mohammad Reza AREF-YAZDI

(since 26 August 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with

legislative approval; the Supreme Leader has some control over

appointments to the more sensitive ministries

elections: leader of the Islamic Revolution appointed for life by

the Assembly of Experts; president elected by popular vote for a

four-year term; election last held 8 June 2001 (next to be held June

2005)

election results: (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani reelected

president; percent of vote - (Ali) Mohammad KHATAMI-Ardakani 77%

Iraq

chief of state: in transition following April 2003 defeat of

SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition

Ireland

chief of state: President Mary MCALEESE (since 11 November

1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Bertie AHERN (since 26 June 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with previous nomination

by the prime minister and approval of the House of Representatives

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 31 October 1997 (next to be held NA November

2004); prime minister nominated by the House of Representatives and

appointed by the president

election results: Mary MCALEESE elected president; percent of vote -

Mary MCALEESE 44.8%, Mary BANOTTI 29.6%

note: government coalition - Fianna Fail and the Progressive

Democrats

Israel

chief of state: President Moshe KATSAV (since 31 July 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Ariel SHARON (since 7 March 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the

Knesset

elections: president elected by the Knesset for a seven-year term;

election last held 31 July 2000 (next to be held NA 2007); following

legislative elections, the president assigns a Knesset member -

traditionally the leader of the largest party - the task of forming

a governing coalition; election last held 28 January 2003 (next to

be held fall of 2007)

election results: Moshe KATSAV elected president by the 120-member

Knesset with a total of 60 votes, other candidate, Shimon PERES,

received 57 votes (there were three abstentions); Ariel SHARON

continues as prime minister after Likud Party victory in January

2003 Knesset elections; Likud won 38 seats and then formed coalition

government with Shinui, the National Religious Party, and the

National Union

Italy

chief of state: President Carlo Azeglio CIAMPI (since 13 May

1999)

head of government: Prime Minister (referred to in Italy as the

president of the Council of Ministers) Silvio BERLUSCONI (since 10

June 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and

approved by the president

elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of

both houses of Parliament and 58 regional representatives for a

seven-year term; election last held 13 May 1999 (next to be held NA

May 2006); prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed

by Parliament

election results: Carlo Azeglio CIAMPI elected president; percent of

electoral college vote - 70%

note: a five-party government coalition includes Forza Italia,

National Alliance, Northern League, Democratic Christian Center,

United Christian Democrats

Jamaica

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Sir Howard Felix COOKE (since 1

August 1991)

head of government: Prime Minister Percival James PATTERSON (since

30 March 1992)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime

minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House

of Representatives is appointed prime minister by the governor

general; the deputy prime minister is recommended by the prime

minister

Japan

chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)

head of government: Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 26 April

2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the Diet designates the

prime minister; the constitution requires that the prime minister

must command a parliamentary majority; therefore, following

legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of

a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes

prime minister

note: following the resignation of Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI,

Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected as the new president of the majority

Liberal Democratic Party and soon thereafter designated by the Diet

to become the next prime minister

Jersey

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Air

Chief Marshall Sir John CHESHIRE (since 24 January 2001) and Bailiff

Philip Martin BAILHACHE (since NA February 1995)

cabinet: committees appointed by the Assembly of the States

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor and

bailiff appointed by the monarch

Jordan

chief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999);

Crown Prince HAMZAH (half brother of the monarch, born 29 March 1980)

head of government: Prime Minister Faisal al-FAYEZ (since 25 October

2003)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultation

with the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed

by the monarch

Kazakhstan

chief of state: President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV

(chairman of the Supreme Soviet from 22 February 1990, elected

president 1 December 1991)

head of government: Prime Minister Daniyal AKHMETOV (since 13 June

2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 10 January 1999, a year before it was previously

scheduled (next to be held NA 2006); note - President NAZARBAYEV's

previous term was extended to 2000 by a nationwide referendum held

30 April 1995; prime minister and first deputy prime minister

appointed by the president

election results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president;

percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 81.7%, Serikbolsyn

ABDILDIN 12.1%, Gani KASYMOV 4.7%, Engels GABBASSOV 1.5%

note: President NAZARBAYEV expanded his presidential powers by

decree: only he can initiate constitutional amendments, appoint and

dismiss the government, dissolve Parliament, call referenda at his

discretion, and appoint administrative heads of regions and cities

Kenya

chief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002)

and Vice President Moody AWORI (since 25 September 2003); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002)

and Vice President Moody AWORI (since 25 September 2003); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

in addition to receiving the largest number of votes in absolute

terms, the presidential candidate must also win 25% or more of the

vote in at least five of Kenya's seven provinces and one area to

avoid a runoff; election last held 27 December 2002 (next to be held

NA December 2007); vice president appointed by the president

election results: President Mwai KIBAKI elected; percent of vote -

Mwai KIBAKI 63%, Uhuru KENYATTA 30%

Kiribati

chief of state: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003);

Vice President NA; note - the president is both the chief of state

and head of government

head of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice

President NA; note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

cabinet: 12-member Cabinet appointed by the president from among the

members of the House of Parliament

elections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidential

candidates from among their members and then those candidates

compete in a general election; president is elected by popular vote

for a four-year term; election last held 4 July 2003 (next to be

held not later than July 2007); vice president appointed by the

president

election results: Anote TONG 47.4%, Harry TONG 43.5%, Banuera BERINA

9.1%

Korea, North

chief of state: KIM Chong-il (since NA July 1994); note

- on 3 September 2003, KIM Chong-il was reelected Chairman of the

National Defense Commission, a position accorded the nation's

"highest administrative authority"; KIM Yong-nam was reelected

President of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium and given the

responsibility of representing the state and receiving diplomatic

credentials

head of government: Premier PAK Pong-chu (since 3 September 2003);

Vice Premiers KWAK Pom-ki (since 5 September 1998), CHON Sung-hun

(since 3 September 2003), NO Tu-chol (since 3 September 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet (Naegak), members, except for the Minister of

People's Armed Forces, are appointed by the Supreme People's Assembly

elections: premier elected by the Supreme People's Assembly;

election last held NA September 1998 (next to be held NA)

election results: HONG Song-nam elected premier; percent of Supreme

People's Assembly vote - NA%

Korea, South

chief of state: President NO Mu-hyun (ROH Moo-hyun)

(since 25 February 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister KO Kun (KOH Kun) (since 27

February 2003); Deputy Prime Ministers KIM Chin-p'yo (KIM Jin-pyo)

(since 27 February 2003) and YUN Tok-hong (since 6 March 2003)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime

minister's recommendation

elections: president elected by popular vote for a single five-year

term; election last held 19 December 2002 (next to be held NA

December 2007); prime minister appointed by the president; deputy

prime ministers appointed by the president on the prime minister's

recommendation

election results: results of the 19 December 2002 election - NO

Muh-hyun elected president, took office 25 February 2003; percent of

vote - NO Muh-hyun (MDP) 48.9%; YI Hoe-ch'ang (GNP) 46.6%; other 4.5%

Kuwait

chief of state: Amir JABIR al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since

31 December 1977)

head of government: Prime Minister SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah

(since 13 July 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister NAWWAF al-Ahmad Al

Sabah (since 2003); Deputy Prime Ministers JABIR MUBARAK al-Hamad Al

Sabah (since 2001) and Muhammad Dayfallah al-SHARAR (since 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and

approved by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister and

deputy prime ministers appointed by the monarch

Kyrgyzstan

chief of state: President Askar AKAYEV (since 28 October

1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Nikolay TANAYEV (since 22 May

2002); note - Prime Minister Kurmanbek BAKIYEV resigned on 22 May

2002 when five demonstrators were killed in a clash with police in

March of 2002

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;

elections last held 29 October 2000 (next to be held November or

December 2005); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Askar AKAYEV reelected president; percent of vote

- Askar AKAYEV 74%, Omurbek TEKEBAYEV 14%, other candidates 12%;

note - election marred by serious irregularities

Laos

chief of state: President Gen. KHAMTAI Siphandon (since 26

February 1998) and Vice President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason

(since 27 March 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister BOUNGNANG Volachit (since 27

March 2001); First Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli

(since NA May 2002), Deputy Prime Minister THONGLOUN Sisolit (since

27 March 2001), and Deputy Prime Minister SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since

26 February 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved

by the National Assembly

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 24 February 2002 (next to be held

NA 2007); prime minister appointed by the president with the

approval of the National Assembly for a five-year term

election results: KHAMTAI Siphandon elected president; percent of

National Assembly vote - NA%

Latvia

chief of state: President Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA (since 8 July

1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Einars REPSE (since 7 November

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and

appointed by the Parliament

elections: president reelected by Parliament for a four-year term;

election last held 20 June 2003 (next to be held by June 2007);

prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA reelected president;

parliamentary vote - Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA 88 of 94 votes cast

Lebanon

chief of state: President Emile LAHUD (since 24 November

1998)

head of government: Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI (since 23 October

2000); Deputy Prime Minister Issam FARES (since 23 October 2000);

note - HARIRI resigned on 15 April 2003, but was reappointed the

next day

cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with

the president and members of the National Assembly

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a six-year

term; election last held 15 October 1998 (next to be held NA 2004);

prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president

in consultation with the National Assembly; by custom, the president

is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, and

the speaker of the legislature is a Shi'a Muslim

election results: Emile LAHUD elected president; National Assembly

vote - 118 votes in favor, 0 against, 10 abstentions

Lesotho

chief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996);

note - King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November

1990 to February 1995, while his father was in exile

head of government: Prime Minister Pakalitha MOSISILI (since 23 May

1998)

cabinet: Cabinet

elections: none; according to the constitution, the leader of the

majority party in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister;

the monarch is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution,

which came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is

a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative

powers; under traditional law the college of chiefs has the power to

determine who is next in the line of succession, who shall serve as

regent in the event that the successor is not of mature age, and may

even depose the monarch

Liberia

chief of state: President Gyude BRYANT (since 14 October

2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Gyude BRYANT (since 14 October 2003);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and confirmed by the

Senate

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term

(renewable); election last held 19 July 1997 (next to be held NA

2005)

election results: Charles Ghankay TAYLOR elected president; percent

of vote - Charles Ghankay TAYLOR (NPP) 75.3%, Ellen Johnson SIRLEAF

(UP) 9.6%, Alhaji KROMAH (ALCOP) 4%, other 11.1%; note - Taylor

stepped down in August 2003

note:: a UN-brokered cease fire among waring factions and the

Liberian government resulted in the August 2003 resignation of

former president Charles TAYLOR; a jointly agreed upon replacement,

President Gyude BRYANT, assumed office as chairman of the National

Transitional Government on 14 October 2003

Libya

chief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar

al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969); note - holds no official title,

but is de facto chief of state

head of government: Secretary of the General People's Committee

(Premier) Mubarak al-SHAMEKH (since 2 March 2000)

cabinet: General People's Committee established by the General

People's Congress

elections: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of

people's committees; head of government elected by the General

People's Congress; election last held 2 March 2000 (next to be held

NA)

election results: Mubarak al-SHAMEKH elected premier; percent of

General People's Congress vote - NA%

Liechtenstein

chief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November

1989, assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince

ALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968)

head of government: Head of Government Otmar HASLER (since 5 April

2001) and Deputy Head of Government Rita KIEBER-BECK (since 5 April

2001)

cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party in the Diet is usually

appointed the head of government by the monarch and the leader of

the largest minority party in the Diet is usually appointed the

deputy head of government by the monarch

Lithuania

chief of state: President Rolandas PAKSAS (since 26

February 2003)

head of government: Premier Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS (since 3

July 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

nomination of the premier

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 22 December 2002 and 5 January 2003 (next to be

held in late 2007); premier appointed by the president on the

approval of the Parliament

election results: Rolandas PAKSAS elected president; percent of vote

- Rolandas PAKSAS 54.9%, Valdas ADAMKUS 45.1%

Luxembourg

chief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000);

Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November

1981)

head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 1

January 1995) and Vice Prime Minister Lydie POLFER (since 7 August

1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister and

appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following popular

elections to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority

party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed

prime minister by the monarch; the deputy prime minister is

appointed by the monarch; they are responsible to the Chamber of

Deputies

note: government coalition - CSV and DP

Macau

chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March

2003)

head of government: Chief Executive Edmund HO Hau-wah (since 20

December 1999)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of all five government

secretaries, three legislators, and two businessmen

elections: chief executive chosen by a 200-member selection

committee for up to two five-year terms

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

chief of state: President

Boris TRAJKOVSKI (since 15 December 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since 1

November 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of all

the deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by the

government coalition parties SDSM, LDP, and DUI (or BDI)

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 14 November 1999 (next to be held NA October

2004); prime minister elected by the Assembly; election last held 1

November 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: Boris TRAJKOVSKI elected president on second-round

ballot; percent of vote - Boris TRAJKOVSKI 52.4%, Tito PETKOVSKI

46.2%; Branko CRVENKOVSKI elected prime minister by Parliament with

72% of the vote

Madagascar

chief of state: President Marc RAVALOMANANA (since 6 May

2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Jacques SYLLA (27 May 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 16 December 2001 (next to be held NA November

2006); prime minister appointed by the president from a list of

candidates nominated by the National Assembly

election results: percent of vote - Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA) 40.89%,

Marc RAVALOMANANA 46.21%; note - on 29 April 2002, the High

Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner by 51.5%

after a recount; RATSIRIKA's prime minister was put under house

arrest on 27 May 2002, and SYLLA was appointed the new prime

minister by President RAVALOMANANA

Malawi

chief of state: President Bakili MULUZI (since 21 May 1994);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Bakili MULUZI (since 21 May 1994);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: 46-member Cabinet named by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 15 June 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: Bakili MULUZI reelected president; percent of vote

- Bakili MULUZI (UDF) 51.4%, Gwandaguluwe CHAKUAMBA (MCP-AFORD) 44.3%

Malaysia

chief of state: Paramount Ruler Tuanku SYED SIRAJUDDIN ibni

Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, the Raja of Perlis (since 12

December 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister ABDULLAH bin Ahmad Badawi (since

31 October 2003); Deputy Prime Minister NA (since 31 October 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the

members of Parliament with consent of the paramount ruler

elections: paramount ruler elected by and from the hereditary rulers

of nine of the states for five-year terms; election last held 12

December 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); prime minister designated

from among the members of the House of Representatives; following

legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins a plurality

of seats in the House of Representatives becomes prime minister

election results: Tuanku SYED SIRAJUDDIN ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed

Putra Jamalullail elected paramount ruler

Maldives

chief of state: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11

November 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

head of government: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11

November 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president; note -

need not be members of Majlis

elections: president nominated by the Majlis and then the nomination

must be ratified by a national referendum (at least a 51% approval

margin is required); president elected for a five-year term;

election last held 16 October 1998 (next to be held NA October 2003)

election results: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected in

referendum held 17 October 2003; percent of popular vote - Maumoon

Abdul GAYOOM 90.3%

Mali

chief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June

2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed Ag HAMANI (since 9

June 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term

(two-term limit); election last held 12 May 2002 (next to be held NA

May 2007); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Amadou Toumani TOURE elected president; percent of

vote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 64.4%, Soumaila CISSE 35.6%

Malta

chief of state: President Guido DE MARCO (since 4 April 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Eddie FENECH ADAMI (since 6

September 1998); Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 4 April

1999)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the

prime minister

elections: president elected by the House of Representatives for a

five-year term; election last held NA April 1999 (next to be held by

April 2004); following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually

appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the

deputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the advice of

the prime minister

election results: Guido DE MARCO elected president; percent of House

of Representatives vote - 54%

Man, Isle of

chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since

6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Ian MACFADYEN

(since 26 October 2002)

head of government: Chief Minister Richard CORKILL (since 6 December

2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers

elections: the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed

by the monarch for a five-year term; the Chief Minister is elected

by the Tynwald; election last held 6 December 2001 (next to be held

NA December 2006)

election results: Richard CORKILL elected chief minister by the

Tynwald

Marshall Islands

chief of state: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 3

January 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

head of government: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 3 January

2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of

Parliament

elections: president elected by Parliament from among its own

members for a four-year term; election last held 15 November 1999

(next to be held NA November 2003)

election results: Kessai Hesa NOTE elected president; percent of

Parliament vote - 100%

Martinique

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since

17 May 1995); Prefect Michel CADOT (since 21 June 2000)

head of government: President of the General Council Claude LISE

(since 22 March 1992); President of the Regional Council Alfred

MARIE-JEANNE (since NA March 1998)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the

French Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the General and

Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils

Mauritania

chief of state: President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA

(since 12 December 1984)

head of government: Prime Minister Sghair Ould M'BARECK (since 6

July 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 7 November 2003 (next to be held NA 2009); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA reelected

for a third term with 60.8% of the vote

Mauritius

chief of state: President Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 7

October 2003) and Vice President (vacant; a new Vice President will

be determined by assembly elections on NA December 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Paul BERENGER (since 30 September

2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president and vice president elected by the National

Assembly for five-year terms; election last held 25 February 2002

(next to be held NA 2007); prime minister and deputy prime minister

appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly

election results: Karl OFFMANN elected president and Raouf BUNDHUN

elected vice president; percent of vote by the National Assembly -

NA%; note - Karl OFFMANN and Raouf BUNDHUN stepped down on 30

September 2003

Mayotte

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17

May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean-Jacques BROT (since 3 July

2002)

head of government: President of the General Council Younoussa

BAMANA (since NA 1977)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the

French Ministry of the Interior; president of the General Council

elected by the members of the General Council for a six-year term

Mexico

chief of state: President Vicente FOX Quesada (since 1

December 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

head of government: President Vicente FOX Quesada (since 1 December

2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of

attorney general requires consent of the Senate

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 2 July 2000 (next to be held NA July 2006)

election results: Vicente FOX Quesada elected president; percent of

vote - Vicente FOX Quesada (PAN) 42.52%, Francisco LABASTIDA Ochoa

(PRI) 36.1%, Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano (PRD) 16.64%, other 4.74%

Micronesia, Federated States of

chief of state: President Joseph J.

URUSEMAL (since 11 May 2003); Vice President Redley KILLION; note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Joseph J. URUSEMAL (since 11 May

2003); Vice President Redley KILLION; note - the president is both

the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet

elections: president and vice president elected by Congress from

among the four senators at large for four-year terms; election last

held 11 May 2003 (next to be held NA May 2007); note - a proposed

constitutional amendment to establish popular elections for

president and vice president failed

election results: Joseph J. URUSEMAL elected president; percent of

Congress vote - NA%; Redley KILLION elected vice president; percent

of Congress vote - NA%

Moldova

chief of state: President Vladimir VORONIN (since 4 April

2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Vasile TARLEV (since 15 April

2001), First Deputy Prime Minister Vasile IOVV (since NA 2002),

Deputy Prime Minister Stefan ODAGIU (since NA 2002)

cabinet: selected by prime minister, subject to approval of

Parliament

elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term;

election last held 4 April 2001 (next to be held NA 2005); note -

presidential elections were scheduled for December 2000, but in July

2000, Parliament canceled direct, popular elections; Parliament's

failure to chose a new president in December 2000 led to early

parliamentary elections in February 2001; prime minister designated

by the president, upon consultation with Parliament; note - within

15 days from designation, the prime minister-designate must request

a vote of confidence from the Parliament regarding his/her work

program and entire cabinet; prime minister designated 15 April 2001,

cabinet received a vote of confidence 19 April 2001

election results: Vladimir VORONIN elected president; parliamentary

votes - Vladimir VORONIN 71, Dumitru BRAGHIS 15, Valerian CHRISTEA

3; Vasile TARLEV designated prime minister; parliamentary votes of

confidence - 75 of 101

Monaco

chief of state: Prince RAINIER III (since 9 May 1949); Heir

Apparent Prince ALBERT Alexandre Louis Pierre, son of the monarch

(born 14 March 1958)

head of government: Minister of State Patrick LECLERCQ (since 5

January 2000)

cabinet: Council of Government is under the authority of the monarch

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state

appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national

candidates presented by the French Government

Mongolia

chief of state: President Natsagiyn BAGABANDI (since 20

June 1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR (since 26 July

2000)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the State Great Hural in consultation

with the president

elections: president nominated by parties in the State Great Hural

and elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held

20 May 2001 (next to be held NA May 2005); following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is

usually elected prime minister by the State Great Hural; election

last held 2 July 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: Natsagiyn BAGABANDI reelected president; percent

of vote - Natsagiyn BAGABANDI (MPRP) 58.13%, Radnaasumbereliyn

GONCHIGDORJ (DP) 36.58%, Luvsandamba DASHNYAM (CWP) 3.54%, other

1.75%; Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR elected prime minister by a vote in the

State Great Hural of 68 to 3

Montserrat

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952), represented by Governor Anthony LONGRIGG (since NA May 2001)

head of government: Chief Minister John OSBORNE (since 5 April 2001)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief

minister, three other ministers, the attorney general, and the

finance secretary

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the

monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority

party usually becomes chief minister

Morocco

chief of state: King MOHAMED VI (since 23 July 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Driss JETTOU (since 9 October

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed

by the monarch following legislative elections

Mozambique

chief of state: President Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO (since

6 November 1986); note - before being popularly elected, CHISSANO

was elected president by Frelimo's Central Committee on 4 November

1986 (reelected by the Committee 30 July 1989)

head of government: Prime Minister Pascoal MOCUMBI (since 17

December 1994)

cabinet: Cabinet

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 3-5 December 1999 (next to be held NA 2004);

prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO reelected president;

percent of vote - Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO 52.29%, Afonso DHLAKAMA

47.71%

Namibia

chief of state: President Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA (since 21

March 1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Theo-Ben GURIRAB (since 28 August

2002)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members

of the National Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 30 November-1 December 1999 (next to be held NA

2004)

election results: Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA elected president; percent

of vote - Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA 77%

Nauru

chief of state: President Rene HARRIS (since 8 August 2003)

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Rene HARRIS (since 8 August 2003) note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members

of Parliament

elections: president elected by Parliament for a three-year term;

election last held 29 May 2003 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: Ludwig SCOTTY elected president 29 May 2003;

Ludwig SCOTTY 10 parliamentary votes, Kinza CLODUMAR 7

note: Ludwig SCOTTY was removed from the presidency in a

no-confidence vote 8 August 2003; Rene HARRIS became president

Nepal

chief of state: King GYANENDRA Bir Bikram Shah (succeeded to

the throne 4 June 2001 following the death of his nephew, King

DIPENDRA Bir Bikram Shah)

head of government: Prime Minister Surya Bahadur THAPA (since 4 June

2003); note - Prime Minister CHAND resigned 30 May 2003

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority

coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

note: King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev died in a bloody shooting at

the royal palace on 1 June 2001 that also claimed the lives of most

of the royal family; King BIRENDRA's son, Crown Price DIPENDRA, is

believed to have been responsible for the shootings before fatally

wounding himself; immediately following the shootings and while

still clinging to life, DIPENDRA was crowned king; he died three

days later and was succeeded by his uncle

Netherlands

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980);

Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of the

monarch

head of government: Prime Minister Jan Peter BALKENENDE (since 22

July 2002) and Deputy Prime Ministers Gerrit ZALM (since 27 May

2003) and Thom DE GRAAF (since 27 May 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following Second

Chamber elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a

majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the

monarch; vice prime ministers appointed by the monarch

note: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heir

apparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the prime

minister on legislative and administrative policy

Netherlands Antilles

chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the

Netherlands (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General

Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since 1 July 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Mirna LOUISA-GODETT (since 11

August 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by

the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections,

the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister

by the Staten; election last held 18 January 2002 (next to be held

by NA 2006)

note: government coalition - PDB, DP-St. M, FOL, PLKP, PNP

New Caledonia

chief of state: President of France Jacques CHIRAC

(since 17 May 1995), represented by High Commissioner Daniel

CONSTANTIN (since 3 July 2002)

head of government: President of the Government Pierre FROGIER

(since 5 April 2001)

cabinet: Consultative Committee

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the

advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the

government elected by the members of the Territorial Congress; note

- last election held 28 November 2002 when Pierre FROGIER was

reelected

New Zealand

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952), represented by Governor General Dame Silvia CARTWRIGHT (since

4 April 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Helen CLARK (since 10 December

1999) and Deputy Prime Minister Michael CULLEN (since NA July 2002)

cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy

prime minister appointed by the governor general

Nicaragua

chief of state: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10

January 2002); Vice President Jose RIZO Castellon (since 10 January

2002); note - the president is both chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10

January 2002); Vice President Jose RIZO Castellon (since 10 January

2002); note - the president is both chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 4 November

2001 (next to be held by November 2006)

election results: Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (PLC) elected president -

56.3%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 42.3%, Alberto SABORIO (PC)

1.4%; Jose RIZO Castellon elected vice president

Niger

chief of state: President TANDJA Mamadou (since 22 December

1999); note - the president is both chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President TANDJA Mamadou (since 22 December

1999); note - the president is both chief of state and head of

government; Prime Minister Hama AMADOU (since 31 December 1999) was

appointed by the president and shares some executive

responsibilities with the president

cabinet: 23-member Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

last held 24 November 1999 (next to be held NA 2004); prime minister

appointed by the president

election results: TANDJA Mamadou elected president; percent of vote

- TANDJA Mamadou 59.9%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 40.1%

Nigeria

chief of state: President Olusegun OBASANJO (since 29 May

1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Olusegun OBASANJO (since 29 May 1999);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Federal Executive Council

elections: president is elected by popular vote for no more than two

four-year terms; election last held 19 April 2003 (next to be held

NA 2007)

election results: Olusegun OBASANJO elected president; percent of

vote - Olusegun OBASANJO (PDP) 61.9%, Muhammadu BUHARI (ANPP) 31.2%,

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu OJUKWU (APGA) 3.3%, other 3.6%

Niue

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); the

UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner

John BRYAN (since NA May 2000)

head of government: Premier Young VIVIAN (since 1 May 2002)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and three ministers

elections: the monarch is hereditary; premier elected by the

Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held 1 May

2002 (next to be held NA May 2005)

election results: Young VIVIAN elected premier; percent of

Legislative Assembly vote - Young VIVIAN (NPP) 70%, Hunukitama

HUNUKI (AI) 30%

Norfolk Island

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952); the UK and Australia are represented by Administrator Anthony

J. MESSNER (since 4 August 1997)

head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister Geoffrey

Robert GARDNER (since 5 December 2001)

cabinet: Executive Council is made up of four of the nine members of

the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and

acts as an advisor to the administrator

elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the

governor general of Australia; chief minister elected by the

Legislative Assembly for a term of not more than three years;

election last held 29 November 2001 (next to be held by December

2004)

election results: Geoffrey Robert GARDNER elected chief minister;

percent of Legislative Assembly vote - NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

chief of state: President George W. BUSH of

the US (since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY

(since 20 January 2001)

head of government: Governor Juan N. BABAUTA (since NA January

2002); Lieutenant Governor Diego T. BENEVENTE (since NA January 2002)

cabinet: NA

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same

ticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor elected

on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election

last held NA November 2001 (next to be held NA November 2005)

election results: Juan N. BABAUTA elected governor in a four-way

race; percent of vote - Juan N. BABAUTA (Republican Party) 49%

Norway

chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir

Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20

July 1973)

head of government: Prime Minister Kjell Magne BONDEVIK (since 19

October 2001)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of

Parliament

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following parliamentary

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the

monarch with the approval of the Parliament

Oman

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al

Said (since 23 July 1970); note - the monarch is both the chief of

state and head of government

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al

Said (since 23 July 1970); note - the monarch is both the chief of

state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary

Pakistan

note: following a military takeover on 12 October 1999,

Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Committee, General Pervez MUSHARRAF, suspended Pakistan's

constitution and assumed the additional title of Chief Executive;

exercising the powers of the head of the government, he appointed an

eight-member National Security Council to function as Pakistan's

supreme governing body; on 12 May 2000, Pakistan's Supreme Court

unanimously validated the October 1999 coup and granted MUSHARRAF

executive and legislative authority for three years from the coup

date; on 20 June 2001, MUSHARRAF named himself as president and was

sworn in, replacing Mohammad Rafiq TARAR; in a referendum held on 30

April 2002, MUSHARRAF's presidency was extended by five more years

chief of state: President Pervez MUSHARRAF (since 20 June 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan JAMALI (since

23 November 2002)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the Prime Minister

elections: the president is elected by Parliament for a five-year

term; note - in a referendum held on 30 April 2002, MUSHARRAF's

presidency was extended by five more years (next to be held NA

2007); the prime minister is selected by the National Assembly for a

four-year term (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: results are for the 10 October 2002 election for

prime minister - Mir Zafarullah Khan JAMALI elected prime minister

Palau

chief of state: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since

19 January 2001) and Vice President Sandra PIERANTOZZI (since 19

January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

head of government: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since 19

January 2001) and Vice President Sandra PIERANTOZZI (since 19

January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

cabinet: Cabinet

elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 7 November

2000 (next to be held NA November 2004)

election results: Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. elected president;

percent of vote - Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. 53%, Peter SUGIYAMA

46%; Sandra PIERANTOZZI elected vice president; percent of vote -

Sandra PIERANTOZZI 52%, Alan SEID 45%

Panama

chief of state: President Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez

(since 1 September 1999); First Vice President Arturo Ulises

VALLARINO (since 1 September 1999); Second Vice President Dominador

"Kaiser" Baldonero BAZAN Jimenez (since 1 September 1999); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (since

1 September 1999); First Vice President Arturo Ulises VALLARINO

(since 1 September 1999); Second Vice President Dominador "Kaiser"

Baldonero BAZAN Jimenez (since 1 September 1999); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 2 May 1999

(next to be held NA May 2004)

election results: Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez elected president;

percent of vote - Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez (PA) 44%, Martin

TORRIJOS (PRD) 37%

note: government coalition - PA, MOLIRENA, Democratic Change,

MORENA, PLN, PS

Papua New Guinea

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6

February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Albert KIPALAN

(since 13 November 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2

August 2002); Deputy Prime Minister Andrew BAING (since 15 November

2003)

cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor

general on the recommendation of the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the National Executive Council; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition usually is appointed prime minister by the

governor general

Paraguay

chief of state: President Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS (since 15

August 2003); Vice President Luis CASTIGLIONI (since 15 August

2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS (since 15 August

2003); Vice President Luis CASTIGLIONI (since 15 August 2003); note

- the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 27 April

2003 (next to be held NA April 2008)

election results: Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS elected president; percent

of vote - Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS 37.1%, Julio Cesar Ramon FRANCO

Gomez 23.9%, Pedro Nicolas Maraa FADUL Niella 21.3%, Guillermo

SANCHEZ Guffanti 13.5%, other 4.2%

Peru

chief of state: President Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique (since 28

July 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head

of government; additionally two vice presidents are provided for by

the constitution, First Vice President Raul DIEZ Canseco (since 28

July 2001) and Second Vice President David WAISMAN (since 28 July

2001)

head of government: President Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique (since 28

July 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head

of government; additionally two vice presidents are provided for by

the constitution, First Vice President Raul DIEZ Canseco (since 28

July 2001) and Second Vice President David WAISMAN (since 28 July

2001)

note: Prime Minister Carlos FERRERO Costa (since 15 December 2003)

does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of the

president; note - Beatriz MERINO was asked to resign on 12 December

2003 and was replaced by Carlos FERRERO Costa three days later

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

special presidential and congressional elections held 8 April 2001,

with runoff election held 3 June 2001; next to be held 9 April 2006

election results: President Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique elected

president in runoff election; percent of vote - Alejandro TOLEDO

Manrique 53.1%, Alan GARCIA 46.9%

Philippines

chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since

20 January 2001) and Vice President Teofisto GUINGONA (since 20

January 2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

head of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20

January 2001) and Vice President Teofisto GUINGONA (since 20 January

2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of the

Commission of Appointments

elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets

by popular vote for six-year terms; election last held 11 May 1998

(next to be held 16 May 2004)

election results: results of the last presidential election - Joseph

Ejercito ESTRADA elected president; percent of vote - approximately

40%; Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO elected vice president; percent of vote

- 55%; note - on 20 January 2001, Vice President Gloria

MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was sworn in as the constitutional successor to

President Joseph ESTRADA after the Supreme Court declared that

ESTRADA was unable to rule in view of the mass resignations from his

government; according to the Constitution, only in cases of death,

permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the

president, can the vice president serve for the unexpired term

Pitcairn Islands

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6

February 1952), represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand

and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands Richard FELL

(since NA December 2001); Commissioner (nonresident) Leon SALT

(since NA); serves as liaison between the governor and the Island

Council

head of government: Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Steve

CHRISTIAN (since 7 December 1999)

cabinet: NA

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner and

commissioner appointed by the monarch; island magistrate elected by

popular vote for a three-year term; election last held NA December

1999 (next to be held NA December 2002)

election results: Steve CHRISTIAN elected mayor; percent of vote -

NA%

Poland

chief of state: President Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI (since 23

December 1995)

head of government: Prime Minister Leszek MILLER (SLD) (since 19

October 2001), Deputy Prime Ministers Marek POL (since 19 October

2001), Jerzy HAUSNER (since 11 June 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister and

the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, and

the Sejm approves the Council of Ministers

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 8 October 2000 (next to be held NA October 2005);

prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president

and confirmed by the Sejm

election results: Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI reelected president;

percent of popular vote - Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI 53.9%, Andrzej

OLECHOWSKI 17.3%, Marian KRZAKLEWSKI 15.6%, Lech WALESA 1%

Portugal

chief of state: President Jorge SAMPAIO (since 9 March 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Jose Manuel DURAO BARROSO (since

6 April 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the prime minister

note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative

body to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 14 January 2001 (next to be held NA January

2006); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority

party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime

minister by the president

election results: Jorge SAMPAIO reelected president; percent of vote

- Jorge SAMPAIO (Socialist) 55.8%, Joaquim FERREIRA Do Amaral

(Social Democrat) 34.5%, Antonio ABREU (Communist) 5.1%

Puerto Rico

chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US

(since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20

January 2001)

head of government: Governor Sila M. CALDERON (since 2 January 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the

legislature

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same

ticket for four-year terms; governor elected by popular vote for a

four-year term; election last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held

2 November 2004)

election results: Sila M. CALDERON (PPD) elected governor; percent

of vote - 48.6%

note: residents of Puerto Rico do not vote for US president and vice

president

Qatar

chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (since 27 June

1995 when, as crown prince, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin

Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup); Crown Prince JASIM bin Hamad

bin Khalifa Al Thani, third son of the monarch (selected crown

prince by the monarch 22 October 1996); note - Amir HAMAD also holds

the positions of minister of defense and commander-in-chief of the

armed forces

head of government: Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Khalifa Al Thani,

brother of the monarch (since 30 October 1996); Deputy Prime

Minister MUHAMMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, brother of the monarch

(since 20 January 1998)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary

note: in April 2003, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member

Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has consultative powers aimed

at improving the provision of municipal services; the first election

for the CMC was held in March 1999

Reunion

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17

May 1995), represented by Prefect Gonthier FRIEDERICI (since NA)

head of government: President of the General Council Jean-Luc

POUDROUX (since NA March 1998) and President of the Regional Council

Paul VERGES (since NA March 1993)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the

French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the General and

Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils

Romania

chief of state: President Ion ILIESCU (since 20 December

2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Adrian NASTASE (since 29 December

2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;

election last held 26 November 2000, with runoff between the top two

candidates held 10 December 2000 (next to be held NA

November/December 2004); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: percent of vote - Ion ILIESCU 66.84%, Corneliu

Vadim TUDOR 33.16%

Russia

chief of state: President Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN

(acting president since 31 December 1999, president since 7 May 2000)

head of government: Premier Mikhail Mikhaylovich KASYANOV (since 7

May 2000); Deputy Premiers Viktor Borisovich KHRISTENKO (since 31

May 1999), Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 18 May 2000), Aleksey

Vasilyevich GORDEYEV (since 20 May 2000), Boris Sergeyevich ALESHIN

(since 24 April 2003), Galina Nikolayevna KARELOVA (since 24 April

2003), Vladimir Anatolyevich YAKOVLEV (since 16 June 2003)

cabinet: Ministries of the Government or "Government" composed of

the premier and his deputies, ministers, and selected other

individuals; all are appointed by the president

note: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that provides

staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential

decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a

Security Council also reports directly to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;

election last held 26 March 2000 (next to be held March 2004); note

- no vice president; if the president dies in office, cannot

exercise his powers because of ill health, is impeached, or resigns,

the premier succeeds him; the premier serves as acting president

until a new presidential election is held, which must be within

three months; premier appointed by the president with the approval

of the Duma

election results: Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN elected president;

percent of vote - Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN 52.9%, Gennadiy

Andreyevich ZYUGANOV 29.2%, Grigoriy Alekseyevich YAVLINSKIY 5.8%

Rwanda

chief of state: President Maj. Gen. Paul KAGAME (FPR) (since

22 April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March

2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: last held 25 August 2003 (next to be held NA 2008)

election results: Paul KAGAME elected president in first direct

popular vote; Paul KAGAME (RPF) 95.05%, Faustin TWAGIRAMUNGU 3.62%,

Jean-Nepomuscene NAYINZIRA 1.33%

Saint Helena

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952)

head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief Michael CLANCY

(since NA October 2003)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, two ex officio

officers, and six elected members of the Legislative Council

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed by

the monarch

Saint Kitts and Nevis

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6

February 1952), represented by Governor General Cuthbert Montraville

SEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July

1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation

with the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is

usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy

prime minister appointed by the governor general

Saint Lucia

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952), represented by Governor General Dr. Perlette LOUISY (since

September 1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Kenneth Davis ANTHONY (since 24

May 1997) and Deputy Prime Minister Mario MICHEL (since 24 May 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition

is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy

prime minister appointed by the governor general

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC

of France (since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Claude VALLEIX

(since 9 October 2002)

head of government: President of the General Council Marc

PLANTAGENEST (since NA)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; election last held, first round - 21 April 2002, second round

- 5 May 2002 (next to be held NA 2007); prefect appointed by the

French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior;

president of the General Council is elected by the members of the

council

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II

(since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir

Fredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE (since 2 September 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29

March 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of

the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is

appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the

leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by

the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the

governor general on the advice of the prime minister

Samoa

chief of state: Chief Tanumafili II MALIETOA (cochief of state

from 1 January 1962 until becoming sole chief of state 5 April 1963)

head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA

(since 1996); note - TUILA'EPA served as deputy prime minister from

1992 until he assumed the prime ministership in 1996, when former

Prime Minister TOFILAU Eti Alesana resigned in poor health;

TUILA'EPA was confirmed as prime minister after TOFILAU died; the

post of deputy prime minister is currently vacant

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members, appointed by the chief of

state with the prime minister's advice

elections: upon the death of Chief Tanumafili II MALIETOA, a new

chief of state will be elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve

a five-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party is usually appointed prime minister by the chief of

state with the approval of the Legislative Assembly

San Marino

chief of state: cochiefs of state Captain Regent Giovanni

LONFERNINI and Captain Regent Valeria CIAVATTA (for the period 1

October 2003-31 March 2004)

head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political

Affairs Fiorenzo STOLFI (since 17 December 2002)

cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Council

for a five-year term

elections: cochiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Great

and General Council for a six-month term; election last held NA

September 2003 (next to be held NA March 2004); secretary of state

for foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General

Council for a five-year term; election last held 17 December 2002

(next to be held NA June 2007)

election results: Giovanni LONFERNINI and Valeria CIAVATTA elected

captains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA%; Fiorenzo STOLFI

elected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs;

percent of legislative vote - 40%

note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council)

selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent (cochiefs

of state) for a six-month period; they preside over meetings of the

Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State), which

has 10 other members, all selected by the Grand and General Council;

assisting the captains regent are 10 secretaries of state; the

secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has assumed some of the

prerogatives of a prime minister

Sao Tome and Principe

chief of state: President Fradique DE MENEZES

(since 3 September 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Maria das NEVES (since 7 October

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

proposal of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 29 July 2001 (next to be held NA July 2006);

prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the

president

election results: Fradique DE MENEZES elected president in Sao

Tome's third multiparty presidential election; percent of vote - NA%

Saudi Arabia

chief of state: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd

al-Aziz Al Saud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and First Deputy

Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (half-brother to the

monarch, heir to the throne since 13 June 1982, regent from 1

January to 22 February 1996); note - the monarch is both the chief

of state and head of government

head of government: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al

Saud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime

Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (half-brother to the

monarch, heir to the throne since 13 June 1982, regent from 1

January to 22 February 1996); note - the monarch is both the chief

of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers is appointed by the monarch and

includes many royal family members

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary

Senegal

chief of state: President Abdoulaye WADE (since 1 April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Idrissa SECK (since 4 November

2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in

consultation with the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term

under new constitution; election last held 27 February and 19 March

2000 (next to be held 27 February 2005); prime minister appointed by

the president

election results: Abdoulaye WADE elected president; percent of vote

in the second round of voting - Abdoulaye WADE (PDS) 58.49%, Abdou

DIOUF (PS) 41.51%

Serbia and Montenegro

chief of state: President Svetozar MAROVIC

(since 7 March 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Dragisa PESIC (since 24 July

2001); Deputy Prime Minister Miroljub LABUS (since 25 January 2001)

cabinet: Federal Ministries act as Cabinet

elections: president elected by the Parliament for a four-year term;

election last held 7 March 2003 (next to be held NA 2007); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: Svetozar MAROVIC elected president by the

Parliament; vote was Svetozar MAROVIC 65, other 47

Seychelles

chief of state: President France Albert RENE (since 5

June 1977); note - the president is both the chief of state and head

of government

head of government: President France Albert RENE (since 5 June

1977); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 31 August-2 September 2001 (next to be held NA

2006)

election results: France Albert RENE reelected president; percent of

vote - France Albert RENE (SPPF) 54.19%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN (UO)

44.95%, Philippe BOULLE 0.86%; note - the first time that

presidential elections have been held separately from legislative

elections

Sierra Leone

chief of state: President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (since 29

March 1996, reinstated 10 March 1998); note - the president is both

the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (since 29 March

1996, reinstated 10 March 1998); note - the president is both the

chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president with the

approval of the House of Representatives; the cabinet is responsible

to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 14 May 2002 (next to be held NA May 2007); note -

president's tenure of office is limited to two five-year terms

election results: Ahmad Tejan KABBAH reelected president; percent of

vote - Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (SLPP) 70.6%, Ernest KOROMA (APC) 22.4%

Singapore

chief of state: President Sellapan Rama (S. R.) NATHAN

(since 1 September 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 28 November

1990) and Deputy Prime Ministers Brig. Gen. (Ret.) LEE Hsien Loong

(since 28 November 1990) and TAN Keng Yam Tony (since 1 August 1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, responsible to

Parliament

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 28 August 1999 (next to be held by August 2005);

following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or

the leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime

minister by the president; deputy prime ministers appointed by the

president

election results: Sellapan Rama (S. R.) NATHAN elected president

unopposed

Slovakia

chief of state: President Rudolf SCHUSTER (since 15 June

1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Mikulas DZURINDA (since 30

October 1998); Deputy Prime Minister Pavol RUSKO (since 24 September

2003)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of

the prime minister

elections: president elected by direct, popular vote for a five-year

term; election last held 29 May 1999 (next to be held NA May/June

2004); following National Council elections, the leader of the

majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually

appointed prime minister by the president

election results: Rudolf SCHUSTER elected president in the first

direct, popular election; percent of vote - Rudolf SCHUSTER 57%;

Mikulas DZURINDA reelected prime minister October 2002

note: government coalition - SDKU, SMK, KDH, ANO

Slovenia

chief of state: President Janez DRNOVSEK (since 22 December

2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Anton ROP (since 11 December 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and

elected by the National Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 10 November and 1 December 2002 (next to be held

in the fall of 2007); following National Assembly elections, the

leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition

is usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and

elected by the National Assembly; election last held 6 December 2002

(next National Assembly elections to be held NA October 2004)

election results: Janez DRNOVSEK elected president; percent of vote

- Janez DRNOVSEK 56.5%, Barbara BREZIGAR 43.5%; Anton ROP elected

prime minister; National Assembly vote - 63 to 24

Solomon Islands

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952), represented by Governor General Sir John LAPLI (since NA 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA (since 17

December 2001); Deputy Prime Minister Snyder RINI (since 17 December

2001)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 20 members appointed by the governor

general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members

of Parliament

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general

appointed by the monarch on the advice of Parliament for up to five

years; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority

party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually elected prime

minister by Parliament; deputy prime minister appointed by the

governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the

members of Parliament

Somalia

chief of state: ABDIKASSIM Salad Hassan (since 26 August

2000); note - as of December 2002, there was no executive branch in

southern Somalia; Interim President ABDIKASSIM was chosen for a

three-year term by a 245-member National Assembly serving as a

transitional government but has little power and was due to leave

office in August 2003; the political situation, particularly in the

south, with interclan fighting and random banditry, remains fluid

head of government: Prime Minister HASSAN Abshir Farah (since 12

November 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and sworn in on 20

October 2000; as of 1 January 2002, the Cabinet was in caretaker

status following a no-confidence vote in October 2001 that ousted

HASSAN's predecessor

election results: ABDIKASSIM Salad Hassan was elected president of

an interim government at the Djibouti-sponsored Arta Peace

Conference on 26 August 2000 by a broad representation of Somali

clans that comprised a transitional National Assembly

South Africa

chief of state: President Thabo MBEKI (since 16 June

1999); Executive Deputy President Jacob ZUMA (since 17 June 1999);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Thabo MBEKI (since 16 June 1999);

Executive Deputy President Jacob ZUMA (since 17 June 1999); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a

five-year term; election last held 2 June 1999 (next scheduled for

sometime between May and July 2004)

election results: Thabo MBEKI elected president; percent of National

Assembly vote - 100% (by acclamation)

note: ANC-IFP is the governing coalition

Spain

chief of state: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975);

Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968

head of government: President of the Government Jose Maria AZNAR

Lopez (since 5 May 1996); First Vice President (and Minister of

Economy) Rodrigo RATO Figaredo (since 4 September 2003) and Second

Vice President (and Minister of the Presidency) Javier ARENAS (since

4 September 2003)

cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president

note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme

consultative organ of the government

elections: the monarch is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition is usually proposed president by the monarch and

elected by the National Assembly; election last held 12 March 2000

(next to be held NA March 2004); vice presidents appointed by the

monarch on the proposal of the president

election results: Jose Maria AZNAR Lopez (PP) elected president;

percent of National Assembly vote - 44.54%; note - the Popular Party

(PP) obtained an absolute majority of seats in both the Congress of

Deputies and the Senate as a result of the March 2000 elections

Sri Lanka

chief of state: President Chandrika Bandaranaike

KUMARATUNGA (since 12 November 1994); note - Ranil WICKREMASINGHE

(since 9 December 2001) is the prime minister; the president is

considered both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA

(since 12 November 1994); note - Ranil WICKREMASINGHE (since 9

December 2001) is the prime minister; the president is considered

both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the

prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 21 December 1999 (next to be held NA December

2005)

election results: Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA reelected

president; percent of vote - Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA (PA)

51%, Ranil WICKREMASINGHE (UNP) 42%, other 7%

Sudan

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR

(since 16 October 1993); First Vice President Ali Uthman Muhammad

TAHA (since 17 February 1998), Second Vice President Moses MACHAR

(since 12 February 2001); note - the president is both the chief of

state and head of government

head of government: President Lt. Gen. Umar Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR

(since 16 October 1993); First Vice President Ali Uthman Muhammad

TAHA (since 17 February 1998), Second Vice President Moses MACHAR

(since 12 February 2001); note - the president is both the chief of

state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - the

National Congress Party or NCP (formerly the National Islamic Front

or NIF) dominates al-BASHIR's cabinet

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 13-23 December 2000 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: Lt. Gen. Umar Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR reelected

president; percent of vote - Umar Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR 86.5%,

Ja'afar Muhammed NUMAYRI 9.6%, three other candidates received a

combined vote of 3.9%; election widely viewed as rigged; all popular

opposition parties boycotted elections because of a lack of

guarantees for a free and fair election

note: Lt. Gen. al-BASHIR assumed supreme executive power in 1989 and

retained it through several transitional governments in the early

and mid-1990s before being popularly elected for the first time in

March 1996

Suriname

chief of state: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (since

12 August 2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar AJODHIA (since 12

August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

head of government: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (since 12

August 2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar AJODHIA (since 12

August 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and

head of government

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president from among

the members of the National Assembly

elections: president and vice president elected by the National

Assembly or, if no presidential or vice presidential candidate

receives a constitutional majority in the National Assembly after

two votes, by the larger People's Assembly (869 representatives from

the national, local, and regional councils), for five-year terms;

election last held 6 May 2000 (next to be held NA May 2005)

note: widespread demonstrations during the summer of 1999 led to the

call for elections a year early

election results: Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN elected president by the

National Assembly; percent of legislative vote - Runaldo Ronald

VENETIAAN 72.5%; Rashied DOEKHIE (NDP) 19.6%; total votes cast -

Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (New Front) 37 votes, Rashied DOEKHIE (NDP)

10 votes

Svalbard

chief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January

1991)

head of government: Governor Morten RUUD (since NA November 1998)

and Assistant Governor Odd Redar HUMLEGAARD (since NA)

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor and assistant

governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of

Justice

Swaziland

chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)

head of government: Prime Minister Themba DLAMINI (since 14 November

2003)

cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by

the monarch

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed

by the monarch

Sweden

chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September

1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree,

daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977)

head of government: Prime Minister Goran PERSSON (since 21 March

1996)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the prime minister is elected by the Parliament; election

last held 15 September 2002 (next to be held NA September 2006)

election results: Goran PERSSON reelected prime minister with 131

out of 349 votes

Switzerland

chief of state: President Pascal COUCHEPIN (since 1

January 2003); Vice President Ruth METZLER (since 1 January 2003);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Pascal COUCHEPIN (since 1 January

2003); Vice President Ruth METZLER (since 1 January 2003); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal

(in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) elected by the Federal

Assembly usually from among its own members for a four-year term

elections: president and vice president elected by the Federal

Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council for one-year

terms that run concurrently; election last held NA December 2002

(next to be held NA December 2003)

election results: Pascal COUCHEPIN elected president; percent of

Federal Assembly vote - NA%; Ruth METZLER elected vice president;

percent of legislative vote - NA%

Syria

chief of state: President Bashar al-ASAD (since 17 July 2000);

Vice Presidents Abd al-Halim ibn Said KHADDAM (since 11 March 1984)

and Muhammad Zuhayr MASHARIQA (since 11 March 1984)

head of government: Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-UTRI (since 10

September 2003), Deputy Prime Ministers Lt. Gen. Mustafa TALAS

(since 11 March 1984), Farouk al-SHARA (since 13 December 2001), Dr.

Muhammad al-HUSAYN (since 13 December 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

referendum/election last held 10 July 2000 - after the death of

President Hafez al-ASAD, father of Bashar al-ASAD - (next to be held

NA 2007); vice presidents appointed by the president; prime minister

and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president

election results: Bashar al-ASAD elected president; percent of vote

- Bashar al-ASAD 97.29%

note: Hafiz al-ASAD died on 10 June 2000; on 20 June 2000, the Ba'th

Party nominated Bashar al-ASAD for president and presented his name

to the People's Council on 25 June 2000

Taiwan

chief of state: President CHEN Shui-bian (since 20 May 2000)

and Vice President Annette LU (LU Hsiu-lien) (since 20 May 2000)

head of government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) YU

Shyi-kun (since 1 February 2002) and Vice Premier (Vice President of

the Executive Yuan) LIN Hsin-yi (since 1 February 2002)

cabinet: Executive Yuan appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 18 March

2000 (next to be held NA March 2004); premier appointed by the

president; vice premiers appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the premier

election results: CHEN Shui-bian elected president; percent of vote

- CHEN Shui-bian (DPP) 39.3%, James SOONG (SOONG Chu-yu) (PFP)

36.84%, LIEN Chan (KMT) 23.1%, HSU Hsin-liang (independent) 0.63%,

LEE Ao (CNP) 0.13%

Tajikistan

chief of state: President Emomali RAHMONOV (since 6

November 1994; head of state and Supreme Assembly chairman since 19

November 1992)

head of government: Prime Minister Oqil OQILOV (since 20 January

1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved

by the Supreme Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;

election last held 6 November 1999 (next to be held NA 2006); prime

minister appointed by the president; Tajikistan held a

constitutional referendum on 22 June 2003 that, among other things,

set a term limit of two seven-year terms for the president

election results: Emomali RAHMONOV elected president; percent of

vote - Emomali RAHMONOV 97%, Davlat USMON 2%

Tanzania

chief of state: President Benjamin William MKAPA (since 23

November 1995); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July

2001); note - the president is both chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Benjamin William MKAPA (since 23

November 1995); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July

2001); note - the president is both chief of state and head of

government

note: Zanzibar elects a president who is head of government for

matters internal to Zanzibar; Amani Abeid KARUME was elected to that

office on 29 October 2000

cabinet: Cabinet ministers, including the prime minister, are

appointed by the president from among the members of the National

Assembly

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ballot

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 29 October

2000 (next to be held NA October 2005); prime minister appointed by

the president

election results: Benjamin William MKAPA reelected president;

percent of vote - Benjamin William MKAPA 71.7%, Ibrahim Haruna

LIPUMBA 16.3%, Augustine Lyatonga MREME 7.8%, John Momose CHEYO 4.2%

Thailand

chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946)

head of government: Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat (since 9

February 2001) and Deputy Prime Ministers Gen. (Ret.) CHAWALIT

Yongchaiyut, KON Thappharansi, SUWIT Khunkitti, CHATURON Chaisaeng,

VISHANU Krua-ngam, and PROMMIN Lertsuridej (since 18 February 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers

note: there is also a Privy Council

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister is

designated from among the members of the House of Representatives;

following national elections for the House of Representatives, the

leader of the party that can organize a majority coalition usually

is appointed prime minister by the king

Togo

chief of state: President Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA (since 14

April 1967)

head of government: Prime Minister Koffi SAMA (since 29 June 2002)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and the

prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 1 June 2003 (next to be held NA June 2008); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: Gnassingbe EYADEMA reelected president; percent of

vote - Gnassingbe EYADEMA 57.2%, Emmanuel Akitani BOB 34.1%, Yawovi

AGBOYIBO 5.2%, Maurice Dahuku PERE 2.3%, Edem KODJO 1.0%

Tokelau

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);

the UK and New Zealand are represented by Administrator Lindsay WATT

(since NA March 1993)

head of government: Aliki Faipule Pio TUIA (since NA 2002)

cabinet: the Council of Faipule, consisting of three elected leaders

- one from each atoll - functions as a cabinet

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed

by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the

head of government is chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves

a one-year term

Tonga

chief of state: King Taufa'ahau TUPOU IV (since 16 December

1965)

head of government: Prime Minister Prince Lavaka ata ULUKALALA

(since NA February 2000) and Deputy Prime Minister Tevita TOPOU

(since NA January 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet, appointed by the monarch, consists of 12 members

note: there is also a Privy Council that consists of the monarch,

the Cabinet, and two governors

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister and

deputy prime minister appointed for life by the monarch

Trinidad and Tobago

chief of state: President George Maxwell

RICHARDS (since 17 March 2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Patrick MANNING (since 24

December 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among the members of Parliament

elections: president elected by an electoral college, which consists

of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for a

five-year term; election last held 14 February 2003 (next to be held

NA 2008); the president usually appoints as prime minister the

leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives

election results: George Maxwell RICHARDS elected president; percent

of electoral college vote - 43%

Tunisia

chief of state: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI (since 7

November 1987)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed GHANNOUCHI (since 17

November 1999)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 24 October 1999 (next to be held NA 2004); prime

minister appointed by the president

election results: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI reelected for a

third term without opposition; percent of vote - Zine El Abidine BEN

ALI nearly 100%

Turkey

chief of state: President Ahmet Necdet SEZER (since 16 May

2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (14 March

2003); note - Abdullah GUL resigned 11 March 2003; Recep Tayyip

ERDOGAN was given a mandate to form a new government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

nomination of the prime minister

note: a National Security Council serves as an advisory body to the

government composed of top military and cabinet officials and

presided over by the president

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a

seven-year term; election last held 5 May 2000 (next to be held NA

May 2007); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by

the president

election results: Ahmed Necdet SEZER elected president on the third

ballot; percent of National Assembly vote - 60%

note: president must have a two-thirds majority of the National

Assembly on the first two ballots and a simple majority on the third

ballot

Turkmenistan

chief of state: President and Chairman of the Cabinet

of Ministers Saparmurat NIYAZOV (since 27 October 1990, when the

first direct presidential election occurred); note - the president

is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President and Chairman of the Cabinet of

Ministers Saparmurat NIYAZOV (since 27 October 1990, when the first

direct presidential election occurred); note - the president is both

the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

note: NIYAZOV's term in office was extended indefinitely on 28

December 1999 by the Assembly (Majlis) during a session of the

People's Council (Halk Maslahaty)

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 21 June 1992 (next to be held NA); note -

President NIYAZOV was unanimously approved as president for life by

the Assembly on 28 December 1999); deputy chairmen of the cabinet of

ministers are appointed by the president

election results: Saparmurat NIYAZOV elected president without

opposition; percent of vote - Saparmurat NIYAZOV 99.5%

Turks and Caicos Islands

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6

February 1953), represented by Governor Jim POSTON (since 16

December 2002)

head of government: Chief Minister Derek H. TAYLOR (since 31 January

1995)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of three ex officio members and

five appointed by the governor from among the members of the

Legislative Council

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by

the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the

majority party is appointed chief minister by the governor

Tuvalu

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),

represented by Governor General Faimalaga LUKA (since 9 September

2003)

head of government: Prime Minister Saufatu SOPOANGA (since 2 August

2002)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the

recommendation of the prime minister

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by

the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; prime

minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from the members

of Parliament; election last held 2 August 2002 (next to be held NA)

election results: Saufatu SOPOANGA elected prime minister;

Parliamentary vote - Saufatu SOPOANGA 8, Amasone KILEI 7

Uganda

chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI

(since seizing power 26 January 1986); note - the president is both

chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since

seizing power 29 January 1986); Prime Minister Apollo NSIBAMBI

(since 5 April 1999); note - the president is both chief of state

and head of government; the prime minister assists the president in

the supervision of the cabinet

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected

legislators

elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 12 March 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); note -

first popular election for president since independence in 1962 was

held in 1996; prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI elected president;

percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI 69.3%, Kizza

BESIGYE 27.8%

Ukraine

chief of state: President Leonid D. KUCHMA (since 19 July

1994)

head of government: Prime Minister Viktor YANUKOVYCH (since 21

November 2002); First Deputy Prime Minister Mykola AZAROV (since 26

November 2002)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president and

approved by the Supreme Council

note: there is also a National Security and Defense Council or NSDC

originally created in 1992 as the National Security Council, but

significantly revamped and strengthened under President KUCHMA; the

NSDC staff is tasked with developing national security policy on

domestic and international matters and advising the president; a

Presidential Administration that helps draft presidential edicts and

provides policy support to the president; and a Council of Regions

that serves as an advisory body created by President KUCHMA in

September 1994 that includes chairmen of the Kiev (Kyyiv) and

Sevastopol' municipalities and chairmen of the oblasti

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 31 October and 14 November 1999 (next to be held

NA October 2004); prime minister and deputy prime ministers

appointed by the president and approved by the Supreme Council

election results: Leonid D. KUCHMA elected president; percent of

vote - Leonid KUCHMA 57.7%, Petro SYMONENKO 38.8%

United Arab Emirates

chief of state: President ZAYID bin Sultan Al

Nuhayyan (since 2 December 1971), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi)

(since 6 August 1966) and Vice President MAKTUM bin Rashid al-Maktum

(since 8 October 1990), ruler of Dubayy (Dubai)

head of government: Prime Minister MAKTUM bin Rashid al-Maktum

(since 8 October 1990), ruler of Dubayy (Dubai); Deputy Prime

Minister SULTAN bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan (since 20 November 1990)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the

seven emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional

authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions

federal legislation; meets four times a year; Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi)

and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power

elections: president and vice president elected by the FSC (a group

of seven electors) for five-year terms; election last held 2

December 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); prime minister and deputy

prime minister appointed by the president

election results: ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan reelected president;

percent of FSC vote - NA%, but believed to be unanimous; MAKTUM bin

Rashid al-Maktum elected vice president; percent of FSC vote - NA%,

but believed to be unanimous

United Kingdom

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February

1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the queen, born 14

November 1948)

head of government: Prime Minister Anthony (Tony) BLAIR (since 2 May

1997)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the

majority coalition is usually the prime minister

United States

chief of state: President George W. BUSH (since 20

January 2001) and Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January

2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President George W. BUSH (since 20 January 2001)

and Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January 2001); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with Senate approval

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by a college of representatives who are elected directly from each

state; president and vice president serve four-year terms; election

last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held 2 November 2004)

election results: George W. BUSH elected president; percent of

popular vote - George W. BUSH (Republican Party) 48%, Albert A.

GORE, Jr. (Democratic Party) 48%, Ralph NADER (Green Party) 3%,

other 1%

Uruguay

chief of state: President Jorge BATLLE Ibanez (since 1 March

2000) and Vice President Luis HIERRO (since 1 March 2000); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Jorge BATLLE Ibanez (since 1 March

2000) and Vice President Luis HIERRO (since 1 March 2000); note -

the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with

parliamentary approval

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket

by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 31 October

1999, with runoff election on 28 November 1999 (next to be held NA

2004)

election results: Jorge BATLLE Ibanez elected president; percent of

vote - Jorge BATLLE Ibanez 52% in a runoff against Tabare VAZQUEZ 44%

Uzbekistan

chief of state: President Islom KARIMOV (since 24 March

1990, when he was elected president by the then Supreme Soviet)

head of government: Prime Minister Shavkat MIRZIYAYEV (since 11

December 2003)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president with

approval of the Supreme Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term

(previously was a five-year term, extended by constitutional

amendment in 2002); election last held 9 January 2000 (next to be

held NA December 2007); prime minister and deputy ministers

appointed by the president

election results: Islom KARIMOV reelected president; percent of vote

- Islom KARIMOV 91.9%, Abdulkhafiz JALALOV 4.2%

Vanuatu

chief of state: President Father John BANI (since 25 March

1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Edward Nipake NATAPEI (since 13

April 2001); Deputy Prime Minister Ham LINI (since NA)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,

responsible to Parliament

elections: president elected for a four-year term by an electoral

college consisting of Parliament and the presidents of the regional

councils for a five-year term; election for president last held 25

March 1999 (next to be held NA 2004); following legislative

elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is

usually elected prime minister by Parliament from among its members;

election for prime minister last held 2 August 2002 (next to be held

NA 2003)

election results: Father John BANI elected president on second vote

(24 March 1999) after the first (17 March 1999) did not have any

candidate with the required two-thirds majority; percent of

electoral college vote - NA%

Venezuela

chief of state: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3

February 1999); Vice President Jose Vicente RANGEL (since 28 April

2002); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February

1999); Vice President Jose Vicente RANGEL (since 28 April 2002);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;

election last held 30 July 2000 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: Hugo CHAVEZ Frias reelected president; percent of

vote - 60%

Vietnam

chief of state: President Tran Duc LUONG (since 24 September

1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Phan Van KHAI (since 25 September

1997); First Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 29

September 1997); Deputy Prime Ministers Vu KHOAN (since NA) and Pham

Gia KHIEM (since 29 September 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the proposal of the

prime minister and ratification of the National Assembly

elections: president elected by the National Assembly from among its

members for a five-year term; election last held 25 July 2002 (next

to be held when National Assembly meets following legislative

elections in 2007); prime minister appointed by the president from

among the members of the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers

appointed by the prime minister

election results: Tran Duc LUONG elected president; percent of

National Assembly vote - NA%

Virgin Islands

chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US

(since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (Since 20

January 2001)

head of government: Governor Dr. Charles Wesley TURNBULL (since 5

January 1999) and Lieutenant Governor Vargrave RICHARDS (since NA

January 2003)

cabinet: NA

elections: US president and vice president elected on the same

ticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor elected

on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election

last held 5 November 2002 (next to be held NA November 2006)

election results: Dr. Charles Wesley TURNBULL reelected governor;

percent of vote - Dr. Charles Wesley TURNBULL (Democrat) 50.5%, John

de JONGH 24.4%

Wallis and Futuna

chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France

(since 17 May 1995), represented by High Administrator Christian JOB

(since 6 August 2002)

head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Patalione

KANIMOA (since NA January 2001)

cabinet: Council of the Territory consists of three kings and three

members appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the

Territorial Assembly

note: there are three traditional kings with limited powers

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year

term; high administrator appointed by the French president on the

advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the

Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly are elected by

the members of the assembly

Western Sahara

none

Yemen

chief of state: President Field Marshall Ali Abdallah SALIH

(since 22 May 1990, the former president of North Yemen, assumed

office upon the merger of North and South Yemen); Vice President

Maj. Gen. Abd al-Rab Mansur al-HADI (since 3 October 1994)

head of government: Prime Minister Abd al-Qadir BA JAMAL (since 4

April 2001)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the

advice of the prime minister

elections: president elected by direct, popular vote for a

seven-year term (recently extended from a five-year term by

constitutional amendment); election last held 23 September 1999

(next to be held NA 2006); vice president appointed by the

president; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by

the president

election results: Ali Abdallah SALIH elected president; percent of

vote - Ali Abdallah SALIH 96.3%, Najib Qahtan AL-SHAABI 3.7%

Zambia

chief of state: President Levy MWANAWASA (since 2 January

2002); Vice President Nevers MUMBA (since May 2003); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Levy MWANAWASA (since 2 January 2002);

Vice President Nevers MUMBA (since May 2003); note - the president

is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members

of the National Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;

election last held 27 December 2001 (next to be held NA December

2006); vice president appointed by the president

election results: Levy MWANAWASA elected president; percent of vote

- Levy MWANAWASA 29%, Anderson MAZOKA 27%, Christon TEMBO 13%,

Tilyenji KAUNDA 10%, Godfrey MIYANDA 8%, Benjamin MWILA 5%, Michael

SATA 3%, other 5%

Zimbabwe

chief of state: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE

(since 31 December 1987); Joseph MSIKA (since 23 December 1999);

note - the president is both the chief of state and head of

government

head of government: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE (since

31 December 1987); Joseph MSIKA (since 23 December 1999); note - the

president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; responsible to the

House of Assembly

elections: presidential candidates nominated with a nomination paper

signed by at least 10 registered voters (at least one from each

province) and elected by popular vote; election last held 9-11 March

2002 (next to be held NA March 2008); co-vice presidents appointed

by the president

election results: Robert Gabriel MUGABE reelected president; percent

of vote - Robert Gabriel MUGABE 56.2%, Morgan TSVANGIRAI 41.9%

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2078 Exports

Afghanistan

$1.2 billion (not including illicit exports) (2001 est.)

Albania

$340 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Algeria

$19.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

American Samoa

$345 million (1999)

Andorra

$58 million f.o.b. (1998)

Angola

$8.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Anguilla

$2.6 million (1999)

Antigua and Barbuda

$40 million

Argentina

$25.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Armenia

$525 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Aruba

$1.88 billion f.o.b. (including oil reexports) (2002 est.)

Australia

$66.3 billion (2002 est.)

Austria

$70 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Azerbaijan

$2 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Bahamas, The

$560.7 million (2002 est.)

Bahrain

$5.8 billion (2002)

Bangladesh

$6.2 billion (2002)

Barbados

$227 million (2002)

Belarus

$7.7 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Belgium

$162 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Belize

$290 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Benin

$207 million f.o.b. (2002)

Bermuda

$51 million (2000)

Bhutan

$154 million f.o.b. (2000 est.)

Bolivia

$1.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

$1.15 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Botswana

$2.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Brazil

$59.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

British Virgin Islands

$25.3 million (2002)

Brunei

$3 billion f.o.b. (2000 est.)

Bulgaria

$5.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Burkina Faso

$250 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Burma

$2.7 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Burundi

$26 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Cambodia

$1.38 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Cameroon

$1.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Canada

$260.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Cape Verde

$30 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Cayman Islands

$1.2 million (1999)

Central African Republic

$134 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Chad

$197 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Chile

$17.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

China

$325.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

$NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

$NA

Colombia

$12.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Comoros

$16.3 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

$1.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

$2.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Cook Islands

$9.1 million (2000)

Costa Rica

$5.1 billion (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire

$4.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Croatia

$4.9 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Cuba

$1.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: $1.03 billion f.o.b. Turkish Cypriot

area: $46 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Czech Republic

$40.8 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Denmark

$56.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Djibouti

$70 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Dominica

$50 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic

$5.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

East Timor

$8 million (2001 est.)

Ecuador

$4.9 billion (2002 est.)

Egypt

$7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

El Salvador

$3 billion (2002 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

$2.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Eritrea

$20 million f.o.b. (2001)

Estonia

$3.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Ethiopia

$433 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

$7.6 million (1995)

Faroe Islands

$418 million f.o.b. (2001)

Fiji

$442 million f.o.b. (2001)

Finland

$40.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

France

$307.8 billion f.o.b. (2002)

French Guiana

$155 million f.o.b.

French Polynesia

$260 million f.o.b. (2000)

Gabon

$2.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Gambia, The

$138 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Gaza Strip

$603 million f.o.b., includes West Bank

Georgia

$515 million (2002 est.)

Germany

$608 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Ghana

$2.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Gibraltar

$81.1 million f.o.b. (1997)

Greece

$12.6 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Greenland

$364 million f.o.b. (2001)

Grenada

$78 million (2000 est.)

Guadeloupe

$140 million f.o.b. (1997)

Guam

$75.7 million f.o.b. (1999 est.)

Guatemala

$2.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Guernsey

$NA

Guinea

$835 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

$71 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Guyana

$500 million f.o.b. (2002)

Haiti

$298 million f.o.b. (2002)

Honduras

$1.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Hong Kong

$200.3 billion f.o.b., including reexports (2002 est.)

Hungary

$31.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Iceland

$2.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

India

$44.5 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Indonesia

$52.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Iran

$24.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Iraq

$13 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Ireland

$86.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Israel

$28.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Italy

$259.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Jamaica

$1.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Japan

$383.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Jersey

$NA

Jordan

$2.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Kazakhstan

$10.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Kenya

$2.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Kiribati

$6 million f.o.b. (1998)

Korea, North

$842 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Korea, South

$162.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Kuwait

$16 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

$488 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Laos

$345 million (2002 est.)

Latvia

$2.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Lebanon

$1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Lesotho

$422 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Liberia

$110 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Libya

$11.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Liechtenstein

$2.47 billion (1996)

Lithuania

$5.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Luxembourg

$10.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Macau

$2.36 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of $1.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Madagascar

$700 million f.o.b. (2002)

Malawi

$435 million f.o.b. (201)

Malaysia

$95.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Maldives

$110 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Mali

$680 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Malta

$2 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Man, Isle of

$NA

Marshall Islands

$9 million f.o.b. (2000)

Martinique

$250 million f.o.b. (1997)

Mauritania

$355 million f.o.b. (2002)

Mauritius

$1.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Mayotte

$3.44 million f.o.b. (1997)

Mexico

$158.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

$22 million (f.o.b.) (FY 99/00 est.)

Moldova

$590 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Monaco

$NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and

rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market

system through customs union with France

Mongolia

$501 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Montserrat

$700,000 (2001)

Morocco

$7.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Mozambique

$680 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Namibia

$1.21 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Nauru

$27 million f.o.b. (1995)

Nepal

$720 million f.o.b., but does not include unrecorded border

trade with India (2001 est.)

Netherlands

$243.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Netherlands Antilles

$553 million f.o.b. (2002)

New Caledonia

$400 million f.o.b. (2000)

New Zealand

$15 billion (2002 est.)

Nicaragua

$637 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Niger

$293 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Nigeria

$17.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Niue

$137,200 (1999)

Norfolk Island

$1.5 million f.o.b. (FY 91/92)

Northern Mariana Islands

$NA

Norway

$68.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Oman

$10.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Pakistan

$9.8 billion f.o.b. (FY02/03 est.)

Palau

$18 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Panama

$5.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Papua New Guinea

$1.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Paraguay

$2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Peru

$7.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Philippines

$35.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Pitcairn Islands

$NA

Poland

$32.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Portugal

$25.9 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Puerto Rico

$46.9 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Qatar

$10.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Reunion

$214 million f.o.b. (1997)

Romania

$13.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Russia

$104.6 billion (2002 est.)

Rwanda

$68 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Saint Helena

$704,000 f.o.b. (1995)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

$47 million (2001 est.)

Saint Lucia

$68.3 million (2000 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

$12 million f.o.b. (1999)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

$53.7 million (2000 est.)

Samoa

$15.5 million f.o.b. (2001)

San Marino

trade data are included with the statistics for Italy

Sao Tome and Principe

$5.5 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Saudi Arabia

$71 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Senegal

$1.15 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

$2.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Seychelles

$235 million f.o.b. (2002)

Sierra Leone

$35 million f.o.b. (2000 est.)

Singapore

$127 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Slovakia

$12.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Slovenia

$10.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Solomon Islands

$47 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Somalia

$126 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

South Africa

$31.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Spain

$122.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Sri Lanka

$4.6 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Sudan

$1.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Suriname

$445 million f.o.b. (2002)

Svalbard

$NA

Swaziland

$820 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Sweden

$80.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Switzerland

$100.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Syria

$6.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Taiwan

$130 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Tajikistan

$710 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Tanzania

$863 million f.o.b. (2001)

Thailand

$67.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Togo

$449 million f.o.b. (2002)

Tokelau

$98,000 f.o.b. (1983)

Tonga

$8.9 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

$4.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Tunisia

$6.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Turkey

$35.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Turkmenistan

$2.97 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

$169.2 million (2000)

Tuvalu

$276,000 f.o.b. (1997)

Uganda

$476 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Ukraine

$18.1 billion (2002 est.)

United Arab Emirates

$44.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

United Kingdom

$286.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

United States

$687 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Uruguay

$2.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Uzbekistan

$2.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Vanuatu

$22 million f.o.b. (2001)

Venezuela

$28.6 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Vietnam

$16.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Virgin Islands

$NA

Wallis and Futuna

$250,000 f.o.b. (1999)

West Bank

$603 million f.o.b., includes Gaza Strip

Western Sahara

$NA

World

$6.6 trillion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Yemen

$3.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Zambia

$709 million f.o.b. (2001)

Zimbabwe

$1.57 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2079 Debt - external

Afghanistan

NA (1996 est.)

Albania

$784 million (2000)

Algeria

$21.6 billion (2002 est.)

American Samoa

$NA

Andorra

$NA

Angola

$9.9 billion (2002 est.)

Anguilla

$8.8 million (1998)

Antigua and Barbuda

$231 million (1999)

Argentina

$155 billion (2001 est.)

Armenia

$905 million (June 2001)

Aruba

$285 million (1996)

Australia

$176.8 billion (yearend 2002 est.)

Austria

$12.1 billion (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

$1.4 billion (2002)

Bahamas, The

$371.6 million (2001)

Bahrain

$3.7 billion (2002)

Bangladesh

$16.5 billion (2002)

Barbados

$692 million (2002)

Belarus

$851 million (2001 est.)

Belgium

$28.3 billion (1999 est.)

Belize

$475 million (2001 est.)

Benin

$1.6 billion (2000)

Bermuda

$145 million (FY 99/00)

Bhutan

$245 million (2000)

Bolivia

$5.9 billion (2002 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

$2.8 billion (2001)

Botswana

$360 million (2002)

Brazil

$222.4 billion (2002)

British Virgin Islands

$36.1 million (1997)

Brunei

$0

Bulgaria

$10.3 billion (yearend 2002)

Burkina Faso

$1.3 billion (2000)

Burma

$6.1 billion (2002 est.)

Burundi

$1.14 billion (2001)

Cambodia

$829 million (1999 est.)

Cameroon

$8.6 billion (2002 est.)

Canada

$1.9 billion $NA (2000)

Cape Verde

$325 million (2002)

Cayman Islands

$70 million (1996)

Central African Republic

$881.4 million (2000 est.)

Chad

$1.1 billion (2000 est.)

Chile

$40.4 billion (2002)

China

$149.4 billion (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

$NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

$NA

Colombia

$38.4 billion (2002 est.)

Comoros

$232 million (2000 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

$12.9 billion (2000 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

$5 billion (2000 est.)

Cook Islands

$141 million (1996 est.)

Costa Rica

$4.8 billion (2002 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

$10.3 billion (2002 est.)

Croatia

$16.5 billion (yearend 2002 est.)

Cuba

$12.3 billion (convertible currency); another $15 billion -$20

billion owed to Russia (2002 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: $8 billion; Turkish Cypriot area: $NA

(2002)

Czech Republic

$23.8 billion (2002)

Denmark

$21.7 billion (2000)

Djibouti

$366 million (2002 est.)

Dominica

$161.5 million (2001)

Dominican Republic

$4.8 billion (2002 est.)

East Timor

$NA

Ecuador

$14.4 billion (2002)

Egypt

$30.5 billion (2002 est.)

El Salvador

$5.6 billion (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

$248 million (2000 est.)

Eritrea

$311 million (2000 est.)

Estonia

$3.3 billion (2001 est.)

Ethiopia

$5.3 billion (2001 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

$NA

Faroe Islands

$64 million (1999)

Fiji

$135.9 million (2000)

Finland

$30 billion (December 1993)

France

NA (1998)

French Guiana

$1.2 billion (1988)

French Polynesia

$NA

Gabon

$3.8 billion (2002 est.)

Gambia, The

$476 million (2001 est.)

Gaza Strip

$108 million (includes West Bank) (1997 est.)

Georgia

$1.7 billion (2001)

Germany

$NA

Ghana

$7.2 billion (2002 est.)

Gibraltar

$NA

Greece

$63.4 billion (2002 est.)

Greenland

$25 million (1999)

Grenada

$196 million (2000)

Guadeloupe

$NA

Guam

$NA

Guatemala

$4.9 billion (2002 est.)

Guernsey

$NA

Guinea

$3.4 billion (2000 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

$941.5 million (2000 est.)

Guyana

$1.2 billion (2002)

Haiti

$1.2 billion (1999)

Honduras

$5.4 billion (2002)

Hong Kong

$49.5 billion (2002 est.)

Hungary

$31.5 billion (2002 est.)

Iceland

$2.6 billion (1999)

India

$100.6 billion (2001 est.)

Indonesia

$131 billion (2002 est.)

Iran

$8.7 billion (2002 est.)

Iraq

$120 billion (2002 est.)

Ireland

$11 billion (1998)

Israel

$42.8 billion (2001 est.)

Italy

NA

Jamaica

$5.3 billion (2002 est.)

Japan

$NA

Jersey

none

Jordan

$8.2 billion (2002 est.)

Kazakhstan

$6.6 billion (2002 est.)

Kenya

$5.7 billion (2002 est.)

Kiribati

$10 million (1999 est.)

Korea, North

$12 billion (1996 est.)

Korea, South

$135.2 billion (yearend 2002 est.)

Kuwait

$10.4 billion (2000 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

$1.5 billion (2002 est.)

Laos

$2.53 billion (1999)

Latvia

$3.4 billion (2000 est.)

Lebanon

$9.3 billion (2002 est.)

Lesotho

$735 million (2002)

Liberia

$2.1 billion (2000 est.)

Libya

$4.4 billion (2001 est.)

Liechtenstein

$0 (2001)

Lithuania

$5.8 billion (2002 est.)

Luxembourg

$NA

Macau

$255 million (2000 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

$1.3 billion (2001 est.)

Madagascar

$4.6 billion (2002)

Malawi

$2.9 billion (2002)

Malaysia

$47.5 billion (2002 est.)

Maldives

$281 million (2003 est.)

Mali

$3.3 billion (2000)

Malta

$130 million (1997)

Man, Isle of

$NA

Marshall Islands

$86.5 million (FY 99/00 est.)

Martinique

$180 million (1994)

Mauritania

$2.5 billion (2000)

Mauritius

$2.4 billion (2002 est.)

Mayotte

$NA

Mexico

$150 billion (2000 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

$53.1 million (FY 02/03 est.)

Moldova

$1.3 billion (2002)

Monaco

$NA

Mongolia

$913 million (2001 est.)

Montserrat

$8.9 million (1997)

Morocco

$17.7 billion (2002 est.)

Mozambique

$966 million (2002 est.)

Namibia

$517 million (2002 est.)

Nauru

$33.3 million

Nepal

$2.55 billion (FY 00/01)

Netherlands Antilles

$1.35 billion (1996)

New Caledonia

$79 million (1998 est.)

New Zealand

$33 billion (2002 est.)

Nicaragua

$5.8 billion (2002 est.)

Niger

$1.6 billion (1999 est.)

Nigeria

$29.7 billion (2002 est.)

Niue

$418,000 (2002 est.)

Norfolk Island

$NA

Northern Mariana Islands

$NA

Norway

$0 (Norway is a net external creditor)

Oman

$5.7 billion (2002 est.)

Pakistan

$32.3 billion (2002 est.)

Palau

$0 (FY 99/00)

Panama

$7 billion (2002 est.)

Papua New Guinea

$2.8 billion (2002 est.)

Paraguay

$3.2 billion (2002 est.)

Peru

$29.2 billion (2002 est.)

Philippines

$60.3 billion (2002)

Pitcairn Islands

$NA

Poland

$64 billion (2002)

Portugal

$13.1 billion (1997 est.)

Puerto Rico

$NA

Qatar

$15.4 billion (2002 est.)

Reunion

$NA

Romania

$13.7 billion (2002 est.)

Russia

$153.5 billion (yearend 2002)

Rwanda

$1.3 billion (2000 est.)

Saint Helena

$NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis

$171 million (2001)

Saint Lucia

$214 million (2000)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

$NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

$167.2 million (2000)

Samoa

$197 million (2000)

San Marino

$NA

Sao Tome and Principe

$253.8 million (2000)

Saudi Arabia

$25.9 billion (2003 est.)

Senegal

$3.1 billion (2002 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

$9.2 billion (2001 est.)

Seychelles

$170 million (2002 est.)

Sierra Leone

$1.5 billion (2002 est.)

Singapore

$8.2 billion (2002 est.)

Slovakia

$9.6 billion (2002 est.)

Slovenia

$7.9 billion (2001)

Solomon Islands

$137 million (2001 est.)

Somalia

$2.6 billion (2000 est.)

South Africa

$24.7 billion (2002 est.)

Spain

$90 billion (1993 est.)

Sri Lanka

$9.8 billion (2002)

Sudan

$15.8 billion (2002 est.)

Suriname

$321 million (2002 est.)

Swaziland

$320 million (2002 est.)

Sweden

$66.5 billion (1994)

Switzerland

$NA

Syria

$22 billion (2002 est.)

Taiwan

$24.7 billion (2002)

Tajikistan

$1 billion (2002 est.)

Tanzania

$6.8 billion (2002 est.)

Thailand

$62.5 billion (2002 est.)

Togo

$1.4 billion (2000)

Tokelau

$0

Tonga

$57.5 million (June 2001)

Trinidad and Tobago

$2.8 billion (2002 est.)

Tunisia

$13.6 billion (2003 est.)

Turkey

$118.3 billion (Yearend 2001)

Turkmenistan

$2.4 billion to $5 billion (2001 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

$NA

Tuvalu

$NA

Uganda

$2.8 billion (2002 est.)

Ukraine

$14.2 billion (2002)

United Arab Emirates

$18.5 billion (2002 est.)

United Kingdom

$NA

United States

$862 billion (1995 est.)

Uruguay

$11.8 billion (2002 est.)

Uzbekistan

$4.6 billion (2002 est.)

Vanuatu

$68.6 million (2000 est.)

Venezuela

$38.2 billion (2000)

Vietnam

$14.1 billion (2001)

Virgin Islands

$NA

Wallis and Futuna

$NA

West Bank

$108 million (includes Gaza Strip) (1997 est.)

Western Sahara

$NA

World

$2 trillion for less developed countries (2002 est.)

Yemen

$6.2 billion (2002)

Zambia

$5.8 billion (2001)

Zimbabwe

$3.9 billion (2002 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2080 Fiscal year

Afghanistan

21 March - 20 March

Albania

calendar year

Algeria

calendar year

American Samoa

1 October - 30 September

Andorra

calendar year

Angola

calendar year

Anguilla

1 April - 31 March

Antigua and Barbuda

1 April - 31 March

Argentina

calendar year

Armenia

calendar year

Aruba

calendar year

Australia

1 July - 30 June

Austria

calendar year

Azerbaijan

calendar year

Bahamas, The

1 July - 30 June

Bahrain

calendar year

Bangladesh

1 July - 30 June

Barbados

1 April - 31 March

Belarus

calendar year

Belgium

calendar year

Belize

1 April - 31 March

Benin

calendar year

Bermuda

1 April - 31 March

Bhutan

1 July - 30 June

Bolivia

calendar year

Bosnia and Herzegovina

calendar year

Botswana

1 April - 31 March

Brazil

calendar year

British Virgin Islands

1 April - 31 March

Brunei

calendar year

Bulgaria

calendar year

Burkina Faso

calendar year

Burma

1 April - 31 March

Burundi

calendar year

Cambodia

calendar year

Cameroon

1 July - 30 June

Canada

1 April - 31 March

Cape Verde

calendar year

Cayman Islands

1 April - 31 March

Central African Republic

calendar year

Chad

calendar year

Chile

calendar year

China

calendar year

Christmas Island

1 July - 30 June

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

1 July - 30 June

Colombia

calendar year

Comoros

calendar year

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

calendar year

Congo, Republic of the

calendar year

Cook Islands

1 April - 31 March

Costa Rica

calendar year

Cote d'Ivoire

calendar year

Croatia

calendar year

Cuba

calendar year

Cyprus

calendar year

Czech Republic

calendar year

Denmark

calendar year

Djibouti

calendar year

Dominica

1 July - 30 June

Dominican Republic

calendar year

East Timor

1 July - 30 June

Ecuador

calendar year

Egypt

1 July - 30 June

El Salvador

calendar year

Equatorial Guinea

1 January - 31 December

Eritrea

calendar year

Estonia

calendar year

Ethiopia

8 July - 7 July

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

1 April - 31 March

Faroe Islands

calendar year

Fiji

calendar year

Finland

calendar year

France

calendar year

French Guiana

calendar year

French Polynesia

calendar year

Gabon

calendar year

Gambia, The

calendar year

Gaza Strip

calendar year

Georgia

calendar year

Germany

calendar year

Ghana

calendar year

Gibraltar

1 July - 30 June

Greece

calendar year

Greenland

calendar year

Grenada

calendar year

Guadeloupe

calendar year

Guam

1 October - 30 September

Guatemala

calendar year

Guernsey

calendar year

Guinea

calendar year

Guinea-Bissau

calendar year

Guyana

calendar year

Haiti

1 October - 30 September

Holy See (Vatican City)

calendar year

Honduras

calendar year

Hong Kong

1 April - 31 March

Hungary

calendar year

Iceland

calendar year

India

1 April - 31 March

Indonesia

calendar year; note - previously was 1 April - 31 March,

but starting with 2001, has been changed to calendar year

Iran

21 March - 20 March

Iraq

calendar year

Ireland

calendar year

Israel

calendar year

Italy

calendar year

Jamaica

1 April - 31 March

Japan

1 April - 31 March

Jersey

1 April - 31 March

Jordan

calendar year

Kazakhstan

calendar year

Kenya

1 July - 30 June

Kiribati

NA

Korea, North

calendar year

Korea, South

calendar year

Kuwait

1 April - 31 March

Kyrgyzstan

calendar year

Laos

1 October - 30 September

Latvia

calendar year

Lebanon

calendar year

Lesotho

1 April - 31 March

Liberia

calendar year

Libya

calendar year

Liechtenstein

calendar year

Lithuania

calendar year

Luxembourg

calendar year

Macau

calendar year

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

calendar year

Madagascar

calendar year

Malawi

1 July - 30 June

Malaysia

calendar year

Maldives

calendar year

Mali

calendar year

Malta

1 April - 31 March

Man, Isle of

1 April - 31 March

Marshall Islands

1 October - 30 September

Martinique

calendar year

Mauritania

calendar year

Mauritius

1 July - 30 June

Mayotte

calendar year

Mexico

calendar year

Micronesia, Federated States of

1 October - 30 September

Moldova

calendar year

Monaco

calendar year

Mongolia

calendar year

Montserrat

1 April - 31 March

Morocco

calendar year

Mozambique

calendar year

Namibia

1 April - 31 March

Nauru

1 July - 30 June

Nepal

16 July - 15 July

Netherlands

calendar year

Netherlands Antilles

calendar year

New Caledonia

calendar year

New Zealand

1 July - 30 June

Nicaragua

calendar year

Niger

calendar year

Nigeria

calendar year

Niue

1 April - 31 March

Norfolk Island

1 July - 30 June

Northern Mariana Islands

1 October - 30 September

Norway

calendar year

Oman

calendar year

Pakistan

1 July - 30 June

Palau

1 October - 30 September

Panama

calendar year

Papua New Guinea

calendar year

Paraguay

calendar year

Peru

calendar year

Philippines

calendar year

Pitcairn Islands

1 April - 31 March

Poland

calendar year

Portugal

calendar year

Puerto Rico

1 July - 30 June

Qatar

1 April - 31 March

Reunion

calendar year

Romania

calendar year

Russia

calendar year

Rwanda

calendar year

Saint Helena

1 April - 31 March

Saint Kitts and Nevis

calendar year

Saint Lucia

1 April - 31 March

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

calendar year

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

calendar year

Samoa

June 1 - May 31

San Marino

calendar year

Sao Tome and Principe

calendar year

Saudi Arabia

calendar year

Senegal

calendar year

Serbia and Montenegro

calendar year

Seychelles

calendar year

Sierra Leone

calendar year

Singapore

1 April - 31 March

Slovakia

calendar year

Slovenia

calendar year

Solomon Islands

calendar year

Somalia

NA

South Africa

1 April - 31 March

Spain

calendar year

Sri Lanka

calendar year

Sudan

calendar year

Suriname

calendar year

Swaziland

1 April - 31 March

Sweden

calendar year

Switzerland

calendar year

Syria

calendar year

Taiwan

1 July - 30 June (up to FY98/99); 1 July 1999 - 31 December

2000 for FY00; calendar year (after FY00)

Tajikistan

calendar year

Tanzania

1 July - 30 June

Thailand

1 October - 30 September

Togo

calendar year

Tokelau

1 April - 31 March

Tonga

1 July - 30 June

Trinidad and Tobago

1 October - 30 September

Tunisia

calendar year

Turkey

calendar year

Turkmenistan

calendar year

Turks and Caicos Islands

calendar year

Tuvalu

calendar year

Uganda

1 July - 30 June

Ukraine

calendar year

United Arab Emirates

calendar year

United Kingdom

1 April - 31 March

United States

1 October - 30 September

Uruguay

calendar year

Uzbekistan

calendar year

Vanuatu

calendar year

Venezuela

calendar year

Vietnam

calendar year

Virgin Islands

1 October - 30 September

Wallis and Futuna

calendar year

West Bank

calendar year (since 1 January 1992)

Western Sahara

calendar year

Yemen

calendar year

Zambia

calendar year

Zimbabwe

1 January - 31 December

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2081 Flag description

Afghanistan

three equal vertical bands of black (hoist), red, and

green, with a gold emblem centered on the red band; the emblem

features a temple-like structure encircled by a wreath on the left

and right and by a bold Islamic inscription above

Albania

red with a black two-headed eagle in the center

Algeria

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

red, five-pointed star within a red crescent centered over the

two-color boundary; the crescent, star, and color green are

traditional symbols of Islam (the state religion)

American Samoa

blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is

based on the outer side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and

white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying

two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a staff and a war club

Andorra

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

red with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the

coat of arms features a quartered shield; similar to the flags of

Chad and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the

center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem

Angola

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

centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half

a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle)

Anguilla

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half

of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an

interlocking circular design on a white background with blue wavy

water below

Antigua and Barbuda

red, with an inverted isosceles triangle based

on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal

bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising

sun in the black band

Argentina

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

and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun

with a human face known as the Sun of May

Armenia

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange

Aruba

blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the

lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the

upper hoist-side corner

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

the flag of Australia is used

Australia

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side

quadrant known as the Commonwealth Star, representing the federation

of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star depicts one point for

each of the six original states and one representing all of

Australia's internal and external territories; the remaining half is

a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with

one small five-pointed star and four larger, seven-pointed stars

Austria

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red

Azerbaijan

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and

green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in

red band

Bahamas, The

three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold,

and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist

side

Bahrain

red with a white serrated band (five white points) on the

hoist side; the five points represent the five pillars of Islam

Baker Island

the flag of the US is used

Bangladesh

green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of

center; the red sun of freedom represents the blood shed to achieve

independence; the green field symbolizes the lush countryside, and

secondarily, the traditional color of Islam

Barbados

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and

blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the

trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the

colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident)

Bassas da India

the flag of France is used

Belarus

red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half

the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side

bears a Belarusian national ornament in red

Belgium

three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow,

and red; the design was based on the flag of France

Belize

blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom

edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the

coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a

mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in

the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green

garland

Benin

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

vertical green band on the hoist side

Bermuda

red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and green shield with

a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship

Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the

flag

Bhutan

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the

upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered

along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing

away from the hoist side

Bolivia

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

with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the

flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in

the yellow band

Bosnia and Herzegovina

a wide medium blue vertical band on the fly

side with a yellow isosceles triangle abutting the band and the top

of the flag; the remainder of the flag is medium blue with seven

full five-pointed white stars and two half stars top and bottom

along the hypotenuse of the triangle

Botswana

light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in

the center

Bouvet Island

the flag of Norway is used

Brazil

green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a

blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each

state and the Federal District) arranged in the same pattern as the

night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with

the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)

British Indian Ocean Territory white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag

British Virgin Islands

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper

hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in

the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked

on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll

bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful)

Brunei

yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double

width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national

emblem in red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a

swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned

crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands

Bulgaria

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and

red; the national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white

stripe has been removed - it contained a rampant lion within a

wreath of wheat ears below a red five-pointed star and above a

ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and

1944 (liberation from Nazi control)

Burkina Faso

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with

a yellow five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular

pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Burma

red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner

bearing, all in white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel

containing a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14

administrative divisions

Burundi

divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and

bottom) and green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white

disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars

outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above,

two stars below)

Cambodia

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width),

and blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat

outlined in black in the center of the red band

Cameroon

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and

yellow with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band;

uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Canada

two vertical bands of red (hoist and fly side, half width),

with white square between them; an 11-pointed red maple leaf is

centered in the white square; the official colors of Canada are red

and white

Cape Verde

three horizontal bands of light blue (top, double width),

white (with a horizontal red stripe in the middle third), and light

blue; a circle of 10 yellow five-pointed stars is centered on the

hoist end of the red stripe and extends into the upper and lower

blue bands

Cayman Islands

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the outer half

of the flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above

a shield with three stars (representing the three islands) and a

scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE

SEAS

Central African Republic

four equal horizontal bands of blue (top),

white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; there

is a yellow five-pointed star on the hoist side of the blue band

Chad

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

red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of

Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms

centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France

Chile

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a

blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end

of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the

center representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes

the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red stands for the

blood spilled to achieve independence; design was influenced by the

US flag

China

red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller

yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the

middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner

Christmas Island

the flag of Australia is used; note - in early

1986, the Christmas Island Assembly held a design competition for an

island flag, however, the winning design has never been formally

adopted as the official flag of the territory

Clipperton Island

the flag of France is used

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

the flag of Australia is used

Colombia

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue,

and red; similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears

the Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center

Comoros

four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and

blue with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered

within the triangle is a white crescent with the convex side facing

the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a

line between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and

the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago -

Mwali, Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mayotte (a territorial collectivity of

France, but claimed by Comoros); the crescent, stars, and color

green are traditional symbols of Islam

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

light blue with a large yellow

five-pointed star in the center and a columnar arrangement of six

small yellow five-pointed stars along the hoist side

Congo, Republic of the

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side

by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the

lower triangle is red; uses the popular pan-African colors of

Ethiopia

Cook Islands

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for

every island) centered in the outer half of the flag

Coral Sea Islands

the flag of Australia is used

Costa Rica

five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double

width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical

disk on the hoist side of the red band; above the coat of arms a

light blue ribbon contains the words, AMERICA CENTRAL, and just

below it near the top of the coat of arms is a white ribbon with the

words, REPUBLICA COSTA RICA

Cote d'Ivoire

three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side),

white, and green; similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer

and has the colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange;

also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side),

white, and red; design was based on the flag of France

Croatia

red, white, and blue horizontal bands with Croatian coat of

arms (red and white checkered)

Cuba

five equal horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom)

alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the

hoist side bears a white, five-pointed star in the center; design

influenced by the US flag

Cyprus

white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the

name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two

green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches

symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek

and Turkish communities

note: the Turkish Cypriot flag has a horizontal red stripe at the

top and bottom between which is a red crescent and red star on a

white field

Czech Republic

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red

with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side (identical to

the flag of the former Czechoslovakia)

Denmark

red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the

flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side,

and that design element of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) was

subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland,

Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

Djibouti

two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light

green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side

bearing a red five-pointed star in the center

Dominica

green, with a centered cross of three equal bands - the

vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the

horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in

the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a sisserou parrot

encircled by 10 green, five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10

stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes)

Dominican Republic

a centered white cross that extends to the edges

divides the flag into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist

side) and red, and the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a

small coat of arms featuring a shield supported by an olive branch

(left) and a palm branch (right) is at the center of the cross;

above the shield a blue ribbon displays the motto, DIOS, PATRIA,

LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty), and below the shield, REPUBLICA

DOMINICANA appears on a red ribbon

East Timor

red, with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist

side) superimposed on a slightly longer yellow arrowhead that

extends to the center of the flag; there is a white star in the

center of the black triangle

Ecuador

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue,

and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the

flag; similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not

bear a coat of arms

Egypt

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

with the national emblem (a shield superimposed on a golden eagle

facing the hoist side above a scroll bearing the name of the country

in Arabic) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen,

which has a plain white band; also similar to the flag of Syria,

which has two green stars, and to the flag of Iraq, which has three

green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line

centered in the white band

El Salvador

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

blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the

coat of arms features a round emblem encircled by the words

REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; similar to the flag

of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the

white band - it features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA

DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar

to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X

pattern centered in the white band

Equatorial Guinea

three equal horizontal bands of green (top),

white, and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist

side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of

arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and

five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton

tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ,

JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice)

Eritrea

red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing

the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the

lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is

centered on the hoist side of the red triangle

Estonia

pre-1940 flag restored by Supreme Soviet in May 1990 - three

equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white

Ethiopia

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and

red with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from

the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the

three bands; Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa,

and the three main colors of her flag were so often adopted by other

African countries upon independence that they became known as the

pan-African colors

Europa Island

the flag of France is used

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT

Faroe Islands

white with a red cross outlined in blue extending to

the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted

toward the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Fiji

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the

flag; the shield depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered

by the cross of Saint George featuring stalks of sugarcane, a palm

tree, bananas, and a white dove

Finland

white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag;

the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the

style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

France

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and

red; known as the French Tricouleur (Tricolor); the design and/or

colors are similar to a number of other flags, including those of

Belgium, Chad, Ireland, Cote d'Ivoire, Luxembourg, and Netherlands;

the official flag for all French dependent areas

French Guiana

the flag of France is used

French Polynesia

two narrow red horizontal bands encase a wide white

band; centered on the white band is a disk with blue and white wave

pattern on the lower half and gold and white ray pattern on the

upper half; a stylized red, blue and white ship rides on the wave

pattern; the French flag is used for official occasions

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

the flag of France is used

Gabon

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue

Gambia, The

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with

white edges, and green

Georgia

maroon field with small rectangle in upper hoist side

corner; rectangle divided horizontally with black on top, white below

Germany

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

Ghana

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

with a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band;

uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag

of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band

Gibraltar

two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red

with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band;

hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band

Glorioso Islands

the flag of France is used

Greece

nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white;

there is a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a

white cross; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established

religion of the country

Greenland

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a

large disk slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of

the disk is red, the bottom half is white

Grenada

a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top

and bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side), with a

red border around the flag; there are seven yellow, five-pointed

stars with three centered in the top red border, three centered in

the bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the

center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the

hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer

of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars represent the seven

administrative divisions

Guadeloupe

the flag of France is used

Guam

territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all

four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse

containing a beach scene, outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree

with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; US flag is the

national flag

Guatemala

three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side),

white, and light blue with the coat of arms centered in the white

band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the

national bird) and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE

SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain)

all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles and a pair of crossed

swords and framed by a wreath

Guernsey

white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of

England) extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed

cross of William the Conqueror superimposed on the Saint George cross

Guinea

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

green; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Guinea-Bissau

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green

with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black

five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular

pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Guyana

green, with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist

side) superimposed on a long, yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow,

black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow, white border

between the yellow and the green

Haiti

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a

centered white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a

palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing

the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

the flag of Australia is used

Holy See (Vatican City)

two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side)

and white with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the papal miter

centered in the white band

Honduras

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

with five blue, five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern centered

in the white band; the stars represent the members of the former

Federal Republic of Central America - Costa Rica, El Salvador,

Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; similar to the flag of El

Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words

REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white

band; also similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which features a

triangle encircled by the word REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and

AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom, centered in the white band

Hong Kong

red with a stylized, white, five-petal bauhinia flower in

the center

Howland Island

the flag of the US is used

Hungary

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

Iceland

blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the

edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the

hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

India

three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange)

(top), white, and green with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel)

centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Niger, which has

a small orange disk centered in the white band

Indonesia

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar

to the flag of Monaco, which is shorter; also similar to the flag of

Poland, which is white (top) and red

Iran

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red;

the national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah in

the shape of a tulip, a symbol of martyrdom) in red is centered in

the white band; ALLAH AKBAR (God is Great) in white Arabic script is

repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11

times along the top edge of the red band

Iraq

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

with three green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in

the white band; the phrase ALLAHU AKBAR (God is Great) in green

Arabic script - Allahu to the right of the middle star and Akbar to

the left of the middle star - was added in January 1991 during the

Persian Gulf crisis; similar to the flag of Syria which has two

stars but no script and the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white

band; also similar to the flag of Egypt which has a symbolic eagle

centered in the white band

Ireland

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and

orange; similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and

has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green;

also similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors

of green (hoist side), white, and red

Israel

white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as

the Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal

horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag

Italy

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and

red; similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and is green

(hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of the

Cote d'Ivoire, which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side),

white, and green

note: inspired by the French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon in

1797

Jamaica

diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles -

green (top and bottom) and black (hoist side and outer side)

Jan Mayen

the flag of Norway is used

Japan

white with a large red disk (representing the sun without

rays) in the center

Jarvis Island

the flag of the US is used

Jersey

white with a diagonal red cross extending to the corners of

the flag and in the upper quadrant, surmounted by a yellow crown, a

red shield holding the three lions of England in yellow

Johnston Atoll

the flag of the US is used

Jordan

three equal horizontal bands of black (top, the Abbassid

Caliphate of Islam), white (the Ummayyad Caliphate of Islam), and

green (the Fatimid Caliphate of Islam) with a red isosceles triangle

(representing the Great Arab Revolt of 1916) based on the hoist side

bearing a small white seven-pointed star symbolizing the seven

verses of the opening Sura (Al-Fatiha) of the Holy Koran; the seven

points on the star represent faith in One God, humanity, national

spirit, humility, social justice, virtue, and aspirations

Juan de Nova Island

the flag of France is used

Kazakhstan

sky blue background representing the endless sky and a

gold sun with 32 rays soaring above a golden steppe eagle in the

center; on the hoist side is a "national ornamentation" in gold

Kenya

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

the red band is edged in white; a large warrior's shield covering

crossed spears is superimposed at the center

Kingman Reef

the flag of the US is used

Kiribati

the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying

over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three

horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean

Korea, North

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple

width), and blue; the red band is edged in white; on the hoist side

of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star

Korea, South

white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the

center; there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching

(Book of Changes) in each corner of the white field

Kuwait

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

with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side

Kyrgyzstan

red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays

representing the 40 Kyrgyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run

counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the

sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized

representation of the roof of the traditional Kyrgyz yurt

Laos

three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and

red with a large white disk centered in the blue band

Latvia

three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width),

and maroon

Lebanon

three horizontal bands of red (top), white (double width),

and red with a green cedar tree centered in the white band

Lesotho

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the

upper half is white, bearing the brown silhouette of a large shield

with crossed spear and club; the lower half is a diagonal blue band

with a green triangle in the corner

Liberia

11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom)

alternating with white; there is a white five-pointed star on a blue

square in the upper hoist-side corner; the design was based on the

US flag

Libya

plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the

state religion)

Liechtenstein

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with

a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band

Lithuania

three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and

red

Luxembourg

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and

light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a

darker blue and is shorter; design was based on the flag of France

Macau

light green with a lotus flower above a stylized bridge and

water in white, beneath an arc of five gold, five-pointed stars: one

large in center of arc and four smaller

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

a yellow sun with eight

broadening rays extending to the edges of the red field

Madagascar

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a

vertical white band of the same width on hoist side

Malawi

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

with a radiant, rising, red sun centered in the black band

Malaysia

14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with

white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side

corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star;

the crescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the

design was based on the flag of the US

Maldives

red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a

vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the

hoist side of the flag

Mali

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and

red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Malta

two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the

upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross,

edged in red

Man, Isle of

red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in

the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the

knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of

the flag, a two-sided emblem is used

Marshall Islands

blue with two stripes radiating from the lower

hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star

with four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the

two stripes

Martinique

a light blue background is divided into four quadrants by

a white cross; in the center of each rectangle is a white snake; the

flag of France is used for official occasions

Mauritania

green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow,

horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the

crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

Mauritius

four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow,

and green

Mayotte

the flag of France is used

Mexico

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and

red; the coat of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in

its beak) is centered in the white band

Micronesia, Federated States of

light blue with four white

five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond

pattern

Midway Islands

the flag of the US is used

Moldova

same color scheme as Romania - three equal vertical bands of

blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a

Roman eagle of gold outlined in black with a red beak and talons

carrying a yellow cross in its beak and a green olive branch in its

right talons and a yellow scepter in its left talons; on its breast

is a shield divided horizontally red over blue with a stylized ox

head, star, rose, and crescent all in black-outlined yellow

Monaco

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to

the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which

is white (top) and red

Mongolia

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

red; centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national

emblem ("soyombo" - a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric

representation for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang

symbol)

Montserrat

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer

half of the flag; the coat of arms features a woman standing beside

a yellow harp with her arm around a black cross

Morocco

red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known

as Solomon's seal in the center of the flag; green is the

traditional color of Islam

Mozambique

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

yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the

black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow

five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black

superimposed on an open white book

Namibia

a large blue triangle with a yellow sunburst fills the upper

left section and an equal green triangle (solid) fills the lower

right section; the triangles are separated by a red stripe that is

contrasted by two narrow white-edge borders

Nauru

blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the

center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the

hoist side; the star indicates the country's location in relation to

the Equator (the yellow stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12

original tribes of Nauru

Navassa Island

the flag of the US is used

Nepal

red with a blue border around the unique shape of two

overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a

white stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle bears a white

12-pointed sun

Netherlands

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and

blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue

and is longer; one of the oldest flags in constant use, originating

with William I, Prince of Orange, in the latter half of the 16th

century

Netherlands Antilles

white, with a horizontal blue stripe in the

center superimposed on a vertical red band, also centered; five

white, five-pointed stars are arranged in an oval pattern in the

center of the blue band; the five stars represent the five main

islands of Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten

New Caledonia

the flag of France is used

New Zealand

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in

the outer half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross

constellation

Nicaragua

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

blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the

coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE

NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; similar to

the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by

the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in

the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five

blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band

Niger

three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green

with a small orange disk (representing the sun) centered in the

white band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked

wheel centered in the white band

Nigeria

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and

green

Niue

yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars -

a large one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each

arm of the bold red cross

Norfolk Island

three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white,

and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in

the slightly wider white band

Northern Mariana Islands

blue, with a white, five-pointed star

superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional

foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a

wreath

Norway

red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the

edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the

hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Oman

three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width

with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national

emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed

swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the

vertical band

Pakistan

green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of

religious minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and

star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color

green are traditional symbols of Islam

Palau

light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon)

shifted slightly to the hoist side

Palmyra Atoll

the flag of the US is used

Panama

divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are

white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and

plain red; the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and

white with a red five-pointed star in the center

Papua New Guinea

divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner;

the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise

centered; the lower triangle is black with five, white, five-pointed

stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered

Paraguay

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

with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the

emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the

left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star

within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY,

all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears

the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty

and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words

REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles)

Peru

three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red

with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms

features a shield bearing a vicuna, cinchona tree (the source of

quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all

framed by a green wreath

Philippines

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a

white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; in the center of

the triangle is a yellow sun with eight primary rays (each

containing three individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle

is a small yellow five-pointed star

Pitcairn Islands

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper

hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered

on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms is yellow, green,

and light blue with a shield featuring a yellow anchor

Poland

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; similar to

the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white

Portugal

two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and

red (three-fifths) with the Portuguese coat of arms centered on the

dividing line

Puerto Rico

five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom)

alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist

side bears a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; design

initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag,

with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed

Qatar

maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on

the hoist side

Reunion

the flag of France is used

Romania

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

red; the national coat of arms that used to be centered in the

yellow band has been removed; now similar to the flag of Chad, also

resembles the flags of Andorra and Moldova

Russia

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

Rwanda

three horizontal bands of sky blue (top, double width),

yellow, and green, with a golden sun with 24 rays near the fly end

of the blue band

Saint Helena

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant and the Saint Helenian shield centered on the outer half of

the flag; the shield features a rocky coastline and three-masted

sailing ship

Saint Kitts and Nevis

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side

by a broad black band bearing two white, five-pointed stars; the

black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the

lower triangle is red

Saint Lucia

blue, with a gold isosceles triangle below a black

arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

a yellow sailing ship facing the hoist

side rides on a dark blue background with a black wave line under

the ship; on the hoist side, a vertical band is divided into three

parts: the top part (called ikkurina) is red with a green diagonal

cross extending to the corners overlaid by a white cross dividing

the rectangle into four sections; the middle part has a white

background with an ermine pattern; the third part has a red

background with two stylized yellow lions outlined in black, one

above the other; these three heraldic arms represent settlement by

colonists from the Basque Country (top), Brittany, and Normandy; the

flag of France is used for official occasions

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

three vertical bands of blue (hoist

side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three

green diamonds arranged in a V pattern

Samoa

red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant

bearing five white five-pointed stars representing the Southern

Cross constellation

San Marino

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue

with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the coat

of arms has a shield (featuring three towers on three peaks) flanked

by a wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word

LIBERTAS (Liberty)

Sao Tome and Principe

three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow

(double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed

side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles

triangle based on the hoist side; uses the popular pan-African

colors of Ethiopia

Saudi Arabia

green with large white Arabic script (that may be

translated as There is no God but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of

God) above a white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist

side); green is the traditional color of Islam

Senegal

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow,

and red with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow

band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Serbia and Montenegro

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top),

white, and red

Seychelles

five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red,

white, and green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist side

Sierra Leone

three equal horizontal bands of light green (top),

white, and light blue

Singapore

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near

the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent

(closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five

white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle

Slovakia

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

superimposed with the Slovak cross in a shield centered on the hoist

side; the cross is white centered on a background of red and blue

Slovenia

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

with the Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav,

Slovenia's highest peak, in white against a blue background at the

center; beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and

rivers, and above it are three six-pointed stars arranged in an

inverted triangle, which are taken from the coat of arms of the

Counts of Celje, the great Slovene dynastic house of the late 14th

and early 15th centuries); the seal is located in the upper hoist

side of the flag centered in the white and blue bands

Solomon Islands

divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the

lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue

with five white five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the

lower triangle is green

Somalia

light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the

center; blue field influenced by the flag of the UN

South Africa

two equal width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue

separated by a central green band which splits into a horizontal Y,

the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side; the Y

embraces a black isosceles triangle from which the arms are

separated by narrow yellow bands; the red and blue bands are

separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

blue, with the flag of

the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the South Georgia and

the South Sandwich Islands coat of arms centered on the outer half

of the flag; the coat of arms features a shield with a golden lion

centered; the shield is supported by a fur seal on the left and a

penguin on the right; a reindeer appears above the shield, and below

it on a scroll is the motto LEO TERRAM PROPRIAM PROTEGAT (Let the

Lion Protect its Own Land)

Spain

three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width),

and red with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the

yellow band; the coat of arms includes the royal seal framed by the

Pillars of Hercules, which are the two promontories (Gibraltar and

Ceuta) on either side of the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar

Sri Lanka

yellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side panel has

two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange; the other

panel is a large dark red rectangle with a yellow lion holding a

sword, and there is a yellow bo leaf in each corner; the yellow

field appears as a border around the entire flag and extends between

the two panels

Sudan

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

with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist side

Suriname

five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white,

red (quadruple width), white, and green (double width); there is a

large, yellow, five-pointed star centered in the red band

Svalbard

the flag of Norway is used

Swaziland

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width),

and blue; the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band

is a large black and white shield covering two spears and a staff

decorated with feather tassels, all placed horizontally

Sweden

blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the

flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in

the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Switzerland

red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the

center that does not extend to the edges of the flag

Syria

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

with two small green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line

centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen, which has

a plain white band, and of Iraq, which has three green stars (plus

an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white

band; also similar to the flag of Egypt, which has a heraldic eagle

centered in the white band

Taiwan

red with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner

bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays

Tajikistan

three horizontal stripes of red (top), a wider stripe of

white, and green; a gold crown surmounted by seven gold,

five-pointed stars is located in the center of the white stripe

Tanzania

divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the

lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green

and the lower triangle is blue

Thailand

five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double

width), white, and red

Togo

five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom)

alternating with yellow; there is a white five-pointed star on a red

square in the upper hoist-side corner; uses the popular pan-African

colors of Ethiopia

Tokelau

the flag of New Zealand is used

Tonga

red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper

hoist-side corner

Trinidad and Tobago

red with a white-edged black diagonal band from

the upper hoist side to the lower fly side

Tromelin Island

the flag of France is used

Tunisia

red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent

nearly encircling a red five-pointed star; the crescent and star are

traditional symbols of Islam

Turkey

red with a vertical white crescent (the closed portion is

toward the hoist side) and white five-pointed star centered just

outside the crescent opening

Turkmenistan

green field with a vertical red stripe near the hoist

side, containing five carpet guls (designs used in producing rugs)

stacked above two crossed olive branches similar to the olive

branches on the UN flag; a white crescent moon and five white stars

appear in the upper corner of the field just to the fly side of the

red stripe

Turks and Caicos Islands

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper

hoist-side quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the outer

half of the flag; the shield is yellow and contains a conch shell,

lobster, and cactus

Tuvalu

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side

quadrant; the outer half of the flag represents a map of the country

with nine yellow five-pointed stars symbolizing the nine islands

Uganda

six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red,

black, yellow, and red; a white disk is superimposed at the center

and depicts a red-crested crane (the national symbol) facing the

hoist side

Ukraine

two equal horizontal bands of azure (top) and golden yellow

represent grainfields under a blue sky

United Arab Emirates

three equal horizontal bands of green (top),

white, and black with a wider vertical red band on the hoist side

United Kingdom

blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron

saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red

cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is

superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron

saint of Scotland); properly known as the Union Flag, but commonly

called the Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue

Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags including

other Commonwealth countries and their constituent states or

provinces, as well as British overseas territories

United States

thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and

bottom) alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the

upper hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars

arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and

bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent

the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies;

known as Old Glory; the design and colors have been the basis for a

number of other flags, including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and

Puerto Rico

Uruguay

nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom)

alternating with blue; there is a white square in the upper

hoist-side corner with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as

the Sun of May and 16 rays alternately triangular and wavy

Uzbekistan

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

green separated by red fimbriations with a white crescent moon and

12 white stars in the upper hoist-side quadrant

Vanuatu

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a

black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by

a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two

points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle);

centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed

namele leaves, all in yellow

Venezuela

three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and

red with the coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and

an arc of seven white five-pointed stars centered in the blue band

Vietnam

red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center

Virgin Islands

white, with a modified US coat of arms in the center

between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows a

yellow eagle holding an olive branch in one talon and three arrows

in the other with a superimposed shield of vertical red and white

stripes below a blue panel

Wake Island

the flag of the US is used

Wallis and Futuna

a large white modified Maltese cross - shifted a

little off center toward the fly and slightly downward - on a red

background; the flag of France outlined in white on two sides is in

the upper hoist quadrant; the flag of France is used for official

occasions

Yemen

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;

similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars and of Iraq

which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a

horizontal line centered in the white band; also similar to the flag

of Egypt, which has a heraldic eagle centered in the white band

Zambia

green with a panel of three vertical bands of red (hoist

side), black, and orange below a soaring orange eagle, on the outer

edge of the flag

Zimbabwe

seven equal horizontal bands of green, yellow, red, black,

red, yellow, and green with a white isosceles triangle edged in

black with its base on the hoist side; a yellow Zimbabwe bird

representing the long history of the country is superimposed on a

red five-pointed star in the center of the triangle, which

symbolizes peace; green symbolizes agriculture, yellow - mineral

wealth, red - blood shed to achieve independence, and black stands

for the native people

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2085 Highways (km)

Afghanistan

total: 21,000 km

paved: 2,793 km

unpaved: 18,207 km (1999 est.)

Albania

total: 18,000 km

paved: 5,400 km

unpaved: 12,600 km (2000)

Algeria

total: 104,000 km

paved: 71,656 km (including 640 km of expressways)

unpaved: 32,344 km (1999)

American Samoa

total: 350 km

paved: 150 km

unpaved: 200 km

Andorra

total: 269 km

paved: 198 km

unpaved: 71 km (1994)

Angola

total: 51,429 km

paved: 5,349 km

unpaved: 46,080 km (1999)

Anguilla

total: 105 km

paved: 65 km

unpaved: 40 km (1997)

Antigua and Barbuda

total: 250 km (1999 est.)

Argentina

total: 215,471 km

paved: 63,348 km (including 734 km of expressways)

unpaved: 152,123 km (1999)

Armenia

total: 15,918 km

paved: 15,329 km (includes 7,527 km of expressways)

unpaved: 589 km (2000)

Aruba

total: 800 km

paved: 513 km

unpaved: 287 km

note: most coastal roads are paved, while unpaved roads serve large

tracts of the interior (1995)

Australia

total: 811,603 km

paved: 314,090 km (including 18,619 km of expressways)

unpaved: 497,513 km (1999 est.)

Austria

total: 200,000 km

paved: 200,000 km (including 1,633 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Azerbaijan

total: 24,981 km

paved: 23,057 km

unpaved: 1,924 km (2000)

Bahamas, The

total: 2,693 km

paved: 1,546 km

unpaved: 1,147 km (1999 est.)

Bahrain

total: 3,261 km

paved: 2,531 km

unpaved: 730 km (2000)

Bangladesh

total: 207,486 km

paved: 19,773 km

unpaved: 187,713 km (1999)

Barbados

total: 1,793 km

paved: 1,719 km

unpaved: 74 km (1999)

Belarus

total: 74,385 km

paved: 66,203 km

unpaved: 8,182 km (2000)

Belgium

total: 148,216 km

paved: 116,687 km (including 1,727 km of expressways)

unpaved: 31,529 km (2000)

Belize

total: 2,872 km

paved: 488 km

unpaved: 2,384 km (1999 est.)

Benin

total: 6,787 km

paved: 1,357 km (including 10 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,430 km (1999 est.)

Bermuda total: 450 km paved: 450 km unpaved: 0 km note: public roads - 209 km; private roads - 241 km (2002)

Bhutan

total: 3,690 km

paved: 2,240 km

unpaved: 1,450 km (1999 est.)

Bolivia

total: 53,790 km

paved: 3,496 km (including 13 km of expressways)

unpaved: 50,294 km (2000 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

total: 21,846 km

paved: 11,424 km

unpaved: 10,422 km (1999 est)

Botswana

total: 10,217 km

paved: 5,619 km

unpaved: 4,598 km (1999)

Brazil

total: 1,724,929 km

paved: 94,871 km

unpaved: 1,630,058 km (2000)

British Indian Ocean Territory

total: NA km

paved: short section of paved road between port and airfield on

Diego Garcia

unpaved: NA km

British Virgin Islands

total: 177 km

paved: 177 km

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Brunei

total: 2,525 km

paved: 2,525 km

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Bulgaria

total: 37,286 km

paved: 35,049 km (including 324 km of expressways)

unpaved: 2,237 km (2000)

Burkina Faso

total: 12,506 km

paved: 2,001 km

unpaved: 10,505 km (1999)

Burma

total: 28,200 km

paved: 3,440 km

unpaved: 24,760 km (1996 est.)

Burundi

total: 14,480 km

paved: 1,028 km

unpaved: 13,452 km (1999 est.)

Cambodia

total: 12,323 km

paved: 1,996 km

unpaved: 10,327 km (2000 est)

Cameroon

total: 34,300 km

paved: 4,288 km

unpaved: 30,012 km (1999 est.)

Canada

total: 1.408 million km

paved: 497,306 km (including 16,900 km of expressways)

unpaved: 911,494 km (2002)

Cape Verde

total: 1,100 km

paved: 858 km

unpaved: 242 km (1999 est.)

Cayman Islands total: 785 km paved: 785 km (2000)

Central African Republic

total: 23,810 km

paved: 643 km

unpaved: 23,167 km (1999 est.)

Chad

total: 33,400 km

paved: 267 km

unpaved: 33,133 km (1999 est.)

Chile

total: 79,814 km

paved: 15,484 km (including 294 km of expressways)

unpaved: 64,330 km (2000)

China

total: 1,402,698 km

paved: 314,204 km (with at least 16,314 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,088,494 km (2000)

Christmas Island

total: 240 km

paved: 30 km

unpaved: 210 km (2000)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

total: 15 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km (2003)

Colombia

total: 110,000 km

paved: 26,000 km

unpaved: 84,000 km (2000)

Comoros

total: 880 km

paved: 673 km

unpaved: 207 km (1999 est)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the total: 157,000 km (including 30 km of expressways) paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (1999 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

total: 12,800 km

paved: 1,242 km

unpaved: 11,558 km (1999 est.)

Cook Islands

total: 320 km

paved: 33 km

unpaved: 287 km (2000)

Costa Rica

total: 35,892 km

paved: 7,896 km

unpaved: 27,996 km (2000)

Cote d'Ivoire

total: 50,400 km

paved: 4,889 km

unpaved: 45,511 km (1999 est.)

Croatia

total: 28,123 km

paved: 23,792 km (including 410 km of expressways)

unpaved: 4,331 km (2000)

Cuba

total: 60,858 km

paved: 29,820 km (including 638 km of expressway)

unpaved: 31,038 km (1999 est.)

Cyprus

total: 13,491 km

note: Greek Cypriot area: 11,141 km; Turkish Cypriot area: 2,350 km

paved: Greek Cypriot area: 6,428 km; Turkish Cypriot area: 1,370 km

unpaved: Greek Cypriot area: 4,713 km; Turkish Cypriot area: 980 km

(2000/1996)

Czech Republic

total: 55,408 km

paved: 55,408 km (including 499 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Denmark

total: 71,591 km

paved: 71,591 km (including 880 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Djibouti

total: 2,890 km

paved: 364 km

unpaved: 2,526 km (1999 est.)

Dominica

total: 780 km

paved: 393 km

unpaved: 387 km (1999 est.)

Dominican Republic

total: 12,600 km

paved: 6,224 km

unpaved: 6,376 km (1999)

East Timor

total: 3,800 km

paved: 428 km

unpaved: 3,372 km (1995)

Ecuador

total: 43,197 km

paved: 8,164 km

unpaved: 35,033 km (2000)

Egypt

total: 64,000 km

paved: 49,984 km

unpaved: 14,016 km (1999 est.)

El Salvador

total: 10,029 km

paved: 1,986 km (including 327 km of expressways)

unpaved: 8,043 km (1999 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

total: 2,880 km (1999 est.)

Eritrea

total: 4,010 km

paved: 874 km

unpaved: 3,136 km (1999 est.)

Estonia

total: 51,411 km

paved: 10,334 km (including 94 km of expressways)

unpaved: 41,077 km (2000)

Ethiopia

total: 31,571 km

paved: 3,789 km

unpaved: 27,782 km (2000)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

total: 440 km

paved: 50 km

unpaved: 390 km (2002)

Faroe Islands

total: 463 km

paved: 454 km

unpaved: 9 km (1999)

Fiji

total: 3,440 km

paved: 1,692 km

unpaved: 1,748 km (1999 est.)

Finland

total: 77,943 km

paved: 50,305 km (including 750 km of expressways)

unpaved: 27,688 km (2001)

France

total: 894,000 km

paved: 894,000 km (including 11,500 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

French Guiana

total: 722 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km (1996)

French Polynesia

total: 2,590 km

paved: 1,735 km

unpaved: 855 km (1999)

Gabon

total: 8,464 km

paved: 838 km

unpaved: 7,626 km (2000 est.)

Gambia, The

total: 2,700 km

paved: 956 km

unpaved: 1,744 km (1999)

Gaza Strip total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km note: small, poorly developed road network

Georgia

total: 20,362 km

paved: 19,038 km

unpaved: 1,325 km (2000)

Germany

total: 230,735 km

paved: 230,735 km (including 11,515 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (1999)

Ghana

total: 39,409 km

paved: 11,665 km

unpaved: 27,744 km (1999 est.)

Gibraltar

total: 29 km

paved: 29 km

unpaved: 0 km (2002)

Greece

total: 117,000 km

paved: 107,406 km (including 470 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,594 km (1999 est.)

Greenland

total: NA (there are no roads between towns) (2003)

Grenada

total: 1,040 km

paved: 638 km

unpaved: 402 km (1999 est.)

Guadeloupe

total: 2,467 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km (1998)

Guam

total: 885 km

paved: 675 km

unpaved: 210 km

note: there are also 685 km of roads classified non-public,

including roads located on federal government installations

Guatemala

total: 14,118 km

paved: 4,871 km (including 74 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,247 km (1999)

Guernsey

total: NA km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km

Guinea

total: 30,500 km

paved: 5,033 km

unpaved: 25,467 km (1999 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

total: 4,400 km

paved: 453 km

unpaved: 3,947 km (1999 est.)

Guyana

total: 7,970 km

paved: 590 km

unpaved: 7,380 km (1999 est.)

Haiti

total: 4,160 km

paved: 1,011 km

unpaved: 3,149 km (1999 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

none; all city streets

Honduras

total: 13,603 km

paved: 2,775 km

unpaved: 10,828 km (1999 est.)

Hong Kong

total: 1,831 km

paved: 1,831 km

unpaved: 0 km (1999 est.)

Hungary

total: 188,203 km

paved: 81,680 km (including 438 km of expressways)

unpaved: 106,523 km (1999)

Iceland

total: 12,955 km

paved/oiled gravel: 3,863 km

unpaved: 9,092 km (2003)

India

total: 3,319,644 km

paved: 1,517,077 km

unpaved: 1,802,567 km (1999 est.)

Indonesia

total: 342,700 km

paved: 158,670 km

unpaved: 184,030 km (1999 est.)

Iran

total: 167,157 km

paved: 94,109 km (including 890 km of expressways)

unpaved: 73,048 km (1998)

Iraq

total: 45,550 km

paved: 38,399 km

unpaved: 7,151 km (2000 est.)

Ireland

total: 92,500 km

paved: 87,043 km (including 115 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,457 km (2000 est.)

Israel

total: 16,281 km

paved: 16,281 km (including 56 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Italy

total: 479,688 km

paved: 479,688 km (including 6,621 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (1999)

Jamaica

total: 18,700 km

paved: 13,109 km

unpaved: 5,591 km (1999 est.)

Japan

total: 1,161,894 km

paved: 534,471 km (including 6,455 km of expressways)

unpaved: 627,423 km (1999)

Jersey

total: 577 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km

Jordan

total: 7,245 km

paved: 7,245 km

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Kazakhstan

total: 81,331 km

paved: 77,020 km

unpaved: 4,311 km (2000)

Kenya

total: 63,942 km

paved: 7,737 km

unpaved: 56,205 km (2000)

Kiribati

total: 670 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km (1999 est.)

Korea, North

total: 31,200 km

paved: 1,997 km

unpaved: 29,203 km (1999 est.)

Korea, South

total: 86,990 km

paved: 64,808 km (including 1,996 km of expressways)

unpaved: 22,182 km (1999 est.)

Kuwait

total: 4,450 km

paved: 3,587 km

unpaved: 863 km (1999 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

total: 18,500 km

paved: 16,854 km (including 140 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,646 km (1999 est.)

Laos

total: 21,716 km

paved: 9,664 km

unpaved: 12,052 km (1999 est.)

Latvia

total: 73,202 km

paved: 28,256 km

unpaved: 44,946 km (2000)

Lebanon

total: 7,300 km

paved: 6,198 km

unpaved: 1,102 km (1999 est.)

Lesotho

total: 5,940 km

paved: 1,087 km

unpaved: 4,853 km (1999)

Liberia

total: 10,600 km

paved: 657 km

unpaved: 9,943 km (1999 est.)

Libya

total: 83,200 km

paved: 47,590 km

unpaved: 35,610 km (1999 est.)

Liechtenstein

total: 250 km

paved: 250 km

unpaved: 0 km

Lithuania

total: 75,243 km

paved: 68,697 km (including 417 km of expressways)

unpaved: 6,546 km (2000)

Luxembourg

total: 5,189 km

paved: 5,189 km (including 114 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Macau

total: 271 km

paved: 271 km

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

total: 8,684 km

paved: 5,540 km (including 133 km of expressways)

unpaved: 3,144 km (1999 est.)

Madagascar

total: 49,827 km

paved: 5,780 km

unpaved: 44,047 km (1999 est.)

Malawi

total: 28,400 km

paved: 5,254 km

unpaved: 23,146 km (1999 est.)

Malaysia

total: 65,877 km

paved: 49,935 km (including 1,192 km of expressways)

unpaved: 15,942 km (1999)

Maldives

total: NA km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km

Mali

total: 15,100 km

paved: 1,827 km

unpaved: 13,273 km (1999 est.)

Malta

total: 2,254 km

paved: 1,972 km

unpaved: 282 km (2000)

Man, Isle of

total: 800 km

paved: 800 km

unpaved: 0 km (1999)

Marshall Islands total: NA km paved: 64.5 km unpaved: NA km note: paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads and tracks (2002)

Martinique

total: 2,105 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km (2000)

Mauritania

total: 7,720 km

paved: 830 km

unpaved: 6,890 km (2000)

Mauritius

total: 1,926 km

paved: 1,868 km (including 44 km of expressways)

unpaved: 58 km (2000)

Mayotte

total: 93 km

paved: 72 km

unpaved: 21 km

Mexico

total: 329,532 km

paved: 108,087 km (including 6,429 km of expressways)

unpaved: 221,445 km (1999 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

total: 240 km

paved: 42 km

unpaved: 198 km (1999 est.)

Midway Islands

total: NA km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km

Moldova

total: 12,657 km

paved: 11,012 km

unpaved: 1,645 km (1999)

Monaco

total: 50 km

paved: 50 km

unpaved: 0 km (1999 est.)

Mongolia

total: 49,250 km

paved: 1,724 km

unpaved: 47,526 km (2000)

Montserrat

total: 227 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km

note: volcanic eruptions beginning in 1995 destroyed most of the

road system (2003)

Morocco

total: 57,707 km

paved: 32,547 km (including 481 km of expressways)

unpaved: 25,160 km (2000)

Mozambique

total: 30,400 km

paved: 5,685 km

unpaved: 24,715 km (1999 est.)

Namibia

total: 66,467 km

paved: 9,172 km

unpaved: 57,285 km (2000)

Nauru

total: 30 km

paved: 24 km

unpaved: 6 km (1999 est.)

Nepal

total: 13,223 km

paved: 4,073 km

unpaved: 9,150 km (1999 est.)

Netherlands

total: 116,500 km

paved: 104,850 km (including 2,235 km of expressways)

unpaved: 11,650 km (1999)

Netherlands Antilles

total: 600 km

paved: 300 km

unpaved: 300 km

New Caledonia

total: 4,825 km

paved: 2,287 km

unpaved: 2,538 km (1999)

New Zealand

total: 92,053 km

paved: 57,809 km (including at least 190 km of expressways)

unpaved: 34,244 km (2000)

Nicaragua

total: 19,032 km

paved: 2,094 km

unpaved: 16,938 km (2000)

Niger

total: 10,100 km

paved: 798 km

unpaved: 9,302 km (1999 est.)

Nigeria

total: 194,394 km

paved: 60,068 km (including 1,194 km of expressways)

unpaved: 134,326 km (1999 est.)

Niue

total: 234 km

paved: 86 km

unpaved: 148 km (2001)

Norfolk Island

total: 80 km

paved: 53 km

unpaved: 27 km (2001)

Northern Mariana Islands

total: 362 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km (1991)

Norway

total: 91,454 km

paved: 69,505 km (including 143 km of expressways)

unpaved: 21,949 km (2000)

Oman

total: 34,965 km

paved: 9,673 km (including 550 km of expressways)

unpaved: 25,292 km (2001)

Pakistan

total: 254,410 km

paved: 109,396 km (including 339 km of expressways)

unpaved: 145,014 km (1999)

Palau

total: 61 km

paved: 36 km

unpaved: 25 km

Palmyra Atoll

most of the roads and many causeways built during

World War II are unserviceable and overgrown (2001)

Panama

total: 11,400 km

paved: 3,944 km (including 30 km of expressways)

unpaved: 7,456 km (1999)

Papua New Guinea

total: 19,600 km

paved: 686 km

unpaved: 18,914 km (1999 est.)

Paraguay

total: 29,500 km

paved: 14,986 km

unpaved: 14,514 km (1999 est)

Peru

total: 72,900 km

paved: 9,331 km

unpaved: 63,569 km (1999 est.)

Philippines

total: 201,994 km

paved: 42,419 km

unpaved: 159,575 km (2000)

Pitcairn Islands

total: 6.4 km

paved: 0 km

unpaved: 6.4 km

Poland

total: 364,656 km

paved: 249,060 km (including 358 km of expressways)

unpaved: 115,596 km (2000)

Portugal

total: 68,732 km

paved: 59,110 km (including 1441 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,622 km (2000)

Puerto Rico

total: 14,400 km

paved: 14,400 km

unpaved: 0 km (1999 est.)

Qatar

total: 1,230 km

paved: 1,107 km

unpaved: 123 km (1999 est.)

Reunion

total: 2,724 km

paved: 1,300 km (including 73 km of four-lane road)

unpaved: 1,424 km (1994)

Romania

total: 198,603 km

paved: 98,308 km (including 113 km of expressways)

unpaved: 100,295 km (2000)

Russia

total: 532,393 km

paved: 358,833 km

unpaved: 173,560 km (2000)

Rwanda

total: 12,000 km

paved: 996 km

unpaved: 11,004 km (1999 est.)

Saint Helena

total: 198 km (Saint Helena 138 km, Ascension 40 km,

Tristan da Cunha 20 km)

paved: 168 km (Saint Helena 118km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha

10 km)

unpaved: 30 km (Saint Helena 20 km, Ascension 0 km, Tristan da Cunha

10 km) (2000)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

total: 320 km

paved: 136 km

unpaved: 184 km (1999 est)

Saint Lucia

total: 1,210 km

paved: 63 km

unpaved: 1,147 km (1999 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

total: 114 km

paved: 69 km

unpaved: 45 km

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

total: 1,040 km

paved: 320 km

unpaved: 720 km (1999 est.)

Samoa

total: 790 km

paved: 332 km

unpaved: 458 km (1999 est.)

San Marino

total: 220 km

paved: 220 km

unpaved: 0 km (2001)

Sao Tome and Principe

total: 320 km

paved: 218 km

unpaved: 102 km (1999 est.)

Saudi Arabia

total: 151,470 km

paved: 45,592 km

unpaved: 105,878 km (1999)

Senegal

total: 14,576 km

paved: 4,271 km including 7 km of expressways

unpaved: 10,305 km (2000)

Serbia and Montenegro

total: 49,805 km

paved: 31,029 km (including 560 km of expressways)

unpaved: 18,776 km (2000)

Seychelles

total: 373 km

paved: 315 km

unpaved: 58 km (1997 est.)

Sierra Leone

total: 11,330 km

paved: 895 km

unpaved: 10,435 km (1999)

Singapore

total: 3,066 km

paved: 3,066 km (including 150 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (1999)

Slovakia

total: 42,717 km

paved: 37,036 km (including 296 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,681 km (2000)

Slovenia

total: 20,177 km

paved: 20,157 km (including 427 km of expressways)

unpaved: 20 km (2000)

Solomon Islands

total: 1,360 km

paved: 34 km

unpaved: 1,326 km (1999 est.)

Somalia

total: 22,100 km

paved: 2,608 km

unpaved: 19,492 km (1999 est.)

South Africa

total: 362,099 km

paved: 73,506 km (including 2,032 km of expressways)

unpaved: 288,593 km (2000)

Spain

total: 663,795 km

paved: 657,157 km (including 10,317 km of expressways)

unpaved: 6,638 km (1999)

Sri Lanka

total: 96,695 km

paved: 91,860 km

unpaved: 4,835 km (1999)

Sudan

total: 11,900 km

paved: 4,320 km

unpaved: 7,580 km (1999 est.)

Suriname

total: 4,492 km

paved: 1,168 km

unpaved: 3,324 km (2000)

Svalbard

total: NA km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km

Swaziland

total: 3,247 km

paved: NA

unpaved: NA (1998)

Sweden

total: 212,402 km

paved: 166,523 km (including 1,499 km of expressways)

unpaved: 45,879 km (2000)

Switzerland

total: 71,011 km

paved: 71,011 km (including 1,638 of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Syria

total: 43,381 km

paved: 10,021 km (including 877 km of expressways)

unpaved: 33,360 km (1999)

Taiwan

total: 35,931 km

paved: 31,583 km (including 608 km of expressways)

unpaved: 4,348 km (2000)

Tajikistan

total: 27,767 km

paved: NA

unpaved: NA (2000)

Tanzania

total: 88,200 km

paved: 3,704 km

unpaved: 84,496 km (1999 est.)

Thailand

total: 64,600 km

paved: 62,985 km

unpaved: 1,615 km (1999 est.)

Togo

total: 7,520 km

paved: 2,376 km

unpaved: 5,144 km (1999 est.)

Tokelau

total: NA km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km

Tonga

total: 680 km

paved: 184 km

unpaved: 496 km (1999 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

total: 8,320 km

paved: 4,252 km

unpaved: 4,068 km (1999 est.)

Tunisia

total: 18,997 km

paved: 12,310 km (including 142 km of expressways)

unpaved: 6,687 km (2000)

Turkey

total: 385,960 km

paved: 131,226 km (including 1,749 km of expressways)

unpaved: 254,734 km (1999)

Turkmenistan

total: 24,000 km

paved: 19,488 km

unpaved: 4,512 km (1999 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

total: 121 km

paved: 24 km

unpaved: 97 km (2000)

Tuvalu

total: 8 km

paved: 0 km

unpaved: 8 km (1999 est.)

Uganda

total: 27,000 km

paved: 1,809 km

unpaved: 25,191 km (1999 est.)

Ukraine

total: 169,491 km

paved: 163,898 km

unpaved: 5,593 km (2000)

United Arab Emirates

total: 1,088 km

paved: 1,088 km (including 253 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (1999 est.)

United Kingdom

total: 371,913 km

paved: 371,913 km (including 3,358 km of expressways)

unpaved: 0 km (1999)

United States

total: 6,334,859 km

paved: 3,737,567 km (including 89,426 km of expressways)

unpaved: 2,597,292 km (2000)

Uruguay

total: 8,983 km

paved: 8,081 km

unpaved: 902 km (1999 est.)

Uzbekistan

total: 81,600 km

paved: 71,237 km

unpaved: 10,363 km (1999 est.)

Vanuatu

total: 1,070 km

paved: 256 km

unpaved: 814 km (1999 est.)

Venezuela

total: 96,155 km

paved: 32,308 km

unpaved: 63,847 km (1999 est.)

Vietnam

total: 93,300 km

paved: 23,418 km

unpaved: 69,882 km (1999 est.)

Virgin Islands total: 856 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km note: the only US possession where driving on the left side of the road is practiced (2000)

Wallis and Futuna total: 120 km (Ile Uvea 100 km, Ile Futuna 20 km) paved: 16 km (all on Ile Uvea) unpaved: 104 km (Ile Uvea 84 km, Ile Futuna 20 km)

West Bank

total: 4,500 km

paved: 2,700 km

unpaved: 1,800 km

note: Israelis have developed many highways to service Jewish

settlements (1997 est.)

Western Sahara

total: 6,200 km

paved: 1,350 km

unpaved: 4,850 km (1991 est)

World

total: NA km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km

Yemen

total: 67,000 km

paved: 7,705 km

unpaved: 59,295 km (1999 est.)

Zambia

total: 66,781 km

paved: NA km

unpaved: NA km (1999 est.)

Zimbabwe

total: 18,338 km

paved: 8,692 km

unpaved: 9,646 km (1999 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2086 Illicit drugs

Afghanistan

world's largest producer of opium; cultivation of opium

poppy - used to make heroin - expanded to 30,750 hectares in 2002,

despite eradication; potential opium production of 1,278 metric

tons; source of hashish; many narcotics-processing labs throughout

the country; drug trade source of instability and some government

groups profit from the trade; 80-90% of the heroin consumed in

Europe comes from Afghan opium; vulnerable to narcotics money

laundering through the hawala system

Albania

increasingly active transshipment point for Southwest Asian

opiates, hashish, and cannabis transiting the Balkan route and - to

a far lesser extent - cocaine from South America destined for

Western Europe; limited opium and growing cannabis production;

ethnic Albanian narcotrafficking organizations active and rapidly

expanding in Europe; vulnerable to money laundering associated with

regional trafficking in narcotics, arms, contraband, and illegal

aliens

Angola

used as a transshipment point for cocaine destined for

Western Europe and other African states

Anguilla

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined

for the US and Europe

Antigua and Barbuda

considered a minor transshipment point for

narcotics bound for the US and Europe; more significant as an

offshore financial center

Argentina

used as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for

Europe and the US; some money-laundering activity, especially in the

Tri-Border Area; domestic consumption of drugs in urban centers is

increasing

Armenia

illicit cultivation of small amount of cannabis for domestic

consumption; used as a transit point for illicit drugs - mostly

opium and hashish - moving from Southwest Asia to Russia and to a

lesser extent the rest of Europe

Aruba

transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some

accompanying money-laundering activity

Australia

Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit

opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of

opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate

Austria

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and South

American cocaine destined for Western Europe

Azerbaijan

limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy,

mostly for CIS consumption; small government eradication program;

transit point for Southwest Asian opiates bound for Russia and to a

lesser extent the rest of Europe

Bahamas, The

transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for

US and Europe; offshore financial center

Bangladesh

transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring

countries

Barbados

one of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics

bound for Europe and the US; offshore financial center

Belarus

limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for

the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to and

via Russia, and to the Baltics and Western Europe; lax

money-laundering and banking regulations

Belgium

growing producer of synthetic drugs; transit point for

US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American

cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin,

hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe; money laundering

related to trafficking of drugs, automobiles, alcohol, and tobacco

Belize

major transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit

producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; some

money-laundering activity related to offshore sector

Benin

transshipment point for narcotics associated with Nigerian

trafficking organizations and most commonly destined for Western

Europe and the US; vulnerable to money laundering due to a poorly

regulated financial infrastructure

Bolivia

world's third-largest cultivator of coca (after Colombia and

Peru) with an estimated 24,400 hectares under cultivation in June

2002, a 23% increase from June 2001; intermediate coca products and

cocaine exported to or through Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and

Chile to the US and other international drug markets; eradication

and alternative crop programs under the SANCHEZ DE LOZADA

administration have been unable to keep pace with farmers' attempts

to increase cultivation after significant reductions in 1998 and

1999; money-laundering activity related to narcotics trade,

especially along the borders with Brazil and Paraguay

Bosnia and Herzegovina

minor transit point for marijuana and opiate

trafficking routes to Western Europe; organized crime launders

money, but the lack of a well-developed financial infrastructure

limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center

Brazil

illicit producer of cannabis; minor coca cultivation in the

Amazon region, used for domestic consumption; government has a

large-scale eradication program to control cannabis; important

transshipment country for Colombian and Peruvian cocaine headed for

the US and Europe; also used by traffickers as a way station for

narcotics air transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in

drug-related violence and weapons smuggling; important market for

Colombian, Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics

proceeds earned in Brazil are often laundered through the financial

system; significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area

British Virgin Islands

transshipment point for South American

narcotics destined for the US and Europe; large offshore financial

center

Brunei

drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled

substances are serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory

death penalty

Bulgaria

major European transshipment point for Southwest Asian

heroin and, to a lesser degree, South American cocaine for the

European market; limited producer of precursor chemicals; some money

laundering of drug-related proceeds through financial institutions

Burma

world's second largest producer of illicit opium (potential

production in 2002 - 630 metric tons, down 27% due to drought and,

to a lesser extent, eradication; cultivation in 2002 - 77,000

hectares, a 27% decline from 2001); surrender of drug warlord KHUN

SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major

counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to

take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment

against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug

effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional

consumption

Cambodia

narcotics-related corruption reportedly involving some in

the government, military, and police; possible small-scale opium,

heroin, and amphetamine production; large producer of cannabis for

the international market; vulnerable to money laundering due to its

cash-based economy and porous borders

Canada

illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market;

use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large

quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; transit point for

heroin and cocaine entering the US market; vulnerable to narcotics

money laundering because of its mature financial services sector

Cape Verde

used as a transshipment point for illicit drugs moving

from Latin America and Asia destined for Western Europe; the lack of

a well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a

money-laundering center

Cayman Islands

offshore financial center; vulnerable to drug

transshipment to the US and Europe

Chile

a growing transshipment country for cocaine destined for the

US and Europe; economic prosperity and increasing trade have made

Chile more attractive to traffickers seeking to launder drug

profits, especially through the Iquique Free Trade Zone; imported

precursors passed on to Bolivia; domestic cocaine consumption is

rising

China

major transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden

Triangle; growing domestic drug abuse problem; source country for

chemical precursors and methamphetamine

Colombia

illicit producer of coca, opium poppy, and cannabis;

world's leading coca cultivator (cultivation of coca in 2002 was

144,450 hectares, a 15% decline since 2001); potential production of

opium between 2001 and 2002 declined by 25% to 91 metric tons;

potential production of heroin declined to 11.3 metric tons; the

world's largest processor of coca derivatives into cocaine; supplier

of about 90% of the cocaine to the US market and the great majority

of cocaine to other international drug markets; important supplier

of heroin to the US market; active aerial eradication program; a

significant portion of non-US narcotics proceeds are either

laundered or invested in Colombia through the black market peso

exchange

Congo, Democratic Republic of the illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for domestic consumption; while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leaves the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center

Costa Rica

transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South

America; illicit production of cannabis on small, scattered plots;

domestic cocaine consumption is rising, particularly crack cocaine

Cote d'Ivoire

illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for local

consumption; transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian

heroin to Europe and occasionally to the US, and for Latin American

cocaine destined for Europe and South Africa; while rampant

corruption and inadequate supervision leave the banking system

vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a developed financial

system limits the country's utility as a major money-laundering

center

Croatia

transit point along the Balkan route for Southwest Asian

heroin to Western Europe; has been used as a transit point for

maritime shipments of South American cocaine bound for Western Europe

Cuba

territorial waters and air space serve as transshipment zone

for cocaine and heroin bound for the US and Europe; established the

death penalty for certain drug-related crimes in 1999

Cyprus

minor transit point for heroin and hashish via air routes and

container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon and Turkey;

some cocaine transits as well; anti-money-laundering laws

strengthened but few convictions

Czech Republic

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and

minor transit point for Latin American cocaine to Western Europe;

producer of synthetic drugs for local and regional markets;

susceptible to money laundering related to drug trafficking,

organized crime

Dominica

transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and

Europe; minor cannabis producer; anti-money-laundering enforcement

is weak, making the country particularly vulnerable to money

laundering

Dominican Republic

transshipment point for South American drugs

destined for the US and Europe; has become a transshipment point for

ecstasy from the Netherlands and Belgium destined for US and Canada;

substantial money-laundering activity; Colombian narcotics

traffickers favor the Dominican Republic for illicit financial

transactions

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

significant transit country for cocaine originating in

Colombia and Peru; importer of precursor chemicals used in

production of illicit narcotics; dollarization may raise the volume

of money-laundering activity, especially along the border with

Colombia; increased activity on the northern frontier by trafficking

groups and Colombian insurgents

Egypt

transit point for Southwest Asian and Southeast Asian heroin

and opium moving to Europe, Africa, and the US; transit stop for

Nigerian couriers; concern as money-laundering site due to lax

banking regulations

El Salvador

transshipment point for cocaine; small amounts of

marijuana produced for local consumption; domestic cocaine abuse on

the rise

Estonia

transshipment point for opiates and cannabis from Southwest

Asia and the Caucasus via Russia, cocaine from Latin America to

Western Europe and Scandinavia, and synthetic drugs from Western

Europe to Scandinavia; increasing domestic drug abuse problem;

possible precursor manufacturing and/or trafficking

Ethiopia

transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and

Southeast Asia and destined for Europe and North America as well as

cocaine destined for markets in southern Africa; cultivates qat

(khat) for local use and regional export, principally to Djibouti

and Somalia (legal in all three countries); the lack of a

well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a

money-laundering center

France

transshipment point for and consumer of South American

cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and European synthetics

French Guiana

small amount of marijuana grown for local consumption;

minor transshipment point to Europe

Georgia

limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for

domestic consumption; used as transshipment point for opiates via

Central Asia to Western Europe and Russia

Germany

source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine

processors; transshipment point for and consumer of Southwest Asian

heroin, Latin American cocaine, and European-produced synthetic drugs

Ghana

illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;

major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and, to a

lesser extent, South American cocaine destined for Europe and the

US; widespread crime and corruption have made money laundering a

problem, but the lack of a well-developed financial infrastructure

limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center

Greece

a gateway to Europe for traffickers smuggling cannabis and

heroin from the Middle East and Southwest Asia to the West and

precursor chemicals to the East; some South American cocaine

transits or is consumed in Greece; money laundering related to drug

trafficking and organized crime

Grenada

small-scale cannabis cultivation; lesser transshipment point

for marijuana and cocaine to US

Guatemala

major transit country for cocaine and heroin; minor

producer of illicit opium poppy and cannabis for mostly domestic

consumption; proximity to Mexico makes Guatemala a major staging

area for drugs (cocaine and heroin shipments); money laundering is a

serious problem; corruption is a major problem

Guyana

transshipment point for narcotics from South America -

primarily Venezuela - to Europe and the US; producer of cannabis

Haiti

major Caribbean transshipment point for cocaine en route to

the US and Europe; substantial money-laundering activity; Colombian

narcotics traffickers favor Haiti for illicit financial

transactions; pervasive corruption

Honduras

transshipment point for drugs and narcotics; illicit

producer of cannabis, cultivated on small plots and used principally

for local consumption; corruption is a major problem; some

money-laundering activity

Hong Kong

Makes strenuous law enforcement efforts, but faces serious

challenges in controlling transit of heroin and methamphetamine to

regional and world markets; modern banking system provides a conduit

for money laundering; rising indigenous use of synthetic drugs,

especially among young people

Hungary

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and cannabis

and for South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; limited

producer of precursor chemicals, particularly for amphetamine and

methamphetamine; improving, but remains vulnerable to money

laundering related to organized crime and drug trafficking

India

world's largest producer of licit opium for the pharmaceutical

trade, but an undetermined quantity of opium is diverted to illicit

international drug markets; transit point for illicit narcotics

produced in neighboring countries; illicit producer of methaqualone;

vulnerable to narcotics money laundering through the hawala system

Indonesia

illicit producer of cannabis largely for domestic use;

possible growing role as transshipment point for Golden Triangle

heroin

Iran

despite substantial interdiction efforts, Iran remains a key

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin to Europe; domestic

narcotics consumption remains a persistent problem and Iranian press

reports estimate at least 2 million drug users in the country

Ireland

transshipment point for and consumer of hashish from North

Africa to the UK and Netherlands and of European-produced synthetic

drugs; minor transshipment point for heroin and cocaine destined for

Western Europe

Israel

increasingly concerned about cocaine and heroin abuse; drugs

arrive in country from Lebanon and, increasingly, from Jordan

Italy

important gateway for and consumer of Latin American cocaine

and Southwest Asian heroin entering the European market; money

laundering by organized crime and from smuggling

Jamaica

major transshipment point for cocaine from South America to

North America and Europe; illicit cultivation of cannabis;

government has an active manual cannabis eradication program;

corruption is a major concern; substantial money-laundering

activity; Colombian narcotics traffickers favor Jamaica for illicit

financial transactions

Kazakhstan

significant illicit cultivation of cannabis for CIS

markets, as well as limited cultivation of opium poppy and ephedra

(for the drug ephedrine); limited government eradication of illicit

crops; transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia

and the rest of Europe

Kenya

widespread harvesting of small plots of marijuana; transit

country for South Asian heroin destined for Europe and North

America; Indian methaqualone also transits on way to South Africa;

significant potential for money-laundering activity given the

country's status as a regional financial center, massive corruption,

and relatively high levels of narcotics-associated activities

Kyrgyzstan

limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy

for CIS markets; limited government eradication of illicit crops;

transit point for Southwest Asian narcotics bound for Russia and the

rest of Europe

Laos

world's third-largest illicit opium producer (estimated

cultivation in 2002 - 23,200 hectares, a 5% increase over 2001;

estimated potential production in 2002 - 180 metric tons, a 10%

decrease from 2001); potential heroin producer; transshipment point

for heroin and methamphetamine produced in Burma; illicit producer

of cannabis; growing methamphetamine abuse problem

Latvia

transshipment point for opiates and cannabis from Central and

Southwest Asia to Western Europe and Scandinavia and Latin American

cocaine and some synthetics from Western Europe to CIS; money

laundering remains a concern despite changes to banking legislation

Lebanon

cannabis cultivation dramatically reduced to 2,500 hectares

in 2002; opium poppy cultivation minimal; small amounts of Latin

American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin transit country on way

to US and European markets

Liberia

transshipment point for Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin

and South American cocaine for the European and US markets;

corruption, criminal activity, arms-dealing, and diamond trade

provide significant potential for money laundering, but the lack of

well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a

major money-laundering center

Liechtenstein

multilateral organizations engaged in issuing

international guidelines for financial sector oversight found gaps

in Liechtenstein's financial services controls that made it

vulnerable to money laundering, but Liechtenstein has become less

attractive as a haven for illicit funds, based on implementation in

2001 of new anti-money-laundering legislation and improved mutual

legal assistance cooperation with other countries

Lithuania

transshipment point for opiates and other illicit drugs

from Southwest Asia, Latin America, and Western Europe to Western

Europe and Scandinavia; limited production of methamphetamine and

ecstasy; susceptible to money laundering despite changes to banking

legislation

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

major transshipment point

for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish; minor transit point for

South American cocaine destined for Europe; while money laundering

is a problem on a local level due to organized crime activities, the

lack of a well-developed financial infrastructure limits the

country's utility as a money-laundering center

Madagascar

illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild

varieties) used mostly for domestic consumption; transshipment point

for heroin

Malaysia

transit point for some illicit drugs; drug trafficking

prosecuted vigorously and carries severe penalties

Malta

minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to

Western Europe

Martinique

transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for

the US and Europe

Mauritius

minor consumer and transshipment point for heroin from

South Asia; small amounts of cannabis produced and consumed locally;

significant offshore financial industry creates potential for money

laundering, but corruption levels are relatively low and the

government appears generally to be committed to regulating its

banking industry

Mexico

illicit cultivation of opium poppy (cultivation in 2001 -

4,400 hectares; potential heroin production - 7 metric tons) and of

cannabis (in 2001 - 4,100 hectares); government eradication efforts

have been key in keeping illicit crop levels low; major supplier of

heroin and largest foreign supplier of marijuana and methamphetamine

to the US market; continues as the primary transshipment country for

US-bound cocaine from South America; major drug syndicates control

majority of drug trafficking throughout the country; growing

producer and distributor of ecstasy; significant money-laundering

center

Moldova

limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for

CIS consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs from

Southwest Asia via Central Asia to Russia, Western Europe, and

possibly the US; widespread crime and underground economic activity

Montserrat

transshipment point for South American narcotics destined

for the US and Europe

Morocco

illicit producer of hashish; trafficking increasing for both

domestic and international drug markets; shipments of hashish mostly

directed to Western Europe; transit point for cocaine from South

America destined for Western Europe

Mozambique

Southern African transit point for South Asian hashish,

South Asian heroin, and South American cocaine probably destined for

the European and South African markets; producer of cannabis (for

local consumption) and methaqualone (for export to South Africa);

corruption and poor regulatory capability makes the banking system

vulnerable to money laundering, but the lack of a well-developed

financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a

money-laundering center

Nauru

broad-based money-laundering center

Nepal

illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic and

international drug markets; transit point for opiates from Southeast

Asia to the West

Netherlands

major European producer of illicit amphetamine and other

synthetic drugs; important gateway for cocaine, heroin, and hashish

entering Europe; major source of US-bound ecstasy; large financial

sector vulnerable to money laundering

Netherlands Antilles

transshipment point for South American drugs

bound for the US and Europe; money-laundering center

Nicaragua

transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US and

transshipment point for arms-for-drugs dealing

Nigeria

a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for

European, East Asian, and North American markets; safehaven for

Nigerian narcotraffickers operating worldwide; major

money-laundering center; massive corruption and criminal activity,

along with unwillingness of the government to address the

deficiencies in its anti-money-laundering regime make money

laundering a major problem

Pakistan

opium poppy cultivation practically eliminated; key transit

point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western markets; Afghan

narcotics continue to transit Federally Administered Tribal Areas,

Balochistan Province, and Karachi; financial crimes related to drug

trafficking, terrorism, corruption, and smuggling remain problems

Panama

major cocaine transshipment point and primary money

laundering center for narcotics revenue; money-laundering activity

is especially heavy in the Colon Free Zone; offshore financial

center; negligible signs of coca cultivation; monitoring of

financial transactions is improving; official corruption remains a

major problem

Paraguay

major illicit producer of cannabis, most or all of which is

consumed in South America; transshipment country for Andean cocaine

headed for Brazil, other Southern Cone markets, Europe, and US;

corruption and some money-laundering activity, especially in the

Tri-Border Area

Peru

until 1996 the world's largest coca leaf producer; emerging

opium producer; cultivation of coca in Peru increased by 8% to

36,600 hectares between 2001 and the end of 2002; much of the

cocaine base is shipped to neighboring Colombia for processing into

cocaine, while finished cocaine is shipped out from Pacific ports to

the international drug market; increasing amounts of base and

finished cocaine, however, are being moved to Brazil and Bolivia for

use in the Southern Cone or transshipped to Europe and Africa

Philippines

exports locally-produced marijuana and hashish to East

Asia, the US, and other Western markets; serves as a transit point

for heroin and crystal methamphetamine

Poland

major illicit producer of amphetamine for the international

market; minor transshipment point for Asian and Latin American

illicit drugs to Western Europe

Portugal

gateway country for Latin American cocaine and Southwest

Asian heroin entering the European market; transshipment point for

hashish from North Africa to Europe; consumer of Southwest Asian

heroin

Romania

major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin

transiting the Balkan route and small amounts of Latin American

cocaine bound for Western Europe

Russia

limited cultivation of illicit cannabis and opium poppy and

producer of methamphetamine, mostly for domestic consumption;

government has active illicit crop eradication program; used as

transshipment point for Asian opiates, cannabis, and Latin American

cocaine bound for growing domestic markets, to a lesser extent

Western and Central Europe, and occasionally to the US; major source

of heroin precursor chemicals; corruption and organized crime are

key concerns; heroin increasingly popular in domestic market

Saint Kitts and Nevis

transshipment point for South American drugs

destined for the US and Europe; some money-laundering activity

Saint Lucia

transit point for South American drugs destined for the

US and Europe

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

transshipment point for South

American drugs destined for the US and Europe; small-scale cannabis

cultivation

Saudi Arabia

death penalty for traffickers; increasing consumption

of heroin, cocaine, and hashish

Senegal

transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin

moving to Europe and North America; illicit cultivator of cannabis

Serbia and Montenegro

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin

moving to Western Europe on the Balkan route; economy vulnerable to

money laundering

Singapore

as a transportation and financial services hub, Singapore

is vulnerable, despite strict laws and enforcement, to be used as a

transit point for Golden Triangle heroin and as a venue for money

laundering

Slovakia

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for

Western Europe; producer of synthetic drugs for regional market

Slovenia

minor transit point for cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin

bound for Western Europe, and for precursor chemicals

South Africa

transshipment center for heroin, hashish, marijuana,

and possibly cocaine; cocaine consumption on the rise; world's

largest market for illicit methaqualone, usually imported illegally

from India through various east African countries; illicit

cultivation of marijuana; attractive venue for money launderers

given the increasing level of organized criminal and narcotics

activity in the region

Spain

key European gateway country for Latin American cocaine and

North African hashish entering the European market; destination and

minor transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin

Suriname

growing transshipment point for South American drugs

destined for Europe and Brazil; transshipment point for

arms-for-drugs dealing

Switzerland

because of more stringent government regulations, used

significantly less as a money-laundering center; transit country for

and consumer of South American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin

Syria

a transit point for opiates and hashish bound for regional and

Western markets

Taiwan

regional transit point for heroin and methamphetamine; major

problem with domestic consumption of methamphetamine and heroin

Tajikistan

major transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for

Russian and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited

illicit cultivation of opium poppy for domestic consumption;

Tajikistan seizes roughly 80 percent of all drugs captured in

Central Asia and stands third world-wide in seizures of opiates

(heroin and raw opium)

Tanzania

growing role in transshipment of Southwest and Southeast

Asian heroin and South American cocaine destined for South African,

European, and US markets and of South Asian methaqualone bound for

Southern Africa; money laundering remains a problem

Thailand

a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; illicit

transit point for heroin en route to the international drug market

from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of

cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring

countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication

efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in

amphetamine production for regional consumption; increasing

indigenous abuse of methamphetamine

Togo

transit hub for Nigerian heroin and cocaine traffickers; money

laundering not a significant problem

Trinidad and Tobago

transshipment point for South American drugs

destined for the US and Europe; producer of cannabis

Turkey

key transit route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western

Europe and - to a far lesser extent the US - via air, land, and sea

routes; major Turkish, Iranian, and other international trafficking

organizations operate out of Istanbul; laboratories to convert

imported morphine base into heroin are in remote regions of Turkey

as well as near Istanbul; government maintains strict controls over

areas of legal opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw

concentrate

Turkmenistan

transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian

and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit

cultivation of opium poppy for domestic consumption; small-scale

government-run eradication of illicit crops; transit point for

heroin precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

transshipment point for South American

narcotics destined for the US and Europe

Ukraine

limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for

CIS consumption; some synthetic drug production for export to the

West; limited government eradication program; used as transshipment

point for opiates and other illicit drugs from Africa, Latin

America, and Turkey to Europe and Russia; drug-related money

laundering a minor, but growing, problem; lax anti-money-laundering

regime

United Arab Emirates

the UAE is a drug transshipment point for

traffickers given its proximity to southwest Asian drug producing

countries; the UAE's position as a major financial center makes it

vulnerable to money laundering; anti-money-laundering legislation

was signed into law by the president on 25 January 2002

United Kingdom

gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering

the European market; major consumer of synthetic drugs, producer of

limited amounts of synthetic drugs and synthetic precursor

chemicals; major consumer of Southwest Asian heroin;

money-laundering center

United States

consumer of cocaine shipped from Colombia through

Mexico and the Caribbean; consumer of heroin, marijuana, and

increasingly methamphetamine from Mexico; consumer of high-quality

Southeast Asian heroin; illicit producer of cannabis, marijuana,

depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine;

money-laundering center

Uzbekistan

transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian

and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit

cultivation of cannabis and small amounts of opium poppy for

domestic consumption; poppy cultivation almost wiped out by

government crop eradication program; transit point for heroin

precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan

Venezuela

small-scale illicit producer of opium and coca for the

processing of opiates and coca derivatives; however, large

quantities of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana transit the country

from Colombia bound for US and Europe; significant narcotics-related

money-laundering activity, especially along the border with Colombia

and on Margarita Island; active eradication program primarily

targeting opium; increasing signs of drug-related activities by

Colombian insurgents on border

Vietnam

minor producer of opium poppy; probable minor transit point

for Southeast Asian heroin; domestic opium/heroin/methamphetamine

addiction problems

World

cocaine: worldwide, coca is grown on an estimated 205,450

hectares - almost exclusively in South America with 70% in Colombia;

potential cocaine production during 2002 is estimated at 938 metric

tons (or 1,200 metric tons of export quality cocaine at an average

of 78% purity); coca eradication programs continue in Bolivia,

Colombia, and Peru, and 292 metric tons of export quality cocaine

are documented to have been seized in 2002; consumption of export

quality cocaine is estimated to have been 875 metric tons

opiates: cultivation of opium poppy occurred on an estimated 141,213

hectares in 2002 and potentially produced 2,183 metric tons of opium

- which conceivably could be converted to the equivalent of 238

metric tons of pure heroin; opium eradication programs have been

undertaken in Afghanistan, Burma, Colombia, Mexico, Pakistan,

Thailand, and Vietnam, and the annual average for opiates seized

worldwide over the past five years (1998-2002) has been 45 metric

tons of pure heroin equivalent; estimates for average annual

consumption over this time period are 315 metric tons pure heroin

equivalent

Zambia

transshipment point for moderate amounts of methaqualone,

small amounts of heroin, and cocaine bound for Southern Africa and

possibly Europe; a poorly developed financial infrastructure coupled

with a government commitment to combating money laundering make it

an unattractive venue for money launderers

Zimbabwe

transit point for African cannabis and South Asian heroin,

mandrax, and methamphetamines destined for the South African and

European markets

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2087 Imports

Afghanistan

$1.3 billion (2001 est.)

Albania

$1.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Algeria

$10.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

American Samoa

$452 million (1999)

Andorra

$1.077 billion (1998)

Angola

$4.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Anguilla

$80.9 million (1999)

Antigua and Barbuda

$357 million (2000 est.)

Argentina

$9 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Armenia

$991 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Aruba

$2.21 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Australia

$68 billion (2002 est.)

Austria

$74 billion c.i.f. (2001)

Azerbaijan

$1.8 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Bahamas, The

$1.86 billion (2002 est.)

Bahrain

$4.2 billion (2002)

Bangladesh

$8.5 billion (2002)

Barbados

$987 million (2002)

Belarus

$8.8 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Belgium

$152 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Belize

$430 million c.i.f. (2002 est.)

Benin

$479 million c.i.f. (2002)

Bermuda

$719 million (2000)

Bhutan

$196 million c.i.f. (2000 est.)

Bolivia

$1.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

$2.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Botswana

$1.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Brazil

$46.2 billion f.o.b. (2002)

British Virgin Islands

$187 million (2002 est.)

Brunei

$1.4 billion c.i.f. (2000 est.)

Bulgaria

$6.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Burkina Faso

$525 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Burma

$2.5 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Burundi

$135 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Cambodia

$1.73 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Cameroon

$1.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Canada

$229 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Cape Verde

$220 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Cayman Islands

$457.4 million (1999)

Central African Republic

$102 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Chad

$570 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Chile

$15.6 billion f.o.b. (2002)

China

$295.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

$NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

$NA

Colombia

$12.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Comoros

$39.8 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

$890 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

$730 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Cook Islands

$50.7 million (2000)

Costa Rica

$6.4 billion (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire

$2.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Croatia

$10.7 billion c.i.f. (2002)

Cuba

$4.8 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: $3.9 billion f.o.b.; Turkish Cypriot

area: $301 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Czech Republic

$43.2 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Denmark

$47.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Djibouti

$255 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Dominica

$135 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic

$8.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

East Timor

$237 million (2001 est.)

Ecuador

$6 billion (2002 est.)

Egypt

$15.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

El Salvador

$4.9 billion (2002)

Equatorial Guinea

$562 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Eritrea

$500 million c.i.f. (2001)

Estonia

$4.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Ethiopia

$1.63 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

$24.7 million (1995)

Faroe Islands

$469 million c.i.f. (1999)

Fiji

$642 million c.i.f. (2001)

Finland

$31.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

France

$303.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

French Guiana

$625 million c.i.f.

French Polynesia

$1.2 billion f.o.b. (2000)

Gabon

$1.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Gambia, The

$225 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Gaza Strip

$1.9 billion c.i.f., includes West Bank

Georgia

$750 million (2002 est.)

Germany

$487.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Ghana

$2.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Gibraltar

$492 million c.i.f. (1997)

Greece

$31.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Greenland

$403 million c.i.f. (2001)

Grenada

$270 million (2000 est.)

Guadeloupe

$1.7 billion c.i.f. (1997)

Guam

$203 million f.o.b. (1999 est.)

Guatemala

$5.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Guernsey

$NA

Guinea

$670 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

$59 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Guyana

$575 million c.i.f. (2002)

Haiti

$1.14 billion c.i.f. (2002)

Honduras

$2.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Hong Kong

$208.1 billion (2002 est.)

Hungary

$33.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Iceland

$2.1 billion (2002)

India

$53.8 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Indonesia

$32.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Iran

$21.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Iraq

$7.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Ireland

$48.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Israel

$30.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Italy

$238.2 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Jamaica

$3.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Japan

$292.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Jersey

$NA

Jordan

$4.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Kazakhstan

$9.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Kenya

$3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Kiribati

$44 million c.i.f. (1999)

Korea, North

$1.314 billion c.i.f. (2001 est.)

Korea, South

$148.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Kuwait

$7.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

$587 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Laos

$555 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Latvia

$3.9 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Lebanon

$6 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Lesotho

$738 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Liberia

$165 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Libya

$6.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Liechtenstein

$917.3 million (1996)

Lithuania

$6.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Luxembourg

$13.25 billion c.i.f. (2002)

Macau

$2.53 billion c.i.f. (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of $1.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Madagascar

$985 million f.o.b. (2002)

Malawi

$505 million f.o.b. (2001)

Malaysia

$76.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Maldives

$395 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Mali

$630 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Malta

$2.8 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Man, Isle of

$NA

Marshall Islands

$54 million f.o.b. (2000)

Martinique

$2 billion c.i.f. (1997)

Mauritania

$360 million f.o.b. (2000)

Mauritius

$1.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Mayotte

$141.3 million f.o.b. (1997)

Mexico

$168.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Micronesia, Federated States of

$149 million f.o.b. (FY 99/00 est.)

Moldova

$980 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Monaco

$NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and

rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market

system through customs union with France

Mongolia

$659 million c.i.f. (2002 est.)

Montserrat

$17 million (2001)

Morocco

$10.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Mozambique

$1.18 billion c.i.f. (2002 est.)

Namibia

$1.38 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Nauru

$33 million c.i.f. (1995)

Nepal

$1.6 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Netherlands

$201.1 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

$1.43 billion f.o.b. (2002)

New Caledonia

$1 billion f.o.b. (2000)

New Zealand

$12.5 billion (2001 est.)

Nicaragua

$1.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Niger

$368 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Nigeria

$13.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Niue

$2.38 million (1999)

Norfolk Island

$17.9 million c.i.f. (FY 91/92)

Northern Mariana Islands

$NA

Norway

$37.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Oman

$5.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Pakistan

$11.1 billion f.o.b. (FY02/03 est.)

Palau

$99 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Panama

$6.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Papua New Guinea

$1.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Paraguay

$2.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Peru

$7.3 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Philippines

$33.5 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Pitcairn Islands

$NA

Poland

$43.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Portugal

$39 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Puerto Rico

$29.1 billion c.i.f. (2001)

Qatar

$3.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Reunion

$2.5 billion c.i.f. (1997)

Romania

$16.7 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Russia

$60.7 billion (2002 est.)

Rwanda

$253 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Saint Helena

$14.434 million c.i.f. (1995)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

$152 million (2001 est.)

Saint Lucia

$319.4 million (2000 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

$55 million f.o.b. (1999)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

$185.6 million (2000 est.)

Samoa

$130.1 million f.o.b. (2001)

San Marino

trade data are included with the statistics for Italy

Sao Tome and Principe

$24.8 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Saudi Arabia

$39.5 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Senegal

$1.46 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

$6.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Seychelles

$380 million f.o.b. (2002)

Sierra Leone

$190 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Singapore

$113 billion (2002 est.)

Slovakia

$15.4 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Slovenia

$11.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Solomon Islands

$82 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Somalia

$343 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

South Africa

$26.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Spain

$156.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Sri Lanka

$5.4 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Sudan

$1.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Suriname

$300 million f.o.b. (2002)

Svalbard

$NA

Swaziland

$938 million f.o.b. (2002)

Sweden

$68.6 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Switzerland

$94.4 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Syria

$4.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Taiwan

$113 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Tajikistan

$830 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Tanzania

$1.67 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Thailand

$58.1 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Togo

$561 million f.o.b. (2002)

Tokelau

$323,000 c.i.f. (1983)

Tonga

$70 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

$3.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Tunisia

$8.7 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Turkey

$50.8 billion c.i.f. (2002 est.)

Turkmenistan

$2.25 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

$175.6 million (2000)

Tuvalu

$7.2 million c.i.f. (1998)

Uganda

$1.14 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Ukraine

$18 billion (2002 est.)

United Arab Emirates

$30.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

United Kingdom

$330.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)

United States

$1.165 trillion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Uruguay

$1.87 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Uzbekistan

$2.5 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Vanuatu

$93 million c.i.f. (2001)

Venezuela

$18.8 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Vietnam

$16.8 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Virgin Islands

$NA

Wallis and Futuna

$300,000 f.o.b. (1999)

West Bank

$1.9 billion c.i.f., includes Gaza Strip

Western Sahara

$NA

World

$6.6 trillion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Yemen

$2.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)

Zambia

$1.123 billion f.o.b. (2001)

Zimbabwe

$1.739 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2088 Independence

Afghanistan

19 August 1919 (from UK control over Afghan foreign

affairs)

Albania

28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire)

Algeria

5 July 1962 (from France)

American Samoa

none (territory of the US)

Andorra

1278 (was formed under the joint suzerainty of the French

count of Foix and the Spanish bishop of Urgel)

Angola

11 November 1975 (from Portugal)

Anguilla

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda

1 November 1981 (from UK)

Argentina

9 July 1816 (from Spain)

Armenia

21 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Aruba

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Australia

1 January 1901 (federation of UK colonies)

Austria

1156 (from Bavaria)

Azerbaijan

30 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Bahamas, The

10 July 1973 (from UK)

Bahrain

15 August 1971 (from UK)

Bangladesh

16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan); note - 26 March

1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December

1971 is known as Victory Day and commemorates the official creation

of the state of Bangladesh

Barbados

30 November 1966 (from UK)

Belarus

25 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Belgium

4 October 1830 a provisional government declared

independence from the Netherlands; 21 July 1831 the ascension of

King Leopold I to the throne

Belize

21 September 1981 (from UK)

Benin

1 August 1960 (from France)

Bermuda

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Bhutan

8 August 1949 (from India)

Bolivia

6 August 1825 (from Spain)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

1 March 1992 (from Yugoslavia; referendum for

independence was completed 1 March 1992; independence was declared 3

March 1992)

Botswana

30 September 1966 (from UK)

Brazil

7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

British Virgin Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei

1 January 1984 (from UK)

Bulgaria

3 March 1878 (from Ottoman Empire)

Burkina Faso

5 August 1960 (from France)

Burma

4 January 1948 (from UK)

Burundi

1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian

administration)

Cambodia

9 November 1953 (from France)

Cameroon

1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

Canada

1 July 1867 (from UK)

Cape Verde

5 July 1975 (from Portugal)

Cayman Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Central African Republic

13 August 1960 (from France)

Chad

11 August 1960 (from France)

Chile

18 September 1810 (from Spain)

China

221 BC (unification under the Qin or Ch'in Dynasty 221 BC;

Qing or Ch'ing Dynasty replaced by the Republic on 12 February 1912;

People's Republic established 1 October 1949)

Christmas Island

none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none (territory of Australia)

Colombia

20 July 1810 (from Spain)

Comoros

6 July 1975 (from France)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

30 June 1960 (from Belgium)

Congo, Republic of the

15 August 1960 (from France)

Cook Islands

none (became self-governing in free association with

New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move

to full independence by unilateral action)

Costa Rica

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Cote d'Ivoire

7 August (1960) (from France)

Croatia

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

Cuba

20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the

US from 1898 to 1902)

Cyprus

16 August 1960 (from UK); note - Turkish Cypriot area

proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975

Czech Republic

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech

Republic and Slovakia)

Denmark

first organized as a unified state in 10th century; in 1849

became a constitutional monarchy

Djibouti

27 June 1977 (from France)

Dominica

3 November 1978 (from UK)

Dominican Republic

27 February 1844 (from Haiti)

East Timor

28 November 1975 (date of proclamation of independence

from Portugal); note - 20 May 2002 is the official date of

international recognition of East Timor's independence from Indonesia

Ecuador

24 May 1822 (from Spain)

Egypt

28 February 1922 (from UK)

El Salvador

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Equatorial Guinea

12 October 1968 (from Spain)

Eritrea

24 May 1993 (from Ethiopia)

Estonia

regained on 20 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Ethiopia

oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest

in the world - at least 2,000 years

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

none (overseas territory of the

UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing

overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Fiji

10 October 1970 (from UK)

Finland

6 December 1917 (from Russia)

France

486 (unified by Clovis)

French Guiana

none (overseas department of France)

French Polynesia

none (overseas territory of France)

Gabon

17 August 1960 (from France)

Gambia, The

18 February 1965 (from UK)

Georgia

9 April 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Germany

18 January 1871 (German Empire unification); divided into

four zones of occupation (UK, US, USSR, and later, France) in 1945

following World War II; Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or West

Germany) proclaimed 23 May 1949 and included the former UK, US, and

French zones; German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany)

proclaimed 7 October 1949 and included the former USSR zone;

unification of West Germany and East Germany took place 3 October

1990; all four powers formally relinquished rights 15 March 1991

Ghana

6 March 1957 (from UK)

Gibraltar

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Greece

1829 (from the Ottoman Empire)

Greenland

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing

overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979)

note: foreign affairs is the responsibility of Denmark, but

Greenland actively participates in international agreements relating

to Greenland

Grenada

7 February 1974 (from UK)

Guadeloupe

none (overseas department of France)

Guam

none (territory of the US)

Guatemala

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Guernsey

none (British crown dependency)

Guinea

2 October 1958 (from France)

Guinea-Bissau

24 September 1973 (unilaterally declared by

Guinea-Bissau); 10 September 1974 (recognized by Portugal)

Guyana

26 May 1966 (from UK)

Haiti

1 January 1804 (from France)

Holy See (Vatican City)

11 February 1929 (from Italy)

note: on 11 February 1929, three treaties were signed with Italy

which, among other things, recognized the full sovereignty of the

Vatican and established its territorial extent; however, the origin

of the Papal States, which over the years have varied considerably

in extent, may be traced back to the 8th century

Honduras

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Hong Kong

none (special administrative region of China)

Hungary

1001 (unification by King Stephen I)

Iceland

1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish

Crown); 17 June 1944 (from Denmark)

India

15 August 1947 (from UK)

Indonesia

17 August 1945 (proclaimed independence; on 27 December

1949, Indonesia became legally independent from the Netherlands)

Iran

1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed)

Iraq

3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British

administration)

Ireland

6 December 1921 (from UK by treaty)

Israel

14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British

administration)

Italy

17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed; Italy was not

finally unified until 1870)

Jamaica

6 August 1962 (from UK)

Japan

660 BC (traditional founding by Emperor Jimmu)

Jersey

none (British crown dependency)

Jordan

25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British

administration)

Kazakhstan

16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Kenya

12 December 1963 (from UK)

Kiribati

12 July 1979 (from UK)

Korea, North

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

Korea, South

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

Kuwait

19 June 1961 (from UK)

Kyrgyzstan

31 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Laos

19 July 1949 (from France)

Latvia

21 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Lebanon

22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under

French administration)

Lesotho

4 October 1966 (from UK)

Liberia

26 July 1847

Libya

24 December 1951 (from Italy)

Liechtenstein

23 January 1719 Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein

established; 12 July 1806 established independence from the Holy

Roman Empire

Lithuania

11 March 1990 (independence declared from Soviet Union); 6

September 1991 (Soviet Union recognizes Lithuania's independence)

Luxembourg

1839 (from the Netherlands)

Macau

none (special administrative region of China)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

8 September 1991

referendum by registered voters endorsing independence (from

Yugoslavia)

Madagascar

26 June 1960 (from France)

Malawi

6 July 1964 (from UK)

Malaysia

31 August 1957 (from UK)

Maldives

26 July 1965 (from UK)

Mali

22 September 1960 (from France)

Malta

21 September 1964 (from UK)

Man, Isle of

none (British crown dependency)

Marshall Islands 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

Martinique

none (overseas department of France)

Mauritania

28 November 1960 (from France)

Mauritius

12 March 1968 (from UK)

Mayotte

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Mexico

16 September 1810 (from Spain)

Micronesia, Federated States of

3 November 1986 (from the

US-administered UN Trusteeship)

Moldova

27 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Monaco

1419 (beginning of the rule by the House of Grimaldi)

Mongolia

11 July 1921 (from China)

Montserrat

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Morocco

2 March 1956 (from France)

Mozambique

25 June 1975 (from Portugal)

Namibia

21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

Nauru

31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered

UN trusteeship)

Nepal

1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah)

Netherlands

1579 (from Spain); note - the northern provinces of the

Low Country concluded the Union of Utrecht, but it was 1648 before

Spain finally recognized their independence

Netherlands Antilles

none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

New Caledonia

none (overseas territory of France); note - a

referendum on independence was held in 1998 but did not pass; a new

referendum is scheduled for 2014

New Zealand

26 September 1907 (from UK)

Nicaragua

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Niger

3 August 1960 (from France)

Nigeria

1 October 1960 (from UK)

Niue

on 19 October 1974, Niue became a self-governing parliamentary

government in free association with New Zealand

Norfolk Island

none (territory of Australia)

Northern Mariana Islands

none (commonwealth in political union with

the US)

Norway

7 June 1905 Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved;

26 October 1905 Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union

Oman

1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

Pakistan

14 August 1947 (from UK)

Palau

1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)

Panama

3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain

28 November 1821)

Papua New Guinea

16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered

UN trusteeship)

Paraguay

14 May 1811 (from Spain)

Peru

28 July 1821 (from Spain)

Philippines

12 June 1898 (from Spain)

Pitcairn Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland

11 November 1918 (independent republic proclaimed)

Portugal

1143 (independent republic proclaimed 5 October 1910)

Puerto Rico

none (commonwealth associated with the US)

Qatar

3 September 1971 (from UK)

Reunion

none (overseas department of France)

Romania

9 May 1877 (independence proclaimed from Turkey;

independence recognized 13 July 1878 by the Treaty of Berlin;

kingdom proclaimed 26 March 1881; republic proclaimed 30 December

1947)

Russia

24 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Rwanda

1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

Saint Helena

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

19 September 1983 (from UK)

Saint Lucia

22 February 1979 (from UK)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

27 October 1979 (from UK)

Samoa

1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)

San Marino

3 September 301

Sao Tome and Principe

12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

Saudi Arabia

23 September 1932 (Unification of the Kingdom)

Senegal

4 April 1960 (from France); complete independence was

achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960

Serbia and Montenegro

27 April 1992 (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

or FRY formed as self-proclaimed successor to the Socialist Federal

Republic of Yugoslavia or SFRY)

Seychelles

29 June 1976 (from UK)

Sierra Leone

27 April 1961 (from UK)

Singapore

9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

Slovakia

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech

Republic and Slovakia)

Slovenia

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

Solomon Islands

7 July 1978 (from UK)

Somalia

1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland, which

became independent from the UK on 26 June 1960, and Italian

Somaliland, which became independent from the Italian-administered

UN trusteeship on 1 July 1960, to form the Somali Republic)

South Africa

31 May 1910 (from UK); note - South Africa became a

republic in 1961 following an October 1960 referendum

Spain

the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of

independent kingdoms prior to the Moslem occupation that began in

the early 8th Century A. D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the

small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost

immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this

event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is

traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain

Sri Lanka

4 February 1948 (from UK)

Sudan

1 January 1956 (from Egypt and UK)

Suriname

25 November 1975 (from Netherlands)

Svalbard

none (territory of Norway)

Swaziland

6 September 1968 (from UK)

Sweden

6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king)

Switzerland

1 August 1291 (Founding of the Swiss Confederation)

Syria

17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French

administration)

Tajikistan

9 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Tanzania

26 April 1964; Tanganyika became independent 9 December

1961 (from UK-administered UN trusteeship); Zanzibar became

independent 19 December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with

Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and

Zanzibar; renamed United Republic of Tanzania 29 October 1964

Thailand

1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

Togo

27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)

Tokelau

none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga

4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate)

Trinidad and Tobago

31 August 1962 (from UK)

Tunisia

20 March 1956 (from France)

Turkey

29 October 1923 (successor state to the Ottoman Empire)

Turkmenistan

27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Turks and Caicos Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu

1 October 1978 (from UK)

Uganda

9 October 1962 (from UK)

Ukraine

24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

United Arab Emirates

2 December 1971 (from UK)

United Kingdom

England has existed as a unified entity since the

10th century; the union between England and Wales, begun in 1284

with the Statute of Rhuddlan, was not formalized until 1536 with an

Act of Union; in another Act of Union in 1707, England and Scotland

agreed to permanently join as Great Britain; the legislative union

of Great Britain and Ireland was implemented in 1801, with the

adoption of the name the United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Ireland; the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921 formalized a partition of

Ireland; six northern Irish counties remained part of the United

Kingdom as Northern Ireland and the current name of the country, the

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was adopted in

1927

United States

4 July 1776 (from Great Britain)

Uruguay

25 August 1825 (from Brazil)

Uzbekistan

1 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Vanuatu

30 July 1980 (from France and UK)

Venezuela

5 July 1811 (from Spain)

Vietnam

2 September 1945 (from France)

Wallis and Futuna

none (overseas territory of France)

Yemen

22 May 1990, Republic of Yemen was established with the merger

of the Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and the

Marxist-dominated People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen

(Aden) or South Yemen]; previously North Yemen had become

independent on NA November 1918 (from the Ottoman Empire) and South

Yemen had become independent on 30 November 1967 (from the UK)

Zambia

24 October 1964 (from UK)

Zimbabwe

18 April 1980 (from UK)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2089 Industrial production growth rate (%)

Afghanistan

NA%

Albania

9% (2000 est.)

Algeria

6% (2001 est.)

American Samoa

NA%

Andorra

NA%

Angola

1%

Anguilla

3.1% (1997 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

6% (1997 est.)

Argentina

1% (2000 est.)

Armenia

15% (2002 est.)

Aruba

NA

Australia

4.3% (2002 est.)

Austria

3.8% (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

6% (2002 est.)

Bahamas, The

NA%

Bahrain

2% (2000 est.)

Bangladesh

1.8% (2002 est.)

Barbados

-3.2% (2000 est.)

Belarus

2.5% (2002 est.)

Belgium

4.5% (2000 est.)

Belize

4.6% (1999)

Benin

8.3% (2001 est.)

Bermuda

NA%

Bhutan

9.3% (1996 est.)

Bolivia

3.9% (1998)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

7% (2002 est.)

Botswana

2.4% (2001 est.)

Brazil

2.3% (2002 est.)

British Virgin Islands

NA

Brunei

5% (2002 est.)

Bulgaria

2% (2002 est.)

Burkina Faso

14% (2001 est.)

Burma

NA%

Burundi

18% (2001)

Cambodia

16% (2001 est.)

Cameroon

4.2% (1999 est.)

Canada

2.2% (2002 est.)

Cape Verde

NA%

Cayman Islands

NA%

Central African Republic

3% (2002)

Chad

5% (1995)

Chile

-1.5% (2002 est.)

China

12.6% (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

NA%

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA%

Colombia

4% (2001 est.)

Comoros

-2% (1999 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

NA%

Congo, Republic of the

0% (2002 est.)

Cook Islands

1% (2002)

Costa Rica

2.9% (2002 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

15% (1998 est.)

Croatia

2.8% (2002 est.)

Cuba

0.2% (2001 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: -1.4% (2002); Turkish Cypriot area: -0.3%

(2002)

Czech Republic

3.5% (2002)

Denmark

1.4% (2002 est.)

Djibouti

3% (1996 est.)

Dominica

-10% (1997 est.)

Dominican Republic

2% (2001 est.)

East Timor

8.5%

Ecuador

5.1% (2001 est.)

Egypt

2.2% (2002 est.)

El Salvador

3% (2002 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

30% (2002 est.)

Eritrea

NA%

Estonia

5% (2000 est.)

Ethiopia

6.7% (2001 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA%

Faroe Islands

8% (1999 est.)

Fiji

NA%

Finland

5% (2002 est.)

France

-0.3% (2002)

French Guiana

NA%

French Polynesia

NA%

Gabon

1.6% (2002 est.)

Gambia, The

NA%

Gaza Strip

NA%

Georgia

3% (2000)

Germany

-2.1% (2002 est.)

Ghana

3.8% (2000 est.)

Gibraltar

NA%

Greece

7% (2000 est.)

Greenland

NA%

Grenada

0.7% (1997 est.)

Guadeloupe

NA%

Guam

NA%

Guatemala

4.1% (1999)

Guernsey

NA%

Guinea

3.2% (1994)

Guinea-Bissau

2.6% (1997 est.)

Guyana

7.1% (1997 est.)

Haiti

NA

Honduras

4% (1999 est.)

Hong Kong

-9.7% (2002 est.)

Hungary

3.1% (2002 est.)

Iceland

0.2% (2002 est.)

India

6% (2002 est.)

Indonesia

4.9% (2002 est.)

Iran

5.5% excluding oil (2001 est.)

Iraq

NA%

Ireland

6% (2002 est.)

Israel

-1.5% (2002 est.)

Italy

-2.8% (2002)

Jamaica

-2% (2000 est.)

Japan

-1.4% (2002 est.)

Jersey

NA%

Jordan

1% (2002 est.)

Kazakhstan

10% (2002 est.)

Kenya

0.9% (2002 est.)

Kiribati

0.7% (1991 est.)

Korea, North

NA%

Korea, South

6.5% (2002 est.)

Kuwait

-5% (2002 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

6% (2000 est.)

Laos

7.5% (1999 est.)

Latvia

5.7% (2002 est.)

Lebanon

NA%

Lesotho

15.5% (1999)

Liberia

NA%

Libya

NA%

Liechtenstein

NA%

Lithuania

6% (2002 est.)

Luxembourg

0% (2002 est.)

Macau

NA%

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

-5% (2002 est.)

Madagascar

3% (2000 est.)

Malawi

-0.8% (2002 est.)

Malaysia

5% (2002 est.)

Maldives

4.4% (1996 est.)

Mali

NA%

Malta

NA%

Man, Isle of

3.2% (FY 96/97)

Marshall Islands

NA%

Martinique

NA%

Mauritania

2% (2000 est.)

Mauritius

8% (2000 est.)

Mayotte

NA%

Mexico

4.9% (2002 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

NA%

Moldova

9% (2002 est.)

Monaco

NA%

Mongolia

4.1% (2002 est.)

Montserrat

NA%

Morocco

0.5% (1999 est.)

Mozambique

3.4% (2000)

Namibia

NA%

Nauru

NA%

Nepal

8.7% (FY 99/00)

Netherlands

0% (2002 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

NA%

New Caledonia

-0.6% (1996)

New Zealand

3% (2001 est.)

Nicaragua

4.4% (2000 est.)

Niger

NA%

Nigeria

0.4% (2002 est.)

Niue

NA%

Norfolk Island

NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

NA%

Norway

1.2% (2002 est.)

Oman

4% (2000 est.)

Pakistan

2.4% (FY01/02 est.)

Palau

NA%

Panama

0.5% (2002 est.)

Papua New Guinea

NA

Paraguay

0% (2000 est.)

Peru

6.5% (2002 est.)

Philippines

4% (2000 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA%

Poland

0.3% (2001)

Portugal

1.5% (2002 est.)

Puerto Rico

NA%

Qatar

NA%

Reunion

NA%

Romania

6% (2002)

Russia

3.7% (2002 est.)

Rwanda

7% (2001 est.)

Saint Helena

NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA%

Saint Lucia

-8.9% (1997 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

-0.9% (1997 est.)

Samoa

2.8% (2000)

San Marino

6% (1997 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

NA%

Saudi Arabia

1% (1997 est.)

Senegal

8.1% (2002 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

1.7% (2002 est.)

Seychelles

NA%

Sierra Leone

NA%

Singapore

-9.8% (2002 est.)

Slovakia

4.4% (2002 est.)

Slovenia

2.4% (2002)

Solomon Islands

NA%

Somalia

NA%

South Africa

3% (2002 est.)

Spain

1.2% (2002 est.)

Sri Lanka

1.1% (2002)

Sudan

8.5% (1999 est.)

Suriname

6.5% (1994 est.)

Svalbard

NA%

Swaziland

3.7% (FY 95/96)

Sweden

0.9% (2002 est.)

Switzerland

3.2% (2001)

Syria

NA%

Taiwan

6% (2002)

Tajikistan

10.3% (2000 est.)

Tanzania

8.4% (1999 est.)

Thailand

3% (2000 est.)

Togo

NA%

Tokelau

NA%

Tonga

8.6% (FY 98/99)

Trinidad and Tobago

2.6% (2002 est.)

Tunisia

3.5% (2002 est.)

Turkey

8.5% (2002 est.)

Turkmenistan

1% (2002 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA%

Tuvalu

NA%

Uganda

6.3% (2002 est.)

Ukraine

6% (2002 est.)

United Arab Emirates

4% (2000)

United Kingdom

-3.4% (2002 est.)

United States

-0.4% (2002 est.)

Uruguay

-12% (2002 est.)

Uzbekistan

3.5% (2000 est.)

Vanuatu

1% (1997 est.)

Venezuela

-5.4% (2002 est.)

Vietnam

10.2% (2002 est.)

Virgin Islands

NA%

Wallis and Futuna

NA%

West Bank

NA%

Western Sahara

NA%

World

3% (2002 est.)

Yemen

4% (2002 est.)

Zambia

5.1% (2001 est.)

Zimbabwe

-3.1% (2002 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2090 Industries

Afghanistan

small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture,

shoes, fertilizer, cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, coal,

copper

Albania

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

chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower

Algeria

petroleum, natural gas, light industries, mining,

electrical, petrochemical, food processing

American Samoa

tuna canneries (largely supplied by foreign fishing

vessels), handicrafts

Andorra

tourism (particularly skiing), cattle raising, timber,

banking

Angola

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

uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing;

food processing; brewing; tobacco products; sugar; textiles

Anguilla

tourism, boat building, offshore financial services

Antigua and Barbuda

tourism, construction, light manufacturing

(clothing, alcohol, household appliances)

Argentina

food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables,

textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel

Armenia

metal-cutting machine tools, forging-pressing machines,

electric motors, tires, knitted wear, hosiery, shoes, silk fabric,

chemicals, trucks, instruments, microelectronics, gem cutting,

jewelry manufacturing, software development, food processing, brandy

Aruba

tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining

Australia

mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food

processing, chemicals, steel

Austria

construction, machinery, vehicles and parts, food,

chemicals, lumber and wood processing, paper and paperboard,

communications equipment, tourism

Azerbaijan

petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield

equipment; steel, iron ore, cement; chemicals and petrochemicals;

textiles

Bahamas, The

tourism, banking, e-commerce, cement, oil refining and

transshipment, salt, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral-welded

steel pipe

Bahrain

petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting,

offshore banking, ship repairing; tourism

Bangladesh

cotton textiles, jute, garments, tea processing, paper

newsprint, cement, chemical fertilizer, light engineering, sugar

Barbados

tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for

export

Belarus

metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, earthmovers,

motorcycles, television sets, chemical fibers, fertilizer, textiles,

radios, refrigerators

Belgium

engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly,

processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles,

glass, petroleum, coal

Belize

garment production, food processing, tourism, construction

Benin

textiles, food processing, chemical production, construction

materials (2001)

Bermuda

tourism, international business, light manufacturing

Bhutan

cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages,

calcium carbide

Bolivia

mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco,

handicrafts, clothing

Bosnia and Herzegovina

steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese,

bauxite, vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden

furniture, tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances, oil

refining (2001)

Botswana

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock

processing; textiles

Brazil

textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin,

steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and

equipment

British Virgin Islands

tourism, light industry, construction, rum,

concrete block, offshore financial center

Brunei

petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas,

construction

Bulgaria

electricity, gas and water; food, beverages and tobacco;

machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products, coke,

refined petroleum, nuclear fuel

Burkina Faso

cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap,

cigarettes, textiles, gold

Burma

agricultural processing; knit and woven apparel; wood and wood

products; copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction materials;

pharmaceuticals; fertilizer

Burundi

light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly

of imported components; public works construction; food processing

Cambodia

tourism, garments, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood

products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles

Cameroon

petroleum production and refining, food processing, light

consumer goods, textiles, lumber

Canada

transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and

unprocessed minerals, food products; wood and paper products; fish

products, petroleum and natural gas

Cape Verde

food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments,

salt mining, ship repair

Cayman Islands

tourism, banking, insurance and finance,

construction, construction materials, furniture

Central African Republic

diamond mining, logging, brewing, textiles,

footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles

Chad

oil, cotton textiles, meatpacking, beer brewing, natron (sodium

carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials

Chile

copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and

steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

China

iron and steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles

and apparel, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, footwear,

toys, food processing, automobiles, consumer electronics,

telecommunications

Christmas Island

tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

copra products and tourism

Colombia

textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear,

beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds

Comoros

tourism, perfume distillation

Congo, Democratic Republic of the mining (diamonds, copper, zinc), mineral processing, consumer products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods and beverages), cement

Congo, Republic of the

petroleum extraction, cement, lumber,

brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes

Cook Islands

fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing,

handicrafts

Costa Rica

microprocessors, food processing, textiles and clothing,

construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products

Cote d'Ivoire

foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining,

truck and bus assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials,

electricity

Croatia

chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal,

electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum, paper,

wood products, construction materials, textiles, shipbuilding,

petroleum and petroleum refining, food and beverages; tourism

Cuba

sugar, petroleum, tobacco, chemicals, construction, services,

nickel, steel, cement, agricultural machinery, biotechnology

Cyprus

food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metal products,

tourism, wood products

Czech Republic

metallurgy, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles,

glass, armaments

Denmark

food processing, machinery and equipment, textiles and

clothing, chemical products, electronics, construction, furniture

and other wood products, shipbuilding, windmills

Djibouti

construction, agricultural processing

Dominica

soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement

blocks, shoes

Dominican Republic

tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold

mining, textiles, cement, tobacco

East Timor

printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth

Ecuador

petroleum, food processing, textiles, metal work, paper

products, wood products, chemicals, plastics, fishing, lumber

Egypt

textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, hydrocarbons,

construction, cement, metals

El Salvador

food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals,

fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals

Equatorial Guinea

petroleum, fishing, sawmilling, natural gas

Eritrea

food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles

Estonia

engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textile;

information technology, telecommunications

Ethiopia

food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metals

processing, cement

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

fish and wool processing; tourism

Faroe Islands

fishing, fish processing, shipbuilding, construction,

handicrafts

Fiji

tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small

cottage industries

Finland

metal products, electronics, shipbuilding, pulp and paper,

copper refining, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing

France

machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft,

electronics; textiles, food processing; tourism

French Guiana

construction, shrimp processing, forestry products,

rum, gold mining

French Polynesia

tourism, pearls, agricultural processing,

handicrafts, phosphates

Gabon

petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, and gold mining;

chemicals; ship repair; food and beverage; textile; lumbering and

plywood; cement.

Gambia, The

processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism; beverages;

agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking; clothing

Gaza Strip

generally small family businesses that produce textiles,

soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the

Israelis have established some small-scale modern industries in an

industrial center

Georgia

steel, aircraft, machine tools, electrical appliances,

mining (manganese and copper), chemicals, wood products, wine

Germany

among the world's largest and most technologically advanced

producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery,

vehicles, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages;

shipbuilding; textiles

Ghana

mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting,

food processing

Gibraltar

tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco

Greece

tourism; food and tobacco processing, textiles; chemicals,

metal products; mining, petroleum

Greenland

fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut),

handicrafts, hides and skins, small shipyards, mining

Grenada

food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations,

tourism, construction

Guadeloupe

construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourism

Guam

US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services,

concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles

Guatemala

sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals,

petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

Guernsey

tourism, banking

Guinea

bauxite, gold, diamonds; alumina refining; light

manufacturing and agricultural processing industries

Guinea-Bissau

agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Guyana

bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining

Haiti

sugar refining, flour milling, textiles, cement, light

assembly industries based on imported parts

Holy See (Vatican City) printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps, a small amount of mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities

Honduras

sugar, coffee, textiles, clothing, wood products

Hong Kong

textiles, clothing, tourism, banking, shipping,

electronics, plastics, toys, watches, clocks

Hungary

mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods,

textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles

Iceland

fish processing; aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production,

geothermal power; tourism

India

textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation

equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software

Indonesia

petroleum and natural gas; textiles, apparel, and

footwear; mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood; rubber;

food; tourism

Iran

petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, cement and other

construction materials, food processing (particularly sugar refining

and vegetable oil production), metal fabricating, armaments

Iraq

petroleum, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, food

processing

Ireland

food products, brewing, textiles, clothing; chemicals,

pharmaceuticals, machinery, transportation equipment, glass and

crystal; software

Israel

high-technology projects (including aviation, communications,

computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics), wood

and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, and

tobacco, caustic soda, cement, diamond cutting

Italy

tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food

processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics

Jamaica

tourism, bauxite, textiles, food processing, light

manufactures, rum, cement, metal, paper, chemical products

Japan

among world's largest and technologically advanced producers

of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and

nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals; textiles, processed foods

Jersey

tourism, banking and finance, dairy

Jordan

phosphate mining, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining,

cement, potash, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, tourism

Kazakhstan

oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc,

copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, iron

and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric

motors, construction materials

Kenya

small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries,

textiles, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products

processing; oil refining, cement; tourism

Kiribati

fishing, handicrafts

Korea, North

military products; machine building, electric power,

chemicals; mining (coal, iron ore, magnesite, graphite, copper,

zinc, lead, and precious metals), metallurgy; textiles, food

processing; tourism

Korea, South

electronics, automobile production, chemicals,

shipbuilding, steel, textiles, clothing, footwear, food processing

Kuwait

petroleum, petrochemicals, desalination, food processing,

construction materials

Kyrgyzstan

small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement,

shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold,

rare earth metals

Laos

tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural

processing, construction, garments, tourism

Latvia

buses, vans, street and railroad cars, synthetic fibers,

agricultural machinery, fertilizers, washing machines, radios,

electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles; note -

dependent on imports for energy and raw materials

Lebanon

banking; food processing; jewelry; cement; textiles; mineral

and chemical products; wood and furniture products; oil refining;

metal fabricating

Lesotho

food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts;

construction; tourism

Liberia

rubber processing, palm oil processing, timber, diamonds

Libya

petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement

Liechtenstein

electronics, metal manufacturing, dental products,

ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments,

tourism, optical instruments

Lithuania

metal-cutting machine tools, electric motors, television

sets, refrigerators and freezers, petroleum refining, shipbuilding

(small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing,

fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic

components, computers, amber

Luxembourg

banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals,

metal products, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum

Macau

tourism, gambling, clothing, textiles, electronics, footwear,

toys

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

coal, metallic chromium,

lead, zinc, ferronickel, textiles, wood products, tobacco, food

processing, buses

Madagascar

meat processing, soap, breweries, tanneries, sugar,

textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant, paper,

petroleum, tourism

Malawi

tobacco, tea, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods

Malaysia

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and

manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining

and smelting, logging and processing timber; Sabah - logging,

petroleum production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum

production and refining, logging

Maldives

fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut

processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand

mining

Mali

food processing; construction; phosphate and gold mining

Malta

tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction;

food and beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco

Man, Isle of

financial services, light manufacturing, tourism

Marshall Islands

copra, fish, tourism, craft items from shell, wood,

and pearls

Martinique

construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism

Mauritania

fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum

Mauritius

food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles,

clothing; chemicals, metal products, transport equipment,

nonelectrical machinery; tourism

Mayotte

newly created lobster and shrimp industry, construction

Mexico

food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel,

petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer

durables, tourism

Micronesia, Federated States of

tourism, construction, fish

processing, specialized aquaculture, craft items from shell, wood,

and pearls

Moldova

food processing, agricultural machinery, foundry equipment,

refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, hosiery, sugar,

vegetable oil, shoes, textiles

Monaco

tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer

products

Mongolia

construction materials, mining (coal, copper, molybdenum,

fluorspar, and gold); oil; food and beverages, processing of animal

products

Montserrat

tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances

Morocco

phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing,

leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism

Mozambique

food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints),

aluminum, petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos,

tobacco

Namibia

meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products; mining

(diamond, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper)

Nauru

phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products

Nepal

tourism, carpet, textile; small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed

mills; cigarette; cement and brick production

Netherlands

agroindustries, metal and engineering products,

electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum,

construction, microelectronics, fishing

Netherlands Antilles

tourism (Curacao, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire),

petroleum refining (Curacao), petroleum transshipment facilities

(Curacao and Bonaire), light manufacturing (Curacao)

New Caledonia

nickel mining and smelting

New Zealand

food processing, wood and paper products, textiles,

machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism,

mining

Nicaragua

food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products,

textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages,

footwear, wood

Niger

uranium mining, cement, brick, textiles, food processing,

chemicals, slaughterhouses

Nigeria

crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts, cotton,

rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other

construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals,

fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel

Niue

tourism, handicrafts, food processing

Norfolk Island

tourism

Northern Mariana Islands

tourism, construction, garments, handicrafts

Norway

petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and

paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing

Oman

crude oil production and refining, natural gas production,

construction, cement, copper

Pakistan

textiles, and apparel, food processing, beverages,

construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp

Palau

tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction,

garment making

Panama

construction, petroleum refining, brewing, cement and other

construction materials, sugar milling

Papua New Guinea

copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood

production, wood chip production; mining of gold, silver, and

copper; crude oil production; construction, tourism

Paraguay

sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products

Peru

mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, food

processing, cement, auto assembly, steel, shipbuilding, metal

fabrication

Philippines

textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products,

food processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining, fishing

Pitcairn Islands

postage stamps, handicrafts

Poland

machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals,

shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Portugal

textiles and footwear; wood pulp, paper, and cork;

metalworking; oil refining; chemicals; fish canning; wine; tourism

Puerto Rico

pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products;

tourism

Qatar

crude oil production and refining, fertilizers,

petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement

Reunion

sugar, rum, cigarettes, handicraft items, flower oil

extraction

Romania

textiles and footwear, light machinery and auto assembly,

mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food

processing, petroleum refining

Russia

complete range of mining and extractive industries producing

coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building

from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles;

shipbuilding; road and rail transportation equipment; communications

equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction

equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment;

medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables, textiles,

foodstuffs, handicrafts

Rwanda

cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap,

furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

Saint Helena

construction, crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy

woodwork), fishing

Saint Kitts and Nevis

sugar processing, tourism, cotton, salt,

copra, clothing, footwear, beverages

Saint Lucia

clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages,

corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut

processing

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

fish processing and supply base for

fishing fleets; tourism

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

food processing, cement, furniture,

clothing, starch

Samoa

food processing, building materials, auto parts

San Marino

tourism, banking, textiles, electronics, ceramics,

cement, wine

Sao Tome and Principe

light construction, textiles, soap, beer; fish

processing; timber

Saudi Arabia

crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic

petrochemicals, cement, construction, fertilizer, plastics

Senegal

agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining,

fertilizer production, petroleum refining, construction materials

Serbia and Montenegro

machine building (aircraft, trucks, and

automobiles; tanks and weapons; electrical equipment; agricultural

machinery); metallurgy (steel, aluminum, copper, lead, zinc,

chromium, antimony, bismuth, cadmium); mining (coal, bauxite,

nonferrous ore, iron ore, limestone); consumer goods (textiles,

footwear, foodstuffs, appliances); electronics, petroleum products,

chemicals, and pharmaceuticals

Seychelles

fishing; tourism; processing of coconuts and vanilla,

coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture;

beverages

Sierra Leone

mining (diamonds); small-scale manufacturing

(beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining

Singapore

electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling

equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber

products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, entrepot trade,

biotechnology

Slovakia

metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity,

gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals and manmade fibers;

machinery; paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport

vehicles; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products

Slovenia

ferrous metallurgy and aluminum products, lead and zinc

smelting, electronics (including military electronics), trucks,

electric power equipment, wood products, textiles, chemicals,

machine tools

Solomon Islands

fish (tuna), mining, timber

Somalia

a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles,

petroleum refining (mostly shut down), wireless communication

South Africa

mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold,

chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textile,

iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs

Spain

textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages,

metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles,

machine tools, tourism

Sri Lanka

rubber processing, tea, coconuts, and other agricultural

commodities; clothing, cement, petroleum refining, textiles, tobacco

Sudan

oil, cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar,

soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals,

armaments, automobile/light truck assembly

Suriname

bauxite and gold mining, alumina production, oil,

lumbering, food processing, fishing

Swaziland

mining (coal), wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates,

textile and apparel

Sweden

iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and

telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed

foods, motor vehicles

Switzerland

machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision

instruments

Syria

petroleum, textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco,

phosphate rock mining

Taiwan

electronics, petroleum refining, chemicals, textiles, iron

and steel, machinery, cement, food processing

Tajikistan

aluminum, zinc, lead, chemicals and fertilizers, cement,

vegetable oil, metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators and

freezers

Tanzania

agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal

twine), diamond and gold mining, oil refining, shoes, cement,

textiles, wood products, fertilizer, salt

Thailand

tourism; textiles and garments, agricultural processing,

beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing, such as jewelry;

electric appliances and components, computers and parts, integrated

circuits, furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten

producer and third-largest tin producer

Togo

phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement; handicrafts,

textiles, beverages

Tokelau

small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodworking,

plaited craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing

Tonga

tourism, fishing

Trinidad and Tobago

petroleum, chemicals, tourism, food processing,

cement, beverage, cotton textiles

Tunisia

petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore),

tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages

Turkey

textiles, food processing, autos, mining (coal, chromite,

copper, boron), steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, paper

Turkmenistan

natural gas, oil, petroleum products, textiles, food

processing

Turks and Caicos Islands

tourism, offshore financial services

Tuvalu

fishing, tourism, copra

Uganda

sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles, cement

Ukraine

coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals,

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food processing

(especially sugar)

United Arab Emirates

petroleum, fishing, petrochemicals,

construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, pearling

United Kingdom

machine tools, electric power equipment, automation

equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor

vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment,

metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper and paper products, food

processing, textiles, clothing, and other consumer goods

United States

leading industrial power in the world, highly

diversified and technologically advanced; petroleum, steel, motor

vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics,

food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining

Uruguay

food processing, electrical machinery, transportation

equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages

Uzbekistan

textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy,

natural gas, chemicals

Vanuatu

food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning

Venezuela

petroleum, iron ore mining, construction materials, food

processing, textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly

Vietnam

food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building, mining,

cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, coal, steel, paper

Virgin Islands

tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum

distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics

Wallis and Futuna

copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber

West Bank

generally small family businesses that produce cement,

textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs;

the Israelis have established some small-scale, modern industries in

the settlements and industrial centers

Western Sahara

phosphate mining, handicrafts

World

dominated by the onrush of technology, especially in

computers, robotics, telecommunications, and medicines and medical

equipment; most of these advances take place in OECD nations; only a

small portion of non-OECD countries have succeeded in rapidly

adjusting to these technological forces; the accelerated development

of new industrial (and agricultural) technology is complicating

already grim environmental problems

Yemen

crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale

production of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing;

handicrafts; small aluminum products factory; cement

Zambia

copper mining and processing, construction, foodstuffs,

beverages, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer, horticulture

Zimbabwe

mining (coal, gold, copper, nickel, tin, clay, numerous

metallic and nonmetallic ores), steel, wood products, cement,

chemicals, fertilizer, clothing and footwear, foodstuffs, beverages

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2091 Infant mortality rate (deaths/1,000 live births)

Afghanistan

total: 142.48 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 145.99 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 138.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Albania

total: 37.28 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 39.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 34.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Algeria

total: 37.74 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 40.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 35.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

American Samoa

total: 9.82 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 11.61 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Andorra

total: 4.06 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.4 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Angola

total: 193.82 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 206.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 180.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Anguilla

total: 22.8 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 29.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

total: 20.9 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 25.14 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Argentina

total: 16.16 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 18.14 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Armenia

total: 40.86 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 45.27 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 36.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Aruba

total: 6.14 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.99 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Australia

total: 4.83 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.23 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Austria

total: 4.33 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.38 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

total: 82.41 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 84.4 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 80.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

total: 26.21 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 32.45 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Bahrain

total: 18.59 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 21.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

total: 66.08 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 67.21 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 64.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Barbados

total: 12.72 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 14.39 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Belarus

total: 13.87 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 15.13 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Belgium

total: 4.57 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Belize

total: 27.07 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 30.56 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Benin

total: 86.76 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 91.79 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 81.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Bermuda

total: 9.05 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 10.77 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Bhutan

total: 104.68 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 102.49 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 106.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Bolivia

total: 56.05 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 59.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 52.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

total: 22.7 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 25.37 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Botswana

total: 67.34 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 68.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 66.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Brazil

total: 31.74 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 35.61 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 27.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands

total: 18.8 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 21.86 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Brunei

total: 13.5 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 17.09 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

total: 13.7 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 15.43 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

total: 99.78 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 107.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 91.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Burma

total: 70.35 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 76.48 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 63.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Burundi

total: 71.54 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 78.45 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 64.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Cambodia

total: 75.94 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 84.96 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 66.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Cameroon

total: 70.12 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 74.2 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 65.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Canada

total: 4.88 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Cape Verde

total: 50.5 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 55.83 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

total: 8.64 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 9.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Central African Republic

total: 93.3 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 100.35 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 86.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Chad

total: 95.74 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 105 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 86.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Chile

total: 8.88 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 9.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

China

total: 25.26 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 24.91 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 25.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Christmas Island

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Colombia

total: 22.47 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 26.46 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Comoros

total: 79.51 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 88.32 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 70.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

total: 96.56 deaths/1,000 live

births

male: 105.15 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 87.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

total: 95.34 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 101.45 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 89.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Cook Islands

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Costa Rica

total: 10.56 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 11.49 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

total: 98.33 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 115.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 80.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Croatia

total: 6.92 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 7.78 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Cuba

total: 7.15 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 8.06 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Cyprus

total: 7.54 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 9.43 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

total: 5.37 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.85 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Denmark

total: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Djibouti

total: 106.96 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 114.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 98.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Dominica

total: 15.34 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 20.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

total: 34.19 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 36.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 31.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

East Timor

total: 50.47 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 57.05 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 43.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Ecuador

total: 31.97 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 37.28 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 26.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Egypt

total: 35.26 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 36.02 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 34.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

El Salvador

total: 26.75 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 29.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

total: 89.02 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 95.25 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 82.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Eritrea

total: 76.32 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 83.78 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 68.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Estonia

total: 12.03 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 13.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

total: 103.22 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 113.48 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 92.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Faroe Islands

total: 6.52 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Fiji

total: 13.35 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 14.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Finland

total: 3.73 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.21 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

France

total: 4.37 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.89 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

French Guiana

total: 12.84 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 13.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

French Polynesia

total: 8.78 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 10.12 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Gabon

total: 55.05 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 65.12 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 44.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

total: 74.93 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 81.67 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 68 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

total: 24.15 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 25.37 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 22.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Georgia

total: 51.24 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 56.83 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Germany

total: 4.23 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Ghana

total: 53.02 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 55.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 49.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Gibraltar

total: 5.31 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.92 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Greece

total: 6.12 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.64 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Greenland

total: 16.8 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 18.09 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Grenada

total: 14.63 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 14.18 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Guadeloupe

total: 9.07 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 10.33 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Guam

total: 6.46 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.62 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Guatemala

total: 37.92 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 38.72 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 37.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Guernsey

total: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.43 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Guinea

total: 93.3 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 98.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 87.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

total: 110.29 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 120.99 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 99.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Guyana

total: 37.55 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 41.64 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 33.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Haiti

total: 76.01 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 81.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 70.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Honduras

total: 29.96 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 33.6 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 26.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

total: 5.63 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.44 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Hungary

total: 8.58 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 9.73 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Iceland

total: 3.5 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

India

total: 59.59 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 60.23 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 58.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Indonesia

total: 38.09 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 43.5 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 32.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Iran

total: 44.17 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 44.31 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 44.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Iraq

total: 55.16 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 61.09 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 48.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Ireland

total: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.95 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Israel

total: 7.37 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 8.14 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.57 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Italy

total: 6.19 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.82 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Jamaica

total: 13.26 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 14.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Japan

total: 3.3 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 3.56 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Jersey

total: 5.43 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Jordan

total: 18.86 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 22.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

total: 58.73 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 63.41 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 53.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Kenya

total: 63.36 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 66.37 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 60.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Kiribati

total: 51.26 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 56.45 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Korea, North

total: 25.66 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 27.45 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Korea, South

total: 7.31 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 7.77 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Kuwait

total: 10.57 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 11.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

total: 75.34 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 84.72 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 65.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Laos

total: 88.94 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 99.1 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 78.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Latvia

total: 14.59 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 16.74 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Lebanon

total: 26.43 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 29.22 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Lesotho

total: 86.21 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 91.28 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 80.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Liberia

total: 132.18 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 139.03 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 125.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Libya

total: 26.8 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 29.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 24.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

total: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Lithuania

total: 14.17 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 16.21 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

total: 4.65 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Macau

total: 4.42 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.01 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

total: 12.14 deaths/1,000

live births

male: 13.08 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Madagascar

total: 80.21 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 88.63 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 71.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Malawi

total: 105.15 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 109.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 100.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Malaysia

total: 19 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 21.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Maldives

total: 60.13 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 59.23 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 61.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Mali

total: 119.2 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 125.72 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 112.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Malta

total: 5.62 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

total: 6.17 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 7.24 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

total: 31.58 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 35.38 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 27.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Martinique

total: 7.44 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 10.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Mauritania

total: 73.8 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 76.62 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 70.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Mauritius

total: 16.11 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 18.98 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Mayotte

total: 65.98 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 72.32 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 59.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Mexico

total: 23.68 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 26.78 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 20.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

total: 32.39 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 35.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 28.97 deaths/1,000 live births

Moldova

total: 41.58 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 44.81 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 38.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Monaco

total: 5.63 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Mongolia

total: 57.16 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 60.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 53.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Montserrat

total: 7.77 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 9.05 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Morocco

total: 44.87 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 48.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 40.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Mozambique

total: 199 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 216.85 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 180.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Namibia

total: 68.44 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 71.72 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 65.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Nauru

total: 10.33 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 13 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Nepal

total: 70.57 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 68.95 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 72.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Netherlands

total: 4.26 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

total: 10.71 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 11.54 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

New Caledonia

total: 8.06 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 8.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.31 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

New Zealand

total: 6.07 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.96 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

total: 31.39 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 35.08 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 27.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Niger

total: 123.64 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 127.99 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 119.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Nigeria

total: 71.35 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 74.44 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 68.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Niue

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Norfolk Island

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

total: 5.52 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.6 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Norway

total: 3.87 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.32 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Oman

total: 21.01 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 24.03 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 17.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Pakistan

total: 76.53 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 76.95 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 76.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Palau

total: 15.76 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 17.55 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Panama

total: 21.44 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 23.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

total: 54.84 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 59.14 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 50.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Paraguay

total: 27.71 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 32.63 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 22.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Peru

total: 36.97 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 42.04 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 31.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Philippines

total: 24.98 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 27.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 21.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Poland

total: 8.95 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 10.04 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Portugal

total: 5.73 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

total: 9.38 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 10.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Qatar

total: 20.03 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 23.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Reunion

total: 8.13 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 8.89 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Romania

total: 18.4 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 20.31 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Russia

total: 19.51 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 21.53 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 17.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Rwanda

total: 102.61 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 107.66 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 97.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Saint Helena

total: 20.7 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 24.66 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

total: 15.39 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 17.19 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

total: 14.37 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 15.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

total: 7.97 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 9.15 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

total: 15.7 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 17.08 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Samoa

total: 29.73 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 34.98 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 24.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

San Marino

total: 5.97 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.41 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

total: 46.04 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 48.07 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 43.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

total: 47.94 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 50.1 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 45.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Senegal

total: 57.57 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 61.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 53.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

total: 16.9 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 18.57 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 15.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Seychelles

total: 16.41 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 20.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

total: 146.86 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 164.23 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 128.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Singapore

total: 3.57 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 3.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Slovakia

total: 8.55 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 9.39 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Slovenia

total: 4.42 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

total: 22.88 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 26.03 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Somalia

total: 120.34 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 129.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 110.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

South Africa

total: 60.84 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 64.73 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 56.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Spain

total: 4.54 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

total: 15.22 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 16.45 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.92 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Sudan

total: 65.59 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 66.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 64.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Suriname

total: 24.74 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 28.93 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 20.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Svalbard

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Swaziland

total: 67.44 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 70.79 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 63.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Sweden

total: 3.42 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 3.86 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Switzerland

total: 4.36 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 4.47 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Syria

total: 31.67 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 31.89 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 31.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Taiwan

total: 6.65 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 7.34 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

total: 113.43 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 126.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 99.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Tanzania

total: 103.68 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 113.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 93.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Thailand

total: 21.83 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 23.17 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 20.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Togo

total: 68.73 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 76.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 60.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Tokelau

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Tonga

total: 13.35 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 14.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

total: 24.97 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 26.93 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 22.92 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Tunisia

total: 26.91 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 29.89 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 23.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Turkey

total: 44.2 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 47.91 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 40.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

total: 73.17 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 76.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 69.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

total: 16.87 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 19.48 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Tuvalu

total: 21.34 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 24.35 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.18 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Uganda

total: 87.9 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 95.41 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 80.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Ukraine

total: 20.87 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 22.2 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

total: 15.58 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 18.32 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

total: 5.28 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 5.89 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

United States

total: 6.75 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 7.46 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Uruguay

total: 13.8 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 15.61 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

total: 71.51 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 75.27 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 67.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Vanuatu

total: 58.11 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 60.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 55.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Venezuela

total: 23.79 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 27.05 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 20.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Vietnam

total: 30.83 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 34.71 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 26.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Virgin Islands

total: 9 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 10.12 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

West Bank

total: 20.68 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 22.86 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.37 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Western Sahara

total: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

World

total: 51.38 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 53.81 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 48.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Yemen

total: 65.02 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 69.98 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 59.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Zambia

total: 99.29 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 106.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 91.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

total: 66.47 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 69.17 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 63.69 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2092 Inflation rate (consumer prices) (%)

Afghanistan

NA%

Albania

6% (2002 est.)

Algeria

3% (2002 est.)

American Samoa

NA%

Andorra

4.3% (2000)

Angola

106% (2002 est.)

Anguilla

2.3%

Antigua and Barbuda

0.4% (2000 est.)

Argentina

41% (2002, yearend)

Armenia

1.1% (2002 est.)

Aruba

3.2% (2002 est.)

Australia

2.8% (2002 est.)

Austria

1.8% (2002 est.)

Azerbaijan

2.6% (2002 est.)

Bahamas, The

1.8% (2001 est.)

Bahrain

0.5% (2002 est.)

Bangladesh

3.1% (2002 est.)

Barbados

-0.6% (2002 est.)

Belarus

42.8% (2002 est.)

Belgium

1.7% (2002 est.)

Belize

1.9% (2002 est.)

Benin

3.3% (2002 est.)

Bermuda

2.3% (July 2002)

Bhutan

3% (2002 est.)

Bolivia

2% (2001 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

3.5% (2002 est.)

Botswana

8.1% (2002 est.)

Brazil

8.3% (2002)

British Virgin Islands

2.5% (2002)

Brunei

-2% (2002 est.)

Bulgaria

5.9% (2002 est.)

Burkina Faso

3.5% (2001 est.)

Burma

53.7% (2002 est.)

Burundi

12% (2002 est.)

Cambodia

3.3% (2002 est.)

Cameroon

4.5% (2002 est.)

Canada

2.2% (2002 est.)

Cape Verde

3% (2002)

Cayman Islands

2.8% (2002)

Central African Republic

3.6% (2001 est.)

Chad

6% (2002 est.)

Chile

2.5% (2002 est.)

China

-0.8% (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

NA%

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA%

Colombia

6.2% (2002 est.)

Comoros

3.5% (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

16% (2002 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

4% (2002 est.)

Cook Islands

3.2% (2000 est.)

Costa Rica

9.1% (2002 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

3.2% (2002 est.)

Croatia

2.2% (2002 est.)

Cuba

7.1% (2002 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: 2.8% (2001 est.); Turkish Cypriot area:

24.5% (2002 est.)

Czech Republic

0.6% (2002 est.)

Denmark

2.3% (2002 est.)

Djibouti

2% (2002 est.)

Dominica

1% (2001 est.)

Dominican Republic

5.3% (2002 est.)

East Timor

NA%

Ecuador

12.5% (2002 est.)

Egypt

4.3% (2002 est.)

El Salvador

3.8% (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

6% (2002 est.)

Eritrea

15% (2001)

Estonia

3.7% (2002 est.)

Ethiopia

4% (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

3.6% (1998)

Faroe Islands

5.1% (1999)

Fiji

2% (2002 est.)

Finland

1.9% (2002 est.)

France

1.8% (2002 est.)

French Guiana

1.5% (2002 est.)

French Polynesia

1.5%

Gabon

2.3% (2002 est.)

Gambia, The

5.5% (2002 est.)

Gaza Strip

2.2% (includes West Bank) (2001 est.)

Georgia

5.2% (2002 est.)

Germany

1.3% (2002 est.)

Ghana

14.5% (2002 est.)

Gibraltar

1.5% (1998)

Greece

3.6% (2002 est.)

Greenland

1.6% (1999 est.)

Grenada

2.8% (2001 est.)

Guadeloupe

NA%

Guam

0% (1999 est.)

Guatemala

8.1% (2002 est.)

Guernsey

3.99% (2000 est.)

Guinea

6% (2002 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

4% (2002 est.)

Guyana

4.7% (2002 est.)

Haiti

11.9% (2001 est.)

Honduras

7.7% (2002 est.)

Hong Kong

3% (2002 est.)

Hungary

5.3% (2002 est.)

Iceland

5.2% (2002 est.)

India

5.4% (2002 est.)

Indonesia

11.9% (2002 est.)

Iran

15.3% (2002 est.)

Iraq

70% (2002 est.)

Ireland

4.6% (2002 est.)

Israel

5.7% (2002 est.)

Italy

2.4% (2002 est.)

Jamaica

7% (2002 est.)

Japan

-0.9% (2002 est.)

Jersey

4.7% (1998)

Jordan

3.3% (2002 est.)

Kazakhstan

6% (2002 est.)

Kenya

1.9% (2002 est.)

Kiribati

2.5% (2001 est.)

Korea, North

NA%

Korea, South

2.8% (2002 est.)

Kuwait

2% (2002 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

2.1% (2002 est.)

Laos

10% (2002 est.)

Latvia

2% (2002 est.)

Lebanon

3.5% (2002 est.)

Lesotho

10% (2002 est.)

Liberia

15% (2002 est.)

Libya

1% (2001 est.)

Liechtenstein

1% (2001)

Lithuania

0.8% (2002 est.)

Luxembourg

1.6% (2002 est.)

Macau

-2.6% (2002 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

1.1% (2002 est.)

Madagascar

7.4% (2001 est.)

Malawi

27.4% (2001 est.)

Malaysia

1.9% (2002 est.)

Maldives

1% (2002 est.)

Mali

4.5% (2002 est.)

Malta

2.4% (2002 est.)

Man, Isle of

3.6% (March 2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

2% (2001 est.)

Martinique

3.9% (1990)

Mauritania

3% (2002 est.)

Mauritius

6.4% (2002 est.)

Mayotte

NA%

Mexico

6.4% (2002 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

1% (2002 est.)

Moldova

5.5% (2002 est.)

Monaco

NA%

Mongolia

3% (2002 est.)

Montserrat

2.6% (2002 est.)

Morocco

3.6% (2002 est.)

Mozambique

15.2% (2002 est.)

Namibia

8% (2001)

Nauru

-3.6% (1993)

Nepal

2.8% (2001 est.)

Netherlands

3.4% (2002 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

0.4% (2002 est.)

New Caledonia

-0.6% (2000 est.)

New Zealand

2.7% (2002 est.)

Nicaragua

3.7% (2002 est.)

Niger

3% (2002 est.)

Nigeria

14.2% (2002 est.)

Niue

1% (1995)

Norfolk Island

NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

1.2% (1997 est.)

Norway

1.3% (2001 est.)

Oman

-0.5% (2002 est.)

Pakistan

3.9% (2002 est.)

Palau

3.4% (2000 est.)

Panama

1.1% (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

9.8% (2002 est.)

Paraguay

10.5% (2002 est.)

Peru

0.2% (2002 est.)

Philippines

3.1% (2002 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA%

Poland

1.9% (2002 est.)

Portugal

3.7% (2002 est.)

Puerto Rico

5% (2002 est.)

Qatar

1.9% (2002)

Reunion

NA%

Romania

22.5% (2002 est.)

Russia

15% (2002 est.)

Rwanda

5.5% (2002 est.)

Saint Helena

3.2% (1997 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

1.7% (2001 est.)

Saint Lucia

3% (2001 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

2.1% (1991-96 average)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

-0.4% (2001 est.)

Samoa

4% (2001 est.)

San Marino

3.3% (2001)

Sao Tome and Principe

9% (2002 est.)

Saudi Arabia

1% (2002 est.)

Senegal

3% (2002 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

19% (2002 est.)

Seychelles

0.5% (2002 est.)

Sierra Leone

1% (2002 est.)

Singapore

-0.4% (2002 est.)

Slovakia

3.3% (2002 est.)

Slovenia

7.4% (2002 est.)

Solomon Islands

1.8% (2001 est.)

Somalia

over 100% (businesses print their own money)

South Africa

9.9% (2002 est.)

Spain

3% (2002 est.)

Sri Lanka

9.6% (2002 est.)

Sudan

9.2% (2002 est.)

Suriname

17% (2002 est.)

Svalbard

NA%

Swaziland

11.8% (2002 est.)

Sweden

2.2% (2002 est.)

Switzerland

0.5% (2002 est.)

Syria

0.9% (2002 est.)

Taiwan

-0.2% (2002 est.)

Tajikistan

12% (2001 est.)

Tanzania

4.8% (2002 est.)

Thailand

0.6% (2002 est.)

Togo

4% (2002 est.)

Tokelau

NA%

Tonga

8.4% (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

4.3% (2002 est.)

Tunisia

2.5% (2002 est.)

Turkey

45.2% (2002 est.)

Turkmenistan

5% (2002 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

4% (1995)

Tuvalu

5% (2000 est.)

Uganda

0.1% (2002 est.)

Ukraine

-1.2% (2002 est.)

United Arab Emirates

2.8% (2002 est.)

United Kingdom

2.1% (2002 est.)

United States

1.6% (2002)

Uruguay

14.1% (2002 est.)

Uzbekistan

26% (2001 est.)

Vanuatu

3.2% (2001 est.)

Venezuela

31.2% (2002 est.)

Vietnam

3.9% (2002 est.)

Virgin Islands

2% (1992)

Wallis and Futuna

NA%

West Bank

2.2% (includes Gaza Strip) (2001 est.)

Western Sahara

NA%

World

developed countries 1% to 4% typically; developing countries

5% to 60% typically; national inflation rates vary widely in

individual cases, from declining prices in Japan to hyperinflation

in several Third World countries

Yemen

12.2% (2002 est.)

Zambia

21% (2002 est.)

Zimbabwe

134.5% (2002 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2093 Waterways (km)

Afghanistan 1,200 km note: chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up to 500 DWT (2001)

Albania

43 km

note: includes Albanian sections of Lake Scutari, Lake Ohrid, and

Lake Prespa (1990)

Algeria

none

American Samoa

none

Andorra

none

Angola

1,295 km

Anguilla

none

Antigua and Barbuda

none

Argentina

10,950 km

Armenia

NA km

Aruba

none

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

none

Australia

8,368 km (mainly used by small, shallow-draft craft)

Austria

358 km (1999)

Azerbaijan

none

Bahamas, The

none

Bahrain

none

Baker Island

none

Bangladesh

up to 8,046 km depending on season

note: includes 3,058 km main cargo routes

Barbados

none

Bassas da India

none

Belarus

NA km; note - Belarus has extensive and widely used canal

and river systems

Belgium

1,570 km (route length in regular commercial use) (2001)

Belize

825 km (river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally

navigable)

Benin

streams navigable along small sections, important only locally

Bermuda

none

Bhutan

none

Bolivia

10,000 km (commercially navigable)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

NA km; large sections of the Sava blocked by

downed bridges, silt, and debris

Botswana

none

Bouvet Island

none

Brazil

50,000 km

British Indian Ocean Territory

none

British Virgin Islands

none

Brunei

209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m

Bulgaria

470 km (1987)

Burkina Faso

none

Burma

12,800 km

note: 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vessels

Burundi

Lake Tanganyika

Cambodia

3,700 km

note: navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 m or less; 282 km

navigable to craft drawing as much as 1.8 m

Cameroon

2,090 km (of decreasing importance) (2002)

Canada

3,000 km (including Saint Lawrence Seaway)

Cape Verde

none

Cayman Islands

none

Central African Republic

900 km

note: traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft

dugouts; Oubangui is the most important river, navigable all year to

craft drawing 0.6 m or less; 282 km navigable to craft drawing as

much as 1.8 m

Chad

2,000 km

Chile

725 km

China

110,000 km (1999)

Christmas Island

none

Clipperton Island

none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none

Colombia

18,140 km (navigable by river boats) (April 1996)

Comoros

none

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

15,000 km (including the Congo and

its tributaries, and unconnected lakes)

Congo, Republic of the

1,120 km

note: the Congo and Ubangi (Oubangui) rivers provide 1,120 km of

commercially navigable water transport; other rivers are used for

local traffic only

Cook Islands

none

Coral Sea Islands

none

Costa Rica

730 km (seasonally navigable)

Cote d'Ivoire

980 km (navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal

lagoons)

Croatia

785 km

note: (perennially navigable; large sections of Sava blocked by

downed bridges, silt, and debris)

Cuba

240 km

Cyprus

none

Czech Republic 303 km note: the Labe (Elbe) is the principal river (2000)

Denmark

417 km

Djibouti

none

Dominica

none

Dominican Republic

none

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

1,500 km

Egypt

3,500 km

note: includes the Nile, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and

numerous smaller canals in the delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including

approaches), used by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 16.1 m of water

El Salvador

Rio Lempa partially navigable

Equatorial Guinea

none

Eritrea

none

Estonia

320 km (perennially navigable) (2002)

Ethiopia

none

Europa Island

none

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

none

Faroe Islands

none

Fiji

203 km

note: 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges

Finland

6,675 km

note: includes Saimaa Canal; 3,700 km suitable for large ships

France

14,932 km (6,969 km heavily traveled)

French Guiana

3,300 km navigable by native craft

note: 460 km navigable by small oceangoing vessels and coastal and

river steamers

French Polynesia

none

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

none

Gabon

1,600 km (perennially navigable)

Gambia, The

400 km

Gaza Strip

none

Georgia

none

Germany

7,500 km

note: major rivers include the Rhine and Elbe; Kiel Canal is an

important connection between the Baltic Sea and North Sea (1999)

Ghana

1,293 km

note: Volta, Ankobra, and Tano Rivers provide 168 km of perennial

navigation for launches and lighters; Lake Volta provides 1,125 km

of arterial and feeder waterways

Gibraltar

none

Glorioso Islands

none

Greece

80 km

note: system consists of three coastal canals including the Corinth

Canal (6 km) which crosses the Isthmus of Corinth connecting the

Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and shortens the sea voyage

from the Adriatic to Peiraiefs (Piraeus) by 325 km; there are also

three unconnected rivers

Greenland

none

Grenada

none

Guadeloupe

none

Guam

none

Guatemala

990 km

note: 260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km navigable

during highwater season

Guernsey

none

Guinea

1,295 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft)

Guinea-Bissau

several rivers are accessible to coastal shipping

Guyana

5,900 km (total length of navigable waterways)

note: Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo rivers are navigable by

oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km, respectively

Haiti

NEGL; less than 100 km navigable

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

none

Holy See (Vatican City)

none

Honduras

465 km (navigable by small craft)

Hong Kong

none

Howland Island

none

Hungary

1,373 km (permanently navigable) (1997)

Iceland

none

India

16,180 km

note: 3,631 km navigable by large vessels

Indonesia

21,579 km total

note: Sumatra 5,471 km, Java and Madura 820 km, Kalimantan 10,460

km, Sulawesi (Celebes) 241 km, Irian Jaya 4,587 km

Iran

904 km

note: the Shatt al Arab is usually navigable by maritime traffic for

about 130 km; channel has been dredged to 3 m and is in use

Iraq

1,015 km

note: Shatt al Arab is usually navigable by maritime traffic for

about 130 km; channel has been dredged to 3 m and is in use; Tigris

and Euphrates Rivers have navigable sections for shallow-draft

boats; Shatt al Basrah canal was navigable by shallow-draft craft

before closing in 1991 because of the Gulf war

Ireland

700 km (limited facilities for commercial traffic) (1998)

Israel

none

Italy

2,400 km

note: serves various types of commercial traffic, although of

limited overall value (2002)

Jamaica

none

Jan Mayen

none

Japan

1,770 km approximately

note: seagoing craft ply all coastal inland seas

Jarvis Island

none

Jersey

none

Johnston Atoll

none

Jordan

none

Juan de Nova Island

none

Kazakhstan

3,900 km

note: on the Syr Darya (Syrdariya) and Ertis (Irtysh) rivers

Kenya

NA

note: part of the Lake Victoria system is within the boundaries of

Kenya

Kingman Reef

none

Kiribati

5 km (small network of canals in Line Islands)

Korea, North

2,253 km

note: mostly navigable by small craft only

Korea, South

1,609 km

note: restricted to small native craft

Kuwait

none

Kyrgyzstan

600 km (1990)

Laos

4,587 km approximately

note: primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,897 additional km are

intermittently navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m

Latvia

300 km (perennially navigable)

Lebanon

none

Lesotho

none

Liberia

none

Libya

none

Liechtenstein

none

Lithuania

600 km (perennially navigable)

Luxembourg

37 km (on the Moselle)

Macau

none

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of note: lake transport only, on the Greek and Albanian borders

Madagascar of local importance only

Malawi

144 km

note: on Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and Shire Riverall

Malaysia

7,296 km

note: Peninsular Malaysia 3,209 km, Sabah 1,569 km, Sarawak 2,518 km

Maldives

none

Mali

1,815 km

Malta

none

Man, Isle of

none

Marshall Islands

none

Martinique

none

Mauritania

note: ferry traffic on the Senegal River

Mauritius

none

Mayotte

none

Mexico 2,900 km note: navigable rivers and coastal canals

Micronesia, Federated States of

none

Midway Islands

none

Moldova

424 km (1994)

Monaco

none

Mongolia

400 km (1999)

Montserrat

none

Morocco

none

Mozambique

3,750 km (navigable routes)

Namibia

none

Nauru

none

Navassa Island

none

Nepal

none

Netherlands

5,046 km (of which 3,745 km are canals)

note: 47% of total route length is usable by craft of

1,000-metric-ton capacity or larger

Netherlands Antilles

none

New Caledonia

none

New Zealand

1,609 km

note: of little importance in satisfying total transportation

requirements

Nicaragua

2,220 km (including 2 large lakes)

Niger

300 km

note: the Niger River is navigable from Niamey to Gaya on the Benin

frontier from mid-December through March

Nigeria

8,575 km

note: consisting of the Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers

and creeks

Niue

none

Norfolk Island

none

Northern Mariana Islands

none

Norway

1,577 km (along west coast)

note: navigable by 2.4 m maximum draft vessels

Oman

none

Pakistan

none

Palau

none

Palmyra Atoll

none

Panama 882 km note: 800 km navigable by shallow draft vessels; 82 km Panama Canal

Papua New Guinea

10,940 km

Paracel Islands

none

Paraguay

3,100 km

Peru

8,808 km

note: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries of Amazon system and 208 km

of Lago Titicaca

Philippines 3,219 km note: limited to vessels with a draft of less than 1.5 m

Pitcairn Islands

none

Poland

3,812 km (navigable rivers and canals) (1996)

Portugal

820 km

note: relatively unimportant to national economy, used by

shallow-draft craft limited to 300 metric-ton or less cargo capacity

Puerto Rico

none

Qatar

none

Reunion

none

Romania

1,724 km (1984)

Russia

95,900 km (total routes in general use)

note: routes with navigation guides serving the Russian River Fleet

- 95,900 km; routes with night navigational aids - 60,400 km;

man-made navigable routes - 16,900 km (January 1994)

Rwanda

note: Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native

craft

Saint Helena

none

Saint Kitts and Nevis

none

Saint Lucia

none

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

none

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

none

Samoa

none

San Marino

none

Sao Tome and Principe

none

Saudi Arabia

none

Senegal

897 km

note: 785 km on the Senegal river, and 112 km on the Saloum river

Serbia and Montenegro

587 km

note: the Danube River, central Europe's connection to the Black

Sea, runs through Serbia; since early 2000, a pontoon bridge,

replacing a destroyed conventional bridge, has obstructed river

traffic at Novi Sad; the obstruction is bypassed by a canal system,

but the inadequate lock size limits the size of vessels which may

pass; the pontoon bridge can be opened for large ships but has

slowed river traffic (2001)

Seychelles

none

Sierra Leone

800 km (of which 600 km is navigable year round)

Singapore

none

Slovakia

172 km (all on the Danube)

Slovenia

NA

Solomon Islands

none

Somalia

none

South Africa

NA

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

none

Spain

1,045 km (of minor economic importance)

Spratly Islands

none

Sri Lanka

430 km (navigable by shallow-draft craft)

Sudan

5,310 km

Suriname

1,200 km

note: most important means of transport; oceangoing vessels with

drafts ranging up to 7 m can navigate many of the principal waterways

Svalbard

none

Swaziland

none

Sweden

2,052 km

note: navigable to small steamers and barges

Switzerland

65 km

note: The Rhine carries heavy traffic on the Basel-Rheinfelden and

Schaffhausen-Bodensee stretches; there are also 12 navigable lakes

Syria

870 km (minimal economic importance)

Taiwan

NA

Tajikistan

none

Tanzania

note: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, and Lake Nyasa are

principal avenues of commerce between Tanzania and its neighbors on

those lakes

Thailand

4,000 km

note: 3,701 km are navigable throughout the year by boats with

drafts up to 0.9 meters; numerous minor waterways serve

shallow-draft native craft

Togo

50 km (Mono river)

Tokelau

none

Tonga

none

Trinidad and Tobago

none

Tromelin Island

none

Tunisia

none

Turkey

1,200 km (approximately)

Turkmenistan

the Amu Darya is an important inland waterway for

Turkmenistan, as is the man-made Kara Kum canal

Turks and Caicos Islands

none

Tuvalu

none

Uganda

Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga, Lake George, Lake

Edward, Victoria Nile, Albert Nile

Ukraine

4,499 km

note: 1,672 km are on the Pryp'yat' and Dniester (Dnister) (1990)

United Arab Emirates

none

United Kingdom

3,200 km

United States 41,009 km note: navigable inland channels, exclusive of the Great Lakes

Uruguay

1,600 km (used by coastal and shallow-draft river craft)

Uzbekistan

1,100 km (1990)

Vanuatu

none

Venezuela

7,100 km

note: Rio Orinoco and Lago de Maracaibo accept oceangoing vessels

Vietnam

17,702 km

note: more than 5,149 km are navigable at all times by vessels up to

1.8 m draft

Virgin Islands

none

Wake Island

none

Wallis and Futuna

none

West Bank

none

Western Sahara

none

Yemen

none

Zambia

2,250 km

note: includes Lake Tanganyika and the Zambezi and Luapula rivers

Zimbabwe

chrome ore is transported from Harare - by way of the Mazoe

River - to the Zambezi River in Mozambique

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2094 Judicial branch

Afghanistan

the Bonn Agreement called for the establishment of a

Supreme Court; there is also a Minister of Justice

Albania

Supreme Court (chairman is elected by the People's Assembly

for a four-year term)

Algeria

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

American Samoa

High Court (chief justice and associate justices are

appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior)

Andorra

Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the

Courts or Tribunal de Corts; Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or

Tribunal Superior de Justicia d'Andorra; Supreme Council of Justice

or Consell Superior de la Justicia; Fiscal Ministry or Ministeri

Fiscal; Constitutional Tribunal or Tribunal Constitucional

Angola

Supreme Court or Tribunal da Relacao (judges are appointed by

the president)

Anguilla

High Court (judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme

Court)

Antigua and Barbuda

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint

Lucia; one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands

and presides over the Court of Summary Jurisdiction)

Argentina

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (the nine Supreme Court

judges are appointed by the president with approval by the Senate)

Armenia

Constitutional Court; Court of Cassation (Appeals Court)

Aruba

Joint High Court of Justice (judges are appointed by the

monarch)

Australia

High Court (the chief justice and six other justices are

appointed by the governor general)

Austria

Supreme Judicial Court or Oberster Gerichtshof;

Administrative Court or Verwaltungsgerichtshof; Constitutional Court

or Verfassungsgerichtshof

Azerbaijan

Supreme Court

Bahamas, The

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; magistrates courts

Bahrain

High Civil Appeals Court

Bangladesh

Supreme Court (the chief justices and other judges are

appointed by the president)

Barbados

Supreme Court of Judicature (judges are appointed by the

Service Commissions for the Judicial and Legal Services)

Belarus

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president);

Constitutional Court (half of the judges appointed by the president

and half appointed by the Chamber of Representatives)

Belgium

Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or

Cour de Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the

monarch, although selected by the Government)

Belize

Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor

general on the advice of the prime minister)

Benin

Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle; Supreme Court

or Cour Supreme; High Court of Justice

Bermuda

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts

Bhutan

Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges

appointed by the monarch)

Bolivia

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges appointed for 10-year

terms by National Congress); District Courts (one in each

department); provincial and local courts (to try minor cases)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

BiH Constitutional Court (consists of nine

members: four members are selected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's

House of Representatives, two members by the Republika Srpska's

National Assembly, and three non-Bosnian members by the president of

the European Court of Human Rights); BiH State Court (consists of

nine judges and three divisions - Administrative, Appellate and

Criminal - having jurisdiction over cases related to state-level law

and appellate jurisdiction over cases initiated in the entities;

note - a War Crimes Chamber may be added at a future date)

note: the entities each have a Supreme Court; each entity also has a

number of lower courts; there are 10 cantonal courts in the

Federation, plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska

has five municipal courts

Botswana

High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts (one in

each district)

Brazil

Supreme Federal Tribunal (11 ministers are appointed by the

president and confirmed by the Senate); Higher Tribunal of Justice;

Regional Federal Tribunals (judges are appointed for life)

British Virgin Islands

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting

of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal (one judge of

the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the

High Court); Magistrate's Court; Juvenile Court; Court of Summary

Jurisdiction

Brunei

Supreme Court (chief justice and judges are sworn in by the

monarch for three-year terms)

Bulgaria

Supreme Administrative Court; Supreme Court of Cassation;

Constitutional Court (12 justices appointed or elected for nine-year

terms); Supreme Judicial Council (consists of the chairmen of the

two Supreme Courts, the Chief Prosecutor, and 22 other members;

responsible for appointing the justices, prosecutors, and

investigating magistrates in the justice system; members of the

Supreme Judicial Council elected for five-year terms, 11 elected by

the National Assembly and 11 by bodies of the judiciary)

Burkina Faso

Supreme Court; Appeals Court

Burma

remnants of the British-era legal system are in place, but

there is no guarantee of a fair public trial; the judiciary is not

independent of the executive

Burundi

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court; Courts

of Appeal (there are three in separate locations); Tribunals of

First Instance (17 at the province level and 123 small local

tribunals)

Cambodia

Supreme Council of the Magistracy (provided for in the

constitution and formed in December 1997); Supreme Court (and lower

courts) exercises judicial authority

Cameroon

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); High

Court of Justice (consists of 9 judges and 6 substitute judges,

elected by the National Assembly)

Canada

Supreme Court of Canada (judges are appointed by the prime

minister through the governor general); Federal Court of Canada;

Federal Court of Appeal; Provincial Courts (these are named

variously Court of Appeal, Court of Queens Bench, Superior Court,

Supreme Court, and Court of Justice)

Cape Verde

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Supremo Tribunal de Justia

Cayman Islands

Summary Court; Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of

Appeal

Central African Republic

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme;

Constitutional Court (3 judges appointed by the president, 3 by the

president of the National Assembly, and 3 by fellow judges); Court

of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Inferior Courts

Chad

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Magistrate

Courts

Chile

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the

president and ratified by the Senate from lists of candidates

provided by the court itself; the president of the Supreme Court is

elected by the 21-member court); Constitutional Tribunal

China

Supreme People's Court (judges appointed by the National

People's Congress); Local Peoples Courts (comprise higher,

intermediate and local courts); Special Peoples Courts (primarily

military, maritime, and railway transport courts)

Christmas Island

Supreme Court; District Court; Magistrate's Court

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court

Colombia

four coequal, supreme judicial organs; Supreme Court of

Justice or Corte Suprema de Justical (highest court of criminal law;

judges are selected from the nominees of the Higher Council of

Justice for eight-year terms); Council of State (highest court of

administrative law, judges are selected from the nominees of the

Higher Council of Justice for eight-year terms); Constitutional

Court (guards integrity and supremacy of the constitution, rules on

constitutionality of laws, amendments to the constitution, and

international treaties); Higher Council of Justice (administers and

disciplines the civilian judiciary; members of the disciplinary

chamber resolve jurisdictional conflicts arising between other

courts; members are elected by three sister courts and Congress for

eight-year terms)

Comoros

Supreme Court or Cour Supremes (two members appointed by the

president, two members elected by the Federal Assembly, one elected

by the Council of each island, and others are former presidents of

the republic)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Congo, Republic of the

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Cook Islands

High Court

Costa Rica

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (22 justices are elected

for eight-year terms by the Legislative Assembly)

Cote d'Ivoire

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consists of four

chambers: Judicial Chamber for criminal cases, Audit Chamber for

financial cases, Constitutional Chamber for judicial review cases,

and Administrative Chamber for civil cases; there is no legal limit

to the number of members

Croatia

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; judges for both courts

appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial Council of the

Republic, which is elected by the House of Representatives

Cuba

People's Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo Popular (president,

vice president, and other judges are elected by the National

Assembly)

Cyprus

Supreme Court (judges are appointed jointly by the president

and vice president)

note: there is also a Supreme Court in the Turkish Cypriot area

Czech Republic

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; chairman and

deputy chairmen are appointed by the president for a 10-year term

Denmark

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch for life)

Djibouti

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Dominica

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the Court of

Appeal and the High Court (located in Saint Lucia; one of the six

judges must reside in Dominica and preside over the Court of Summary

Jurisdiction)

Dominican Republic

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are

elected by a Council made up of members of the legislative and

executive branches with the president presiding)

East Timor

Supreme Court of Justice, one judge appointed by the

National Parliament and the rest appointed by the Superior Council

for the Judiciary

Ecuador

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (new justices are elected by

the full Supreme Court)

Egypt

Supreme Constitutional Court

El Salvador

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are selected by

the Legislative Assembly)

Equatorial Guinea

Supreme Tribunal

Eritrea

or High Court, regional, subregional, and village courts;

also have military and special courts

Estonia

National Court (chairman appointed by Parliament for life)

Ethiopia

Federal Supreme Court (the president and vice president of

the Federal Supreme Court are recommended by the prime minister and

appointed by the House of People's Representatives; for other

federal judges, the prime minister submits to the House of People's

Representatives for appointment candidates selected by the Federal

Judicial Administrative Council)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Supreme Court (chief justice is a nonresident); Magistrates Court (senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions); Court of Summary Jurisdiction

Faroe Islands

none

Fiji

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Court of

Appeal; High Court; Magistrates' Courts

Finland

Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus (judges appointed by the

president)

France

Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (judges are

appointed by the president from nominations of the High Council of

the Judiciary); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel

(three members appointed by the president, three appointed by the

president of the National Assembly, and three appointed by the

president of the Senate); Council of State or Conseil d'Etat

French Guiana

Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel (highest local court

based in Martinique with jurisdiction over Martinique, Guadeloupe,

and French Guiana)

French Polynesia

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court of the First

Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Administrative

Law or Tribunal Administratif

Gabon

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consisting of three chambers -

Judicial, Administrative, and Accounts; Constitutional Court; Courts

of Appeal; Court of State Security; County Courts

Gambia, The

Supreme Court

Georgia

Supreme Court (judges elected by the Supreme Council on the

president's recommendation); Constitutional Court

Germany

Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht

(half the judges are elected by the Bundestag and half by the

Bundesrat)

Ghana

Supreme Court

Gibraltar

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Greece

Supreme Judicial Court; Special Supreme Tribunal; all judges

appointed for life by the president after consultation with a

judicial council

Greenland

High Court or Landsret (appeals can be made to the Ostre

Landsret or Eastern Division of the High Court or Supreme Court in

Copenhagen)

Grenada

West Indies Associate States Supreme Court (an associate

judge resides in Grenada)

Guadeloupe

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel with jurisdiction over

Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Martinique

Guam

Federal District Court (judge is appointed by the president);

Territorial Superior Court (judges appointed for eight-year terms by

the governor)

Guatemala

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia

(thirteen members serve concurrent five-year terms and elect a

president of the Court each year from among their number; the

president of the Supreme Court of Justice also supervises trial

judges around the country, who are named to five-year terms);

Constitutional Court or Corte de Constitutcionalidad (five judges

are elected for concurrent five-year terms by Congress, each serving

one year as president of the Constitutional Court; one is elected by

Congress, one elected by the Supreme Court of Justice, one appointed

by the President, one elected by Superior Counsel of Universidad San

Carlos de Guatemala, and one by Colegio de Abogados)

Guernsey

Royal Court

Guinea

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel

Guinea-Bissau

Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal da Justica (consists

of nine justices who are appointed by the president and serve at his

pleasure; final court of appeals in criminal and civil cases);

Regional Courts (one in each of nine regions; first court of appeals

for Sectoral Court decisions; hear all felony cases and civil cases

valued at over $1,000); 24 Sectoral Courts (judges are not

necessarily trained lawyers; they hear civil cases under $1,000 and

misdemeanor criminal cases)

Guyana

Supreme Court of Judicature; Judicial Court of Appeal; High

Court

Haiti

Supreme Court or Cour de Cassation

Holy See (Vatican City)

there are three tribunals responsible for

civil and criminal matters within Vatican City; three other

tribunals rule on issues pertaining to the Holy See

note: judicial duties were established by the Motu Proprio of Pius

XII on 1 May 1946

Honduras

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia

(judges are elected for seven-year terms by the National Congress)

Hong Kong

Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong Special

Administrative Region

Hungary

Constitutional Court (judges are elected by the National

Assembly for nine-year terms)

Iceland

Supreme Court or Haestirettur (justices are appointed for

life by the Minister of Justice); eight district courts (justices

are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice)

India

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president and

remain in office until they reach the age of 65)

Indonesia

Supreme Court or Mahkamah Agung (justices appointed by the

president from a list of candidates approved by the legislature);

note - the Supreme Court is preparing to assume administrative

responsibility for the lower court system, currently run by the

Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; a separate Constitutional

Court was invested by the president on 16 August 2003

Iran

Supreme Court

Iraq

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn

regime by US-led coalition

Ireland

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the

advice of the prime minister and cabinet)

Israel

Supreme Court (justices appointed for life by the president)

Italy

Constitutional Court or Corte Costituzionale (composed of 15

judges: one-third appointed by the president, one-third elected by

Parliament, one-third elected by the ordinary and administrative

Supreme Courts)

Jamaica

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the governor general on

the advice of the prime minister); Court of Appeal

Japan

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the monarch after

designation by the cabinet; all other justices are appointed by the

cabinet)

Jersey

Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the

bailiff)

Jordan

Court of Cassation; Supreme Court (court of final appeal)

Kazakhstan

Supreme Court (44 members); Constitutional Council (7

members)

Kenya

Court of Appeal (chief justice is appointed by the president);

High Court

Kiribati

Court of Appeal; High Court; 26 Magistrates' courts; judges

at all levels are appointed by the president

Korea, North

Central Court (judges are elected by the Supreme

People's Assembly)

Korea, South

Supreme Court (justices are appointed by the president

with the consent of the National Assembly)

Kuwait

High Court of Appeal

Kyrgyzstan

Supreme Court (judges are appointed for 10-year terms by

the Supreme Council on the recommendation of the president);

Constitutional Court; Higher Court of Arbitration

Laos

People's Supreme Court (the president of the People's Supreme

Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of

the National Assembly Standing Committee; the vice president of the

People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National

Assembly Standing Committee)

Latvia

Supreme Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by

Parliament)

Lebanon

four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and

commercial cases and one court for criminal cases); Constitutional

Council (called for in Ta'if Accord - rules on constitutionality of

laws); Supreme Council (hears charges against the president and

prime minister as needed)

Lesotho

High Court (chief justice appointed by the monarch); Court

of Appeal; Magistrate's Court; customary or traditional court

Liberia

Supreme Court

Libya

Supreme Court

Liechtenstein

Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Court of Appeal

or Obergericht

Lithuania

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal;

judges for all courts appointed by the President

Luxembourg

judicial courts and tribunals (3 Justices of the Peace, 2

district courts, and 1 Supreme Court of Appeals); administrative

courts and tribunals (State Prosecutor's Office, administrative

courts and tribunals, and the Constitutional Court); judges for all

courts are appointed for life by the monarch

Macau

The Court of Final Appeal in the Macau Special Administrative

Region

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Supreme Court -

Parliament appoints the judges; Constitutional Court - Parliament

appoints the judges; Republican Judicial Council - Parliament

appoints the judges

Madagascar

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; High Constitutional Court

or Haute Cour Constitutionnelle

Malawi

Supreme Court of Appeal; High Court (chief justice appointed

by the president, puisne judges appointed on the advice of the

Judicial Service Commission); magistrate's courts

Malaysia

Federal Court (judges appointed by the paramount ruler on

the advice of the prime minister)

Maldives

High Court

Mali

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Malta

Constitutional Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts

are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

Man, Isle of

High Court of Justice (justices are appointed by the

Lord Chancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant

governor)

Marshall Islands

Supreme Court; High Court

Martinique

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel

Mauritania

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Court of Appeals; lower

courts

Mauritius

Supreme Court

Mayotte

Supreme Court or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Mexico

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges

are appointed by the president with consent of the Senate)

Micronesia, Federated States of

Supreme Court

Moldova

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court (the sole authority for

constitutional judicature)

Monaco

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supreme (judges appointed by the

monarch on the basis of nominations by the National Council)

Mongolia

Supreme Court (serves as appeals court for people's and

provincial courts but rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts;

judges are nominated by the General Council of Courts for approval

by the president)

Montserrat

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia,

one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and

presides over the High Court)

Morocco

Supreme Court (judges are appointed on the recommendation of

the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the monarch)

Mozambique

Supreme Court (the court of final appeal; some of its

professional judges are appointed by the president and some are

elected by the Assembly); other courts include an Administrative

Court, customs courts, maritime courts, courts marshal, labor courts

note: although the constitution provides for the creation of a

separate Constitutional Court, one has never been established; in

its absence the Supreme Court reviews constitutional cases

Namibia

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission)

Nauru

Supreme Court

Nepal

Supreme Court or Sarbochha Adalat (chief justice is appointed

by the monarch on recommendation of the Constitutional Council; the

other judges are appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of

the Judicial Council)

Netherlands

Supreme Court or Hoge Raad (justices are nominated for

life by the monarch)

Netherlands Antilles

Joint High Court of Justice (judges appointed

by the monarch)

New Caledonia

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; County Courts; Joint

Commerce Tribunal Court; Children's Court

New Zealand

High Court; Court of Appeal

Nicaragua

Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (16 judges elected for

five-year terms by the National Assembly)

Niger

State Court or Cour d'Etat; Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel

Nigeria

Supreme Court (judges appointed by the President); Federal

Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the federal government on

the advice of the Advisory Judicial Committee)

Niue

Supreme Court of New Zealand; High Court of Niue

Norfolk Island

Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions

Northern Mariana Islands

Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court;

Federal District Court

Norway

Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (justices appointed by the

monarch)

Oman

Supreme Court

note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has

non-Islamic judges as well as traditional Islamic judges

Pakistan

Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president);

Federal Islamic or Shari'a Court

Palau

Supreme Court; National Court; Court of Common Pleas

Panama

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine

judges appointed for 10-year terms); five superior courts; three

courts of appeal

Papua New Guinea

Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by

the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive

Council after consultation with the minister responsible for

justice; other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal

Services Commission)

Paraguay

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia

(judges appointed on the proposal of the Counsel of Magistrates or

Consejo de la Magistratura)

Peru

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges

are appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary)

Philippines

Supreme Court (justices are appointed by the president

on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve

until 70 years of age)

Pitcairn Islands

Island Court (island magistrate presides over the

court and is elected every three years)

Poland

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president on the

recommendation of the National Council of the Judiciary for an

indefinite period); Constitutional Tribunal (judges are chosen by

the Sejm for nine-year terms)

Portugal

Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica (judges

appointed for life by the Conselho Superior da Magistratura)

Puerto Rico

Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance

composed of two sections: a Superior Court and a Municipal Court

(justices for all these courts appointed by the governor with the

consent of the Senate)

Qatar

Court of Appeal

Reunion

Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel

Romania

Supreme Court of Justice (judges are appointed by the

president on the recommendation of the Superior Council of

Magistrates)

Russia

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Superior Court of

Arbitration; judges for all courts are appointed for life by the

Federation Council on the recommendation of the president

Rwanda

Supreme Court; communal courts; appeals courts

Saint Helena

Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court; Small Debts Court;

Juvenile Court

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on

Saint Lucia; one judge of the Supreme Court resides in Saint Kitts

and Nevis)

Saint Lucia

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (jurisdiction extends to

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica,

Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal

Superieur d'Appel

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

(based on Saint Lucia; one judge of the Supreme Court resides in

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)

Samoa

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Land and Titles Court

San Marino

Council of Twelve or Consiglio dei XII

Sao Tome and Principe

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the

National Assembly)

Saudi Arabia

Supreme Council of Justice

Senegal

Constitutional Court; Council of State; Court of Final

Appeals or Cour de Cassation; Court of Appeals; note - the judicial

system was reformed in 1992

Serbia and Montenegro

Federal Court or Savezni Sud; Constitutional

Court; judges for both courts are elected by the Federal Assembly

for nine-year terms

note: after the promulgation of the new Constitution, the Federal

Court will have constitutional and administrative functions; it will

have an equal number of judges from each republic

Seychelles

Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; judges for both courts

are appointed by the president

Sierra Leone

Supreme Court; Appeals Court; High Court

Singapore

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president

with the advice of the prime minister, other judges are appointed by

the president with the advice of the chief justice); Court of Appeals

Slovakia

Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Council);

Constitutional Court (judges appointed by president from group of

nominees approved by the National Council)

Slovenia

Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly

on the recommendation of the Judicial Council); Constitutional Court

(judges elected for nine-year terms by the National Assembly and

nominated by the president)

Solomon Islands

Court of Appeal

Somalia

following the breakdown of national government, most regions

have reverted to either Islamic (Shari'a) law with a provision for

appeal of all sentences, or traditional clan-based arbitration

South Africa

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court of Appeals; High

Courts; Magistrate Courts

Spain

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo

Sri Lanka

Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; judges for both courts

are appointed by the president

Sudan

Supreme Court; Special Revolutionary Courts

Suriname

Court of Justice (justices are nominated for life)

Swaziland

High Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts are

appointed by the monarch

Sweden

Supreme Court or Hogsta Domstolen (judges are appointed by

the prime minister and the cabinet)

Switzerland

Federal Supreme Court (judges elected for six-year terms

by the Federal Assembly)

Syria

Supreme Constitutional Court (justices are appointed for

four-year terms by the president); High Judicial Council; Court of

Cassation; State Security Courts

Taiwan

Judicial Yuan (justices appointed by the president with

consent of the National Assembly; note - beginning in 2003, justices

will be appointed by the president with consent of the Legislative

Yuan)

Tajikistan

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Tanzania

Permanent Commission of Enquiry (official ombudsman); Court

of Appeal (consists of a chief justice and four judges); High Court

(consists of a Jaji Kiongozi and 29 judges appointed by the

president; holds regular sessions in all regions); District Courts;

Primary Courts (limited jurisdiction and appeals can be made to the

higher courts)

Thailand

Supreme Court or Sandika (judges appointed by the monarch)

Togo

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Tokelau

Supreme Court in New Zealand exercises civil and criminal

jurisdiction in Tokelau

Tonga

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch); Court of

Appeal (consists of the Privy Council with the addition of the chief

justice of the Supreme Court)

Trinidad and Tobago

Supreme Court of Judicature (comprised of the

High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeals; the chief justice is

appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister and

the leader of the opposition; other justices are appointed by the

president on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service

Commission); High Court of Justice; Court of Appeals the highest

court of appeal is the Privy Council in London

Tunisia

Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation

Turkey

Constitutional Court (judges are appointed by the president);

Court of Appeals and Council of State (judges are elected by the

Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors)

Turkmenistan

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president)

Turks and Caicos Islands

Supreme Court

Tuvalu

High Court (a chief justice visits twice a year to preside

over its sessions; its rulings can be appealed to the Court of

Appeal in Fiji); eight Island Courts (with limited jurisdiction)

Uganda

Court of Appeal (judges are appointed by the president and

approved by the legislature); High Court (judges are appointed by

the president)

Ukraine

Supreme Court; Constitutional Court

United Arab Emirates

Union Supreme Court (judges are appointed by

the president)

United Kingdom

House of Lords (highest court of appeal; several

Lords of Appeal in Ordinary are appointed by the monarch for life);

Supreme Courts of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (comprising

the Courts of Appeal, the High Courts of Justice, and the Crown

Courts); Scotland's Court of Session and Court of the Justiciary

United States

Supreme Court (its nine justices are appointed for

life by the president with confirmation by the Senate); United

States Courts of Appeal; United States District Courts; State and

County Courts

Uruguay

Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and

elected for 10-year terms by the General Assembly)

Uzbekistan

Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and

confirmed by the Supreme Assembly)

Vanuatu

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president

after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the

opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on

the advice of the Judicial Service Commission)

Venezuela

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Tribuna Suprema de Justicia

(magistrates are elected by the National Assembly for a single

12-year term)

Vietnam

Supreme People's Court (chief justice is elected for a

five-year term by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the

president)

Virgin Islands

US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third

Circuit jurisdiction); Territorial Court (judges appointed by the

governor for 10-year terms)

Wallis and Futuna

none; justice generally administered under French

law by the high administrator, but the three traditional kings

administer customary law and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu

Yemen

Supreme Court

Zambia

Supreme Court (the final court of appeal; justices are

appointed by the president); High Court (has unlimited jurisdiction

to hear civil and criminal cases)

Zimbabwe

Supreme Court; High Court

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2095 Labor force

Afghanistan

10 million (2000 est.)

Albania

1.283 million (not including 352,000 emigrant workers and

261,000 domestically unemployed) (2000 est.)

Algeria

9.4 million (2001 est.)

American Samoa

14,000 (1996)

Andorra

33,000 (2001 est.)

Angola

5 million (1997 est.)

Anguilla

6,049 (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda

30,000

Argentina

15 million (1999)

Armenia

1.4 million (2001)

Aruba

41,501 (1997 est.)

Australia

9.2 million (37256)

Austria

4.3 million (2001)

Azerbaijan

3.7 million (2001)

Bahamas, The

156,000 (1999)

Bahrain

295,000

note: 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national

(1998 est.)

Bangladesh

64.1 million

note: extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman,

Qatar, and Malaysia; workers' remittances estimated at $1.71 billion

in 1998-99 (1998)

Barbados

128,500 (2001 est.)

Belarus

4.8 million (2000)

Belgium

4.44 million (2001)

Belize

90,000

note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel

Benin

NA

Bermuda

37,472 (2000)

Bhutan

NA

note: massive lack of skilled labor

Bolivia

2.5 million

Bosnia and Herzegovina

1.026 million

Botswana

264,000 formal sector employees (2000)

Brazil

79 million (1999 est.)

British Virgin Islands

4,911 (1980)

Brunei

143,400

note: includes foreign workers and military personnel; temporary

residents make up about 40% of labor force (1999 est.)

Bulgaria

3.83 million (2000 est.)

Burkina Faso

5 million

note: a large part of the male labor force migrates annually to

neighboring countries for seasonal employment (2002)

Burma

23.7 million (1999 est.)

Burundi

3.7 million (2000)

Cambodia

6 million (1998 est.)

Cameroon

NA

Canada

16.4 million (2001 est.)

Cape Verde

NA

Cayman Islands

19,820 (1995)

Central African Republic

NA

Chad

NA

Chile

5.9 million (2000 est.)

China

744 million (2001 est.)

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA

Colombia

18.3 million (1999 est.)

Comoros

144,500 (1996 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

14.51 million (1993 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

NA

Cook Islands

8,000 (1996)

Costa Rica

1.9 million (1999)

Cote d'Ivoire

68% agricultural (2000 est.)

Croatia

1.7 million (2001)

Cuba

4.3 million

note: state sector 78%, non-state sector 22% (2000 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: 291,000; Turkish Cypriot area: 86,300

(2000)

Czech Republic

5.203 million (1999 est.)

Denmark

2.856 million (2000 est.)

Djibouti

282,000

Dominica

25,000

Dominican Republic

2.3 million - 2.6 million

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

3.7 million (urban)

Egypt

20.6 million (2001 est.)

El Salvador

2.35 million (1999)

Equatorial Guinea

NA

Eritrea

NA

Estonia

608,600 (2001 est.)

Ethiopia

NA

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

1,100 (est.)

Faroe Islands

24,250 (October 2000)

Fiji

137,000 (1999)

Finland

2.6 million (2000 est.)

France

26.6 million (2001 est.)

French Guiana

58,800 (1997)

French Polynesia

70,000 (1996)

Gabon

600,000

Gambia, The

400,000

Gaza Strip

NA

Georgia

2.1 million (2001 est.)

Germany

41.9 million (2001)

Ghana

9 million (2000 est.)

Gibraltar

14,800 (including non-Gibraltar laborers)

Greece

4.37 million (2002 est.)

Greenland

24,500 (1999 est.)

Grenada

42,300 (1996)

Guadeloupe

125,900 (1997)

Guam

60,000 (2000 est.)

Guatemala

4.2 million (1999 est.)

Guernsey

31,322 (2000)

Guinea

3 million (1999)

Guinea-Bissau

480,000

Guyana

418,000 (2001 est.)

Haiti

3.6 million

note: shortage of skilled labor, unskilled labor abundant (1995)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA

Honduras

2.3 million (1997 est.)

Hong Kong

3.52 million (2001 est.)

Hungary

4.2 million (1997)

Iceland

159,000 (2000)

India

406 million (1999)

Indonesia

99 million (1999)

Iran 21 million note: shortage of skilled labor (1998)

Iraq

6.5 million (2002 est.)

Ireland

1.8 million (2001)

Israel

2.5 million (2002 est.)

Italy

23.6 million (2001 est.)

Jamaica

1.13 million (1998)

Japan

67.7 million (December 2001)

Jersey

57,050 (1996)

Jordan

1.36 million (2002)

Kazakhstan

8.4 million (1999)

Kenya

10 million (2001 est.)

Kiribati

7,870 economically active, not including subsistence farmers

Korea, North

9.6 million

Korea, South

22 million (2001)

Kuwait

1.3 million

note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 80% of the labor force. (1998

est.)

Kyrgyzstan

2.7 million (2000)

Laos

2.4 million (1999)

Latvia

1.1 million (2001 est.)

Lebanon

1.5 million

note: in addition, there are as many as 1 million foreign workers

(2001 est.)

Lesotho

838,000

Libya

1.5 million (2000 est.)

Liechtenstein

29,000 of which 19,000 are foreigners; 13,000 commute

from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany to work each day (37256)

Lithuania

1.5 million (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

262,300 (of whom 87,400 are foreign cross-border workers

primarily from France, Belgium, and Germany) (2000)

Macau

214,000 (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

1.1 million (2000 est.)

Madagascar

7.3 million (2000)

Malawi

4.5 million (2001 est.)

Malaysia

9.9 million (2001 est.)

Maldives

88,000 (2000)

Mali

3.93 million (2001 est.)

Malta

160,000 (2002 est.)

Man, Isle of

36,610 (1998)

Marshall Islands

28,698

Martinique

165,900 (1998)

Mauritania

786,000 (2001)

Mauritius

514,000 (1995)

Mayotte

48,800 (2000)

Mexico

39.8 million (2000)

Micronesia, Federated States of

NA

Moldova

1.7 million (1998)

Monaco

30,540 (January 1994)

Mongolia

1.4 million (2001)

Montserrat

4,521 ; note - lowered by flight of people from volcanic

activity

Morocco

11 million (1999)

Mozambique

9.2 million (2000 est.)

Namibia

725,000 (2000)

Nepal 10 million note: severe lack of skilled labor (1996 est.)

Netherlands

7.2 million (2000)

Netherlands Antilles

89,000

New Caledonia

79,395 (including 15,018 unemployed, 1996)

New Zealand

1.92 million (2001 est.)

Nicaragua

1.7 million (1999)

Niger

70,000 receive regular wages or salaries

Nigeria

66 million (1999 est.)

Niue

NA

Norfolk Island

NA

Northern Mariana Islands 6,006 total indigenous labor force; 2,699 unemployed; 28,717 foreign workers

Norway

2.4 million (2000 est.)

Oman

920,000 (2002 est.)

Pakistan

40.4 million

note: extensive export of labor, mostly to the Middle East, and use

of child labor (2000)

Palau

9,845 (2000)

Panama

1.1 million

note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled

labor (2000 est.)

Papua New Guinea

2.3 million (1999)

Paraguay

2 million (2000 est.)

Peru

7.5 million (2000 est.)

Philippines

33.7 million (2002)

Pitcairn Islands

12 able-bodied men (1997)

Poland

17.6 million (2000 est.)

Portugal

5.1 million (2000)

Puerto Rico

1.3 million (2000)

Qatar

280,122 (1997 est.)

Reunion

309,900 (2000)

Romania

9.9 million (1999 est.)

Russia

71.8 million (2002 est.)

Rwanda

4.6 million (2000)

Saint Helena 3,500 note: 1,200 work offshore (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

18,172 (June 1995)

Saint Lucia

43,800

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

3,261 (1999)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

67,000 (1984 est.)

Samoa

90,000 (2000 est.)

San Marino

18,500 (1999)

Sao Tome and Principe

NA

Saudi Arabia

7 million

note: 35% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national

Senegal

NA

Serbia and Montenegro

3 million (2001 est.)

Seychelles

30,900 (1996)

Sierra Leone

1.369 million (1981 est.)

Singapore

2.19 million (2000)

Slovakia

3 million (1999)

Slovenia

857,400

Solomon Islands

26,842

Somalia

3.7 million (very few are skilled laborers)

South Africa

17 million economically active

Spain

17.1 million (2001)

Sri Lanka

6.6 million (1998)

Sudan

11 million (1996 est.)

Suriname

100,000

Svalbard

NA

Swaziland

383,200 (2000)

Sweden

4.4 million (2000 est.)

Switzerland

4 million (2001)

Syria

5.2 million (2000 est.)

Taiwan

10 million (2003)

Tajikistan

3.187 million (2000)

Tanzania

13.495 million

Thailand

33.4 million (2001 est.)

Togo

1.74 million (1996)

Tokelau

NA

Tonga

33,908 (1996)

Trinidad and Tobago

564,000 (2000)

Tunisia

2.69 million

note: shortage of skilled labor (2001 est.)

Turkey

23.8 million

note: about 1.2 million Turks work abroad (2001 3rd quarter)

Turkmenistan

2.34 million (1996)

Turks and Caicos Islands

4,848 (1990 est.)

Tuvalu

7,000 (2001 est.)

Uganda

12 million (2001 est.)

Ukraine

22.8 million (yearend 1997)

United Arab Emirates 1.6 million (2000 est.) note: 73.9% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (July 2002 est.) (2000 est.)

United Kingdom

29.7 million (2001)

United States

141.8 million (includes unemployed) (2001)

Uruguay

1.2 million (2001)

Uzbekistan

11.9 million (1998 est.)

Vanuatu

NA

Venezuela

9.9 million (1999)

Vietnam

38.2 million (1998 est.)

Virgin Islands

49,000 (2002 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

NA

West Bank

NA

Western Sahara

12,000

World

NA

Yemen

NA

Zambia

4.29 million (2000)

Zimbabwe

5.8 million (2000 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2096 Land boundaries (km)

Afghanistan

total: 5,529 km

border countries: China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km,

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

Albania

total: 720 km

border countries: Greece 282 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia 151 km, Serbia and Montenegro 287 km

Algeria

total: 6,343 km

border countries: Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km,

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

American Samoa

0 km

Andorra

total: 120.3 km

border countries: France 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km

Angola

total: 5,198 km

border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,511 km (of

which 225 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province),

Republic of the Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zambia 1,110 km

Anguilla

0 km

Antarctica 0 km note: see entry on International disputes

Antigua and Barbuda

0 km

Argentina

total: 9,665 km

border countries: Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km,

Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km

Armenia

total: 1,254 km

border countries: Azerbaijan-proper 566 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan

exclave 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km

Aruba

0 km

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

0 km

Australia

0 km

Austria

total: 2,562 km

border countries: Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366

km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330

km, Switzerland 164 km

Azerbaijan

total: 2,013 km

border countries: Armenia (with Azerbaijan-proper) 566 km, Armenia

(with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran

(with Azerbaijan-proper) 432 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan

exclave) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km

Bahamas, The

0 km

Bahrain

0 km

Baker Island

0 km

Bangladesh total: 4,246 km border countries: Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km

Barbados

0 km

Bassas da India

0 km

Belarus

total: 2,900 km

border countries: Latvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 407 km,

Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km

Belgium

total: 1,385 km

border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km,

Netherlands 450 km

Belize

total: 516 km

border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km

Benin

total: 1,989 km

border countries: Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km,

Togo 644 km

Bermuda

0 km

Bhutan

total: 1,075 km

border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km

Bolivia

total: 6,743 km

border countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km,

Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km

Bosnia and Herzegovina

total: 1,459 km

border countries: Croatia 932 km, Serbia and Montenegro 527 km

Botswana

total: 4,013 km

border countries: Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe

813 km

Bouvet Island

0 km

Brazil

total: 14,691 km

border countries: Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia

1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km,

Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km

British Indian Ocean Territory

0 km

British Virgin Islands

0 km

Brunei

total: 381 km

border countries: Malaysia 381 km

Bulgaria

total: 1,808 km

border countries: Greece 494 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km,

Turkey 240 km

Burkina Faso

total: 3,193 km

border countries: Benin 306 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Ghana 549 km,

Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km

Burma

total: 5,876 km

border countries: Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km,

Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km

Burundi

total: 974 km

border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 233 km, Rwanda

290 km, Tanzania 451 km

Cambodia

total: 2,572 km

border countries: Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km

Cameroon

total: 4,591 km

border countries: Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km,

Republic of the Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298

km, Nigeria 1,690 km

Canada total: 8,893 km border countries: US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)

Cape Verde

0 km

Cayman Islands

0 km

Central African Republic

total: 5,203 km

border countries: Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Democratic

Republic of the Congo 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 467 km, Sudan

1,165 km

Chad

total: 5,968 km

border countries: Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197

km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km

Chile

total: 6,171 km

border countries: Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 km

China

total: 22,147.34 km

border countries: Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km,

Hong Kong 30 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea

1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia

4,677 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605

km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km

Christmas Island

0 km

Clipperton Island

0 km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

0 km

Colombia

total: 6,004 km

border countries: Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km,

Peru 1,496 km (est.), Venezuela 2,050 km

Comoros

0 km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

total: 10,730 km

border countries: Angola 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary

of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province), Burundi 233 km, Central

African Republic 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Rwanda

217 km, Sudan 628 km, Tanzania 459 km, Uganda 765 km, Zambia 1,930 km

Congo, Republic of the

total: 5,504 km

border countries: Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African

Republic 467 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Gabon

1,903 km

Cook Islands

0 km

Coral Sea Islands

0 km

Costa Rica

total: 639 km

border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km

Cote d'Ivoire

total: 3,110 km

border countries: Burkina Faso 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km,

Liberia 716 km, Mali 532 km

Croatia

total: 2,197 km

border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km,

Serbia and Montenegro (north) 241 km, Serbia and Montenegro (south)

25 km, Slovenia 670 km

Cuba

total: 29 km

border countries: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 29 km

note: Guantanamo Naval Base is leased by the US and thus remains

part of Cuba

Cyprus

0 km

Czech Republic

total: 1,881 km

border countries: Austria 362 km, Germany 646 km, Poland 658 km,

Slovakia 215 km

Denmark

total: 68 km

border countries: Germany 68 km

Djibouti

total: 516 km

border countries: Eritrea 109 km, Ethiopia 349 km, Somalia 58 km

Dominica

0 km

Dominican Republic

total: 360 km

border countries: Haiti 360 km

East Timor

total: 228 km

border countries: Indonesia 228 km

Ecuador

total: 2,010 km

border countries: Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km

Egypt

total: 2,665 km

border countries: Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 266 km, Libya 1,115 km,

Sudan 1,273 km

El Salvador

total: 545 km

border countries: Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 km

Equatorial Guinea

total: 539 km

border countries: Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 km

Eritrea

total: 1,626 km

border countries: Djibouti 109 km, Ethiopia 912 km, Sudan 605 km

Estonia

total: 633 km

border countries: Latvia 339 km, Russia 294 km

Ethiopia

total: 5,328 km

border countries: Djibouti 349 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 861 km,

Somalia 1,600 km, Sudan 1,606 km

Europa Island

0 km

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

0 km

Faroe Islands

0 km

Fiji

0 km

Finland

total: 2,628 km

border countries: Norway 729 km, Sweden 586 km, Russia 1,313 km

France

total: 2,889 km

border countries: Andorra 56.6 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km,

Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km,

Switzerland 573 km

French Guiana total: 1,183 km border countries: Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km

French Polynesia

0 km

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

0 km

Gabon

total: 2,551 km

border countries: Cameroon 298 km, Republic of the Congo 1,903 km,

Equatorial Guinea 350 km

Gambia, The

total: 740 km

border countries: Senegal 740 km

Gaza Strip

total: 62 km

border countries: Egypt 11 km, Israel 51 km

Georgia

total: 1,461 km

border countries: Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km,

Turkey 252 km

Germany

total: 3,621 km

border countries: Austria 784 km, Belgium 167 km, Czech Republic 646

km, Denmark 68 km, France 451 km, Luxembourg 138 km, Netherlands 577

km, Poland 456 km, Switzerland 334 km

Ghana

total: 2,094 km

border countries: Burkina Faso 549 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo

877 km

Gibraltar total: 1.2 km border countries: Spain 1.2 km

Glorioso Islands

0 km

Greece

total: 1,228 km

border countries: Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km,

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 246 km

Greenland

0 km

Grenada

0 km

Guadeloupe total: 10.2 km border countries: Netherlands Antilles (Sint Maarten) 10.2 km

Guam

0 km

Guatemala

total: 1,687 km

border countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256

km, Mexico 962 km

Guernsey

0 km

Guinea

total: 3,399 km

border countries: Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Guinea-Bissau 386 km,

Liberia 563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km

Guinea-Bissau

total: 724 km

border countries: Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Guyana

total: 2,462 km

border countries: Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Haiti

total: 360 km

border countries: Dominican Republic 360 km

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

0 km

Holy See (Vatican City)

total: 3.2 km

border countries: Italy 3.2 km

Honduras

total: 1,520 km

border countries: Guatemala 256 km, El Salvador 342 km, Nicaragua

922 km

Hong Kong total: 30 km border countries: China 30 km

Howland Island

0 km

Hungary

total: 2,171 km

border countries: Austria 366 km, Croatia 329 km, Romania 443 km,

Serbia and Montenegro 151 km, Slovakia 677 km, Slovenia 102 km,

Ukraine 103 km

Iceland

0 km

India

total: 14,103 km

border countries: Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463

km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km

Indonesia

total: 2,830 km

border countries: East Timor 228 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New

Guinea 820 km

Iran

total: 5,440 km

border countries: Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km,

Azerbaijan-proper 432 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 179 km, Iraq

1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km

Iraq

total: 3,650 km

border countries: Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi

Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km

Ireland

total: 360 km

border countries: UK 360 km

Israel

total: 1,017 km

border countries: Egypt 266 km, Gaza Strip 51 km, Jordan 238 km,

Lebanon 79 km, Syria 76 km, West Bank 307 km

Italy

total: 1,932.2 km

border countries: Austria 430 km, France 488 km, Holy See (Vatican

City) 3.2 km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 232 km, Switzerland 740 km

Jamaica

0 km

Jan Mayen

0 km

Japan

0 km

Jarvis Island

0 km

Jersey

0 km

Johnston Atoll

0 km

Jordan

total: 1,635 km

border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 744 km,

Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km

Juan de Nova Island

0 km

Kazakhstan

total: 12,012 km

border countries: China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,051 km, Russia 6,846

km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km

Kenya

total: 3,477 km

border countries: Ethiopia 861 km, Somalia 682 km, Sudan 232 km,

Tanzania 769 km, Uganda 933 km

Kingman Reef

0 km

Kiribati

0 km

Korea, North

total: 1,673 km

border countries: China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km

Korea, South

total: 238 km

border countries: North Korea 238 km

Kuwait

total: 462 km

border countries: Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km

Kyrgyzstan

total: 3,878 km

border countries: China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,051 km, Tajikistan 870

km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km

Laos

total: 5,083 km

border countries: Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km,

Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km

Latvia

total: 1,150 km

border countries: Belarus 141 km, Estonia 339 km, Lithuania 453 km,

Russia 217 km

Lebanon

total: 454 km

border countries: Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km

Lesotho

total: 909 km

border countries: South Africa 909 km

Liberia

total: 1,585 km

border countries: Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone

306 km

Libya

total: 4,348 km

border countries: Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,115 km,

Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km

Liechtenstein

total: 76 km

border countries: Austria 34.9 km, Switzerland 41.1 km

Lithuania

total: 1,273 km

border countries: Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km,

Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km

Luxembourg

total: 359 km

border countries: Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km

Macau

total: 0.34 km

border countries: China 0.34 km

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

total: 766 km

border countries: Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 246 km,

Serbia and Montenegro 221 km

Madagascar

0 km

Malawi

total: 2,881 km

border countries: Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km

Malaysia

total: 2,669 km

border countries: Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km

Maldives

0 km

Mali

total: 7,243 km

border countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea

858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km,

Senegal 419 km

Malta

0 km

Man, Isle of

0 km

Marshall Islands

0 km

Martinique

0 km

Mauritania

total: 5,074 km

border countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km,

Western Sahara 1,561 km

Mauritius

0 km

Mayotte

0 km

Mexico total: 4,353 km border countries: Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,141 km

Micronesia, Federated States of

0 km

Midway Islands

0 km

Moldova

total: 1,389 km

border countries: Romania 450 km, Ukraine 939 km

Monaco

total: 4.4 km

border countries: France 4.4 km

Mongolia

total: 8,162 km

border countries: China 4,677 km, Russia 3,485 km

Montserrat

0 km

Morocco

total: 2,017.9 km

border countries: Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain

(Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km

Mozambique

total: 4,571 km

border countries: Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland

105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km

Namibia

total: 3,936 km

border countries: Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa

967 km, Zambia 233 km

Nauru

0 km

Navassa Island

0 km

Nepal

total: 2,926 km

border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km

Netherlands

total: 1,027 km

border countries: Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km

Netherlands Antilles

total: 10.2 km

border countries: Guadeloupe (Saint Martin) 10.2 km

New Caledonia

0 km

New Zealand

0 km

Nicaragua

total: 1,231 km

border countries: Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km

Niger

total: 5,697 km

border countries: Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km,

Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km

Nigeria

total: 4,047 km

border countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger

1,497 km

Niue

0 km

Norfolk Island

0 km

Northern Mariana Islands

0 km

Norway

total: 2,544 km

border countries: Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 196 km

Oman

total: 1,374 km

border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Pakistan

total: 6,774 km

border countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912

km, Iran 909 km

Palau

0 km

Palmyra Atoll

0 km

Panama

total: 555 km

border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km

Papua New Guinea

total: 820 km

border countries: Indonesia 820 km

Paracel Islands

0 km

Paraguay

total: 3,920 km

border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 km

Peru

total: 5,536 km

border countries: Bolivia 900 km, Brazil 1,560 km, Chile 160 km,

Colombia 1,496 km (est.), Ecuador 1,420 km

Philippines

0 km

Pitcairn Islands

0 km

Poland

total: 2,788 km

border countries: Belarus 407 km, Czech Republic 658 km, Germany 456

km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 206 km, Slovakia

444 km, Ukraine 526 km

Portugal total: 1,214 km border countries: Spain 1,214 km

Puerto Rico 0 km

Qatar total: 60 km border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km

Reunion

0 km

Romania

total: 2,508 km

border countries: Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km,

Serbia and Montenegro 476 km, Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (east)

169 km

Russia

total: 19,990 km

border countries: Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China

(southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 294 km, Finland

1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 19 km,

Latvia 217 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,485

km, Norway 196 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 206 km, Ukraine 1,576

km

Rwanda

total: 893 km

border countries: Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo

217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km

Saint Helena

0 km

Saint Kitts and Nevis

0 km

Saint Lucia

0 km

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

0 km

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

0 km

Samoa

0 km

San Marino total: 39 km border countries: Italy 39 km

Sao Tome and Principe

0 km

Saudi Arabia

total: 4,431 km

border countries: Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman

676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km

Senegal

total: 2,640 km

border countries: The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau

338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km

Serbia and Montenegro

total: 2,246 km

border countries: Albania 287 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 527 km,

Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia (north) 241 km, Croatia (south) 25 km,

Hungary 151 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 221 km,

Romania 476 km

Seychelles

0 km

Sierra Leone total: 958 km border countries: Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km

Singapore

0 km

Slovakia

total: 1,524 km

border countries: Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 215 km, Hungary 677

km, Poland 444 km, Ukraine 97 km

Slovenia

total: 1,334 km

border countries: Austria 330 km, Croatia 670 km, Italy 232 km,

Hungary 102 km

Solomon Islands

0 km

Somalia

total: 2,340 km

border countries: Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km

South Africa

total: 4,862 km

border countries: Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491

km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

0 km

Spain

total: 1,917.8 km

border countries: Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km,

Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

Spratly Islands

0 km

Sri Lanka

0 km

Sudan

total: 7,687 km

border countries: Central African Republic 1,165 km, Chad 1,360 km,

Democratic Republic of the Congo 628 km, Egypt 1,273 km, Eritrea 605

km, Ethiopia 1,606 km, Kenya 232 km, Libya 383 km, Uganda 435 km

Suriname total: 1,707 km border countries: Brazil 597 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

Svalbard 0 km

Swaziland

total: 535 km

border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km

Sweden

total: 2,205 km

border countries: Finland 586 km, Norway 1,619 km

Switzerland

total: 1,852 km

border countries: Austria 164 km, France 573 km, Italy 740 km,

Liechtenstein 41 km, Germany 334 km

Syria

total: 2,253 km

border countries: Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon

375 km, Turkey 822 km

Taiwan

0 km

Tajikistan

total: 3,651 km

border countries: Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870

km, Uzbekistan 1,161 km

Tanzania

total: 3,861 km

border countries: Burundi 451 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo

459 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756 km, Rwanda 217

km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 km

Thailand

total: 4,863 km

border countries: Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km,

Malaysia 506 km

Togo

total: 1,647 km

border countries: Benin 644 km, Burkina Faso 126 km, Ghana 877 km

Tokelau

0 km

Tonga

0 km

Trinidad and Tobago

0 km

Tromelin Island

0 km

Tunisia

total: 1,424 km

border countries: Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km

Turkey

total: 2,648 km

border countries: Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km,

Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 352 km, Syria 822 km

Turkmenistan

total: 3,736 km

border countries: Afghanistan 744 km, Iran 992 km, Kazakhstan 379

km, Uzbekistan 1,621 km

Turks and Caicos Islands

0 km

Tuvalu

0 km

Uganda

total: 2,698 km

border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 765 km, Kenya 933

km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km

Ukraine

total: 4,663 km

border countries: Belarus 891 km, Hungary 103 km, Moldova 939 km,

Poland 526 km, Romania (south) 169 km, Romania (west) 362 km, Russia

1,576 km, Slovakia 97 km

United Arab Emirates

total: 867 km

border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km

United Kingdom

total: 360 km

border countries: Ireland 360 km

United States

total: 12,034 km

border countries: Canada 8,893 km (including 2,477 km with Alaska),

Mexico 3,141 km

note: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is leased by the US and

thus remains part of Cuba; the base boundary is 29 km

Uruguay

total: 1,564 km

border countries: Argentina 579 km, Brazil 985 km

Uzbekistan

total: 6,221 km

border countries: Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2,203 km,

Kyrgyzstan 1,099 km, Tajikistan 1,161 km, Turkmenistan 1,621 km

Vanuatu

0 km

Venezuela

total: 4,993 km

border countries: Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km

Vietnam

total: 4,639 km

border countries: Cambodia 1,228 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 2,130 km

Virgin Islands

0 km

Wake Island

0 km

Wallis and Futuna

0 km

West Bank

total: 404 km

border countries: Israel 307 km, Jordan 97 km

Western Sahara

total: 2,046 km

border countries: Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 km

World

the land boundaries in the world total 250,472 km (not

counting shared boundaries twice)

Yemen

total: 1,746 km

border countries: Oman 288 km, Saudi Arabia 1,458 km

Zambia

total: 5,664 km

border countries: Angola 1,110 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo

1,930 km, Malawi 837 km, Mozambique 419 km, Namibia 233 km, Tanzania

338 km, Zimbabwe 797 km

Zimbabwe

total: 3,066 km

border countries: Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa

225 km, Zambia 797 km

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2097 Land use (%)

Afghanistan

arable land: 12.13%

permanent crops: 0.22%

other: 87.65% (1998 est.)

Albania

arable land: 21.09%

permanent crops: 4.45%

other: 74.46% (1998 est.)

Algeria

arable land: 3.21%

permanent crops: 0.21%

other: 96.58% (1998 est.)

American Samoa

arable land: 5%

permanent crops: 10%

other: 85% (1998 est.)

Andorra

arable land: 2.22%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.78% (1998 est.)

Angola

arable land: 2.41%

permanent crops: 0.4%

other: 97.19% (1998 est.)

Anguilla

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some

commercial salt ponds) (1998 est.)

Antarctica

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%) (1998 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

arable land: 18.18%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 81.82% (1998 est.)

Argentina

arable land: 9.14%

permanent crops: 0.8%

other: 90.06% (1998 est.)

Armenia

arable land: 17.52%

permanent crops: 2.3%

other: 80.18% (1998 est.)

Aruba

arable land: 10.53% (including aloe 0.01%)

permanent crops: 0%

other: 89.47% (1998 est.)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (all grass and sand) (1998 est.)

Australia

arable land: 6.88%

permanent crops: 0.03%

other: 93.09% (1998 est.)

Austria

arable land: 16.89%

permanent crops: 0.99%

other: 82.12% (1998 est.)

Azerbaijan

arable land: 19.31%

permanent crops: 3.04%

other: 77.65% (1998 est.)

Bahamas, The

arable land: 0.6%

permanent crops: 0.4%

other: 99% (1998 est.)

Bahrain

arable land: 4.35%

permanent crops: 4.35%

other: 91.3% (1998 est.)

Baker Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Bangladesh

arable land: 60.7%

permanent crops: 2.61%

other: 36.69% (1998 est.)

Barbados

arable land: 37.21%

permanent crops: 2.33%

other: 60.46% (1998 est.)

Bassas da India

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (all rock) (1998 est.)

Belarus

arable land: 29.76%

permanent crops: 0.69%

other: 69.55% (1998 est.)

Belgium

arable land: 25%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 75%

note: includes Luxembourg (1998 est.)

Belize

arable land: 2.81%

permanent crops: 1.1%

other: 96.09% (1998 est.)

Benin

arable land: 15.28%

permanent crops: 1.36%

other: 83.36% (1998 est.)

Bermuda

arable land: 6%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 94% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (1998 est.)

Bhutan

arable land: 2.98%

permanent crops: 0.43%

other: 96.59% (1998 est.)

Bolivia

arable land: 1.73%

permanent crops: 0.21%

other: 98.06% (1998 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

arable land: 9.8%

permanent crops: 2.94%

other: 87.26% (1998 est.)

Botswana

arable land: 0.61%

permanent crops: 0.01%

other: 99.38% (1998 est.)

Bouvet Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (93% ice) (1998 est.)

Brazil

arable land: 6.3%

permanent crops: 1.42%

other: 92.28% (1998 est.)

British Indian Ocean Territory

arable land: NEGL

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

British Virgin Islands

arable land: 20%

permanent crops: 6.67%

other: 73.33% (1998 est.)

Brunei

arable land: 0.57%

permanent crops: 0.76%

other: 98.67% (1998 est.)

Bulgaria

arable land: 39%

permanent crops: 1.8%

other: 59.2% (1998 est.)

Burkina Faso

arable land: 12.43%

permanent crops: 0.18%

other: 87.39% (1998 est.)

Burma

arable land: 14.53%

permanent crops: 0.9%

other: 84.57% (1998 est.)

Burundi

arable land: 29.98%

permanent crops: 12.85%

other: 57.17% (1998 est.)

Cambodia

arable land: 20.96%

permanent crops: 0.61%

other: 78.43% (1998 est.)

Cameroon

arable land: 12.81%

permanent crops: 2.58%

other: 84.61% (1998 est.)

Canada

arable land: 4.94%

permanent crops: 0.02%

other: 95.04% (1998 est.)

Cape Verde

arable land: 9.68%

permanent crops: 0.5%

other: 89.82% (1998 est.)

Cayman Islands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Central African Republic

arable land: 3.1%

permanent crops: 0.14%

other: 96.76% (1998 est.)

Chad

arable land: 2.78%

permanent crops: 0.02%

other: 97.2% (1998 est.)

Chile

arable land: 2.65%

permanent crops: 0.42%

other: 96.93% (1998 est.)

China

arable land: 13.31%

permanent crops: 1.2%

other: 85.49% (1998 est.)

Christmas Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100%

note: mainly tropical rainforest; 63% of the island is a national

park (1998 est.)

Clipperton Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (all coral) (1998 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Colombia

arable land: 1.9%

permanent crops: 1.96%

other: 96.14% (1998 est.)

Comoros

arable land: 34.98%

permanent crops: 17.94%

other: 47.08% (1998 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

arable land: 2.96%

permanent crops: 0.52%

other: 96.52% (1998 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

arable land: 0.5%

permanent crops: 0.13%

other: 99.37% (1998 est.)

Cook Islands

arable land: 17.39%

permanent crops: 13.04%

other: 69.57% (1998 est.)

Coral Sea Islands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (1998 est.)

Costa Rica

arable land: 4.41%

permanent crops: 5.48%

other: 90.11% (1998 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

arable land: 9.28%

permanent crops: 13.84%

other: 76.88% (1998 est.)

Croatia

arable land: 23.55%

permanent crops: 2.24%

other: 74.21% (1998 est.)

Cuba

arable land: 33.04%

permanent crops: 7.61%

other: 59.35% (1998 est.)

Cyprus

arable land: 10.61%

permanent crops: 4.65%

other: 84.74% (1998 est.)

Czech Republic

arable land: 40%

permanent crops: 3.04%

other: 56.96% (1998 est.)

Denmark

arable land: 55.74%

permanent crops: 0.19%

other: 44.07% (1998 est.)

Djibouti

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Dominica

arable land: 4%

permanent crops: 16%

other: 80% (1998 est.)

Dominican Republic

arable land: 21.08%

permanent crops: 9.92%

other: 69% (1998 est.)

East Timor

arable land: NA%

permanent crops: NA%

other: NA%

Ecuador

arable land: 5.69%

permanent crops: 5.15%

other: 89.16% (1998 est.)

Egypt

arable land: 2.85%

permanent crops: 0.47%

other: 96.68% (1998 est.)

El Salvador

arable land: 27.27%

permanent crops: 12.11%

other: 60.62% (1998 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

arable land: 4.63%

permanent crops: 3.57%

other: 91.8% (1998 est.)

Eritrea

arable land: 3.87%

permanent crops: 0.02%

other: 96.11% (1998 est.)

Estonia

arable land: 26.5%

permanent crops: 0.35%

other: 73.15% (1998 est.)

Ethiopia

arable land: 9.9%

permanent crops: 0.65%

other: 89.45% (1998 est.)

Europa Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (mangrove forests and woodlands) (1998 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (99% permanent pastures, 1% other) (1998 est.)

Faroe Islands

arable land: 2.14%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.86% (1998 est.)

Fiji

arable land: 10.95%

permanent crops: 4.65%

other: 84.4% (1998 est.)

Finland

arable land: 6.98%

permanent crops: 0.01%

other: 93.01% (1998 est.)

France

arable land: 33.3%

permanent crops: 2.11%

other: 64.59% (1998 est.)

French Guiana

arable land: 0.11% NEGL

permanent crops: 0.03%

other: 99.86% (90% forest, 10% other) (1998 est.)

French Polynesia

arable land: 1.64%

permanent crops: 6.01%

other: 92.35% (1998 est.)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Gabon

arable land: 1.26%

permanent crops: 0.66%

other: 98.08% (1998 est.)

Gambia, The

arable land: 19.5%

permanent crops: 0.5%

other: 80% (1998 est.)

Gaza Strip

arable land: 26.32%

permanent crops: 39.47%

other: 34.21% (1998 est.)

Georgia

arable land: 11.21%

permanent crops: 4.09%

other: 84.7% (1998 est.)

Germany

arable land: 33.88%

permanent crops: 0.65%

other: 65.47% (1998 est.)

Ghana

arable land: 15.82%

permanent crops: 7.47%

other: 76.71% (1998 est.)

Gibraltar

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Glorioso Islands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (all lush vegetation and coconut palms) (1998 est.)

Greece

arable land: 22.12%

permanent crops: 8.47%

other: 69.41% (1998 est.)

Greenland

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Grenada

arable land: 5.88%

permanent crops: 26.47%

other: 67.65% (1998 est.)

Guadeloupe

arable land: 10.65%

permanent crops: 4.14%

other: 85.21% (1998 est.)

Guam

arable land: 10.91%

permanent crops: 10.91%

other: 78.18% (1998 est.)

Guatemala

arable land: 12.54%

permanent crops: 5.03%

other: 82.43% (1998 est.)

Guernsey

arable land: NA%

permanent crops: NA%

other: NA%

Guinea

arable land: 3.6%

permanent crops: 2.44%

other: 93.96% (1998 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

arable land: 10.67%

permanent crops: 1.78%

other: 87.55% (1998 est.)

Guyana

arable land: 2.44%

permanent crops: 0.08%

other: 97.48% (1998 est.)

Haiti

arable land: 20.32%

permanent crops: 12.7%

other: 66.98% (1998 est.)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (urban area) (1998 est.)

Honduras

arable land: 15.15%

permanent crops: 3.13%

other: 81.72% (1998 est.)

Hong Kong

arable land: 5.05%

permanent crops: 1.01%

other: 93.94% (1998 est.)

Howland Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Hungary

arable land: 52.2%

permanent crops: 2.46%

other: 45.34% (1998 est.)

Iceland

arable land: 1%

permanent crops: 0%

permanent pastures: 28%

forest and woodlands: 1%

other: 70% (2001 est.)

India

arable land: 54.35%

permanent crops: 2.66%

other: 42.99% (1998 est.)

Indonesia

arable land: 9.9%

permanent crops: 7.2%

other: 82.9% (1998 est.)

Iran

arable land: 10.17%

permanent crops: 1.16%

other: 88.67% (1998 est.)

Iraq

arable land: 11.89%

permanent crops: 0.78%

other: 87.33% (1998 est.)

Ireland

arable land: 19.49%

permanent crops: 0.04%

other: 80.47% (1998 est.)

Israel

arable land: 17.02%

permanent crops: 4.17%

other: 78.81% (1998 est.)

Italy

arable land: 28.07%

permanent crops: 9.25%

other: 62.68% (1998 est.)

Jamaica

arable land: 16.07%

permanent crops: 9.23%

other: 74.7% (1998 est.)

Jan Mayen

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Japan

arable land: 12.13%

permanent crops: 1.01%

other: 86.86% (1998 est.)

Jarvis Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Jersey

arable land: NEGL%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Johnston Atoll

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Jordan

arable land: 2.87%

permanent crops: 1.52%

other: 95.61% (1998 est.)

Juan de Nova Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (90% forest) (1998 est.)

Kazakhstan

arable land: 11.23%

permanent crops: 0.05%

other: 88.72% (1998 est.)

Kenya

arable land: 7.03%

permanent crops: 0.91%

other: 92.06% (1998 est.)

Kingman Reef

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Kiribati

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 50.68%

other: 49.32% (1998 est.)

Korea, North

arable land: 14.12%

permanent crops: 2.49%

other: 83.39% (1998 est.)

Korea, South

arable land: 17.44%

permanent crops: 2.05%

other: 80.51% (1998 est.)

Kuwait

arable land: 0.34%

permanent crops: 0.06%

other: 99.6% (1998 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

arable land: 7.04%

permanent crops: 0.39%

other: 92.57%

note: Kyrgyzstan has the world's largest natural growth walnut

forest (1998 est.)

Laos

arable land: 3.47%

permanent crops: 0.23%

other: 96.3% (1998 est.)

Latvia

arable land: 29.01%

permanent crops: 0.48%

other: 70.51% (1998 est.)

Lebanon

arable land: 17.6%

permanent crops: 12.51%

other: 69.89% (1998 est.)

Lesotho

arable land: 10.71%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 89.29% (1998 est.)

Liberia

arable land: 1.97%

permanent crops: 2.08%

other: 95.95% (1998 est.)

Libya

arable land: 1.03%

permanent crops: 0.17%

other: 98.8% (1998 est.)

Liechtenstein

arable land: 25%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 75% (1998 est.)

Lithuania

arable land: 45.46%

permanent crops: 0.93%

other: 53.61% (1998 est.)

Luxembourg

arable land: 25%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 75% (includes Belgium) (1998 est.)

Macau

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100%

note: "green areas" represent 22.4% (1998 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

arable land: 23.59%

permanent crops: 1.85%

other: 74.56% (1998 est.)

Madagascar

arable land: 4.41%

permanent crops: 0.93%

other: 94.66% (1998 est.)

Malawi

arable land: 19.93%

permanent crops: 1.33%

other: 78.74% (1998 est.)

Malaysia

arable land: 5.54%

permanent crops: 17.61%

other: 76.85% (1998 est.)

Maldives

arable land: 3.33%

permanent crops: 6.67%

other: 90% (1998 est.)

Mali

arable land: 3.77%

permanent crops: 0.04%

other: 96.19% (1998 est.)

Malta

arable land: 31.25%

permanent crops: 3.13%

other: 65.62% (1998 est.)

Man, Isle of

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (permanent pastures, forests, mountain, and heathland)

(1998 est.)

Marshall Islands

arable land: 16.67%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 83.33% (1998 est.)

Martinique

arable land: 9.43%

permanent crops: 11.32%

other: 79.25% (1998 est.)

Mauritania

arable land: 0.48%

permanent crops: 0.01%

other: 99.51% (1998 est.)

Mauritius

arable land: 49.26%

permanent crops: 2.96%

other: 47.78% (1998 est.)

Mayotte

arable land: NA%

permanent crops: NA%

other: NA% (1998 est.)

Mexico

arable land: 13.2%

permanent crops: 1.1%

other: 85.7% (1998 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

arable land: 5.71%

permanent crops: 45.71%

other: 48.58% (1998 est.)

Midway Islands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Moldova

arable land: 54.08%

permanent crops: 12.1%

other: 33.82% (1998 est.)

Monaco

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (urban area) (1998 est.)

Mongolia

arable land: 0.84%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 99.16% (1998 est.)

Montserrat

arable land: 20%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 80% (1998 est.)

Morocco

arable land: 20.12%

permanent crops: 2.05%

other: 77.83% (1998 est.)

Mozambique

arable land: 3.98%

permanent crops: 0.29%

other: 95.73% (1998 est.)

Namibia

arable land: 0.99%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 99.01% (1998 est.)

Nauru

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Navassa Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Nepal

arable land: 20.27%

permanent crops: 0.49%

other: 79.24% (1998 est.)

Netherlands

arable land: 26.53%

permanent crops: 1.03%

other: 72.44% (1998 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

arable land: 10%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 90% (1998 est.)

New Caledonia

arable land: 0.38%

permanent crops: 0.33%

other: 99.29% (1998 est.)

New Zealand

arable land: 5.8%

permanent crops: 6.44%

other: 87.76% (1998 est.)

Nicaragua

arable land: 20.24%

permanent crops: 2.38%

other: 77.38% (1998 est.)

Niger

arable land: 3.94%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 96.06% (1998 est.)

Nigeria

arable land: 30.96%

permanent crops: 2.79%

other: 66.25% (1998 est.)

Niue

arable land: 19.23%

permanent crops: 7.69%

other: 73.08% (1998 est.)

Norfolk Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands

arable land: 15.22%

permanent crops: 6.52%

other: 78.26% (1998 est.)

Norway

arable land: 2.94%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.06% (1998 est.)

Oman

arable land: 0.08%

permanent crops: 0.22%

other: 99.7% (1998 est.)

Pakistan

arable land: 27.81%

permanent crops: 0.79%

other: 71.4% (1998 est.)

Palau

arable land: 21.74%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 78.26% (1998 est.)

Palmyra Atoll

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (forests and woodlands) (1998 est.)

Panama

arable land: 6.72%

permanent crops: 2.08%

other: 91.2% (1998 est.)

Papua New Guinea

arable land: 0.13%

permanent crops: 1.35%

other: 98.52% (1998 est.)

Paracel Islands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Paraguay

arable land: 5.54%

permanent crops: 0.21%

other: 94.25% (1998 est.)

Peru

arable land: 2.85%

permanent crops: 0.38%

other: 96.77% (1998 est.)

Philippines

arable land: 18.45%

permanent crops: 14.76%

other: 66.79% (1998 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

arable land: NA%

permanent crops: NA%

other: NA% (1998 est.)

Poland

arable land: 45.81%

permanent crops: 1.23%

other: 52.96% (1998 est.)

Portugal

arable land: 20.57%

permanent crops: 7.74%

other: 71.69% (1999 est.)

Puerto Rico

arable land: 3.72%

permanent crops: 5.07%

other: 91.21% (1998 est.)

Qatar

arable land: 1.27%

permanent crops: 0.27%

other: 98.46% (1998 est.)

Reunion

arable land: 13.2%

permanent crops: 2%

other: 84.8% (1998 est.)

Romania

arable land: 40.57%

permanent crops: 2.4%

other: 57.03% (1998 est.)

Russia

arable land: 7.46%

permanent crops: 0.11%

other: 92.43% (1998 est.)

Rwanda

arable land: 32.43%

permanent crops: 10.13%

other: 57.44% (1998 est.)

Saint Helena

arable land: 12.9%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 87.1% (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

arable land: 16.67%

permanent crops: 2.78%

other: 80.55% (1998 est.)

Saint Lucia

arable land: 4.92%

permanent crops: 22.95%

other: 72.13% (1998 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

arable land: 13.04%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 86.96% (1998 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

arable land: 10.26%

permanent crops: 17.95%

other: 71.79% (1998 est.)

Samoa

arable land: 19.43%

permanent crops: 23.67%

other: 56.9% (1998 est.)

San Marino

arable land: 16.67%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 83.33% (1998 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

arable land: 2%

permanent crops: 41%

other: 57% (1998 est.)

Saudi Arabia

arable land: 1.72%

permanent crops: 0.06%

other: 98.22% (1998 est.)

Senegal

arable land: 11.58%

permanent crops: 0.19%

other: 88.23% (1998 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

arable land: 36.34%

permanent crops: 3.44%

other: 60.22% (1998 est.)

Seychelles

arable land: 2.22%

permanent crops: 13.33%

other: 84.45% (1998 est.)

Sierra Leone

arable land: 6.76%

permanent crops: 0.78%

other: 92.46% (1998 est.)

Singapore

arable land: 1.64%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 98.36% (1998 est.)

Slovakia

arable land: 30.74%

permanent crops: 2.64%

other: 66.62% (1998 est.)

Slovenia

arable land: 11.48%

permanent crops: 2.68%

other: 85.84% (1998 est.)

Solomon Islands

arable land: 1.5%

permanent crops: 0.64%

other: 97.86% (1998 est.)

Somalia

arable land: 1.66%

permanent crops: 0.04%

other: 98.3% (1998 est.)

South Africa

arable land: 12.13%

permanent crops: 0.77%

other: 87.1% (1998 est.)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (largely covered by permanent ice and snow with some

sparse vegetation consisting of grass, moss, and lichen) (1998 est.)

Spain

arable land: 28.6%

permanent crops: 9.56%

other: 61.84% (1998 est.)

Spratly Islands

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Sri Lanka

arable land: 13.43%

permanent crops: 15.78%

other: 70.79% (1998 est.)

Sudan

arable land: 7.03%

permanent crops: 0.08%

other: 92.89% (1998 est.)

Suriname

arable land: 0.37%

permanent crops: 0.06%

other: 99.57%

note: there are 95,000 hectares of arable land, 7,000 hectares of

permanent crops, and 15,000 hectares of permanent pastures (1998

est.)

Svalbard

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (no trees, and the only bushes are crowberry and

cloudberry) (1998 est.)

Swaziland

arable land: 9.77%

permanent crops: 0.7%

other: 89.53% (1998 est.)

Sweden

arable land: 6.8%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 93.2% (1998 est.)

Switzerland

arable land: 10.57%

permanent crops: 0.61%

other: 88.82% (1998 est.)

Syria

arable land: 25.96%

permanent crops: 4.08%

other: 69.96% (1998 est.)

Taiwan

arable land: 24%

permanent crops: 1%

other: 75%

Tajikistan

arable land: 5.41%

permanent crops: 0.92%

other: 93.67% (1998 est.)

Tanzania

arable land: 4.24%

permanent crops: 1.02%

other: 94.74% (1998 est.)

Thailand

arable land: 32.88%

permanent crops: 7%

other: 60.12% (1998 est.)

Togo

arable land: 41.37%

permanent crops: 1.84%

other: 56.79% (1998 est.)

Tokelau

arable land: 0% (soil is thin and infertile)

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Tonga

arable land: 23.61%

permanent crops: 43.06%

other: 33.33% (1998 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

arable land: 14.62%

permanent crops: 9.16%

other: 76.22% (1998 est.)

Tromelin Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (grasses; scattered bushes) (1998 est.)

Tunisia

arable land: 18.67%

permanent crops: 12.87%

other: 68.46% (1998 est.)

Turkey

arable land: 34.53%

permanent crops: 3.36%

other: 62.11% (1998 est.)

Turkmenistan

arable land: 3.47%

permanent crops: 0.14%

other: 96.39% (1998 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

arable land: 2.33%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.67% (1998 est.)

Tuvalu

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Uganda

arable land: 25.34%

permanent crops: 8.77%

other: 65.89% (1998 est.)

Ukraine

arable land: 57.1%

permanent crops: 1.73%

other: 41.17% (1998 est.)

United Arab Emirates

arable land: 0.48%

permanent crops: 0.49%

other: 99.03% (1998 est.)

United Kingdom

arable land: 26.41%

permanent crops: 0.18%

other: 73.41% (1998 est.)

United States

arable land: 19.32%

permanent crops: 0.22%

other: 80.46% (1998 est.)

Uruguay

arable land: 7.21%

permanent crops: 0.27%

other: 92.52% (1998 est.)

Uzbekistan

arable land: 10.8%

permanent crops: 0.91%

other: 88.29% (1998 est.)

Vanuatu

arable land: 2.46%

permanent crops: 7.38%

other: 90.16% (1998 est.)

Venezuela

arable land: 2.99%

permanent crops: 0.96%

other: 96.05% (1998 est.)

Vietnam

arable land: 17.41%

permanent crops: 4.71%

other: 77.88% (1998 est.)

Virgin Islands

arable land: 15%

permanent crops: 6%

other: 79% (1998 est.)

Wake Island

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

arable land: 5%

permanent crops: 20%

other: 75% (1998 est.)

West Bank

arable land: NEGL%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

Western Sahara

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (1998 est.)

World

arable land: 10.58%

permanent crops: 1%

other: 88.42% (1998 est.)

Yemen

arable land: 2.75%

permanent crops: 0.21%

other: 97.04% (1998 est.)

Zambia

arable land: 7.08%

permanent crops: 0.03%

other: 92.89% (1998 est.)

Zimbabwe

arable land: 8.4%

permanent crops: 0.34%

other: 91.26% (1998 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2098 Languages (%)

Afghanistan

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

(primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily

Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism

Albania

Albanian (Tosk is the official dialect), Greek

Algeria

Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects

American Samoa

Samoan (closely related to Hawaiian and other

Polynesian languages), English

note: most people are bilingual

Andorra

Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese

Angola

Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages

Anguilla

English (official)

Antigua and Barbuda

English (official), local dialects

Argentina

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

Armenia

Armenian 96%, Russian 2%, other 2%

Aruba

Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch,

English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish

Australia

English, native languages

Austria

German

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani (Azeri) 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, other

6% (1995 est.)

Bahamas, The

English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)

Bahrain

Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu

Bangladesh

Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English

Barbados

English

Belarus

Belarusian, Russian, other

Belgium

Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German

(official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)

Belize

English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole

Benin

French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in

south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)

Bermuda

English (official), Portuguese

Bhutan

Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects,

Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects

Bolivia

Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian

Botswana

English (official), Setswana

Brazil

Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French

British Virgin Islands

English (official)

Brunei

Malay (official), English, Chinese

Bulgaria

Bulgarian, secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic

breakdown

Burkina Faso

French (official), native African languages belonging

to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population

Burma

Burmese, minority ethnic groups have their own languages

Burundi

Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake

Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area)

Cambodia

Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

Cameroon

24 major African language groups, English (official),

French (official)

Canada

English 59.3% (official), French 23.2% (official), other 17.5%

Cape Verde

Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West

African words)

Cayman Islands

English

Central African Republic

French (official), Sangho (lingua franca

and national language), tribal languages

Chad

French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more

than 120 different languages and dialects

Chile

Spanish

China

Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing

dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan

(Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages

(see Ethnic groups entry)

Christmas Island

English (official), Chinese, Malay

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Malay (Cocos dialect), English

Colombia

Spanish

Comoros

Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (a blend of

Swahili and Arabic)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

French (official), Lingala (a

lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or

Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba

Congo, Republic of the

French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba

(lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects

(of which Kikongo has the most users)

Cook Islands

English (official), Maori

Costa Rica

Spanish (official), English

Cote d'Ivoire

French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the

most widely spoken

Croatia

Croatian 96%, other 4% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech,

Slovak, and German)

Cuba

Spanish

Cyprus

Greek, Turkish, English

Czech Republic

Czech

Denmark

Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German

(small minority)

note: English is the predominant second language

Djibouti

French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar

Dominica

English (official), French patois

Dominican Republic

Spanish

East Timor

Tetum (official), Portuguese (official), Indonesian,

English

note: there are about 16 indigenous languages; Tetum, Galole,

Mambae, and Kemak are spoken by significant numbers of people

Ecuador

Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)

Egypt

Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by

educated classes

El Salvador

Spanish, Nahua (among some Amerindians)

Equatorial Guinea

Spanish (official), French (official), pidgin

English, Fang, Bubi, Ibo

Eritrea

Afar, Arabic, Tigre and Kunama, Tigrinya, other Cushitic

languages

Estonia

Estonian (official), Russian, Ukrainian, Finnish, other

Ethiopia

Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromigna, Guaragigna, Somali, Arabic,

other local languages, English (major foreign language taught in

schools)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

English

Faroe Islands

Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Fiji

English (official), Fijian, Hindustani

Finland

Finnish 93.4% (official), Swedish 5.9% (official), small

Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities

France

French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and

languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque,

Flemish)

French Guiana

French

French Polynesia

French (official), Tahitian (official)

Gabon

French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira,

Bandjabi

Gambia, The

English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other

indigenous vernaculars

Gaza Strip

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many

Palestinians), English (widely understood)

Georgia

Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%,

other 7%

note: Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia

Germany

German

Ghana

English (official), African languages (including Akan,

Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga)

Gibraltar

English (used in schools and for official purposes),

Spanish, Italian, Portuguese

Greece

Greek 99% (official), English, French

Greenland

Greenlandic (East Inuit), Danish, English

Grenada

English (official), French patois

Guadeloupe

French (official) 99%, Creole patois

Guam

English, Chamorro, Japanese

Guatemala

Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially

recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel,

Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

Guernsey

English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country

districts

Guinea

French (official), each ethnic group has its own language

Guinea-Bissau

Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African languages

Guyana

English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Hindi, Urdu

Haiti

French (official), Creole (official)

Holy See (Vatican City)

Italian, Latin, French, various other

languages

Honduras

Spanish, Amerindian dialects

Hong Kong

Chinese (Cantonese), English; both are official

Hungary

Hungarian 98.2%, other 1.8%

Iceland

Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German widely spoken

India

English enjoys associate status but is the most important

language for national, political, and commercial communication;

Hindi is the national language and primary tongue of 30% of the

people; there are 14 other official languages: Bengali, Telugu,

Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Punjabi,

Assamese, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Sanskrit; Hindustani is a popular

variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is

not an official language

Indonesia

Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay),

English, Dutch, local dialects, the most widely spoken of which is

Javanese

Iran

Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects

26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%

Iraq

Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian,

Armenian

Ireland

English is the language generally used, Irish (Gaelic)

spoken mainly in areas located along the western seaboard

Israel

Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority,

English most commonly used foreign language

Italy

Italian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige

region are predominantly German speaking), French (small

French-speaking minority in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene

(Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area)

Jamaica

English, patois English

Japan

Japanese

Jersey

English (official), French (official), Norman-French dialect

spoken in country districts

Jordan

Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and

middle classes

Kazakhstan

Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official,

used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic

communication") 95% (2001 est.)

Kenya

English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous

languages

Kiribati

I-Kiribati, English (official)

Korea, North

Korean

Korea, South

Korean, English widely taught in junior high and high

school

Kuwait

Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz - official language, Russian - official language

note: in December 2001, the Kyrgyzstani legislature made Russian an

official language, equal in status to Kyrgyz

Laos

Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages

Latvia

Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian, other

Lebanon

Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian

Lesotho

Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa

Liberia

English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages, of

which a few can be written and are used in correspondence

Libya

Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the

major cities

Liechtenstein

German (official), Alemannic dialect

Lithuania

Lithuanian (official), Polish, Russian

Luxembourg

Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative

language), French (administrative language)

Macau

Portuguese, Chinese (Cantonese)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonian 70%, Albanian

21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3%

Madagascar

French (official), Malagasy (official)

Malawi

English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages

important regionally

Malaysia

Bahasa Melayu (official), English, Chinese dialects

(Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil,

Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai; note - in addition, in East

Malaysia several indigenous languages are spoken, the largest are

Iban and Kadazan

Maldives

Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from

Arabic), English spoken by most government officials

Mali

French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages

Malta

Maltese (official), English (official)

Man, Isle of

English, Manx Gaelic

Marshall Islands

English (widely spoken as a second language, both

English and Marshallese are official languages), two major

Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese

Martinique

French, Creole patois

Mauritania

Hassaniya Arabic (official), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof

(official), French

Mauritius

English (official), Creole, French (official), Hindi,

Urdu, Hakka, Bhojpuri

Mayotte

Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French (official language)

spoken by 35% of the population

Mexico

Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional

indigenous languages

Micronesia, Federated States of

English (official and common

language), Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian,

Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi

Moldova

Moldovan (official, virtually the same as the Romanian

language), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)

Monaco

French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque

Mongolia

Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian (1999)

Montserrat

English

Morocco

Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the

language of business, government, and diplomacy

Mozambique

Portuguese (official), indigenous dialects

Namibia

English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of

the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%,

indigenous languages: Oshivambo, Herero, Nama

Nauru

Nauruan (official, a distinct Pacific Island language),

English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and

commercial purposes

Nepal

Nepali (official; spoken by 90% of the population), about a

dozen other languages and about 30 major dialects; note - many in

government and business also speak English (1995)

Netherlands

Dutch (official language), Frisian (official language)

Netherlands Antilles

Dutch (official), Papiamento (a

Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) predominates, English

widely spoken, Spanish

New Caledonia

French (official), 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects

New Zealand

English (official), Maori (official)

Nicaragua

Spanish (official)

note: English and indigenous languages on Atlantic coast

Niger

French (official), Hausa, Djerma

Nigeria

English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani

Niue

Niuean, a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and

Samoan; English

Norfolk Island

English (official), Norfolk a mixture of 18th century

English and ancient Tahitian

Northern Mariana Islands

English, Chamorro, Carolinian

note: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at home

Norway

Norwegian (official)

note: small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Oman

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Pakistan

Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%,

Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%,

English (official and lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most

government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%

Palau

English and Palauan official in all states except Sonsoral

(Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are

official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official)

Panama

Spanish (official), English 14%

note: many Panamanians bilingual

Papua New Guinea

English spoken by 1%-2%, pidgin English widespread,

Motu spoken in Papua region

note: 715 indigenous languages

Paraguay

Spanish (official), Guarani (official)

Peru

Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara

Philippines

two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and

English; eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocan, Hiligaynon

or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense

Pitcairn Islands

English (official), Pitcairnese (mixture of an 18th

century English dialect and a Tahitian dialect)

Poland

Polish

Portugal

Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official - but locally

used)

Puerto Rico

Spanish, English

Qatar

Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Reunion

French (official), Creole widely used

Romania

Romanian (official), Hungarian, German

Russia

Russian, other

Rwanda

Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French

(official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in

commercial centers

Saint Helena

English

Saint Kitts and Nevis

English

Saint Lucia

English (official), French patois

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

French (official)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

English, French patois

Samoa

Samoan (Polynesian), English

San Marino

Italian

Sao Tome and Principe

Portuguese (official)

Saudi Arabia

Arabic

Senegal

French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka

Serbia and Montenegro

Serbian 95%, Albanian 5%

Seychelles

English (official), French (official), Creole

Sierra Leone

English (official, regular use limited to literate

minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne

(principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole,

spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled

in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10%

of the population but understood by 95%)

Singapore

Chinese (official), Malay (official and national), Tamil

(official), English (official)

Slovakia

Slovak (official), Hungarian

Slovenia

Slovenian 91%, Serbo-Croatian 6%, other 3%

Solomon Islands

Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua

franca; English is official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the

population

note: 120 indigenous languages

Somalia

Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English

South Africa

11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English,

Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu

Spain

Castilian Spanish 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%

note: Castilian is the official language nationwide; the other

languages are official regionally

Sri Lanka

Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil

(national language) 18%, other 8%

note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken

competently by about 10% of the population

Sudan

Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of

Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English

note: program of "Arabization" in process

Suriname

Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo

(Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of

Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca

among others), Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese

Svalbard

Russian, Norwegian

Swaziland

English (official, government business conducted in

English), siSwati (official)

Sweden

Swedish

note: small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Switzerland

German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%,

Italian (official) 7.6%, Romansch (official) 0.6%, other 8.9%

Syria

Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian

widely understood; French, English somewhat understood

Taiwan

Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects

Tajikistan

Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and

business

Tanzania

Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguju (name for Swahili

in Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce,

administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in

Zanzibar), many local languages

note: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of the Bantu people

living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili

is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety

of sources, including Arabic and English, and it has become the

lingua franca of central and eastern Africa; the first language of

most people is one of the local languages

Thailand

Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and

regional dialects

Togo

French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina

(the two major African languages in the south), Kabye (sometimes

spelled Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the

north)

Tokelau

Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English

Tonga

Tongan, English

Trinidad and Tobago

English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish,

Chinese

Tunisia

Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce),

French (commerce)

Turkey

Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, Greek

Turkmenistan

Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%

Turks and Caicos Islands

English (official)

Tuvalu

Tuvaluan, English, Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui)

Uganda

English (official national language, taught in grade schools,

used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio

broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo

languages, preferred for native language publications in the capital

and may be taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages,

Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic

Ukraine

Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish, Hungarian

United Arab Emirates

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

United Kingdom

English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of

Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland)

United States

English, Spanish (spoken by a sizable minority)

Uruguay

Spanish, Portunol, or Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on

the Brazilian frontier)

Uzbekistan

Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%

Vanuatu

three official languages: English, French, pidgin (known as

Bislama or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages

Venezuela

Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Vietnam

Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a

second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area

languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Virgin Islands

English (official), Spanish, Creole

Wallis and Futuna

French, Wallisian (indigenous Polynesian language)

West Bank

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many

Palestinians), English (widely understood)

Western Sahara

Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan Arabic

World

Chinese, Mandarin 14.37%, Hindi 6.02%, English 5.61%, Spanish

5.59%, Bengali 3.4%, Portuguese 2.63%, Russian 2.75%, Japanese

2.06%, German, Standard 1.64%, Korean 1.28%, French 1.27% (2000 est.)

note: percents are for "first language" speakers only

Yemen

Arabic

Zambia

English (official), major vernaculars - Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi,

Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages

Zimbabwe

English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the

Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal

dialects

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2100 Legal system

Afghanistan

the Bonn Agreement calls for a judicial commission to

rebuild the justice system in accordance with Islamic principles,

international standards, the rule of law, and Afghan legal traditions

Albania

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Algeria

socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review

of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of

various public officials, including several Supreme Court justices;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

American Samoa

NA

Andorra

based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review

of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Angola

based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law;

recently modified to accommodate political pluralism and increased

use of free markets

Anguilla

based on English common law

Antarctica

Antarctica is administered through meetings of the

consultative member nations. Decisions from these meetings are

carried out by these member nations (within their areas) in

accordance with their own national laws. US law, including certain

criminal offenses by or against US nationals, such as murder, may

apply extra-territorially. Some US laws directly apply to

Antarctica. For example, the Antarctic Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C.

section 2401 et seq., provides civil and criminal penalties for the

following activities, unless authorized by regulation of statute:

the taking of native mammals or birds; the introduction of

nonindigenous plants and animals; entry into specially protected

areas; the discharge or disposal of pollutants; and the importation

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

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

fines and one year in prison. The National Science Foundation and

Department of Justice share enforcement responsibilities. Public Law

95-541, the US Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, as amended in

1996, requires expeditions from the US to Antarctica to notify, in

advance, the Office of Oceans, Room 5805, Department of State,

Washington, DC 20520, which reports such plans to other nations as

required by the Antarctic Treaty. For more information, contact

Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs, National Science

Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone: (703) 292-8030, or

visit their website at www.nsf.gov.

Antigua and Barbuda

based on English common law

Argentina

mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Armenia

based on civil law system

Aruba

based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law

influence

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

the laws of the Commonwealth of

Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where

applicable, apply

Australia

based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Austria

civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of

legislative acts by the Constitutional Court; separate

administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Azerbaijan

based on civil law system

Bahamas, The

based on English common law

Bahrain

based on Islamic law and English common law

Baker Island

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Bangladesh

based on English common law

Barbados

English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts

Bassas da India

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Belarus

based on civil law system

Belgium

civil law system influenced by English constitutional

theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Belize

English law

Benin

based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bermuda

English law

Bhutan

based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bolivia

based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bosnia and Herzegovina

based on civil law system

Botswana

based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial

review limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Bouvet Island

the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply

Brazil

based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

British Indian Ocean Territory

the laws of the UK, where applicable,

apply

British Virgin Islands

English law

Brunei

based on English common law; for Muslims, Islamic Shari'a law

supersedes civil law in a number of areas

Bulgaria

civil law and criminal law based on Roman law; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Burkina Faso

based on French civil law system and customary law

Burma

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Burundi

based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Cambodia

primarily a civil law mixture of French-influenced codes

from the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC)

period, royal decrees, and acts of the legislature, with influences

of customary law and remnants of communist legal theory; increasing

influence of common law in recent years

Cameroon

based on French civil law system, with common law

influence; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Canada

based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil

law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Cape Verde

derived from the legal system of Portugal

Cayman Islands

British common law and local statutes

Central African Republic

based on French law

Chad

based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Chile

based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent

codes influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of

legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

note: Chile is in the process of completely overhauling its criminal

justice system; a new, US-style adversarial system is being

gradually implemented throughout the country

China

a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law;

rudimentary civil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal

codes in effect since 1 January 1980; continuing efforts are being

made to improve civil, administrative, criminal, and commercial law

Christmas Island

under the authority of the governor general of

Australia and Australian law

Clipperton Island

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

based upon the laws of Australia and local

laws

Colombia

based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US

procedures was enacted in 1992-93; judicial review of executive and

legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

Comoros

French and Sharia (Islamic) law in a new consolidated code

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

based on Belgian civil law system

and tribal law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Congo, Republic of the

based on French civil law system and

customary law

Cook Islands

based on New Zealand law and English common law

Coral Sea Islands

the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply

Costa Rica

based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of

legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Cote d'Ivoire

based on French civil law system and customary law;

judicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Croatia

based on civil law system

Cuba

based on Spanish and American law, with large elements of

Communist legal theory; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Cyprus

based on common law, with civil law modifications

Czech Republic

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to

bring it in line with Organization on Security and Cooperation in

Europe (OSCE) obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal

theory

Denmark

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts;

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Djibouti

based on French civil law system, traditional practices,

and Islamic law

Dominica

based on English common law

Dominican Republic

based on French civil codes

East Timor

UN-drafted legal system based on Indonesian law (2002)

Ecuador

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Egypt

based on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic

codes; judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State

(oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

El Salvador

based on civil and Roman law, with traces of common law;

judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Equatorial Guinea

partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal custom

Eritrea

primary basis is the Ethiopian legal code of 1957, with

revisions; new civil, commercial, and penal codes have not yet been

promulgated; also relies on customary and post-independence-enacted

laws and, for civil cases involving Muslims, Sharia law

Estonia

based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative

acts

Ethiopia

currently transitional mix of national and regional courts

Europa Island

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

English common law

Faroe Islands

Danish

Fiji

based on British system

Finland

civil law system based on Swedish law; Supreme Court may

request legislation interpreting or modifying laws; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

France

civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of

administrative but not legislative acts

French Guiana

French legal system

French Polynesia

based on French system

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

the laws of France, where

applicable, apply

Gabon

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial

review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme

Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Gambia, The

based on a composite of English common law, Koranic law,

and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

Georgia

based on civil law system

Germany

civil law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review

of legislative acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Ghana

based on English common law and customary law; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Gibraltar

English law

Glorioso Islands

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Greece

based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil,

criminal, and administrative courts

Greenland

Danish

Grenada

based on English common law

Guadeloupe

French legal system

Guam

modeled on US; US federal laws apply

Guatemala

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Guernsey

English law and local statute; justice is administered by

the Royal Court

Guinea

based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree;

legal codes currently being revised; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Guinea-Bissau

NA

Guyana

based on English common law with certain admixtures of

Roman-Dutch law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Haiti

based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

the laws of Australia, where

applicable, apply

Holy See (Vatican City)

based on Code of Canon Law and revisions to

it

Honduras

rooted in Roman and Spanish civil law with increasing

influence of English common law; recent judicial reforms include

abandoning Napoleonic legal codes in favor of the oral adversarial

system; accepts ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Hong Kong

based on English common law

Howland Island

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Hungary

rule of law based on Western model

Iceland

civil law system based on Danish law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

India

based on English common law; limited judicial review of

legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

Indonesia

based on Roman-Dutch law, substantially modified by

indigenous concepts and by new criminal procedures code; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Iran

the Constitution codifies Islamic principles of government

Iraq

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn

regime by US-led coalition

Ireland

based on English common law, substantially modified by

indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme

Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Israel

mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations,

and, in personal matters, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal

systems; in December 1985, Israel informed the UN Secretariat that

it would no longer accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Italy

based on civil law system; appeals treated as new trials;

judicial review under certain conditions in Constitutional Court;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Jamaica

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Jan Mayen

the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply

Japan

modeled after European civil law system with English-American

influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court;

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Jarvis Island

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Jersey

English law and local statute; justice is administered by the

Royal Court

Johnston Atoll

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Jordan

based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of

legislative acts in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Juan de Nova Island

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Kazakhstan

based on civil law system

Kenya

based on Kenyan statutory law, Kenyan and English common law,

tribal law, and Islamic law; judicial review in High Court; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations; constitutional

amendment of 1982 making Kenya a de jure one-party state repealed in

1991

Kingman Reef

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Kiribati

NA

Korea, North

based on German civil law system with Japanese

influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of

legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Korea, South

combines elements of continental European civil law

systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought

Kuwait

civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal

matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Kyrgyzstan

based on civil law system

Laos

based on traditional customs, French legal norms and

procedures, and socialist practice

Latvia

based on civil law system

Lebanon

mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and

civil law; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Lesotho

based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial

review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Liberia

dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common

law for the modern sector and customary law based on unwritten

tribal practices for indigenous sector

Libya

based on Italian civil law system and Islamic law; separate

religious courts; no constitutional provision for judicial review of

legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Liechtenstein

local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Lithuania

based on civil law system; legislative acts can be

appealed to the constitutional court

Luxembourg

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Macau

based on Portuguese civil law system

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

based on civil law

system; judicial review of legislative acts

Madagascar

based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy

law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Malawi

based on English common law and customary law; judicial

review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Malaysia

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative

acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the

federation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Maldives

based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law

primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Mali

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial

review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court (which was

formally established on 9 March 1994); has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Malta

based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Man, Isle of

English common law and Manx statute

Marshall Islands

based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the

legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws

Martinique

French legal system

Mauritania

a combination of Shari'a (Islamic law) and French civil

law

Mauritius

based on French civil law system with elements of English

common law in certain areas

Mayotte

French law

Mexico

mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system;

judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Micronesia, Federated States of based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws

Midway Islands

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Moldova

based on civil law system; Constitutional Court reviews

legality of legislative acts and governmental decisions of

resolution; it is unclear if Moldova accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction but accepts many UN and Organization for Security and

Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) documents

Monaco

based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Mongolia

blend of Soviet, German, and US systems of law that

combines aspects of a parliamentary system with some aspects of a

presidential system; constitution ambiguous on judicial review of

legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Montserrat

English common law and statutory law

Morocco

based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law

system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional

Chamber of Supreme Court

Mozambique

based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law

Namibia

based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution

Nauru

acts of the Nauru Parliament and British common law

Navassa Island

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Nepal

based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Netherlands

civil law system incorporating French penal theory;

constitution does not permit judicial review of acts of the States

General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Netherlands Antilles

based on Dutch civil law system, with some

English common law influence

New Caledonia

the 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy

to the islands; formerly under French law

New Zealand

based on English law, with special land legislation and

land courts for the Maori; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

Nicaragua

civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative

acts

Niger

based on French civil law system and customary law; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Nigeria

based on English common law, Islamic Shariah law (only in

some northern states), and traditional law

Niue

English common law

note: Niue is self-governing, with the power to make its own laws

Norfolk Island

based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and

acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either

Australian or Norfolk Island law

Northern Mariana Islands

based on US system, except for customs,

wages, immigration laws, and taxation

Norway

mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law

traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature

when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Oman

based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to

the monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Pakistan

based on English common law with provisions to accommodate

Pakistan's status as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Palau

based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature,

municipal, common, and customary laws

Palmyra Atoll

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Panama

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative

acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Papua New Guinea

based on English common law

Paraguay

based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes;

judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice

Peru

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Philippines

based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Pitcairn Islands

local island by-laws

Poland

mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover

Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced as part

of broader democratization process; limited judicial review of

legislative acts, but rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are

final; court decisions can be appealed to the European Court of

Justice in Strasbourg

Portugal

civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the

constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Puerto Rico

based on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal

system of justice

Qatar

discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although

civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law dominates family and

personal matters

Reunion

French law

Romania

former mixture of civil law system and communist legal

theory; is now based on the constitution of France's Fifth Republic

Russia

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts

Rwanda

based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary

law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Saint Helena

NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis

based on English common law

Saint Lucia

based on English common law

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

French law with special adaptations for

local conditions, such as housing and taxation

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

based on English common law

Samoa

based on English common law and local customs; judicial review

of legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the

citizen; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

San Marino

based on civil law system with Italian law influences;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Sao Tome and Principe

based on Portuguese legal system and customary

law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Saudi Arabia

based on Islamic law, several secular codes have been

introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Senegal

based on French civil law system; judicial review of

legislative acts in Constitutional Court; the Council of State

audits the government's accounting office; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Serbia and Montenegro

based on civil law system

Seychelles

based on English common law, French civil law, and

customary law

Sierra Leone

based on English law and customary laws indigenous to

local tribes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Singapore

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Slovakia

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to comply

with the obligations of Organization on Security and Cooperation in

Europe (OSCE) and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory

Slovenia

based on civil law system

Solomon Islands

English common law, which is widely disregarded

Somalia

no national system; Shari'a and secular courts are in some

localities

South Africa

based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law;

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

the laws of the UK,

where applicable, apply; the senior magistrate from the Falkland

Islands presides over the Magistrates Court

Spain

civil law system, with regional applications; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Sri Lanka

a highly complex mixture of English common law,

Roman-Dutch, Muslim, Sinhalese, and customary law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Sudan

based on English common law and Islamic law; as of 20 January

1991, the now defunct Revolutionary Command Council imposed Islamic

law in the northern states; Islamic law applies to all residents of

the northern states regardless of their religion; some separate

religious courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

Suriname

based on Dutch legal system incorporating French penal

theory

Svalbard

NA

Swaziland

based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts

and Swazi traditional law and custom in traditional courts; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Sweden

civil law system influenced by customary law; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Switzerland

civil law system influenced by customary law; judicial

review of legislative acts, except with respect to federal decrees

of general obligatory character; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Syria

based on Islamic law and civil law system; special religious

courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Taiwan

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

Tajikistan

based on civil law system; no judicial review of

legislative acts

Tanzania

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative

acts limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Thailand

based on civil law system, with influences of common law;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Togo

French-based court system

Tokelau

New Zealand and local statutes

Tonga

based on English law

Trinidad and Tobago

based on English common law; judicial review of

legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Tromelin Island

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Tunisia

based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some

judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint

session

Turkey

derived from various European continental legal systems;

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Turkmenistan

based on civil law system

Turks and Caicos Islands

based on laws of England and Wales, with a

few adopted from Jamaica and The Bahamas

Tuvalu

NA

Uganda

in 1995, the government restored the legal system to one

based on English common law and customary law; accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Ukraine

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative

acts

United Arab Emirates

federal court system introduced in 1971; all

emirates except Dubayy (Dubai) and Ra's al Khaymah are not fully

integrated into the federal system; all emirates have secular and

Islamic law for civil, criminal, and high courts

United Kingdom

common law tradition with early Roman and modern

continental influences; has judicial review of Acts of Parliament

under the Human Rights Act of 1998; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

United States

based on English common law; judicial review of

legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

Uruguay

based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Uzbekistan

evolution of Soviet civil law; still lacks independent

judicial system

Vanuatu

unified system being created from former dual French and

British systems

Venezuela

based on organic laws as of July 1999; open, adversarial

court system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Vietnam

based on communist legal theory and French civil law system

Virgin Islands

based on US laws

Wake Island

the laws of the US, where applicable, apply

Wallis and Futuna

French legal system

World

all members of the UN plus Switzerland are parties to the

statute that established the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or

World Court

Yemen

based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and

local tribal customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Zambia

based on English common law and customary law; judicial

review of legislative acts in an ad hoc constitutional council; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Zimbabwe

mixture of Roman-Dutch and English common law

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2101 Legislative branch

Afghanistan

nonfunctioning as of June 1993

Albania

unicameral People's Assembly or Kuvendi Popullor (140 seats;

100 are elected by direct popular vote and 40 by proportional vote

for four-year terms)

elections: last held 24 June 2001 with subsequent rounds on 8 July,

22 July, 29 July, 19 August 2001 (next to be held NA June 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - PS 41.5%, PD and

coalition allies 36.8%, NDP 5.2%, PSD 3.6%, PBDNJ 2.6%, PASH 2.6%,

PAD 2.5%; seats by party - PS 73, PD and coalition allies 46, NDP 6,

PSD 4, PBDNJ 3, PASH 3, PAD 3, independents 2

Algeria

bicameral Parliament consists of the National People's

Assembly or Al-Majlis Ech-Chaabi Al-Watani (389 seats - changed from

380 seats in the 2002 elections; members elected by popular vote to

serve five-year terms) and the Council of Nations (144 seats;

one-third of the members appointed by the president, two-thirds

elected by indirect vote; members serve six-year terms; the

constitution requires half the council to be renewed every three

years)

elections: National People's Assembly - last held 30 May 2002 (next

to be held NA 2007); Council of Nations - last held 30 December 2000

(next to be held NA 2003)

election results: National People's Assembly - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - FLN 199, RND 48, MRN 43, MSP 38, PT

21, FNA 8, Nahda 1, PRA 1, MEN 1, independents 29; Council of

Nations - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - RND 79,

FLN 12, FFS 4, MSP 1 (remaining 48 seats appointed by the president,

party breakdown NA)

American Samoa

bicameral Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of

the House of Representatives (21 seats - 20 of which are elected by

popular vote and 1 is an appointed, nonvoting delegate from Swains

Island; members serve two-year terms) and the Senate (18 seats;

members are elected from local chiefs and serve four-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 7 November 2002

(next to be held NA November 2004); Senate - last held 7 November

2000 (next to be held NA November 2004)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - NA; Senate - percent of vote by party

- NA%; seats by party - independents 18

note: American Samoa elects one nonvoting representative to the US

House of Representatives; election last held 7 November 2002 (next

to be held NA November 2004); results - Eni F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA

(Democrat) reelected as delegate

Andorra

unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General

de las Valls (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote,

14 from a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of

the 7 parishes; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 4 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - PLA 46.1%, PSD 30%, PD

23.8%, other 0.1%; seats by party - PLA 15, PSD 6, PD 5,

independents 2

Angola

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220

seats; members elected by proportional vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 29-30 September 1992 (next to be held NA)

election results: percent of vote by party - MPLA 54%, UNITA 34%,

others 12%; seats by party - MPLA 129, UNITA 70, PRS 6, FNLA 5, PLD

3, others 7

Anguilla

unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats total, 7 elected by

direct popular vote, 2 ex officio members, and 2 appointed; members

serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 3 March 2000 (next to be held NA June 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

ANA 3, AUP 2, ADP 1, independent 1

Antigua and Barbuda

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate

(17-member body appointed by the governor general) and the House of

Representatives (17 seats; members are elected by proportional

representation to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 9 March 1999 (next

to be held prior to March 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - ALP 53.2%, UPP 45.5%,

independent 1.3%; seats by party - ALP 12, UPP 4, independent 1

Argentina

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists

of the Senate (72 seats; members are elected by direct vote;

presently one-third of the members being elected every two years to

a six-year term) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats; members are

elected by direct vote; one-half of the members elected every two

years to a four-year term)

elections: Senate - last held 14 October 2001 (next to be held

intermittently by province before December 2003); Chamber of

Deputies - last held 14 October 2001 (next to be held intermittently

by province before December 2003)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA%;

seats by bloc or party - PJ 40, UCR 24, provincial parties 6,

Frepaso 1, ARI 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by bloc or

party - NA%; seats by bloc or party - PJ 113, UCR 74, provincial

parties 27, Frepaso 17, ARI 17, AR 9

Armenia

unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov

(131 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year

terms; 75 members selected by direct vote, 56 by party list)

elections: last held 25 May 2003 (next to be held in the spring of

2007)

note: electoral law was changed in 2002 so ratio in next elections

will be 75 deputies elected by party list, 56 by direct election

election results: percent of vote by party - Republican Party 23.5%,

Justice Bloc 13.6%, Rule of Law 12.3%, ARF (Dashnak) 11.4%, National

Unity Party 8.8%, United Labor Party 5.7%; seats by party -

Republican Party 23, Justice Bloc 14, Rule of Law 12, ARF (Dashnak)

11, National Unity 9, United Labor 6; note - seats by party change

frequently as deputies switch parties or announce themselves

independent

Aruba

unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by

direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 28 September 2001 (next to be held by NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - MEP 52.4%, AVP 26.7%,

PPA 9.6%, OLA 5.7%, Aliansa 3.5%, other 2.1%; seats by party - MEP

12, AVP 6, PPA 2, OLA 1

Australia

bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76

seats - 12 from each of the six states and two from each of the two

mainland territories; one-half of the members elected every three

years by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of

Representatives (150 seats - this is up from 148 seats in 2001

election; members elected by popular vote on the basis of

preferential representation to serve three-year terms; no state can

have fewer than five representatives)

elections: Senate - last held 10 November 2001 (next to be held by

February 2005); House of Representatives - last held 10 November

2001 (next to be held by February 2005)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Liberal Party-National Party coalition 35, Australian Labor

Party 28, Australian Democrats 8, Green Party 2, One Nation Party 1,

Country Labor Party 1, independent 1; House of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Liberal

Party-National Party coalition 82, Australian Labor Party 65,

independent and other 3

Austria

bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung consists of

Federal Council or Bundesrat (64 members; members represent each of

the states on the basis of population, but with each state having at

least three representatives; members serve a four- or six-year term)

and the National Council or Nationalrat (183 seats; members elected

by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: National Council - last held 24 November 2002 (next to be

held in the fall of 2006)

election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - OeVP

42.3%, SPOe 36.9%, FPOe 10.2%, Greens 9%; seats by party - OeVP 79,

SPOe 69, FPOe 19, Greens 16

Azerbaijan

unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 4 November 2000 (next to be held NA November

2005)

note: 100 members of the current parliament were elected on the

basis of single mandate constituencies, while 25 were elected based

on proportional balloting; as a result of a 24 August 2002 national

referendum on changes to the constitution, all 125 members of the

next parliament will be elected from single mandate constituencies

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NAP and allies 108, APF "Reform" 6, CSP 3, PNIA 2, Musavat Party 2,

CPA 2, APF "Classic" 1, Compatriot Party 1

note: PNIA, Musavat, and APF "Classic" parties refused to take their

seats

Bahamas, The

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16-member

body appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the prime

minister and the opposition leader for five-year terms) and the

House of Assembly (40 seats; members elected by direct popular vote

to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 1 May 2002 (next to be held by May 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 50.8%, FNM 41.1%,

independents 5.2%; seats by party - PLP 29, FNM 7, independents 4

Bahrain

bicameral Parliament consists of Shura Council (40 members

appointed by the King) and House of Deputies (40 members directly

elected to serve four-year terms)

elections: House of Deputies - last held 31 October 2002 (next

election to be held NA 2006)

election results: House of Deputies - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - independents 21, Sunni Islamists 9, other 10

note: first elections since 7 December 1973; unicameral National

Assembly dissolved 26 August 1975; National Action Charter created

bicameral legislature on 23 December 2000; approved by referendum 14

February 2001; first legislative session of Parliament held on 25

December 2002

Bangladesh

unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad; 300

seats elected by popular vote from single territorial constituencies

(the constitutional amendment reserving 30 seats for women over and

above the 300 regular parliament seats expired in May 2001); members

serve five-year terms

elections: last held 1 October 2001 (next to be held before October

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - BNP and alliance

partners 46%, AL 42%; seats by party - BNP 191, AL 62, JI 18, JP

(Ershad faction) 14, IOJ 2, JP (Naziur) 4, other 9; note - the

election of October 2001 brought a majority BNP government aligned

with three other smaller parties - Jamaat-i-Islami, Islami Oikya

Jote, and Jatiya Party (Naziur)

Barbados

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21-member body

appointed by the governor general) and the House of Assembly (30

seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year

terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held 21 May 2003 (next to be

held by May 2008)

election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - BLP 23, DLP 7

Belarus

bicameral Parliament or Natsionalnoye Sobranie consists of

the Council of the Republic or Soviet Respubliki (64 seats; 56

members elected by regional councils and 8 members appointed by the

president, all for 4-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives

or Palata Pretsaviteley (110 seats; members elected by universal

adult suffrage to serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held October 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: party affiliation data unavailable; under present

political conditions party designations are meaningless

Belgium

bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in

Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members are directly elected by

popular vote, 31 are indirectly elected; members serve four-year

terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van

Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in

French (150 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote on

the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held 18 June 2003

(next to be held in NA May 2007)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - SP.A-Spirit

15.5%, VLD 15.4%, CD & V 12.7%, PS 12.8%, MR 12.1%, VB 9.4%, CDH

5.6%; seats by party - SP.A-Spirit 7, VLD 7, CD & V 6, PS 6, MR 5,

VB 5, CDH 2, other 2 (note - there are also 31 indirectly elected

senators); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - VLD

15.4%, SP.A-Spirit 14.9%, CD & V 13.3%, PS 13.0%, VB 11.6%, MR

11.4%, CDH 5.5%, Ecolo 3.1%; seats by party - VLD 25, SP.A-Spirit

23, CD & V 21, PS 25, VB 18, MR 24, CDH 8 Ecolo 4, other 2

note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered

devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of

government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a

complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six

governments each with its own legislative assembly; for other

acronyms of the listed parties see the Political parties and leaders

entry

Belize

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12

members appointed by the governor general - six on the advice of the

prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition,

and one each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and

Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce

and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National

Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee;

members are appointed for five-year terms) and the House of

Representatives (29 seats; members are elected by direct popular

vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 5 March 2003 (next

to be held NA March 2008)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -

PUP 21, UDP 8

Benin

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats;

members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 30 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Presidential Movement 52, opposition (PRB, PRD, E'toile, and 5 other

small parties) 31

Bermuda

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (an 11-member

body appointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition) and

the House of Assembly (36 seats; members are elected by popular vote

to serve five-year terms)

elections: last general election held 24 July 2003 (next to be held

NA July 2008)

election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 51.7%, UBP 48%;

seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14

Bhutan

unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105

elected from village constituencies, 10 represent religious bodies,

and 35 are designated by the monarch to represent government and

other secular interests; members serve three-year terms)

elections: local elections last held November 2002 (next to be held

NA 2005)

election results: NA

Bolivia

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of

Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (27 seats; members are

directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and

Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (130 seats; members are

directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; note -

some members are drawn from party lists, thus not directly elected)

elections: Chamber of Senators and Chamber of Deputies - last held

30 June 2002 (next to be held NA June 2007)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - MNR 11, MAS 8, MIR 5, NFR 2, other 1; Chamber

of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - MNR

36, MAS 27, MIR 26, NFR 25, others 16

Bosnia and Herzegovina

bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina

consists of the National House of Representatives or Predstavnicki

Dom (42 seats - elected by proportional representation, 28 seats

allocated from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 14 seats

from the Republika Srpska; members elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms) and the House of Peoples or Dom Naroda (15 seats -

5 Bosniak, 5 Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat

Federation's House of Representatives and the Republika Srpska's

National Assembly to serve four-year terms); note - Bosnia's

election law specifies four-year terms for the state and first-order

administrative division entity legislatures

elections: National House of Representatives - elections last held 5

October 2002 (next to be held in NA 2006); House of Peoples - last

constituted NA January 2003 (next to be constituted in 2007)

election results: National House of Representatives - percent of

vote by party/coalition - SDA 21.9%, SDS 14.0%, SBiH 10.5%, SDP

10.4%, SNSD 9.8%, HDZ 9.5%, PDP 4.6%, others 19.3%; seats by

party/coalition - SDA 10, SDS 5, SBiH 6, SDP 4, SNSD 3, HDZ 5, PDP

2, others 7; House of Peoples - percent of vote by party/coalition -

NA%; seats by party/coalition - NA

note: the Bosniak/Croat Federation has a bicameral legislature that

consists of a House of Representatives (98 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms); elections last held 5

October 2002 (next to be held NA October 2006); percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party/coalition - SDA 32, HDZ-BiH 16, SDP 15,

SBiH 15, other 20; and a House of Peoples (60 seats - 30 Bosniak, 30

Croat); last constituted December 2002; the Republika Srpska has a

National Assembly (83 seats; members elected by popular vote to

serve four-year terms); elections last held 5 October 2002 (next to

be held in the fall of 2006); percent of vote by party - NA%; seats

by party/coalition - SDS 26, SNSD 19, PDP 9, SDA 6, SRS 4, SPRS 3,

DNZ 3, SBiH 4, SDP 3, others 6; as a result of the 2002

constitutional reform process, a 28-member Republika Srpska Council

of Peoples (COP) was established in the Republika Srpska National

Assembly; each constituent nation and "others" will have eight

delegates

Botswana

bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a

largely advisory 15-member body consisting of the chiefs of the

eight principal tribes, four elected subchiefs, and three members

selected by the other 12 members) and the National Assembly (44

seats, 40 members are directly elected by popular vote and 4 are

appointed by the majority party; members serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly elections last held 16 October 1999

(next to be held NA October 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - BDP 54.3%, BNF 24.7%,

other 21%; seats by party - BDP 33, BNF 6, other 1

Brazil

bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of

the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; three members from

each state or federal district elected according to the principle of

majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third elected after a

four-year period, two-thirds elected after the next four-year

period) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513

seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve

four-year terms)

elections: Federal Senate - last held 6 October 2002 for two-thirds

of the Senate (next to be held NA October 2006 for one-third of the

Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held 6 October 2002 (next to be

held NA October 2006)

election results: Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party PMBD 19, PFL 19, PT 14, PSDB 11, PDT 5, PSB 4, PL 3,

PTB 3, PPS 1, PSD 1, PPB 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - PT 91, PFL 84, PMDB 74, PSDB 71, PPB

49, PL 26, PTB 26, PSB 22, PDT 21, PPS 15, PCdoB 12, PRONA 6, PV 5,

other 11

British Virgin Islands

unicameral Legislative Council (13 seats;

members are elected by direct popular vote, one member from each of

9 electoral districts, four at-large members; members serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 16 May 2003 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NDP 8, VIP 5

Brunei

unicameral Legislative Council or Majlis Masyuarat Megeri (a

privy council that serves only in a consultative capacity; NA seats;

members appointed by the monarch)

elections: last held in March 1962

note: in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointive body by

decree of the monarch; an elected Legislative Council is being

considered as part of constitutional reform, but elections are

unlikely for several years

Bulgaria

unicameral National Assembly or Narodno Sobranie (240

seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 17 June 2001 (next to be held NA June 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NMS2 42.74%, UtdDF

18.18%, CfB 17.15%, MRF 7.45%; seats by party - NMS2 120, UtdDF 51,

CfB 48, MRF 21; note - seating as of March 2003 - NMS2 110, UtdDF

50, CfB 48, MRF 20, independents 12

Burkina Faso

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale

(111 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year

terms)

elections: National Assembly election last held 5 May 2002 (next to

be held NA May 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

CDP 57, RDA-ADF 17, PDP/PS 10, CFD 5, PAI 5, others 17

Burma

unicameral People's Assembly or Pyithu Hluttaw (485 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NLD 392, SNLD 23, NUP 10, other 60

Burundi

bicameral, consists of a National Assembly or Assemblee

Nationale (expanded from 121 to approximately 140 seats under the

transitional government inaugurated 1 November 2001; members are

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and a Senate (54

seats; term length is undefined, the current senators will likely

serve out the three-year transition period)

elections: last held 29 June 1993 (next was scheduled to be held in

1998, but was suspended by presidential decree in 1996; elections

are planned to follow the completion of the three-year transitional

government)

election results: percent of vote by party - FRODEBU 71.04%, UPRONA

21.4%, other 7.56%; seats by party - FRODEBU 65, UPRONA 16,

civilians 27, other parties 13

Cambodia

bicameral consists of the National Assembly (122 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the

Senate (61 seats; two members appointed by the monarch, two elected

by the National Assembly, and 57 elected by "functional

constituencies"; members serve five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held 27 July 2003 (next to be

held in July 2007); Senate - last held 2 March 1999 (next to be held

in 2004)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CPP

47%, SRP 22%, FUNCINPEC 21%, other 10%; seats by party - CPP 73,

FUNCINPEC 26, SRP 24; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats

by party - CPP 31, FUNCINPEC 21, SRP 7, other 2 (2003)

Cameroon

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180

seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year

terms; note - the president can either lengthen or shorten the term

of the legislature)

elections: last held 23 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

RDCP 133, SDF 21, UDC 5, other 21

note: the constitution calls for an upper chamber for the

legislature, to be called a Senate, but it has yet to be established

Canada

bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or

Senat (members appointed by the governor general with the advice of

the prime minister and serve until reaching 75 years of age; its

normal limit is 105 senators) and the House of Commons or Chambre

des Communes (301 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to

serve for up to five-year terms)

elections: House of Commons - last held 27 November 2000 (next to be

held by 2005)

election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party -

Liberal Party 41%, Canadian Alliance 26%, Bloc Quebecois 11%, New

Democratic Party 9%, Progressive Conservative Party 12%; seats by

party - Liberal Party 172, Canadian Alliance 66, Bloc Quebecois 38,

New Democratic Party 13, Progressive Conservative Party 12; note -

percent of vote by party as of January 2002 - Liberal Party 51%,

Canadian Alliance 10%, Bloc Quebecois 10%, New Democratic Party 9%,

Progressive Conservative Party 18%; seats by party - Liberal Party

172, Canadian Alliance 66, Bloc Quebecois 38, New Democratic Party

13, Progressive Conservative Party 12

Cape Verde

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (72

seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 14 January 2001 (next to be held NA December

2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAICV 47.3%, MPD 39.8%,

ADM 6%, other 6.9%; seats by party - PAICV 40, MPD 30, ADM 2

Cayman Islands

unicameral Legislative Assembly (18 seats, three

appointed members from the Executive Council and 15 elected by

popular vote; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 8 November 2000 (next to be held NA November

2004)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - NA

Central African Republic

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee

Nationale (109 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms; note - there were 85 seats in the National Assembly

before the 1998 election)

elections: last held 22-23 November and 13 December 1998 (next to be

held NA 2003)

election results: percent of vote by party - MLPC 43%, RDC 18%, MDD

9%, FPP 6%, PSD 5%, ADP 4%, PUN 3%, FODEM 2%, PLD 2%, UPR 1%, FC 1%,

independents 6%; seats by party - MLPC 47, RDC 20, MDD 8, FPP 7, PSD

6, ADP 5, PUN 3, FODEM 2, PLD 2, UPR 1, FC 1, independents 7

Chad

bicameral according to constitution, consists of a National

Assembly (155 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms) and a Senate (not yet created and size unspecified,

members to serve six-year terms, one-third of membership renewable

every two years)

elections: National Assembly - last held 21 April 2002 (next to be

held in NA April 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

MPS 110, RDP 12, FAR 9, RNDP 5, URD 5, UNDR 3, others 11

Chile

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of

the Senate or Senado (49 seats, 38 elected by popular vote, 9

designated members, and 2 former presidents who serve six-year terms

and are senators for life); elected members serve eight-year terms

(one-half elected every four years) and the Chamber of Deputies or

Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote

to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 16 December 2001 (next to be held NA

December 2005); Chamber of Deputies - last held 16 December 2001

(next to be held NA December 2005)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - CPD 20 (PDC 12, PS 5, PPD 3), APC 16 (UDI 9, RN 7),

independents 2; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - CPD 62 (PDC 24, PPD 21, PS 11, PRSD 6), UDI

35, RN 22, independent 1

China

unicameral National People's Congress or Quanguo Renmin

Daibiao Dahui (2,985 seats; members elected by municipal, regional,

and provincial people's congresses to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held NA December 2002-NA February 2003 (next to be

held late 2007-NA February 2008)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - NA

Christmas Island

unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve one-year terms)

elections: last held NA December 2002 (next to be held NA December

2003)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 9

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire

Council (7 seats)

Colombia

bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or

Senado (102 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Camara de

Representantes (166 seats; members are elected by popular vote to

serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 10 March 2002 (next to be held NA

March 2006); House of Representatives - last held 10 March 2002

(next to be held NA March 2006)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - PL 28, PSC 13, independents and smaller parties (many

aligned with conservatives) 61; House of Representatives - percent

of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PL 54, PSC 21, independents

and other parties 91

Comoros

unicameral Assembly of the Union (30 seats; half the

deputies are selected by the individual islands' local assemblies

and the other half by universal suffrage; deputies serve for five

years) note - elections for the former legislature, the Federal

Assembly, dissolved in 1999, where held on 1 and 8 December 1996;

the next elections for the Assembly of the Union were scheduled to

be held in April 2003 but have yet to occur

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

a 300-member Transitional

Constituent Assembly established in August 2000

elections: NA; members of the Transitional Constituent Assembly were

appointed by former President Laurent Desire KABILA

Congo, Republic of the

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate

(66 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year

terms) and the National Assembly (137 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 11 July 2002 (next to be held NA July

2007); National Assembly - last held 27 May and 26 June 2002 (next

to be held by NA May 2007)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - FDP 56, other 10; National Assembly - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - FDP 83, UDR 6, UPADS 3, other 45

Cook Islands

unicameral Parliament (25 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 16 June 1999 (next to be held by NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

CIP 12, DAP 12, NAP 1

note: the House of Ariki (chiefs) advises on traditional matters and

maintains considerable influence, but has no legislative powers

Costa Rica

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa

(57 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 3 February 2002 (next to be held 3 February

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -

PUSC 19, PLN 17, PAC 14, PML 6, PRC 1

Cote d'Ivoire

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale

(225 seats; members are elected in single- and multi-district

elections by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: elections last held 10 December 2000 with by-elections on

14 January 2001 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

FPI 96, PDCI-RDA 94, RDR 5, PIT 4, other 2, independents 22, vacant 2

note: a Senate is scheduled to be created in the next full election

in 2005

Croatia

unicameral Assembly or Sabor (152 seats; note - one seat was

added in the November Parliamentary elections; members elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - House of Counties was

abolished in March 2001

elections: Assembly - last held 23 November 2003 (next to be held in

2007)

election results: Assembly (then referred to as the House of

Representatives) - percent of vote by party - HDZ 43.4%, SDP 23%,

HNS 7.4%, HSS 6.57%, HSP 6%; seats by party - HDZ 66, SDP 34, HNS

10, HSS 9, HSP 7; note - these are preliminary results

Cuba

unicameral National Assembly of People's Power or Asemblea

Nacional del Poder Popular (609 seats, elected directly from slates

approved by special candidacy commissions; members serve five-year

terms)

elections: last held 19 January 2003 (next to be held in 2008)

election results: percent of vote - PCC 97.6%; seats - PCC 609

Cyprus

unicameral - Greek Cypriot area: House of Representatives or

Vouli Antiprosopon (80 seats; 56 assigned to the Greek Cypriots, 24

to Turkish Cypriots; note - only those assigned to Greek Cypriots

are filled; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year

terms); Turkish Cypriot area: Assembly of the Republic or Cumhuriyet

Meclisi (50 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

elections: Greek Cypriot area: last held 27 May 2001 (next to be

held NA May 2006); Turkish Cypriot area: last held 6 December 1998

(next to be held NA December 2003)

election results: Greek Cypriot area: House of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - AKEL 34.71%, DISY 34%, DIKO 14.84%, KISOS

6.51%, others 9.94%; seats by party - AKEL (Communist) 20, DISY 19,

DIKO 9, KISOS 4, others 4; Turkish Cypriot area: Assembly of the

Republic - percent of vote by party - UBP 40.3%, DP 22.6%, TKP

15.4%, CTP 13.4%, UDP 4.6%, YBH 2.5%, BP 1.2%; seats by party - UBP

24, DP 13, TKP 7, CTP 6

Czech Republic

bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the

Senate or Senat (81 seats; members are elected by popular vote to

serve six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the

Chamber of Deputies or Poslanecka Snemovna (200 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held in two rounds 25-26 October and 1-2

November 2002 (next to be held NA November 2004); Chamber of

Deputies - last held 14-15 June 2002 (next to be held by NA June

2006)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - ODS 26, KDU-CSL 14, CSSD 11, US 9, KSCM 3, independents 18;

Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - CSSD 30.2%, ODS

24.5%, KSCM 18.5%, KDU-CSL & US-DEU coalition 14.3%, other minor

12.5%; seats by party - CSSD 70, ODS 58, KSCM 41, KDU-CSL 21, US-DEU

10

Denmark

unicameral Parliament or Folketing (179 seats, including 2

from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands; members are elected by

popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 20 November 2001 (next to be held by November

2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Liberal Party 56, Social Democrats 52, Danish People's Party 22,

Conservative Party 16, Socialist People's Party 12, Social Liberal

Party 9, Christian People's Party 4, Unity List 4; note - does not

include the 2 seats from Greenland and the 2 seats from the Faroe

Islands

Djibouti

unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (65

seats; members elected by popular vote for five-year terms)

elections: last held 10 January 2003 (next to be held NA January

2008)

election results: percent of vote - RPP 62.2%, FRUD 36.9%; seats -

RPP 65, FRUD 0; note - RPP (the ruling party) dominated the election

Dominica

unicameral House of Assembly (30 seats, 9 appointed

senators, 21 elected by popular vote; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 31 January 2000 (next to be held by 17 July

2005) note - tradition dictates that the election will be held

within five years of the last election, but technically it is five

years from the first seating of parliament (17 April 2000) plus a 90

day grace period

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party

-DLP 10, UWP 9, DFP 2

Dominican Republic

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional

consists of the Senate or Senado (30 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies

or Camara de Diputados (149 seats; members are elected by popular

vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 16 May 2002 (next to be held NA May

2006); Chamber of Deputies - last held 16 May 2002 (next to be held

NA May 2006)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - PRD 24, PLD 3, PRSC 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote

by party - NA%; seats by party - PRD 83, PLD 49, PRSC 17

East Timor

unicameral National Parliament (number of seats can vary,

minimum requirement of 52 and a maximum of 65 seats; members elected

by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - for its first term

of office, the National Parliament is comprised of 88 members on an

exceptional basis

elections: last held 30 August 2001 (next to be held NA August 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - FRETILIN 57.37%, PD

8.72%, PSD 8.18%, ASDT 7.84%, UDT 2.36%, PNT 2.21%, KOTA 2.13%, PPT

2.01%, PDC 1.98%, PST 1.78%, independents/other 5.42%; seats by

party - FRETILIN 55, PD 7, PSD 6, ASDT 6, PDC 2, UDT 2, KOTA 2, PNT

2, PPT 2, UDC/PDC 1, PST 1, PL 1, independent 1

Ecuador

unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (100

seats; members are popularly elected by province to serve four-year

terms)

elections: last held 20 October 2002 (next to be held NA October

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

PSC 25, PRE 15, ID 16, PRIAN 10, PSP 9, Pachakutik Movement 6, MPD

5, DP 4, PS 3, independents 7; note - defections by members of

National Congress are commonplace, resulting in frequent changes in

the numbers of seats held by the various parties

Egypt

bicameral system consists of the People's Assembly or Majlis

al-Sha'b (454 seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 appointed by

the president; members serve five-year terms) and the Advisory

Council or Majlis al-Shura - which functions only in a consultative

role (264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the

president; members serve NA-year terms)

elections: People's Assembly - three-phase voting - last held 19

October, 29 October, 8 November 2000 (next to be held NA November

2005); Advisory Council - last held 7 June 1995 (next to be held NA)

election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NDP

88%, independents 8%, opposition 4%; seats by party - NDP 398, NWP

7, Tagammu 6, Nasserists 2, LSP 1, independents 38, undecided 2;

Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - NDP 99%, independents

1%; seats by party - NA

El Salvador

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa

(84 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve

three-year terms)

elections: last held 16 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -

FMLN 31, ARENA 27, PCN 16, PDC 5, CD 5

Equatorial Guinea

unicameral House of People's Representatives or

Camara de Representantes del Pueblo (80 seats; members directly

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 7 March 1999 (next to be held NA March 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - PDGE 80%, UP 6%, CPDS

5%; seats by party - PDGE 75, UP 4 and CPDS 1

note: opposition parties have refused to take up their seats in the

House to protest widespread irregularities in the 1999 legislative

elections

Eritrea

unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; term limits not

established)

elections: in May 1997, following the adoption of the new

constitution, 75 members of the PFDJ Central Committee (the old

Central Committee of the EPLF), 60 members of the 527-member

Constituent Assembly, that had been established in 1997 to discuss

and ratify the new constitution, and 15 representatives of Eritreans

living abroad were formed into a Transitional National Assembly to

serve as the country's legislative body until countrywide elections

to a National Assembly were held; although only 75 of 150 members of

the Transitional National Assembly were elected, the constitution

stipulates that once past the transition stage, all members of the

National Assembly will be elected by secret ballot of all eligible

voters; National Assembly elections scheduled for December 2001 were

postponed indefinitely

Estonia

unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 2 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - Center Party 25.4%, Res

Publica 24.6%, Reform Party 17.7%, Estonian People's Union 13%, Pro

Patria Union (Fatherland League) 7.3% People's Party Moodukad 7%;

seats by party - Center Party 28, Res Publica 28, Reform Party 19,

Estonian People's Union 13, Pro Patria Union 7, People's Party

Moodukad 6

Ethiopia

bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Federation or

upper chamber (108 seats; members are chosen by state assemblies to

serve five-year terms) and the House of People's Representatives or

lower chamber (548 seats; members are directly elected by popular

vote from single-member districts to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 14 May 2000 (next to be held NA May 2005)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats by party - OPDO 177,

ANDM 134, TPLF 38, WGGPDO 27, EPRDF 19, SPDO 18, GNDM 15, KSPDO 10,

ANDP 8, GPRDF 7, SOPDM 7, BGPDUF 6, BMPDO 5, KAT 4, other regional

political groupings 22, independents 8; note - 43 seats unconfirmed

note: irregularities and violence at a number of polling stations

necessitated the rescheduling of voting in certain constituencies;

voting postponed in Somali regional state because of severe drought

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

unicameral Legislative Council (10

seats - 2 ex officio, 8 elected by popular vote, members serve

four-year terms); presided over by the governor

elections: last held 22 November 2001 (next to be held NA November

2005)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 8;

note - 71% voter turnout

Faroe Islands

unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (32 seats;

members are elected by popular vote on a proportional basis from the

seven constituencies to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 30 April 2002 (next to be held no later than

April 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - Union Party 26%,

Republican Party 23.7%, Social Democrats 20.9%, People's Party 20.8%

Home Rule Party 4.4%, Center Party 4.2%; seats by party - Union

Party 8, Republican Party 8, Social Democrats 7, People's Party 7,

Home Rule Party 1, Center Party 1

note: election of 2 seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on

20 November 2001 (next to be held no later than November 2005);

results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican

Party 1, Union Party 1

Fiji

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (34 seats; 24

appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs, nine appointed by the

president, and one appointed by the council of Rotuma) and the House

of Representatives (71 seats; 23 reserved for ethnic Fijians, 19

reserved for ethnic Indians, three reserved for other ethnic groups,

one reserved for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the

whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 25 August through 1

September, 19 September 2001 (next to be held not later than

September 2006)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - FLP 34.8%, SDL 26%, NFP 10.1%, MV 9.9%, independents 2.7%,

other 16.5%; seats by party - NA

Finland

unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members are

elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year

terms)

elections: last held 16 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - Kesk 24.7%, SDP 24.5%,

Kok 18.5%, VAS 9.9%, VIHR 8%, KD 5.3%, SFP 4.6%; seats by party -

Kesk 55, SDP 53, Kok 40, VAS 19, VIHR 14, KD 7, SFP 8, others 4

France

bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or

Senat (321 seats - 296 for metropolitan France, 13 for overseas

departments and territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad;

members are indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve

nine-year terms; elected by thirds every three years) and the

National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (577 seats; members are

elected by popular vote under a single-member majoritarian system to

serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 23 September 2001 (next to be held NA

September 2004); National Assembly - last held 8-16 June 2002 (next

to be held NA June 2007)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - RPR 83, PS 68, UDF 37, DL 35, RDES 16, PCF 16, other 66;

National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

UMP 355, PS 140, UDF 29, PCF 21, Radical Party 7, Greens 3, other 22

French Guiana

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19

seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

and a unicameral Regional Council or Conseil Regional (31 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: General Council - last held NA March 2000 (next to be

held NA 2006); Regional Council - last held 15 March 1998 (next to

be held NA 2004)

election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - PSG 5, various left-wing parties 5, independents 7,

other 2; Regional Council - percent of vote by party - PS 28.28%,

various left parties 22.56%, RPR 15.91%, independents 8.6%, Walwari

Committee 6%; seats by party - PS 11, various left parties 9, RPR 6,

independents 3, Walwari Committee 2

note: one seat was elected to the French Senate on 27 September 1998

(next to be held NA September 2007); results - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - NA; 2 seats were elected to the French

National Assembly on 9 June-16 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007);

results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - UMP/RPR

1, Walwari Committee 1

French Polynesia

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee

Territoriale (49 seats - changed from 41 seats for May 2001

election; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year

terms)

elections: last held 6 May 2001 (next to be held NA May 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

People's Rally for the Republic (Gaullist) 28, Independent Front for

the Liberation of Polynesia 13, New Fatherland Party 7, other 1

note: one seat was elected to the French Senate on NA September 1998

(next to be held NA September 2007); results - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - NA; two seats were elected to the

French National Assembly on 9 June-16 June 2002 (next to be held NA

2007); results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

UMP/RPR 1, UMP 1

Gabon

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (91 seats;

members elected by members of municipal councils and departmental

assemblies) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (120

seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held 9 and 23 December 2001

(next to be held NA December 2006); Senate - last held 26 January

and 9 February 1997 (next to be held in January 2004)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - PDG 86, RNB-RPG 8, PGP 3, ADERE 3, CLR 2, PUP

1, PSD 1, independents 13, others 3; Senate - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - PDG 53, RNB 20, PGP 4, ADERE 3, RDP 1,

CLR 1, independents 9

Gambia, The

unicameral National Assembly (53 seats; 48 elected by

popular vote, five appointed by the president; members serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 17 January 2002 (next to be held NA January

2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

APRC 45, PDOIS 2, NRP 1,

Georgia

unicameral Supreme Council (commonly referred to as

Parliament) or Umaghiesi Sabcho (235 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 2 November 2003 but results were invalidated

(next to be held spring 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party (from earlier 1999

elections) - CUG 41.7%, AGUR 25.2%, IWSG 7.1%, all other parties

received less than 7% each; seats by party - CUG 130, AGUR 64, IWSG

15, Labor 2, Abkhaz (government-in-exile) deputies 12, independents

12

Germany

bicameral Parliament or parlament consists of the Federal

Assembly or Bundestag (603 seats; elected by popular vote under a

system combining direct and proportional representation; a party

must win 5% of the national vote or three direct mandates to gain

representation; members serve four-year terms) and the Federal

Council or Bundesrat (69 votes; state governments are directly

represented by votes; each has 3 to 6 votes depending on population

and are required to vote as a block)

elections: Federal Assembly - last held 22 September 2002 (next to

be held NA September 2006); note - there are no elections for the

Bundesrat; composition is determined by the composition of the

state-level governments; the composition of the Bundesrat has the

potential to change any time one of the 16 states holds an election

election results: Federal Assembly - percent of vote by party - SPD

38.5%, CDU/CSU 38.5%, Alliance '90/Greens 8.6%, FDP 7.4%, PDS 4%;

seats by party - SPD 251, CDU/CSU 248, Alliance '90/Greens 55, FDP

47, PDS 2; Federal Council - current composition - NA

Ghana

unicameral Parliament (200 seats; members are elected by

direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 7 December 2000 (next to be held NA December

2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NPP 100, NDC 92, PNC 3, CPP 1, independents 4

Gibraltar

unicameral House of Assembly (18 seats - 15 elected by

popular vote, one appointed for the Speaker, and two ex officio

members; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 27 November 2003 (next to be held not later

than NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - GSD 58%, GSLP 41%;

seats by party - GSD 8, GSLP 7

Greece

unicameral Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats;

members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: elections last held 9 April 2000 (next to be held by NA

May 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - PASOK 43.8%, ND 42.7%,

KKE 5.5%, Coalition of the Left and Progress 3.2%; seats by party -

PASOK 158, ND 125, KKE 11, Coalition of the Left and Progress 6;

note - seats by party as of January 2002 - PASOK 156, ND 122, KKE

11, Coalition of the Left and Progress 6, independents 5

Greenland

unicameral Parliament or Landstinget (31 seats; members

are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional

representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 3 December 2002 (next to be held by NA

December 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - Siumut 28.7%, Inuit

Ataqatigiit 25.5%, Atassut Party 20.4%, Demokratiit 15.6%,

Katusseqatigiit 5.3%; seats by party - Siumut 10, Inuit Ataqatigiit

8, Atassut 7, Demokratiit 5, Katusseqatigiit 1

note: two representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or

Folketing on 20 November 2001 (next to be held no later than

November 2005); percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Siumut 1, Inuit Ataqatigiit 1

Grenada

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 13-member

body, 10 appointed by the government and three by the leader of the

opposition) and the House of Representatives (15 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 27 November 2003 (next to be held by NA

November 2008)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - NNP 8, NDC 7

Guadeloupe

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (42 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the

unicameral Regional Council or Conseil Regional (41 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: General Council - last held 22 March 1998 (next to be

held by NA 2004); Regional Council - last held 15 March 1998 (next

to be held NA 2004)

election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - left-wing candidates 11, PS 8, RPR 8, PPDG 6,

right-wing candidates 5, PCG 3, UDF 1; Regional Council - percent of

vote by party - RPR 48.03%, PS/PPDG/diverse left parties 24.49%, PCG

5.29%, diverse right parties 5.73%; seats by party - RPR 25,

PS/PPDG/diverse left parties 12, PCG 2, diverse right parties 2

note: Guadeloupe elects two representatives to the French Senate;

elections last held NA September 1995 (next to be held NA September

2004); percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - RPR 1, FGPS

1; Guadeloupe elects four representatives to the French National

Assembly; elections last held 9 June-16 June 2002 (next to be held

NA 2007); percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - RPR 2, PS

1, different right parties 1

Guam

unicameral Legislature (15 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: last held 5 November 2002 (next to be held 2 November

2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Democratic Party 9, Republican Party 6

note: Guam elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of

Representatives; election last held 5 November 2002 (next to be held

NA November 2004); results - Madeleine BORDALLO (Democratic Party)

was elected as delegate; percent of vote by party - Democratic Party

64.6%, Republican Party 35.4%; seats by party - Democratic Party 1

Guatemala

unicameral Congress of the Republic or Congreso de la

Republica (140 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 9 November 2003 (next to be held NA November

2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

GANA 49, FRG 42, UNE 33, PAN 16

note: for the 9 November 2003 election, the number of congressional

seats increased to 140 from 113

Guernsey

unicameral Assembly of the States; consists of the bailiff,

10 Douzaine (parish council) representatives, 45 people's deputies

elected by popular vote, 2 representatives from Alderney, Her

Majesty's Procureur (Attorney General), Her Majesty's Comptroller

(Solicitor General) and Her Majesty's Greffier (Court Recorder and

Registrar General); note - Alderney and Sark have their own

parliaments

elections: last held 12 April 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - all independents

Guinea

unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale

Populaire (114 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to

serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 30 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - PUP 61.6%, UPR 26.6%,

other 11.8%; seats by party - PUP 85, UPR 20, other 9

Guinea-Bissau

unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia

Nacional Popular (100 seats; members are elected by popular vote to

serve a maximum of four years); note - President YALA dissolved the

National People's Assembly in November 2002, elections for a new

legislature were scheduled to fall in February 2003 but were then

postponed to April, then July, and were last scheduled to occur in

September 2003

elections: last held 28 November 1999 (next to be held NA September

2003)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

PRS 37, RGB 27, PAIGC 25, 11 remaining seats went to 5 of the

remaining 10 parties that fielded candidates

Guyana

unicameral National Assembly (68 seats, 65 elected by popular

vote, 1 elected Speaker of the National Assembly, and 2 nonvoting

members appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 19 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

PPP/C 34, PNC 27, GAP and WPA 2, ROAR 1, TUF 1

Haiti

bicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale consists of

the Senate (27 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve

six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber

of Deputies (83 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held for two-thirds of seats 21 May 2000,

with runoffs on 9 July boycotted by the opposition; seven seats

still disputed; election for remaining one-third held on 26 November

2000 (next to be held NA 2002); Chamber of Deputies - last held 21

May 2000, with runoffs on 30 July boycotted by the opposition; one

vacant seat rerun 26 November 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - FL 26, independent 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote

by party - NA%; seats by party - FL 73, MOCHRENA 3, PLB 2, OPL 1,

vacant 1, other minor parties and independents 3

Holy See (Vatican City)

unicameral Pontifical Commission

Honduras

unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (128

seats; members are elected proportionally to the number of votes

their party's presidential candidate receives to serve four-year

terms)

elections: last held 25 November 2001 (next to be held NA November

2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PN

61, PL 55, PUD 5, PDC 4, PINU-SD 3

Hong Kong

unicameral Legislative Council or LEGCO (60 seats; 30

indirectly elected by functional constituencies, 24 elected by

popular vote, and 6 elected by an 800-member election committee;

members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 10 September 2000 (next to be held in September

2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Democratic Party 12, Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong

Kong 10, Liberal Party 7, Frontier Party 5, Hong Kong Progressive

Alliance 4, New Century Forum 2, Hong Kong Association for Democracy

and People's Livelihood 1, independents 19

Hungary

unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (386 seats;

members are elected by popular vote under a system of proportional

and direct representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 7 and 21 April 2002 (next to be held NA April

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party (5% or more of the vote

required for parliamentary representation in the first round) -

Fidesz/MDF 48.70%, MSzP 46.11%, SzDSz 4.92%, other 0.27%; seats by

party - Fidesz 164, MSzP 178, MDF 24, SzDSz 20

Iceland

unicameral Parliament or Althing (63 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 10 May 2003 (next to be held by May 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - Independence Party

33.7%, Social Democratic Alliance 31.0%, Progressive Party 17.7%,

Left-Green Alliance 8.8%, Liberal Party 7.4%; seats by party -

Independence Party 22, Social Democratic Alliance 20, Progressive

Party 12, Left-Green Alliance 5, Liberal Party 4

India

bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of the Council of

States or Rajya Sabha (a body consisting of not more than 250

members, up to 12 of which are appointed by the president, the

remainder are chosen by the elected members of the state and

territorial assemblies; members serve six-year terms) and the

People's Assembly or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 elected by popular

vote, 2 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms)

elections: People's Assembly - last held 5 September through 3

October 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - BJP

alliance 40.8%, Congress (I) alliance 33.8%, other 25.4%; seats by

party - BJP alliance 304, Congress (I) alliance 134, other 107

Indonesia

unicameral House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan

Rakyat (DPR) (500 seats; 462 elected by popular vote, 38 are

appointed military representatives until 2004 election when military

seats expire; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 7 June 1999 (next to be held April 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - PDI-P 37.4%, Golkar

20.9%, PKB 17.4%, PPP 10.7%, PAN 7.3%, PBB 1.8%, other 4.5%; seats

by party - PDI-P 154, Golkar 120, PPP 58, PKB 51, PAN 35, PBB 14,

other 30; note - subsequent to the election, there has been a change

in the distribution of seats; the new distribution is: PDI-P 153,

Golkar 120, PPP 58, PKB 51, PAN 35, PBB 13, other 32

Iran

unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly or

Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami (290 seats, note - changed from 270 seats

with the 18 February 2000 election; members elected by popular vote

to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 18 February 2000 with a runoff held 5 May 2000

(next to be held February 2004)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats by party - reformers

189, conservatives 54, independents 42, seats reserved for religious

minorities 5

Iraq

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn

regime by US-led coalition

Ireland

bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or

Seanad Eireann (60 seats - 49 elected by the universities and from

candidates put forward by five vocational panels, 11 are nominated

by the prime minister; members serve five-year terms) and the House

of Representatives or Dail Eireann (166 seats; members are elected

by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve

five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 16 and 17 July 2002 (next to be held

by July 2007); House of Representatives - last held 17 May 2002

(next to be held by May 2007)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Fianna Fail 30, Fine Gael 15, Labor Party 5, Progressive

Democrats 4, independents and others 6; House of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - Fianna Fail 41.5%, Fine Gael 22.5%, Labor

Party 10.8%, Sinn Fein 6.5%, Progressive Democrats 4.0%, Green Party

3.8%, others 10.9%; seats by party - Fianna Fail 81, Fine Gael 31,

Labor Party 21, Progressive Democrats 8, Green Party 6, Sinn Fein 5,

others 14

Israel

unicameral Knesset or parliament (120 seats; members elected

by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 28 January 2003 (next to be held fall of 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - Likud Party 29.4%,

Labor 14.5%, Shinui 12.3%, Shas 8.2%, National Union 5.5%, Meretz

5.2%, United Torah Judaism 4.3%, National Religious Party 4.2%,

Democratic Front for Peace and Equality 3.0%, One Nation 2.8%,

National Democratic Alliance 2.3%, YBA 2.2%, United Arab List 2.1%,

Green Leaf Party 1.2%, Herut 1.2%, other 1.6%; seats by party -

Likud 38, Labor 19, Shinui 15, Shas 11, National Union 7, Meretz 6,

National Religious Party 6, United Torah Judaism 5, Democratic Front

for Peace and Equality 3, One Nation 3, National Democratic Alliance

3, YBA 2, United Arab List 2

Italy

bicameral Parliament or Parlamento consists of the Senate or

Senato della Repubblica (315 seats elected by popular vote of which

232 are directly elected and 83 are elected by regional proportional

representation; in addition, there are a small number of

senators-for-life including former presidents of the republic;

members serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camera

dei Deputati (630 seats; 475 are directly elected, 155 by regional

proportional representation; members serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 13 May 2001 (next to be held NA 2006);

Chamber of Deputies - last held 13 May 2001 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - House of Liberties 177 (Forza Italia 82, National Alliance

46, CCD-CDU 29, Northern League 17, others 3), Olive Tree 128

(Democrats of the Left 62, Daisy Alliance 42, Sunflower Alliance 16,

Italian Communist Party 3, independents 5), non-affiliated with

either coalition 10, senators for life 9; Chamber of Deputies -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - House of Liberties

367 (Forza Italia 189, National Alliance 96, CCD-CDU 40, Northern

League 30, others 12), Olive Tree 248 (Democrats of the Left 138,

Daisy Alliance 76, Sunflower Alliance 18, Italian Communist Party 9,

independents 7), non-affiliated with either coalition 15

Jamaica

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 21-member

body appointed by the governor general on the recommendations of the

prime minister and the leader of the opposition; ruling party is

allocated 13 seats, and the opposition is allocated eight seats) and

the House of Representatives (60 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 16 October 2002 (next to be held NA October

2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - PNP 52%, JLP 47.3%;

seats by party - PNP 34, JLP 26

Japan

bicameral Diet or Kokkai consists of the House of Councillors

or Sangi-in (247 seats - members elected for six-year terms; half

reelected every three years; 149 members in multi-seat

constituencies and 98 by proportional representation); House of

Representatives or Shugi-in (480 seats - members elected for

four-year terms; 300 in single-seat constituencies; 180 members by

proportional representation in 11 regional blocs)

elections: House of Councillors - last held 29 July 2001 (next to be

held in July 2004); House of Representatives - last held 9 November

2003 (next election has not been scheduled)

election results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - LDP 110, DPJ 59, Komeito 23, JCP 20, SDP 8,

Liberal Party 8, Conservative Party 5, independents 14; distribution

of seats as of July 2001 was: LDP 115, DPJ 60, Komeito 24, JCP 20,

SDP 8, Liberal Party 8 (merged with DPJ in 2003), independents 6,

others 6; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - LDP

49.38%, DPJ 36.88%, Komeito 7.09%, JCP 1.88%, SDP 1.25%, NCP .84%;

seats by party - LDP 237, DPJ 177, Komeito 34, JCP 9, SDP 6, NCP 4,

others 13; distribution of seats as of 13 November 2003 was: LDP

244, DPJ 177, Komeito 34, JCP 9, SDP 6, others 10

Jersey

unicameral Assembly of the States (55 voting members - 12

senators (elected for 6-year terms), 12 constables or heads of

parishes (elected for 3-year terms), 29 deputies (elected for 3-year

terms); the bailiff and the deputy bailiff; and 3 non-voting members

- the Dean of Jersey, the Attorney General, and the Solicitor

General all appointed by the monarch)

elections: last held NA (next to be held NA)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 52

Jordan

bicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-'Umma consists of

the Senate, also called the House of Notables (Majlis al-Ayan) (40

seats; members appointed by the monarch from designated categories

of public figures; members serve four-year terms) and the House of

Representatives, also called the House of Deputies (Majlis

al-Nuwaab) (110 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis

of proportional representation to serve four-year terms; note - six

seats are reserved for women and are allocated by a special

electoral panel if no women are elected)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 17 June 2003, next

to be held NA 2007

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - independents and others 89.6%, Islamic Action Front 10.4%;

seats by party - independents and others 92, Islamic Action Front 18

(note - one of the six quota seats was given to a female IAF

candidate)

note: the House of Representatives has been convened and dissolved

by the monarch several times since 1974; in November 1989, the first

parliamentary elections in 22 years were held; political parties

were not legalized until 1992; King Abdallah delayed the 2001

elections until 2003

Kazakhstan

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (39 seats -

previously 47 seats; 7 senators are appointed by the president;

other members are popularly elected, two from each of the 14

oblasts, the capital of Astana, and the city of Almaty, to serve

six-year terms) and the Majilis (77 seats; 10 out of the 77 Majilis

members are elected from the winning party's lists; members are

popularly elected to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - (indirect) last held 17 September 1999 (next to

be held NA December 2005); Majilis - last held 10 and 24 October and

26 December 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: note - the election results are for the old Senate

structure; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NA; 16 seats up for election in 1999, candidates nominated by local

councils; Majilis - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Otan 23, Civic Party 13, Communist Party 3, Agrarian Party 3,

People's Cooperative Party 1, independents 34; note - most

independent candidates are affiliated with parastatal enterprises

and other pro-government institutions

Kenya

unicameral National Assembly or Bunge (224 seats; 210 members

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms, 12 so-called

"nominated" members who are appointed by the president but selected

by the parties in proportion to their parliamentary vote totals, 2

ex-officio members)

elections: last held 27 December 2002 (next to be held by early 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NARC 125, KANU 64, FORD-P 14, other 7; ex-officio 2; seats appointed

by the president - NARC 7, KANU 4, FORD-P 1

Kiribati

unicameral House of Parliament or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (42

seats; 39 elected by popular vote, one ex officio member - the

attorney general, one appointed to represent Banaba, and one other;

members serve four-year terms)

elections: first round elections last held 29 November 2002; second

round elections held 6 December 2002 (next to be held by November

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

BTK 17, MTM 16, independents 7, other 2 (includes attorney general)

note: new legislative elections were held in two rounds - the first

round on 9 May 2003 and the second round on 14 May 2003

Korea, North

unicameral Supreme People's Assembly or Ch'oego Inmin

Hoeui (687 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year

terms)

elections: last held 3 August 2003 (next to be held in August 2008)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -

NA; the KWP approves a list of candidates who are elected without

opposition; some seats are held by minor parties

Korea, South

unicameral National Assembly or Kukhoe (273 seats total

- 227 elected by direct, popular vote; members serve four-year

terms); note - beginning in 2004, all members will be directly

elected; possible redistricting before 2004 may affect the number of

seats in the National Assembly

elections: last held 13 April 2000 (next to be held NA April 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

GNP 133, MDP 115, ULD 17, other 8; note - the distribution of seats

as of April 2003 was: GNP 153, MDP 101, ULD 11, DPP 1, PPR 1,

independents 5; one seat vacant

Kuwait

unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 6 July 2003 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - Islamists 21,

government supporters 14, liberals 3, and independents 12; note -

all cabinet ministers are also ex officio members of the National

Assembly

Kyrgyzstan

bicameral Supreme Council or Zhogorku Kenesh consists of

the Assembly of People's Representatives (70 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the

Legislative Assembly (35 seats; members are elected by popular vote

to serve five-year terms)

elections: Assembly of People's Representatives - last held 20

February and 12 March 2000 (next to be held NA February 2005);

Legislative Assembly - last held 20 February and 12 March 2000 (next

to be held NA February 2005)

election results: Assembly of People's Representatives - percent of

vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; and Legislative Assembly -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; note - total

seats by party in the Supreme Council were as follows: Union of

Democratic Forces 12, Communists 6, My Country Party of Action 4,

independents 73, other 10

note: the legislature became bicameral for the 5 February 1995

elections; the 2000 election results include both the Assembly of

People's Representatives and the Legislative Assembly

Laos

unicameral National Assembly (109 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms; note - total number of seats

increased from 99 to 109 for the 2002 election)

elections: last held 24 February 2002 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

LPRP or LPRP-approved (independent, non-party members) 109

Latvia

unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members are

elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 5 October 2002 (next to be held NA October 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - New Era 23.9%, PCTVL

18.9%, People's Party 16.7%, ZZS 9.5%, First Party 7.6%, LNNK 5.4%;

seats by party - New Era 26, PCTVL 24, People's Party 21, ZZS 12,

First Party 10, LNNK 7

Lebanon

unicameral National Assembly or Majlis Alnuwab (Arabic) or

Assemblee Nationale (French) (128 seats; members elected by popular

vote on the basis of sectarian proportional representation to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 27 August and 3 September 2000 (next to be held

NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - Muslim 57% (of which

Sunni 25%, Sh'ite 25%, Druze 6%, Alawite less than 1%), Christian

43% (of which Maronite 23%); seats by party - Muslim 64 (of which

Sunni 27, Sh'ite 27, Druze 8, Alawite 2), Christian 64 (of which

Maronite 34)

Lesotho

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (33 members - 22

principal chiefs and 11 other members appointed by the ruling party)

and the Assembly (120 seats, 80 by direct popular vote and 40 by

proportional vote; members elected by popular vote for five-year

terms); note - number of seats in the Assembly rose from 80 to 120

in the May 2002 election

elections: last held 25 May 2002 (next to be held NA May 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - LCD 54%, BNP 21%, LPC

7%, other 18%; seats by party - LCD 76, BNP 21, LPC 5, other 18

Liberia

bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (26

seats; members elected by popular vote to serve nine-year terms) and

the House of Representatives (64 seats; members elected by popular

vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 19 July 1997 (next to be held NA

2006); House of Representatives - last held 19 July 1997 (next to be

held 14 October 2003)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - NPP 21, UP 3, ALCOP 2; House of Representatives - percent of

vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NPP 49, UP 7, ALCOP 3,

Alliance of Political Parties 2, UPP 2, LPP 1

Libya

unicameral General People's Congress (NA seats; members

elected indirectly through a hierarchy of people's committees)

Liechtenstein

unicameral Parliament or Landtag (25 seats; members

are elected by direct, popular vote under proportional

representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 11 February 2001 (next to be held by NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - FBP 49.90%, VU 41.35%,

FL 8.71%; seats by party - FBP 13, VU 11, FL 1

Lithuania

unicameral Parliament or Seimas (141 seats, 71 members are

directly elected by popular vote, 70 are elected by proportional

representation; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 8 October 2000 (next to be held NA October 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democratic

Coalition 31.1%, New Union-Social Liberals 19.6%, Liberal Union

17.2%, TS 8.6%, remaining parties all less than 5%; seats by faction

- Social Democratic Coalition 51, New Union-Social Liberals 25,

United Political Group-Group of Liberals 24, Liberal Democrats 13,

Conservatives 9, Farmers and New Democracy Parties 8, Mixed Group 6,

independent 1 (four seats unfilled as of 1 June 2003)

note: the voting results from the 2000 elections do not correspond

to the make up of the Seimas, which has evolved into a number of

factions, each made up of members of several parties

Luxembourg

unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60

seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 13 June 1999 (next to be held by June 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - CSV 29.79%, DP 21.58%,

LSAP 23.75%, ADR 10.36%, Green Party 9.09%, the Left 3.77%; seats by

party - CSV 19, DP 15, LSAP 13, ADR 6, Green Party 5, the Left 2

note: there is also a Council of State that serves as an advisory

body to the Chamber of Deputies; the Council of State has 21 members

appointed by the Grand Duke on the advice of the prime minister

Macau

unicameral Legislative Council or LEGCO (27 seats; 10 elected

by popular vote, 10 by indirect vote, and 7 appointed by the chief

executive; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 23 September 2001 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats by political bloc -

Entertainment Industry 3, pro-democracy 2, pro-Beijing Labor Union

2, pro-Beijing Neighborhood Association 2, pro-business 1

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

unicameral Assembly or

Sobranie (120 seats - 85 members are elected by popular vote, 35

members come from lists of candidates submitted by parties based on

the percentage that a party gains from the overall vote; all serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 15 September 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Together for Macedonia coalition (SDSM and LDP) 60, VMRO-DPMNE 33,

Democratic Union for Integration 16, Democratic Party of Albanians

7, Party for Democratic Prosperity 2, National Democratic Party 1,

Socialist Party of Macedonia 1

Madagascar

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (160

seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms); note - the legislature is scheduled to become a

bicameral Parliament with the establishment of a Senate; two-thirds

of the seats of this Senate will be filled by regional assemblies

whose members will be elected by popular vote; the remaining

one-third of the seats will be appointed by the president; the total

number of seats will be determined by the National Assembly; all

members will serve four-year terms

elections: National Assembly - last held 15 December 2002 (next to

be held NA 2006)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - TIM 103, FP 22, AREMA 3, LEADER/Fanilo 2, RPSD

5, others 3, independents 22

Malawi

unicameral National Assembly (193 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 15 June 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - UDF 48%, MCP 34%, AFORD

15%, others 3%; seats by party - UDF 96, MCP 61, AFORD 30, others 6

Malaysia

bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of the Senate or

Dewan Negara (69 seats; 43 appointed by the paramount ruler, 26

appointed by the state legislatures) and the House of

Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (193 seats; members elected by

popular vote weighted toward the rural Malay population to serve

five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 29 November 1999

(next must be held by November 2004)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - BN 56%, other 44%; seats by party - BN 148, PAS 27, DAP 10,

Keadilan 5, PBS 3

Maldives

unicameral People's Council or Majlis (50 seats; 42 elected

by popular vote, 8 appointed by the president; members serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 20 November 1999 (next to be held NA November

2004)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 42

Mali

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (147 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 14 July and 28 July 2002 (next to be held NA

July 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Hope 2002 coalition 66, ADEMA 51, other 30

Malta

unicameral House of Representatives (usually 65 seats; note -

additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular

vote to ensure a legislative majority; members are elected by

popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 12 April 2003 (next to be held by April 2008)

election results: percent of vote by party - PN 51.7%, MLP 47.6%, AD

0.7%; seats by party - PN 34, MLP 31

Man, Isle of

bicameral Tynwald consists of the Legislative Council

(an 11-member body composed of the President of Tynwald, the Lord

Bishop of Sodor and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others

named by the House of Keys) and the House of Keys (24 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Keys - last held 22 November 2001 (next to be

held NA November 2006)

election results: House of Keys - percent of vote by party - Man

Labor Party 17.3%, Alliance for Progressive Government 14.6%; seats

by party - Man Labor Party 2, Alliance for Progressive Government 3,

independents 19

Marshall Islands

unicameral Parliament or Nitijela (33 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 17 November 2003 (next to be held not later

than November 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA

note: the Council of Chiefs is a 12-member body that advises on

matters affecting customary law and practice

Martinique

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (45 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and a

unicameral Regional Assembly or Conseil Regional (41 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: General Council - last held NA March 2000 (next to be

held NA 2006); Regional Assembly - last held on 15 March 1998 (next

to be held by March 2004)

election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - left-wing candidates 13, PPM 11, RPR 6, right-wing

candidates 5, PCM 3, UDF 3, PMS 2, independents 2; note - the PPM

won a plurality; Regional Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - RPR-UDF 14, MIM 13, PPM 7, left parties 4, PMS 3

note: Martinique elects 2 seats to the French Senate; elections last

held NA September 2001 (next to be held September 2004); results -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PPM 2; Martinique

also elects 4 seats to the French National Assembly; elections last

held, first round - 9 June 2002, second round - 16 June 2002 (next

to be held not later than June 2007); results - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats by party - UMP-RPR 1, PS 1, MIM 1, left-wing

candidate 1 (candidacy of the left-wing candidate was found invalid

by the Constitutional Council; new elections will be called)

Mauritania

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate or Majlis

al-Shuyukh (56 seats, a part of the seats up for election every two

years; members elected by municipal leaders to serve six-year terms)

and the National Assembly or Majlis al-Watani (81 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 12 April 2002 (next to be held NA

April 2004); National Assembly - last held 19 and 26 October 2001

(next to be held NA 2006)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - PRDS 54, RFD 1, UNDD 1; National Assembly - percent of vote

by party - PRDS 79%, RDU 3.5%, UDP 3.5%, AC 5%, UFP 3.5%, FP 1.5%;

seats by party - PRDS 64, UDP 3, RDU 3, AC 4, RFD 3, UFP 3, and FP 1

Mauritius

unicameral National Assembly (66 seats; 62 elected by

popular vote, 4 appointed by the election commission from the losing

political parties to give representation to various ethnic

minorities; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 September 2000 (next to be held by

September 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - MSM/MMM 52.3%, MLP/PMSD

36.9%, OPR 10.8%; seats by party - MSM/MMM 54, MLP/PMSD 6, OPR 2

Mayotte

unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats;

members are elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held 7 October 2000 (next to be held NA 2003)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA

note: Mayotte elects one member of the French Senate; elections last

held 24 September 2001 (next to be held NA September 2007); results

- percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; Mayotte also

elects one member to the French National Assembly; elections last

held 16 June 2002 (next to be held as a special election on NA June

2005); results - percent of vote by party - UMP-RPR 55.08%, UDF

44.92%; seats by party - UMP-RPR 1

Mexico

bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Union consists

of the Senate or Camara de Senadores (128 seats; 96 are elected by

popular vote to serve six-year terms, and 32 are allocated on the

basis of each party's popular vote) and the Federal Chamber of

Deputies or Camara Federal de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members are

directly elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms;

remaining 200 members are allocated on the basis of each party's

popular vote, also for three-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 2 July 2000 for all of the seats (next

to be held NA 2006); Chamber of Deputies - last held 6 July 2003

(next to be held NA 2006)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - PRI 60, PAN 46, PRD 15, PVEM 5, PT 1, CD 1; Chamber of

Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PRI 224,

PAN 153, PRD 95, other 28

Micronesia, Federated States of unicameral Congress (14 seats; members elected by popular vote; four - one elected from each state to serve four-year terms; and 10 - elected from single-member districts delineated by population to serve two-year terms) elections: elections for four-year term seats last held 4 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2007); elections for two-year term seats last held 4 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2005) election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 14

Moldova

unicameral Parliament or Parlamentul (101 seats; parties and

electoral blocs, as well as independent candidates, elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 25 February 2001 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - PCM 50.1%, Braghis

Alliance 13.4%, PPCD 8.2%, other parties 28.3%; seats by party - PCM

71, Braghis Alliance 19, PPCD 11

Monaco

unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16

members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional

representation; to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 9 February 2003 (next to be held NA February

2008)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

UNAM 21, UND 3

Mongolia

unicameral State Great Hural (76 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 2 July 2000 (next to be held NA July 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

MPRP 72, other 4

Montserrat

unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats, 9 popularly

elected; members serve five-year terms)

note: expanded in 2001 from 7 to 9 elected members with attorney

general and financial secretary sitting as ex-officio members

elections: last held NA April 2001 (next to be held by November 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NPLM 7, NPP 2

note: in 2001, the Elections Commission instituted a single

constituency/voter-at-large system whereby all eligible voters cast

ballots for all nine seats of the Legislative Council

Morocco

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Chamber

of Counselors (270 seats; members elected indirectly by local

councils, professional organizations, and labor syndicates for

nine-year terms; one-third of the members are renewed every three

years) and a lower house or Chamber of Representatives (325 seats;

members elected by popular vote for five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Counselors - last held 15 September 2000 (next

to be held NA 2003); Chamber of Representatives - last held 27

September 2002 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: Chamber of Counselors - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - NA; Chamber of Representatives - percent of

vote by party - NA%; seats by party - USFP 50, PI 48, PJD 42, RNI

41, MP 27, MNP 18, UC 16, FFD 12, PND 12, PPS 11, UD 10, MDS 7, PSD

6, Al Ahd 5, ADL 4, GSU 3, PML 3, PRD 3, FC 2, PDI 2, PED 2, CNI 1

Mozambique

unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da

Republica (250 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote

on a secret ballot to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 3-5 December 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - Frelimo 48.54%,

Renamo-UE 38.81%; seats by party - Frelimo 133, Renamo-UE 117

note: Renamo-UE ran as a multiparty coalition; none of the other

opposition parties received the 5% required to win parliamentary

seats; in September 2000, Renamo-UE member Raul DOMINGOS was

expelled from the party; he continues to hold his parliamentary seat

as an independent

Namibia

bicameral legislature consists of the National Council (26

seats; two members are chosen from each regional council to serve

six-year terms) and the National Assembly (72 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: National Council - elections for regional councils, to

determine members of the National Council, held 30 November-1

December 1998 (next to be held by December 2004); National Assembly

- last held 30 November-1 December 1999 (next to be held by December

2004)

election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - SWAPO 21, DTA 4, UDF 1; National Assembly - percent

of vote by party - SWAPO 76%, COD 10%, DTA 9%, UDF 3%, MAG 1%, other

1%; seats by party - SWAPO 55, COD 7, DTA 7, UDF 2, MAG 1,

note: the National Council is primarily an advisory body

Nauru

unicameral Parliament (18 seats; members elected by popular

vote to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held 3 May 2003 (next to be held not later than May

2006)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - Nauru First Party

3, independents 15

Nepal

bicameral Parliament consists of the National Council (60 seats; 35

appointed by the House of Representatives, 10 by the king, and 15

elected by an electoral college; one-third of the members elected

every two years to serve six-year terms) and the House of

Representatives (205 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 3 and 17 May 1999

(next election NA)

note: Nepal's Parliament was dissolved on 22 May 2002

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - NC 37.3%, CPN/UML 31.6%, NDP 10.4%, NSP 3.2%, Rastriya Jana

Morcha 1.4%, Samyukta Janmorcha Nepal 0.8%, NWPP 0.5%, others 14.8%;

seats by party - NC 113, CPN/UML 69, NDP 11, NSP 5, Rastriya Jana

Morcha 5, Samyukta Janmorcha Nepal 1, NWPP 1

Netherlands

bicameral States General or Staten Generaal consists of

the First Chamber or Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly

elected by the country's 12 provincial councils for four-year terms)

and the Second Chamber or Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members directly

elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: First Chamber - last held 25 May 2003 (next to be held NA

May 2007); Second Chamber - last held 22 January 2003 (next to be

held NA January 2007)

election results: First Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - CDA 23, PvdA 19, VVD 15, Green Party 5, Socialist

Party 4, D66 3, other 6; Second Chamber - percent of vote by party -

CDA 28.6%, PvdA 27.3%, VVD 12.9%, Socialist Party 6.3%, List Pim

Fortuyn 5.7%, Green Party 5.1%, D66 4.1%; seats by party - CDA 44,

PvdA 42, VVD 28, Socialist Party 9, List Pim Fortuyn 8, Green Party

8, D66 6, other 5

Netherlands Antilles

unicameral States or Staten (22 seats; members

are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 18 January 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

FOL 5, PAR 4, PNP 3, PLKP 2, DP-St.M 2, UPB 2, DP 1, MAN 1, PDB 1,

WIPM 1

note: the government of Prime Minister Mirna LOUISA-GODETT is a

coalition of several parties; current seats by party - PAR 4, PNP 3,

FOL 2, MAN 2, UPB 2, DP-St. M 2, PDB 1, SEA 1, WIPM 1, other 4

New Caledonia

unicameral Territorial Congress or Congres Territorial

(54 seats; members are members of the three Provincial Assemblies or

Assemblees Provinciales elected by popular vote to serve five-year

terms)

elections: last held 9 May 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

RPCR 24, FLNKS 12, UNI 6, FCCI 4, FN 4, Alliance pour la Caledonie

3, LKS 1

note: New Caledonia elects 1 seat to the French Senate; elections

last held 24 September 2001 (next to be held NA September 2007);

results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; New

Caledonia also elects 2 seats to the French National Assembly;

elections last held 9 and 16 June 2002 (next to be held by June

2007); results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

UMP 2

New Zealand

unicameral House of Representatives - commonly called

Parliament (120 seats; 69 members elected by popular vote in

single-member constituencies including 7 Maori constituencies, and

51 proportional seats chosen from party lists, all to serve

three-year terms)

elections: last held 27 July 2002 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NZLP 52, NP 27, NZFP 13, ACT New Zealand 9, Green Party 9, UF 8,

other 2

Nicaragua

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (93

seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 4 November 2001 (next to be held by November

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - Liberal Alliance

(ruling party - includes PLC, PALI, PLIUN, and PUCA) 46.03%, FSLN

36.55%, PCCN 3.73%, PCN 2.12%, MRS 1.33%; seats by party - Liberal

Alliance 42, FSLN 36, PCCN 4, PCN 3, PRONAL 2, MRS 1, PRN 1, PC 1,

PLI 1, AU 1, UNO-96 1

Niger

unicameral National Assembly (83 seats, members elected by

popular vote for five-year terms)

elections: last held 24 November 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

MNSD-Nassara 38, CDS-Rahama 17, PNDS-Tarayya 16, RDP-Jama'a 8,

ANDPS-Zaman Lahiya 4

Nigeria

bicameral National Assembly consists of Senate (107 seats,

three from each state and one from the Federal Capital Territory;

members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and House

of Representatives (346 seats, members elected by popular vote to

serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 12 April 2003 (next to be held NA

2007); House of Representatives - last held 12 April 2003 (next to

be held NA 2007)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PDP 53.6%,

ANPP 27.9%, AD 9.7%; seats by party - PDP 73, ANPP 28, AD 6; House

of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDP 54.5%, ANPP

27.4%, AD 9.3%, other 8.8%; seats by party - PDP 213, ANPP 95, AD

31, other 7; note - two constituencies are not reported

Niue

unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve three-year terms; six elected from a common

roll and 14 are village representatives)

elections: last held 21 March 2002 (next to be held in March 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NPP 9, independents 11; note - all 20 seats were reelected

Norfolk Island

unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats; members

elected by electors who have nine equal votes each but only four

votes can be given to any one candidate; members serve three-year

terms)

elections: last held 29 November 2001 (next to be held by December

2004)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 9

Northern Mariana Islands

bicameral Legislature consists of the

Senate (9 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (18

seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 5 November 2001 (next to be held NA

November 2003); House of Representatives - last held 1 November 2003

(next to be held NA November 2005)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Republican Party 4, Democratic Party 3, Reform Party 1,

independent 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - Covenant Party 9, Republican Party 7,

Democratic Party 1, independent 1

note: the Northern Mariana Islands does not have a nonvoting

delegate in the US Congress; instead, it has an elected official or

"resident representative" located in Washington, DC; seats by party

- Republican Party 1 (Pedro A. TENORIO)

Norway

modified unicameral Parliament or Storting (165 seats;

members are elected by popular vote by proportional representation

to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 10 September 2001 (next to be held NA September

2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - Labor Party 24.3%,

Conservative Party 21.2%, Progress Party 14.6%, Socialist Left Party

12.5%, Christian People's Party 12.4%, Center Party 5.6%, Liberal

Party 3.9%, Coastal Party 1.7%, other 3.8%; seats by party - Labor

Party 43, Conservative Party 38, Progress Party 26, Socialist Left

Party 23, Christian People's Party 22, Center Party 10, Liberal

Party 2, Coastal Party 1

note: for certain purposes, the Parliament divides itself into two

chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership to an upper house

or Lagting

Oman

bicameral Majlis Oman consists of an upper chamber or Majlis

al-Dawla (48 seats; members appointed by the monarch; has advisory

powers only) and a lower chamber or Majlis al-Shura (83 seats;

members elected by limited suffrage for three-year term, however,

the monarch makes final selections and can negate election results;

body has some limited power to propose legislation, but otherwise

has only advisory powers)

elections: last held 4 October 2003 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: NA

Pakistan

bicameral Parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the

Senate (100 seats - formerly 87; members indirectly elected by

provincial assemblies to serve four-year terms; and the National

Assembly (342 seats - formerly 217; 60 seats represent women; 10

seats represent minorities; members elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 24 and 27 February 2003 (next to be

held by February 2007); National Assembly - last held 10 October

2002 (next to be held by October 2006)

election results: Senate results - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - PML/Q 40, PPPP 11, MMA 21, MQM/A 6, PML/N 4, NA 3,

PML/F 1, PkMAP 2, ANP 2, PPP/S 2, JWP 1, BNP-Awami 1, BNP-Mengal 1,

BNM/H 1, independents 4; National Assembly results - percent of

votes by party - NA%; seats by party - PML/Q 126, PPPP 81, MMA 63,

PML/N 19, MQM/A 17, NA 16, PML/F 5, PML/J 3, PPP/S 2, BNP 1, JWP 1,

PAT 1, PML/Z 1, PTI 1, MQM/H 1, PkMAP 1, independents 3

Palau

bicameral Parliament or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consists of

the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote on a population

basis to serve four-year terms) and the House of Delegates (16

seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA

November 2004); House of Delegates - last held 7 November 2000 (next

to be held NA November 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote - NA%; seats -

independents 9; House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA%; seats -

independents 16

Panama

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (71

seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 2 May 1999 (next to be held NA May 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

PRD 34, PA 18, PDC 5, PS 4, MOLIRENA 3, PLN 3, Democratic Change 2,

PRC 1, MORENA 1

note: legislators from outlying rural districts are chosen on a

plurality basis while districts located in more populous towns and

cities elect multiple legislators by means of a proportion-based

formula

Papua New Guinea

unicameral National Parliament - sometimes referred

to as the House of Assembly (109 seats, 89 elected from open

electorates and 20 from provincial electorates; members elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 15-29 June 2002 and April and May 2003;

completed in May 2003 (voting in the Southern Highlands was not

completed during the June 2002 election period); next to be held not

later than June 2007

election results: percent of vote by party - PPP 15%, Pangu Pati

14%, NA 14%, PDM 8%, PNC 6%, PAP 5%, UP 3%, NP 1%, PUP 1%,

independents 33%; seats by party - PPP 16, Pangu Pati 15, NA 15, PDM

9, PNC 7, PAP 5, UP 3, NP 1, PUP 1, independents 37; note -

association with political parties is very fluid (2002)

Paraguay

bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Chamber of

Senators or Camara de Senadores (45 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies

or Camara de Diputados (80 seats; members are elected by popular

vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators - last held 27 April 2003 (next to be

held NA May 2008); Chamber of Deputies - last held 27 April 2003

(next to be held NA May 2008)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - Colorado Party 16, PLRA 12, UNACE 7, MPQ 7,

PPS 2, PEN 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - Colorado Party 37, PLRA 21, UNACE 10, MPQ 10, PPS 2

Peru

unicameral Congress of the Republic of Peru or Congreso de la

Republica del Peru (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote

to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 8 April 2001 (next to be held 9 April 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - Peru Posible 26.3%,

APRA 19.7%, Unidad Nacional 13.8%, FIM 11.0%, others 29.2%; seats by

party - Peru Posible 47, APRA 28, Unidad Nacional 17, FIM 11, others

17

Philippines

bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or

Senado (24 seats - one-half elected every three years; members

elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of

Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan (214 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; note - additional

members may be appointed by the president but the Constitution

prohibits the House of Representatives from having more than 250

members)

elections: Senate - last held 14 May 2001 (next to be held 16 May

2004); House of Representatives - elections last held 14 May 2001

(next to be held 16 May 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Lakas 13, PDP-Laban/LDP 11; House of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Lakas 86, NPC 51,

LDP 21, LP 20, independents 10, other 26

Pitcairn Islands

unicameral Island Council (10 seats - 6 elected by

popular vote, 1 appointed by the 6 elected members, 2 appointed by

the governor, and 1 seat for the Island Secretary; members serve

one-year terms)

elections: last held NA December 2002 (next to be held NA December

2003)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - all independents

Poland

bicameral National Assembly or Zgromadzenie Narodowe consists

of the Sejm (460 seats; members are elected under a complex system

of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) and the

Senate or Senat (100 seats; members are elected by a majority vote

on a provincial basis to serve four-year terms)

elections: Sejm elections last held 23 September 2001 (next to be

held by September 2005); Senate - last held 23 September 2001 (next

to be held by September 2005)

election results: Sejm - percent of vote by party - SLD-UP 41%, PO

12.7%, Samoobrona 10.2%, PiS 9.5%, PSL 9%, LPR 7.9%, AWSP 5.6% UW

3.1%, other 1%; seats by party (as of 25 April 2003) - SLD 193, PO

57, Samoobrona 39, PiS 43, PSL 39, LPR 28, UP 16, SKL 8, PLD 6, PBL

5, RKN 5, PP 3, ROP 3, German minorities 2, independents 13; note -

SLD and UP ran together on electoral lists in the 2001 elections,

but constitute separate parliamentary clubs in the Sejm; several

other deputies have left their parties and set up other

parliamentary factions; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - SLD-UP 75, AWSP (an electoral alliance of some 36

parties) 15, PSL 4, Samoobrona 2, LPR 2, independents 2

note: two seats are assigned to ethnic minority parties

Portugal

unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da

Republica (230 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 17 March 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - PSD 40.1%, PS 37.8%, PP

8.7%, PCP/PEV 6.9%, The Left Bloc 2.7%; seats by party - PSD 105, PS

96, PP 14, PCP/PEV 12, The Left Bloc 3

Puerto Rico

bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate

(28 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats; members

are directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held 2

November 2004); House of Representatives - last held 7 November 2000

(next to be held 2 November 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - PPD 19, PNP 8, PIP 1; House of Representatives - percent of

vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PPD 30, PNP 20, PIP 1

note: Puerto Rico elects, by popular vote, a resident commissioner

to serve a four-year term as a nonvoting representative in the US

House of Representatives; aside from not voting on the House floor,

he enjoys all the rights of a member of Congress; elections last

held 7 November 2000 (next to be held 2 November 2004); results -

percent of vote by party - PPD 49.3%; seats by party - PPD 1; Anibal

ACEVEDO-VILA elected resident commissioner

Qatar

unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats;

members appointed)

note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there

were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their

terms extended every four years since; the new constitution provides

for a 45-member Consultative Council, or Majlis al-Shura; the public

would elect two-thirds of the Majlis al-Shura; the amir would

appoint the remaining members

Reunion

unicameral General Council (49 seats; members are elected by

direct, popular vote to serve six-year terms) and a unicameral

Regional Council (45 seats; members are elected by direct, popular

vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: General Council - last held 15 and 22 March 1998 (next to

be held NA 2004); Regional Council - last held 15 March 1998 (next

to be held NA 2004)

election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA%;

seats by party - various right-wing candidates 13, PCR 10, PS 10,

UDF 8, RPR 6, other left-wing candidates 2; Regional Council -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PCR 19, UDF 9, RPR

8, various right-wing candidates 4, various left-wing candidates 5

note: Reunion elects three representatives to the French Senate;

elections last held NA 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); results -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; Reunion also

elects five deputies to the French National Assembly; elections last

held 9 June-16 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007); results -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - UMP-RPR 1, UMP 1,

PCR 1

Romania

bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or

Senat (140 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote on a

proportional representation basis to serve four-year terms) and the

Chamber of Deputies or Adunarea Deputatilor (345 seats; members are

elected by direct, popular vote on a proportional representation

basis to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 26 November 2000 (next to be held in

the fall of 2004); Chamber of Deputies - last held 26 November 2000

(next to be held in the fall of 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PDSR (now PSD)

37.1%, PRM 21.0%, PD 7.6%, PNL 7.5%, UDMR 6.9%; seats by party - PSD

65, PRM 36, PNL 13, UDMR 12, PD 9, independents 5; Chamber of

Deputies - percent of vote by party - PDSR (now PSD) 36.6%, PRM

19.5%, PD 7.0%, PNL, 6.9%, UDMR 6.8%; seats by party - PSD 171, PRM

69, PD 29, PNL 27, UDMR 27, ethnic minorities 18, independents 4

Russia

bicameral Federal Assembly or Federalnoye Sobraniye consists

of the Federation Council or Sovet Federatsii (178 seats; as of July

2000, members appointed by the top executive and legislative

officials in each of the 89 federal administrative units - oblasts,

krays, republics, autonomous okrugs and oblasts, and the federal

cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg; members serve four-year

terms) and the State Duma or Gosudarstvennaya Duma (450 seats; 225

seats elected by proportional representation from party lists

winning at least 5% of the vote, and 225 seats from single-member

constituencies; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: State Duma - last held 7 December 2003 (next to be held

NA December 2007)

election results: State Duma - percent of vote received by parties

clearing the 5% threshold entitling them to a proportional share of

the 225 party list seats - United Russia 37.1%, KPRF 12.7%, LDPR

11.6%, Motherland 9.1%; seats by party - United Russia 222, KPRF 53,

LDPR 38, Motherland 37, People's Party 19, Yabloko 4, Union of

Rightist Forces 2, other 7, independents 65, repeat election

required 3

Rwanda

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (53

seats; members elected by direct vote)

elections: last held 29 September 2003 (next to be held NA)

election results: seats by party under the Arusha peace accord - FPR

40, PSD 7, PL 6

Saint Helena

unicameral Legislative Council (16 seats, including the

speaker, 3 ex officio and 12 elected members; members are elected by

popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 27 June 2001 (next to be held NA June 2005)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 15

Saint Kitts and Nevis

unicameral National Assembly (14 seats, 3

appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member

constituencies; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 6 March 2000 (next to be held by July 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

SKNLP 8, CCM 2, NRP 1

Saint Lucia

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats;

six members appointed on the advice of the prime minister, three on

the advice of the leader of the opposition, and two after

consultation with religious, economic, and social groups) and the

House of Assembly (17 seats; members are elected by popular vote

from single-member constituencies to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held 3 December 2001 (next to be

held NA December 2006)

election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - SLP

55%, UWP 37%, NA 3.5%; seats by party - SLP 14, UWP 3

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

unicameral General Council or Conseil

General (19 seats - 15 from Saint Pierre and 4 from Miquelon;

members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: elections last held 19 and 26 March 2000 (next to be held

NA April 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

PS 12, PRG 2, UDF-RPR 5

note: Saint Pierre and Miquelon elect 1 seat to the French Senate;

elections last held NA September 1995 (next to be held NA September

2004); results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

RPR 1; Saint Pierre and Miquelon also elects 1 seat to the French

National Assembly; elections last held, first round - 9 June 2002,

second round - 16 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007); results -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - UDF 1

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines unicameral House of Assembly (21 seats, 15 elected representatives and 6 appointed senators; representatives are elected by popular vote from single-member constituencies to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 28 March 2001 (next to be held by March 2006) election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - ULP 12, NDP 3

Samoa

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fono (49 seats - 47 elected

by voters affiliated with traditional village-based electoral

districts, 2 elected by independent, mostly Eurasian, voters who

cannot, (or choose not to) establish a village affiliation; only

chiefs (matai) may stand for election to the Fono; members serve

five-year terms)

elections: election last held 3 March 2001 (next election to be held

not later than March 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

HRPP 30, SNDP 13, independents 6

San Marino

unicameral Grand and General Council or Consiglio Grande

e Generale (60 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to

serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 10 June 2001 (next to be held by June 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - PDCS 41.4%, PSS 24.2%,

PD 20.8%, APDS 8.2%, RC 3.4%, AN 1.9%; seats by party - PDCS 25, PSS

15, PD 12, APDS 5, RC 2, AN 1

Sao Tome and Principe

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia

Nacional (55 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to

serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 3 March 2002 (next to be held NA March 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - MLSTP 39.6%, Force for

Change Democratic Movement 39.4%, Ue-Kedadji coalition 16.2%; seats

by party - MLSTP 24, Force for Change Democratic Movement 23,

Ue-Kedadji coalition 8

Saudi Arabia

Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (120 members

and a chairman appointed by the monarch for four-year terms)

Senegal

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (120

seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

note: the former National Assembly, dissolved in the spring of 2001,

had 140 seats

elections: last held 29 April 2001 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

SOPI Coalition 89, AFP 11, PS 10, other 10

Serbia and Montenegro

unicameral Parliament (126 seats - 91 Serbian,

35 Montenegrin - filled by nominees of the two state parliaments for

the first two years, after which the president will call for public

elections

elections: last held 25 February 2003 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

DOS 37, DLECG 19, DSS 17, ZP 14, SPS 12, SRS 8, SDP 5, SSJ 5, other 9

Seychelles

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (34

seats - 25 elected by popular vote, 9 allocated on a proportional

basis to parties winning at least 10% of the vote; members serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 4-6 December 2002 (next held by 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - SPPF 54.3%, SNP 42.6%,

DP 3.1%; seats by party - SPPF 23, SNP 11

note: the 9 awarded seats are apportioned according to the

percentage that each party won of the total vote

Sierra Leone

unicameral Parliament (124 seats - 112 elected by

popular vote, 12 filled by paramount chiefs elected in separate

elections; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 14 May 2002 (next to be held NA May 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - SLPP 70.06%, APC

22.35%, PLP 3%, others 4.59%; seats by party - SLPP 83, APC 27, PLP 2

Singapore

unicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - in addition, there

are up to nine nominated members; the losing opposition candidate

who came closest to winning a seat may be appointed as a

"nonconstituency" member

elections: last held 3 November 2001 (next to be held 25 June 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 75.3% (in contested

constituencies), other 24.7%; seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SDA 1

Slovakia

unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic or

Narodna Rada Slovenskej Republiky (150 seats; members are elected on

the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 20-21 September 2002 (next to be held NA

September 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - HZDS-LS 19.5%, SDKU

15.1%, SMER 13.5%, SMK 11.2%, KDH 8.3%, ANO 8%, KSS 6.3%; seats by

party - governing coalition 78 (SDKU 28, SMK 20, KDH 15, ANO 15),

opposition 72 (HZDS 36, SMER 25, KSS 11) (as of February 2003, 12

deputies had split from HZDS and formed an independent faction)

Slovenia

unicameral National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats, 40

are directly elected and 50 are selected on a proportional basis;

note - the numbers of directly elected and proportionally elected

seats varies with each election; members are elected by popular vote

to serve four-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held 15 October 2000 (next to be

held NA October 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - LDS 36%, SDS 16%, ZLSD

12%, SLS/SKD 10%, NSi 9%, SMS 4%, SNS 4%, DeSUS 5%, other 4%; seats

by party - LDS 34, SDS 13, ZLSD 11, SLS 10, NSi 8, SMS 4, SNS 4,

DeSUS 4, Hungarian and Italian minorities 1 each

note: the National Council or Drzavni Svet is an advisory body with

limited legislative powers; it may propose laws and ask to review

any National Assembly decisions; in the election of November 1997,

40 members were elected to represent local, professional, and

socioeconomic interests

Solomon Islands

unicameral National Parliament (50 seats; members

elected from single-member constituencies by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 5 December 2001 (next to be held not later than

December 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 40%, SIACC 40%, PPP

20%; seats by party - PAP 16, SIACC 13, PPP 2, SILP 1, independents

18

Somalia

unicameral National Assembly

note: fledgling parliament; a transitional 245-member National

Assembly began to meet on 13 August 2000 in the town of Arta,

Djibouti and is now based in Mogadishu

South Africa

bicameral Parliament consisting of the National

Assembly (400 seats; members are elected by popular vote under a

system of proportional representation to serve five-year terms) and

the National Council of Provinces (90 seats, 10 members elected by

each of the nine provincial legislatures for five-year terms; has

special powers to protect regional interests, including the

safeguarding of cultural and linguistic traditions among ethnic

minorities); note - following the implementation of the new

constitution on 3 February 1997 the former Senate was disbanded and

replaced by the National Council of Provinces with essentially no

change in membership and party affiliations, although the new

institution's responsibilities have been changed somewhat by the new

constitution

elections: National Assembly and National Council of Provinces -

last held 2 June 1999 (next to be held by 2 August 2004)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - ANC

66.4%, DP 9.6%, IFP 8.6%, NNP 6.9%, UDM 3.4%, ACDP 1.4%, FF 0.8%,

other 2.9%; seats by party - ANC 266, DP 38, IFP 34, NNP 28, UDM 14,

ACDP 6, FF 3, other 11; National Council of Provinces - percent of

vote by party - NA%; seats by party - ANC 61, NNP 17, FF 4, IFP 5,

DP 3

Spain

bicameral; General Courts or National Assembly or Las Cortes

Generales consists of the Senate or Senado (259 seats - 208 members

directly elected by popular vote and the other 51 appointed by the

regional legislatures to serve four-year terms) and the Congress of

Deputies or Congreso de los Diputados (350 seats; members are

elected by popular vote on block lists by proportional

representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 12 March 2000 (next to be held NA

March 2004); Congress of Deputies - last held 12 March 2000 (next to

be held NA March 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PP 44.6%, PSOE

34.1%, CiU 4.2%, PNV 1.5%, CC 1.1%, PIL 0%; seats by party - PP 127,

PSOE 61, CiU 8, PNV 6, CC 5, PIL 1; Congress of Deputies - percent

of vote by party - PP 44.5%, PSOE 34%, CiU 4.2%, IU 5.4%, PNV 1.5%,

CC 1%, BNG 1.3%; seats by party - PP 183, PSOE 125, CiU 15, IU 8,

PNV 7, CC 4, BNG 3, other 5

Sri Lanka

unicameral Parliament (225 seats; members elected by

popular vote on the basis of a modified proportional representation

system by district to serve six-year terms)

elections: last held 7 December 2001 (next to be held NA December

2007)

election results: percent of vote by party or electoral alliance -

UNP, SLMC and CWC 46.8%, PA and EPDP 38%, JVP 9.1%, TNA 3.89%, PLOTE

0.19%; seats by party or electoral alliance - UNP, SLMC and CWC 114,

PA and EPDP 79, JVP 16, TNA 15, PLOTE 1

Sudan

unicameral National Assembly (360 seats; 270 popularly

elected, 90 elected by supra assembly of interest groups known as

National Congress; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 13-22 December 2000 (next to be held NA

December 2004)

election results: NCP 355, others 5

note: on 12 December 1999, BASHIR dismissed the National Assembly

during an internal power struggle between the president and the

speaker of the National Assembly Hassan al-TURABI

Suriname

unicameral National Assembly or Nationale Assemblee (51

seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 5 May 2000 (next to be held NA May 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NF 33, MC 10, DNP 2000 3, DA '91 2, PVF 2, PALU 1

note: widespread demonstrations during the summer of 1999 led to the

call for elections a year early

Swaziland

bicameral Parliament or Libandla, an advisory body,

consists of the Senate (30 seats - 10 appointed by the House of

Assembly and 20 appointed by the monarch; members serve five-year

terms) and the House of Assembly (65 seats - 10 appointed by the

monarch and 55 elected by popular vote; members serve five-year

terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held 18 October 2003 (next to be

held NA October 2008)

election results: House of Assembly - balloting is done on a

nonparty basis; candidates for election are nominated by the local

council of each constituency and for each constituency the three

candidates with the most votes in the first round of voting are

narrowed to a single winner by a second round

Sweden

unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are

elected by popular vote on a proportional representation basis to

serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 15 September 2002 (next to be held NA September

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democrats 39.8%,

Moderates 15.2%, Liberal Party 13.3%, Christian Democrats 9.1%, Left

Party 8.3%, Center Party 6.1%, Greens 4.6%; seats by party - Social

Democrats 144, Moderates 55, Liberal Party 48, Christian Democrats

33, Left Party 30, Center Party 22, Greens 17

Switzerland

bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung (in

German), Assemblee Federale (in French), Assemblea Federale (in

Italian) consists of the Council of States or Standerat (in German),

Conseil des Etats (in French), Consiglio degli Stati (in Italian)

(46 seats - members serve four-year terms) and the National Council

or Nationalrat (in German), Conseil National (in French), Consiglio

Nazionale (in Italian) (200 seats - members are elected by popular

vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year

terms)

elections: Council of States - last held NA 1999 (each canton

determines when the next election will be held); National Council -

last held 19 October 2003 (next to be held NA October 2007)

election results: Council of States - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - FDP 18, CVP 15, SVP 7, SPS 6; National Council

- percent of vote by party - SVP 27.7%, SPS 24.2%, FDP 16%, CVP

12.9%, Greens 7.7%, other small parties all under 5%; seats by party

- SVP 55, SPS 52, FDP 36, CVP 28, Green Party 13, other small

parties 16

Syria

unicameral People's Council or Majlis al-shaab (250 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 2-3 March 2003 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NPF 67%, independents

33%; seats by party - NPF 167, independents 83; note - the

constitution guarantees that the Ba'th Party (part of the NPF

alliance) receives one-half of the seats

Taiwan

unicameral Legislative Yuan (225 seats - 168 elected by

popular vote, 41 elected on the basis of the proportion of

islandwide votes received by participating political parties, eight

elected from overseas Chinese constituencies on the basis of the

proportion of islandwide votes received by participating political

parties, eight elected by popular vote among the aboriginal

populations; members serve three-year terms) and unicameral National

Assembly (300 seat nonstanding body; delegates nominated by parties

and elected by proportional representation within three months of a

Legislative Yuan call to amend the Constitution, impeach the

president, or change national borders)

elections: Legislative Yuan - last held 8 December 2001 (next to be

held NA December 2004); note - the National Assembly is a

nonstanding body and is called into session

election results: Legislative Yuan - percent of vote by party - DPP

39%, KMT 30%, PFP 20%, TSU 6%, independents and other parties 5%;

seats by party - DPP 87, KMT 68, PFP 46, TSU 13, independents and

other parties 11

Tajikistan

bicameral Supreme Assembly or Majlisi Oli consists of the

Assembly of Representatives (lower chamber) or Majlisi Namoyandagon

(63 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year

terms) and the National Assembly (upper chamber) or Majlisi Milliy

(33 seats; members are indirectly elected, 25 selected by local

deputies, 8 appointed by the president; all serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 27 February and 12 March 2000 for the Assembly

of Representatives (next to be held NA 2005) and 23 March 2000 for

the National Assembly (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: Assembly of Representatives - percent of vote by

party - PDPT 65%, Communist Party 20%, Islamic Rebirth Party 7.5%,

other 7.5%; seats by party - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote

by party - NA%; seats by party - NA

Tanzania

unicameral National Assembly or Bunge (274 seats - 232

elected by popular vote, 37 allocated to women nominated by the

president, five to members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives;

members serve five-year terms); note - in addition to enacting laws

that apply to the entire United Republic of Tanzania, the Assembly

enacts laws that apply only to the mainland; Zanzibar has its own

House of Representatives to make laws especially for Zanzibar (the

Zanzibar House of Representatives has 50 seats, directly elected by

universal suffrage to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 29 October 2000 (next to be held NA October

2005)

election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - CCM 244, CUF 16, CHADEMA 4, TLP 3, UDP 2,

Zanzibar representatives 5; Zanzibar House of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - CCM 34, CUF 16

Thailand

bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consists of the

Senate or Wuthisapha (200 seats; members elected by popular vote to

serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Sapha

Phuthaen Ratsadon (500 seats; members elected by popular vote to

serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 4 March, 29 April, 4 June, 9 July, and

22 July 2000 (next to be held NA March 2004); House of

Representatives - last held 6 January 2001 (next to be held NA

January 2005)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - TRT 248, DP 128, TNP 41, NDP 29, other 54

Togo

unicameral National Assembly (81 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 27 October 2002 (next NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

RPT 72, RSD 3, UDPS 2, Juvento 2, MOCEP 1, independents 1

note: two opposition parties boycotted the election, the Union of

the Forces for Change, and the Action Committee for Renewal

Tokelau

unicameral General Fono (48 seats; members chosen by each

atoll's Council of Elders or Taupulega to serve three-year terms);

note - the Tokelau Amendment Act of 1996 confers limited legislative

power on the General Fono

Tonga

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (30 seats - 12

reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles

selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular

vote; members serve three-year terms)

elections: last held 7 March 2002 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote - pro-democratic 70%; seats -

pro-democratic 7, traditionalist 2

Trinidad and Tobago

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (31

seats; members appointed by the president for a maximum term of five

years) and the House of Representatives (36 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Representatives - last held 7 October 2002 (next

to be held by October 2007)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote - PNM

55.5%, UNC 44.5%; seats by party - PNM 20, UNC 16

note: Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly, with 15 members

serving four-year terms

Tunisia

unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab (182

seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 24 October 1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - RCD 92%; seats by party

- RCD 148, MDS 13, UDU 7, PUP 7, Al-Tajdid 5, PSL 2; note - reforms

enabled opposition parties to win up to 20% of seats, increasing the

number of seats they hold from 19 in the last election to 34 now

Turkey

unicameral Grand National Assembly of Turkey or Turkiye Buyuk

Millet Meclisi (550 seats; members are elected by popular vote to

serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 3 November 2002 (next to be held NA 2007); note

- a special rerun of the General Election in the province of Siirt

on 9 March 2003 resulted in the election of Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN to

a seat in parliament, a prerequisite for becoming prime minister on

13 March 2003

election results: percent of vote by party - AKP 34.3%, CHP 19.4%,

DYP 9.6%, MHP 8.3%, ANAP 5.1%, DSP 1.1%, and others; seats by party

- AKP 363, CHP 178, independents 9; note - parties surpassing the

10% threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats

Turkmenistan

under the 1992 constitution, there are two

parliamentary bodies, a unicameral People's Council or Halk

Maslahaty (more than 100 seats, some of which are elected by popular

vote and some of which are appointed; meets at least yearly) and a

unicameral Assembly or Majlis (50 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: People's Council - NA; Assembly - last held 12 December

1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats

by party - NA; note - all 50 elected officials preapproved by

President NIYAZOV; most are from the DPT

Turks and Caicos Islands

unicameral Legislative Council (19 seats,

of which 13 are popularly elected; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 24 April 2003 (next to be held NA 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - PDM 53.8%, PNP 46.2%;

seats by party - PDM 7, PNP 6; note - in by-elections held 7 August

2003, the PNP gained two seats for a majority of 8 seats; PDM now

has 5

Tuvalu

unicameral Parliament or Fale I Fono, also called House of

Assembly (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 25 July 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 15

Uganda

unicameral National Assembly (303 members - 214 directly

elected by popular vote, 81 nominated by legally established special

interest groups [women 56, army 10, disabled 5, youth 5, labor 5], 8

ex officio members; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 26 June 2001 (next to be held May or June 2006);

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NA; note - election campaigning by party was not permitted

Ukraine

unicameral Supreme Council or Verkhovna Rada (450 seats;

under Ukraine's new election law, 225 of the Supreme Council's seats

are allocated on a proportional basis to those parties that gain 4%

or more of the national electoral vote; the other 225 members are

elected by popular vote in single-mandate constituencies; all serve

four-year terms)

elections: last held 31 March 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - Our Ukraine 24%, CPU

20%, United Ukraine 12%, United Social Democratic Party 6%, SPU 7%,

Yuliya Tymoshenko Bloc 7%, other 24%; seats by party - Our Ukraine

102, CPU 60, Regions of Ukraine 42, Working Ukraine-Industrialists

and Entrepreneurs 41, United Social Democratic Party 39, Democratic

Initiatives 22, SPU 20, People's Power 19, European Choice 18,

Yuliya Tymoshenko Bloc 18, Agrarian Party 17, People's Democratic

Party 16, People's Choice 15, others 21

note: following the election, United Ukraine splintered into the

Agrarian Party, European Choice, People's Choice, People's

Democratic Party, Regions of Ukraine, and Working

Ukraine-Industrialists and Entrepreneurs

United Arab Emirates

unicameral Federal National Council or Majlis

al-Ittihad al-Watani (40 seats; members appointed by the rulers of

the constituent states to serve two-year terms)

elections: none

note: reviews legislation, but cannot change or veto

United Kingdom

bicameral Parliament comprised of House of Lords

(consists of approximately 500 life peers, 92 hereditary peers and

26 clergy) and House of Commons (659 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve five-year terms unless the House is dissolved

earlier)

elections: House of Lords - no elections (note - in 1999, as

provided by the House of Lords Act, elections were held in the House

of Lords to determine the 92 hereditary peers who would remain

there; pending further reforms, elections are held only as vacancies

in the hereditary peerage arise); House of Commons - last held 7

June 2001 (next to be held by NA May 2006)

election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party -

Labor 42.1%, Conservative and Unionist 32.7%, Liberal Democrats

18.8%, other 6.4%; seats by party - Labor 412, Conservative and

Unionist 166, Liberal Democrat 52, other 29; note - seating as of 15

February 2002: Labor 410, Conservative 164, Liberal Democrats 53,

other 32

note: in 1998 elections were held for a Northern Ireland Parliament

(because of unresolved disputes among existing parties, the transfer

of power from London to Northern Ireland came only at the end of

1999 and has been rescinded three times the latest occurring in

October 2002; since October 2002 the Northern Ireland Parliament has

been suspended); in 1999 there were elections for a new Scottish

Parliament and a new Welsh Assembly

United States

bicameral Congress consists of the Senate (100 seats,

one-third are renewed every two years; two members are elected from

each state by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of

Representatives (435 seats; members are directly elected by popular

vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 5 November 2002 (next to be held NA

November 2004); House of Representatives - last held 5 November 2002

(next to be held NA November 2004)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Republican Party 51, Democratic Party 48, independent 1;

House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by

party - Republican Party 226, Democratic Party 204, independent 1,

undecided 4

Uruguay

bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General consists of

Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (30 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and Chamber of

Representatives or Camara de Representantes (99 seats; members are

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators - last held 31 October 1999 (next to

be held NA 2004); Chamber of Representatives - last held 31 October

1999 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party -

NA%; seats by party - Encuentro Progresista 12, Colorado Party 10,

Blanco 7, New Sector/Space Coalition 1; Chamber of Representatives -

percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Encuentro

Progresista 40, Colorado Party 33, Blanco 22, New Sector/Space

Coalition 4

Uzbekistan

unicameral Supreme Assembly or Oliy Majlis (250 seats;

members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note -

2002 amendment to the constitution creates a second chamber to be

established via elections in 2004

elections: last held 5 December and 19 December 1999 (next to be

held NA December 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

NDP 48, Self-Sacrificers Party 34, Fatherland Progress Party 20,

Adolat Social Democratic Party 11, MTP 10, citizens' groups 16,

local government 110, vacant 1

note: not all seats in the last Supreme Assembly election were

contested; all parties in the Supreme Assembly support President

KARIMOV

Vanuatu

unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular

vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 2 May 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

UMP 15, VP 14, VRP 3, MPP 2, other and independent 18; note -

political party associations are fluid

note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of custom

and land

Venezuela

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (165

seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms;

three seats reserved for the indigenous peoples of Venezuela)

elections: last held 30 July 2000 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

pro-government 108 (MVR 92, MAS 6, indigenous 3, other 7),

opposition 57 (AD 33, COPEI 6, Justice First 5, other 13)

Vietnam

unicameral National Assembly or Quoc-Hoi (498 seats; members

elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 19 May 2002 (next to be held 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - CPV 90%, other 10% (the

10% are not CPV members but are approved by the CPV to stand for

election); seats by party - CPV 447, CPV-approved 51

Virgin Islands

unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by

popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: last held 6 November 2002 (next to be held NA November

2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

Democratic Party 8, ICM NA, no party affiliation NA

note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the

US House of Representatives; election last held 6 November 2002

(next to be held NA November 2004); results - Donna M.

CHRISTIAN-CHRISTENSON (Democrat) reelected

Wallis and Futuna

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee

Territoriale (20 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve

five-year terms)

elections: last held 11 March 2002 (next to be held NA March 2007)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

RPR and affiliates 13, Socialists and affiliates 7

note: Wallis and Futuna elects one senator to the French Senate and

one deputy to the French National Assembly; French Senate -

elections last held 27 September 1998 (next to be held by NA

September 2007); results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats -

RPR (now UMP) 1; French National Assembly - elections last held 16

June 2002 (next to be held by NA 2007); results - percent of vote by

party - NA%; seats - RPR (UMP) 1

Yemen

a new constitutional amendment ratified on 20 February 2001

created a bicameral legislature consisting of a Shura Council (111

seats; members appointed by the president) and a House of

Representatives (301 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve

six-year terms)

elections: last held 27 April 2003 (next to be held NA April 2009)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -

GPC 238, Islah 46, YSP 8, Nasserite Unionist Party 3, National Arab

Socialist Baath Party 2, independents 4

Zambia

unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; members are elected

by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 27 December 2001 (next to be held NA December

2006)

election results: percent of vote by party - MMD 45.9%, UPND 32.4%,

UNIP 8.8%, FDD 8.1%, HP 2.7%, PF 0.7%, ZRP 0.7%, independents 0.7%;

seats by party - MMD 68, UPND 48, UNIP 13, FDD 12, HP 4, PF 1, ZRP

1, independents 1; seats not determined 2

Zimbabwe

unicameral House of Assembly (150 seats - 120 elected by

popular vote for five-year terms, 12 nominated by the president, 10

occupied by traditional chiefs chosen by their peers, and 8 occupied

by provincial governors appointed by the president)

elections: last held 24-25 June 2000 (next to be held NA 2005)

election results: percent of vote by party - ZANU-PF 48.6%, MDC

47.0%, other 4.4%; seats by party - ZANU-PF 62, MDC 57, ZANU-Ndonga 1

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2102 Life expectancy at birth (years)

Afghanistan

total population: 46.97 years

male: 47.67 years

female: 46.23 years (2003 est.)

Albania

total population: 72.37 years

male: 69.53 years

female: 75.42 years (2003 est.)

Algeria

total population: 70.54 years

male: 69.14 years

female: 72.01 years (2003 est.)

American Samoa

total population: 75.75 years

male: 71.35 years

female: 80.41 years (2003 est.)

Andorra

total population: 83.49 years

male: 80.58 years

female: 86.58 years (2003 est.)

Angola

total population: 36.96 years

male: 36.13 years

female: 37.83 years (2003 est.)

Anguilla

total population: 76.7 years

male: 73.79 years

female: 79.7 years (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

total population: 71.31 years

male: 68.99 years

female: 73.75 years (2003 est.)

Argentina

total population: 75.48 years

male: 71.72 years

female: 79.44 years (2003 est.)

Armenia

total population: 66.68 years

male: 62.41 years

female: 71.17 years (2003 est.)

Aruba

total population: 78.83 years

male: 75.48 years

female: 82.34 years (2003 est.)

Australia

total population: 80.13 years

male: 77.27 years

female: 83.13 years (2003 est.)

Austria

total population: 78.17 years

male: 75.02 years

female: 81.48 years (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

total population: 63.16 years

male: 58.95 years

female: 67.58 years (2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

total population: 65.71 years

male: 62.3 years

female: 69.18 years (2003 est.)

Bahrain

total population: 73.72 years

male: 71.28 years

female: 76.24 years (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

total population: 61.33 years

male: 61.46 years

female: 61.2 years (2003 est.)

Barbados

total population: 71.84 years

male: 69.56 years

female: 74.14 years (2003 est.)

Belarus

total population: 68.43 years

male: 62.54 years

female: 74.6 years (2003 est.)

Belgium

total population: 78.29 years

male: 74.97 years

female: 81.78 years (2003 est.)

Belize

total population: 67.36 years

male: 65.19 years

female: 69.63 years (2003 est.)

Benin

total population: 51.08 years

male: 50.35 years

female: 51.84 years (2003 est.)

Bermuda

total population: 77.41 years

male: 75.38 years

female: 79.49 years (2003 est.)

Bhutan

total population: 53.58 years

male: 53.9 years

female: 53.25 years (2003 est.)

Bolivia

total population: 64.78 years

male: 62.2 years

female: 67.48 years (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

total population: 72.29 years

male: 69.56 years

female: 75.22 years (2003 est.)

Botswana

total population: 32.26 years

male: 32.2 years

female: 32.32 years (2003 est.)

Brazil

total population: 71.13 years

male: 67.16 years

female: 75.3 years (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands

total population: 76.06 years

male: 75.07 years

female: 77.1 years (2003 est.)

Brunei

total population: 74.3 years

male: 71.9 years

female: 76.82 years (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

total population: 71.8 years

male: 68.26 years

female: 75.56 years (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

total population: 44.46 years

male: 43.02 years

female: 45.94 years (2003 est.)

Burma

total population: 55.79 years

male: 54.12 years

female: 57.56 years (2003 est.)

Burundi

total population: 43.2 years

male: 42.54 years

female: 43.88 years (2003 est.)

Cambodia

total population: 57.92 years

male: 55.49 years

female: 60.47 years (2003 est.)

Cameroon

total population: 48.05 years

male: 47.15 years

female: 48.97 years (2003 est.)

Canada

total population: 79.83 years

male: 76.44 years

female: 83.38 years (2003 est.)

Cape Verde

total population: 69.83 years

male: 66.53 years

female: 73.23 years (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

total population: 79.67 years

male: 77.08 years

female: 82.3 years (2003 est.)

Central African Republic

total population: 41.71 years

male: 40.18 years

female: 43.29 years (2003 est.)

Chad

total population: 48.51 years

male: 46.97 years

female: 50.1 years (2003 est.)

Chile

total population: 76.35 years

male: 73.04 years

female: 79.82 years (2003 est.)

China

total population: 72.22 years

male: 70.33 years

female: 74.28 years (2003 est.)

Christmas Island

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Colombia

total population: 71.14 years

male: 67.29 years

female: 75.12 years (2003 est.)

Comoros

total population: 61.18 years

male: 58.92 years

female: 63.5 years (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

total population: 48.93 years

male: 46.83 years

female: 51.09 years (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

total population: 50.02 years

male: 49.04 years

female: 51.02 years (2003 est.)

Cook Islands

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

total population: 76.43 years

male: 73.87 years

female: 79.11 years (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

total population: 42.65 years

male: 40.34 years

female: 45.04 years (2003 est.)

Croatia

total population: 74.37 years

male: 70.76 years

female: 78.2 years (2003 est.)

Cuba

total population: 76.8 years

male: 74.38 years

female: 79.36 years (2003 est.)

Cyprus

total population: 77.27 years

male: 74.94 years

female: 79.71 years (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

total population: 75.18 years

male: 71.69 years

female: 78.87 years (2003 est.)

Denmark

total population: 77.1 years

male: 74.48 years

female: 79.87 years (2003 est.)

Djibouti

total population: 43.13 years

male: 41.82 years

female: 44.48 years (2003 est.)

Dominica

total population: 74.12 years

male: 71.23 years

female: 77.15 years (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

total population: 67.96 years

male: 66.41 years

female: 69.58 years (2003 est.)

East Timor

total population: 65.2 years

male: 62.97 years

female: 67.55 years (2003 est.)

Ecuador

total population: 71.89 years

male: 69.06 years

female: 74.86 years (2003 est.)

Egypt

total population: 70.41 years

male: 67.94 years

female: 73 years (2003 est.)

El Salvador

total population: 70.62 years

male: 67.02 years

female: 74.4 years (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

total population: 54.75 years

male: 52.63 years

female: 56.93 years (2003 est.)

Eritrea

total population: 53.18 years

male: 51.48 years

female: 54.92 years (2003 est.)

Estonia

total population: 70.31 years

male: 64.36 years

female: 76.57 years (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

total population: 41.24 years

male: 40.39 years

female: 42.11 years (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years

Faroe Islands

total population: 78.9 years

male: 75.44 years

female: 82.36 years (2003 est.)

Fiji

total population: 68.88 years

male: 66.43 years

female: 71.44 years (2003 est.)

Finland

total population: 77.92 years

male: 74.28 years

female: 81.68 years (2003 est.)

France

total population: 79.28 years

male: 75.63 years

female: 83.11 years (2003 est.)

French Guiana

total population: 76.69 years

male: 73.36 years

female: 80.18 years (2003 est.)

French Polynesia

total population: 75.45 years

male: 73.08 years

female: 77.93 years (2003 est.)

Gabon

total population: 57.12 years

male: 55.45 years

female: 58.84 years (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

total population: 54.38 years

male: 52.39 years

female: 56.44 years (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

total population: 71.4 years

male: 70.13 years

female: 72.73 years (2003 est.)

Georgia

total population: 64.76 years

male: 61.33 years

female: 68.36 years (2003 est.)

Germany

total population: 78.42 years

male: 75.46 years

female: 81.55 years (2003 est.)

Ghana

total population: 56.53 years

male: 55.66 years

female: 57.43 years (2003 est.)

Gibraltar

total population: 79.38 years

male: 76.51 years

female: 82.4 years (2003 est.)

Greece

total population: 78.89 years

male: 76.32 years

female: 81.65 years (2003 est.)

Greenland

total population: 69 years

male: 65.44 years

female: 72.65 years (2003 est.)

Grenada

total population: 64.52 years

male: 62.74 years

female: 66.31 years (2003 est.)

Guadeloupe

total population: 77.53 years

male: 74.37 years

female: 80.84 years (2003 est.)

Guam

total population: 78.27 years

male: 75.96 years

female: 80.9 years (2003 est.)

Guatemala

total population: 65.23 years

male: 64.31 years

female: 66.21 years (2003 est.)

Guernsey

total population: 80.04 years

male: 77.04 years

female: 83.14 years (2003 est.)

Guinea

total population: 49.54 years

male: 48.28 years

female: 50.83 years (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

total population: 46.97 years

male: 45.09 years

female: 48.91 years (2003 est.)

Guyana

total population: 63.09 years

male: 60.51 years

female: 65.79 years (2003 est.)

Haiti

total population: 51.61 years

male: 50.36 years

female: 52.92 years (2003 est.)

Honduras

total population: 66.65 years

male: 65.31 years

female: 68.06 years (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

total population: 79.93 years

male: 77.23 years

female: 82.83 years (2003 est.)

Hungary

total population: 72.17 years

male: 67.84 years

female: 76.81 years (2003 est.)

Iceland

total population: 79.8 years

male: 77.54 years

female: 82.22 years (2003 est.)

India

total population: 63.62 years

male: 62.92 years

female: 64.37 years (2003 est.)

Indonesia

total population: 68.94 years

male: 66.54 years

female: 71.47 years (2003 est.)

Iran

total population: 69.35 years

male: 68.04 years

female: 70.73 years (2003 est.)

Iraq

total population: 67.81 years

male: 66.7 years

female: 68.99 years (2003 est.)

Ireland

total population: 77.35 years

male: 74.58 years

female: 80.31 years (2003 est.)

Israel

total population: 79.02 years

male: 76.95 years

female: 81.19 years (2003 est.)

Italy

total population: 79.4 years

male: 76.47 years

female: 82.52 years (2003 est.)

Jamaica

total population: 75.85 years

male: 73.84 years

female: 77.97 years (2003 est.)

Japan

total population: 80.93 years

male: 77.63 years

female: 84.41 years (2003 est.)

Jersey

total population: 78.93 years

male: 76.48 years

female: 81.57 years (2003 est.)

Jordan

total population: 77.88 years

male: 75.42 years

female: 80.5 years (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

total population: 63.48 years

male: 58.16 years

female: 69.06 years (2003 est.)

Kenya

total population: 45.22 years

male: 45.02 years

female: 45.43 years (2003 est.)

Kiribati

total population: 60.93 years

male: 57.97 years

female: 64.03 years (2003 est.)

Korea, North

total population: 70.79 years

male: 68.1 years

female: 73.61 years (2003 est.)

Korea, South

total population: 75.36 years

male: 71.73 years

female: 79.32 years (2003 est.)

Kuwait

total population: 76.65 years

male: 75.72 years

female: 77.62 years (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

total population: 63.66 years

male: 59.49 years

female: 68.03 years (2003 est.)

Laos

total population: 54.3 years

male: 52.34 years

female: 56.33 years (2003 est.)

Latvia

total population: 69.31 years

male: 63.46 years

female: 75.45 years (2003 est.)

Lebanon

total population: 72.07 years

male: 69.64 years

female: 74.61 years (2003 est.)

Lesotho

total population: 36.94 years

male: 36.76 years

female: 37.13 years (2003 est.)

Liberia

total population: 48.15 years

male: 47.03 years

female: 49.3 years (2003 est.)

Libya

total population: 76.07 years

male: 73.91 years

female: 78.34 years (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

total population: 79.25 years

male: 75.63 years

female: 82.87 years (2003 est.)

Lithuania

total population: 69.6 years

male: 63.78 years

female: 75.7 years (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

total population: 77.66 years

male: 74.38 years

female: 81.15 years (2003 est.)

Macau

total population: 81.87 years

male: 79.05 years

female: 84.82 years (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

total population: 74.49

years

male: 72.23 years

female: 76.94 years (2003 est.)

Madagascar

total population: 56.14 years

male: 53.82 years

female: 58.53 years (2003 est.)

Malawi

total population: 37.98 years

male: 37.57 years

female: 38.39 years (2003 est.)

Malaysia

total population: 71.67 years

male: 69.01 years

female: 74.51 years (2003 est.)

Maldives

total population: 63.3 years

male: 62.07 years

female: 64.6 years (2003 est.)

Mali

total population: 45.43 years

male: 44.7 years

female: 46.19 years (2003 est.)

Malta

total population: 78.43 years

male: 75.94 years

female: 81.14 years (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

total population: 77.98 years

male: 74.62 years

female: 81.53 years (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

total population: 69.39 years

male: 67.49 years

female: 71.4 years (2003 est.)

Martinique

total population: 78.72 years

male: 79.27 years

female: 78.16 years (2003 est.)

Mauritania

total population: 51.93 years

male: 49.78 years

female: 54.13 years (2003 est.)

Mauritius

total population: 71.8 years

male: 67.82 years

female: 75.85 years (2003 est.)

Mayotte

total population: 60.6 years

male: 58.49 years

female: 62.78 years (2003 est.)

Mexico

total population: 72.3 years

male: 69.26 years

female: 75.49 years (2003 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

total population: 69.13 years

male: 67.39 years

female: 70.95 years (2003 est.)

Moldova

total population: 64.88 years

male: 60.63 years

female: 69.35 years (2003 est.)

Monaco

total population: 79.27 years

male: 75.37 years

female: 83.37 years (2003 est.)

Mongolia

total population: 63.81 years

male: 61.63 years

female: 66.09 years (2003 est.)

Montserrat

total population: 78.36 years

male: 76.24 years

female: 80.59 years (2003 est.)

Morocco

total population: 70.04 years

male: 67.77 years

female: 72.41 years (2003 est.)

Mozambique

total population: 31.3 years

male: 30.98 years

female: 31.63 years (2003 est.)

Namibia

total population: 42.77 years

male: 44.27 years

female: 41.22 years (2003 est.)

Nauru

total population: 61.95 years

male: 58.41 years

female: 65.66 years (2003 est.)

Nepal

total population: 59 years

male: 59.36 years

female: 58.63 years (2003 est.)

Netherlands

total population: 78.74 years

male: 75.85 years

female: 81.76 years (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

total population: 75.38 years

male: 73.16 years

female: 77.7 years (2003 est.)

New Caledonia

total population: 73.52 years

male: 70.57 years

female: 76.62 years (2003 est.)

New Zealand

total population: 78.32 years

male: 75.34 years

female: 81.44 years (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

total population: 69.68 years

male: 67.68 years

female: 71.79 years (2003 est.)

Niger

total population: 42.21 years

male: 42.29 years

female: 42.12 years (2003 est.)

Nigeria

total population: 51.01 years

male: 50.89 years

female: 51.14 years (2003 est.)

Niue

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Norfolk Island

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands

total population: 76.16 years

male: 73.06 years

female: 79.44 years (2003 est.)

Norway

total population: 79.09 years

male: 76.15 years

female: 82.22 years (2003 est.)

Oman

total population: 72.58 years

male: 70.4 years

female: 74.86 years (2003 est.)

Pakistan

total population: 62.2 years

male: 61.3 years

female: 63.14 years (2003 est.)

Palau

total population: 69.5 years

male: 66.37 years

female: 72.82 years (2003 est.)

Panama

total population: 72.32 years

male: 69.97 years

female: 74.79 years (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

total population: 64.19 years

male: 62.07 years

female: 66.42 years (2003 est.)

Paraguay

total population: 74.4 years

male: 71.89 years

female: 77.03 years (2003 est.)

Peru

total population: 70.88 years

male: 68.45 years

female: 73.43 years (2003 est.)

Philippines

total population: 69.29 years

male: 66.44 years

female: 72.28 years (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Poland

total population: 73.91 years

male: 69.77 years

female: 78.28 years (2003 est.)

Portugal

total population: 76.35 years

male: 72.86 years

female: 80.07 years (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

total population: 77.26 years

male: 73.27 years

female: 81.44 years (2003 est.)

Qatar

total population: 73.14 years

male: 70.65 years

female: 75.76 years (2003 est.)

Reunion

total population: 73.43 years

male: 70.03 years

female: 77 years (2003 est.)

Romania

total population: 70.62 years

male: 66.88 years

female: 74.59 years (2003 est.)

Russia

total population: 67.66 years

male: 62.46 years

female: 73.11 years (2003 est.)

Rwanda

total population: 39.33 years

male: 38.51 years

female: 40.18 years (2003 est.)

Saint Helena

total population: 77.38 years

male: 74.49 years

female: 80.42 years (2003 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

total population: 71.57 years

male: 68.76 years

female: 74.56 years (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

total population: 73.08 years

male: 69.52 years

female: 76.9 years (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

total population: 78.11 years

male: 75.82 years

female: 80.51 years (2003 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

total population: 73.08 years

male: 71.3 years

female: 74.92 years (2003 est.)

Samoa

total population: 70.11 years

male: 67.35 years

female: 73 years (2003 est.)

San Marino

total population: 81.43 years

male: 77.9 years

female: 85.26 years (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

total population: 66.28 years

male: 64.79 years

female: 67.82 years (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

total population: 68.73 years

male: 66.99 years

female: 70.55 years (2003 est.)

Senegal

total population: 56.37 years

male: 54.83 years

female: 57.95 years (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

total population: 73.97 years

male: 71.03 years

female: 77.16 years (2003 est.)

Seychelles

total population: 71.25 years

male: 65.78 years

female: 76.88 years (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

total population: 42.84 years

male: 40.33 years

female: 45.42 years (2003 est.)

Singapore

total population: 80.42 years

male: 77.46 years

female: 83.6 years (2003 est.)

Slovakia

total population: 74.43 years

male: 70.44 years

female: 78.64 years (2003 est.)

Slovenia

total population: 75.51 years

male: 71.65 years

female: 79.58 years (2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

total population: 72.1 years

male: 69.64 years

female: 74.68 years (2003 est.)

Somalia

total population: 47.34 years

male: 45.67 years

female: 49.05 years (2003 est.)

South Africa

total population: 46.56 years

male: 46.57 years

female: 46.54 years (2003 est.)

Spain

total population: 79.23 years

male: 75.87 years

female: 82.8 years (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

total population: 72.62 years

male: 70.09 years

female: 75.29 years (2003 est.)

Sudan

total population: 57.73 years

male: 56.59 years

female: 58.93 years (2003 est.)

Suriname

total population: 69.23 years

male: 66.79 years

female: 71.78 years (2003 est.)

Svalbard

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

Swaziland

total population: 39.47 years

male: 41.02 years

female: 37.87 years (2003 est.)

Sweden

total population: 79.97 years

male: 77.31 years

female: 82.78 years (2003 est.)

Switzerland

total population: 79.99 years

male: 77.11 years

female: 83.02 years (2003 est.)

Syria

total population: 69.39 years

male: 68.18 years

female: 70.67 years (2003 est.)

Taiwan

total population: 76.87 years

male: 74.12 years

female: 79.88 years (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

total population: 64.37 years

male: 61.39 years

female: 67.5 years (2003 est.)

Tanzania

total population: 44.56 years

male: 43.33 years

female: 45.83 years (2003 est.)

Thailand

total population: 71.24 years

male: 69.07 years

female: 73.53 years (2003 est.)

Togo

total population: 53.43 years

male: 51.47 years

female: 55.45 years (2003 est.)

Tokelau

total population: NA years

male: 68 years

female: 70 years (2003 est.)

Tonga

total population: 68.88 years

male: 66.43 years

female: 71.44 years (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

total population: 69.59 years

male: 67.07 years

female: 72.23 years (2003 est.)

Tunisia

total population: 74.4 years

male: 72.77 years

female: 76.15 years (2003 est.)

Turkey

total population: 71.8 years

male: 69.41 years

female: 74.3 years (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

total population: 61.19 years

male: 57.72 years

female: 64.84 years (2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

total population: 74 years

male: 71.82 years

female: 76.3 years (2003 est.)

Tuvalu

total population: 67.32 years

male: 65.15 years

female: 69.59 years (2003 est.)

Uganda

total population: 44.88 years

male: 43.42 years

female: 46.38 years (2003 est.)

Ukraine

total population: 66.5 years

male: 61.1 years

female: 72.17 years (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

total population: 74.75 years

male: 72.28 years

female: 77.35 years (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

total population: 78.16 years

male: 75.74 years

female: 80.7 years (2003 est.)

United States

total population: 77.14 years

male: 74.37 years

female: 80.05 years (2003 est.)

Uruguay

total population: 75.87 years

male: 72.54 years

female: 79.38 years (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

total population: 64 years

male: 60.53 years

female: 67.64 years (2003 est.)

Vanuatu

total population: 61.71 years

male: 60.28 years

female: 63.21 years (2003 est.)

Venezuela

total population: 73.81 years

male: 70.78 years

female: 77.07 years (2003 est.)

Vietnam

total population: 70.05 years

male: 67.58 years

female: 72.7 years (2003 est.)

Virgin Islands

total population: 78.59 years

male: 74.73 years

female: 82.68 years (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

West Bank

total population: 72.68 years

male: 70.95 years

female: 74.51 years (2003 est.)

Western Sahara

total population: NA years

male: NA years

female: NA years (2003 est.)

World

total population: 63.95 years

male: 62 years

female: 70.23 years (2003 est.)

Yemen

total population: 60.97 years

male: 59.16 years

female: 62.87 years (2003 est.)

Zambia

total population: 35.25 years

male: 35.25 years

female: 35.25 years (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

total population: 39.01 years

male: 40.09 years

female: 37.89 years (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2103 Literacy (%)

Afghanistan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 36%

male: 51%

female: 21% (1999 est.)

Albania

definition: age 9 and over can read and write

total population: 86.5%

male: 93.3%

female: 79.5% (2003 est.)

Algeria

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 70%

male: 78.8%

female: 61% (2003 est.)

American Samoa

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 98%

female: 97% (1980 est.)

Andorra

definition: NA

total population: 100%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Angola

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42%

male: 56%

female: 28% (1998 est.)

Anguilla

definition: age 12 and over can read and write

total population: 95%

male: 95%

female: 95% (1984 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

definition: age 15 and over has completed five

or more years of schooling

total population: 89%

male: 90%

female: 88% (1960 est.)

Argentina

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.1%

male: 97.1%

female: 97.1% (2003 est.)

Armenia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99.4%

female: 98% (2003 est.)

Aruba

definition:

total population: 97%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Australia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (1980 est.)

Austria

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Azerbaijan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 99%

female: 96% (1989 est.)

Bahamas, The

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.6%

male: 94.7%

female: 96.5% (2003 est.)

Bahrain

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89.1%

male: 91.9%

female: 85% (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 43.1%

male: 53.9%

female: 31.8% (2003 est.)

Barbados

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 97.4%

male: 98%

female: 96.8% (1995 est.)

Belarus

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.5% (2003 est.)

Belgium

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Belize

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.1%

male: 94.1%

female: 94.1% (2003 est.)

Benin

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 40.9%

male: 56.2%

female: 26.5% (2000)

Bermuda

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 99% (1970 est.)

Bhutan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42.2%

male: 56.2%

female: 28.1% (1995 est.)

Bolivia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 87.2%

male: 93.1%

female: 81.6% (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Botswana

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79.8%

male: 76.9%

female: 82.4% (2003 est.)

Brazil

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.4%

male: 86.1%

female: 86.6% (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.8% (1991 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Brunei

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.8%

male: 94.8%

female: 88.5% (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99.1%

female: 98.2% (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 26.6%

male: 36.9%

female: 16.6% (2003 est.)

Burma

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 83.1%

male: 88.7%

female: 77.7% (1995 est.)

note: these are official statistics; estimates of functional

literacy are likely closer to 30% (1999 est.)

Burundi

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 51.6%

male: 58.5%

female: 45.2% (2003 est.)

Cambodia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 69.9%

male: 80.5%

female: 60.3% (2003 est.)

Cameroon

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79%

male: 84.7%

female: 73.4% (2003 est.)

Canada

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97% (1986 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Cape Verde

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.6%

male: 85.8%

female: 69.2% (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1970 est.)

Central African Republic

definition: age 15 and over can read and

write

total population: 51%

male: 63.3%

female: 39.9% (2003 est.)

Chad

definition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic

total population: 47.5%

male: 56%

female: 39.3% (2003 est.)

Chile

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.2%

male: 96.4%

female: 96.1% (2003 est.)

China

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86%

male: 92.9%

female: 78.8% (2003 est.)

Christmas Island

NA

Colombia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.5%

male: 92.4%

female: 92.6% (2003 est.)

Comoros

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 56.5%

male: 63.6%

female: 49.3% (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

definition: age 15 and over can

read and write French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba

total population: 65.5%

male: 76.2%

female: 55.1% (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 83.8%

male: 89.6%

female: 78.4% (2003 est.)

Cook Islands

definition: NA

total population: 95%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Costa Rica

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 95.9%

female: 96.1% (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 50.9%

male: 57.9%

female: 43.6% (2003 est.)

Croatia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.5%

male: 99.4%

female: 97.8% (2003 est.)

Cuba

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97.2%

female: 96.9% (2003 est.)

Cyprus

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.6%

male: 98.9%

female: 96.3% (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

definition: NA

total population: 99.9% (1999 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Denmark

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Djibouti

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 67.9%

male: 78%

female: 58.4% (2003 est.)

Dominica

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 94%

male: 94%

female: 94% (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.7%

male: 84.6%

female: 84.8% (2003 est.)

East Timor

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 48% (2001)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Ecuador

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.5%

male: 94%

female: 91% (2003 est.)

Egypt

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 57.7%

male: 68.3%

female: 46.9% (2003 est.)

El Salvador

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 80.2%

male: 82.8%

female: 77.7% (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85.7%

male: 93.3%

female: 78.4% (2003 est.)

Eritrea

definition: NA

total population: 58.6%

male: 69.9%

female: 47.6% (2003 est.)

Estonia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.8% (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42.7%

male: 50.3%

female: 35.1% (2003 est.)

Faroe Islands definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% note: similar to Denmark proper

Fiji

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.7%

male: 95.5%

female: 91.9% (2003 est.)

Finland

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100% (1980 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

France

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1980 est.)

French Guiana

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 83%

male: 84%

female: 82% (1982 est.)

French Polynesia

definition: age 14 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1977 est.)

Gabon

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 63.2%

male: 73.7%

female: 53.3% (1995 est.)

Gambia, The

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 40.1%

male: 47.8%

female: 32.8% (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Georgia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 100%

female: 98% (1999 est.)

Germany

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (1977 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Ghana

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 74.8%

male: 82.7%

female: 67.1% (2003 est.)

Gibraltar

definition: NA

total population: above 80%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Greece

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.5%

male: 98.6%

female: 96.5% (2003 est.)

Greenland definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% note: similar to Denmark proper

Grenada

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1970 est.)

Guadeloupe

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 90%

male: 90%

female: 90% (1982 est.)

Guam

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1990 est.)

Guatemala

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 70.6%

male: 78%

female: 63.3% (2003 est.)

Guernsey

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Guinea

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 35.9%

male: 49.9%

female: 21.9% (1995 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42.4%

male: 58.1%

female: 27.4% (2003 est.)

Guyana

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 98.8%

male: 99.1%

female: 98.5% (2003 est.)

Haiti

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 52.9%

male: 54.8%

female: 51.2% (2003 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

definition: NA

total population: 100%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Honduras

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.2%

male: 76.1%

female: 76.3% (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 94%

male: 97.1%

female: 90.5% (2003 est.)

Hungary

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.5%

female: 99.3% (2003 est.)

Iceland

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.9% (1997 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

India

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 59.5%

male: 70.2%

female: 48.3% (2003 est.)

Indonesia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.5%

male: 92.9%

female: 84.1% (2003 est.)

Iran

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79.4%

male: 85.6%

female: 73% (2003 est.)

Iraq

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 40.4%

male: 55.9%

female: 24.4% (2003 est.)

Ireland

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98% (1981 est.)

male: NA

female: NA

Israel

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.4%

male: 97.3%

female: 93.6% (2003 est.)

Italy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99%

female: 98.3% (2003 est.)

Jamaica

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 87.9%

male: 84.1%

female: 91.6% (2003 est.)

Japan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (1995 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Jersey

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Jordan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.3%

male: 95.9%

female: 86.3% (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.4%

male: 99.1%

female: 97.7% (1999 est.)

Kenya

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85.1%

male: 90.6%

female: 79.7% (2003 est.)

Kiribati

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Korea, North

definition: age 15 and over can read and write Korean

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99%

Korea, South

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.1%

male: 99.3%

female: 97% (2003 est.)

Kuwait

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 83.5%

male: 85.1%

female: 81.7% (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 99%

female: 96% (1989 est.)

Laos

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 52.8%

male: 67.5%

female: 38.1% (2003 est.)

Latvia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.8% (2003 est.)

Lebanon

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 87.4%

male: 93.1%

female: 82.2% (2003 est.)

Lesotho

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.8%

male: 74.5%

female: 94.5% (2003 est.)

Liberia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 57.5%

male: 73.3%

female: 41.6%

note: (2003 est.)

Libya

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 82.6%

male: 92.4%

female: 72% (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (1981 est.)

Lithuania

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.6% (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2000 est.)

Macau

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.5%

male: 97.2%

female: 92% (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Madagascar

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 68.9%

male: 75.5%

female: 62.5% (2003 est.)

Malawi

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 62.7%

male: 76.1%

female: 49.8% (2003 est.)

Malaysia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.9%

male: 92.4%

female: 85.4% (2003 est.)

Maldives

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.2%

male: 97.1%

female: 97.3% (2003 est.)

Mali

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 46.4%

male: 53.5%

female: 39.6% (2003 est.)

Malta

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 92.8%

male: 92%

female: 93.6% (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Marshall Islands

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.7%

male: 93.6%

female: 93.7% (1999)

Martinique

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.7%

male: 97.4%

female: 98.1% (2003 est.)

Mauritania

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 41.7%

male: 51.8%

female: 31.9% (2003 est.)

Mauritius

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 85.6%

male: 88.6%

female: 82.7% (2003 est.)

Mayotte

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Mexico

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.2%

male: 94%

female: 90.5% (2003 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

definition: age 15 and over can read

and write

total population: 89%

male: 91%

female: 88% (1980 est.)

Moldova

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.1%

male: 99.6%

female: 98.7% (2003 est.)

Monaco

definition: NA

total population: 99%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Mongolia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.1%

male: 99.2%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

Montserrat

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 97% (1970 est.)

Morocco

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 51.7%

male: 64.1%

female: 39.4% (2003 est.)

Mozambique

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 47.8%

male: 63.5%

female: 32.7% (2003 est.)

Namibia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84%

male: 84.4%

female: 83.7% (2003 est.)

Nauru

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Nepal

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 45.2%

male: 62.7%

female: 27.6% (2003 est.)

Netherlands

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (2000 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Netherlands Antilles

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.7%

male: 96.7%

female: 96.8% (2003 est.)

New Caledonia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91%

male: 92%

female: 90% (1976 est.)

New Zealand

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (1980 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Nicaragua

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 67.5%

male: 67.2%

female: 67.8% (2003 est.)

Niger

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 17.6%

male: 25.8%

female: 9.7% (2003 est.)

Nigeria

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 68%

male: 75.7%

female: 60.6% (2003 est.)

Niue

definition: NA

total population: 95%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Norfolk Island

NA

Northern Mariana Islands

definition: age 15 and over can read and

write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 96% (1980 est.)

Norway

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Oman

definition: NA

total population: 75.8%

male: 83.1%

female: 67.2% (2003 est.)

Pakistan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 45.7%

male: 59.8%

female: 30.6% (2003 est.)

Palau

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92%

male: 93%

female: 90% (1980 est.)

Panama

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.6%

male: 93.2%

female: 91.9% (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 66%

male: 72.3%

female: 59.3% (2003 est.)

Paraguay

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94%

male: 94.9%

female: 93% (2003 est.)

Peru

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 90.9%

male: 95.2%

female: 86.8% (2003 est.)

Philippines

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95.9%

male: 96%

female: 95.8% (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA

Poland

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

Portugal

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.3%

male: 95.5%

female: 91.3% (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.8%

male: 93.7%

female: 94% (2001)

Qatar

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 82.5%

male: 81.4%

female: 85% (2003 est.)

Reunion

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 88.9%

male: 87%

female: 90.8% (2003 est.)

Romania

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.4%

male: 99.1%

female: 97.7% (2003 est.)

Russia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.5% (2003 est.)

Rwanda

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 70.4%

male: 76.3%

female: 64.7% (2003 est.)

Saint Helena

definition: age 20 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 98% (1987 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended

school

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 98% (1980 est.)

Saint Lucia

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 67%

male: 65%

female: 69% (1980 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

definition: age 15 and over can read and

write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1982 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

definition: age 15 and over has

ever attended school

total population: 96%

male: 96%

female: 96% (1970 est.)

Samoa

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.6%

female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

San Marino

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 97%

female: 95% (1976 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 79.3%

male: 85%

female: 62% (1991 est.)

Saudi Arabia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 78.8%

male: 84.7%

female: 70.8% (2003 est.)

Senegal

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 40.2%

male: 50%

female: 30.7% (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93%

male: 97.2%

female: 88.9% (1991)

Seychelles

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 58%

male: 56%

female: 60% (1971 est.)

Sierra Leone

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English,

Mende, Temne, or Arabic

total population: 31.4%

male: 45.4%

female: 18.2% (1995 est.)

Singapore

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.2%

male: 96.7%

female: 89.7% (2003 est.)

Slovakia

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Slovenia

definition: NA

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.6% (2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Somalia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 37.8%

male: 49.7%

female: 25.8% (2001 est.)

South Africa

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.4%

male: 87%

female: 85.7% (2003 est.)

Spain

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.9%

male: 98.7%

female: 97.2% (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.3%

male: 94.8%

female: 90% (2003 est.)

Sudan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 61.1%

male: 71.8%

female: 50.5% (2003 est.)

Suriname

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93%

male: 95%

female: 91% (1995 est.)

Svalbard

NA

Swaziland

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 81.6%

male: 82.6%

female: 80.8% (2003 est.)

Sweden

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (1979 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

Switzerland

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99% (1980 est.)

male:

female:

Syria

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 76.9%

male: 89.7%

female: 64% (2003 est.)

Taiwan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86%

male: 93%

female: 79% (1980)

note: literacy for the total population has reportedly increased to

94% (1998)

Tajikistan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.6%

female: 99.1% (2003 est.)

Tanzania

definition: age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili

(Swahili), English, or Arabic

total population: 78.2%

male: 85.9%

female: 70.7% (2003 est.)

Thailand

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 97.5%

female: 94.6% (2003 est.)

Togo

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 60.9%

male: 75.4%

female: 46.9% (2003 est.)

Tokelau

NA

Tonga

definition: can read and write Tongan and/or English

total population: 98.5%

male: 98.4%

female: 98.7% (1996 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98.6%

male: 99.1%

female: 98% (2003 est.)

Tunisia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 74.2%

male: 84%

female: 64.4% (2003 est.)

Turkey

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.5%

male: 94.3%

female: 78.7% (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 99%

female: 97% (1989 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

definition: age 15 and over has ever

attended school

total population: 98%

male: 99%

female: 98% (1970 est.)

Tuvalu

definition: NA%

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Uganda

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 69.9%

male: 79.5%

female: 60.4% (2003 est.)

Ukraine

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.6% (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 77.9%

male: 76.1%

female: 81.7% (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

definition: age 15 and over has completed five or

more years of schooling

total population: 99% (2000 est.)

male: NA%

female: NA%

United States

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 97% (1979 est.)

Uruguay

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 97.6%

female: 98.4% (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.3%

male: 99.6%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

Vanuatu

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 53%

male: 57%

female: 48% (1979 est.)

Venezuela

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.4%

male: 93.8%

female: 93.1% (2003 est.)

Vietnam

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94%

male: 95.8%

female: 92.3% (2003 est.)

Virgin Islands

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Wallis and Futuna

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 50%

male: 50%

female: 50% (1969 est.)

West Bank

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Western Sahara

definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

World

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 77%

male: 83%

female: 71% (1995 est.)

Yemen

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 50.2%

male: 70.5%

female: 30% (2003 est.)

Zambia

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English

total population: 80.6%

male: 86.8%

female: 74.8% (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English

total population: 90.7%

male: 94.2%

female: 87.2% (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2105 Military manpower - availability

Afghanistan

males age 15-49: 7,160,603 (2003 est.)

Albania

males age 15-49: 906,168 (2003 est.)

Algeria

males age 15-49: 9,243,884 (2003 est.)

Angola

males age 15-49: 2,568,082 (2003 est.)

Argentina

males age 15-49: 9,780,063 (2003 est.)

Armenia

males age 15-49: 919,582 (2003 est.)

Australia

males age 15-49: 5,037,538 (2003 est.)

Austria

males age 15-49: 2,093,821 (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

males age 15-49: 2,159,450 (2003 est.)

Bahrain

males age 15-49: 222,242 (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

males age 15-49: 38,436,912 (2003 est.)

Barbados

males age 15-49: 77,862 (2003 est.)

Belarus

males age 15-49: 2,756,572 (2003 est.)

Belgium

males age 15-49: 2,497,423 (2003 est.)

Belize

males age 15-49: 66,332 (2003 est.)

Benin

note: both sexes are liable for military service

males age 15-49: 1,597,562

females age 15-49: 1,536,036 (2003 est.)

Bhutan

males age 15-49: 530,860 (2003 est.)

Bolivia

males age 15-49: 2,118,908 (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

males age 15-49: 1,132,476 (2003 est.)

Botswana

males age 15-49: 381,056 (2003 est.)

Brazil

males age 15-49: 51,381,048 (2003 est.)

Brunei

males age 15-49: 110,888 (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

males age 15-49: 1,854,049 (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

males age 15-49: 2,957,710 (2003 est.)

Burma

males age 15-49: 12,349,921

females age 15-49: 12,358,507

note: both sexes liable for military service (2003 est.)

Burundi

males age 15-49: 1,375,900 (2003 est.)

Cambodia

males age 15-49: 3,275,533 (2003 est.)

Cameroon

males age 15-49: 3,799,841 (2003 est.)

Canada

males age 15-49: 8,391,120 (2003 est.)

Cape Verde

males age 15-49: 95,450 (2003 est.)

Central African Republic

males age 15-49: 858,671 (2003 est.)

Chad

males age 15-49: 1,940,328 (2003 est.)

Chile

males age 15-49: 4,154,636 (2003 est.)

China

males age 15-49: 375,520,255 (2003 est.)

Colombia

males age 15-49: 11,101,719 (2003 est.)

Comoros

males age 15-49: 150,079 (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the males age 15-49: 12,292,933 (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

males age 15-49: 754,814 (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

males age 15-49: 1,080,254 (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

males age 15-49: 4,035,462 (2003 est.)

Croatia

males age 15-49: 1,081,135 (2003 est.)

Cuba

males age 15-49: 3,120,702

females age 15-49: 3,049,927

note: both sexes are liable for military service (2003 est.)

Cyprus

males age 15-49: 201,606 (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

males age 15-49: 2,622,192 (2003 est.)

Denmark

males age 15-49: 1,282,315 (2003 est.)

Djibouti

males age 15-49: 107,050 (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

males age 15-49: 2,319,419 (2003 est.)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

males age 15-49: 3,555,068 (2003 est.)

Egypt

males age 15-49: 19,895,370 (2003 est.)

El Salvador

males age 15-49: 1,536,230 (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

males age 15-49: 116,496 (2003 est.)

Estonia

males age 15-49: 360,440 (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

males age 15-49: 15,388,318 (2003 est.)

Fiji

males age 15-49: 235,546 (2003 est.)

Finland

males age 15-49: 1,230,934 (2003 est.)

France

males age 15-49: 14,523,208 (2003 est.)

French Guiana

males age 15-49: 51,444 (2003 est.)

Gabon

males age 15-49: 305,603 (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

males age 15-49: 338,800 (2003 est.)

Georgia

males age 15-49: 1,302,815 (2003 est.)

Germany

males age 15-49: 20,509,838 (2003 est.)

Ghana

males age 15-49: 5,240,557 (2003 est.)

Greece

males age 15-49: 2,662,208 (2003 est.)

Guatemala

males age 15-49: 3,320,077 (2003 est.)

Guinea

males age 15-49: 2,056,520 (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

males age 15-49: 318,711 (2003 est.)

Guyana

males age 15-49: 207,890 (2003 est.)

Haiti

males age 15-49: 1,735,845 (2003 est.)

Honduras

males age 15-49: 1,594,266 (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

males age 15-49: 2,033,716 (2003 est.)

Hungary

males age 15-49: 2,541,426 (2003 est.)

Iceland

males age 15-49: 71,157 (2003 est.)

India

males age 15-49: 288,251,975 (2003 est.)

Indonesia

males age 15-49: 65,665,721 (2003 est.)

Iran

males age 15-49: 20,343,063 (2003 est.)

Iraq

males age 15-49: 6,339,458 (2003 est.)

Ireland

males age 15-49: 1,020,182 (2003 est.)

Israel

males age 15-49: 1,562,716

females age 15-49: 1,516,505

note: both sexes are liable for military service (2003 est.)

Italy

males age 15-49: 14,450,147 (2003 est.)

Jamaica

males age 15-49: 755,698 (2003 est.)

Japan

males age 15-49: 29,392,559 (2003 est.)

Jordan

males age 15-49: 1,577,136 (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

males age 15-49: 4,580,754 (2003 est.)

Kenya

males age 15-49: 8,096,142 (2003 est.)

Korea, North

males age 15-49: 6,103,615 (2003 est.)

Korea, South

males age 15-49: 14,252,851 (2003 est.)

Kuwait

males age 15-49: 845,026 (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

males age 15-49: 1,265,019 (2003 est.)

Laos

males age 15-49: 1,411,042 (2003 est.)

Latvia

males age 15-49: 592,562 (2003 est.)

Lebanon

males age 15-49: 1,025,984 (2003 est.)

Lesotho

males age 15-49: 459,723 (2003 est.)

Liberia

males age 15-49: 735,481 (2003 est.)

Libya

males age 15-49: 1,546,432 (2003 est.)

Lithuania

males age 15-49: 937,055 (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

males age 15-49: 114,326 (2003 est.)

Macau

males age 15-49: 130,228 (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of males age 15-49: 553,988 (2003 est.)

Madagascar

males age 15-49: 3,880,332 (2003 est.)

Malawi

males age 15-49: 2,625,495 (2003 est.)

Malaysia

males age 15-49: 6,067,155 (2003 est.)

Maldives

males age 15-49: 78,025 (2003 est.)

Mali

males age 15-49: 2,441,769 (2003 est.)

Malta

males age 15-49: 99,312 (2003 est.)

Mauritania

males age 15-49: 665,112 (2003 est.)

Mauritius

males age 15-49: 341,029 (2003 est.)

Mexico

males age 15-49: 27,751,539 (2003 est.)

Moldova

males age 15-49: 1,180,874 (2003 est.)

Mongolia

males age 15-49: 796,449 (2003 est.)

Morocco

males age 15-49: 8,595,797 (2003 est.)

Mozambique

males age 15-49: 4,142,449 (2003 est.)

Namibia

males age 15-49: 459,474 (2003 est.)

Nauru

males age 15-49: 3,190 (2003 est.)

Nepal

males age 15-49: 6,674,014 (2003 est.)

Netherlands

males age 15-49: 4,071,891 (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

males age 15-49: 55,155 (2003 est.)

New Zealand

males age 15-49: 1,021,770 (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

males age 15-49: 1,347,033 (2003 est.)

Niger

males age 15-49: 2,379,485 (2003 est.)

Nigeria

males age 15-49: 31,790,482 (2003 est.)

Norway

males age 15-49: 1,099,314 (2003 est.)

Oman

males age 15-49: 788,429 (2003 est.)

Pakistan

males age 15-49: 38,133,733 (2003 est.)

Panama

males age 15-49: 797,456 (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

males age 15-49: 1,370,419 (2003 est.)

Paraguay

males age 15-49: 1,465,781 (2003 est.)

Peru

males age 15-49: 7,510,882 (2003 est.)

Philippines

males age 15-49: 21,923,324 (2003 est.)

Poland

males age 15-49: 10,354,978 (2003 est.)

Portugal

males age 15-49: 2,520,852 (2003 est.)

Qatar

males age 15-49: 320,835

note: includes non-nationals (2003 est.)

Reunion

males age 15-49: 198,341 (2003 est.)

Romania

males age 15-49: 5,912,284 (2003 est.)

Russia

males age 15-49: 36 million (2003 est.)

Rwanda

males age 15-49: 1,932,637 (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

males age 15-49: 36,905 (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

males age 15-49: 6,123,784 (2003 est.)

Senegal

males age 15-49: 2,404,838 (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

males age 15-49: 2,579,620 (2003 est.)

Seychelles

males age 15-49: 23,444 (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

males age 15-49: 1,228,664 (2003 est.)

Singapore

males age 15-49: 1,392,740 (2003 est.)

Slovakia

males age 15-49: 1,484,950 (2003 est.)

Slovenia

males age 15-49: 520,037 (2003 est.)

Somalia

males age 15-49: 1,942,244 (2003 est.)

South Africa

males age 15-49: 11,865,280 (2003 est.)

Spain

males age 15-49: 10,524,715 (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

males age 15-49: 5,383,661 (2003 est.)

Sudan

males age 15-49: 9,032,834 (2003 est.)

Suriname

males age 15-49: 123,159 (2003 est.)

Swaziland

males age 15-49: 284,530 (2003 est.)

Sweden

males age 15-49: 2,060,044 (2003 est.)

Switzerland

males age 15-49: 1,834,638 (2003 est.)

Syria

males age 15-49: 4,715,386 (2003 est.)

Taiwan

males age 15-49: 6,583,604 (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

males age 15-49: 1,704,457 (2003 est.)

Tanzania

males age 15-49: 8,477,193 (2003 est.)

Thailand

males age 15-49: 17,904,298 (2003 est.)

Togo

males age 15-49: 1,270,146 (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

males age 15-49: 327,823 (2003 est.)

Tunisia

males age 15-49: 2,866,984 (2003 est.)

Turkey

males age 15-49: 19,534,455 (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

males age 15-49: 1,239,737 (2003 est.)

Uganda

males age 15-49: 5,476,612 (2003 est.)

Ukraine

males age 15-49: 12,236,811 (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates males age 15-49: 764,413 note: includes non-nationals (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

males age 15-49: 14,877,666 (2003 est.)

United States

males age 15-49: 73,597,731 (2003 est.)

Uruguay

males age 15-49: 831,297 (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

males age 15-49: 6,940,031 (2003 est.)

Venezuela

males age 15-49: 6,767,862 (2003 est.)

Vietnam

males age 15-49: 22,888,109 (2003 est.)

Yemen

males age 15-49: 4,443,312 (2003 est.)

Zambia

males age 15-49: 2,418,776 (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

males age 15-49: 3,236,042 (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2106 Maritime claims

Afghanistan

none (landlocked)

Albania

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Algeria

exclusive fishing zone: 32-52 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

American Samoa

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Andorra

none (landlocked)

Angola

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Anguilla

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

Antarctica

none; 20 of 27 Antarctic consultative nations have made

no claims to Antarctic territory (although Russia and the US have

reserved the right to do so) and do not recognize the claims of the

other nations; also see the Disputes - international entry

Antigua and Barbuda

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Argentina

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Armenia

none (landlocked)

Aruba

territorial sea: 12 NM

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

contiguous zone: 12 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Australia

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Austria

none (landlocked)

Azerbaijan

none (landlocked)

Bahamas, The

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Bahrain

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined

territorial sea: 12 NM

Baker Island

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Bangladesh

contiguous zone: 18 NM

continental shelf: up to the outer limits of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Barbados

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Bassas da India

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Belarus

none (landlocked)

Belgium

continental shelf: median line with neighbors

exclusive economic zone: median line with neighbors (extends about

68 km from coast)

territorial sea: 12 NM

Belize

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM in the north, 3 NM in the south; note - from

the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's

territorial sea is 3 NM; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act,

1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for

the negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences

with Guatemala

Benin

territorial sea: 200 NM

Bermuda

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Bhutan

none (landlocked)

Bolivia

none (landlocked)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

NA

Botswana

none (landlocked)

Bouvet Island

territorial sea: 4 NM

Brazil

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

British Indian Ocean Territory

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

British Virgin Islands

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

Brunei

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM or to median line

territorial sea: 12 NM

Bulgaria

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Burkina Faso

none (landlocked)

Burma

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Burundi

none (landlocked)

Cambodia

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Cameroon

territorial sea: 50 NM

Canada

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Cape Verde

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Cayman Islands exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Central African Republic

none (landlocked)

Chad

none (landlocked)

Chile

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200/350 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

China

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Christmas Island contiguous zone: 12 NM exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Clipperton Island

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Colombia

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Comoros

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Congo, Democratic Republic of the exclusive economic zone: boundaries with neighbors territorial sea: 12 NM

Congo, Republic of the

territorial sea: 200 NM

Cook Islands

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the

continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Coral Sea Islands

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

Costa Rica

continental shelf: 200 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Cote d'Ivoire

continental shelf: 200 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Croatia

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Cuba

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Cyprus

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Czech Republic

none (landlocked)

Denmark

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Djibouti

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Dominica

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Dominican Republic contiguous zone: 24 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 6 NM

East Timor

contiguous zone: NA NM

exclusive fishing zone: NA NM

continental shelf: NA NM

exclusive economic zone: NA NM

territorial sea: NA NM

extended fishing zone: NA NM

Ecuador

continental shelf: claims continental shelf between mainland

and Galapagos Islands

territorial sea: 200 NM

Egypt

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

El Salvador

territorial sea: 200 NM

Equatorial Guinea exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Eritrea

territorial sea: 12 NM

Estonia

exclusive economic zone: limits fixed in coordination with

neighboring states

territorial sea: 12 NM

Ethiopia

none (landlocked)

Europa Island exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) continental shelf: 200 NM exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Faroe Islands

continental shelf: 200 NM or agreed boundaries or

median line

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line

territorial sea: 3 NM

Fiji

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation;

rectilinear shelf claim added

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Finland

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM; extends to continental shelf boundary

with Sweden

territorial sea: 12 NM (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 NM)

France

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM (does not apply to the Mediterranean)

territorial sea: 12 NM

French Guiana

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

French Polynesia

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

from Iles Kerguelen only

territorial sea: 12 NM

Gabon

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Gambia, The

contiguous zone: 18 NM

continental shelf: not specified

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Gaza Strip

Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the

Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be

determined through further negotiation

Georgia

NA

Germany

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Ghana

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Gibraltar

territorial sea: 3 NM

Glorioso Islands

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Greece

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 6 NM

Greenland

continental shelf: 200 NM or agreed boundaries or median

line

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line

territorial sea: 3 NM

Grenada

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Guadeloupe

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Guam

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Guatemala

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Guernsey

exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

Guinea

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Guinea-Bissau

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Guyana

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the outer edge of the

continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Haiti

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Heard Island and McDonald Islands exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Holy See (Vatican City)

none (landlocked)

Honduras

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: natural extension of territory or to 200 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Hong Kong

territorial sea: 3 NM

Howland Island exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Hungary

none (landlocked)

Iceland

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental

margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

India

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Indonesia

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Iran

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: natural prolongation

exclusive economic zone: bilateral agreements or median lines in the

Persian Gulf

territorial sea: 12 NM

Iraq

continental shelf: not specified

territorial sea: 12 NM

Ireland

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Israel

continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Italy

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Jamaica

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Jan Mayen

contiguous zone: 10 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 4 NM

Japan

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM; between 3 NM and 12 NM in the international

straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and Eastern and

Western Channels of the Korea or Tsushima Strait

Jarvis Island

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Jersey

exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

Johnston Atoll

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Jordan

territorial sea: 3 NM

Juan de Nova Island continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Kazakhstan

none (landlocked)

Kenya

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Kingman Reef

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Kiribati

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Korea, North

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

note: military boundary line 50 NM in the Sea of Japan and the

exclusive economic zone limit in the Yellow Sea where all foreign

vessels and aircraft without permission are banned

Korea, South

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: not specified

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM; between 3 NM and 12 NM in the Korea Strait

Kuwait

territorial sea: 12 NM

Kyrgyzstan

none (landlocked)

Laos

none (landlocked)

Latvia

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Lebanon

territorial sea: 12 NM

Lesotho

none (landlocked)

Liberia

territorial sea: 200 NM

Libya

territorial sea: 12 NM

note: Gulf of Sidra closing line - 32 degrees, 30 minutes north

Liechtenstein

none (landlocked)

Lithuania

territorial sea: 12 NM

Luxembourg

none (landlocked)

Macau

not specified

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

none (landlocked)

Madagascar

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or 100 NM from the 2,500-m deep isobath

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Malawi

none (landlocked)

Malaysia

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Maldives

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Mali

none (landlocked)

Malta

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 25 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Man, Isle of exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Marshall Islands contiguous zone: 24 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Martinique

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Mauritania

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Mauritius

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the

continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Mayotte

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Mexico

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Micronesia, Federated States of

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Midway Islands

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Moldova

none (landlocked)

Monaco

territorial sea: 12 NM

Mongolia

none (landlocked)

Montserrat

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

Morocco

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Mozambique

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Namibia

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Nauru

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Navassa Island exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Nepal none (landlocked)

Netherlands

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Netherlands Antilles

exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

New Caledonia

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

New Zealand

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the

continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Nicaragua

continental shelf: natural prolongation

territorial sea: 200 NM

Niger

none (landlocked)

Nigeria

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Niue

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Norfolk Island

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Northern Mariana Islands

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Norway

contiguous zone: 10 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 4 NM

Oman

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Pakistan

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Palau

exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM

extended fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

Palmyra Atoll

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Panama

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Papua New Guinea

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Paracel Islands

NA

Paraguay

none (landlocked)

Peru

continental shelf: 200 NM

territorial sea: 200 NM

Philippines

continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 NM from

coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also

claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 NM in

breadth

Pitcairn Islands

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 3 NM

Poland

exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties

territorial sea: 12 NM

Portugal

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Puerto Rico

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Qatar

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: as determined by bilateral agreements or

the median line

territorial sea: 12 NM

Reunion

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Romania

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Russia

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Rwanda

none (landlocked)

Saint Helena exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Saint Kitts and Nevis

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

territorial sea: 12 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Saint Lucia

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Saint Pierre and Miquelon exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines contiguous zone: 24 NM continental shelf: 200 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM

Samoa

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

San Marino

none (landlocked)

Sao Tome and Principe

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Saudi Arabia

contiguous zone: 18 NM

continental shelf: not specified

territorial sea: 12 NM

Senegal

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Serbia and Montenegro

NA

Seychelles

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Sierra Leone

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Singapore

exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea,

as defined in treaties and practice

territorial sea: 3 NM

Slovakia

none (landlocked)

Slovenia

NA

Solomon Islands

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

continental shelf: 200 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Somalia

territorial sea: 200 NM

South Africa

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

exclusive fishing zone:

200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Spain

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM (applies only to the Atlantic Ocean)

territorial sea: 12 NM

Spratly Islands

NA

Sri Lanka

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Sudan

contiguous zone: 18 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 12 NM

Suriname

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Svalbard

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM unilaterally claimed by

Norway but not recognized by Russia

territorial sea: 4 NM

Swaziland

none (landlocked)

Sweden

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: agreed boundaries or midlines

territorial sea: 12 NM (adjustments made to return a portion of

straits to high seas)

Switzerland

none (landlocked)

Syria

contiguous zone: 41 NM

territorial sea: 35 NM

Taiwan

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Tajikistan

none (landlocked)

Tanzania

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Thailand

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Togo

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 30 NM

Tokelau

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Tonga

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Trinidad and Tobago

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the outer edge of the continental

margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Tromelin Island

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of

exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Tunisia

contiguous zone: 24 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Turkey

exclusive economic zone: in Black Sea only: to the maritime

boundary agreed upon with the former USSR

territorial sea: 6 NM in the Aegean Sea; 12 NM in Black Sea and in

Mediterranean Sea

Turkmenistan

none (landlocked)

Turks and Caicos Islands

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Tuvalu

contiguous zone: 24 NM

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Uganda

none (landlocked)

Ukraine

continental shelf: 200-m or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

United Arab Emirates

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

United Kingdom

continental shelf: as defined in continental shelf

orders or in accordance with agreed upon boundaries

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

United States

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: not specified

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Uruguay

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Uzbekistan

none (doubly landlocked)

Vanuatu

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Venezuela

contiguous zone: 15 NM

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Vietnam

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Virgin Islands

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Wake Island

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Wallis and Futuna

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

West Bank

none (landlocked)

Western Sahara

contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issue

World

a variety of situations exist, but in general, most countries

make the following claims: contiguous zone - 24 NM; continental

shelf - 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation, or 200 NM or to

the edge of the continental margin; exclusive fishing zone - 200 NM;

exclusive economic zone - 200 NM; territorial sea - 12 NM; boundary

situations with neighboring states prevent many countries from

extending their fishing or economic zones to a full 200 NM; 43

nations and other areas that are landlocked include Afghanistan,

Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia,

Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad,

Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary,

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,

Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San

Marino, Slovakia, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tajikistan, The Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan,

West Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe; two of these, Liechtenstein and

Uzbekistan, are doubly landlocked

Yemen

contiguous zone: 24 NM

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Zambia

none (landlocked)

Zimbabwe

none (landlocked)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2107 International organization participation

Afghanistan

AsDB, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GUUAM, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,

IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO

Albania

ACCT, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIG, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Algeria

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

G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OPCW, OPEC,

OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WCO,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

American Samoa

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

Andorra

CE, ECE, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OSCE,

UN, UNESCO, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Angola

ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAS (observer),

OAU, SADC, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Anguilla

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS

(associate), ECLAC (associate)

Antigua and Barbuda

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Argentina

AfDB, Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, ECLAC, FAO, G-6, G-15,

G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO,

ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MINURSO, MIPONUH, MONUC, MTCR, NSG, OAS,

OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOVIC, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Armenia

BSEC, CE, CIS, COE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OPCW,

OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Aruba

Caricom (observer), ECLAC (associate), Interpol, IOC, UNESCO

(associate), WCL, WToO (associate)

Australia

ANZUS, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue

partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OECD,

OPCW, PCA, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMEE,

UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Austria

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI,

CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM (guest), NEA,

NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF,

UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIK,

UNMISET, UNMOGIP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU

(observer), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Azerbaijan

AsDB, BSEC, CE, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO,

GUUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, OAS

(observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Bahamas, The

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory), UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Bahrain

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Bangladesh

AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OIC,

OPCW, SAARC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNU, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Barbados

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Belarus

CEI, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC,

IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, NAM

(observer), NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Belgium

ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN,

EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNMOP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WADB (nonregional),

WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Belize

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Benin

ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Bermuda

Caricom (observer), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, WCO

Bhutan

AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, IOC,

IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), SAARC, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WTrO (observer)

Bolivia

ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MONUC, NAM,

OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UNMIK, UNMISET, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Bosnia and Herzegovina

BIS, CE, CEI, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), OAS (observer), OIC

(observer), OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Botswana

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO,

ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Brazil

AfDB, BIS, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA,

Mercosur, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNMOVIC, UNU,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

British Virgin Islands

Caricom (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate),

Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate)

Brunei

APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB,

IFRCS, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC,

OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Bulgaria

ACCT, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC,

EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE,

PCA, PFP, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate

partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Burkina Faso

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MONUC, NAM,

OAU, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB

(regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Burma

ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM,

OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Burundi

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,

IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Cambodia

ACCT, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

(observer)

Cameroon

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, C, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO, FZ,

G-19, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UN

Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Canada

ACCT, AfDB, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN

(dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CDB, CE (observer),

EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, ESA (cooperating state), FAO, G-7, G-8,

G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

MINURCA, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD,

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR,

UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOVIC, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Cape Verde

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW (signatory),

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

(observer)

Cayman Islands

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC,

UNESCO (associate)

Central African Republic

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA,

FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC (observer), OPCW

(signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Chad

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW (signatory), UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Chile

APEC, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate),

NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UN Security Council

(temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOGIP,

UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

China

APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner),

BIS, CDB, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU,

LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (observer), OPCW, PCA, SCO, UN,

UN Security Council, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, IFC, UNHCR, UNIDO,

AfDB, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMOVIC, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCO,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Christmas Island

none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none

Colombia

BCIE, CAN, Caricom (observer), CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-3,

G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Comoros

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS

(associate), ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO,

WTrO (applicant)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, CEPGL,

ECA, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU,

NAM, OAU, OPCW (signatory), PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Congo, Republic of the

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA,

FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW

(signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Cook Islands

ACP, AsDB, ESCAP (associate), FAO, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD,

IFRCS (associate), IOC, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO, WMO

Costa Rica

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM (observer),

OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Cote d'Ivoire

ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM,

OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WADB

(regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Croatia

BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMOGIP,

UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Cuba

ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS

(excluded from formal participation since 1962), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Cyprus

Australia Group, C, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS

(associate), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM,

NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Czech Republic

ACCT (observer), Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, CERN,

EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),

OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO,

WEU (associate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Denmark

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC,

EBRD, ECE, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS

(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOGIP, UNMOP,

UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (observer), WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WTrO, ZC

Djibouti

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW (signatory), UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Dominica

ACCT, ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Dominican Republic

ACP, Caricom (observer), ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber),

ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW

(signatory), PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

East Timor

AsDB, IBRD, ICCt, IDA, IMF, Interpol, UN, WHO

Ecuador

CAN, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Egypt

ABEDA, ACC, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BSEC (observer), CAEU,

EBRD, ECA, ESCWA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAPEC,

OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNOMIG, UNRWA,

UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

El Salvador

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), MINURSO, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA,

RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,

WTrO

Equatorial Guinea

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO,

FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OAU, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Eritrea

ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory),

ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (associate), IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO

Estonia

BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, OAS

(observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UNTSO, UPU,

WCO, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Ethiopia

ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

ICFTU

Faroe Islands

IMO (associate), NC, NIB

Fiji

ACP, AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO

(subscriber), ITU, OPCW, PCA, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UPU, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Finland

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC,

EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NC, NEA, NIB, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNMOP,

UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (observer), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

France

ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC

(observer), CDB (non-regional), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECA

(associate), ECE, ECLAC, EIB, EMU, ESA, ESCAP, EU, FAO, G- 5, G- 7,

G- 8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS

(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SPC, UN, UN Security Council,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNMOVIC, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WADB (nonregional),

WCL, WCO, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

French Guiana

FZ, WCL, WFTU

French Polynesia

ESCAP (associate), FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WMO

Gabon

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-24,

G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Gambia, The

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Georgia

BSEC, CE, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GUUAM, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Germany

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer),

CBSS, CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 5,

G- 7, G- 8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMSIL,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOVIC,

UNOMIG, UPU, WADB (nonregional), WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,

WTrO, ZC

Ghana

ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAS

(observer), OAU, OPCW, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL,

UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNU, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Gibraltar

Interpol (subbureau)

Greece

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB,

EMU, EU, FAO, G- 6, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO,

ITU, MINURSO, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE,

UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNOMIG, UPU, WCO, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,

WTrO, ZC

Greenland

NC, NIB

Grenada

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO

(subscriber), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory),

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTrO

Guadeloupe

FZ, WCL, WFTU

Guam

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

Guatemala

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer),

NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Guernsey

none

Guinea

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM,

OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMSIL,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Guinea-Bissau

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW

(signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Guyana

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL,

OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Haiti

ACCT, ACP, Caricom, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory), PCA,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Holy See (Vatican City)

CE (observer), IAEA, ICFTU, IOM (observer),

ITU, NAM (guest), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, UN (observer), UNCTAD,

UNHCR, UPU, WHO (observer), WIPO, WToO (observer), WTrO (observer)

Honduras

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), MINURSO, NAM,

OAS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory), PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Hong Kong

APEC, AsDB, BIS, ESCAP (associate), ICC, ICFTU, IHO, IMO

(associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ISO (correspondent), WCL,

WCO, WMO, WToO (associate), WTrO

Hungary

ABEDA, Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE,

EU (applicant), FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

MINURSO, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNOMIG, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate), WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Iceland

Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, FAO,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA (observer), IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NATO, NC,

NEA, NIB, OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UNMIK,

UNU, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

India

AfDB, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner),

BIS, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G- 6, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA (observer), IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MIPONUH,

MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOVIC, UNU,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Indonesia

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM,

OIC, OPCW, OPEC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH,

UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Iran

CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO

Iraq

ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, EAPC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO

Ireland

Australia Group, BIS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA,

EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO,

MONUC, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA,

PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM,

UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU

(observer), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Israel

BSEC (observer), CE (observer), CERN (observer), EBRD, ECE,

FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (associate), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO, ITU, OAS (observer), OPCW (signatory), OSCE (partner), PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Italy

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CDB, CE,

CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 7, G-

8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS

(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO,

WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Jamaica

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-77, IADB,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES,

NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Japan

ABEDA, AfDB, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN

(dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CE (observer), CERN

(observer), CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS

(observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF,

UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMISET, UNMOVIC, UNRWA, UNU, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Jordan

ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE

(partner), PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Kazakhstan

AsDB, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (associate), ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer),

OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Kenya

ACP, AfDB, C, EADB, ECA, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAU,

OPCW, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNU, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Kiribati

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, ITU, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNESCO,

UPU, WHO, WTrO (applicant)

Korea, North

ARF (dialogue partner), ESCAP, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM,

IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO

Korea, South

AfDB, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN

(dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IEA (observer),

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

MINURSO, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE

(partner), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISET,

UNMOGIP, UNOMIG, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Kuwait

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77,

GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC,

OPCW, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Kyrgyzstan

AsDB, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM (observer), OIC,

OPCW (signatory), OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNMIK, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Laos

ACCT, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OPCW, PCA,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

(observer)

Latvia

BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NSG, OAS (observer),

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate

partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Lebanon

ABEDA, ACCT, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAS (observer),

OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Lesotho

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW,

SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Liberia

ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Libya

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAU, OIC, OPEC,

PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO

Liechtenstein

CE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, IAEA, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS,

Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WIPO, WTrO

Lithuania

ACCT (observer), BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU

(applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU,

ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UNMIBH, UNMIK, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WTrO

Luxembourg

ACCT, Australia Group, Benelux, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB,

EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NATO,

NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Macau

ESCAP (associate), IHO, IMO (associate), Interpol

(sub-bureau), ISO (correspondent), UNESCO (associate), WCO, WMO,

WToO (associate), WTrO

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

ACCT, BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC,

EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, OPCW, OSCE,

PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO (observer)

Madagascar

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Malawi

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIK, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Malaysia

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OIC, OPCW,

PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNMISET, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Maldives

AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD,

IFC, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Mali

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional),

WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Malta

C, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Man, Isle of

none

Marshall Islands

ACP, AsDB, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, IDA, IFC, IMF, IMO, Interpol, ITU, OPCW (signatory), Sparteca,

SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Martinique

FZ, WCL, WFTU

Mauritania

ABEDA, ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, ECA,

FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO

(pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU,

NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Mauritius

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC,

Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Mayotte

FZ

Mexico

APEC, BCIE, BIS, Caricom (observer), CDB, CE (observer),

EBRD, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-6, G-15, G-19, G-24, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA (observer), IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA,

NAM (observer), NEA, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UN

Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR,

UNMOVIC, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Micronesia, Federated States of

ACP, AsDB, ESCAP, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,

IDA, IFC, IFRCS (associate), IMF, IOC, ITU, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC,

SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO, WMO

Moldova

ACCT, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GUUAM,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent),

ITU, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Monaco

ACCT, ECE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM,

IFRCS, IHO, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNITAR, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO

Mongolia

ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (observer), CP

(provisional), EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Montserrat

Caricom, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, Interpol

(subbureau), OECS

Morocco

ABEDA, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, EBRD, ECA, FAO,

G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO,

ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Mozambique

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, MONUC,

NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNMISET, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Namibia

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SACU, SADC,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Nauru

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, Interpol, IOC, ITU,

OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO

Nepal

AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO

(correspondent), ITU, MONUC, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNTSO,

UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Netherlands

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN,

EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, EMU, ESA, ESCAP, EU, FAO, G-10, IADB,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM

(guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNTSO, UNU,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Netherlands Antilles

Caricom (observer), ECLAC (associate),

Interpol, IOC, UNESCO (associate), WCL, WCO, WMO, WToO (associate)

New Caledonia

ESCAP (associate), FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WFTU, WMO

New Zealand

ABEDA, ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on

11 August 1986), APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue

partner), Australia Group, C, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NSG,

OECD, OPCW, PCA, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Nicaragua

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS,

OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,

WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Niger

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Nigeria

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC,

NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNMOVIC,

UNU, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Niue

ACP, ESCAP (associate), FAO, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO,

WMO

Norfolk Island

none

Northern Mariana Islands

ESCAP (associate), Interpol (subbureau), SPC

Norway

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD,

ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer),

OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE,

UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate),

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Oman

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Pakistan

AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner), C (suspended), CP, ECO,

ESCAP, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, PCA,

SAARC, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNOMIG,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Palau

ACP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF,

IOC, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Panama

ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW,

PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Papua New Guinea

ACP, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN

(associate member), C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Paraguay

ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MONUC, NAM (observer),

OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Peru

ABEDA, APEC, CAN, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU,

LAES, LAIA, MONUC, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Philippines

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM,

OAS (observer), OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISET,

UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Pitcairn Islands

SPC

Poland

ACCT (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS,

CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA (observer), IFC, IFRCS, IHO,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM

(guest), NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN,

UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate), WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Portugal

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD,

ECE, ECLAC, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MONUC, NAM

(guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Puerto Rico

Caricom (observer), ECLAC (associate), FAO (associate),

ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, WCL, WFTU, WHO (associate), WToO

(associate)

Qatar

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAS

(observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Reunion

FZ, InOC, WFTU

Romania

ACCT, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE,

EU (applicant), FAO, G- 9, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LAIA (observer), MONUC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW,

OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO, ZC

Russia

APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS,

BSEC, CBSS, CE, CERN (observer), CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ESCAP, G- 8,

GEF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU,

LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer),

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UN Security Council, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD,

UNDP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET,

UNMOP, UNMOVIC, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

(observer), ZC

Rwanda

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Saint Helena

ICFTU

Saint Kitts and Nevis

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WTrO

Saint Lucia

ACCT, ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

FZ, WFTU

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO,

G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WTrO

Samoa

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

San Marino

CE, ECE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFRCS, ILO,

IMF, IMO, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UPU, WHO, WIPO, WToO

Sao Tome and Principe

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Saudi Arabia

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BIS, ESCWA, FAO, G-19,

G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer),

OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Senegal

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-15, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC,

OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMOVIC, UPU,

WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Serbia and Montenegro

ABEDA, BIS, CE (guest), CEI, EBRD, FAO, G- 9,

G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS

(observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNMISET, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Seychelles

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC,

Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SADC, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

(observer)

Sierra Leone

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW (signatory), UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO,

WTrO

Singapore

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, ESCAP, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNIKOM, UNMEE,

UNMISET, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Slovakia

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC,

EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP,

UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMISET,

UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO, ZC

Slovenia

ABEDA, ACCT (observer), BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU

(applicant), FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC,

IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest),

NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNTSO,

UPU, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Solomon Islands

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU,

Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTrO

Somalia

ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,

ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

South Africa

ACP, AfDB, BIS, C, ECA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, NSG, OAU, OPCW, PCA,

SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMEE, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Spain

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE,

ECLAC, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MONUC,

NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UN

Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE,

UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO,

ZC

Sri Lanka

AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA,

SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Sudan

ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO,

IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU,

OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Suriname

ACP, Caricom, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU,

LAES, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Svalbard

none

Swaziland

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent),

ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Sweden

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD,

ECE, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 6, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM (guest), NC, NEA, NIB,

NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAMSIL,

UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOGIP, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (observer),

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Switzerland

ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC,

EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MONUC, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNOMIG, UNTSO,

UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Syria

AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UN

Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU,

WCO, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO

Taiwan

APEC, AsDB, BCIE, ICC, ICFTU, IFRCS, IOC, WCL, WTrO

Tajikistan

AsDB, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IOC, IOM,

ITU, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Tanzania

ACP, AfDB, C, EADB, ECA, FAO, G- 6, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNAMSIL,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Thailand

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, BIS, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS

(observer), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMSIL,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMISET, UNU, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Togo

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIPONUH, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Tokelau

SPC, UNESCO (associate), WHO (associate)

Tonga

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, Sparteca, SPC,

SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Trinidad and Tobago

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77,

IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO,

ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL,

OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Tunisia

ABEDA, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, BSEC (observer),

ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OPCW, OSCE

(partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK,

UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Turkey

AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN (observer), EAPC,

EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS

(observer), OECD, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WEU

(associate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Turkmenistan

AsDB, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-77,

IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

(observer)

Turks and Caicos Islands

Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol

(subbureau)

Tuvalu

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, IFRCS (associate), ITU, Sparteca, SPC,

SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WTrO (applicant)

Uganda

ACP, AfDB, C, EADB, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,

UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Ukraine

BSEC, CE, CEI, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, GUUAM, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,

Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS

(observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNMOVIC, UPU,

WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer), ZC

United Arab Emirates

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77,

GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,

IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM,

OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTrO

United Kingdom

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CDB, CE, CERN,

EAPC, EBRD, ECA (associate), ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, EU, FAO,

G- 5, G- 7, G- 8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC,

IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),

OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNAMSIL,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH,

UNMIK, UNMOVIC, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WTrO, ZC

United States

AfDB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN

(dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CE (observer), CERN

(observer), CP, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, ESCAP, FAO, G-5, G-7, G- 8,

G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM,

IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MIPONUH, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD,

OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNHCR,

UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOVIC, UNOMIG,

UNRWA, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC

Uruguay

ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM,

IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL,

OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE,

UNMISET, UNMOGIP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WToO, WTrO

Uzbekistan

AsDB, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, GUUAM, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Vanuatu

ACCT, ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, NAM, Sparteca, SPC, SPF,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIBH, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTrO

(observer)

Venezuela

CAN, Caricom (observer), CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-15, G-19,

G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD,

IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES,

LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WToO, WTrO

Vietnam

ACCT, APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,

IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Virgin Islands

ECLAC (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC

Wallis and Futuna

FZ, SPC

Western Sahara

none

Yemen

ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,

IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAS

(observer), OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer)

Zambia

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-19, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,

ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM,

ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIK, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Zimbabwe

ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt

(signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNMIK, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2108 Merchant marine

Albania

total: 13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 21,954 GRT/34,412 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 11, roll on/roll off 1, includes some

foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience:

Croatia 1, Honduras 1 (2002 est.)

Algeria

total: 69 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 884,032 GRT/1,010,777 DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 23, chemical tanker 6, liquefied gas

10, petroleum tanker 4, roll on/roll off 12, short-sea passenger 4,

specialized tanker 1, includes some foreign-owned ships registered

here as a flag of convenience: United Arab Emirates 2 (2002 est.)

American Samoa

none (2002 est.)

Angola

total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 30,311 GRT/48,924 DWT

ships by type: cargo 7, petroleum tanker 1 (2002 est.)

Anguilla

none (2002 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

total: 816 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,135,866

GRT/6,648,143 DWT

ships by type: bulk 16, cargo 474, chemical tanker 8, combination

bulk 3, container 255, liquefied gas 10, multi-functional large-load

carrier 6, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 8, roll on/roll

off 35

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, Bangladesh 2, Belgium 3, Colombia 1, Cuba

1, Estonia 1, Germany 747, Greece 1, Iceland 8, Latvia 1, Lebanon 2,

Lithuania 1, Netherlands 22, New Zealand 2, Portugal 1, Slovenia 6,

South Africa 1, Sweden 2, United Kingdom 1, United States 7 (2002

est.)

Argentina

total: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 141,851 GRT/208,821 DWT

ships by type: cargo 9, petroleum tanker 8, railcar carrier 1,

refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 1,

specialized tanker 1, includes some foreign-owned ships registered

here as a flag of convenience: United Arab Emirates 1, Uruguay 1

(2002 est.)

Aruba

total: 3

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1

note: there is one foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Monaco 1 (2002 est.)

Australia

total: 51 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,415,810

GRT/1,806,554 DWT

ships by type: bulk 20, cargo 6, chemical tanker 3, combination bulk

1, container 2, liquefied gas 4, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 7,

roll on/roll off 6

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: France 2, UK 2, US 14 (2002 est.)

Austria

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 27,551 GRT/34,225 DWT

ships by type: cargo 4, container 1 (2002 est.)

Azerbaijan

total: 55 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 251,004 GRT/313,193

DWT

ships by type: cargo 13, petroleum tanker 40, roll on/roll off 2

(2002 est.)

Bahamas, The

total: 1,090 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 33,065,778

GRT/46,202,085 DWT

ships by type: bulk 150, cargo 223, chemical tanker 45, combination

bulk 12, combination ore/oil 18, container 108, liquefied gas 26,

livestock carrier 2, multi-functional large-load carrier 8,

passenger 102, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 178, refrigerated

cargo 135, roll on/roll off 40, short-sea passenger 17, specialized

tanker 2, vehicle carrier 23

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Angola 1, Argentina 1, Australia 4, Belgium 18, Bermuda

1, Canada 5, Chile 1, China 3, Croatia 2, Cuba 3, Cyprus 2, Denmark

27, Ecuador 1, Estonia 2, Finland 9, France 15, Germany 26, Greece

173, Hong Kong 6, India 2, Indonesia 2, Ireland 1, Israel 3, Italy

9, Jamaica 1, Japan 32, Kenya 3, Malaysia 10, Malta 2, Monaco 67,

Netherlands 32, New Zealand 2, Norway 237, Panama 2, Philippines 3,

Poland 13, Reunion 1, Russia 6, Saudi Arabia 9, Singapore 13,

Slovenia 1, South Korea 2, Spain 7, Sweden 12, Switzerland 8,

Thailand 1, Trinidad and Tobago 2, Turkey 2, Ukraine 2, United Arab

Emirates 10, United Kingdom 107, United States 159, Uruguay 1 (2002

est.)

Bahrain

total: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 234,599 GRT/336,528 DWT

ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 1, container 2, petroleum tanker 1,

includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Kuwait 1 (2002 est.)

Bangladesh

total: 40 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 314,437 GRT/436,465

DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 23, container 11, passenger 1,

petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Barbados

total: 34 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 284,222 GRT/439,810 DWT

ships by type: bulk 8, cargo 22, combination bulk 1, container 1,

petroleum tanker 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, The Bahamas 1, Canada 4, Germany 1, Greece

2, Hong Kong 7, Norway 7, UK 18 (2002 est.)

Belgium

total: 20 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 32,215 GRT/55,725 DWT

ships by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 10, petroleum tanker 4,

includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Finland 1, Netherlands 3 (2002 est.)

Belize

total: 292 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,030,141 GRT/1,499,777

DWT

ships by type: bulk 15, cargo 200, chemical tanker 7, combination

ore/oil 1, container 12, petroleum tanker 31, refrigerated cargo 18,

roll on/roll off 5, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Albania 2, Belgium 3, British Virgin Islands 6,

Cambodia 1, China 38, Cyprus 1, Ecuador 1, Egypt 1, Equatorial

Guinea 1, Eritrea 1, Estonia 7, Germany 3, Greece 4, Grenada 1,

Honduras 1, Hong Kong 20, Indonesia 6, Italy 2, Japan 4, Jordan 1,

Lebanon 1, Liberia 5, Malaysia 3, Malta 2, Man, Isle of 1, Marshall

Islands 13, Mexico 1, Netherlands 1, Nigeria 1, Panama 12,

Philippines 4, Portugal 1, Romania 1, Russia 3, Saint Vincent and

the Grenadines 3, Saudi Arabia 1, Singapore 22, South Korea 10,

Spain 4, Switzerland 1, Taiwan 1, Thailand 6, Tunisia 1, Turkey 1,

Ukraine 3, United Arab Emirates 9, United Kingdom 2, United States

4, Virgin Islands (UK) 6, Yemen 1 (2002 est.)

Benin

none (2002 est.)

Bermuda

total: 93 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,993,227 GRT/7,089,760

DWT

ships by type: bulk 25, cargo 4, chemical tanker 1, container 14,

liquefied gas 9, passenger 5, petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated

cargo 13, roll on/roll off 7, short-sea passenger 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Croatia 5, Denmark 2, Germany 1, Greece 1, Hong Kong 9,

Indonesia 1, Norway 2, Sweden 11, United Kingdom 52, United States

13 (2002 est.)

Bolivia

total: 53 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 347,535 GRT/591,113 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 25, chemical tanker 4, container 4,

livestock carrier 1, petroleum tanker 12, roll on/roll off 1,

short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

Belize 2, China 2, Cuba 1, Cyprus 1, Egypt 1, Honduras 1, Latvia 2,

Liberia 2, Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Saudi

Arabia 1, Singapore 1, South Korea 3, Switzerland 1, Ukraine 1, UAE

5, US 1 (2002 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

none (2002 est.)

Brazil

total: 159 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,257,186 GRT/5,101,578

DWT

ships by type: bulk 29, cargo 23, chemical tanker 7, combination

ore/oil 7, container 12, liquefied gas 11, multi-functional

large-load carrier 1, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 53, roll

on/roll off 10, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Chile 2, Germany 6, Greece 1, Monaco 1 (2002 est.)

British Virgin Islands

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) 19,203

GRT/28,864 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Brunei

total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 465,937 GRT/413,393 DWT

ships by type: liquefied gas 8

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: UK 7 (2002 est.)

Bulgaria

total: 69 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 829,421 GRT/1,252,496

DWT

ships by type: bulk 42, cargo 10, chemical tanker 4, container 2,

passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 4, railcar carrier 2, roll

on/roll off 2, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 1 (2002

est.)

Burma

total: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 352,765 GRT/536,396 DWT

ships by type: bulk 7, cargo 21, container 1, passenger/cargo 3,

petroleum tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 5, Japan 4 (2002 est.)

Cambodia

total: 527 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,328,371

GRT/3,294,028 DWT

ships by type: bulk 49, cargo 412, chemical tanker 2, combination

bulk 4, container 17, liquefied gas 1, livestock carrier 2,

multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum

tanker 18, refrigerated cargo 11, roll on/roll off 7, short-sea

passenger 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Aruba 1, Belize 11, Bulgaria 3, Cambodia 194, Canada 4,

China 25, Cyprus 14, Egypt 10, Estonia 2, France 1, Georgia 1,

Germany 1, Gibraltar 1, Greece 13, Honduras 8, Hong Kong 12, Iceland

1, Indonesia 2, Iran 1, Ireland 1, Italy 2, Japan 2, Jordan 1, North

Korea, 1, South Korea, 25, Latvia 3, Lebanon 6, Liberia 7, Malaysia

1, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 4, Netherlands 1, Norway 1, Panama 10,

Romania 2, Russia 75, Saint Kitts and Nevis 4, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines 5, Singapore 17, Syria 20, Turkey 18, Ukraine 16, United

Arab Emirates 3, United Kingdom 1, United States 5, Vietnam 3 (2002

est.)

Canada

total: 122 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,840,272 GRT/2,740,864

DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 1, bulk 64, cargo 11, chemical tanker

6, combination bulk 2, combination ore/oil 1, container 1, passenger

2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 18, railcar carrier 2, roll

on/roll off 9, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 3, Monaco 16, United Kingdom 1, United States 1

(2002 est.)

Cape Verde

total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,395 GRT/6,614 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: United Kingdom 1 (2002 est.)

Cayman Islands

total: 123 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,402,058

GRT/3,792,094 DWT

ships by type: bulk 22, cargo 5, chemical tanker 31, container 2,

liquefied gas 1, petroleum tanker 21, refrigerated cargo 35, roll

on/roll off 5, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Bahrain 2, China 1, Germany 4, Greece 27, Hong Kong 3,

Italy 2, Japan 1, Norway 14, Sweden 13, United Kingdom 15, United

States 35 (2002 est.)

Chile

total: 50 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 696,202 GRT/900,317 DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 6, chemical tanker 9, container 4,

liquefied gas 2, passenger 4, petroleum tanker 6, roll on/roll off

6, vehicle carrier 4

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Netherlands 1 (2002 est.)

China

total: 1,817 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 18,047,962

GRT/27,035,740 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 2, bulk 348, cargo 824, chemical tanker

28, combination bulk 10, combination ore/oil 2, container 150,

liquefied gas 28, multi-functional large-load carrier 6, passenger

6, passenger/cargo 47, petroleum tanker 267, refrigerated cargo 26,

roll on/roll off 21, short-sea passenger 42, specialized tanker 8,

vehicle carrier 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Croatia 1, Germany 1, Hong Kong 16, Japan 2, Panama 2,

South Korea 1, Spain 1, Taiwan 9, Tanzania 1, Turkey 1 (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

none (2002 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none (2002 est.)

Colombia

total: 15 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 51,445 GRT/55,930 DWT

ships by type: bulk 5, cargo 6, container 1, petroleum tanker 3

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1 (2002 est.)

Comoros

total: 28 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 432,132 GRT/796,734 DWT

ships by type: bulk 4, cargo 15, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker

5, refrigerated cargo 1, specialized tanker 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Malta 1, Pakistan 1, Turkey 1 (2002 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

none (2002 est.)

Costa Rica

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,716 GRT/ DWT

ships by type: passenger 1 (2002 est.)

Croatia

total: 56 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 765,830 GRT/1,188,948 DWT

ships by type: bulk 14, cargo 16, chemical tanker 4, combination

bulk 5, multi-functional large-load carrier 3, passenger 1,

petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 6,

short-sea passenger 3

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Hong Kong 1 (2002 est.)

Cuba

total: 15 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 59,257 GRT/90,295 DWT

ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 5, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 1,

petroleum tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 2 (2002 est.)

Cyprus

total: 1,180 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 23,106,229

GRT/37,032,163 DWT

ships by type: bulk 421, cargo 325, chemical tanker 25, combination

bulk 24, combination ore/oil 2, container 151, liquefied gas 2,

passenger 8, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 124, refrigerated

cargo 45, roll on/roll off 37, short-sea passenger 9, specialized

tanker 3, vehicle carrier 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Austria 12, Belgium 2, Bulgaria 2, Canada 3, Chile 2,

China 16, Croatia 2, Cuba 11, Finland 1, Germany 229, Greece 607,

Guam 1, Hong Kong 6, India 6, Iran 1, Ireland 1, Israel 5, Italy 1,

Japan 26, Latvia 14, Lebanon 1, Lithuania 2, Mexico 1, Monaco 10,

Netherlands 30, Norway 23, Panama 1, Philippines 2, Poland 19,

Portugal 2, Russia 57, Singapore 2, Slovenia 2, South Korea 4, Spain

7, Sudan 2, Sweden 6, Switzerland 4, Turkey 1, Ukraine 1, United

Arab Emirates 13, United Kingdom 6, United States 4, Vietnam 1 (2002

est.)

Denmark

total: 282 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,714,557 GRT/8,715,716

DWT

ships by type: bulk 5, cargo 85, chemical tanker 29, container 77,

liquefied gas 19, livestock carrier 5, petroleum tanker 28, railcar

carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 12, roll on/roll off 11, short-sea

passenger 6, specialized tanker 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1, Greenland 1, Indonesia 1, Netherlands 1,

Norway 9, United Kingdom 1 (2002 est.)

Dominica

none (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,587 GRT/1,165 DWT ships by type: cargo 1 (2002 est.)

East Timor total: NA ships by type: NA

Ecuador

total: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 239,276 GRT/392,048 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas 1,

passenger 3, petroleum tanker 23, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Chile 1, Greece 1 (2002 est.)

Egypt

total: 170 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,284,197 GRT/1,907,734

DWT

ships by type: bulk 20, cargo 50, container 5, liquefied gas 1,

passenger 63, petroleum tanker 15, roll on/roll off 13, short-sea

passenger 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 1, Germany 1, Greece 6, Lebanon 3, Monaco 1,

Ukraine 1 (2002 est.)

El Salvador

none (2002 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 7,571 GRT/9,670

DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1, passenger/cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Eritrea

total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 19,100 GRT/23,399 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 2, liquefied gas 1, petroleum tanker 1,

roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)

Estonia

total: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 200,807 GRT/169,899 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 13, container 5, petroleum tanker 2,

roll on/roll off 6, short-sea passenger 5

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Liberia 1 (2002 est.)

Ethiopia

total: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 81,933 GRT/101,287 DWT

ships by type: cargo 5, container 1, petroleum tanker 1, roll

on/roll off 2 (2002 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

none (2002 est.)

Faroe Islands

total: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 100,951 GRT/139,396

DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1,

roll on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 3, Norway 1, United Kingdom 1 (2002 est.)

Fiji

total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 11,870 GRT/14,787 DWT

ships by type: chemical tanker 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 1,

roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, Singapore 4 (2002 est.)

Finland

total: 93 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,181,687 GRT/1,185,653

DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 24, chemical tanker 5, container 1,

passenger 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 32, short-sea

passenger 9

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1, Sweden 1 (2002 est.)

France

total: 35 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 749,570 GRT/939,134 DWT

ships by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 9, liquefied gas 4,

passenger 2, petroleum tanker 10, roll on/roll off 2, short-sea

passenger 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: French Polynesia 2, Greece 1, Japan 1, Norway 1, Sweden

9 (2002 est.)

French Guiana

none (2002 est.)

French Polynesia

total: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 12,679

GRT/13,915 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, passenger/cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 1,

roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

total: 73 ships (1,000 GRT or

over) 3,596,194 GRT/5,924,475 DWT

ships by type: bulk 4, cargo 4, chemical tanker 14, container 15,

liquefied gas 5, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 17, roll on/roll off

11, vehicle carrier 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 2, France 62, Japan 3, Monaco 1, Norway 5,

Sweden 1 (2002 est.)

Gambia, The

none (2002 est.)

Georgia

total: 116 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 483,028 GRT/713,461 DWT

ships by type: bulk 16, cargo 72, chemical tanker 1, container 11,

petroleum tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 2,

specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belize 1, Bulgaria 1, Cyprus 1, Ecuador 1, Egypt 4,

Gibraltar 1, Greece 5, Jordan 1, Latvia 1, Liberia 1, Malta 1,

Panama 9, Romania 8, Russia 4, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Saudi Arabia 2, Syria 5, Turkey 2,

Ukraine 7, UAE 11, UK 1, US 1 (2002 est.)

Germany

total: 337 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,036,397 GRT/7,334,067

DWT

ships by type: cargo 94, chemical tanker 15, container 203,

liquefied gas 3, passenger 3, petroleum tanker 5, railcar carrier 2,

refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 4, short-sea passenger 7

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Chile 1, Finland 5, Iceland 1, Netherlands 3,

Switzerland 1 (2002 est.)

Ghana

total: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 20,559 GRT/27,531 DWT

ships by type: petroleum tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 6

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Brazil 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Spain 1

(2002 est.)

Gibraltar

total: 114 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,008,140

GRT/1,435,595 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 58, chemical tanker 14, container 20,

multi-functional large-load carrier 3, passenger 2, petroleum tanker

13, roll on/roll off 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 1, Cyprus 1, France 2, Germany 55, Greece 6,

Ireland 1, Monaco 2, Norway 3, United Kingdom 13 (2002 est.)

Greece

total: 813 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 29,173,608

GRT/51,184,723 DWT

ships by type: bulk 289, cargo 59, chemical tanker 32, combination

bulk 6, combination ore/oil 4, container 47, liquefied gas 7,

passenger 14, petroleum tanker 281, refrigerated cargo 1, roll

on/roll off 18, short-sea passenger 49, specialized tanker 4,

vehicle carrier 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Ireland 1, Japan 1, Liberia 1, Norway 1, Panama 2,

Russia 1, Saudi Arabia 1, United Kingdom 1 (2002 est.)

Greenland

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,593 GRT/3,640 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, passenger 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 1 (2002 est.)

Grenada

none (2002 est.)

Guadeloupe

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,240 GRT/109 DWT

ships by type: passenger 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: France 1 (2002 est.)

Guam

none (2002 est.)

Guatemala

none (2002 est.)

Guernsey

none (2002 est.)

Guinea

none (2002 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

none (2002 est.)

Guyana

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,929 GRT/4,507 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2 (2002 est.)

Haiti

none (2002 est.)

Honduras

total: 250 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 680,784 GRT/765,815 DWT

ships by type: bulk 18, cargo 140, chemical tanker 4, container 7,

livestock carrier 2, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum

tanker 55, refrigerated cargo 10, roll on/roll off 4, short-sea

passenger 4, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Argentina 1, Bahrain 1, Belize 1, British Virgin

Islands 1, Bulgaria 1, China 8, Costa Rica 1, Cyprus 1, Egypt 6, El

Salvador 1, Germany 1, Greece 18, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 2, Italy 1,

Japan 7, Lebanon 4, Liberia 4, Maldives 2, Marshall Islands 1,

Mexico 1, Nigeria 1, Norway 1, Panama 14, Philippines 1, Romania 2,

Russia 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

1, Singapore 24, South Korea 12, Spain 1, Syria 1, Taiwan 4,

Tanzania 1, Trinidad and Tobago 1, Turkey 2, Turks and Caicos

Islands 1, United Arab Emirates 6, UK 1, US 5, Vanuatu 1, Vietnam 1,

Virgin Islands (UK) 1 (2002 est.)

Hong Kong

total: 549 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 16,176,728

GRT/27,119,764 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 1, bulk 315, cargo 66, chemical tanker

15, combination bulk 2, container 86, liquefied gas 16,

multi-functional large-load carrier 1, petroleum tanker 40,

refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 2, short-sea passenger 1,

vehicle carrier 2, includes some foreign-owned ships registered here

as a flag of convenience: Belgium 5, Belize 1, British Virgin

Islands 1, China 115, Denmark 2, Germany 19, Greece 2, India 8,

Japan 8, Liberia 1, Malaysia 7, Norway 1, Panama 2, Philippines 5,

Singapore 7, South Korea 2, Taiwan 1, UK 27, Virgin Islands (UK) 1

note: (2002 est.)

Hungary

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) 3,784 GRT/5,500 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1

Iceland

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,500 GRT/5,000 DWT

ships by type: chemical tanker 1 (2002 est.)

India

total: 305 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,753,279 GRT/9,621,911

DWT

ships by type: bulk 100, cargo 82, chemical tanker 15, combination

bulk 2, combination ore/oil 2, container 10, liquefied gas 10,

passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 75, roll on/roll off 1,

short-sea passenger 2, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: China 1, UAE 10, UK 1 (2002 est.)

Indonesia

total: 710 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,045,673

GRT/4,106,508 DWT

ships by type: bulk 42, cargo 400, chemical tanker 15, container 56,

liquefied gas 3, livestock carrier 1, passenger 9, passenger/cargo

13, petroleum tanker 127, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 16,

short-sea passenger 9, specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 6

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 1, Hong Kong 2, India 1, Japan 2, Malaysia 1,

Monaco 3, Panama 1, Philippines 1, Singapore 11, South Korea 1,

Switzerland 1, UK 2, US 1 (2002 est.)

Iran

total: 139 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,190,576 GRT/7,276,700 DWT

ships by type: bulk 43, cargo 34, chemical tanker 4, container 10,

liquefied gas 1, multi-functional large-load carrier 6, petroleum

tanker 30, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 9, short-sea

passenger 1 (2002 est.)

Iraq

total: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 119,433 GRT/170,221 DWT

ships by type: cargo 9, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum

tanker 6, roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)

Ireland

total: 26 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 110,913 GRT/128,017 DWT

ships by type: bulk 4, cargo 20, container 1, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 2 (2002 est.)

Israel

total: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 705,897 GRT/823,605 DWT

ships by type: container 17, roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)

Italy

total: 462 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 8,518,900 GRT/9,963,040

DWT

ships by type: bulk 43, cargo 39, chemical tanker 98, combination

ore/oil 5, container 28, liquefied gas 39, multi-functional

large-load carrier 1, passenger 14, petroleum tanker 67,

refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 60, short-sea passenger 32,

specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 22

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Croatia 1, Denmark 4, France 1, Greece 3, Man, Isle of

1, Monaco 7, Netherlands 6, Norway 1, Panama 2, Spain 1, Switzerland

1, Taiwan 15, Turkey 1, UK 6, US 12 (2002 est.)

Jamaica

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 50,536 GRT/62,868 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 2,

short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Latvia 2, US 2 (2002 est.)

Japan

total: 594 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 10,467,142 GRT/13,335,833

DWT

ships by type: bulk 120, cargo 45, chemical tanker 18, combination

bulk 28, combination ore/oil 1, container 18, liquefied gas 52,

passenger 8, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 179, refrigerated

cargo 9, roll on/roll off 59, short-sea passenger 6, vehicle carrier

49

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: China 1, Panama 1, Singapore 1 (2002 est.)

Jersey

none (2002 est.)

Jordan

total: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 63,522 GRT/79,776 DWT

ships by type: cargo 3, container 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll

on/roll off 3, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 6 (2002 est.)

Kazakhstan

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,064 GRT/646 DWT

ships by type: roll on/roll off 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: US 1 (2002 est.)

Kenya

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,893 GRT/6,320 DWT

ships by type: petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)

Kiribati

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) 1,291 GRT/1,295 DWT

ships by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Korea, North

total: 149 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 881,276

GRT/1,309,547 DWT

ships by type: bulk 8, cargo 120, combination bulk 2, container 1,

multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger 2, passenger/cargo

1, petroleum tanker 8, refrigerated cargo 4, short-sea passenger 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 1, Greece 2, Pakistan 1, Singapore 1 (2002 est.)

Korea, South

total: 541 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,490,521

GRT/10,602,751 DWT

ships by type: bulk 114, cargo 174, chemical tanker 63, combination

bulk 9, container 52, liquefied gas 17, passenger 3, petroleum

tanker 69, refrigerated cargo 21, roll on/roll off 6, short-sea

passenger 2, specialized tanker 6, vehicle carrier 5

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, Bulgaria 1, China 1, Greece 1, Japan 1,

Malaysia 1, Norway 1, Panama 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1,

UK 1 (2002 est.)

Kuwait

total: 39 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,273,628 GRT/3,638,645

DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1, container 6, liquefied gas 6,

livestock carrier 5, petroleum tanker 19, roll on/roll off 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Monaco 1, Saudi Arabia 1 (2002 est.)

Laos

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,370 GRT/3,110 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Latvia

total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 52,607 GRT/35,650 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 3,

roll on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 3 (2002 est.)

Lebanon

total: 56 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 230,142 GRT/306,442 DWT

ships by type: bulk 5, cargo 28, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk

1, container 4, liquefied gas 1, livestock carrier 9, roll on/roll

off 4, vehicle carrier 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: France 1, Greece 10, Netherlands 4, Panama 1, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Spain 1, Syria 2 (2002 est.)

Liberia

total: 1,432 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 48,700,851

GRT/75,408,994 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 3, bulk 282, cargo 80, chemical tanker

163, combination bulk 12, combination ore/oil 24, container 357,

liquefied gas 82, multi-functional large-load carrier 4, passenger

6, petroleum tanker 286, refrigerated cargo 60, roll on/roll off 19,

short-sea passenger 4, specialized tanker 13, vehicle carrier 37

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Argentina 9, Australia 2, Austria 15, Belgium 9, Brazil

5, Canada 4, Cayman Islands 1, Chile 7, China 39, Croatia 11,

Denmark 4, Ecuador 1, Estonia 1, Germany 437, Greece 154, Hong Kong

69, India 5, Indonesia 1, Israel 1, Italy 5, Japan 90, Latvia 20,

Isle of Man 5, Monaco 56, Netherlands 12, NZ 1, Nigeria 1, Norway

103, Pakistan 1, Portugal 5, Russia 66, Saudi Arabia 21, Singapore

20, Slovenia 1, South Africa 1, South Korea 10, Spain 2, Sweden 9,

Switzerland 17, Taiwan 29, Turkey 3, Ukraine 4, UAE 12, UK 39, US

113, Uruguay 3, Vietnam 1 (2002 est.)

Libya

total: 21 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 130,081 GRT/115,480 DWT

ships by type: cargo 9, liquefied gas 3, petroleum tanker 1, roll

on/roll off 4, short-sea passenger 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Algeria 1, Kuwait 1, UAE 1 (2002 est.)

Lithuania

total: 51 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 303,910 GRT/328,380 DWT

ships by type: cargo 23, combination bulk 8, petroleum tanker 2,

refrigerated cargo 11, roll on/roll off 3, short-sea passenger 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 13 (2002 est.)

Luxembourg

total: 60 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,507,258

GRT/2,118,597 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, chemical tanker 12, container 8, liquefied

gas 18, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 10, roll on/roll off 8

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 21, Finland 3, France 8, Germany 10, Monaco 1,

Netherlands 3, Norway 1, United Kingdom 9, United States 3 (2002

est.)

Macau

none (2002 est.)

Madagascar

total: 11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 14,865 GRT/17,936 DWT

ships by type: cargo 8, chemical tanker 1, roll on/roll off 2 (2002

est.)

Malaysia

total: 366 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,111,476

GRT/7,242,323 DWT

ships by type: bulk 62, cargo 103, chemical tanker 37, container 69,

liquefied gas 23, livestock carrier 1, passenger 2, petroleum tanker

55, roll on/roll off 5, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 8

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, China 1, Germany 2, Hong Kong 15,

Indonesia 3, Japan 4, Monaco 1, Philippines 2, Singapore 78, South

Korea 2, Vietnam 1 (2002 est.)

Maldives

total: 15 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 42,689 GRT/56,132 DWT

ships by type: cargo 13, petroleum tanker 1, short-sea passenger 1

(2002 est.)

Malta

total: 1,234 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 25,885,128

GRT/42,467,864 DWT

ships by type: bulk 459, cargo 280, chemical tanker 45, combination

bulk 10, combination ore/oil 10, container 80, liquefied gas 3,

livestock carrier 3, multi-functional large-load carrier 1,

passenger 6, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 236, refrigerated

cargo 37, roll on/roll off 41, short-sea passenger 7, vehicle

carrier 15

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 4, Austria 6, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 3,

Bulgaria 19, Canada 2, China 16, Croatia 14, Cuba 1, Cyprus 7,

Denmark 3, Estonia 5, Finland 1, Germany 54, Greece 627, Hong Kong

12, Iceland 3, India 10, Iran 2, Israel 26, Italy 36, Japan 2,

Latvia 24, Lebanon 6, Monaco 29, Netherlands 10, Nigeria 2, Norway

43, Poland 29, Portugal 2, Romania 15, Russia 85, Saudi Arabia 1,

Slovenia 2, South Korea 5, Spain 1, Switzerland 54, Syria 4, Turkey

84, Ukraine 25, UAE 3, UK 4, US 10 (2002 est.)

Man, Isle of

total: 211 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,297,301

GRT/8,703,079 DWT

ships by type: bulk 26, cargo 32, chemical tanker 20, combination

bulk 2, container 22, liquefied gas 38, petroleum tanker 49, roll

on/roll off 16, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 5

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 45, France 1, Germany 48, Greece 6, Hong Kong

10, Iceland 1, Italy 8, Monaco 7, Netherlands 3, Norway 5, Sweden 4,

Switzerland 2, UK 70, US 1 (2002 est.)

Marshall Islands

total: 342 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 14,471,690

GRT/23,802,896 DWT

ships by type: bulk 86, cargo 18, chemical tanker 31, combination

bulk 4, combination ore/oil 7, container 69, liquefied gas 8,

multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger 6, petroleum tanker

106, roll on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 4

note: the ship's register of the Marshall Islands is a flag of

convenience register since essentially none of the vessels on it is

owned domestically; includes the following foreign-owned ships

registered here as a flag of convenience: China 1, Cyprus 1, Denmark

9, Germany 70, Greece 54, Hong Kong 2, Japan 4, Monaco 8,

Netherlands 8, UK 3, US 87, Uruguay 1 (2002 est.)

Martinique

none (2002 est.)

Mauritania

none (2002)

Mauritius

total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 23,455 GRT/27,102 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, combination bulk 4, passenger/cargo 1,

refrigerated cargo 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience:, Belgium 1, India 3, Norway 1, Switzerland 2 (2002 est.)

Mayotte

none (2002 est.)

Mexico

total: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 636,271 GRT/933,686 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1, chemical tanker 4, combination

ore/oil 1, liquefied gas 3, petroleum tanker 26, roll on/roll off 8,

short-sea passenger 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Canada 2, Denmark 1 (2002 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

none

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: US 1 (2002 est.)

Monaco

none (2002 est.)

Montserrat

none (2002 est.)

Morocco

total: 39 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 247,591 GRT/268,356 DWT

ships by type: cargo 8, chemical tanker 7, container 6, petroleum

tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 7, roll on/roll off 7, short-sea

passenger 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1, Hong Kong 1, Netherlands 2, Norway 2 (2002

est.)

Mozambique

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,125 GRT/7,024 DWT

ships by type: cargo 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 2 (2002 est.)

Namibia

none (2002 est.)

Nauru

none (2002 est.)

Netherlands

total: 616 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,664,711

GRT/5,226,912 DWT

ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 371, chemical tanker 51, container 70,

liquefied gas 13, livestock carrier 1, multi-functional large-load

carrier 15, passenger 10, petroleum tanker 24, refrigerated cargo

34, roll on/roll off 16, short-sea passenger 2, specialized tanker 6

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 1, Canada 1, Denmark 5, Finland 5, Germany 55,

Ireland 12, Norway 12, Sweden 17, UK 33, US 12 (2002 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

total: 147 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,122,189

GRT/1,398,649 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 56, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk

1, combination ore/oil 3, container 27, liquefied gas 5,

multi-functional large-load carrier 15, passenger 1, refrigerated

cargo 27, roll on/roll off 8, specialized tanker 1

note: includes foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 3, Denmark 2, Germany 43, Monaco 8, Netherlands

52, New Zealand 1, Norway 3, Peru 1, Spain 1, Sweden 3, UK 5 (2002

est.)

New Caledonia

total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,261 GRT/1,600 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Malaysia 1 (2002 est.)

New Zealand

total: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 69,685 GRT/106,627 DWT

ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 2, container 1, petroleum tanker 2,

roll on/roll off 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1 (2002 est.)

Nicaragua

none (2002 est.)

Nigeria

total: 44 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 327,689 GRT/607,560 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 7, chemical tanker 5, petroleum tanker

29, roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Bulgaria 1, Greece 1, Norway 1, Pakistan 1, Togo 1, US

1 (2002 est.)

Niue

none (2002 est.)

Norfolk Island

none (2002 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands

none (2002 est.)

Norway

total: 714 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 20,247,207

GRT/30,860,236 DWT

ships by type: bulk 68, cargo 136, chemical tanker 125, combination

bulk 5, combination ore/oil 32, container 19, liquefied gas 86,

multi-function large load carrier 1, passenger 6, petroleum tanker

127, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 44, short-sea passenger

20, specialized tanker 5, vehicle carrier 34

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, Denmark 14, Germany 11, Greece 10, Hong

Kong 7, Iceland 2, Japan 11, Lithuania 1, Monaco 42, Poland 1, Saudi

Arabia 3, Singapore 10, Sweden 42, Switzerland 2, UK 4, US 5 (2002

est.)

Oman

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 17,291 GRT/9,457 DWT

ships by type: container 1, passenger 2

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Singapore 1 (2002 est.)

Pakistan

total: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 247,675 GRT/375,435 DWT

ships by type: cargo 14, container 3, petroleum tanker 1 (2002 est.)

Palau

none (2002 est.)

Panama

total: 4,860 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 122,543,755

GRT/184,910,607 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 5, bulk 1,443, cargo 846, chemical

tanker 376, combination bulk 72, combination ore/oil 17, container

588, liquefied gas 207, livestock carrier 6, multi-functional

large-load carrier 12, passenger 38, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum

tanker 537, railcar carrier 2, refrigerated cargo 287, roll on/roll

off 107, short-sea passenger 41, specialized tanker 33, vehicle

carrier 240

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Albania 2, Angola 1, Antigua and Barbuda 1, Argentina

11, Australia 13, Austria 2, The Bahamas 5, Belgium 2, Belize 6,

Brazil 6, British Virgin Islands 8, Cambodia 1, Canada 9, Chile 12,

China 259, Colombia 14, Croatia 2, Cuba 20, Cyprus 3, Denmark 3,

Dominican Republic 1, Ecuador 3, Egypt 16, Equatorial Guinea 1,

France 9, Germany 72, Greece 523, Haiti 1, Honduras 3, Hong Kong

299, Iceland 1, India 18, Indonesia 48, Ireland 1, Israel 5, Italy

9, Japan 1,642, Kenya 1, Kuwait 2, Latvia 8, Liberia 5, Lithuania 1,

Malaysia 18, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 1, Mexico 8, Monaco 112,

Netherlands 19, Netherlands Antilles 1, Nigeria 3, Norway 98,

Paraguay 1, Peru 15, Philippines 49, Poland 5, Portugal 7, Puerto

Rico 2, Romania 7, Russia 12, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent

and the Grenadines 5, Saudi Arabia 4, Seychelles 1, Singapore 112,

South Africa 3, South Korea 342, Spain 52, Sri Lanka 3, Sudan 1,

Sweden 2, Switzerland 81, Taiwan 334, Thailand 14, Trinidad and

Tobago 1, Tunisia 1, Turkey 4, Ukraine 1, UAE 54, UK 73, US 115,

Venezuela 6 (2002 est.)

Papua New Guinea

total: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 45,203

GRT/63,238 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 12, chemical tanker 1, combination

ore/oil 2, container 1, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Singapore 2, UK 7 (2002 est.)

Paraguay

total: 21 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 32,475 GRT/36,101 DWT

ships by type: cargo 14, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 3, roll

on/roll off 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Argentina 2, Japan 1 (2002 est.)

Peru

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 29,470 GRT/45,451 DWT

ships by type: cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: US 1 (2002 est.)

Philippines

total: 393 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,664,718

GRT/6,699,666 DWT

ships by type: bulk 111, cargo 105, chemical tanker 4, combination

bulk 8, container 8, liquefied gas 8, livestock carrier 9, passenger

5, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 42, refrigerated cargo 21,

roll on/roll off 16, short-sea passenger 27, specialized tanker 2,

vehicle carrier 18

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 2, Canada 1, Germany 3, Greece 8, Hong Kong

13, Japan 47, Malaysia 19, Netherlands 14, Norway 8, Panama 3,

Singapore 12, South Korea 1, Taiwan 2, UK 7 (2002 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

none (2002 est.)

Poland

total: 14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 199,186 GRT/275,476 DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 2, chemical tanker 1, roll on/roll off

1, short-sea passenger 1 (2002 est.)

Portugal

total: 132 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 993,325 GRT/1,533,255

DWT

ships by type: bulk 11, cargo 62, chemical tanker 18, container 7,

liquefied gas 8, multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger 4,

petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 5,

short-sea passenger 3, vehicle carrier 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belgium 1, British Virgin Islands 1, Cyprus 1, Denmark

6, Germany 20, Greece 1, Iceland 1, Italy 16, Lebanon 1, Liberia 1,

Monaco 2, Norway 5, Panama 5, Spain 22, Switzerland 8, UK 1, Virgin

Islands (UK) 1 (2002 est.)

Puerto Rico

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) 19,203 GRT/20,904 DWT

ships by type: container 1 (2002 est.)

Qatar

total: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 638,815 GRT/995,096 DWT

ships by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 2, combination ore/oil 2,

container 7, petroleum tanker 5, roll on/roll off 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Kuwait 1, UAE 3 (2002 est.)

Romania

total: 61 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 494,670 GRT/650,863 DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 39, container 1, passenger 1,

passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 4, railcar carrier 2, roll

on/roll off 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 1, Italy 5 (2002 est.)

Russia

total: 933 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,495,122 GRT/5,490,103

DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 1, bulk 22, cargo 553, chemical tanker

12, combination bulk 21, combination ore/oil 36, container 30,

multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger 38, passenger/cargo

3, petroleum tanker 167, refrigerated cargo 21, roll on/roll off 20,

short-sea passenger 7, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belize 1, Cambodia 1, Cyprus 9, Denmark 1, Estonia 4,

Greece 3, Honduras 1, Latvia 4, Lithuania 3, Moldova 3, Netherlands

1, South Korea 1, Turkey 18, Turkmenistan 2, Ukraine 10, UK 5, US 1

(2002 est.)

Saint Helena

none (2002 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

none (2002 est.)

Saint Lucia

none (2002 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

none (2002 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines total: 769 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,365,887 GRT/9,665,937 DWT ships by type: bulk 133, cargo 376, chemical tanker 21, combination bulk 7, container 58, liquefied gas 8, livestock carrier 4, multi-functional large-load carrier 2, passenger 5, petroleum tanker 43, refrigerated cargo 46, roll on/roll off 45, short-sea passenger 10, specialized tanker 10, vehicle carrier 1 note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience: Albania 1, Anguilla 1, Argentina 1, Australia 2, The Bahamas 1, Bangladesh 1, Barbados 2, Belgium 4, Bulgaria 14, Canada 1, Cayman Islands 1, China 135, Colombia 1, Croatia 12, Cyprus 6, Denmark 16, Egypt 7, Estonia 6, France 27, Germany 12, Greece 156, Guyana 7, Hong Kong 23, Iceland 1, India 11, Indonesia 3, Israel 2, Italy 19, Japan 1, Kenya 4, Latvia 5, Lebanon 9, Liberia 5, Lithuania 1, Malta 1, Man, Isle of 1, Marshall Islands 3, Mexico 1, Monaco 6, Netherlands 14, Netherlands Antilles 1, Nigeria 3, Norway 33, Pakistan 5, Panama 2, Poland 2, Portugal 2, Puerto Rico 2, Russia 8, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saudi Arabia 3, Singapore 4, Slovenia 7, South Korea 4, Spain 1, Sweden 6, Switzerland 10, Syria 2, Taiwan 1, Thailand 1, Trinidad and Tobago 1, Tunisia 1, Turkey 15, Ukraine 8, UAE 45, UK 16, US 25, Vietnam 1 (2002 est.)

Samoa

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) 7,091 GRT/8,127 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1 (2002 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

total: 24 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 78,595

GRT/99,873 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 15, chemical tanker 1, livestock

carrier 1, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll

off 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Egypt 1, Greece 1, Kenya 1, Portugal 1, Syria 1, Turkey

1 (2002 est.)

Saudi Arabia

total: 71 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,461,964

GRT/2,301,258 DWT

ships by type: cargo 9, chemical tanker 11, container 4, livestock

carrier 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 23, refrigerated cargo 4,

roll on/roll off 9, short-sea passenger 8

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Egypt 3, Finland 1, Greece 3, Kuwait 1, Sudan 1, UAE 1,

UK 3 (2002 est.)

Seychelles

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 37,281 GRT/55,702 DWT

ships by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, container 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: South Africa 2 (2002 est.)

Sierra Leone

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 7,435 GRT/8,750 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2

Singapore

total: 859 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 20,836,021

GRT/32,765,063 DWT

ships by type: bulk 125, cargo 85, chemical tanker 87, combination

bulk 6, combination ore/oil 8, container 176, liquefied gas 38,

livestock carrier 3, multi-functional large-load carrier 2,

petroleum tanker 277, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 4,

short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 12, vehicle carrier 31

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 7, Belgium 6, China 12, Denmark 27, Germany

17, Greece 4, Hong Kong 44, Indonesia 8, Japan 52, Malaysia 4,

Monaco 22, Netherlands 2, Norway 42, Philippines 6, Russia 3,

Slovenia 1, South Korea 10, Sweden 13, Switzerland 7, Taiwan 46,

Tanzania 2, Thailand 22, UAE 4, UK 14, US 1 (2002 est.)

Slovakia

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 11,574 GRT/16,330 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1 (2002 est.)

Solomon Islands

none (2002 est.)

Somalia

none (2002 est.)

South Africa

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 30,235 GRT/35,904 DWT

ships by type: container 1, petroleum tanker 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 3, Netherlands 1 (2002 est.)

Spain

total: 140 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,585,563 GRT/2,022,104

DWT

ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 31, chemical tanker 10, container 13,

liquefied gas 5, livestock carrier 1, passenger 1, petroleum tanker

22, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 33, short-sea passenger

6, vehicle carrier 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Croatia 1, Cuba 2, Denmark 1, Germany 7, Italy 1,

Netherlands 1, Norway 6, Uruguay 3 (2002 est.)

Sri Lanka

total: 15 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 62,157 GRT/84,898 DWT

ships by type: cargo 13, container 1, petroleum tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 9, Hong Kong 1, UAE 1 (2002 est.)

Sudan

total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 29,854 GRT/39,084 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, livestock carrier 1, roll on/roll off 2

(2002 est.)

Suriname

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,421 GRT/2,990 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, container 1 (2002 est.)

Svalbard

none (2002 est.)

Sweden

total: 166 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,329,925 GRT/1,609,986

DWT

ships by type: bulk 5, cargo 35, chemical tanker 31, combination

ore/oil 1, petroleum tanker 25, roll on/roll off 35, short-sea

passenger 8, specialized tanker 5, vehicle carrier 21

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 8, Finland 8, Germany 3, Italy 3, Japan 2,

Norway 7 (2002 est.)

Switzerland

total: 29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 597,049

GRT/1,051,380 DWT

ships by type: bulk 16, cargo 6, chemical tanker 2, container 2,

passenger 1, petroleum tanker 1, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: UK 6, US 1 (2002 est.)

Syria

total: 129 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 450,135 GRT/645,296 DWT

ships by type: bulk 13, cargo 109, container 2, livestock carrier 3,

refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Egypt 1, Greece 2, Italy 1, Lebanon 10 (2002 est.)

Taiwan

total: 142 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,973,958 GRT/6,306,361

DWT

ships by type: bulk 41, cargo 22, chemical tanker 2, combination

bulk 3, container 45, petroleum tanker 18, refrigerated cargo 9,

roll on/roll off 2

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Hong Kong 3, Japan 1 (2002 est.)

Tanzania

total: 10 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 30,781 GRT/33,805 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 3, roll

on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 2 (2002 est.)

Thailand

total: 317 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,744,103

GRT/2,657,666 DWT

ships by type: bulk 33, cargo 136, chemical tanker 5, combination

bulk 1, combination ore/oil 1, container 17, liquefied gas 21,

multi-functional large-load carrier 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker

74, refrigerated cargo 17, roll on/roll off 2, short-sea passenger

2, specialized tanker 4, vehicle carrier 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 1, Greece 1, Indonesia 1, Japan 1, Norway 24,

Panama 1, Singapore 1 (2002 est.)

Togo

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,918 GRT/3,852 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, specialized tanker 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 1 (2002 est.)

Tokelau

none (2002 est.)

Tonga

total: 78 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 250,020 GRT/350,055 DWT

ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 44, chemical tanker 4, container 1,

liquefied gas 5, livestock carrier 2, petroleum tanker 9,

refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 4, specialized tanker 1,

vehicle carrier 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Albania 1, Australia 4, Austria 1, Bolivia 1, Cyprus 1,

Djibouti 1, Egypt 2, Greece 4, Lebanon 2, Liberia 2, Marshall

Islands 2, Morocco 1, Norway 1, Panama 1, Romania 3, Russia 1, Sao

Tome and Principe 1, Saudi Arabia 2, Singapore 1, Sweden 1,

Switzerland 3, Syria 5, Ukraine 1, UAE 16, US 4 (2002 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 7,032

GRT/5,106 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum

tanker 1, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of

convenience: US 1 (2002 est.)

Tunisia

total: 14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 139,990 GRT/148,394 DWT

ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 3, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas 1,

petroleum tanker 1, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 1

(2002 est.)

Turkey

total: 525 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,306,506 GRT/8,424,837

DWT

ships by type: bulk 125, cargo 229, chemical tanker 44, combination

bulk 3, combination ore/oil 3, container 34, liquefied gas 6,

passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 35, refrigerated cargo 4, roll

on/roll off 26, short-sea passenger 10, specialized tanker 5

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Belize 1, Cyprus 1, Denmark 2, Greece 1, Italy 1,

Thailand 1, UK 11 (2002 est.)

Turkmenistan

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,873 GRT/8,345 DWT

ships by type: combination ore/oil 1, petroleum tanker 1 (2002 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

none (2002 est.)

Tuvalu

total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 33,199 GRT/56,187 DWT

ships by type: cargo 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Germany 5 (2002 est.)

Uganda

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,091 GRT/8,229 DWT

ships by type: roll on/roll off 3

note: these ships are in cargo and passenger (ferry) service on

Uganda's inland waterways (2002 est.)

Ukraine

total: 131 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 633,932 GRT/640,743 DWT

ships by type: bulk 7, cargo 89, container 5, liquefied gas 2,

passenger 14, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 10, railcar

carrier 2, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Cyprus 1, Greece 1, Panama 1, Russia 4, Saint Vincent

and the Grenadines 1 (2002 est.)

United Arab Emirates

total: 61 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 815,428

GRT/1,207,346 DWT

ships by type: cargo 12, chemical tanker 4, container 7, liquefied

gas 1, livestock carrier 1, petroleum tanker 25, roll on/roll off 6,

short-sea passenger 4, specialized tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Greece 2, Italy 1, Kuwait 2 (2002 est.)

United Kingdom

total: 295 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 6,752,179

GRT/6,963,112 DWT

ships by type: bulk 14, cargo 43, chemical tanker 19, combination

ore/oil 1, container 95, liquefied gas 4, livestock carrier 1,

passenger 18, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 50, refrigerated

cargo 3, roll on/roll off 37, short-sea passenger 8, specialized

tanker 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Bermuda 1, Cyprus 1, Denmark 21, Germany 6, Greece 3,

Hong Kong 4, Italy 1, Monaco 4, Netherlands 1, Norway 9, Russia 1,

South Africa 2, Sweden 11, Taiwan 2, US 5 (2002 est.)

United States

total: 348 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 9,414,676

GRT/12,207,346 DWT

ships by type: barge carrier 2, bulk 71, cargo 26, chemical tanker

13, combination bulk 2, combination ore/oil 1, container 79,

freighter 15, heavy lift carrier 3, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum

tanker 73, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 46, short-sea

passenger 2, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 9

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 1, Canada 4, Denmark 15, France 1, Germany 1,

Netherlands 3, Norway 7, Puerto Rico 4, Singapore 11, Sweden 1,

United Kingdom 3; also, the US owns 549 additional ships (1,000 GRT

or over) totaling 29,616,347 DWT that operate under the registries

of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda,

Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Finland, Gibraltar, Hong

Kong (China), Indonesia, Isle of Man, Italy, Liberia, Malta,

Marshall Islands, Netherlands, Norway, Norway (NIS), Panama, Peru,

Philippines, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Tonga, UK,

Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna (2002 est.)

Uruguay

total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 10,918 GRT/9,775 DWT

ships by type: chemical tanker 1, container 1, petroleum tanker 1,

roll on/roll off 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Argentina 4, Greece 1 (2002 est.)

Vanuatu

total: 52 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,181,463 GRT/1,552,813

DWT

ships by type: bulk 26, cargo 5, combination bulk 3, container 3,

liquefied gas 2, multi-function large-load carrier 1, refrigerated

cargo 7, vehicle carrier 5

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Australia 3, Canada 2, China 1, Japan 25, Monaco 4,

Netherlands 1, NZ 5, Panama 1, Poland 1, Switzerland 2, UK 4, US 2,

Vietnam 1 (2002 est.)

Venezuela

total: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 714,073 GRT/1,256,667

DWT

ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 8, chemical tanker 1, container 1,

liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 15, roll

on/roll off 10, short-sea passenger 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Denmark 1, Greece 1, Italy 1, UK 1, US 2 (2002 est.)

Vietnam

total: 180 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,054,423 GRT/1,588,732

DWT

ships by type: bulk 13, cargo 128, chemical tanker 1, combination

bulk 1, container 9, liquefied gas 4, petroleum tanker 21,

refrigerated cargo 3

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Cambodia 1, Japan 1, Singapore 1, UK 2 (2002 est.)

Virgin Islands

none (2002 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 85,572

GRT/9,004 DWT

ships by type: passenger 4

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: France 3, US 1 (2002 est.)

Yemen

total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 18,623 GRT/23,752 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of

convenience: Hong Kong 2 (2002 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2109 National holiday

Afghanistan

Independence Day, 19 August (1919)

Albania

Independence Day, 28 November (1912)

Algeria

Revolution Day, 1 November (1954)

American Samoa

Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Andorra

Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278)

Angola

Independence Day, 11 November (1975)

Anguilla

Anguilla Day, 30 May

Antigua and Barbuda

Independence Day (National Day), 1 November

(1981)

Argentina

Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)

Armenia

Independence Day, 21 September (1991)

Aruba

Flag Day, 18 March

Australia

Australia Day, 26 January (1788)

Austria

National Day, 26 October (1955); note - commemorates the

State Treaty restoring national sovereignty and the end of

occupation and the passage of the law on permanent neutrality

Azerbaijan

Founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaidzhan, 28

May (1918)

Bahamas, The

Independence Day, 10 July (1973)

Bahrain

National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 is

the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date

of independence from British protection

Bangladesh

Independence Day, 26 March (1971); note - 26 March 1971

is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is

Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of

Bangladesh

Barbados

Independence Day, 30 November (1966)

Belarus

Independence Day, 3 July (1944); note - 3 July 1944 was the

date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the

date of independence from the Soviet Union

Belgium

21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King Leopold I

Belize

Independence Day, 21 September (1981)

Benin

National Day, 1 August (1960)

Bermuda

Bermuda Day, 24 May

Bhutan

National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king),

17 December (1907)

Bolivia

Independence Day, 6 August (1825)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

National Day, 25 November (1943)

Botswana

Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)

Brazil

Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

British Virgin Islands

Territory Day, 1 July

Brunei

National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was

the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date

of independence from British protection

Bulgaria

Liberation Day, 3 March (1878)

Burkina Faso

Republic Day, 11 December (1958)

Burma

Independence Day, 4 January (1948)

Burundi

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Cambodia

Independence Day, 9 November (1953)

Cameroon

Republic Day (National Day), 20 May (1972)

Canada

Canada Day, 1 July (1867)

Cape Verde

Independence Day, 5 July (1975)

Cayman Islands

Constitution Day, first Monday in July

Central African Republic

Republic Day, 1 December (1958)

Chad

Independence Day, 11 August (1960)

Chile

Independence Day, 18 September (1810)

China

Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China,

1 October (1949)

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA

Colombia

Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

Comoros

Independence Day, 6 July (1975)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Independence Day, 30 June (1960)

Congo, Republic of the

Independence Day, 15 August (1960)

Cook Islands

Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)

Costa Rica

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Cote d'Ivoire

Independence Day, 7 August (1960)

Croatia

Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

Cuba

Independence Day, 10 December (1898); note - 10 December 1898

is the date of independence from Spain, 20 May 1902 is the date of

independence from US administration; Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953)

Cyprus

Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriot

area celebrates 15 November (1983) as Independence Day

Czech Republic

Czech Founding Day, 28 October (1918)

Denmark

none designated; Constitution Day, 5 June is generally

viewed as the National Day

Djibouti

Independence Day, 27 June (1977)

Dominica

Independence Day, 3 November (1978)

Dominican Republic

Independence Day, 27 February (1844)

East Timor

Independence Day, 28 November (1975)

Ecuador

Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)

Egypt

Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)

El Salvador

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Equatorial Guinea

Independence Day, 12 October (1968)

Eritrea

Independence Day, 24 May (1993)

Estonia

Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February

1918 was the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 20 August 1991

was the date of reindependence from the Soviet Union

Ethiopia

National Day (defeat of MENGISTU regime), 28 May (1991)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)

Faroe Islands

Olaifest, 29 July

Fiji

Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)

Finland

Independence Day, 6 December (1917)

France

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

French Guiana

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

French Polynesia

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Gabon

Founding of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), 12 March

(1968)

Gambia, The

Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

Georgia

Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note - 26 May 1918 is the

date of independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 is the date of

independence from the Soviet Union

Germany

Unity Day, 3 October (1990)

Ghana

Independence Day, 6 March (1957)

Gibraltar

National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the

national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or go

with Spain

Greece

Independence Day, 25 March (1821)

Greenland

June 21 (longest day)

Grenada

Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

Guadeloupe

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Guam

Discovery Day, first Monday in March (1521)

Guatemala

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Guernsey

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Guinea

Independence Day, 2 October (1958)

Guinea-Bissau

Independence Day, 24 September (1973)

Guyana

Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Haiti

Independence Day, 1 January (1804)

Holy See (Vatican City)

Coronation Day of Pope JOHN PAUL II, 22

October (1978)

Honduras

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Hong Kong

National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's

Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 1 July 1997 is

celebrated as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment

Day

Hungary

Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August

Iceland

Independence Day, 17 June (1944)

India

Republic Day, 26 January (1950)

Indonesia

Independence Day, 17 August (1945)

Iran

Republic Day, 1 April (1979)

note: additional holidays celebrated widely in Iran include

Revolution Day, 11 February (1979); Noruz (New Year's Day), 21

March; Constitutional Monarchy Day, 5 August (1925)

Iraq

Revolution Day, 17 July (1968)

Ireland

Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

Israel

Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared

independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and

the holiday may occur in April or May

Italy

Republic Day, 2 June (1946)

Jamaica

Independence Day, first Monday in August (1962)

Japan

Birthday of Emperor AKIHITO, 23 December (1933)

Jersey

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Jordan

Independence Day, 25 May (1946)

Kazakhstan

Republic Day, 25 October (1990)

Kenya

Independence Day, 12 December (1963)

Kiribati

Independence Day, 12 July (1979)

Korea, North

Founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

(DPRK), 9 September (1948)

Korea, South

Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

Kuwait

National Day, 25 February (1950)

Kyrgyzstan

Independence Day, 31 August (1991)

Laos

Republic Day, 2 December (1975)

Latvia

Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918

is the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 21 August 1991 is

the date of independence from the Soviet Union

Lebanon

Independence Day, 22 November (1943)

Lesotho

Independence Day, 4 October (1966)

Liberia

Independence Day, 26 July (1847)

Libya

Revolution Day, 1 September (1969)

Liechtenstein

Assumption Day, 15 August

Lithuania

Independence Day, 16 February (1918); note - 16 February

1918 is the date of independence from German, Austrian, Prussian,

and Russian occupation, 11 March 1990 is the date of independence

from the Soviet Union

Luxembourg

National Day (Birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte) 23 June

Macau

National Day (Anniversary of the Founding of the People's

Republic of China), 1 October (1949); note - 20 December 1999 is

celebrated as Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Uprising Day, 2 August

(1903); note - also known as Saint Elijah's Day and Ilinden

Madagascar

Independence Day, 26 June (1960)

Malawi

Independence Day (Republic Day), 6 July (1964)

Malaysia

Independence Day/Malaysia Day, 31 August (1957)

Maldives

Independence Day, 26 July (1965)

Mali

Independence Day, 22 September (1960)

Malta

Independence Day, 21 September (1964)

Man, Isle of

Tynwald Day, 5 July

Marshall Islands

Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)

Martinique

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Mauritania

Independence Day, 28 November (1960)

Mauritius

Independence Day, 12 March (1968)

Mayotte

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Mexico

Independence Day, 16 September (1810)

Micronesia, Federated States of

Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)

Moldova

Independence Day, 27 August (1991)

Monaco

National Day (Prince of Monaco Holiday), 19 November

Mongolia

Independence Day/Revolution Day, 11 July (1921)

Montserrat

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June

(1926)

Morocco

Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMED VI to the throne), 30

July (1999)

Mozambique

Independence Day, 25 June (1975)

Namibia

Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

Nauru

Independence Day, 31 January (1968)

Nepal

Birthday of King GYANENDRA, 7 July (1946)

Netherlands

Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA in 1909

and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX in 1980),

30 April

Netherlands Antilles

Queen's Day (Birthday of Queen-Mother JULIANA

in 1909 and accession to the throne of her oldest daughter BEATRIX

in 1980), 30 April

New Caledonia

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

New Zealand

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British

sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Nicaragua

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Niger

Republic Day, 18 December (1958)

Nigeria

Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960)

Niue

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British

sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Norfolk Island

Pitcairners Arrival Day, 8 June (1856)

Northern Mariana Islands

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Norway

Constitution Day, 17 May (1814); note - on 14 January 1814

Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden; resisting Swedish domination,

Norwegians adopted a new constitution four months later; on 14

August 1814 Norway was proclaimed independent but in union with

Sweden; on 7 June 1905 Norway declared the union with Sweden

dissolved

Oman

Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

Pakistan

Republic Day, 23 March (1956)

Palau

Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)

Panama

Independence Day, 3 November (1903)

Papua New Guinea

Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Paraguay

Independence Day, 14 May (1811)

Peru

Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

Philippines

Independence Day (from Spain), 12 June (1898); note - 12

June 1898 is the date of independence from Spain, 4 July 1946 is the

date of independence from the US

Pitcairn Islands

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in

June (1926)

Poland

Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)

Portugal

Portugal Day, 10 June (1580)

Puerto Rico

US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico

Constitution Day, 25 July (1952)

Qatar

Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

Reunion

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Romania

Unification Day (of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December

(1918)

Russia

Russia Day, 12 June (1990)

Rwanda

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Saint Helena

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June

(1926)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Independence Day, 19 September (1983)

Saint Lucia

Independence Day, 22 February (1979)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Independence Day, 27 October (1979)

Samoa

Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962); note - 1 January

1962 is the date of independence from the New Zealand-administered

UN trusteeship, 1 June 1962 is the date that independence is

celebrated

San Marino

Founding of the Republic, 3 September (301)

Sao Tome and Principe

Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

Saudi Arabia

Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)

Senegal

Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

Serbia and Montenegro

National Day, 27 April

Seychelles

Constitution Day (National Day), 18 June (1993)

Sierra Leone

Independence Day, 27 April (1961)

Singapore

Independence Day, 9 August (1965)

Slovakia

Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)

Slovenia

Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

Solomon Islands

Independence Day, 7 July (1978)

Somalia

Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26

June (1960) in Somaliland

South Africa

Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Liberation Day, 14 June

(1982)

Spain

Hispanic Day, 12 October

Sri Lanka

Independence Day, 4 February (1948)

Sudan

Independence Day, 1 January (1956)

Suriname

Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

Svalbard

NA

Swaziland

Independence Day, 6 September (1968)

Sweden

Flag Day, 6 June

Switzerland

Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)

Syria

Independence Day, 17 April (1946)

Taiwan

Republic Day (Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution), 10

October (1911)

Tajikistan

Independence Day (or National Day), 9 September (1991)

Tanzania

Union Day (Tanganyika and Zanzibar), 26 April (1964)

Thailand

Birthday of King PHUMIPHON, 5 December (1927)

Togo

Independence Day, 27 April (1960)

Tokelau

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British

sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Tonga

Independence Day, 4 June (1970)

Trinidad and Tobago

Independence Day, 31 August (1962)

Tunisia

Independence Day, 20 March (1956)

Turkey

Independence Day, 29 October (1923)

Turkmenistan

Independence Day, 27 October (1991)

Turks and Caicos Islands

Constitution Day, 30 August (1976)

Tuvalu

Independence Day, 1 October (1978)

Uganda

Independence Day, 9 October (1962)

Ukraine

Independence Day, 24 August (1991); the date of 22 January

(1918), the day Ukraine first declared its independence (from Soviet

Russia), is now celebrated as Unity Day

United Arab Emirates

Independence Day, 2 December (1971)

United Kingdom

Official Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, celebrated

on the second Saturday in June (1926)

United States

Independence Day, 4 July (1776)

Uruguay

Independence Day, 25 August (1825)

Uzbekistan

Independence Day, 1 September (1991)

Vanuatu

Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

Venezuela

Independence Day, 5 July (1811)

Vietnam

Independence Day, 2 September (1945)

Virgin Islands

Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 27 March (1917)

Wallis and Futuna

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Yemen

Unification Day, 22 May (1990)

Zambia

Independence Day, 24 October (1964)

Zimbabwe

Independence Day, 18 April (1980)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2110 Nationality

Afghanistan

noun: Afghan(s)

adjective: Afghan

Albania

noun: Albanian(s)

adjective: Albanian

Algeria

noun: Algerian(s)

adjective: Algerian

American Samoa

noun: American Samoan(s)

adjective: American Samoan

Andorra

noun: Andorran(s)

adjective: Andorran

Angola

noun: Angolan(s)

adjective: Angolan

Anguilla

noun: Anguillan(s)

adjective: Anguillan

Antigua and Barbuda

noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)

adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan

Argentina

noun: Argentine(s)

adjective: Argentine

Armenia

noun: Armenian(s)

adjective: Armenian

Aruba

noun: Aruban(s)

adjective: Aruban; Dutch

Australia

noun: Australian(s)

adjective: Australian

Austria

noun: Austrian(s)

adjective: Austrian

Azerbaijan

noun: Azerbaijani(s)

adjective: Azerbaijani

Bahamas, The

noun: Bahamian(s)

adjective: Bahamian

Bahrain

noun: Bahraini(s)

adjective: Bahraini

Bangladesh

noun: Bangladeshi(s)

adjective: Bangladeshi

Barbados

noun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)

adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)

Belarus

noun: Belarusian(s)

adjective: Belarusian

Belgium

noun: Belgian(s)

adjective: Belgian

Belize

noun: Belizean(s)

adjective: Belizean

Benin

noun: Beninese (singular and plural)

adjective: Beninese

Bermuda

noun: Bermudian(s)

adjective: Bermudian

Bhutan

noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Bhutanese

Bolivia

noun: Bolivian(s)

adjective: Bolivian

Bosnia and Herzegovina

noun: Bosnian(s)

adjective: Bosnian

Botswana

noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

Brazil

noun: Brazilian(s)

adjective: Brazilian

British Virgin Islands

noun: British Virgin Islander(s)

adjective: British Virgin Islander

Brunei

noun: Bruneian(s)

adjective: Bruneian

Bulgaria

noun: Bulgarian(s)

adjective: Bulgarian

Burkina Faso

noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural)

adjective: Burkinabe

Burma

noun: Burmese (singular and plural)

adjective: Burmese

Burundi

noun: Burundian(s)

adjective: Burundian

Cambodia

noun: Cambodian(s)

adjective: Cambodian

Cameroon

noun: Cameroonian(s)

adjective: Cameroonian

Canada

noun: Canadian(s)

adjective: Canadian

Cape Verde

noun: Cape Verdean(s)

adjective: Cape Verdean

Cayman Islands

noun: Caymanian(s)

adjective: Caymanian

Central African Republic

noun: Central African(s)

adjective: Central African

Chad

noun: Chadian(s)

adjective: Chadian

Chile

noun: Chilean(s)

adjective: Chilean

China

noun: Chinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Chinese

Christmas Island

noun: Christmas Islander(s)

adjective: Christmas Island

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

noun: Cocos Islander(s)

adjective: Cocos Islander

Colombia

noun: Colombian(s)

adjective: Colombian

Comoros

noun: Comoran(s)

adjective: Comoran

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

noun: Congolese (singular and

plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Congo, Republic of the

noun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Cook Islands

noun: Cook Islander(s)

adjective: Cook Islander

Costa Rica

noun: Costa Rican(s)

adjective: Costa Rican

Cote d'Ivoire

noun: Ivorian(s)

adjective: Ivorian

Croatia

noun: Croat(s), Croatian(s)

adjective: Croatian

Cuba

noun: Cuban(s)

adjective: Cuban

Cyprus

noun: Cypriot(s)

adjective: Cypriot

Czech Republic

noun: Czech(s)

adjective: Czech

Denmark

noun: Dane(s)

adjective: Danish

Djibouti

noun: Djiboutian(s)

adjective: Djiboutian

Dominica

noun: Dominican(s)

adjective: Dominican

Dominican Republic

noun: Dominican(s)

adjective: Dominican

East Timor

noun: Timorese

adjective: Timorese

Ecuador

noun: Ecuadorian(s)

adjective: Ecuadorian

Egypt

noun: Egyptian(s)

adjective: Egyptian

El Salvador

noun: Salvadoran(s)

adjective: Salvadoran

Equatorial Guinea

noun: Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)

adjective: Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean

Eritrea

noun: Eritrean(s)

adjective: Eritrean

Estonia

noun: Estonian(s)

adjective: Estonian

Ethiopia

noun: Ethiopian(s)

adjective: Ethiopian

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

noun: Falkland Islander(s)

adjective: Falkland Island

Faroe Islands

noun: Faroese (singular and plural)

adjective: Faroese

Fiji

noun: Fijian(s)

adjective: Fijian

Finland

noun: Finn(s)

adjective: Finnish

France

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

French Guiana

noun: French Guianese (singular and plural)

adjective: French Guianese

French Polynesia

noun: French Polynesian(s)

adjective: French Polynesian

Gabon

noun: Gabonese (singular and plural)

adjective: Gabonese

Gambia, The

noun: Gambian(s)

adjective: Gambian

Gaza Strip

noun: NA

adjective: NA

Georgia

noun: Georgian(s)

adjective: Georgian

Germany

noun: German(s)

adjective: German

Ghana

noun: Ghanaian(s)

adjective: Ghanaian

Gibraltar

noun: Gibraltarian(s)

adjective: Gibraltar

Greece

noun: Greek(s)

adjective: Greek

Greenland

noun: Greenlander(s)

adjective: Greenlandic

Grenada

noun: Grenadian(s)

adjective: Grenadian

Guadeloupe

noun: Guadeloupian(s)

adjective: Guadeloupe

Guam

noun: Guamanian(s)

adjective: Guamanian

Guatemala

noun: Guatemalan(s)

adjective: Guatemalan

Guernsey

noun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Guinea

noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Guinea-Bissau

noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Guyana

noun: Guyanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Guyanese

Haiti

noun: Haitian(s)

adjective: Haitian

Holy See (Vatican City)

noun: none

adjective: none

Honduras

noun: Honduran(s)

adjective: Honduran

Hong Kong

noun: Chinese

adjective: Chinese

Hungary

noun: Hungarian(s)

adjective: Hungarian

Iceland

noun: Icelander(s)

adjective: Icelandic

India

noun: Indian(s)

adjective: Indian

Indonesia

noun: Indonesian(s)

adjective: Indonesian

Iran

noun: Iranian(s)

adjective: Iranian

Iraq

noun: Iraqi(s)

adjective: Iraqi

Ireland

noun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective

plural)

adjective: Irish

Israel

noun: Israeli(s)

adjective: Israeli

Italy

noun: Italian(s)

adjective: Italian

Jamaica

noun: Jamaican(s)

adjective: Jamaican

Japan

noun: Japanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Japanese

Jersey

noun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Jordan

noun: Jordanian(s)

adjective: Jordanian

Kazakhstan

noun: Kazakhstani(s)

adjective: Kazakhstani

Kenya

noun: Kenyan(s)

adjective: Kenyan

Kiribati

noun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural)

adjective: I-Kiribati

Korea, North

noun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Korea, South

noun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Kuwait

noun: Kuwaiti(s)

adjective: Kuwaiti

Kyrgyzstan

noun: Kyrgyzstani(s)

adjective: Kyrgyzstani

Laos

noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)

adjective: Lao or Laotian

Latvia

noun: Latvian(s)

adjective: Latvian

Lebanon

noun: Lebanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Lebanese

Lesotho

noun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

adjective: Basotho

Liberia

noun: Liberian(s)

adjective: Liberian

Libya

noun: Libyan(s)

adjective: Libyan

Liechtenstein

noun: Liechtensteiner(s)

adjective: Liechtenstein

Lithuania

noun: Lithuanian(s)

adjective: Lithuanian

Luxembourg

noun: Luxembourger(s)

adjective: Luxembourg

Macau

noun: Chinese

adjective: Chinese

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

noun: Macedonian(s)

adjective: Macedonian

Madagascar

noun: Malagasy (singular and plural)

adjective: Malagasy

Malawi

noun: Malawian(s)

adjective: Malawian

Malaysia

noun: Malaysian(s)

adjective: Malaysian

Maldives

noun: Maldivian(s)

adjective: Maldivian

Mali

noun: Malian(s)

adjective: Malian

Malta

noun: Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective: Maltese

Man, Isle of

noun: Manxman (men), Manxwoman (women)

adjective: Manx

Marshall Islands

noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)

adjective: Marshallese

Martinique

noun: Martiniquais (singular and plural)

adjective: Martiniquais

Mauritania

noun: Mauritanian(s)

adjective: Mauritanian

Mauritius

noun: Mauritian(s)

adjective: Mauritian

Mayotte

noun: Mahorais (singular and plural)

adjective: Mahoran

Mexico

noun: Mexican(s)

adjective: Mexican

Micronesia, Federated States of

noun: Micronesian(s)

adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese

Moldova

noun: Moldovan(s)

adjective: Moldovan

Monaco

noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)

adjective: Monegasque or Monacan

Mongolia

noun: Mongolian(s)

adjective: Mongolian

Montserrat

noun: Montserratian(s)

adjective: Montserratian

Morocco

noun: Moroccan(s)

adjective: Moroccan

Mozambique

noun: Mozambican(s)

adjective: Mozambican

Namibia

noun: Namibian(s)

adjective: Namibian

Nauru

noun: Nauruan(s)

adjective: Nauruan

Nepal

noun: Nepalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Nepalese

Netherlands

noun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)

adjective: Dutch

Netherlands Antilles

noun: Dutch Antillean(s)

adjective: Dutch Antillean

New Caledonia

noun: New Caledonian(s)

adjective: New Caledonian

New Zealand

noun: New Zealander(s)

adjective: New Zealand

Nicaragua

noun: Nicaraguan(s)

adjective: Nicaraguan

Niger

noun: Nigerien(s)

adjective: Nigerien

Nigeria

noun: Nigerian(s)

adjective: Nigerian

Niue

noun: Niuean(s)

adjective: Niuean

Norfolk Island

noun: Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Northern Mariana Islands

noun: NA

adjective: NA

Norway

noun: Norwegian(s)

adjective: Norwegian

Oman

noun: Omani(s)

adjective: Omani

Pakistan

noun: Pakistani(s)

adjective: Pakistani

Palau

noun: Palauan(s)

adjective: Palauan

Panama

noun: Panamanian(s)

adjective: Panamanian

Papua New Guinea

noun: Papua New Guinean(s)

adjective: Papua New Guinean

Paraguay

noun: Paraguayan(s)

adjective: Paraguayan

Peru

noun: Peruvian(s)

adjective: Peruvian

Philippines

noun: Filipino(s)

adjective: Philippine

Pitcairn Islands

noun: Pitcairn Islander(s)

adjective: Pitcairn Islander

Poland

noun: Pole(s)

adjective: Polish

Portugal

noun: Portuguese (singular and plural)

adjective: Portuguese

Puerto Rico

noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Puerto Rican

Qatar

noun: Qatari(s)

adjective: Qatari

Reunion

noun: Reunionese (singular and plural)

adjective: Reunionese

Romania

noun: Romanian(s)

adjective: Romanian

Russia

noun: Russian(s)

adjective: Russian

Rwanda

noun: Rwandan(s)

adjective: Rwandan

Saint Helena

noun: Saint Helenian(s)

adjective: Saint Helenian

Saint Kitts and Nevis

noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)

adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian

Saint Lucia

noun: Saint Lucian(s)

adjective: Saint Lucian

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or

Vincentian(s)

adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian

Samoa

noun: Samoan(s)

adjective: Samoan

San Marino

noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sammarinese

Sao Tome and Principe

noun: Sao Tomean(s)

adjective: Sao Tomean

Saudi Arabia

noun: Saudi(s)

adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian

Senegal

noun: Senegalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Senegalese

Serbia and Montenegro

noun: Serb(s); Montenegrin(s)

adjective: Serbian; Montenegrin

Seychelles

noun: Seychellois (singular and plural)

adjective: Seychellois

Sierra Leone

noun: Sierra Leonean(s)

adjective: Sierra Leonean

Singapore

noun: Singaporean(s)

adjective: Singapore

Slovakia

noun: Slovak(s)

adjective: Slovak

Slovenia

noun: Slovene(s)

adjective: Slovenian

Solomon Islands

noun: Solomon Islander(s)

adjective: Solomon Islander

Somalia

noun: Somali(s)

adjective: Somali

South Africa

noun: South African(s)

adjective: South African

Spain

noun: Spaniard(s)

adjective: Spanish

Sri Lanka

noun: Sri Lankan(s)

adjective: Sri Lankan

Sudan

noun: Sudanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sudanese

Suriname

noun: Surinamer(s)

adjective: Surinamese

Swaziland

noun: Swazi(s)

adjective: Swazi

Sweden

noun: Swede(s)

adjective: Swedish

Switzerland

noun: Swiss (singular and plural)

adjective: Swiss

Syria

noun: Syrian(s)

adjective: Syrian

Taiwan

noun: Chinese/Taiwanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Chinese/Taiwanese

Tajikistan

noun: Tajikistani(s)

adjective: Tajikistani

Tanzania

noun: Tanzanian(s)

adjective: Tanzanian

Thailand

noun: Thai (singular and plural)

adjective: Thai

Togo

noun: Togolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Togolese

Tokelau

noun: Tokelauan(s)

adjective: Tokelauan

Tonga

noun: Tongan(s)

adjective: Tongan

Trinidad and Tobago

noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)

adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian

Tunisia

noun: Tunisian(s)

adjective: Tunisian

Turkey

noun: Turk(s)

adjective: Turkish

Turkmenistan

noun: Turkmen(s)

adjective: Turkmen

Turks and Caicos Islands

noun: none

adjective: none

Tuvalu

noun: Tuvaluan(s)

adjective: Tuvaluan

Uganda

noun: Ugandan(s)

adjective: Ugandan

Ukraine

noun: Ukrainian(s)

adjective: Ukrainian

United Arab Emirates

noun: Emirati(s)

adjective: Emirati

United Kingdom

noun: Briton(s), British (collective plural)

adjective: British

United States

noun: American(s)

adjective: American

Uruguay

noun: Uruguayan(s)

adjective: Uruguayan

Uzbekistan

noun: Uzbek(s)

adjective: Uzbek

Vanuatu

noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

adjective: Ni-Vanuatu

Venezuela

noun: Venezuelan(s)

adjective: Venezuelan

Vietnam

noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)

adjective: Vietnamese

Virgin Islands

noun: Virgin Islander(s)

adjective: Virgin Islander

Wallis and Futuna noun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

West Bank

noun: NA

adjective: NA

Western Sahara

noun: Sahrawi(s), Sahraoui(s)

adjective: Sahrawian, Sahraouian

Yemen

noun: Yemeni(s)

adjective: Yemeni

Zambia

noun: Zambian(s)

adjective: Zambian

Zimbabwe

noun: Zimbabwean(s)

adjective: Zimbabwean

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2111 Natural resources

Afghanistan

natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc,

barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and

semiprecious stones

Albania

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

nickel, hydropower

Algeria

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead,

zinc

American Samoa

pumice, pumicite

Andorra

hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead

Angola

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

gold, bauxite, uranium

Anguilla

salt, fish, lobster

Antarctica

iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and

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

uncommercial quantities; none presently exploited; krill, finfish,

and crab have been taken by commercial fisheries

Antigua and Barbuda

NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism

Arctic Ocean

sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits,

polymetallic nodules, oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals

(seals and whales)

Argentina

fertile plains of the Pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper,

iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium

Armenia

small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, alumina

Aruba

NEGL; white sandy beaches

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

fish

Atlantic Ocean

oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and

whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic

nodules, precious stones

Australia

bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver,

uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds,

natural gas, petroleum

Austria

iron ore, oil, timber, magnesite, lead, coal, lignite,

copper, hydropower

Azerbaijan

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals,

alumina

Bahamas, The

salt, aragonite, timber, arable land

Bahrain

oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls

Baker Island

guano (deposits worked until 1891), terrestrial and

aquatic wildlife

Bangladesh

natural gas, arable land, timber, coal

Barbados

petroleum, fish, natural gas

Bassas da India

none

Belarus

forests, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural

gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay

Belgium

coal, natural gas

Belize

arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower

Benin

small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber

Bermuda

limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism

Bhutan

timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide

Bolivia

tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony,

silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower

Bosnia and Herzegovina

coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, forests,

copper, chromium, lead, zinc, hydropower

Botswana

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal,

iron ore, silver

Bouvet Island

none

Brazil

bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates,

platinum, tin, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber

British Indian Ocean Territory

coconuts, fish, sugarcane

British Virgin Islands

NEGL

Brunei

petroleum, natural gas, timber

Bulgaria

bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land

Burkina Faso

manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold,

antimony, copper, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silver

Burma

petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten,

lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas,

hydropower

Burundi

nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper,

platinum (not yet exploited), vanadium, arable land, hydropower

Cambodia

timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates,

hydropower potential

Cameroon

petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower

Canada

iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum,

potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum,

natural gas, hydropower

Cape Verde

salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish

Cayman Islands

fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

Central African Republic

diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil,

hydropower

Chad

petroleum (unexploited but exploration under way), uranium,

natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad)

Chile

copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals,

molybdenum, hydropower

China

coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin,

tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite,

aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, hydropower potential (world's largest)

Christmas Island

phosphate, beaches

Clipperton Island

fish

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

fish

Colombia

petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold,

copper, emeralds, hydropower

Comoros

NEGL

Congo, Democratic Republic of the cobalt, copper, cadmium, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, germanium, uranium, radium, bauxite, iron ore, coal, hydropower, timber

Congo, Republic of the petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, natural gas, hydropower

Cook Islands

NEGL

Coral Sea Islands

NEGL

Costa Rica

hydropower

Cote d'Ivoire

petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore,

cobalt, bauxite, copper, hydropower

Croatia

oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium,

natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, hydropower

Cuba

cobalt, nickel, iron ore, copper, manganese, salt, timber,

silica, petroleum, arable land

Cyprus

copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay

earth pigment

Czech Republic

hard coal, soft coal, kaolin, clay, graphite, timber

Denmark

petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, stone, gravel

and sand

Djibouti

geothermal areas

Dominica

timber, hydropower, arable land

Dominican Republic

nickel, bauxite, gold, silver

East Timor

gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble

Ecuador

petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower

Egypt

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese,

limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc

El Salvador

hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land

Equatorial Guinea

oil, petroleum, timber, small unexploited deposits

of gold, manganese, uranium, titanium, iron ore

Eritrea

gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, possibly oil and natural

gas, fish

Estonia

oil shale, peat, phosphorite, clay, limestone, sand,

dolomite, arable land, sea mud

Ethiopia

small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural

gas, hydropower

Europa Island

NEGL

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss

Faroe Islands

fish, whales, hydropower

Fiji

timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower

Finland

timber, copper, zinc, iron ore, silver

France

coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, potash, timber, fish

French Guiana

bauxite, timber, gold (widely scattered), cinnabar,

kaolin, fish

French Polynesia

timber, fish, cobalt, hydropower

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

fish, crayfish

Gabon

petroleum, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore,

hydropower

Gambia, The

fish

Gaza Strip

arable land, natural gas

Georgia

forests, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper,

minor coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for

important tea and citrus growth

Germany

iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper,

natural gas, salt, nickel, arable land

Ghana

gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish,

rubber, hydropower

Gibraltar

NEGL

Glorioso Islands

guano, coconuts

Greece

bauxite, lignite, magnesite, petroleum, marble, hydropower

potential

Greenland

zinc, lead, iron ore, coal, molybdenum, gold, platinum,

uranium, fish, seals, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Grenada

timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Guadeloupe

cultivable land, beaches and climate that foster tourism

Guam

fishing (largely undeveloped), tourism (especially from Japan)

Guatemala

petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower

Guernsey

cropland

Guinea

bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish

Guinea-Bissau

fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, unexploited

deposits of petroleum

Guyana

bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Haiti

bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble, hydropower

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

fish

Holy See (Vatican City)

none

Honduras

timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore,

antimony, coal, fish, hydropower

Hong Kong

outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar

Howland Island

guano (deposits worked until late 1800s), terrestrial

and aquatic wildlife

Hungary

bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils, arable land

Iceland

fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite

India

coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore,

manganese, mica, bauxite, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas,

diamonds, petroleum, limestone, arable land

Indian Ocean

oil and gas fields, fish, shrimp, sand and gravel

aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules

Indonesia

petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite,

copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver

Iran

petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead,

manganese, zinc, sulfur

Iraq

petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur

Ireland

zinc, lead, natural gas, barite, copper, gypsum, limestone,

dolomite, peat, silver

Israel

timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock,

magnesium bromide, clays, sand

Italy

mercury, potash, marble, sulfur, natural gas and crude oil

reserves, fish, coal, arable land

Jamaica

bauxite, gypsum, limestone

Jan Mayen

none

Japan

negligible mineral resources, fish

Jarvis Island

guano (deposits worked until late 1800s), terrestrial

and aquatic wildlife

Jersey

arable land

Johnston Atoll

guano deposits worked until depletion about 1890,

terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Jordan

phosphates, potash, shale oil

Juan de Nova Island

guano deposits and other fertilizers

Kazakhstan

major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore,

manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead,

zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium

Kenya

gold, limestone, soda ash, salt, rubies, fluorspar, garnets,

wildlife, hydropower

Kingman Reef

terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Kiribati

phosphate (production discontinued in 1979)

Korea, North

coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron

ore, copper, gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropower

Korea, South

coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower

potential

Kuwait

petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas

Kyrgyzstan

abundant hydropower; significant deposits of gold and

rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas;

other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc

Laos

timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Latvia

peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, wood, arable

land

Lebanon

limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a

water-deficit region, arable land

Lesotho

water, agricultural and grazing land, some diamonds and

other minerals

Liberia

iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold, hydropower

Libya

petroleum, natural gas, gypsum

Liechtenstein

hydroelectric potential, arable land

Lithuania

peat, arable land

Luxembourg

iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land

Macau

NEGL

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

chromium, lead, zinc,

manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore, asbestos, sulfur,

timber, arable land

Madagascar

graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar

sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish, hydropower

Malawi

limestone, arable land, hydropower, unexploited deposits of

uranium, coal, and bauxite

Malaysia

tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas,

bauxite

Maldives

fish

Mali

gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, hydropower

note: bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are

known but not exploited

Malta

limestone, salt, arable land

Man, Isle of

none

Marshall Islands coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals

Martinique

coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land

Mauritania

iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil,

fish

Mauritius

arable land, fish

Mayotte

NEGL

Mexico

petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas,

timber

Micronesia, Federated States of

forests, marine products,

deep-seabed minerals

Midway Islands

wildlife, terrestrial and aquatic

Moldova

lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land, limestone

Monaco

none

Mongolia

oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin,

nickel, zinc, wolfram, fluorspar, gold, silver, iron, phosphate

Montserrat

NEGL

Morocco

phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

Mozambique

coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum,

graphite

Namibia

diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium,

cadmium, zinc, salt, vanadium, natural gas, hydropower, fish

note: suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore

Nauru

phosphates, fish

Navassa Island

guano

Nepal

quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small

deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore

Netherlands

natural gas, petroleum, arable land

Netherlands Antilles

phosphates (Curacao only), salt (Bonaire only)

New Caledonia

nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold,

lead, copper

New Zealand

natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower,

gold, limestone

Nicaragua

gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish

Niger

uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, petroleum

Nigeria

natural gas, petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal,

limestone, lead, zinc, arable land

Niue

fish, arable land

Norfolk Island

fish

Northern Mariana Islands

arable land, fish

Norway

petroleum, copper, natural gas, pyrites, nickel, iron ore,

zinc, lead, fish, timber, hydropower

Oman

petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium,

gypsum, natural gas

Pacific Ocean

oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and

gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish

Pakistan

land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum,

poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone

Palau

forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products,

deep-seabed minerals

Palmyra Atoll

terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Panama

copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower

Papua New Guinea

gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil,

fisheries

Paracel Islands

none

Paraguay

hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone

Peru

copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal,

phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas

Philippines

timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt,

copper

Pitcairn Islands

miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish

note: manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver, and zinc have been

discovered offshore

Poland

coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber,

arable land

Portugal

fish, forests (cork), tungsten, iron ore, uranium ore,

marble, arable land, hydropower

Puerto Rico

some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and

offshore oil

Qatar

petroleum, natural gas, fish

Reunion

fish, arable land, hydropower

Romania

petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal,

iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower

Russia

wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil,

natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, timber

note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder

exploitation of natural resources

Rwanda

gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore),

methane, hydropower, arable land

Saint Helena

fish

Saint Kitts and Nevis

arable land

Saint Lucia

forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral

springs, geothermal potential

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

fish, deepwater ports

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

hydropower, cropland

Samoa

hardwood forests, fish, hydropower

San Marino

building stone

Sao Tome and Principe

fish, hydropower

Saudi Arabia

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Senegal

fish, phosphates, iron ore

Serbia and Montenegro oil, gas, coal, antimony, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, gold, pyrite, chrome, hydropower, arable land

Seychelles

fish, copra, cinnamon trees

Sierra Leone

diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold,

chromite

Singapore

fish, deepwater ports

Slovakia

brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper

and manganese ore; salt; arable land

Slovenia

lignite coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silver,

hydropower, forests

Solomon Islands

fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead,

zinc, nickel

Somalia

uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin,

gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves

South Africa

gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese,

nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper,

vanadium, salt, natural gas

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

fish

Southern Ocean

probable large and possible giant oil and gas fields

on the continental margin, manganese nodules, possible placer

deposits, sand and gravel, fresh water as icebergs; squid, whales,

and seals - none exploited; krill, fishes

Spain

coal, lignite, iron ore, uranium, mercury, pyrites, fluorspar,

gypsum, zinc, lead, tungsten, copper, kaolin, potash, hydropower,

arable land

Spratly Islands

fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas

potential

Sri Lanka

limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates,

clay, hydropower

Sudan

petroleum; small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore,

zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold, hydropower

Suriname

timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold,

and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore

Svalbard

coal, copper, iron ore, phosphate, zinc, wildlife, fish

Swaziland

asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests,

small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Sweden

zinc, iron ore, lead, copper, silver, timber, uranium,

hydropower

Switzerland

hydropower potential, timber, salt

Syria

petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt,

iron ore, rock salt, marble, gypsum, hydropower

Taiwan

small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and

asbestos

Tajikistan

hydropower, some petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal,

lead, zinc, antimony, tungsten, silver, gold

Tanzania

hydropower, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds,

gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickel

Thailand

tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead,

fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

Togo

phosphates, limestone, marble, arable land

Tokelau

NEGL

Tonga

fish, fertile soil

Trinidad and Tobago

petroleum, natural gas, asphalt

Tromelin Island

fish

Tunisia

petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt

Turkey

antimony, coal, chromium, mercury, copper, borate, sulfur,

iron ore, arable land, hydropower

Turkmenistan

petroleum, natural gas, coal, sulfur, salt

Turks and Caicos Islands

spiny lobster, conch

Tuvalu

fish

Uganda

copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, arable land

Ukraine

iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulfur,

graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber,

arable land

United Arab Emirates

petroleum, natural gas

United Kingdom

coal, petroleum, natural gas, tin, limestone, iron

ore, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, lead, silica, arable land

United States

coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium,

bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten,

zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber

Uruguay

arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fisheries

Uzbekistan

natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver,

copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum

Vanuatu

manganese, hardwood forests, fish

Venezuela

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other

minerals, hydropower, diamonds

Vietnam

phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil

and gas deposits, forests, hydropower

Virgin Islands

sun, sand, sea, surf

Wake Island

none

Wallis and Futuna

NEGL

West Bank

arable land

Western Sahara

phosphates, iron ore

World

the rapid depletion of nonrenewable mineral resources, the

depletion of forest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and

plant species, and the deterioration in air and water quality

(especially in Eastern Europe, the former USSR, and China) pose

serious long-term problems that governments and peoples are only

beginning to address

Yemen

petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble, small deposits of coal,

gold, lead, nickel, and copper, fertile soil in west

Zambia

copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver,

uranium, hydropower

Zimbabwe

coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron

ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metals

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2112 Net migration rate (migrant(s)/1,000 population)

Afghanistan

10.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Albania

-1.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Algeria

-0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

American Samoa

3.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Andorra

6.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Angola

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Anguilla

12.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

-6.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Argentina

0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Armenia

-3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Aruba

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Australia

4.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Austria

2.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

-5.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

-2.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bahrain

1.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

-0.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Barbados

-0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Belarus

2.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Belgium

0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Belize

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Benin

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bermuda

2.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bhutan

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bolivia

-1.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

0.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Botswana

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Brazil

-0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands

10.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Brunei

3.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

-4.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Burma

-1.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Burundi

-0.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cambodia

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cameroon

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Canada

6.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cape Verde

-12.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

19.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2003

est.)

Central African Republic

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Chad

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Chile

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

China

-0.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Christmas Island

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Colombia

-0.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Comoros

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the -1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population note: fighting between the Congolese Government and Uganda- and Rwanda-backed Congolese rebels spawned a regional war in DROC in August 1998, which left 1.8 million Congolese internally displaced and caused 300,000 Congolese refugees to flee to surrounding countries (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

0.51 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Croatia

1.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cuba

-1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Cyprus

0.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Denmark

2.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Djibouti

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Dominica

-16.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

-3.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

East Timor

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ecuador

-0.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Egypt

-0.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

El Salvador

-3.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Eritrea

-13.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: UNHCR began repatriating about 150,000 Eritrean refugees from

Sudan in 2001 following the restoration of diplomatic relations

between the two countries in 2000 (2003 est.)

Estonia

-0.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: repatriation of Ethiopians who fled to Sudan for refuge from

war and famine in earlier years is expected to continue for several

years; some Sudanese and Somali refugees, who fled to Ethiopia from

the fighting or famine in their own countries, continue to return to

their homes (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Faroe Islands

1.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Fiji

-3.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Finland

0.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

France

0.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

French Guiana

7.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

French Polynesia

2.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gabon

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

1.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

1.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Georgia

-2.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Germany

2.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ghana

-0.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Gibraltar

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Greece

1.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Greenland

-8.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Grenada

-14.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guadeloupe

-0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guam

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guatemala

-1.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guernsey

3.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guinea

-3.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: as a result of conflict in neighboring countries, Guinea is

host to approximately 150,000 Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees

(2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

-1.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Guyana

-4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Haiti

-4.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Honduras

-2.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

7.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Hungary

0.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Iceland

-2.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

India

-0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Indonesia

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Iran

-0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Iraq

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Ireland

3.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Israel

1.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Italy

2.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Jamaica

-5.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Japan

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Jersey

2.77 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Jordan

6.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

-5.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kenya

-0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: according to UNHCR, by the end of 2001 Kenya was host to

220,000 refugees from neighboring countries, including: Somalia

145,000 and Sudan 68,000 (2003 est.)

Kiribati

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Korea, North

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Korea, South

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kuwait

14.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

-2.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Laos

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Latvia

-1.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Lebanon

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Lesotho

-0.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Liberia

-10.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: 200,000 Liberian refugees are in surrounding countries though

slowly returning (2003 est.)

Libya

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

4.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Lithuania

0.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

9.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Macau

8.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of -1.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Madagascar

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Malawi

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Malaysia

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: does not reflect net flow of an unknown number of illegal

immigrants from other countries in the region (2003 est.)

Maldives

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mali

-0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Malta

2.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

5.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

-6.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Martinique

-0.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mauritania

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mauritius

-0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mayotte

7.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mexico

-2.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of -20.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Moldova

-0.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Monaco

7.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mongolia

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Montserrat

34.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Morocco

-1.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Mozambique

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Namibia

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nauru

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nepal

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Netherlands

2.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

-0.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

New Caledonia

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

New Zealand

4.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

-1.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Niger

-0.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Nigeria

0.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Niue

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Norfolk Island

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands 16.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Norway

2.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Oman

0.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Pakistan

-0.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Palau

3.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Panama

-0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Paraguay

-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Peru

-1.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Philippines

-1.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Poland

-0.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Portugal

0.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

-1.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Qatar

17.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Reunion

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Romania

-0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Russia

0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Rwanda

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Helena

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

-8.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

-3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

-4.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003

est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

-7.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population

(2003 est.)

Samoa

-11.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

San Marino

11.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

-2.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Senegal

0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

-1.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Seychelles

-5.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

6.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: refugees currently in surrounding countries are slowly

returning (2003 est.)

Singapore

25.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Slovakia

0.53 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Slovenia

2.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Somalia

5.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

South Africa

-0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Spain

0.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

-1.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sudan

0.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Suriname

-8.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Svalbard

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Swaziland

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Sweden

1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Switzerland

1.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Syria

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Taiwan

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

-3.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tanzania

-4.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Thailand

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Togo

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tokelau

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tonga

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

-10.79 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tunisia

-0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Turkey

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

-0.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands 12.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Tuvalu

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Uganda

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: according to the UNHCR, by the end of 2001, Uganda was host to

178,815 refugees from a number of neighboring countries, including:

Sudan 155,996, Rwanda 14,375, and Democratic Republic of the Congo

7,459 (2003 est.)

Ukraine

-0.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

2.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

United States

3.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Uruguay

-0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

-1.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Vanuatu

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Venezuela

-0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Vietnam

-0.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Virgin Islands

0.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New

Caledonia (2003 est.)

West Bank

3.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Yemen

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Zambia

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

NEGL migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa

and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2113 Geography - note

Afghanistan

landlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast

to southwest divide the northern provinces from the rest of the

country; the highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan

Corridor)

Albania

strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic

Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)

Algeria

second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan)

American Samoa

Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater

harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough

seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds;

strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean

Andorra

landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in

the Pyrenees

Angola

the province of Cabinda is an exclave, separated from the

rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Anguilla

the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser

Antilles

Antarctica

the coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest

continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface

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

period; mostly uninhabitable

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with

many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a very large western

harbor

Arctic Ocean

major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern

access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic

location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link

between the extremes of eastern and western Russia; floating

research stations operated by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover

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

snow cover lasts about 10 months

Argentina

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

strategic location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic

and the South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel,

Drake Passage); Cerro Aconcagua is South America's tallest mountain,

while the Valdes Peninsula is the lowest point on the continent

Armenia

landlocked in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; Sevana Lich

(Lake Sevan) is the largest lake in this mountain range

Aruba

a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches;

its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the

Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27

degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve

established in August 1983

Atlantic Ocean

major chokepoints include the Dardanelles, Strait of

Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits

include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The

Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the

Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean

Australia

world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country;

population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts;

regular, tropical, invigorating, sea breeze known as "the Doctor"

occurs along the west coast in the summer

Austria

landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central

Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major

river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands

because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere

Azerbaijan

both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan

exclave are landlocked

Bahamas, The

strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive

island chain of which 30 are inhabited

Bahrain

close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic

location in Persian Gulf, which much of Western world's petroleum

must transit to reach open ocean

Baker Island

treeless, sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting

of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a

nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds,

and marine wildlife

Bangladesh

most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers

flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main

channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually

empty into the Bay of Bengal

Barbados

easternmost Caribbean island

Bassas da India

the islands emerge from a circular reef that sits

atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano

Belarus

landlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of

Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes; the country is

geologically well endowed with extensive deposits of granite,

dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, and clay

Belgium

crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European

capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European

Union and NATO

Belize

only country in Central America without a coastline on the

North Pacific Ocean

Benin

sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural

harbors, river mouths, or islands

Bermuda

consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample

rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by

US Government from 1941 to 1995

Bhutan

landlocked; strategic location between China and India;

controls several key Himalayan mountain passes

Bolivia

landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest

navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru

Bosnia and Herzegovina

within Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized

borders, the country is divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat

Federation (about 51% of the territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led

Republika Srpska or RS (about 49% of the territory); the region

called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and Serbia and

Montenegro (Montenegro), and traditionally has been settled by an

ethnic Croat majority in the west and an ethnic Serb majority in the

east

Botswana

landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the

country

Bouvet Island

covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve

Brazil

largest country in South America; shares common boundaries

with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador

British Indian Ocean Territory archipelago of 2,300 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility

British Virgin Islands

strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and

Puerto Rico

Brunei

close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking

Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by

Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia

Bulgaria

strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land

routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia

Burkina Faso

landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of

the Black, Red, and White Voltas

Burma

strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes

Burundi

landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the

Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote

headstream of the White Nile

Cambodia

a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River

and Tonle Sap

Cameroon

sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout

the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of

current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest

mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano

Canada

second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic

location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately

85% of the population is concentrated within 300 km of the US border

Cape Verde

strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near

major north-south sea routes; important communications station;

important sea and air refueling site

Cayman Islands

important location between Cuba and Central America

Central African Republic

landlocked; almost the precise center of

Africa

Chad

landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the

Sahel

Chile

strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and

Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage);

Atacama Desert is one of world's driest regions

China

world's fourth-largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US);

Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak;

Christmas Island

located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

Clipperton Island

reef 12 km in circumference

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

islands are thickly covered with coconut

palms and other vegetation

Colombia

only South American country with coastlines on both North

Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Comoros

important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel

Congo, Democratic Republic of the straddles equator; has very narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo River and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean; dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands

Congo, Republic of the

about 70% of the population lives in

Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them

Cook Islands

the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely

populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands consist of eight

elevated, fertile, volcanic isles where most of the populace lives

Coral Sea Islands

important nesting area for birds and turtles

Costa Rica

four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital

of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes,

Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65

Cote d'Ivoire

most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal

region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is

sparsely populated

Croatia

controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea

and Turkish Straits

Cuba

largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the

Greater Antilles

Cyprus

the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after

Sicily and Sardinia)

Czech Republic

landlocked; strategically located astride some of

oldest and most significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is

a traditional military corridor between the North European Plain and

the Danube in central Europe

Denmark

controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking

Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in

greater Copenhagen

Djibouti

strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and

close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia;

mostly wasteland; Lac Assal (Lake Assal) is the lowest point in

Africa

Dominica

known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its

spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected

by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the

Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and

include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in

the world

Dominican Republic

shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (eastern

two-thirds is the Dominican Republic, western one-third is Haiti)

East Timor

Timor comes from the Malay word for "Orient;" the island

of Timor is part of the Malay Archipelago and is the largest and

easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands

Ecuador

Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world

Egypt

controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and

remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link

between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; size, and juxtaposition

to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics;

dependence on upstream neighbors; dominance of Nile basin issues;

prone to influxes of refugees

El Salvador

smallest Central American country and only one without a

coastline on Caribbean Sea

Equatorial Guinea

insular and continental regions rather widely

separated

Eritrea

strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest

shipping lanes; Eritrea retained the entire coastline of Ethiopia

along the Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopia on 24 May

1993

Estonia

the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded;

offshore lie more than 1,500 islands

Ethiopia

landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost

with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993; the Blue

Nile, the chief headstream of the Nile by water volume, rises in

T'ana Hayk (Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia; three major crops are

believed to have originated in Ethiopia: coffee, grain sorghum, and

castor bean

Europa Island

wildlife sanctuary

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

deeply indented coast provides

good natural harbors; short growing season

Faroe Islands

archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one

uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically

located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic;

precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands

Fiji

includes 332 islands of which approximately 110 are inhabited

Finland

long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national

capital on European continent; population concentrated on small

southwestern coastal plain

France

largest West European nation

French Guiana

mostly an unsettled wilderness; the only

non-independent portion of the South American continent

French Polynesia

includes five archipelagoes (4 volcanic, 1 coral);

Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great phosphate rock

islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island)

in Kiribati and Nauru

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

islands component is widely

scattered across remote locations in the southern Indian Ocean

Gabon

a small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped

Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries; in general, these

circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its

pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity

Gambia, The

almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the

continent of Africa

Gaza Strip

there are 25 Israeli settlements and civilian land use

sites in the Gaza Strip (February 2002 est.)

Georgia

strategically located east of the Black Sea; Georgia

controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them

Germany

strategic location on North European Plain and along the

entrance to the Baltic Sea

Ghana

Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake

Gibraltar

strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the

North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

Glorioso Islands

the islands and rocks are surrounded by an

extensive reef system

Greece

strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern

approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an

archipelago of about 2,000 islands

Greenland

dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and

Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast,

but close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital,

Nuuk; world's second largest ice cap

Grenada

the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is

divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada

Guadeloupe

a narrow channel, the Riviere Salee, divides Guadeloupe

proper into two islands: the larger, western Basse-Terre and the

smaller, eastern Grande-Terre

Guam

largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands

archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean

Guatemala

no natural harbors on west coast

Guernsey

large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port

Guinea

the Niger and its important tributary the Milo have their

sources in the Guinean highlands

Guinea-Bissau

this small country is swampy along its western coast

and low-lying further inland

Guyana

the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname

and Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern

territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively

Haiti

shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western

one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)

Holy See (Vatican City)

urban; landlocked; enclave in Rome, Italy;

world's smallest state; outside the Vatican City, 13 buildings in

Rome and Castel Gandolfo (the pope's summer residence) enjoy

extraterritorial rights

Honduras

has only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean

shoreline, including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast

Hong Kong

more than 200 islands

Howland Island

almost totally covered with grasses, prostrate vines,

and low-growing shrubs; small area of trees in the center; primarily

a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds,

and marine wildlife

Hungary

landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes

between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between

Ukraine and Mediterranean basin; the north-south flowing Duna

(Danube) and Tisza Rivers divide the country into three large regions

Iceland

strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost

European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in

the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental

Europe

India

dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian

Ocean trade routes

Indian Ocean

major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of

Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and

the Lombok Strait

Indonesia

archipelago of more than 17,000 islands (6,000 inhabited);

straddles Equator; strategic location astride or along major sea

lanes from Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean

Iran

strategic location on the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz,

which are vital maritime pathways for crude oil transport

Iraq

strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of

the Persian Gulf

Ireland

strategic location on major air and sea routes between North

America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides

within 97 km of Dublin

Israel

there are 242 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites

in the West Bank, 42 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 25 in

the Gaza Strip, and 29 in East Jerusalem (February 2002 est.); Sea

of Galilee is an important freshwater source

Italy

strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as

southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe

Jamaica

strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica

Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal

Jan Mayen

barren volcanic island with some moss and grass

Japan

strategic location in northeast Asia

Jarvis Island

sparse bunch grass, prostrate vines, and low-growing

shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for

seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife

Jersey

largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of

population concentrated in Saint Helier

Johnston Atoll

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean;

Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands, which have been

expanded by coral dredging; North Island (Akau) and East Island

(Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging; the

egg-shaped reef is 34 km in circumference; closed to the public; a

former US nuclear weapons test site; site of Johnston Atoll Chemical

Agent Disposal System (JACADS); some low-growing vegetation

Jordan

strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and as

the Arab country that shares the longest border with Israel and the

occupied West Bank

Juan de Nova Island

wildlife sanctuary

Kazakhstan

landlocked; Russia leases approximately 6,000 sq km of

territory enclosing the Baykonur Cosmodrome

Kenya

the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful

agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on

Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography

supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic

value

Kingman Reef

barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed to

the public

Kiribati

21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island)

in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the

Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia, and Nauru

Korea, North

strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and

Russia; mountainous interior is isolated and sparsely populated

Korea, South

strategic location on Korea Strait

Kuwait

strategic location at head of Persian Gulf

Kyrgyzstan

landlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien

Shan range; many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes

Laos

landlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly

forested; the Mekong forms a large part of the western boundary with

Thailand

Latvia

most of the country is composed of fertile, low-lying plains,

with some hills in the east

Lebanon

Nahr el Litani only major river in Near East not crossing an

international boundary; rugged terrain historically helped isolate,

protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion,

clan, and ethnicity

Lesotho

landlocked, completely surrounded by South Africa;

mountainous, more than 80% of the country is 1,800 meters above sea

level

Liberia

facing the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline is characterized by

lagoons, mangrove swamps, and river-deposited sandbars; the inland

grassy plateau supports limited agriculture

Libya

more than 90% of the country is desert or semidesert

Liechtenstein

along with Uzbekistan, one of only two doubly

landlocked countries in the world; variety of microclimatic

variations based on elevation

Lithuania

fertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that

are ancient glacial deposits

Luxembourg

landlocked; the only Grand Duchy in the world

Macau

essentially urban; one causeway and two bridges connect the

two islands of Coloane and Taipa to the peninsula on mainland

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

landlocked; major

transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean

Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe

Madagascar

world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along

Mozambique Channel

Malawi

landlocked; Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country's

most prominent physical feature

Malaysia

strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern

South China Sea

Maldives

1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited

islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with

strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean

Mali

landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern,

cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the

northern, arid Saharan

Malta

the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three

largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino)

being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and

Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the

continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil

exploration

Man, Isle of

one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the

southwest, and is a bird sanctuary

Marshall Islands

two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and

1,152 islands; Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites;

Kwajalein, the famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US

missile test range

Martinique

the island is dominated by Mount Pelee, which on 8 May

1902 erupted and completely destroyed the city of Saint Pierre,

killing 30,000 inhabitants

Mauritania

most of the population concentrated in the cities of

Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the

southern part of the country

Mauritius

the main island, from which the country derives its name,

is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral

reefs

Mayotte

part of Comoro Archipelago; 18 islands

Mexico

strategic location on southern border of US; corn (maize),

one of the world's major grain crops, is thought to have originated

in Mexico

Micronesia, Federated States of

four major island groups totaling

607 islands

Midway Islands

a coral atoll managed as a national wildlife refuge

and open to the public for wildlife-related recreation in the form

of wildlife observation and photography, sport fishing, snorkeling,

and scuba diving; the refuge is temporarily closed for

reorganization at present (2003)

Moldova

landlocked; well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and

minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone

Monaco

second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy

See); almost entirely urban

Mongolia

landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia

Montserrat

the island is entirely volcanic in origin and contains

seven active volcanoes

Morocco

strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar

Mozambique

the Zambezi flows through the north-central and most

fertile part of the country

Namibia

first country in the world to incorporate the protection of

the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is

protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip

Nauru

Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the

Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and

Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator

Navassa Island

strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base

at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock, but enough grassland

to support goat herds; dense stands of fig-like trees, scattered

cactus

Nepal

landlocked; strategic location between China and India;

contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest

- the world's tallest - on the border with China

Netherlands

located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine,

Maas or Meuse, and Schelde)

Netherlands Antilles

the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles

are divided geographically into the Leeward Islands (northern) group

(Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten) and the Windward Islands

(southern) group (Bonaire and Curacao)

New Caledonia

consists of the main island of New Caledonia (one of

the largest in the Pacific Ocean), the archipelago of Iles Loyaute,

and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls

New Zealand

about 80% of the population lives in cities; Wellington

is the southernmost national capital in the world

Nicaragua

largest country in Central America; contains the largest

freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua

Niger

landlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world:

northern four-fifths is desert, southern one-fifth is savanna,

suitable for livestock and limited agriculture

Nigeria

the Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows

southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in

the Gulf of Guinea

Niue

one of world's largest coral islands

Norfolk Island

most of the 32-km coastline consists of almost

inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one

small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is

situated

Northern Mariana Islands

strategic location in the North Pacific

Ocean

Norway

about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much

indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air

routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines

in world

Oman

strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait of

Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

Pacific Ocean

the major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama

Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides

the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific

Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in

the southwestern Pacific Ocean

Pakistan

controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion

routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent

Palau

westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six

island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II

battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands

Palmyra Atoll

about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation, coconut

trees, and balsa-like trees up to 30 meters tall

Panama

strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land

bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal

that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific

Ocean

Papua New Guinea

shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of

world's largest swamps along southwest coast

Paracel Islands

composed of 130 small coral islands and reefs

divided into the northeast Amphitrite Group and the western Crescent

Group

Paraguay

landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil;

population concentrated in southern part of country

Peru

shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable

lake, with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316 m peak,

is the ultimate source of the Amazon River

Philippines

favorably located in relation to many of Southeast

Asia's main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu

Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait

Pitcairn Islands

Britain's most isolated dependency; only the larger

island of Pitcairn is inhabited but it has no port or natural

harbor; supplies must be transported by rowed longboat from larger

ships stationed offshore

Poland

historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and

the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain

Portugal

Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along

western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

Puerto Rico

important location along the Mona Passage - a key

shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest

and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and

high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast

relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north

Qatar

strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major

petroleum deposits

Reunion

this mountainous, volcanic island has an active volcano,

Piton de la Fournaise; there is a tropical cyclone center at

Saint-Denis, which is the monitoring station for the whole of the

Indian Ocean

Romania

controls most easily traversable land route between the

Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine

Russia

largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably

located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its

size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either

too cold or too dry) for agriculture; Mount Elbrus is Europe's

tallest peak

Rwanda

landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the

population predominantly rural

Saint Helena

harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere

else in the world; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles

and sooty terns

Saint Kitts and Nevis

with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat

and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a three-km-wide

channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball

bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in

the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape

complements that of its sister island

Saint Lucia

the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking

cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural

highlights of the Caribbean

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

vegetation scanty

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of 32 islands and cays

Samoa

occupies an almost central position within Polynesia

San Marino

landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after

the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines

Sao Tome and Principe

the smallest country in Africa; the two main

islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and both are

fairly mountainous

Saudi Arabia

extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea

provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through

Persian Gulf and Suez Canal

Senegal

westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is

almost an enclave of Senegal

Serbia and Montenegro

controls one of the major land routes from

Western Europe to Turkey and the Near East; strategic location along

the Adriatic coast

Seychelles

40 granitic and about 50 coralline islands

Sierra Leone

rainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 inches)

a year, making it one of the wettest places along coastal, western

Africa

Singapore

focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes

Slovakia

landlocked; most of the country is rugged and mountainous;

the Tatra Mountains in the north are interspersed with many scenic

lakes and valleys

Slovenia

despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country

controls some of Europe's major transit routes

Solomon Islands

strategic location on sea routes between the South

Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea

Somalia

strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern

approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal

South Africa

South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost

completely surrounds Swaziland

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

the north coast of

South Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage;

reindeer, introduced early in the 21st century, live on South Georgia

Southern Ocean

the major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between

South America and Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic

Convergence) is the best natural definition of the northern extent

of the Southern Ocean; it is a distinct region at the middle of the

Antarctic Circumpolar Current that separates the very cold polar

surface waters to the south from the warmer waters to the north; the

Front and the Current extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching

south of 60 degrees south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south

in the far South Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum

westerly winds

Spain

strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

Spratly Islands

strategically located near several primary shipping

lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small

islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs

Sri Lanka

strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes

Sudan

largest country in Africa; dominated by the Nile and its

tributaries

Suriname

smallest independent country on South American continent;

mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna

that, for the most part, is increasingly threatened by new

development; relatively small population, mostly along the coast

Svalbard

northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of

nine main islands; glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total

area

Swaziland

landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa

Sweden

strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and

North Seas

Switzerland

landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe;

along with southeastern France, northern Italy, and southwestern

Austria, has the highest elevations in the Alps

Syria

there are 42 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites

in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (February 2002 est.)

Taiwan

strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the

Luzon Strait

Tajikistan

landlocked; mountainous region dominated by the

Trans-Alay Range in the north and the Pamirs in the southeast;

highest point, Qullai Ismoili Somoni (formerly Communism Peak), was

the tallest mountain in the former USSR

Tanzania

Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa; bordered by three

of the largest lakes on the continent: Lake Victoria (the world's

second-largest freshwater lake) in the north, Lake Tanganyika (the

world's second deepest) in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the southwest

Thailand

controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore

Togo

the country's length allows it to stretch through six distinct

geographic regions; climate varies from tropical to savanna

Tokelau

consists of three atolls, each with a lagoon surrounded by a

number of reef-bound islets of varying length and rising to over

three meters above sea level

Tonga

archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited)

Trinidad and Tobago

Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is

the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt

Tromelin Island

climatologically important location for forecasting

cyclones; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)

Tunisia

strategic location in central Mediterranean; Malta and

Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the

continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil

exploration

Turkey

strategic location controlling the Turkish Straits (Bosporus,

Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas; Mount

Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah's Ark, is in the far

eastern portion of the country

Turkmenistan

landlocked; the western and central low-lying, desolate

portions of the country make up the great Garagum (Kara-Kum) desert,

which occupies over 80% of the country; eastern part is plateau

Turks and Caicos Islands

about 40 islands (eight inhabited)

Tuvalu

one of the smallest and most remote countries on Earth; six

of the coral atolls - Nanumea, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti,

and Nukulaelae - have lagoons open to the ocean; Nanumaya and Niutao

have landlocked lagoons; Niulakita does not have a lagoon

Uganda

landlocked; fertile, well-watered country with many lakes and

rivers

Ukraine

strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and

Asia; second-largest country in Europe

United Arab Emirates

strategic location along southern approaches to

Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

United Kingdom

lies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km

from France and now linked by tunnel under the English Channel;

because of heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125

km from tidal waters

United States

world's third-largest country by size (after Russia

and Canada) and by population (after China and India); Mt. McKinley

is highest point in North America and Death Valley the lowest point

on the continent

Uruguay

second-smallest South American country (after Suriname);

most of the low-lying landscape (three-quarters of the country) is

grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep raising

Uzbekistan

along with Liechtenstein, one of the only two doubly

landlocked countries in the world

Vanuatu

a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller

islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes

Venezuela

on major sea and air routes linking North and South

America; Angel Falls in the Guiana Highlands is the world's highest

waterfall

Vietnam

extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km

across at its narrowest point

Virgin Islands

important location along the Anegada Passage - a key

shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best

natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean

Wake Island

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency

landing location for transpacific flights

Wallis and Futuna

both island groups have fringing reefs

West Bank

landlocked; highlands are main recharge area for Israel's

coastal aquifers; there are 242 Israeli settlements and civilian

land use sites in the West Bank and 29 in East Jerusalem (February

2002 est.)

Western Sahara

the waters off the coast are particularly rich

fishing areas

World

the world is now thought to be about 4.55 billion years old,

just about one-third of the 13-billion-year age estimated for the

universe

Yemen

strategic location on Bab el Mandeb, the strait linking the

Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, one of world's most active shipping

lanes

Zambia

landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary

with Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

landlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary

with Zambia; in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria

Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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@2115 Political pressure groups and leaders

Afghanistan

NA; note - ministries formed under the Transitional

Islamic State of Afghanistan (TISA) include former influential

Afghans, diaspora members, and former political leaders

Albania

Omonia [Vangjel DULES]

Algeria

NA

American Samoa

NA

Andorra

NA

Angola

Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda or FLEC

[N'zita Henriques TIAGO; Antonio Bento BEMBE]

note: FLEC is waging a small-scale, highly factionalized, armed

struggle for the independence of Cabinda Province

Anguilla

NA

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua Trades and Labor Union or ATLU [William

ROBINSON]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Hugh MARSHALL]

Argentina

Argentine Association of Pharmaceutical Labs (CILFA);

Argentine Industrial Union (manufacturers' association); Argentine

Rural Society (large landowners' association); business

organizations; General Confederation of Labor or CGT

(Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization); Peronist-dominated

labor movement; Roman Catholic Church; students

Armenia

Yerkrapah Union [Manvel GRIGORIAN]

Aruba

NA

Australia

Australian Monarchist League [leader NA]; Australian

Republican Movement [leader NA]

Austria

Austrian Trade Union Federation (primarily Socialist) or

OeGB; Federal Economic Chamber; OeVP-oriented League of Austrian

Industrialists or VOeI; Roman Catholic Church, including its chief

lay organization, Catholic Action; three composite leagues of the

Austrian People's Party or OeVP representing business, labor, and

farmers

Azerbaijan

Sadval, Lezgin movement; self-proclaimed Armenian

Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; Talysh independence movement; Union of

Pro-Azerbaijani Forces (UPAF)

Bahamas, The

NA

Bahrain

Shi'a activists fomented unrest sporadically in 1994-97,

demanding the return of an elected National Assembly and an end to

unemployment; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic

fundamentalist groups are active

Bangladesh

NA

Barbados

Barbados Workers Union [Leroy TROTMAN]; Clement Payne Labor

Union [David COMMISSIONG]; People's Progressive Movement [Eric

SEALY]; Worker's Party of Barbados [Dr. George BELLE]

Belarus

NA

Belgium

Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian

Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers,

manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical

professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests

of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi

and groups representing immigrants

Belize

Society for the Promotion of Education and Research or SPEAR

[Adele CATZIM]

Benin

NA

Bermuda

Bermuda Employer's Union [Eddie SAINTS]; Bermuda Industrial

Union or BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Association

or BPSA [leader NA]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]

Bhutan

Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading

militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community; United

Front for Democracy (exiled)

Bolivia

Cocalero Groups; indigenous organizations; labor unions;

Sole Confederation of Campesino Workers of Bolivia or CSUTCB [Felipe

QUISPE]

Bosnia and Herzegovina

NA

Botswana

NA

Brazil

left wing of the Catholic Church; Landless Worker's Movement;

labor unions allied to leftist Worker's Party

British Virgin Islands

NA

Brunei

NA

Bulgaria

agrarian movement; Confederation of Independent Trade

Unions of Bulgaria or CITUB; Podkrepa Labor Confederation; numerous

regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas

Burkina Faso

Burkinabe General Confederation of Labor or CGTB;

Burkinabe Movement for Human Rights or MBDHP; Group of 14 February;

National Confederation of Burkinabe Workers or CNTB; National

Organization of Free Unions or ONSL; watchdog/political action

groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities

Burma

All Burma Student Democratic Front or ABSDF; Kachin

Independence Army or KIA; Karen National Union or KNU; National

Coalition Government of the Union of Burma or NCGUB [Dr. SEIN WIN]

consists of individuals legitimately elected to the People's

Assembly but not recognized by the military regime (the group fled

to a border area and joined with insurgents in December 1990 to form

a parallel government); several Shan factions; United Wa State Army

or UWSA

Burundi

loosely organized Hutu and Tutsi militias, often affiliated

with Hutu and Tutsi extremist parties or subordinate to government

security forces

Cambodia

NA

Cameroon

Southern Cameroon National Council [Frederick Ebong

ALOBWEDE]; Human Rights Defense Group [Albert MUKONG, president]

Canada

NA

Cape Verde

NA

Cayman Islands

NA

Central African Republic

NA

Chad

NA

Chile

revitalized university student federations at all major

universities; Roman Catholic Church; United Labor Central or CUT

includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor

confederations

China

no substantial political opposition groups exist, although the

government has identified the Falungong sect and the China Democracy

Party as potential rivals

Christmas Island

none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none

Colombia

two largest insurgent groups active in Colombia -

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC and National

Liberation Army or ELN; largest anti-insurgent paramilitary group is

United Self-Defense Groups of Colombia or AUC

Comoros

NA

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

NA

Congo, Republic of the

Congolese Trade Union Congress or CSC;

General Union of Congolese Pupils and Students or UGEEC;

Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women or URFC; Union of Congolese

Socialist Youth or UJSC

Cook Islands

NA

Costa Rica

Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers or CATD

(Communist Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; Confederated

Union of Workers or CUT (Communist Party affiliate); Costa Rican

Confederation of Democratic Workers or CCTD (Liberation Party

affiliate); Federation of Public Service Workers or FTSP; National

Association for Economic Development or ANFE; National Association

of Educators or ANDE; Rerum Novarum or CTRN (PLN affiliate) [Gilbert

Brown]

Cote d'Ivoire

NA

Croatia

NA

Cuba

NA

Cyprus

Confederation of Cypriot Workers or SEK (pro-West);

Confederation of Revolutionary Labor Unions or Dev-Is; Federation of

Turkish Cypriot Labor Unions or Turk-Sen; Pan-Cyprian Labor

Federation or PEO (Communist controlled)

Czech Republic

Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions [Richard

FALBR]

Denmark

NA

Djibouti

Union for Presidential Majority UMP (coalition includes

RPP, FRUD, PPSD and PND); Union for Democratic Changeover or UAD

(opposition coalition includes ARD, MRDD, UDJ, and PDD) [Ahmed Dini

AHMED]

Dominica

Dominica Liberation Movement or DLM (a small leftist party)

Dominican Republic

Collective of Popular Organizations or COP

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador or

CONAIE [Leonidas IZA, president]; Coordinator of Social Movements or

CMS [F. Napoleon SANTOS]; Federation of Indigenous Evangelists of

Ecuador or FEINE [Marco MURILLO, president]; National Federation of

Indigenous Afro-Ecuatorianos and Peasants or FENOCIN [Pedro DE LA

CRUZ, president]; Popular Front or FP [Luis VILLACIS]

Egypt

despite a constitutional ban against religious-based parties,

the technically illegal Muslim Brotherhood constitutes MUBARAK's

potentially most significant political opposition; MUBARAK tolerated

limited political activity by the Brotherhood for his first two

terms, but moved more aggressively since then to block its

influence; civic society groups are sanctioned, but constrained in

practical terms; trade unions and professional associations are

officially sanctioned

El Salvador

labor organizations - Electrical Industry Union of El

Salvador or SIES; Federation of the Construction Industry, Similar

Transport and other activities, or FESINCONTRANS; National

Confederation of Salvadoran Workers or CNTS; National Union of

Salvadoran Workers or UNTS; Port Industry Union of El Salvador or

SIPES; Salvadoran Union of Ex-Petrolleros and Peasant Workers or

USEPOC; Salvadoran Workers Central or CTS; Workers Union of

Electrical Corporation or STCEL; business organizations - National

Association of Small Enterprise or ANEP; Salvadoran Assembly

Industry Association or ASIC; Salvadoran Industrial Association or

ASI

Equatorial Guinea

NA

Eritrea

Eritrean Islamic Jihad or EIJ [leader NA] (also including

Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement or EIJM (also known as the Abu Sihel

Movement) [leader NA]); Eritrean Islamic Salvation or EIS (also

known as the Arafa Movement) [leader NA]; Eritrean Liberation Front

or ELF [ABDULLAH Muhammed]; Eritrean National Alliance or ENA (a

coalition including EIJ, EIS, ELF, and a number of ELF factions)

[HERUY Tedla Biru]; Eritrean Public Forum or EPF [ARADOM Iyob]

Estonia

NA

Ethiopia

Afar Revolutionary Democratic Union Front or ARDUF [leader

NA]; Council of Alternative Forces for Peace and Democracy in

Ethiopia or CAFPDE [BEYANE Petros]; Southern Ethiopia People's

Democratic Coalition or SEPDC [BEYANE Petros]

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

none

Faroe Islands

NA

Fiji

NA

France

historically-Communist labor union (Confederation Generale du

Travail) or CGT, approximately 700,000 members (claimed);

left-leaning labor union (Confederation Francaise Democratique du

Travail) or CFDT, approximately 865,000 members (claimed, of which

810,000 are actively employed); independent labor union

(Confederation Generale du Travail - Force Ouvriere) or FO, 300,000

members (est.); independent white-collar union (Confederation

Generale des Cadres) or CGC, 196,000 members (claimed); employers'

union (Mouvement des Entreprises de France) or MEDEF, 750,000

companies as members (claimed)

French Guiana

NA

French Polynesia

NA

Gabon

NA

Gambia, The

NA

Georgia

Georgian independent deputies from Abkhaz government in

exile; separatists in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South

Ossetia; supporters of the late ousted President Zviad GAMSAKHURDYA

Germany

employers' organizations; expellee, refugee, trade unions,

and veterans groups

Ghana

NA

Gibraltar

Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives

Organization; Women's Association

Greece

NA

Greenland

NA

Grenada

NA

Guadeloupe

Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or

KLPG; General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers or CGT-G; General

Union of Guadeloupe Workers or UGTG; Movement for Independent

Guadeloupe or MPGI

Guam

NA

Guatemala

Agrarian Owners Group or UNAGRO; Alliance Against Impunity

or AAI; Committee for Campesino Unity or CUC; Coordinating Committee

of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations

or CACIF; Mutual Support Group or GAM

Guernsey

none

Guinea

NA

Guinea-Bissau

NA

Guyana

Civil Liberties Action Committee or CLAC; Guyana Council of

Indian Organizations or GCIO; Trades Union Congress or TUC

note: the GCIO and the CLAC are small and active but not well

organized

Haiti

Autonomous Haitian Workers or CATH; Confederation of Haitian

Workers or CTH; Federation of Workers Trade Unions or FOS; National

Popular Assembly or APN; Papaye Peasants Movement or MPP; Popular

Organizations Gathering Power or PROP; Roman Catholic Church

Holy See (Vatican City)

none (exclusive of influence exercised by

church officers)

Honduras

Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in Honduras or

CODEH; Confederation of Honduran Workers or CTH; Coordinating

Committee of Popular Organizations or CCOP; General Workers

Confederation or CGT; Honduran Council of Private Enterprise or

COHEP; National Association of Honduran Campesinos or ANACH;

National Union of Campesinos or UNC; Popular Bloc or BP; United

Federation of Honduran Workers or FUTH

Hong Kong

Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (pro-China); Chinese

Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; Confederation of Trade

Unions (pro-democracy) [LAU Chin-shek, president; LEE Cheuk-yan,

general secretary]; Federation of Hong Kong Industries; Federation

of Trade Unions (pro-China) [LEE Chark-tim, president]; Hong Kong

Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Democratic Movement in China

[Szeto WAH, chairman]; Hong Kong and Kowloon Trade Union Council

(pro-Taiwan); Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; Hong Kong

Professional Teachers' Union [CHEUNG Man-kwong, president]; Liberal

Democratic Federation [HU Fa-kuang, chairman]

Hungary

NA

Iceland

NA

India

numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations,

including Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Rashtriya

Swayamsevak Sangh; various separatist groups seeking greater

communal and/or regional autonomy, including the All Parties

Hurriyat Conference

Indonesia

NA

Iran

active pro-reform student groups include the "Organization for

Strengthening Unity"; groups that generally support the Islamic

Republic include Ansar-e Hizballah, Muslim Students Following the

Line of the Imam, Tehran Militant Clergy Association (Ruhaniyat),

Islamic Coalition Association, and Islamic Engineers Society;

opposition groups include Freedom Movement of Iran, the National

Front, Marz-e Por Gohar, and various Monarchist organizations; armed

political groups that have been almost completely repressed by the

government include Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK), People's

Fedayeen, Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, and Komala

Iraq

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn

regime by US-led coalition

Ireland

NA

Israel

Israeli nationalists advocating Jewish settlement on the West

Bank and Gaza Strip; Peace Now supports territorial concessions in

the West Bank and Gaza Strip; Yesha (settler) Council promotes

settler interests and opposes territorial compromise; B'Tselem

monitors human rights abuses

Italy

Italian manufacturers and merchants associations

(Confindustria, Confcommercio); organized farm groups

(Confcoltivatori, Confagricoltura); Roman Catholic Church; three

major trade union confederations (Confederazione Generale Italiana

del Lavoro or CGIL [Sergio COFFERATI] which is left wing,

Confederazione Italiana dei Sindacati Lavoratori or CISL [Savino

PEZZOTTA], which is Roman Catholic centrist, and Unione Italiana del

Lavoro or UIL [Pietro LARIZZA] which is lay centrist)

Jamaica

New Beginnings Movement or NBM; Rastafarians (black

religious/racial cultists, pan-Africanists)

Japan

NA

Jersey

none

Jordan

Anti-Normalization Committee [Ali Abu SUKKAR, president vice

chairman]; Jordanian Bar Association [Saleh ARMOUTI, president];

Jordanian Press Association [Sayf al-SHARIF, president]; Muslim

Brotherhood [Abd-al-Majid DHUNAYBAT, secretary general]

Kazakhstan

Adil-Soz [Tamara KALEYEVA]; Alash [Sabet-Kazy AKATAY];

AZAMAT "Citizen" Movement [Petr SVOIK, Murat AUEZOV, and Galym

ABILSEITOV, cochairmen]; Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan [Galymzhan

ZHAKIYANOV, Nurzhan SUBKHANBERDIN, cochairmen]; Labor and Worker's

Movement [Madel ISMAILOV, chairman]; Kazakhstan International Bureau

on Human Rights [Yevgeniy ZHOVTIS, executive director]; Orleu

"Development" Movement [Seidakhmet KUTTYKADAM]; Pensioners Movement

or Pokoleniye [Irina SAVOSTINA, chairwoman]; People's Congress of

Kazakhstan of NKK [Olzhas SULEIMENOV, chairman]; People's

Cooperative Party of Kazakhstan [Umirzak SARSENOV]; Republican

People's Party of Kazakhstan or RNPK [Akezhan KAZHEGELDIN];

Socialist Party [Petr SVOIK]

Kenya

human rights groups; labor unions; Muslim organizations;

National Convention Executive Council or NCEC, a proreform coalition

of political parties and nongovernment organizations [Kivutha

KIBWANA]; Protestant National Council of Churches of Kenya or NCCK

[Mutava MUSYIMI]; Roman Catholic and other Christian churches;

Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims or SUPKEM [Shaykh Abdul Gafur

al-BUSAIDY]

Kiribati

NA

Korea, North

NA

Korea, South

Federation of Korean Industries; Federation of Korean

Trade Unions; Korean Confederation of Trade Unions; Korean National

Council of Churches; Korean Traders Association; Korean Veterans'

Association; National Council of Labor Unions; National Democratic

Alliance of Korea; National Federation of Farmers' Associations;

National Federation of Student Associations

Kuwait

several political groups act as de facto parties: Bedouins,

merchants, Sunni and Shi'a activists, and secular leftists and

nationalists

Kyrgyzstan

Council of Free Trade Unions; Kyrgyz Committee on Human

Rights [Ramazan DYRYLDAYEV]; National Unity Democratic Movement;

Union of Entrepreneurs

Laos

noncommunist political groups proscribed; most opposition

leaders fled the country in 1975

Latvia

NA

Lebanon

NA

Lesotho

NA

Liberia

NA

Libya

various Arab nationalist movements with almost negligible

memberships may be functioning clandestinely, as well as some

Islamic elements

Liechtenstein

NA

Lithuania

NA

Luxembourg

ABBL (bankers' association); ALEBA (financial sector

trade union); Centrale Paysanne (federation of agricultural

producers); CEP (professional sector chamber); CGFP (trade union

representing civil service); Chambre de Commerce (Chamber of

Commerce); Chambre des Metiers (Chamber of Artisans); FEDIL

(federation of industrialists); LCGP (center-right trade union);

OGBL (center-left trade union)

Macau

Catholic Church [Domingos LAM, bishop]; Macau Society of

Tourism and Entertainment or STDM [Stanley HO, managing director];

Union for Democracy Development [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong, leader]

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

NA

Madagascar

Federalist Movement; National Council of Christian

Churches or FFKM

Malawi

National Democratic Alliance [Brown MPINGANJIRA]

Malaysia

NA

Maldives

none

Mali

Patriotic Movement of the Ghanda Koye or MPGK; United Movement

and Fronts of Azawad or MFUA

Malta

NA

Man, Isle of

none

Marshall Islands

NA

Martinique

Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance or ARC; Central Union

for Martinique Workers or CSTM [Marc PULVAR]; Frantz Fanon Circle;

League of Workers and Peasants; Proletarian Action Group or GAP

Mauritania

Arab nationalists; Ba'athists; General Confederation of

Mauritanian Workers or CGTM [Abdallahi Ould MOHAMED, secretary

general]; Independent Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CLTM

[Samory Ould BEYE]; Islamists; Mauritanian Workers Union or UTM

[Mohamed Ely Ould BRAHIM, secretary general]

Mauritius

various labor unions

Mayotte

NA

Mexico

Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic or

COPARMEX; Confederation of Industrial Chambers or CONCAMIN;

Confederation of Mexican Workers or CTM; Confederation of National

Chambers of Commerce or CONCANACO; Coordinator for Foreign Trade

Business Organizations or COECE; Federation of Unions Providing

Goods and Services or FESEBES; National Chamber of Transformation

Industries or CANACINTRA; National Peasant Confederation or CNC;

National Union of Workers or UNT; Regional Confederation of Mexican

Workers or CROM; Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants

or CROC; Roman Catholic Church

Moldova

NA

Monaco

NA

Mongolia

NA

Montserrat

NA

Morocco

Democratic Confederation of Labor or CDT [Noubir AMAOUI];

General Union of Moroccan Workers or UGTM [Abderrazzak AFILAL];

Moroccan Employers Association or CGEM [Hassan CHAMI]; National

Labor Union of Morocco or UNMT [Abdelslam MAATI]; Union of Moroccan

Workers or UMT [Mahjoub BENSEDDIK]

Mozambique

Institute for Peace and Democracy (Instituto para Paz e

Democracia) or IPADE [Raul DOMINGOS, president]; Etica [Abdul CARIMO

Issa, chairman]; Movement for Peace and Citizenship (Movimento para

Paz e Cidadania); Mozambican League of Human Rights (Liga

Mocambicana dos Direitos Humanos) or LDH [Alice MABOTE, president];

Human Rights and Development (Direitos Humanos e Desenvolvimento) or

DHD [Artemisia FRANCO, secretary general]

Namibia

NA

Nauru

NA

Nepal

Maoist guerrilla-based insurgency [Pushpa Kamal DAHAL also

known as Prahanda, chairman; and chief negotiator, Dr. Baburam

BHATTARAI, from Communist Party of Nepal/Maoist]; numerous small,

left-leaning student groups in the capital; several small, radical

Nepalese antimonarchist groups

Netherlands

Federation of Netherlands Trade Union Movement

(comprising Socialist and Catholic trade unions) and a Protestant

trade union; Federation of Catholic and Protestant Employers

Associations; Interchurch Peace Council or IKV; large multinational

firms; the nondenominational Federation of Netherlands Enterprises

Netherlands Antilles

NA

New Caledonia

NA

New Zealand

NA

Nicaragua

National Workers Front or FNT is a Sandinista umbrella

group of eight labor unions including - Farm Workers Association or

ATC, Health Workers Federation or FETASALUD, Heroes and Martyrs

Confederation of Professional Associations or CONAPRO, National

Association of Educators of Nicaragua or ANDEN, National Union of

Employees or UNE, National Union of Farmers and Ranchers or UNAG,

Sandinista Workers Central or CST, and Union of Journalists of

Nicaragua or UPN; Permanent Congress of Workers or CPT is an

umbrella group of four non-Sandinista labor unions including -

Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers Central or CTN-A, Confederation of

Labor Unification or CUS, Independent General Confederation of Labor

or CGT-I, and Labor Action and Unity Central or CAUS; Nicaraguan

Workers' Central or CTN is an independent labor union; Superior

Council of Private Enterprise or COSEP is a confederation of

business groups

Niger

NA

Nigeria

Nigerian Labor Congress or NLC [Adams OSHIOMOLE]

Niue

NA

Norfolk Island

none

Northern Mariana Islands

NA

Norway

NA

Oman

none

Pakistan

military remains most important political force; ulema

(clergy), landowners, industrialists, and small merchants also

influential

Palau

NA

Panama

Chamber of Commerce; National Civic Crusade; National Council

of Organized Workers or CONATO; National Union of Construction and

Similar Workers (SUNTRACS); National Council of Private Enterprise

or CONEP; Panamanian Association of Business Executives or APEDE;

Panamanian Industrialists Society or SIP; Workers Confederation of

the Republic of Panama or CTRP

Papua New Guinea

NA

Paraguay

Ahorristas Estafados or AE; National Workers Central or

CNT; Paraguayan Workers Confederation or CPT; Roman Catholic Church;

Unitary Workers Central or CUT

Peru

leftist guerrilla groups include Shining Path [Abimael GUZMAN

Reynoso (imprisoned), Gabriel MACARIO (top leader at-large)]; Tupac

Amaru Revolutionary Movement or MRTA [Victor POLAY (imprisoned),

Hugo AVALLENEDA Valdez (top leader at-large)]

Philippines

NA

Pitcairn Islands

none

Poland

All Poland Trade Union Alliance or OPZZ (trade union) [Maciej

MANICKI]; Roman Catholic Church [Cardinal Jozef GLEMP]; Solidarity

Trade Union [Janusz SNIADEK]

Portugal

NA

Puerto Rico

Armed Forces for National Liberation or FALN; Armed

Forces of Popular Resistance; Boricua Popular Army (also known as

the Macheteros); Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution

Qatar

none

Reunion

NA

Romania

various human rights and professional associations

Russia

NA

Rwanda

IBUKA - association of genocide survivors

Saint Helena

none

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA

Saint Lucia

NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

NA

Samoa

NA

San Marino

NA

Sao Tome and Principe

NA

Saudi Arabia

none

Senegal

labor; Muslim brotherhoods; students; teachers

Serbia and Montenegro

Alliance for the Future of Kosovo or AAK

[Ramush HARADINAJ]; Democratic League of Kosovo or LDK [Ibrahim

RUGOVA]; Democratic Party of Kosovo or PDK [Hashim THACI]; Group of

17 Independent Economists or G-17 [leader NA]; National Movement for

the Liberation of Kosovo or LKCK [Sabit GASHI]; Otpor Student

Resistance Movement [leader NA]; Political Council for Presevo,

Meveda and Bujanovac or PCPMB [leader NA]; The People's Movement for

Kosovo or LPK [Emrush XHEMAJLI]

Seychelles

Roman Catholic Church; trade unions

Sierra Leone

Trade Unions and Student Unions

Singapore

NA

Slovakia

Association of Employers of Slovakia; Association of Towns

and Villages or ZMOS; Confederation of Trade Unions or KOZ; Metal

Workers Unions or KOVO and METALURG

Slovenia

NA

Solomon Islands

NA

Somalia

numerous clan and subclan factions are currently vying for

power

South Africa

Congress of South African Trade Unions or COSATU

[Zwelinzima VAVI, general secretary]; South African Communist Party

or SACP [Blade NZIMANDE, general secretary]; South African National

Civics Organization or SANCO [Mlungisi HLONGWANE, national

president]; note - COSATU and SACP are in a formal alliance with the

ANC

Spain

business and landowning interests; Catholic Church; free labor

unions (authorized in April 1977); Socialist General Union of

Workers or UGT and the smaller independent Workers Syndical Union or

USO; university students; Workers Confederation or CC.OO; Nunca Mais

(Galician for "Never Again"; formed in response to the oil tanker

Prestige oil spill)

Sri Lanka

Buddhist clergy; labor unions; Liberation Tigers of Tamil

Eelam or LTTE [Velupillai PRABHAKARAN](insurgent group fighting for

a separate state); radical chauvinist Sinhalese groups such as the

National Movement Against Terrorism; Sinhalese Buddhist lay groups

Sudan

Democratic Unionist Party [Muhammed Uthman AL-MIRGHANI];

National Congress Party [Ibrahim Ahmed UMAR]; National Democratic

Alliance [Muhammed Uthman AL-MIRGHANI, chairman]; Sudan People's

Liberation Movement/Army [Dr. John GARANG]; Umma [Sadiq al-MAHDI]

Suriname

General Liberation and Development Party or ABOP [Ronnie

BRUNSWIJK]; Mandela Bushnegro Liberation Movement [Leendert ADAMS];

Tucayana Amazonica [Alex JUBITANA, Thomas SABAJO]; Union for

Liberation and Democracy [Kofi AFONGPONG]

Swaziland

NA

Sweden

NA

Switzerland

NA

Syria

conservative religious leaders; Muslim Brotherhood (operates

in exile in Jordan and Yemen); non-Ba'th parties have little

effective political influence

Taiwan

Taiwan independence movement, various business and

environmental groups

note: debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the

mainstream of domestic politics on Taiwan; political liberalization

and the increased representation of opposition parties in Taiwan's

legislature have opened public debate on the island's national

identity; a broad popular consensus has developed that Taiwan

currently enjoys de facto independence and - whatever the ultimate

outcome regarding reunification or independence - that Taiwan's

people must have the deciding voice; advocates of Taiwan

independence oppose the stand that the island will eventually unify

with mainland China; goals of the Taiwan independence movement

include establishing a sovereign nation on Taiwan and entering the

UN; other organizations supporting Taiwan independence include the

World United Formosans for Independence and the Organization for

Taiwan Nation Building

Tajikistan

there are two unregistered political parties with 1,000

or more members: Progressive Party [Suton QUVVATOV]; Unity Party

[Hikmatuko SAIDOV]

Tanzania

NA

Thailand

NA

Togo

NA

Tokelau

none

Tonga

Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement or THRDM [Akilisi

POHIVA, president]

Trinidad and Tobago

Jamaat-al Musilmeen [Yasin BAKR]

Tunisia

the Islamic fundamentalist party, Al Nahda (Renaissance), is

outlawed

Turkey

Confederation of Public Sector Unions or KESK [Sami EVREN];

Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions or DISK [Suleyman

CELEBI]; Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association

or MUSIAD [Erol YARAR]; Moral Rights Workers Union or Hak-Is [Salim

USLU]; Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association or

TUSIAD [Muharrem KAYHAN]; Turkish Confederation of Employers' Unions

or TISK [Refik BAYDUR]; Turkish Confederation of Labor or Turk-Is

[Bayram MERAL]; Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen or

TESK [Dervis GUNDAY; Turkish Union of Chambers of Commerce and

Commodity Exchanges or TOBB [M. Rifat HISARCIKLIOGLU]

Turkmenistan

NA

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA

Tuvalu

none

Uganda

NA

Ukraine

NA

United Arab Emirates

NA

United Kingdom

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Confederation of

British Industry; National Farmers' Union; Trades Union Congress

United States

NA

Uruguay

NA

Uzbekistan

Birlik (Unity) Movement [Abdurakhim POLAT, chairman]; Erk

(Freedom) Democratic Party [Muhammad SOLIH, chairman] was banned 9

December 1992; Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan [Tolib YAKUBOV,

chairman]; Independent Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan

[Abduhoshim GHAFUROV, chairman]; Ezgulik [Vasilia INOYATOVA]

Vanuatu

NA

Venezuela

FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; VECINOS

groups; Venezuelan Confederation of Workers or CTV (labor

organization dominated by the Democratic Action)

Vietnam

none

Virgin Islands

NA

Wallis and Futuna

NA

Western Sahara

none

Yemen

NA

Zambia

NA

Zimbabwe

National Constitutional Assembly or NCA [Lovemore MADHUKU];

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition [Brian KAGORO]; Zimbabwe Congress of

Trade Unions or ZCTU [Lovemore MATOMBO]

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2116 Economy - overview

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is an extremely poor, landlocked country,

highly dependent on foreign aid, farming and livestock raising

(sheep and goats), and trade with neighboring countries. Economic

considerations have played second fiddle to political and military

upheavals during more than two decades of war, including the nearly

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

During that conflict, one-third of the population fled the country,

with Pakistan and Iran sheltering a combined peak of 4 to 6 million

refugees. Gross domestic product has fallen substantially over the

past 20 years because of the loss of labor and capital and the

disruption of trade and transport; severe drought added to the

nation's difficulties in 1998-2002. The majority of the population

continues to suffer from insufficient food, clothing, housing, and

medical care, and a dearth of jobs, problems exacerbated by

political uncertainties and the general level of lawlessness.

International efforts to rebuild Afghanistan were addressed at the

Tokyo Donors Conference for Afghan Reconstruction in January 2002,

when $4.5 billion was pledged, $1.7 billion for 2002. Of that

approximately $900 million was directed to humanitarian aid - food,

clothing, and shelter - and another $90 million for the Afghan

Transitional Authority. Further World Bank and other aid came in

2003. Priority areas for reconstruction include upgrading education,

health, and sanitation facilities; providing income generating

opportunities; enhancing administrative and security arrangements,

especially in regional areas; developing the agricultural sector;

rebuilding transportation, energy, and telecommunication

infrastructure; and reabsorbing 2 million returning refugees. The

replacement of the opium trade - which may account for one-third of

GDP - and the search for oil and gas resources in the northern

region are two major long-term issues.

Albania

Poor and backward by European standards, Albania is making

the difficult transition to a more modern open-market economy. The

government has taken measures to curb violent crime and to spur

economic activity and trade. The economy is bolstered by remittances

from abroad of $400-$600 million annually, mostly from Greece and

Italy; this helps offset the sizable trade deficit. Agriculture,

which accounts for half of GDP, is held back because of frequent

drought and the need to modernize equipment and consolidate small

plots of land. Severe energy shortages are forcing small firms out

of business, increasing unemployment, scaring off foreign investors,

and spurring inflation. The government plans to boost energy imports

to relieve the shortages. In addition, the government is moving to

improve the poor national road network, a long-standing barrier to

sustained economic growth.

Algeria

The hydrocarbons sector is the backbone of the economy,

accounting for roughly 60% of budget revenues, 30% of GDP, and over

95% of export earnings. Algeria has the fifth-largest reserves of

natural gas in the world and is the second-largest gas exporter; it

ranks 14th in oil reserves. Algeria's financial and economic

indicators improved during the mid-1990s, in part because of policy

reforms supported by the IMF and debt rescheduling from the Paris

Club. Algeria's finances in 2000-03 benefited from substantial trade

surpluses, record foreign exchange reserves, and reductions in

foreign debt. Real GDP has risen due to higher oil output and

increased government spending. The government's continued efforts to

diversify the economy by attracting foreign and domestic investment

outside the energy sector, however, has had little success in

reducing high unemployment and improving living standards.

American Samoa

This is a traditional Polynesian economy in which

more than 90% of the land is communally owned. Economic activity is

strongly linked to the US, with which American Samoa conducts most

of its foreign trade. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are

the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary

export. Transfers from the US Government add substantially to

American Samoa's economic well-being. Attempts by the government to

develop a larger and broader economy are restrained by Samoa's

remote location, its limited transportation, and its devastating

hurricanes. Tourism, a developing sector, has been held back by the

recurring financial difficulties in East Asia.

Andorra

Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy,

accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 9 million tourists

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

summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage has

recently eroded as the economies of neighboring France and Spain

have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and

lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its "tax haven" status, also

contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is

limited - only 2% of the land is arable - and most food has to be

imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising.

Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and

furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is

treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs)

and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.

Angola

Angola has been an economy in disarray because of a quarter

century of nearly continuous warfare. An apparently durable peace

was established after the death of rebel leader Jonas SAVIMBI on

February 22, 2002, but consequences from the conflict continue

including the impact of wide-spread land mines. Subsistence

agriculture provides the main livelihood for 85% of the population.

Oil production and the supporting activities are vital to the

economy, contributing about 45% to GDP and more than half of

exports. Much of the country's food must still be imported. To fully

take advantage of its rich natural resources - gold, diamonds,

extensive forests, Atlantic fisheries, and large oil deposits -

Angola will need to continue reforming government policies. While

Angola made progress in bringing inflation down further, from 325%

in 2000 to about 106% in 2002, the government has failed to make

sufficient progress on reforms recommended by the IMF such as

increasing foreign exchange reserves and promoting greater

transparency in government spending. Increased oil production should

bring about 6% GDP growth in 2003.

Anguilla

Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends

heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and

remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism

industry, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector,

has contributed to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put

substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector,

which is small, but growing. In the medium term, prospects for the

economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and, therefore, on

revived income growth in the industrialized nations as well as on

favorable weather conditions.

Antarctica

Fishing off the coast and tourism, both based abroad,

account for the limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries in

2000-01 (1 July-30 June) reported landing 112,934 metric tons.

Unregulated fishing, particularly of tooth fish, is a serious

problem. Allegedly illegal fishing in antarctic waters in 1998

resulted in the seizure (by France and Australia) of at least eight

fishing ships. The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic

Marine Living Resources determines the recommended catch limits for

marine species. A total of 12,248 tourists visited in the 2000-01

antarctic summer, down from the 14,762 who visited the previous

year. Nearly all of them were passengers on 21 commercial

(nongovernmental) ships and several yachts that made trips during

the summer. Most tourist trips lasted approximately two weeks.

Antigua and Barbuda

Tourism continues to dominate the economy,

accounting for more than half of GDP. Weak tourist arrival numbers

since early 2000 have slowed the economy, however, and pressed the

government into a tight fiscal corner. The dual-island nation's

agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and

constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming

from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction.

Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major

products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components.

Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to

depend on income growth in the industrialized world, especially in

the US, which accounts for slightly more than one-third of tourist

arrivals.

Arctic Ocean

Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of

natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.

Argentina

Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly

literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a

diversified industrial base. Over the past decade, however, the

country has suffered recurring economic problems of inflation,

external debt, capital flight, and budget deficits. Growth in 2000

was a negative 0.8%, as both domestic and foreign investors remained

skeptical of the government's ability to pay debts and maintain the

peso's fixed exchange rate with the US dollar. The economic

situation worsened in 2001 with the widening of spreads on Argentine

bonds, massive withdrawals from the banks, and a further decline in

consumer and investor confidence. Government efforts to achieve a

"zero deficit," to stabilize the banking system, and to restore

economic growth proved inadequate in the face of the mounting

economic problems. The peso's peg to the dollar was abandoned in

January 2002, and the peso was floated in February; the exchange

rate plunged and inflation picked up rapidly, but by mid-2002 the

economy had stabilized, albeit at a lower level. Strong demand for

the peso compelled the Central Bank to intervene in foreign exchange

markets to curb its appreciation in early 2003. Led by record

exports, the economy began to recover with output up 5.5% in 2003,

unemployment falling, and inflation sliced to 4.2% at year-end.

Armenia

Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia had

developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools,

textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics in

exchange for raw materials and energy. Since the implosion of the

USSR in December 1991, Armenia has switched to small-scale

agriculture away from the large agroindustrial complexes of the

Soviet era. The agricultural sector has long-term needs for more

investment and updated technology. The privatization of industry has

been at a slower pace, but has been given renewed emphasis by the

current administration. Armenia is a food importer, and its mineral

deposits (copper, gold, bauxite) are small. The ongoing conflict

with Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of

Nagorno-Karabakh and the breakup of the centrally directed economic

system of the former Soviet Union contributed to a severe economic

decline in the early 1990s. By 1994, however, the Armenian

Government had launched an ambitious IMF-sponsored economic program

that has resulted in positive growth rates in 1995-2003. Armenia

also has managed to slash inflation, stabilize the local currency

(the dram), and privatize most small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The chronic energy shortages Armenia suffered in the early and

mid-1990s have been offset by the energy supplied by one of its

nuclear power plants at Metsamor. Armenia is now a net energy

exporter, although it does not have sufficient generating capacity

to replace Metsamor, which is under international pressure to close.

The electricity distribution system was privatized in 2002.

Armenia's severe trade imbalance has been offset somewhat by

international aid, domestic restructuring of the economy, and

foreign direct investment. Economic ties with Russia remain close,

especially in the energy sector.

Aruba

Tourism is the mainstay of the small, open Aruban economy,

with offshore banking and oil refining and storage also important.

The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has

resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities.

Construction has boomed, with hotel capacity five times the 1985

level. In addition, the reopening of the country's oil refinery in

1993, a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings,

has further spurred growth. Aruba's small labor force and low

unemployment rate have led to a large number of unfilled job

vacancies, despite sharp rises in wage rates in recent years.

Tourist arrivals have declined in the aftermath of the 11 September

2001 terrorist attacks on the US. The government now must deal with

a budget deficit and a negative trade balance.

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

no economic activity

Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world's most

heavily trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and

Western Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the

exploitation of natural resources, e.g., fishing, the dredging of

aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and

natural gas (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea).

Australia

Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist

economy, with a per capita GDP on par with the four dominant West

European economies. Rising output in the domestic economy has been

offsetting the global slump, and business and consumer confidence

remains robust. Australia's emphasis on reforms is another key

factor behind the economy's strength. The stagnant economic

conditions in major export partners and the impact of the worst

drought in 100 years cast a shadow over prospects for 2003.

Austria

Austria, with its well-developed market economy and high

standard of living, is closely tied to other EU economies,

especially Germany's. Membership in the EU has drawn an influx of

foreign investors attracted by Austria's access to the single

European market and proximity to EU aspirant economies. Slowing

growth in Germany and elsewhere in the world held the economy to

only 1.2% growth in 2001, 0.6% in 2002, and 0.8% in 2003.. To meet

increased competition from both EU and Central European countries,

Austria will need to emphasize knowledge-based sectors of the

economy, continue to deregulate the service sector, and lower its

tax burden. A key issue is the encouragement of much greater

participation in the labor market by its ageing population.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's number one export is oil. Azerbaijan's oil

production declined through 1997 but has registered an increase

every year since. Negotiation of production-sharing arrangements

(PSAs) with foreign firms, which have thus far committed $60 billion

to long-term oilfield development, should generate the funds needed

to spur future industrial development. Oil production under the

first of these PSAs, with the Azerbaijan International Operating

Company, began in November 1997. Azerbaijan shares all the

formidable problems of the former Soviet republics in making the

transition from a command to a market economy, but its considerable

energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. Baku has only

recently begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic

ties and structures are slowly being replaced. One obstacle to

economic progress is the need for stepped up foreign investment in

the non-energy sector. A second obstacle is the continuing conflict

with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Trade with Russia and

the other former Soviet republics is declining in importance while

trade is building with Turkey and the nations of Europe. Long-term

prospects will depend on world oil prices, the location of new

pipelines in the region, and Azerbaijan's ability to manage its oil

wealth.

Bahamas, The

The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with an

economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism

alone accounts for more than 60% of GDP and directly or indirectly

employs half of the archipelago's labor force. Steady growth in

tourism receipts and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts,

and residences had led to solid GDP growth in recent years, but the

slowdown in the US economy and the attacks of 11 September 2001 held

back growth in these sectors in 2002. Manufacturing and agriculture

together contribute approximately a tenth of GDP and show little

growth, despite government incentives aimed at those sectors.

Overall growth prospects in the short run rest heavily on the

fortunes of the tourism sector, which depends on growth in the US,

the source of most of the visitors.

Bahrain

In Bahrain, petroleum production and refining account for

about 60% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of

GDP. With its highly developed communication and transport

facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with

business in the Gulf. Bahrain is dependent on Saudi Arabia for oil

granted as aid. A large share of exports consists of petroleum

products made from refining imported crude. Construction proceeds on

several major industrial projects. Unemployment, especially among

the young, and the depletion of oil and underground water resources

are major long-term economic problems.

Baker Island

no economic activity

Bangladesh

Despite sustained domestic and international efforts to

improve economic and demographic prospects, Bangladesh remains a

poor, overpopulated, and ill-governed nation. Although half of GDP

is generated through the service sector, nearly two-thirds of

Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as

the single-most-important product. Major impediments to growth

include frequent cyclones and floods, inefficient state-owned

enterprises, inadequate port facilities, a rapidly growing labor

force that cannot be absorbed by agriculture, delays in exploiting

energy resources (natural gas), insufficient power supplies, and

slow implementation of economic reforms. Economic reform is stalled

in many instances by political infighting and corruption at all

levels of government. Progress also has been blocked by opposition

from the bureaucracy, public sector unions, and other vested

interest groups. The BNP government, led by Prime Minister Khaleda

ZIA, has the parliamentary strength to push through needed reforms,

but the party's political will to do so has been lacking in key

areas.

Barbados

Historically, the Barbadian economy had been dependent on

sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but production in

recent years has diversified into manufacturing and tourism.

Offshore finance and information services are important foreign

exchange earners, and there is also a light-manufacturing sector.

The government continues its efforts to reduce unemployment, to

encourage direct foreign investment, and to privatize remaining

state-owned enterprises. The economy contracted in 2002 mainly due

to a 3% decline in tourism. Growth should be positive in 2003, the

precise level largely dependent on economic conditions in the US and

Europe.

Bassas da India

no economic activity

Belarus

Belarus has seen little structural reform since 1995, when

President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of "market

socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO reimposed

administrative controls over prices and currency exchange rates and

expanded the state's right to intervene in the management of private

enterprise. In addition to the burdens imposed by high inflation and

persistent trade deficits, businesses have been subject to pressure

on the part of central and local governments, e.g., arbitrary

changes in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections, retroactive

application of new business regulations, and arrests of "disruptive"

businessmen and factory owners. A wide range of redistributive

policies has helped those at the bottom of the ladder. Close

relations with Russia, possibly leading to reunion, color the

pattern of economic developments. For the time being, Belarus

remains self-isolated from the West and its open-market economies.

Belgium

This modern private enterprise economy has capitalized on

its central geographic location, highly developed transport network,

and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is

concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With

few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of

raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its

economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Roughly

three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt

is about 100% of GDP, and the government has succeeded in balancing

its budget. Belgium, together with 11 of its EU partners, began

circulating the euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth in

2001-03 dropped sharply due to the global economic slowdown.

Prospects for 2004 again depend largely on recovery in the EU and

the US.

Belize

In this small, essentially private enterprise economy the

tourism industry is the number one foreign exchange earner followed

by cane sugar, citrus, marine products, bananas, and garments. The

government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in

September 1998, led to GDP growth of 6.5% in 1999, 10.8% in 2000,

4.6% in 2001, and 3.7% in 2002. Major concerns continue to be the

sizable trade deficit and foreign debt. A key short-term objective

remains the reduction of poverty with the help of international

donors.

Benin

The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on

subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade.

Growth in real output has averaged a stable 5% in the past six

years, but rapid population rise has offset much of this increase.

Inflation has subsided over the past several years. In order to

raise growth still further, Benin plans to attract more foreign

investment, place more emphasis on tourism, facilitate the

development of new food processing systems and agricultural

products, and encourage new information and communication

technology. The 2001 privatization policy should continue in

telecommunications, water, electricity, and agriculture in spite of

initial government reluctance. The Paris Club and bilateral

creditors have eased the external debt situation, while pressing for

speeded-up structural reforms.

Bermuda

Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the

world, with its economy primarily based on providing financial

services for international business and luxury facilities for

tourists. The effects of 11 September 2001 have had both positive

and negative ramifications for Bermuda. On the positive side, a

number of new reinsurance companies have located on the island,

contributing to the expansion of an already robust international

business sector. On the negative side, Bermuda's tourism industry -

which derives over 80% of its visitors from the US - has been

severely hit as American tourists have chosen not to travel. Tourism

rebounded somewhat in 2002, but remains below the pre-11 September

level. Most capital equipment and food must be imported. Bermuda's

industrial sector is small, although construction continues to be

important. Agriculture is limited, only 6% of the land being arable.

Bhutan

The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed,

is based on agriculture and forestry, providing the main livelihood

for more than 90% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of

subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate

the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure

difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's

through strong trade and monetary links and dependence on India's

financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically

backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most

development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian

migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for

tourists are key resources. The government has made some progress in

expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare.

Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with

support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic

program takes into account the government's desire to protect the

country's environment and cultural traditions. Detailed controls and

uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor,

and finance continue to hamper foreign investment.

Bolivia

Bolivia, long one of the poorest and least developed Latin

American countries, made considerable progress in the 1990s toward

the development of a market-oriented economy. Successes under

President SANCHEZ DE LOZADA (1993-97) included the signing of a free

trade agreement with Mexico and becoming an associate member of the

Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur), as well as the privatization

of the state airline, telephone company, railroad, electric power

company, and oil company. Growth slowed in 1999, in part due to

tight government budget policies, which limited needed

appropriations for anti-poverty programs, and the fallout from the

Asian financial crisis. In 2000, major civil disturbances held down

growth to 2.5%. Bolivia's GDP failed to grow in 2001 due to the

global slowdown and laggard domestic activity. Growth picked up

slightly in 2002, but the first quarter of 2003 saw extensive civil

riots and looting and loss of confidence in the government. Bolivia

will remain highly dependent on foreign aid unless and until it can

develop its substantial natural resources.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to The

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as the poorest republic in the

old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture is almost all in

private hands, farms are small and inefficient, and the republic

traditionally is a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly

overstaffed, one reflection of the socialist economic structure of

Yugoslavia. TITO had pushed the development of military industries

in the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a number of

Yugoslavia's defense plants. The bitter interethnic warfare in

Bosnia caused production to plummet by 80% from 1990 to 1995,

unemployment to soar, and human misery to multiply. With an uneasy

peace in place, output recovered in 1996-99 at high percentage rates

from a low base; but output growth slowed in 2000-02. GDP remains

far below the 1990 level. Economic data are of limited use because,

although both entities issue figures, national-level statistics are

limited. Moreover, official data do not capture the large share of

black market activity. The marka - the national currency introduced

in 1998 - is now pegged to the euro, and the Central Bank of Bosnia

and Herzegovina has dramatically increased its reserve holdings.

Implementation of privatization, however, has been slow, and local

entities only reluctantly support national-level institutions.

Banking reform accelerated in 2001 as all the Communist-era payments

bureaus were shut down. The country receives substantial amounts of

reconstruction assistance and humanitarian aid from the

international community but will have to prepare for an era of

declining assistance.

Botswana

Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest growth

rates since independence in 1966. Through fiscal discipline and

sound management, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the

poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per

capita GDP of $9,500 in 2002. Two major investment services rank

Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has

fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than

one-third of GDP and for nine-tenths of export earnings. Tourism,

subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. On

the downside, the government must deal with high rates of

unemployment and poverty. Unemployment officially is 21%, but

unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. HIV/AIDS infection

rates are the highest in the world and threaten Botswana's

impressive economic gains. Long-term prospects are overshadowed by

the prospects of a leveling off in diamond mining production.

Bouvet Island

no economic activity; declared a nature reserve

Brazil

Possessing large and well-developed agricultural, mining,

manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy outweighs that

of all other South American countries and is expanding its presence

in world markets. The maintenance of large current account deficits

via capital account surpluses became problematic as investors became

more risk averse to emerging markets as a consequence of the Asian

financial crisis in 1997 and the Russian bond default in August

1998. After crafting a fiscal adjustment program and pledging

progress on structural reform, Brazil received a $41.5 billion

IMF-led international support program in November 1998. In January

1999, the Brazilian Central Bank announced that the real would no

longer be pegged to the US dollar. The consequent devaluation helped

moderate the downturn in economic growth in 1999, and the country

posted moderate GDP growth in 2000. Economic growth slowed

considerably in 2001-03 - to less than 2% - because of a slowdown in

major markets and the hiking of interest rates by the Central Bank

to combat inflationary pressures. New president DA SILVA, who took

office 1 January 2003, has given priority to reforming the complex

tax code, trimming the overblown civil service pension system, and

continuing the fight against inflation.

British Indian Ocean Territory All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. When the Ilois return, they plan to reestablish sugarcane production and fishing.

British Virgin Islands

The economy, one of the most stable and

prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism,

generating an estimated 45% of the national income. An estimated

350,000 tourists, mainly from the US, visited the islands in 1998.

Tourism suffered in 2002 because of the lackluster US economy. In

the mid-1980s, the government began offering offshore registration

to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and

incorporation fees now generate substantial revenues. Roughly

400,000 companies were on the offshore registry by yearend 2000. The

adoption of a comprehensive insurance law in late 1994, which

provides a blanket of confidentiality with regulated statutory

gateways for investigation of criminal offenses, is expected to make

the British Virgin Islands even more attractive to international

business. Livestock raising is the most important agricultural

activity; poor soils limit the islands' ability to meet domestic

food requirements. Because of traditionally close links with the US

Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands has used the dollar as

its currency since 1959.

Brunei

This small, wealthy economy encompasses a mixture of foreign

and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare

measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas

production account for nearly half of GDP. Per capita GDP is far

above most other Third World countries, and substantial income from

overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The

government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and

housing. Brunei's leaders are concerned that steadily increased

integration in the world economy will undermine internal social

cohesion, although it became a more prominent player by serving as

chairman for the 2000 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation)

forum. Plans for the future include upgrading the labor force,

reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist

sectors, and, in general, further widening the economic base beyond

oil and gas.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria, a former communist country striving to enter the

European Union, has experienced macroeconomic stability and strong

growth since a major economic downturn in 1996 led to the fall of

the then socialist government. As a result, the government became

committed to economic reform and responsible fiscal planning. A $300

million stand-by agreement negotiated with the IMF at the end of

2001 has supported government efforts to overcome high rates of

poverty and unemployment.

Burkina Faso

One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked

Burkina Faso has few natural resources, a fragile soil, and a highly

unequal distribution of income. About 90% of the population is

engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture, which is vulnerable to

variations in rainfall. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable

government-controlled corporations. Following the African franc

currency devaluation in January 1994 the government updated its

development program in conjunction with international agencies, and

exports and economic growth have increased. Maintenance of

macroeconomic progress depends on continued low inflation, reduction

in the trade deficit, and reforms designed to encourage private

investment. The internal crisis in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire

continues to hurt trade and industrial prospects and deepens the

need for international assistance.

Burma

Burma is a resource-rich country that suffers from abject

rural poverty. The military regime took steps in the early 1990s to

liberalize the economy after decades of failure under the "Burmese

Way to Socialism", but those efforts have since stalled. Burma has

been unable to achieve monetary or fiscal stability, resulting in an

economy that suffers from serious macroeconomic imbalances -

including a steep inflation rate and an official exchange rate that

overvalues the Burmese kyat by more than 100 times the market rate.

In addition, most overseas development assistance ceased after the

junta suppressed the democracy movement in 1988 and subsequently

ignored the results of the 1990 election. Burma is data poor, and

official statistics are often dated and inaccurate. Published

estimates of Burma's foreign trade are greatly understated because

of the size of the black market and border trade - often estimated

to be one to two times the official economy.

Burundi

Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an

underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly

agricultural with roughly 90% of the population dependent on

subsistence agriculture. Economic growth depends on coffee and tea

exports, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings. The

ability to pay for imports, therefore, rests primarily on weather

conditions and international coffee and tea prices. The Tutsi

minority, 14% of the population, dominates the government and the

coffee trade at the expense of the Hutu majority, 85% of the

population. Since October 1993 an ethnic-based war has resulted in

the death of over 200,000 persons, sent 800,000 refugees into

Tanzania, and displaced 525,000 others internally. Doubts about the

prospects for sustainable peace continue to impede development. Only

one in two children go to school, and approximately one in ten

adults has HIV/AIDS. Food, medicine, and electricity remain in short

supply.

Cambodia

Cambodia's economy slowed dramatically in 1997-1998 due to

the regional economic crisis, civil violence, and political

infighting. Foreign investment and tourism fell off. In 1999, the

first full year of peace in 30 years, progress was made on economic

reforms and growth resumed at 5.0%. Despite severe flooding, GDP

grew at 5.0% in 2000, 6.3% in 2001, and 5.2% in 2002. Tourism was

Cambodia's fastest growing industry, with arrivals up 34% in 2000

and up another 40% in 2001 before the September 11, 2001 terrorist

attacks in the US. Even given these stout growth estimates, the

long-term development of the economy after decades of war remains a

daunting challenge. The population lacks education and productive

skills, particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which

suffers from an almost total lack of basic infrastructure. Fear of

renewed political instability and corruption within the government

discourage foreign investment and delay foreign aid. The government

is addressing these issues with assistance from bilateral and

multilateral donors.

Cameroon

Because of its oil resources and favorable agricultural

conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity

economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious

problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as a top-heavy

civil service and a generally unfavorable climate for business

enterprise. Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF

and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment,

increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize

the nation's banks. In June 2000, the government completed an

IMF-sponsored, three-year structural adjustment program; however,

the IMF is pressing for more reforms, including increased budget

transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs.

International oil and cocoa prices have considerable impact on the

economy.

Canada

As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today

closely resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system,

pattern of production, and high living standards. Since World War

II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service

sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into

one primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade

Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement

(NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in

trade and economic integration with the US. As a result of the close

cross-border relationship, the economic sluggishness in the United

States in 2001-02 had a negative impact on the Canadian economy.

Real growth averaged nearly 3% during 1993-2000, but declined in

2001, with moderate recovery in 2002. Unemployment is up, with

contraction in the manufacturing and natural resource sectors.

Nevertheless, given its great natural resources, skilled labor

force, and modern capital plant Canada enjoys solid economic

prospects. Two shadows loom, the first being the continuing

constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking areas,

which has been raising the specter of a split in the federation.

Another long-term concern is the flow south to the US of

professionals lured by higher pay, lower taxes, and the immense

high-tech infrastructure. A key strength in the economy is the

substantial trade surplus.

Cape Verde

This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource

base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of

long-term drought. The economy is service-oriented, with commerce,

transport, tourism, and public services accounting for 72% of GDP.

Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the

share of agriculture in GDP in 2001 was only 11%, of which fishing

accounts for 1.5%. About 82% of food must be imported. The fishing

potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape

Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by foreign aid

and remittances from emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more

than 20%. Economic reforms are aimed at developing the private

sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy.

Prospects for 2003 depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows,

tourism, remittances, and the momentum of the government's

development program.

Cayman Islands

With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving

offshore financial center. More than 40,000 companies were

registered in the Cayman Islands as of 1998, including almost 600

banks and trust companies; banking assets exceed $500 billion. A

stock exchange was opened in 1997. Tourism is also a mainstay,

accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency

earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and

caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals

exceeded 1.2 million in 1997, with 600,000 from the US. About 90% of

the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The

Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of

the highest standards of living in the world.

Central African Republic

Subsistence agriculture, together with

forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African

Republic (CAR), with more than 70% of the population living in

outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates half of GDP.

Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the

diamond industry for 54%. Important constraints to economic

development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor

transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy

of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between

the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic

revitalization, with GDP growth likely to be no more than 1.3% in

2003. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from

France and the international community can only partially meet

humanitarian needs.

Chad

Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be

boosted by major oilfield and pipeline projects that began in 2000.

Over 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and

stock raising for its livelihood. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic

provide the bulk of Chad's export earnings, but Chad will begin to

export oil in 2004. Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its

landlocked position, high energy costs, and a history of

instability. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital

for most public and private sector investment projects. A consortium

led by two US companies has been investing $3.7 billion to develop

oil reserves estimated at 1 billion barrels in southern Chad. Oil

production is scheduled to come on stream in late 2003.

Chile

Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high

level of foreign trade. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation

as a role model for economic reform was strengthened when the

democratic government of Patricio AYLWIN - which took over from the

military in 1990 - deepened the economic reform initiated by the

military government. Growth in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97,

but fell to half that level in 1998 because of tight monetary

policies implemented to keep the current account deficit in check

and because of lower export earnings - the latter a product of the

global financial crisis. A severe drought exacerbated the recession

in 1999, reducing crop yields and causing hydroelectric shortfalls

and electricity rationing, and Chile experienced negative economic

growth for the first time in more than 15 years. Despite the effects

of the recession, Chile maintained its reputation for strong

financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the

strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. By the end of

1999, exports and economic activity had begun to recover, and growth

rebounded to 4.4% in 2000. Growth fell back to 2.8% in 2001 and 1.8%

in 2002, largely due to lackluster global growth and the devaluation

of the Argentine peso. Unemployment remains stubbornly high, putting

pressure on President LAGOS to improve living standards. One bright

spot was the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which

will take effect on 1 January 2004.

China In late 1978 the Chinese leadership began moving the economy from a sluggish, Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented system. Whereas the system operates within a political framework of strict Communist control, the economic influence of non-state organizations and individual citizens has been steadily increasing. The authorities switched to a system of household and village responsibility in agriculture in place of the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scale enterprises in services and light manufacturing, and opened the economy to increased foreign trade and investment. The result has been a quadrupling of GDP since 1978. In 2003, with its 1.3 billion people but a GDP of just $5,000 per capita, China stood as the second-largest economy in the world after the US (measured on a purchasing power parity basis). Agriculture and industry have posted major gains, especially in coastal areas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan, where foreign investment has helped spur output of both domestic and export goods. The leadership, however, often has experienced - as a result of its hybrid system - the worst results of socialism (bureaucracy and lassitude) and of capitalism (windfall gains and growing income disparities). China thus has periodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals. The government has struggled to (a) collect revenues due from provinces, businesses, and individuals; (b) reduce corruption and other economic crimes; and (c) keep afloat the large state-owned enterprises, many of which had been shielded from competition by subsidies and had been losing the ability to pay full wages and pensions. From 80 to 120 million surplus rural workers are adrift between the villages and the cities, many subsisting through part-time low-paying jobs. Popular resistance, changes in central policy, and loss of authority by rural cadres have weakened China's population control program, which is essential to maintaining long-term growth in living standards. Another long-term threat to growth is the deterioration in the environment, notably air pollution, soil erosion, and the steady fall of the water table especially in the north. China continues to lose arable land because of erosion and economic development. Beijing says it will intensify efforts to stimulate growth through spending on infrastructure - such as water control and power grids - and poverty relief and through rural tax reform aimed at eliminating arbitrary local levies on farmers. Accession to the World Trade Organization helps strengthen China's ability to maintain strong growth rates but at the same time puts additional pressure on the hybrid system of strong political controls and growing market influences. China has benefited from a huge expansion in computer internet use. Foreign investment remains a strong element in China's remarkable economic growth.

Christmas Island

Phosphate mining had been the only significant

economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government

closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of

the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993. The casino

closed in 1998. The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support

the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island,

slated to begin operation in 2003.

Clipperton Island

Although 115 species of fish have been identified

in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic

activity is tuna fishing.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are

the sole cash crop. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to

the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must

be imported from Australia. There is a small tourist industry.

Colombia

Colombia's economy suffers from weak domestic and foreign

demand, austere government budgets, and serious internal armed

conflict. Other economic problems facing the new president URIBE

range from reforming the pension system to reducing high

unemployment. Two of Colombia's leading exports, oil and coffee,

face an uncertain future; new exploration is needed to offset

declining oil production, while coffee harvests and prices are

depressed. Colombian business leaders are calling for greater

progress in solving the conflict with insurgent groups. On the

positive side, several international financial institutions have

praised the economic reforms introduced by President URIBE and have

pledged enough funding to cover Colombia's debt servicing costs in

2003.

Comoros

One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of

three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and

rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low

educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence

level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy

dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture,

including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP,

employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports.

The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the

main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. The government -

which is hampered by internal political disputes - is struggling to

upgrade education and technical training, to privatize commercial

and industrial enterprises, to improve health services, to diversify

exports, to promote tourism, and to reduce the high population

growth rate. Increased foreign support is essential if the goal of

4% annual GDP growth is to be met. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans

abroad help supplement GDP.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

The economy of the Democratic

Republic of the Congo - a nation endowed with vast potential wealth

- has declined drastically since the mid-1980s. The war, which began

in August 1998, has dramatically reduced national output and

government revenue, has increased external debt, and has resulted in

the deaths from war, famine, and disease of perhaps 3.5 million

people. Foreign businesses have curtailed operations due to

uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, lack of

infrastructure, and the difficult operating environment. The war has

intensified the impact of such basic problems as an uncertain legal

framework, corruption, inflation, and lack of openness in government

economic policy and financial operations. Conditions improved in

late 2002 with the withdrawal of a large portion of the invading

foreign troops. A number of IMF and World Bank missions have met

with the government to help it develop a coherent economic plan, and

President KABILA has begun implementing reforms. Much economic

activity lies outside the GDP data.

Congo, Republic of the

The economy is a mixture of village

agriculture and handicrafts, an industrial sector based largely on

oil, support services, and a government characterized by budget

problems and overstaffing. Oil has supplanted forestry as the

mainstay of the economy, providing a major share of government

revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil

revenues enabled the government to finance large-scale development

projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest

rates in Africa. The government has mortgaged a substantial portion

of its oil earnings, contributing to a shortage of revenues. The 12

January 1994 devaluation of Franc Zone currencies by 50% resulted in

inflation of 61% in 1994, but inflation has subsided since. Economic

reform efforts continued with the support of international

organizations, notably the World Bank and the IMF. The reform

program came to a halt in June 1997 when civil war erupted. Denis

SASSOU-NGUESSO, who returned to power when the war ended in October

1997, publicly expressed interest in moving forward on economic

reforms and privatization and in renewing cooperation with

international financial institutions. However, economic progress was

badly hurt by slumping oil prices and the resumption of armed

conflict in December 1998, which worsened the republic's budget

deficit. The current administration presides over an uneasy internal

peace and faces difficult economic problems of stimulating recovery

and reducing poverty.

Cook Islands

Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook

Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the

country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets,

lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural

disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture provides the

economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit.

Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing,

and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from

emigrants and by foreign aid, overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In

the 1980s and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining

a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt.

Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the

strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism,

and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and

growth.

Coral Sea Islands

no economic activity

Costa Rica

Costa Rica's basically stable economy depends on tourism,

agriculture, and electronics exports. Poverty has been substantially

reduced over the past 15 years, and a strong social safety net has

been put into place. At the same time, distribution of income

remains severely unequal. Foreign investors remain attracted by the

country's political stability and high education levels, and tourism

continues to bring in foreign exchange. However, traditional export

sectors have not kept pace. Low coffee prices and an overabundance

of bananas have hurt the agricultural sector. The government

continues to grapple with its large deficit and massive internal

debt, with the need to modernize the state-owned electricity and

telecommunications sector, and with the problem of bringing down

inflation.

Cote d'Ivoire

Cote d'Ivoire is among the world's largest producers

and exporters of coffee, cocoa beans, and palm oil. Consequently,

the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international

prices for these products and to weather conditions. Despite

government attempts to diversify the economy, it is still largely

dependent on agriculture and related activities, which engage

roughly 68% of the population. After several years of lagging

performance, the Ivorian economy began a comeback in 1994, due to

the 50% devaluation of the CFA franc and improved prices for cocoa

and coffee, growth in nontraditional primary exports such as

pineapples and rubber, limited trade and banking liberalization,

offshore oil and gas discoveries, and generous external financing

and debt rescheduling by multilateral lenders and France. Moreover,

government adherence to donor-mandated reforms led to a jump in

growth to 5% annually during 1996-99. Growth was negative in 2000-02

because of the difficulty of meeting the conditions of international

donors, continued low prices of key exports, and severe civil war

fighting.

Croatia

Before the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the Republic of

Croatia, after Slovenia, was the most prosperous and industrialized

area, with a per capita output perhaps one-third above the Yugoslav

average. The economy emerged from its mild recession in 2000 with

tourism the main factor, but massive structural unemployment remains

a key negative element. The government's failure to press the

economic reforms needed to spur growth is largely the result of

coalition politics and public resistance, particularly from the

trade unions. Opponents fear reforms would cut jobs, wages, and

social benefits. The government has a heavy backload of civil cases,

many involving tenure land. The country is likely to experience only

moderate growth without disciplined fiscal and structural reform.

Cuba

The government continues to balance the need for economic

loosening against a desire for firm political control. It has

undertaken limited reforms in recent years to increase enterprise

efficiency and alleviate serious shortages of food, consumer goods,

and services but is unlikely to implement extensive changes. A major

feature of the economy is the dichotomy between relatively efficient

export enclaves and inefficient domestic sectors. The average

Cuban's standard of living remains at a lower level than before the

severe economic depression of the early 1990s, which was caused by

the loss of Soviet aid and domestic inefficiencies. High oil import

prices, recessions in key export markets, damage from Hurricanes

Isidore and Lili, and the tourist slump after 11 September 2001

hampered growth in 2002.

Cyprus

The Greek Cypriot economy is prosperous but highly

susceptible to external shocks. Erratic growth rates over the past

decade reflect the economy's vulnerability to swings in tourist

arrivals, caused by political instability in the region and

fluctuations in economic conditions in Western Europe. Economic

policy is focused on meeting the criteria for admission to the EU.

As in the Turkish sector, water shortages are a perennial problem; a

few desalination plants are now online. The Turkish Cypriot economy

has roughly one-third of the per capita GDP of the south. Because it

is recognized only by Turkey, it has had much difficulty arranging

foreign financing and investment. It remains heavily dependent on

agriculture and government service, which together employ about half

of the work force. To compensate for the economy's weakness, Turkey

provides grants and loans to support economic development. Ankara

provided $200 million in 2002 and pledged $450 million for the

2003-05 period. Future events throughout the island will be highly

influenced by the outcome of negotiations on the UN-sponsored

agreement to unite the Greek and Turkish areas and by the

arrangements under which the island joins the EU.

Czech Republic

One of the most stable and prosperous of the

post-Communist states, the Czech Republic has been recovering from

recession since mid-1999. Growth in 2000-03 was supported by exports

to the EU, primarily to Germany, and a near doubling of foreign

direct investment. Domestic demand is playing an ever more important

role in underpinning growth as interest rates drop and the

availability of credit cards and mortgages increases. High current

account deficits - averaging around 5% of GDP in the last several

years - could be a persistent problem. Inflation is under control.

The EU put the Czech Republic just behind Poland and Hungary in

preparations for accession, which will give further impetus and

direction to structural reform. Moves to complete banking,

telecommunications, and energy privatization will encourage

additional foreign investment, while intensified restructuring among

large enterprises and banks and improvements in the financial sector

should strengthen output growth. But revival in the European

economies remains essential to stepped-up growth.

Denmark

This thoroughly modern market economy features high-tech

agriculture, up-to-date small-scale and corporate industry,

extensive government welfare measures, comfortable living standards,

a stable currency, and high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark is

a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance

of payments surplus. Government objectives include streamlining the

bureaucracy and further privatization of state assets. The

government has been successful in meeting, and even exceeding, the

economic convergence criteria for participating in the third phase

(a common European currency) of the European Economic and Monetary

Union (EMU), but Denmark has decided not to join the 12 other EU

members in the euro; even so, the Danish Krone remains pegged to the

euro. Given the sluggish state of the European economy, growth in

2003 was a mere 1.1%.

Djibouti

The economy is based on service activities connected with

the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in

northeast Africa. Two-thirds of the inhabitants live in the capital

city, the remainder being mostly nomadic herders. Scanty rainfall

limits crop production to fruits and vegetables, and most food must

be imported. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for

the region and an international transshipment and refueling center.

It has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is,

therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help support

its balance of payments and to finance development projects. An

unemployment rate of 50% continues to be a major problem. Inflation

is not a concern, however, because of the fixed tie of the franc to

the US dollar. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% over

the last seven years because of recession, civil war, and a high

population growth rate (including immigrants and refugees). Faced

with a multitude of economic difficulties, the government has fallen

in arrears on long-term external debt and has been struggling to

meet the stipulations of foreign aid donors. Another factor limiting

growth is the negative impact on port activity now that Ethiopia has

more trade route options.

Dominica

The Dominican economy depends on agriculture, primarily

bananas, and remains highly vulnerable to climatic conditions and

international economic developments. Hurricane Luis devastated the

country's banana crop in 1995 after tropical storms wiped out a

quarter of the 1994 crop. The economy subsequently has been fueled

by increases in construction, soap production, and tourist arrivals.

Development of the tourism industry remains difficult however,

because of the rugged coastline, lack of beaches, and the absence of

an international airport. Economic growth is sluggish, and

unemployment is greater than 20%. The government has been attempting

to develop an offshore financial sector in order to diversify the

island's production base.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic's economy experienced

dramatic growth over the last decade, even though the economy was

hit hard by Hurricane Georges in 1998. Although the country has long

been viewed primarily as an exporter of sugar, coffee, and tobacco,

in recent years the service sector has overtaken agriculture as the

economy's largest employer, due to growth in tourism and free trade

zones. The country suffers from marked income inequality; the

poorest half of the population receives less than one-fifth of GNP,

while the richest 10% enjoy nearly 40% of national income. Growth

probably will slow in 2003 with reduced tourism and expected low

growth in the US economy, the source of 87% of export revenues.

East Timor

In late 1999, about 70% of the economic infrastructure of

East Timor was laid waste by Indonesian troops and anti-independence

militias, and 260,000 people fled westward. Over the next three

years, however, a massive international program, manned by 5,000

peacekeepers (8,000 at peak) and 1,300 police officers, led to

substantial reconstruction in both urban and rural areas. By

mid-2002, all but about 50,000 of the refugees had returned. The

country faces great challenges in continuing the rebuilding of

infrastructure and the strengthening of the infant civil

administration. One promising long-term project is the planned

development of oil resources in nearby waters.

Ecuador

Ecuador has substantial oil resources and rich agricultural

areas. Because the country exports primary products such as oil,

bananas, and shrimp, fluctuations in world market prices can have a

substantial domestic impact. Ecuador joined the World Trade

Organization (WTrO) in 1996, but has failed to comply with many of

its accession commitments. The aftermath of El Nino and depressed

oil market of 1997-98 drove Ecuador's economy into a free-fall in

1999. The beginning of 1999 saw the banking sector collapse, which

helped precipitate an unprecedented default on external loans later

that year. Continued economic instability drove a 70% depreciation

of the currency throughout 1999, which forced a desperate government

to "dollarize" the currency regime in 2000. The move stabilized the

currency, but did not stave off the ouster of the government.

Gustavo NOBOA, who assumed the presidency in January 2000, has

managed to pass substantial economic reforms and mend relations with

international financial institutions. Ecuador completed its first

standby agreement since 1986 when the IMF Board approved a 10

December 2001 disbursement of $96 million, the final installment of

a $300 million standby credit agreement. In February 2003, newly

installed president Lucio GUTIERREZ faced a budget gap and massive

foreign debt. He has pledged to use oil revenues to pay off debt and

is seeking additional IMF support.

Egypt

Egypt improved its macroeconomic performance throughout most

of the last decade by following IMF advice on fiscal, monetary, and

structural reform policies. As a result, Egypt managed to tame

inflation, slash budget deficits, and attract more foreign

investment. In the past four years, however, the pace of reform has

slackened, and excessive spending on national infrastructure

projects has widened budget deficits again. Lower foreign exchange

earnings since 1998 resulted in pressure on the Egyptian pound and

periodic dollar shortages. Monetary pressures have increased since

11 September 2001 because of declines in tourism and Suez Canal

tolls, and Egypt has devalued the pound several times in the past

year. The development of a gas export market is a major bright spot

for future growth prospects. In the short term, regional tensions

will continue to affect tourism and hold back prospects for economic

expansion.

El Salvador

In recent years, this Central American economy has been

suffering from a weak tax collection system, factory closings, the

aftermaths of Hurricane Mitch of 1998 and the devastating

earthquakes of early 2001, and weak world coffee prices. On the

bright side, inflation has fallen to single digit levels, and total

exports have grown substantially. The trade deficit has been offset

by annual remittances of almost $2 billion from Salvadorans living

abroad and by external aid. The US dollar is now the legal tender.

Because competitor countries have fluctuating exchange rates, El

Salvador must face the challenge of raising productivity and

lowering costs.

Equatorial Guinea

The discovery and exploitation of large oil

reserves have contributed to dramatic economic growth in recent

years. Forestry, farming, and fishing are also major components of

GDP. Subsistence farming predominates. Although pre-independence

Equatorial Guinea counted on cocoa production for hard currency

earnings, the neglect of the rural economy under successive regimes

has diminished potential for agriculture-led growth (the government

has stated its intention to reinvest some oil revenue into

agriculture). A number of aid programs sponsored by the World Bank

and the IMF have been cut off since 1993 because of corruption and

mismanagement. No longer eligible for concessional financing because

of large oil revenues, the government has been unsuccessfully trying

to agree on a "shadow" fiscal management program with the World Bank

and IMF. Businesses, for the most part, are owned by government

officials and their family members. Undeveloped natural resources

include titanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold.

Growth will remain strong in 2003, led by oil.

Eritrea

Since independence from Ethiopia on 24 May 1993, Eritrea has

faced the economic problems of a small, desperately poor country.

Like the economies of many African nations, the economy is largely

based on subsistence agriculture, with 80% of the population

involved in farming and herding. The Ethiopian-Eritrea war in

1998-2000 severely hurt Eritrea's economy. GDP growth fell to zero

in 1999 and to -1% in 2000. The May 2000 Ethiopian offensive into

northern Eritrea caused some $600 million in property damage and

loss, including losses of $225 million in livestock and 55,000

homes. The attack prevented planting of crops in Eritrea's most

productive region, causing food production to drop by 62%. Even

during the war, Eritrea developed its transportation infrastructure,

asphalting new roads, improving its ports, and repairing war damaged

roads and bridges. Since the war ended, the government has

maintained a firm grip on the economy, expanding the use of the

military and party-owned businesses to complete Eritrea's

development agenda. Erratic rainfall and the delayed demobilization

of agriculturalists from the military kept cereal production well

below normal, holding down growth in 2002. Eritrea's economic future

depends upon its ability to master social problems such as

illiteracy, unemployment, and low skills, and to open its economy to

private enterprise so the diaspora's money and expertise can foster

economic growth.

Estonia

Estonia, as a new member of the World Trade Organization, is

steadily moving toward a modern market economy with increasing ties

to the West, including the pegging of its currency to the euro. The

economy benefits from strong electronics and telecoms sectors. A

major goal is accession to the EU, possibly by 2004. The economy is

greatly influenced by developments in Finland, Sweden, and Germany,

three major trading partners. The high current account deficit

remains a concern.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia's poverty-stricken economy is based on

agriculture, which accounts for half of GDP, 85% of exports, and 80%

of total employment. The agricultural sector suffers from frequent

drought and poor cultivation practices. Coffee is critical to the

Ethiopian economy with exports of some $270 million in 2000/01, but

historically low prices have seen many farmers switching to qat to

supplement their income. The war with Eritrea in 1999-2000 and

recurrent drought have buffeted the economy, in particular coffee

production. In November 2001 Ethiopia qualified for debt relief from

the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Under

Ethiopia's land tenure system, the government owns all land and

provides long-term leases to the tenants; the system continues to

hamper growth in the industrial sector as entrepreneurs are unable

to use land as collateral for loans. Strong growth in 2002 resulted

from good rainfall early in the year, the cessation of hostilities,

and renewed foreign aid and debt relief. But drought struck again

late in 2002, and the World Food Program (WFP) estimates 14 million

Ethiopians need food immediately to survive into 2003. The

government estimates than annual growth of 7% is needed to reduce

poverty, yet the maintenance of 5% in 2003 will be quite difficult

(one estimate is for 1.5% growth).

Europa Island

no economic activity

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which goes to support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. Another large source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost.

Faroe Islands

The Faroese economy has had a strong performance since

1994, mostly as a result of increasing fish landings and high and

stable export prices. Unemployment is falling and there are signs of

labor shortages in several sectors. The positive economic

development has helped the Faroese Home Rule Government produce

increasing budget surpluses, which in turn help to reduce the large

public debt, most of it owed to Denmark. However, the total

dependence on fishing makes the Faroese economy extremely

vulnerable, and the present fishing efforts appear in excess of what

is a sustainable level of fishing in the long term. Oil finds close

to the Faroese area give hope for deposits in the immediate Faroese

area, which may eventually lay the basis for a more diversified

economy and thus lessen dependence on Danish economic assistance.

Aided by a substantial annual subsidy (15% of GDP) from Denmark, the

Faroese have a standard of living not far below the Danes and other

Scandinavians.

Fiji

Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one

of the most developed of the Pacific island economies, though still

with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports and a growing tourist

industry - with 300,000 to 400,000 tourists annually - are the major

sources of foreign exchange. Sugar processing makes up one-third of

industrial activity. Long-term problems include low investment,

uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's ability to

manage its budget.

Finland

Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market

economy, with per capita output roughly that of the UK, France,

Germany, and Italy. Its key economic sector is manufacturing -

principally the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and

electronics industries. Trade is important, with exports equaling

almost one-third of GDP. Except for timber and several minerals,

Finland depends on imports of raw materials, energy, and some

components for manufactured goods. Because of the climate,

agricultural development is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency

in basic products. Forestry, an important export earner, provides a

secondary occupation for the rural population. Rapidly increasing

integration with Western Europe - Finland was one of the 11

countries joining the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) on

1 January 1999 - will dominate the economic picture over the next

several years. Growth in 2003 was held back by the global slowdown

but will pick up in 2004 provided the world economy suffers no

further blows.

France

France is in the midst of transition, from a well-to-do

modern economy that has featured extensive government ownership and

intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The

Socialist-led government has partially or fully privatized many

large companies, banks, and insurers, but still retains controlling

stakes in several leading firms, including Air France, France

Telecom, Renault, and Thales, and remains dominant in some sectors,

particularly power, public transport, and defense industries. The

telecommunications sector is gradually being opened to competition.

France's leaders remain committed to a capitalism in which they

maintain social equity by means of laws, tax policies, and social

spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of free markets

on public health and welfare. The current government has lowered

income taxes and introduced measures to boost employment. At the end

of 2002 the government was focusing on the problems of the high cost

of labor and labor market inflexibility resulting from the 35-hour

workweek and restrictions on lay-offs. The government was also

pushing for pension reforms and simplification of administrative

procedures. The tax burden remains one of the highest in Europe. The

current economic slowdown and inflexible budget items have pushed

the deficit above the EU's 3% debt limit. Business investment

remains listless because of low rates of capital utilization, high

debt, and the steep cost of capital.

French Guiana

The economy is tied closely to the larger French

economy through subsidies and imports. Besides the French space

center at Kourou (which accounts for 25% of GDP), fishing and

forestry are the most important economic activities. Forest and

woodland cover 90% of the country. The large reserves of tropical

hardwoods, not fully exploited, support an expanding sawmill

industry that provides sawn logs for export. Cultivation of crops is

limited to the coastal area, where the population is largely

concentrated; rice and manioc are the major crops. French Guiana is

heavily dependent on imports of food and energy. Unemployment is a

serious problem, particularly among younger workers.

French Polynesia

Since 1962, when France stationed military

personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a

subsistence agricultural economy to one in which a high proportion

of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the

tourist industry. With the halt of French nuclear testing in 1996,

the military contribution to the economy fell sharply. Tourism

accounts for about one-fourth of GDP and is a primary source of hard

currency earnings. Other sources of income are pearl farming and

deep-sea commercial fishing. The small manufacturing sector

primarily processes agricultural products. The territory benefits

substantially from development agreements with France aimed

principally at creating new businesses and strengthening social

services.

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Economic activity is limited to

servicing meteorological and geophysical research stations and

French and other fishing fleets. The fish catches landed on Iles

Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and Reunion.

Gabon

Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most

nations of sub-Saharan Africa. This has supported a sharp decline in

extreme poverty; yet because of high income inequality a large

proportion of the population remains poor. Gabon depended on timber

and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s.

The oil sector now accounts for 50% of GDP. Gabon continues to face

fluctuating prices for its oil, timber, and manganese exports.

Despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor fiscal management

hobbles the economy. Devaluation of its Francophone currency by 50%

on 12 January 1994 sparked a one-time inflationary surge, to 35%;

the rate dropped to 6% in 1996. The IMF provided a one-year standby

arrangement in 1994-95, a three-year Enhanced Financing Facility

(EFF) at near commercial rates beginning in late 1995, and stand-by

credit of $119 million in October 2000. Those agreements mandate

progress in privatization and fiscal discipline. France provided

additional financial support in January 1997 after Gabon had met IMF

targets for mid-1996. In 1997, an IMF mission to Gabon criticized

the government for overspending on off-budget items, overborrowing

from the central bank, and slipping on its schedule for

privatization and administrative reform. The rebound of oil prices

in 1999-2000 helped growth, but drops in production hampered Gabon

from fully realizing potential gains. In December 2000, Gabon signed

a new agreement with the Paris Club to reschedule its official debt.

A follow-up bilateral repayment agreement with the US was signed in

December 2001. Short-term progress depends on an upbeat world

economy and fiscal and other adjustments in line with IMF policies.

Gambia, The

The Gambia has no important mineral or other natural

resources and has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of the

population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood.

Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of

peanuts, fish, and hides. Reexport trade normally constitutes a

major segment of economic activity, but a 1999 government-imposed

preshipment inspection plan, and instability of the Gambian dalasi

(currency) have drawn some of the reexport trade away from The

Gambia. The government's 1998 seizure of the private peanut firm

Alimenta eliminated the largest purchaser of Gambian groundnuts; the

following two marketing seasons have seen substantially lower prices

and sales. A decline in tourism in 2000 has also held back growth.

Unemployment and underemployment rates are extremely high. Shortrun

economic progress remains highly dependent on sustained bilateral

and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management

as forwarded by IMF technical help and advice, and on expected

growth in the construction sector.

Gaza Strip

Economic output in the Gaza Strip - under the

responsibility of the Palestinian Authority since the Cairo

Agreement of May 1994 - declined by about one-third between 1992 and

1996. The downturn was largely the result of Israeli closure

policies - the imposition of generalized border closures in response

to security incidents in Israel - which disrupted previously

established labor and commodity market relationships between Israel

and the WBGS (West Bank and Gaza Strip). The most serious negative

social effect of this downturn was the emergence of high

unemployment; unemployment in the WBGS during the 1980s was

generally under 5%; by 1995 it had risen to over 20%. Israel's use

of comprehensive closures decreased during the next few years and,

in 1998, Israel implemented new policies to reduce the impact of

closures and other security procedures on the movement of

Palestinian goods and labor. These changes fueled an almost

three-year-long economic recovery in the West Bank and Gaza Strip;

real GDP grew by 5% in 1998 and 6% in 1999. Recovery was upended in

the last quarter of 2000 with the outbreak of violence, triggering

tight Israeli closures of Palestinian self-rule areas and a severe

disruption of trade and labor movements. In 2001, and even more

severely in 2002, Israeli military measures in Palestinian Authority

areas resulted in the destruction of capital plant and

administrative structure, widespread business closures, and a sharp

drop in GDP. Another major loss has been the decline in income

earned by Palestinian workers in Israel. International aid of $2

billion in 2001-02 to the Gaza Strip and West Bank have prevented

the complete collapse of the economy.

Georgia

Georgia's main economic activities include the cultivation

of agricultural products such as citrus fruits, tea, hazelnuts, and

grapes; mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small

industrial sector producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages,

metals, machinery, and chemicals. The country imports the bulk of

its energy needs, including natural gas and oil products. Its only

sizable internal energy resource is hydropower. Despite the severe

damage the economy has suffered due to civil strife, Georgia, with

the help of the IMF and World Bank, has made substantial economic

gains since 1995, achieving positive GDP growth and curtailing

inflation. However, the Georgian Government suffers from limited

resources due to a chronic failure to collect tax revenues. Georgia

also suffers from energy shortages; it privatized the T'bilisi

distribution network in 1998, but collection rates are low, making

the venture unprofitable. The country is pinning its hopes for

long-term growth on its role as a transit state for pipelines and

trade. The start of construction on the Baku-T'bilisi-Ceyhan oil

pipeline and the Baku-T'bilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline will bring

much-needed investment and job opportunities.

Germany

Germany's affluent and technologically powerful economy has

turned in a weak performance throughout much of the 1990s and early

2000s. The modernization and integration of the eastern German

economy continues to be a costly long-term problem, with annual

transfers from west to east amounting to roughly $70 billion.

Germany's ageing population, combined with high unemployment, has

pushed social security outlays to a level exceeding contributions

from workers. Structural rigidities in the labor market - including

strict regulations on laying off workers and the setting of wages on

a national basis - have made unemployment a chronic problem. Growth

in 2002 and 2003 fell short of 1%. Corporate restructuring and

growing capital markets are setting the foundations that could allow

Germany to meet the long-term challenges of European economic

integration and globalization, particularly if labor market

rigidities are further addressed. In the short run, however, the

fall in government revenues and the rise in expenditures have raised

the deficit above the EU's 3% debt limit.

Ghana

Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana has roughly twice

the per capita output of the poorer countries in West Africa. Even

so, Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and

technical assistance. Gold, timber, and cocoa production are major

sources of foreign exchange. The domestic economy continues to

revolve around subsistence agriculture, which accounts for 36% of

GDP and employs 60% of the work force, mainly small landholders.

Ghana opted for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country

(HIPC) program in 2002. Policy priorities include tighter monetary

and fiscal policies, accelerated privatization, and improvement of

social services.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade,

offshore banking, and its position as an international conference

center. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and

now contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared with 60% in

1984. The financial sector, tourism (almost 5 million visitors in

1998), shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also

generate revenue. The financial sector, the shipping sector, and

tourism each contribute 25%-30% of GDP. Telecommunications accounts

for another 10%. In recent years, Gibraltar has seen major

structural change from a public to a private sector economy, but

changes in government spending still have a major impact on the

level of employment.

Glorioso Islands

no economic activity

Greece

Greece has a mixed capitalist economy with the public sector

accounting for half of GDP and with per capita GDP 70% of the

leading euro-zone economies. Tourism provides 15% of GDP. Immigrants

make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in menial jobs.

Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 3.3% of GDP.

The economy has improved steadily with economic growth averaging 4%

since 1997, exceeding EU growth by more than 1 percentage point.

Remaining challenges include the reduction of the public debt,

inflation, and unemployment; and further restructuring of the

economy, including privatizing several state enterprises,

undertaking pension and other reforms, and minimizing bureaucratic

inefficiencies. The Olympic Games will be held in Athens in mid-2004.

Greenland

The economy remains critically dependent on exports of

fish and substantial support from the Danish Government, which

supplies about half of government revenues. The public sector,

including publicly owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays

the dominant role in the economy. Despite several interesting

hydrocarbon and minerals exploration activities, it will take

several years before production can materialize. Tourism is the only

sector offering any near-term potential, and even this is limited

due to a short season and high costs.

Grenada

Grenada relies on tourism as its main source of foreign

exchange, especially since the construction of an international

airport in 1985. Strong performances in construction and

manufacturing, together with the development of an offshore

financial industry, have also contributed to growth in national

output.

Guadeloupe

The Caribbean economy depends on agriculture, tourism,

light industry, and services. It also depends on France for large

subsidies and imports. Tourism is a key industry, with most tourists

from the US; an increasingly large number of cruise ships visit the

islands. The traditional sugarcane crop is slowly being replaced by

other crops, such as bananas (which now supply about 50% of export

earnings), eggplant, and flowers. Other vegetables and root crops

are cultivated for local consumption, although Guadeloupe is still

dependent on imported food, mainly from France. Light industry

features sugar and rum production. Most manufactured goods and fuel

are imported. Unemployment is especially high among the young.

Hurricanes periodically devastate the economy.

Guam

The economy depends on US military spending, tourism, and the

export of fish and handicrafts. Total US grants, wage payments, and

procurement outlays amounted to $1 billion in 1998. Over the past 20

years, the tourist industry has grown rapidly, creating a

construction boom for new hotels and the expansion of older ones.

More than 1 million tourists visit Guam each year. The industry has

recently suffered setbacks because of the continuing Japanese

slowdown; the Japanese normally make up almost 90% of the tourists.

Most food and industrial goods are imported. Guam faces the problem

of building up the civilian economic sector to offset the impact of

military downsizing.

Guatemala

The agricultural sector accounts for about one-fourth of

GDP, two-thirds of exports, and half of the labor force. Coffee,

sugar, and bananas are the main products. Former President ARZU

(1996-2000) worked to implement a program of economic liberalization

and political modernization. President PORTILLO has continued the

liberalization program but with more sporadic results. The 1996

signing of the peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war,

removed a major obstacle to foreign investment, but numerous

corruption scandals associated with the PORTILLO administration have

dampened investor confidence. The distribution of income remains

highly unequal, with perhaps 75% of the population below the poverty

line. Ongoing challenges include increasing the government revenues,

negotiating further assistance from international donors, upgrading

both government and private financial operations, and narrowing the

trade deficit. A free trade agreement between the US and Central

American countries promises greater access to US and neighboring

markets.

Guernsey

Financial services - banking, fund management, insurance,

etc. - account for about 55% of total income in this tiny Channel

Island economy. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly

tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Light tax and death

duties make Guernsey a popular tax haven. The evolving economic

integration of the EU nations is changing the rules of the game

under which Guernsey operates.

Guinea

Guinea possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural

resources, yet remains an underdeveloped nation. The country

possesses over 30% of the world's bauxite reserves and is the

second-largest bauxite producer. The mining sector accounted for

about 75% of exports in 1999. Long-run improvements in government

fiscal arrangements, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if

the country is to move out of poverty. The government made

encouraging progress in budget management in 1997-99, and reform

progress was praised in the World Bank/IMF October 2000 assessment.

However, fighting along the Sierra Leonean and Liberian borders has

caused major economic disruptions. In addition to direct defense

costs, the violence has led to a sharp decline in investor

confidence. Foreign mining companies have reduced expatriate staff,

while panic buying has created food shortages and inflation in local

markets. Multilateral aid - including Heavily Indebted Poor

Countries (HIPC) debt relief - and single digit inflation permitted

moderate 3.7% growth in 2002. Growth should strengthen in 2003

because of a slowly improving security situation and increased

investor confidence.

Guinea-Bissau

One of the 10 poorest countries in the world,

Guinea-Bissau depends mainly on farming and fishing. Cashew crops

have increased remarkably in recent years, and the country now ranks

sixth in cashew production. Guinea-Bissau exports fish and seafood

along with small amounts of peanuts, palm kernels, and timber. Rice

is the major crop and staple food. However, intermittent fighting

between Senegalese-backed government troops and a military junta

destroyed much of the country's infrastructure and caused widespread

damage to the economy in 1998; the civil war led to a 28% drop in

GDP that year, with partial recovery in 1999-2002. Before the war,

trade reform and price liberalization were the most successful part

of the country's structural adjustment program under IMF

sponsorship. The tightening of monetary policy and the development

of the private sector had also begun to reinvigorate the economy.

Because of high costs, the development of petroleum, phosphate, and

other mineral resources is not a near-term prospect. However,

unexploited offshore oil reserves could provide much-needed revenue

in the long run. The inequality of income distribution is one of the

most extreme in the world. The government and international donors

continue to work out plans to forward economic development from a

lamentably low base. Government drift and indecision, however, have

resulted in low growth in 2002 and dim prospects for 2003.

Guyana

The Guyanese economy has exhibited moderate economic growth

in 2001-02, based on expansion in the agricultural and mining

sectors, a more favorable atmosphere for business initiatives, a

more realistic exchange rate, fairly low inflation, and the

continued support of international organizations. Chronic problems

include a shortage of skilled labor and a deficient infrastructure.

The government is juggling a sizable external debt against the

urgent need for expanded public investment. The bauxite mining

sector should benefit in the near term by restructuring and partial

privatization.

Haiti

About 80% of the population lives in abject poverty. Nearly

70% of all Haitians depend on the agriculture sector, which consists

mainly of small-scale subsistence farming and employs about

two-thirds of the economically active work force. Following

legislative elections in May 2000, fraught with irregularities,

international donors - including the US and EU - suspended almost

all aid to Haiti. The economy shrank an estimated 1.2% in 2001 and

an estimated 0.9% in 2002. The contraction will likely intensify in

2003 unless a political agreement with donors is reached on economic

policy. Suspended aid and loan disbursements totaled more than $500

million at the start of 2003.

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

No indigenous economic activity,

but the Australian Government allows limited fishing around the

islands.

Holy See (Vatican City)

This unique, noncommercial economy is

supported financially by an annual tax on Roman Catholic dioceses

throughout the world, as well as by special collections (known as

Peter's Pence); the sale of postage stamps, coins, medals, and

tourist mementos; fees for admission to museums; and the sale of

publications. Investments and real estate income also account for a

sizable portion of revenue. The incomes and living standards of lay

workers are comparable to those of counterparts who work in the city

of Rome.

Honduras

Honduras, one of the poorest countries in the Western

Hemisphere with an extraordinarily unequal distribution of income,

is banking on expanded trade privileges under the Enhanced Caribbean

Basin Initiative and on debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor

Countries (HIPC) initiative. While the country has met most of its

macroeconomic targets, it failed to meet the IMF's goals to

liberalize its energy and telecommunications sectors. Growth remains

dependent on the status of the US economy, its major trading

partner, on commodity prices, particularly coffee, and on reduction

of the high crime rate.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a free market economy highly dependent on

international trade. Natural resources are limited, and food and raw

materials must be imported. Imports and exports, including

reexports, each exceed GDP in dollar value. Even before Hong Kong

reverted to Chinese administration on 1 July 1997 it had extensive

trade and investment ties with China. Hong Kong has been further

integrating its economy with China because China's growing openness

to the world economy has increased competitive pressure on Hong

Kong's service industries, and Hong Kong's re-export business from

China is a major driver of growth. Per capita GDP compares with the

level in the four big economies of Western Europe. GDP growth

averaged a strong 5% in 1989-1997, but Hong Kong suffered two

recessions in the past 6 years because of the Asian financial crisis

in 1998 and the global downturn of 2001-2002. The Severe Acute

Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak has also battered Hong Kong's

economy but the resumption of strong growth began in 2003.

Howland Island

no economic activity

Hungary

Hungary has made the transition from a centrally planned to

a market economy, with a per capita income one-half that of the Big

Four European nations. Hungary continues to demonstrate strong

economic growth and to work toward accession to the European Union

in May 2004. The private sector accounts for over 80% of GDP.

Foreign ownership of and investment in Hungarian firms are

widespread, with cumulative foreign direct investment totaling more

than $23 billion since 1989. Hungarian sovereign debt was upgraded

in 2000 to the second-highest rating among all the Central European

transition economies. Inflation has declined substantially, from 14%

in 1998 to 4.7% in 2003; unemployment has persisted around the 6%

level. Germany is by far Hungary's largest economic partner.

Short-term issues include the reduction of the public sector deficit

to 3% in 2004 and avoiding unjustified increases in wages.

Iceland

Iceland's Scandinavian-type economy is basically

capitalistic, yet with an extensive welfare system (including

generous housing subsidies), low unemployment, and remarkably even

distribution of income. In the absence of other natural resources

(except for abundant hydrothermal and geothermal power), the economy

depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 70% of

export earnings and employs 12% of the work force. The economy

remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to

fluctuations in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish

products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. Government policies include

reducing the budget and current account deficits, limiting foreign

borrowing, containing inflation, revising agricultural and fishing

policies, diversifying the economy, and privatizing state-owned

industries. The government remains opposed to EU membership,

primarily because of Icelanders' concern about losing control over

their fishing resources. Iceland's economy has been diversifying

into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, and

new developments in software production, biotechnology, and

financial services are taking place. The tourism sector is also

expanding, with the recent trends in ecotourism and whale watching.

Growth had been remarkably steady in 1996-2001 at 3%-5%, but could

not be sustained in 2002 in an environment of global recession.

Growth resumed in 2003, and inflation dropped back from 5% to 2%.

India

India's economy encompasses traditional village farming,

modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries,

and a multitude of support services. Overpopulation severely

handicaps the economy and about a quarter of the population is too

poor to be able to afford an adequate diet. Government controls have

been reduced on imports and foreign investment, and privatization of

domestic output has proceeded slowly. The economy has posted an

excellent average growth rate of 6% since 1990, reducing poverty by

about 10 percentage points. India has large numbers of well-educated

people skilled in the English language; India is a major exporter of

software services and software workers; the information technology

sector leads the strong growth pattern. The World Bank and others

worry about the continuing public-sector budget deficit, running at

approximately 10% of GDP in 1997-2002. In 2003 the state-owned

Indian Bank substantially reduced non-performing loans, attracted

new customers, and turned a profit. Deep-rooted problems remain,

notably conflicts among political and cultural groups.

Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting

the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia with Europe and the Americas.

It carries a particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum

products from the oilfields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. Its

fish are of great and growing importance to the bordering countries

for domestic consumption and export. Fishing fleets from Russia,

Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan also exploit the Indian Ocean, mainly

for shrimp and tuna. Large reserves of hydrocarbons are being tapped

in the offshore areas of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and western

Australia. An estimated 40% of the world's offshore oil production

comes from the Indian Ocean. Beach sands rich in heavy minerals and

offshore placer deposits are actively exploited by bordering

countries, particularly India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka,

and Thailand.

Indonesia

Indonesia, a vast polyglot nation, faces severe economic

development problems stemming from secessionist movements and the

low level of security in the regions; the lack of reliable legal

recourse in contract disputes; corruption; weaknesses in the banking

system; and strained relations with the IMF. Investor confidence

will remain low and few new jobs will be created under these

circumstances. In November 2001, Indonesia agreed with the IMF on a

series of economic reforms in 2002, thus enabling further IMF

disbursements. Negotiations with the IMF and bilateral donors

continued in 2002. Keys to future growth remain internal reform, the

build-up of the confidence of international donors and investors,

and a strong comeback in the global economy.

Iran

Iran's economy is a mixture of central planning, state

ownership of oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture,

and small-scale private trading and service ventures. President

KHATAMI has continued to follow the market reform plans of former

President RAFSANJANI and has indicated that he will pursue

diversification of Iran's oil-reliant economy although he has made

little progress toward that goal. Relatively high oil prices in

recent years have enabled Iran to amass some $15 billion in foreign

exchange reserves, but have not solved Iran's structural economic

problems, including high unemployment and inflation.

Iraq

Iraq's economy is dominated by the oil sector, which has

traditionally provided about 95% of foreign exchange earnings. In

the 1980s financial problems caused by massive expenditures in the

eight-year war with Iran and damage to oil export facilities by Iran

led the government to implement austerity measures, borrow heavily,

and later reschedule foreign debt payments; Iraq suffered economic

losses from the war of at least $100 billion. After hostilities

ended in 1988, oil exports gradually increased with the construction

of new pipelines and restoration of damaged facilities. Iraq's

seizure of Kuwait in August 1990, subsequent international economic

sanctions, and damage from military action by an international

coalition beginning in January 1991 drastically reduced economic

activity. Although government policies supporting large military and

internal security forces and allocating resources to key supporters

of the regime have hurt the economy, implementation of the UN's

oil-for-food program beginning in December 1996 helped improve

conditions for the average Iraqi citizen. Iraq was allowed to export

limited amounts of oil in exchange for food, medicine, and some

infrastructure spare parts. In December 1999 the UN Security Council

authorized Iraq to export under the program as much oil as required

to meet humanitarian needs. Oil exports have recently been more than

three-quarters prewar level. However, 28% of Iraq's export revenues

under the program have been deducted to meet UN Compensation Fund

and UN administrative expenses. The drop in GDP in 2001-02 was

largely the result of the global economic slowdown and lower oil

prices. Per capita food imports increased significantly, while

medical supplies and health care services steadily improved. Per

capita output and living standards were still well below the prewar

level, but any estimates have a wide range of error. The military

victory of the US-led coalition in March-April 2003 resulted in the

shutdown of much of the central economic administrative structure

and the loss of a comparatively small amount of capital plant.

Ireland

Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy with

growth averaging a robust 8% in 1995-2002. The global slowdown,

especially in the information technology sector, pressed growth down

to 2.7% in 2003. Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now

dwarfed by industry and services. Industry accounts for 46% of GDP

and about 80% of exports and employs 28% of the labor force.

Although exports remain the primary engine for Ireland's growth, the

economy has also benefited from a rise in consumer spending,

construction, and business investment. Per capita GDP is 10% above

that of the four big European economies. Over the past decade, the

Irish Government has implemented a series of national economic

programs designed to curb inflation, reduce government spending,

increase labor force skills, and promote foreign investment. Ireland

joined in launching the euro currency system in January 1999 along

with 10 other EU nations.

Israel

Israel has a technologically advanced market economy with

substantial government participation. It depends on imports of crude

oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Despite limited

natural resources, Israel has intensively developed its agricultural

and industrial sectors over the past 20 years. Israel imports

significant quantities of grain but is largely self-sufficient in

other agricultural products. Cut diamonds, high-technology

equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) are the

leading exports. Israel usually posts sizable current account

deficits, which are covered by large transfer payments from abroad

and by foreign loans. Roughly half of the government's external debt

is owed to the US, which is its major source of economic and

military aid. The influx of Jewish immigrants from the former USSR

during the period 1989-99, coupled with the opening of new markets

at the end of the Cold War, energized Israel's economy, which grew

rapidly in the early 1990s; growth began moderating in 1996 when the

government imposed tighter fiscal and monetary policies and the

immigration bonus petered out. Growth was a strong 7.2% in 2000, but

the bitter Israeli-Palestinian conflict, difficulties in the

high-technology, construction, and tourist sectors, and fiscal

austerity in the face of growing inflation led to small declines in

GDP in 2001 and 2002.

Italy

Italy has a diversified industrial economy with roughly the

same total and per capita output as France and the UK. This

capitalistic economy remains divided into a developed industrial

north, dominated by private companies, and a less developed,

welfare-dependent agricultural south, with 20% unemployment. Most

raw materials needed by industry and more than 75% of energy

requirements are imported. Over the past decade, Italy has pursued a

tight fiscal policy in order to meet the requirements of the

Economic and Monetary Unions and has benefited from lower interest

and inflation rates. The current government has enacted numerous

short-term reforms aimed at improving competitiveness and long-term

growth. Italy has moved slowly, however, on implementing needed

structural reforms, such as lightening the high tax burden and

overhauling Italy's rigid labor market and over-generous pension

system, because of the current economic slowdown and opposition from

labor unions.

Jamaica

The economy, which depends heavily on tourism and bauxite,

has been stagnant since 1995. After five years of recession, the

economy inched ahead, by 0.8% in 2000, 1.7% in 2001, and 0.8% in

2002; the global economic slowdown, particularly in the United

States after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, has stunted

the economic recovery. Serious problems include: high interest

rates; increased foreign competition; a pressured, sometimes

sliding, exchange rate; a widening merchandise trade deficit; and a

growing internal debt, the result of government bailouts to various

ailing sectors of the economy, particularly the financial sector.

Depressed economic conditions have led to increased civil unrest,

including serious violent crime. Jamaica's medium-term prospects

will depend upon encouraging investment and tourism, maintaining a

competitive exchange rate, selling off reacquired firms, and

implementing proper fiscal and monetary policies.

Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural

resources. Economic activity is limited to providing services for

employees of Norway's radio and meteorological stations located on

the island.

Japan

Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery

of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (1%

of GDP) helped Japan advance with extraordinary rapidity to the rank

of second-most-technologically-powerful economy in the world after

the US and third-largest economy after the US and China. One notable

characteristic of the economy is the working together of

manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors in closely-knit groups

called keiretsu. A second basic feature has been the guarantee of

lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor

force. Both features are now eroding. Industry, the most important

sector of the economy, is heavily dependent on imported raw

materials and fuels. The much smaller agricultural sector is highly

subsidized and protected, with crop yields among the highest in the

world. Usually self-sufficient in rice, Japan must import about 50%

of its requirements of other grain and fodder crops. Japan maintains

one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly

15% of the global catch. For three decades overall real economic

growth had been spectacular: a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5%

average in the 1970s, and a 4% average in the 1980s. Growth slowed

markedly in the 1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the

aftereffects of overinvestment during the late 1980s and

contractionary domestic policies intended to wring speculative

excesses from the stock and real estate markets. Government efforts

to revive economic growth have met with little success and were

further hampered in 2000-2003 by the slowing of the US, European,

and Asian economies. Japan's huge government debt, which is

approaching 150% of GDP, and the ageing of the population are two

major long-run problems. Robotics constitutes a key long-term

economic strength with Japan possessing 410,000 of the world's

720,000 "working robots." Internal conflict over the proper way to

reform the ailing banking system continues.

Jarvis Island

no economic activity

Jersey

The economy is based largely on international financial

services, agriculture, and tourism. Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes,

and especially flowers are important export crops, shipped mostly to

the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is known worldwide and

represents an important export income earner. Milk products go to

the UK and other EU countries. In 1996 the finance sector accounted

for about 60% of the island's output. Tourism, another mainstay of

the economy, accounts for 24% of GDP. In recent years, the

government has encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey, with

the result that an electronics industry has developed alongside the

traditional manufacturing of knitwear. All raw material and energy

requirements are imported, as well as a large share of Jersey's food

needs. Light taxes and death duties make the island a popular tax

haven.

Johnston Atoll

Economic activity is limited to providing services to

US military personnel and contractors located on the island. All

food and manufactured goods must be imported.

Jordan

Jordan is a small Arab country with inadequate supplies of

water and other natural resources such as oil. Debt, poverty, and

unemployment are fundamental problems, but King ABDALLAH since

assuming the throne in 1999 has undertaken some broad economic

reforms in a long-term effort to improve living standards. Amman in

the past three years has worked closely with the IMF, practiced

careful monetary policy, and made significant headway with

privatization. The government also has liberalized the trade regime

sufficiently to secure Jordan's membership in the WTrO (2000), a

free trade accord with US (2000), and an association agreement with

the EU (2001). These measures have helped improve productivity and

have put Jordan on the foreign investment map. The US-led war in

Iraq in 2003 dealt an economic blow to Jordan, which was dependent

on Iraq for discounted oil. It remains unclear how Jordan will

finance energy imports in the absence of such a deal. Other ongoing

challenges include fiscal adjustment to reduce the budget deficit

and broader investment incentives to promote job-creating ventures.

Juan de Nova Island

Up to 12,000 tons of guano are mined per year.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, the largest of the former Soviet republics in

territory, excluding Russia, possesses enormous fossil fuel reserves

as well as plentiful supplies of other minerals and metals. It also

is a large agricultural - livestock and grain - producer.

Kazakhstan's industrial sector rests on the extraction and

processing of these natural resources and also on a growing

machine-building sector specializing in construction equipment,

tractors, agricultural machinery, and some defense items. The

breakup of the USSR in December 1991 and the collapse in demand for

Kazakhstan's traditional heavy industry products resulted in a

short-term contraction of the economy, with the steepest annual

decline occurring in 1994. In 1995-97, the pace of the government

program of economic reform and privatization quickened, resulting in

a substantial shifting of assets into the private sector. Kazakhstan

enjoyed double-digit growth in 2000-01 - and a solid 9.5% in 2002 -

thanks largely to its booming energy sector, but also to economic

reform, good harvests, and foreign investment. The opening of the

Caspian Consortium pipeline in 2001, from western Kazakhstan's

Tengiz oilfield to the Black Sea, substantially raised export

capacity. The country has embarked upon an industrial policy

designed to diversify the economy away from overdependence on the

oil sector, by developing light industry. Additionally, the policy

aims to reduce the influence of foreign investment and foreign

personnel; the government has engaged in several disputes with

foreign oil companies over the terms of production agreements, and

tensions continue.

Kenya

Kenya, the regional hub for trade and finance in East Africa,

is hampered by corruption and reliance upon several primary goods

whose prices remain low. Following strong economic growth in 1995

and 1996, Kenya's economy has stagnated, with GDP growth failing to

keep up with the rate of population growth. In 1997, the IMF

suspended Kenya's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Program due to the

government's failure to maintain reforms and curb corruption. A

severe drought from 1999 to 2000 compounded Kenya's problems,

causing water and energy rationing and reducing agricultural output.

As a result, GDP contracted by 0.3% in 2000. The IMF, which had

resumed loans in 2000 to help Kenya through the drought, again

halted lending in 2001 when the government failed to institute

several anticorruption measures. Despite the return of strong rains

in 2001, weak commodity prices, endemic corruption, and low

investment limited Kenya's economic growth to 1%. Growth fell below

1% in 2002 because of erratic rains, low investor confidence, meager

donor support, and political infighting up to the elections. In the

key December 27, 2002 elections, Daniel Arap MOI's 24-year-old reign

ended, and a new opposition government took on the formidable

economic problems facing the nation. Substantial donor support and

rooting out corruption are essential to making Kenya realize its

substantial economic potential.

Kingman Reef

no economic activity

Kiribati

A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has

few natural resources. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were

exhausted at the time of independence from the UK in 1979. Copra and

fish now represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy

has fluctuated widely in recent years. Economic development is

constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure,

and remoteness from international markets. Tourism provides more

than one-fifth of GDP. The financial sector is at an early stage of

development as is the expansion of private sector initiatives.

Foreign financial aid from UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and

China is a critical supplement to GDP, equal to 25%-50% of GDP in

recent years. Remittances from workers abroad account for more than

$5 million each year.

Korea, North

North Korea, one of the world's most centrally planned

and isolated economies, faces desperate economic conditions.

Industrial capital stock is nearly beyond repair as a result of

years of underinvestment and spare parts shortages. Industrial and

power output have declined in parallel. The nation has suffered its

tenth year of food shortages because of a lack of arable land;

collective farming; weather-related problems, including major

drought in 2000; and chronic shortages of fertilizer and fuel.

Massive international food aid deliveries have allowed the regime to

escape mass starvation since 1995-96, but the population remains the

victim of prolonged malnutrition and deteriorating living

conditions. Large-scale military spending eats up resources needed

for investment and civilian consumption. Recently, the regime has

placed emphasis on earning hard currency, developing information

technology, addressing power shortages, and attracting foreign aid,

but in no way at the expense of relinquishing central control over

key national assets or undergoing widespread market-oriented

reforms. In 2003, heightened political tensions with key donor

countries and general donor fatigue have held down the flow of

desperately needed food aid and have threatened fuel aid as well.

Korea, South

As one of the Four Tigers of East Asia, South Korea has

achieved an incredible record of growth and integration into the

high-tech modern world economy. Three decades ago GDP per capita was

comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia.

Today its GDP per capita is 18 times North Korea's and equal to the

lesser economies of the European Union. This success through the

late 1980s was achieved by a system of close government/business

ties, including directed credit, import restrictions, sponsorship of

specific industries, and a strong labor effort. The government

promoted the import of raw materials and technology at the expense

of consumer goods and encouraged savings and investment over

consumption. The Asian financial crisis of 1997-99 exposed

longstanding weaknesses in South Korea's development model,

including high debt/equity ratios, massive foreign borrowing, and an

undisciplined financial sector. Growth plunged to a negative 6.6% in

1998, then strongly recovered to 10.8% in 1999 and 9.2% in 2000.

Growth fell back to 3.3% in 2001 because of the slowing global

economy, falling exports, and the perception that much-needed

corporate and financial reforms had stalled. Led by consumer

spending and exports, growth in 2002 was an impressive 6.2%, despite

anemic global growth, followed by moderate 2.8% growth in 2003. In

2003 the six-day work week was reduced to five days.

Kuwait

Kuwait is a small, rich, relatively open economy with proved

crude oil reserves of about 98 billion barrels - 10% of world

reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export

revenues, and 80% of government income. Kuwait's climate limits

agricultural development. Consequently, with the exception of fish,

it depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water

must be distilled or imported. Kuwait continues its discussions with

foreign oil companies to develop fields in the northern part of the

country. Oil production declined by an estimated 8% in 2002 but is

expected to return to the 2001 level in 2003.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a small, poor, mountainous country with a

predominantly agricultural economy. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat

are the main agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton

are exported in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold,

mercury, uranium, and natural gas and electricity. Kyrgyzstan has

been fairly progressive in carrying out market reforms, such as an

improved regulatory system and land reform. Kyrgyzstan was the first

CIS country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. With

fits and starts, inflation has been lowered to an estimated 7% in

2001, 2.1% in 2002, and 4.0% in 2003. Much of the government's stock

in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe

after the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by

mid-1995 production began to recover and exports began to increase.

Growth was held down to 2.1% in 1998 largely because of the

spillover from Russia's economic difficulties, but moved ahead to

3.6% in 1999, 5% in 2000, and 5% again in 2001. The drop in output

at the Kumtor gold mine sparked a 0.5% decline in GDP in 2002 and

again in 2003. On the positive side, the government and the

international financial institutions have been engaged in a

comprehensive medium-term poverty reduction and economic growth

strategy. Further restructuring of domestic industry and success in

attracting foreign investment are keys to future growth.

Laos

The government of Laos - one of the few remaining official

Communist states - began decentralizing control and encouraging

private enterprise in 1986. The results, starting from an extremely

low base, were striking - growth averaged 7% in 1988-2001 except

during the short-lived drop caused by the Asian financial crisis

beginning in 1997. Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains a

country with a primitive infrastructure; it has no railroads, a

rudimentary road system, and limited external and internal

telecommunications. Electricity is available in only a few urban

areas. Subsistence agriculture accounts for half of GDP and provides

80% of total employment. The economy will continue to benefit from

aid from the IMF and other international sources and from new

foreign investment in food processing and mining.

Latvia

Latvia's transitional economy recovered from the 1998 Russian

financial crisis, largely due to the SKELE government's budget

stringency and a gradual reorientation of exports toward EU

countries, lessening Latvia's trade dependency on Russia. The

majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized,

although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large

enterprises. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization

in February 1999. Preparing for EU membership continues as a top

foreign policy goal. The current account and internal government

deficits remain major concerns, but the government's efforts to

increase efficiency in revenue collection may lessen the budget

deficit.

Lebanon

The 1975-91 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic

infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended

Lebanon's position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub.

Peace enabled the central government to restore control in Beirut,

begin collecting taxes, and regain access to key port and government

facilities. Economic recovery was helped by a financially sound

banking system and resilient small- and medium-scale manufacturers.

Family remittances, banking services, manufactured and farm exports,

and international aid provided the main sources of foreign exchange.

Lebanon's economy made impressive gains since the launch in 1993 of

"Horizon 2000," the government's $20 billion reconstruction program.

Real GDP grew 8% in 1994, 7% in 1995, 4% in 1996 and in 1997, but

slowed to 1.2% in 1998, -1.6% in 1999, -0.6% in 2000, 0.8% in 2001,

and 1.5% in 2002. During the 1990s annual inflation fell to almost

0% from more than 100%. Lebanon has rebuilt much of its war-torn

physical and financial infrastructure. The government nonetheless

faces serious challenges in the economic arena. It has funded

reconstruction by borrowing heavily - mostly from domestic banks. In

order to reduce the ballooning national debt, the re-installed

HARIRI government began an economic austerity program to rein in

government expenditures, increase revenue collection, and privatize

state enterprises. The HARIRI government met with international

donors at the Paris II conference in November 2002 to seek bilateral

assistance restructuring its domestic debt at lower rates of

interest. While privatization of state-owned enterprises had not

occurred by the end of 2002, the government had successfully avoided

a currency devaluation and debt default in 2002.

Lesotho

Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho relies on

remittances from miners employed in South Africa and customs duties

from the Southern Africa Customs Union for the majority of

government revenue, but the government has strengthened its tax

system to reduce dependency on customs duties. Completion of a major

hydropower facility in January 1998 now permits the sale of water to

South Africa, also generating royalties for Lesotho. As the number

of mineworkers has declined steadily over the past several years, a

small manufacturing base has developed based on farm products that

support the milling, canning, leather, and jute industries and a

rapidly growing apparel-assembly sector. The economy is still

primarily based on subsistence agriculture, especially livestock,

although drought has decreased agricultural activity. The extreme

inequality in the distribution of income remains a major drawback.

Lesotho has signed an Interim Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility

with the IMF.

Liberia

Civil war and misgovernment have destroyed much of Liberia's

economy, especially the infrastructure in and around Monrovia. Many

businessmen have fled the country, taking capital and expertise with

them. Some have returned; many will not. Richly endowed with water,

mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture,

Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products -

primarily raw timber and rubber. Local manufacturing, mainly foreign

owned, had been small in scope. The restoration of the

infrastructure and the raising of incomes in this ravaged economy

depend on the settlement of civil warfare, the implementation of

sound macro- and micro-economic policies, including the

encouragement of foreign investment, and generous support from donor

countries.

Libya

The socialist-oriented economy depends primarily upon revenues

from the oil sector, which contribute practically all export

earnings and about one-quarter of GDP. These oil revenues and a

small population give Libya one of the highest per capita GDPs in

Africa, but little of this income flows down to the lower orders of

society. Import restrictions and inefficient resource allocations

have led to periodic shortages of basic goods and foodstuffs. The

nonoil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for

about 20% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly agricultural

products to include the production of petrochemicals, iron, steel,

and aluminum. Climatic conditions and poor soils severely limit

agricultural output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food. Higher

oil prices in the last three years led to an increase in export

revenues, which has improved macroeconomic balances but has done

little to stimulate broad-based economic growth. Libya is making

slow progress toward economic liberalization and the upgrading of

economic infrastructure, but truly market-based reforms will be slow

in coming.

Liechtenstein

Despite its small size and limited natural resources,

Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly

industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial

service sector and living standards on a par with its large European

neighbors. The Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a

large number of small businesses. Low business taxes - the maximum

tax rate is 20% - and easy incorporation rules have induced many

holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal

offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30% of state revenues. The

country participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses

the Swiss franc as its national currency. It imports more than 90%

of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has been a member of the

European Economic Area (an organization serving as a bridge between

the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the EU) since May

1995. The government is working to harmonize its economic policies

with those of an integrated Europe.

Lithuania

Lithuania, the Baltic state that has conducted the most

trade with Russia, has slowly rebounded from the 1998 Russian

financial crisis. Unemployment remains high, still 10.7% in 2003,

but is improving. Growing domestic consumption and increased

investment have furthered recovery. Trade has been increasingly

oriented toward the West. Lithuania has gained membership in the

World Trade Organization and has moved ahead with plans to join the

EU. Privatization of the large, state-owned utilities, particularly

in the energy sector, is nearing completion. Overall, more than 80%

of enterprises have been privatized. Foreign government and business

support have helped in the transition from the old command economy

to a market economy.

Luxembourg

This stable, high-income economy features solid growth,

low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector,

initially dominated by steel, has become increasingly diversified to

include chemicals, rubber, and other products. Growth in the

financial sector, which now accounts for about 22% of GDP, has more

than compensated for the decline in steel. Most banks are

foreign-owned and have extensive foreign dealings. Agriculture is

based on small family-owned farms. The economy depends on foreign

and trans-border workers for more than 30% of its labor force.

Although Luxembourg, like all EU members, has suffered from the

global economic slump, the country has maintained a fairly strong

growth rate and enjoys an extraordinarily high standard of living.

Macau

Macau's economy four years after reversion to China remains

one of the most open in the world. The territory's net exports of

goods and services account for 39% of GDP with tourism and apparel

exports as the mainstays. Although the territory was hit hard by the

1998 Asian financial crisis and the global downturn in 2001, its

economy grew an estimated 9.5% in 2002. A rapid rise in the number

of mainland visitors because of China's easing of restrictions on

travel drove the recovery. The budget also returned to surplus in

2002 because of the surge in visitors from China and a hike in taxes

on gambling profits, which generated about 63% of government

revenue. The liberalization of Macao's gambling monopoly may

contribute to GDP growth, as the three companies awarded gambling

licenses have pledged to invest $2.2 billion - roughly 33% of GDP -

in the territory. Much of Macau's textile industry may move to the

mainland as the Multi-Fiber Agreement is phased out. The territory

may have to rely more on gambling and trade-related services to

generate growth. Growth fell to 4% in 2003, according to early

government forecasts, with the drop in large measure due to concerns

over the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

At independence in

November 1991, Macedonia was the least developed of the Yugoslav

republics, producing a mere 5% of the total federal output of goods

and services. The collapse of Yugoslavia ended transfer payments

from the center and eliminated advantages from inclusion in a de

facto free trade area. An absence of infrastructure, UN sanctions on

Yugoslavia, one of its largest markets, and a Greek economic embargo

over a dispute about the country's constitutional name and flag

hindered economic growth until 1996. GDP subsequently rose each year

through 2000. However, the leadership's commitment to economic

reform, free trade, and regional integration was undermined by the

ethnic Albanian insurgency of 2001. The economy shrank 4.5% because

of decreased trade, intermittent border closures, increased deficit

spending on security needs, and investor uncertainty. Growth barely

recovered in 2002 to 0.3%, then rose to 2.8% in 2003. Unemployment

at one-third of the workforce remains the most critical economic

problem. But even this issue is overshadowed by the fragile

political situation.

Madagascar

Having discarded past socialist economic policies,

Madagascar has since the mid 1990s followed a World Bank and IMF led

policy of privatization and liberalization, which has placed the

country on a slow and steady growth path. Agriculture, including

fishing and forestry, is a mainstay of the economy, accounting for

one-fourth of GDP and employing four-fifths of the population.

Export earnings primarily are earned in the small industrial sector,

which features textile manufacturing and agriculture processing.

Deforestation and erosion, aggravated by the use of firewood as the

primary source of fuel are serious concerns. The separatist

political crisis of 2002 undermined macroeconomic stability, with

the estimated drop in output being subject to a wide margin of

error. Poverty reduction will be the centerpiece of economic policy

for the next few years.

Malawi

Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed

countries. The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90%

of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounted for

nearly 40% of GDP and 88% of export revenues in 2001. The economy

depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF,

the World Bank, and individual donor nations. In late 2000, Malawi

was approved for relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries

(HIPC) program. In November 2002 the World Bank approved a $50

million drought recovery package, which is to be used for famine

relief. The government faces strong challenges, e.g., to fully

develop a market economy, to improve educational facilities, to face

up to environmental problems, to deal with the rapidly growing

problem of HIV/AIDS, and to satisfy foreign donors that fiscal

discipline is being tightened. The performance of the tobacco sector

is key to short-term growth as tobacco accounts for over 50% of

exports.

Malaysia

Malaysia, a middle-income country, transformed itself from

1971 through the late 1990s from a producer of raw materials into an

emerging multi-sector economy. Growth was almost exclusively driven

by exports - particularly of electronics - and, as a result Malaysia

was hard hit by the global economic downturn and the slump in the

Information Technology (IT) sector in 2001. GDP in 2001 grew only

0.5% due to an estimated 11% contraction in exports, but a

substantial fiscal stimulus package mitigated the worst of the

recession and the economy rebounded in 2002. Healthy foreign

exchange reserves and relatively small external debt make it

unlikely that Malaysia will experience a crisis similar to the one

in 1997, but the economy remains vulnerable to a more protracted

slowdown in Japan and the US, top export destinations and key

sources of foreign investment.

Maldives

Tourism, Maldives largest industry, accounts for 20% of GDP

and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over

90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and

tourism-related taxes. Almost 400,000 tourists visited the islands

in 1998. Fishing is a second leading sector. The Maldivian

Government began an economic reform program in 1989 initially by

lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private

sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more

foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a

lesser role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability

of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple

foods must be imported. Industry, which consists mainly of garment

production, boat building, and handicrafts, accounts for about 18%

of GDP. Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and

possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area

is one meter or less above sea level.

Mali

Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of

its land area desert or semidesert and with a highly unequal

distribution of income. Economic activity is largely confined to the

riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population is

nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and

fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm

commodities. Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and vulnerable

to fluctuations in world prices for cotton, its main export, along

with gold. The government has continued its successful

implementation of an IMF-recommended structural adjustment program

that is helping the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign

investment. Mali's adherence to economic reform and the 50%

devaluation of the African franc in January 1994 have pushed up

economic growth to a sturdy 5% average in 1996-2002. Worker

remittances and external trade routes have been jeopardized by

continued unrest in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire.

Malta

Major resources are limestone, a favorable geographic

location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about

20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has no

domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade,

manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles), and tourism.

Malta is privatizing state-controlled firms and liberalizing markets

in order to prepare for membership in the European Union. The island

remains divided politically, however, over the question of joining

the EU. Continued sluggishness in the global economy is holding back

exports, tourism, and overall growth.

Man, Isle of

Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key

sectors of the economy. The government's policy of offering

incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions

to locate on the island has paid off in expanding employment

opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture

and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in

their shares of GDP. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man

enjoys free access to EU markets.

Marshall Islands

US Government assistance is the mainstay of this

tiny island economy. Agricultural production is primarily

subsistence and is concentrated on small farms; the most important

commercial crops are coconuts and breadfruit. Small-scale industry

is limited to handicrafts, tuna processing, and copra. The tourist

industry, now a small source of foreign exchange employing less than

10% of the labor force, remains the best hope for future added

income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far

exceed exports. Under the terms of the Compact of Free Association,

the US has provided more than $1 billion in aid since 1986.

Negotiations have continued for an extended agreement. Government

downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism

and foreign investment due to the Asian financial difficulties, and

less income from the renewal of fishing vessel licenses have held

GDP growth to an average of 1% over the past decade.

Martinique

The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and

light industry. Agriculture accounts for about 6% of GDP and the

small industrial sector for 11%. Sugar production has declined, with

most of the sugarcane now used for the production of rum. Banana

exports are increasing, going mostly to France. The bulk of meat,

vegetable, and grain requirements must be imported, contributing to

a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual transfers of aid

from France. Tourism, which employs more than 11,000 people, has

become more important than agricultural exports as a source of

foreign exchange.

Mauritania

Half the population still depends on agriculture and

livestock for a livelihood, even though many of the nomads and

subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent

droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits

of iron ore, which account for nearly 40% of total exports. The

decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led to cutbacks

in production. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest

fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners

threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater

port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. In the past, drought and

economic mismanagement resulted in a buildup of foreign debt. In

February 2000, Mauritania qualified for debt relief under the

Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative and in December

2001 received strong support from donor and lending countries at a

triennial Consultative Group review. In 2001, exploratory oil wells

in tracts 80 km offshore indicated potential extraction at current

world oil prices. A new investment code approved in December 2001

improved the opportunities for direct foreign investment. Ongoing

negotiations with the IMF involve problems of economic reforms and

fiscal discipline. Substantial oil production and exports probably

will not begin until 2005.

Mauritius

Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a

low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income

diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist

sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been in the order

of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in more

equitable income distribution, increased life expectancy, lowered

infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure. Sugarcane is

grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 25%

of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on

foreign investment. Mauritius has attracted more than 9,000 offshore

entities, many aimed at commerce in India and South Africa, and

investment in the banking sector alone has reached over $1 billion.

Mauritius, with its strong textile sector and responsible fiscal

management, has been well poised to take advantage of the Africa

Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The government is encouraging

foreign investment in the information technology field.

Mayotte

Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural

sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not

self-sufficient and must import a large portion of its food

requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development

of the island are heavily dependent on French financial assistance,

an important supplement to GDP. Mayotte's remote location is an

obstacle to the development of tourism.

Mexico

Mexico has a free market economy with a mixture of modern and

outmoded industry and agriculture, increasingly dominated by the

private sector. Recent administrations have expanded competition in

seaports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity, natural gas

distribution, and airports. Income distribution remains highly

unequal. Trade with the US and Canada has tripled since the

implementation of NAFTA in 1994. Following 6.9% growth in 2000, real

GDP fell 0.3% in 2001, recovering to only a plus 1% in 2002, with

the US slowdown the principal cause. Mexico implemented free trade

agreements with Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and the European

Free Trade Area in 2001, putting more than 90% of trade under free

trade agreements. Foreign direct investment reached $25 billion in

2001, of which $12.5 billion came from the purchase of Mexico's

second-largest bank, Banamex, by Citigroup.

Micronesia, Federated States of

Economic activity consists primarily

of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral

deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The

potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remote location, a

lack of adequate facilities, and limited air connections hinder

development. In November 2002, the country experienced a further

reduction in future revenues from the Compact of Free Association -

the agreement with the US in which Micronesia received $1.3 billion

in financial and technical assistance over a 15-year period until

2001. The country's medium-term economic outlook appears fragile due

not only to the reduction in US assistance but also to the slow

growth of the private sector. Geographical isolation and a poorly

developed infrastructure remain major impediments to long-term

growth.

Midway Islands

The economy is based on providing support services

for the national wildlife refuge activities located on the islands.

All food and manufactured goods must be imported.

Moldova

Moldova remains a very poor country despite recent progress

from its small economic base. It enjoys a favorable climate and good

farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a result, the economy

depends heavily on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine,

and tobacco. Moldova must import all of its supplies of oil, coal,

and natural gas, largely from Russia. Energy shortages contributed

to sharp production declines after the breakup of the Soviet Union

in 1991. As part of an ambitious reform effort, Moldova introduced a

convertible currency, freed all prices, stopped issuing preferential

credits to state enterprises, backed steady land privatization,

removed export controls, and freed interest rates. The government

entered into agreements with the World Bank and the IMF to promote

growth and reduce poverty. The economy returned to positive growth,

of 2.1% in 2000, 6.1% in 2001, 7.2% in 2002, and 5.3% in 2003.

Further reforms will come slowly because of strong political forces

backing government controls. The economy remains vulnerable to

higher fuel prices, poor agricultural weather, and the skepticism of

foreign investors.

Monaco

Monaco, situated on the French Mediterranean coast, is a

popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant

climate. In 2001, a major new construction project will extend the

pier used by cruise ships in the main harbor. The principality has

successfully sought to diversify into services and small,

high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income

tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for

individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies

that have set up businesses and offices. The state retains

monopolies in a number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone

network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly

comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas. Monaco

does not publish national income figures; the estimates below are

extremely rough.

Mongolia

Economic activity traditionally has been based on

agriculture and breeding of livestock. Mongolia also has extensive

mineral deposits; copper, coal, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold

account for a large part of industrial production. Soviet

assistance, at its height one-third of GDP, disappeared almost

overnight in 1990-1991 at the time of the dismantlement of the USSR.

Mongolia was driven into deep recession, prolonged by the Mongolian

People's Revolutionary Party's (MPRP) reluctance to undertake

serious economic reform. The Democratic Coalition (DC) government

embraced free-market economics, eased price controls, liberalized

domestic and international trade, and attempted to restructure the

banking system and the energy sector. Major domestic privatization

programs were undertaken, as well as the fostering of foreign

investment through international tender of the oil distribution

company, a leading cashmere company, and banks. Reform was held back

by the ex-Communist MPRP opposition and by the political instability

brought about through four successive governments under the DC.

Economic growth picked up in 1997-1999 after stalling in 1996 due to

a series of natural disasters and declines in world prices of copper

and cashmere. In August and September 1999, the economy suffered

from a temporary Russian ban on exports of oil and oil products, and

Mongolia remains vulnerable in this sector. Mongolia joined the

World Trade Organization (WTrO) in 1997. The international donor

community pledged over $300 million per year at the Consultative

Group Meeting, held in Ulaanbaatar in June 1999. The MPRP

government, elected in July 2000, is anxious to improve the

investment climate; it must also deal with a heavy burden of

external debt. Falling prices for Mongolia's mainly primary sector

exports, widespread opposition to privatization, and adverse effects

of weather on agriculture in early 2000 and 2001 restrained real GDP

growth in 2000-2001. Despite drought problems in 2002, GDP rose

4.0%, followed by a solid 5.0% increase in 2003. The first

applications under the land privatization law have been marked by a

number of disputes over particular sites. Russia claims Mongolia

owes it $11 billion from the old Soviet period; any settlement could

substantially increase Mongolia's foreign debt burden.

Montserrat

Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has

put a damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in

June 1997 closed the airports and seaports, causing further economic

and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled

the island. Some began to return in 1998, but lack of housing

limited the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected

by the lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of

crops. Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in

relation to the volcano and on public sector construction activity.

The UK has launched a three-year $122.8 million aid program to help

reconstruct the economy. Half of the island is expected to remain

uninhabitable for another decade.

Morocco

Morocco faces the problems typical of developing countries -

restraining government spending, reducing constraints on private

activity and foreign trade, and achieving sustainable economic

growth. Following structural adjustment programs supported by the

IMF, World Bank, and the Paris Club, the dirham is now fully

convertible for current account transactions, and reforms of the

financial sector have been implemented. Droughts depressed activity

in the key agricultural sector and contributed to a stagnant economy

in 1999 and 2000. During that time, however, Morocco reported large

foreign exchange inflows from the sale of a mobile telephone license

and partial privatization of the state-owned telecommunications

company. Favorable rainfall in 2001 led to a growth of 6.5%. Good

harvest conditions continued to support GDP growth in 2002.

Formidable long-term challenges include: servicing the external

debt; modernizing the industrial sector; preparing the economy for

freer trade with the EU and US; and improving education and

attracting foreign investment to boost living standards and job

prospects for Morocco's youth.

Mozambique

At independence in 1975, Mozambique was one of the

world's poorest countries. Socialist mismanagement and a brutal

civil war from 1977-92 exacerbated the situation. In 1987, the

government embarked on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to

stabilize the economy. These steps, combined with donor assistance

and with political stability since the multi-party elections in

1994, have led to dramatic improvements in the country's growth

rate. Inflation was brought to single digits during the late 1990s

although it returned to double digits in 2000-02. Fiscal reforms,

including the introduction of a value-added tax and reform of the

customs service, have improved the government's revenue collection

abilities. In spite of these gains, Mozambique remains dependent

upon foreign assistance for much of its annual budget, and the

majority of the population remains below the poverty line.

Subsistence agriculture continues to employ the vast majority of the

country's workforce. A substantial trade imbalance persists although

the opening of the MOZAL aluminum smelter, the country's largest

foreign investment project to date has increased export earnings.

Additional investment projects in titanium extraction and processing

and garment manufacturing should further close the import/export

gap. Mozambique's once substantial foreign debt has been reduced

through forgiveness and rescheduling under the IMF's Heavily

Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and Enhanced HIPC initiatives, and is

now at a manageable level.

Namibia

The economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and

processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for 20% of GDP.

Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for

gem-quality diamonds. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of

nonfuel minerals in Africa, the world's fifth-largest producer of

uranium, and the producer of large quantities of lead, zinc, tin,

silver, and tungsten. The mining sector employs only about 3% of the

population while about half of the population depends on subsistence

agriculture for its livelihood. Namibia normally imports about 50%

of its cereal requirements; in drought years food shortages are a

major problem in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the

region, hides the great inequality of income distribution; nearly

one-third of Namibians had annual incomes of less than $1400 in

constant 1994 dollars, according to a 1993 study. The Namibian

economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar

pegged to the South African rand. Privatization of several

enterprises in coming years may stimulate long-run foreign

investment.

Nauru

Revenues of this tiny island have come from exports of

phosphates, but reserves are expected to be exhausted within a few

years. Phosphate production has declined since 1989, as demand has

fallen in traditional markets and as the marginal cost of extracting

the remaining phosphate increases, making it less internationally

competitive. While phosphates have given Nauruans one of the highest

per capita incomes in the Third World, few other resources exist

with most necessities being imported, including fresh water from

Australia. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of

income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. In

anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate deposits,

substantial amounts of phosphate income have been invested in trust

funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's

economic future. The government has been borrowing heavily from the

trusts to finance fiscal deficits. To cut costs the government has

called for a freeze on wages, a reduction of over-staffed public

service departments, privatization of numerous government agencies,

and closure of some overseas consulates. In recent years Nauru has

encouraged the registration of offshore banks and corporations. Tens

of billions of dollars have been channeled through their accounts.

Few comprehensive statistics on the Nauru economy exist, with

estimates of Nauru's GDP varying widely.

Navassa Island

no economic activity

Nepal

Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in

the world with 42% of its population living below the poverty line.

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood

for over 80% of the population and accounting for 40% of GDP.

Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural

produce including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Textile and

carpet production, accounting for about 80% of foreign exchange

earnings in recent years, contracted in 2001-02 due to the overall

slowdown in the world economy and pressures by Maoist insurgents on

factory owners and workers. Security concerns in the wake of the

Maoist conflict and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the

US have led to a decrease in tourism, another key source of foreign

exchange. Since 1991, the government has been moving forward with

economic reforms, e.g., by reducing business licenses and

registration requirements to simplify investment procedures,

reducing subsidies, privatizing state industries, and laying off

civil servants. Nepal has considerable scope for exploiting its

potential in hydropower and tourism, areas of recent foreign

investment interest. Prospects for foreign trade or investment in

other sectors will remain poor, however, because of the small size

of the economy, its technological backwardness, its remoteness, its

landlocked geographic location, and its susceptibility to natural

disaster. The international community's role of funding more than

60% of Nepal's development budget and more than 28% of total

budgetary expenditures will likely continue as a major ingredient of

growth.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a prosperous and open economy

depending heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable

industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable

current account surplus, and an important role as a European

transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food

processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery.

A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of

the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing

industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU

partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The

country continues to be one of the leading European nations for

attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed

considerably in 2001-03, as part of the global economic slowdown,

but for the four years before that, annual growth averaged nearly

4%, well above the EU average. The government is wrestling with a

deteriorating budget position, and is moving toward the EU 3% limit.

Netherlands Antilles

Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore

finance are the mainstays of this small economy, which is closely

tied to the outside world. Although GDP has declined or remained

even in each of the past six years, the islands enjoy a high per

capita income and a well-developed infrastructure compared with

other countries in the region. Almost all consumer and capital goods

are imported, the US and Mexico being the major suppliers. Poor

soils and inadequate water supplies hamper the development of

agriculture.

New Caledonia

New Caledonia has about 25% of the world's known

nickel resources. Only a small amount of the land is suitable for

cultivation, and food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition

to nickel, substantial financial support from France - equal to more

than one-fourth of GDP - and tourism are keys to the health of the

economy. Substantial new investment in the nickel industry, combined

with the recovery of global nickel prices, brightens the economic

outlook for the next several years.

New Zealand

Since 1984 the government has accomplished major

economic restructuring, transforming New Zealand from an agrarian

economy dependent on concessionary British market access to a more

industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This

dynamic growth has boosted real incomes (but left behind many at the

bottom of the ladder), broadened and deepened the technological

capabilities of the industrial sector, and contained inflationary

pressures. While per capita incomes have been rising, however, they

remain below the level of the four largest EU economies, and there

is some government concern that New Zealand is not closing the gap.

New Zealand is heavily dependent on trade - particularly in

agricultural products - to drive growth, and it has been affected by

the global economic slowdown and the slump in commodity prices. Thus

far the New Zealand economy has been relatively resilient, although

growth may slow to 2.5% in 2003.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries,

faces low per capita income, flagging socio-economic indicators, and

huge external debt. Distribution of income is one of the most

unequal on the globe. While the country has made progress toward

macroeconomic stability over the past few years, a banking crisis

and scandal has shaken the economy. Nicaragua will continue to be

dependent on international aid and debt relief under the Heavily

Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Donors have made aid

conditional on the openness of government financial operation,

poverty alleviation, and human rights. Nicaragua met the conditions

for additional debt service relief in December 2000. Growth should

move up moderately in 2003 because of increased private investment

and exports.

Niger

Niger is a poor, landlocked Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy

centers on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and reexport

trade, and increasingly less on uranium, because of declining world

demand. The 50% devaluation of the West African franc in January

1994 boosted exports of livestock, cowpeas, onions, and the products

of Niger's small cotton industry. The government relies on bilateral

and multilateral aid - which was suspended following the April 1999

coup d'etat - for operating expenses and public investment. In

2000-01, the World Bank approved a structural adjustment loan of

$105 million to help support fiscal reforms. However, reforms could

prove difficult given the government's bleak financial situation.

The IMF approved a $73 million poverty reduction and growth facility

for Niger in 2000 and announced $115 million in debt relief under

the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Further

disbursements of aid occurred in 2002. Future growth may be

sustained by exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and other mineral

resources.

Nigeria

The oil-rich Nigerian economy, long hobbled by political

instability, corruption, and poor macroeconomic management, is

undergoing substantial reform under the new civilian administration.

Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy

away from overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which

provides 20% of GDP, 95% of foreign exchange earnings, and about 65%

of budgetary revenues. The largely subsistence agricultural sector

has failed to keep up with rapid population growth, and Nigeria,

once a large net exporter of food, now must import food. Following

the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in August 2000, Nigeria

received a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and a $1

billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on economic reforms.

The agreement was allowed to expire by the IMF in November 2001,

however, and Nigeria apparently received much less multilateral

assistance than expected in 2002. Nonetheless, increases in foreign

oil investment and oil production kept growth at 3% in 2002. The

government lacks the strength to implement the market-oriented

reforms urged by the IMF, such as modernization of the banking

system; to curb inflation by blocking excessive wage demands; and to

resolve regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the

oil industry. When the uncertainties in the global economy are added

in, estimates of Nigeria's prospects for 2003 must have a wide

margin of error.

Niue

The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of

geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population.

Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall

is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are

used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government

expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The

agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening,

although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists

primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil,

honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign

collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent

years has suffered a serious loss of population because of migration

of Niueans to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the

promotion of tourism and a financial services industry, although

Premier LAKATANI announced in February 2002 that Niue will shut down

the offshore banking industry. Economic aid from New Zealand in 2002

was about $2.6 million.

Norfolk Island

Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily

increased over the years and has brought a level of prosperity

unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural

sector has become self-sufficient in the production of beef,

poultry, and eggs.

Northern Mariana Islands

The economy benefits substantially from

financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined

as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist

industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for

roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual

tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but

financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown.

The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms

producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment

production is by far the most important industry with employment of

17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under

duty and quota exemptions.

Norway

The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare

capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and

government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as

the vital petroleum sector (through large-scale state enterprises).

The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum,

hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on

its oil production and international oil prices; in 1999, oil and

gas accounted for 35% of exports. Only Saudi Arabia and Russia

export more oil than Norway. Norway opted to stay out of the EU

during a referendum in November 1994. The government has moved ahead

with privatization. With arguably the highest quality of life

worldwide, Norwegians still worry about that time in the next two

decades when the oil and gas begin to run out. Accordingly, Norway

has been saving its oil-boosted budget surpluses in a Government

Petroleum Fund, which is invested abroad and now is valued at more

than $43 billion. GDP growth was a lackluster 1% in 2002 and 2003

against the background of a faltering European economy.

Oman

Oman's economic performance improved significantly in 2000 due

largely to the upturn in oil prices. The government is moving ahead

with privatization of its utilities, the development of a body of

commercial law to facilitate foreign investment, and increased

budgetary outlays. Oman continues to liberalize its markets and

joined the World Trade Organization (WTrO) in November 2000. GDP

growth improved in 2001 despite the global slowdown and then fell

back to 2.2% in 2002. In order to reduce unemployment, the

government is trying to replace expatriate workers with local

workers. Another government objective is the development of the

nation's gas resources.

Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world

economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch.

It provides low-cost sea transportation between East and West,

extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals,

and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1996, over 60%

of the world's fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean. Exploitation

of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role

in the energy supplies of US, Australia, NZ, China, and Peru. The

high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide

swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has slowed but not

stopped new drillings.

Pakistan

Pakistan, an impoverished and underdeveloped country,

suffers from internal political disputes, low levels of foreign

investment, and a costly, ongoing confrontation with neighboring

India. Pakistan's economic prospects, although still marred by poor

human development indicators, continued to improve in 2002 following

unprecedented inflows of foreign assistance beginning in 2001.

Foreign exchange reserves have grown to record levels, supported

largely by fast growth in recorded worker remittances. Trade levels

rebounded after a sharp decline in late 2001. The government has

made significant inroads in macroeconomic reform since 2000, but

progress is beginning to slow. Although it is in the second year of

its $1.3 billion IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility,

Islamabad continues to require waivers for politically difficult

reforms. Long-term prospects remain uncertain as development

spending remains low, regional tensions remain high, and political

tensions weaken Pakistan's commitment to lender-recommended economic

reforms. GDP growth will continue to hinge on crop performance;

dependence on foreign oil leaves the import bill vulnerable to

fluctuating oil prices; and efforts to open and modernize the

economy remain uneven.

Palau

The economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence

agriculture and fishing. The government is the major employer of the

work force, relying heavily on financial assistance from the US.

Business and tourist arrivals numbered 50,000 in FY00/01. The

population enjoys a per capita income twice that of the Philippines

and much of Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist

sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in

the Pacific, the rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries,

and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure

development.

Palmyra Atoll

no economic activity

Panama

Panama's economy is based primarily on a well-developed

services sector that accounts for three-fourths of GDP. Services

include operating the Panama Canal, banking, the Colon Free Zone,

insurance, container ports, flagship registry, and tourism. A slump

in Colon Free Zone and agricultural exports, the global slowdown,

and the withdrawal of US military forces held back economic growth

in 2000-02. The government has been backing public works programs,

tax reforms, new regional trade agreements, and development of

tourism in order to stimulate growth.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural

resources, but exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain and

the high cost of developing infrastructure. Agriculture provides a

subsistence livelihood for 85% of the population. Mineral deposits,

including oil, copper, and gold, account for 72% of export earnings.

The economy has faltered over the past three years but will probably

improve slightly in 2003. Former Prime Minister Mekere MORAUTA had

tried to restore integrity to state institutions, stabilize the

kina, restore stability to the national budget, privatize public

enterprises where appropriate, and ensure ongoing peace on

Bougainville. The government has had considerable success in

attracting international support, specifically gaining the backing

of the IMF and the World Bank in securing development assistance

loans. Significant challenges face Prime Minister Michael SOMARE,

including gaining further investor confidence, continuing efforts to

privatize government assets, and maintaining the support of members

of Parliament.

Paracel Islands

China announced plans in 1997 to open the islands

for tourism.

Paraguay

Paraguay has a market economy marked by a large informal

sector. The informal sector features both reexport of imported

consumer goods to neighboring countries as well as the activities of

thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. Because of

the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic measures

are difficult to obtain. A large percentage of the population

derives their living from agricultural activity, often on a

subsistence basis. The formal economy grew by an average of about 3%

annually in 1995-97; but GDP declined slightly in 1998, 1999, and

2000, rose slightly in 2001, only to fall again in 2002. On a per

capita basis, real income has stagnated at 1980 levels. Most

observers attribute Paraguay's poor economic performance to

political uncertainty, corruption, lack of progress on structural

reform, substantial internal and external debt, and deficient

infrastructure.

Peru

Thanks to foreign investment and the cooperation between the

government and the IMF and World Bank, growth was strong in 1994-97

and inflation was brought under control. In 1998, El Nino's impact

on agriculture, the financial crisis in Asia, and instability in

Brazilian markets undercut growth. The following year was again lean

year for Peru, with the aftermath of El Nino and the Asian financial

crisis working its way through the economy. Political instability

resulting from the presidential election and FUJIMORI's subsequent

departure from office limited growth in 2000. The downturn in the

global economy further curtailed growth in 2001. President TOLEDO,

who assumed the presidency in July 2001, has been working to

reinvigorate the economy and reduce unemployment. Economic growth in

2002 is estimated at 4.8%, led by construction in the retail and gas

sectors.

Philippines

In 1998, the Philippine economy - a mixture of

agriculture, light industry, and supporting services - deteriorated

as a result of spillover from the Asian financial crisis and poor

weather conditions. Growth fell to 0.6% in 1998 from 5% in 1997, but

recovered to about 3.3% in 1999, 4.5% in 2000, and 4.5% in 2001. In

2002, the Philippines recorded GDP growth of 4.4% but also incurred

a record budget deficit. As a result, the Philippines is burdened

with a public sector debt equal to more than 100% of GDP. Growth

eased to 3.8% in 2003. The government has promised economic reforms

including going forward with privatization, reforming the tax

system, and promoting additional trade integration within its

region. Considerable drive is required to update the educational

system and the road network.

Pitcairn Islands

The inhabitants of this tiny isolated economy exist

on fishing, subsistence farming, handicrafts, and postage stamps.

The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits

and vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas,

yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The

major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to

collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships.

Poland

Poland has steadfastly pursued a policy of economic

liberalization throughout the 1990s and today stands out as a

success story among transition economies. Even so, much remains to

be done. The privatization of small and medium state-owned companies

and a liberal law on establishing new firms has encouraged the

development of the private business sector, but legal and

bureaucratic obstacles alongside persistent corruption are hampering

its further development. Poland's agricultural sector remains

handicapped by structural problems, surplus labor, inefficient small

farms, and lack of investment. Restructuring and privatization of

"sensitive sectors" (e.g., coal, steel, railroads, and energy),

while recently initiated, have stalled due to a lack of political

will on the part of the government. Structural reforms in health

care, education, the pension system, and state administration have

resulted in larger than expected fiscal pressures. Further progress

in public finance depends mainly on privatization of Poland's

remaining state sector, the reduction of state employment, and an

overhaul of the tax code to incorporate the growing gray economy and

farmers most of whom pay no tax. The government's determination to

enter the EU has shaped most aspects of its economic policy and new

legislation; in June 2003, 77% of the voters approved membership,

now scheduled for May 2004. Improving Poland's export

competitiveness and containing the internal budget deficit are top

priorities. Due to political uncertainty, the zloty has recently

depreciated in relation to the euro and the dollar while currencies

of the other euro-zone aspirants have been appreciating. GDP per

capita equals that of the 3 Baltic states.

Portugal

Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly

service-based economy since joining the European Community in 1986.

Over the past decade, successive governments have privatized many

state-controlled firms and liberalized key areas of the economy,

including the financial and telecommunications sectors. The country

qualified for the European Monetary Union (EMU) in 1998 and began

circulating the euro on 1 January 2002 along with 11 other EU member

economies. Economic growth has been above the EU average for much of

the past decade, but fell back in 2001-03. GDP per capita stands at

70% of that of the leading EU economies. A poor educational system,

in particular, has been an obstacle to greater productivity and

growth. Portugal has been increasingly overshadowed by lower-cost

producers in Central Europe and Asia as a target for foreign direct

investment. The coalition government faces tough choices in its

attempts to boost Portugal's economic competitiveness and to keep

the budget deficit within the 3% EU ceiling.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the

Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed

agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income.

Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives, US

firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US

minimum wage laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy

production and other livestock products as the main source of income

in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an

important source of income, with estimated arrivals of nearly 5

million tourists in 1999. Growth fell off in 2001-02, largely due to

the slowdown in the US economy.

Qatar

Oil and gas account for more than 55% of GDP, roughly 85% of

export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have

given Qatar a per capita GDP comparable to that of the leading West

European industrial countries. Proved oil reserves of 14.5 billion

barrels should ensure continued output at current levels for 23

years. Production and export of natural gas are becoming

increasingly important to the economy. Qatar's proved reserves of

natural gas exceed 17.9 trillion cubic meters, more than 5% of the

world total and third largest in the world. Long-term goals feature

the development of offshore natural gas reserves. Since 2000, Qatar

has consistently posted trade surpluses largely because of high oil

prices and increased natural gas exports, and Qatar's economy is

expected to receive an added boost as it begins to increase liquid

natural gas exports.

Reunion

The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, but

services now dominate. Sugarcane has been the primary crop for more

than a century, and in some years it accounts for 85% of exports.

The government has been pushing the development of a tourist

industry to relieve high unemployment, which amounts to one-third of

the labor force. The gap in Reunion between the well-off and the

poor is extraordinary and accounts for the persistent social

tensions. The white and Indian communities are substantially better

off than other segments of the population, often approaching

European standards, whereas minority groups suffer the poverty and

unemployment typical of the poorer nations of the African continent.

The outbreak of severe rioting in February 1991 illustrates the

seriousness of socioeconomic tensions. The economic well-being of

Reunion depends heavily on continued financial assistance from

France.

Romania

Romania began the transition from Communism in 1989 with a

largely obsolete industrial base and a pattern of output unsuited to

the country's needs. The country emerged in 2000 from a punishing

three-year recession thanks to strong demand in EU export markets.

Despite the global slowdown in 2001-02, strong domestic activity in

construction, agriculture, and consumption have kept growth above

4%. An IMF Standby Agreement, signed in 2001, has been accompanied

by slow but palpable gains in privatization, deficit reduction, and

the curbing of inflation. Nonetheless, recent macroeconomic gains

have done little to address Romania's widespread poverty, while

corruption and red tape hinder foreign investment.

Russia

A decade after the implosion of the Soviet Union in December

1991, Russia is still struggling to establish a modern market

economy and achieve strong economic growth. In contrast to its

trading partners in Central Europe - which were able within 3 to 5

years to overcome the initial production declines that accompanied

the launch of market reforms - Russia saw its economy contract for

five years, as the executive and legislature dithered over the

implementation of many of the basic foundations of a market economy.

Russia achieved a slight recovery in 1997, but the government's

stubborn budget deficits and the country's poor business climate

made it vulnerable when the global financial crisis swept through in

1998. The crisis culminated in the August depreciation of the ruble,

a debt default by the government, and a sharp deterioration in

living standards for most of the population. The economy

subsequently has rebounded, growing by an average of more than 6%

annually in 1999-2002 on the back of higher oil prices and the 60%

depreciation of the ruble in 1998. These GDP numbers, along with a

renewed government effort to advance lagging structural reforms,

have raised business and investor confidence over Russia's prospects

in its second decade of transition. Yet serious problems persist.

Oil, natural gas, metals, and timber account for more than 80% of

exports, leaving the country vulnerable to swings in world prices.

Russia's industrial base is increasingly dilapidated and must be

replaced or modernized if the country is to maintain vigorous

economic growth. Other problems include a weak banking system, a

poor business climate that discourages both domestic and foreign

investors, corruption, local and regional government intervention in

the courts, and widespread lack of trust in institutions. In 2003

President PUTIN further tightened his control over the "oligarchs,"

especially in the realm of political expression.

Rwanda

Rwanda is a poor rural country with about 90% of the

population engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture. It is the

most densely populated country in Africa; landlocked with few

natural resources and minimal industry. Primary foreign exchange

earners are coffee and tea. The 1994 genocide decimated Rwanda's

fragile economic base, severely impoverished the population,

particularly women, and eroded the country's ability to attract

private and external investment. However, Rwanda has made

substantial progress in stabilizing and rehabilitating its economy

to pre-1994 levels, although poverty levels are higher now. GDP has

rebounded, and inflation has been curbed. Export earnings, however,

have been hindered by low beverage prices, depriving the country of

much needed hard currency. Attempts to diversify into

non-traditional agriculture exports such as flowers and vegetables

have been stymied by a lack of adequate transportation

infrastructure. Despite Rwanda's fertile ecosystem, food production

often does not keep pace with population growth, requiring food to

be imported. Rwanda continues to receive substantial amounts of aid

money and was approved for IMF-World Bank Heavily Indebted Poor

Country (HIPC) initiative debt relief in late 2000. But Kigali's

high defense expenditures cause tension between the government and

international donors and lending agencies.

Saint Helena

The economy depends largely on financial assistance

from the UK, which amounted to about $5 million in 1997 or almost

one-half of annual budgetary revenues. The local population earns

income from fishing, the raising of livestock, and sales of

handicrafts. Because there are few jobs, 25% of the work force has

left to seek employment on Ascension Island, on the Falklands, and

in the UK.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Sugar was the traditional mainstay of the

Saint Kitts economy until the 1970s. Although the crop still

dominates the agricultural sector, activities such as tourism,

export-oriented manufacturing, and offshore banking have assumed

larger roles in the economy. As tourism revenues are now the chief

source of the islands' foreign exchange, a decline in stopover

tourist arrivals following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

has eroded government finances. The opening of a 1,000+ bed Marriott

hotel in February 2003 is expected to bring in much-needed revenue.

Saint Lucia

The recent changes in the EU import preference regime

and the increased competition from Latin American bananas have made

economic diversification increasingly important in Saint Lucia. The

island nation has been able to attract foreign business and

investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism

industries. The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the

Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is trying to revitalize

the banana industry. Economic fundamentals remain solid.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

The inhabitants have traditionally earned

their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets

operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been

declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing

quotas and a steady decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint

Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an

exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding

territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of

what France had sought. The islands are heavily subsidized by France

to the great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an

expansion of tourism will boost economic prospects. Recent test

drilling for oil may pave the way for development of the energy

sector.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Bananas and other agricultural products remain the staple of this lower-middle income country's economy. Although tourism and other services have been growing moderately in recent years, the government has been ineffective at introducing new industries. Unemployment remains high, and economic growth hinges upon seasonal variations in the agricultural and tourism sectors. Tropical storms wiped out substantial portions of crops in 1994, 1995, and 2002, and tourism in the Eastern Caribbean has suffered low arrivals following 11 September 2001. Saint Vincent is home to a small offshore banking sector, but its restrictive secrecy laws have come under international review. As of June 2001, it remained on the Financial Action Task Force's list of noncooperative jurisdictions. Saint Vincent is also the largest producer of marijuana in the Eastern Caribbean and is increasingly being used as a transshipment point for illegal narcotics from South America.

Samoa

The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on

development aid, family remittances from overseas, and agriculture

and fishing. The country is vulnerable to devastating storms.

Agriculture employs two-thirds of the labor force, and furnishes 90%

of exports, featuring coconut cream, coconut oil, and copra. The

manufacturing sector mainly processes agricultural products. The

decline of fish stocks in the area is a continuing problem. Tourism

is an expanding sector, accounting for 25% of GDP; about 88,000

tourists visited the islands in 2001. The Samoan Government has

called for deregulation of the financial sector, encouragement of

investment, and continued fiscal discipline, meantime protecting the

environment. Observers point to the flexibility of the labor market

as a basic strength for future economic advances. Foreign reserves

are in a relatively healthy state, the external debt is stable, and

inflation is low.

San Marino

The tourist sector contributes over 50% of GDP. In 2000

more than 3 million tourists visited San Marino. The key industries

are banking, wearing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main

agricultural products are wine and cheeses. The per capita level of

output and standard of living are comparable to those of the most

prosperous regions of Italy, which supplies much of its food.

Sao Tome and Principe

This small poor island economy has become

increasingly dependent on cocoa since independence 28 years ago.

Cocoa production has substantially declined in recent years because

of drought and mismanagement, but strengthening prices brighten

prospects for 2003. Sao Tome has to import all fuels, most

manufactured goods, consumer goods, and a substantial amount of

food. Over the years, it has been unable to service its external

debt and has had to depend on concessional aid and debt

rescheduling. Sao Tome benefited from $200 million in debt relief in

December 2000 under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC)

program. Sao Tome's success in implementing structural reforms has

been rewarded by international donors, who pledged increased

assistance in 2001. Considerable potential exists for development of

a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand

facilities in recent years. The government also has attempted to

reduce price controls and subsidies. Sao Tome is optimistic that

substantial petroleum discoveries are forthcoming in its territorial

waters in the oil-rich waters of the Gulf of Guinea; production

could begin as early as 2004.

Saudi Arabia

This is an oil-based economy with strong government

controls over major economic activities. Saudi Arabia has the

largest reserves of petroleum in the world (26% of the proved

reserves), ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a

leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 75%

of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. About

25% of GDP comes from the private sector. Roughly 4 million foreign

workers play an important role in the Saudi economy, for example, in

the oil and service sectors. The government in 1999 announced plans

to begin privatizing the electricity companies, which follows the

ongoing privatization of the telecommunications company. The

government is supporting private sector growth to lessen the

kingdom's dependence on oil and increase employment opportunities

for the swelling Saudi population. Priorities for government

spending in the short term include additional funds for the water

and sewage systems and for education. Water shortages and rapid

population growth constrain the government's efforts to increase

self-sufficiency in agricultural products.

Senegal

In January 1994, Senegal undertook a bold and ambitious

economic reform program with the support of the international donor

community. This reform began with a 50% devaluation of Senegal's

currency, the CFA franc, which was linked at a fixed rate to the

French franc. Government price controls and subsidies have been

steadily dismantled. After seeing its economy contract by 2.1% in

1993, Senegal made an important turnaround, thanks to the reform

program, with real growth in GDP averaging 5% annually during

1995-2002. Annual inflation had been pushed down to less than 1%,

but rose to an estimated 3.3% in 2001 and 3.0% in 2002. Investment

rose steadily from 13.8% of GDP in 1993 to 16.5% in 1997. As a

member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU),

Senegal is working toward greater regional integration with a

unified external tariff. Senegal also realized full Internet

connectivity in 1996, creating a miniboom in information

technology-based services. Private activity now accounts for 82% of

GDP. In 2003, GDP will probably again grow at about 5%. On the

negative side, Senegal faces deep-seated urban problems of chronic

unemployment, trade union militancy, juvenile delinquency, and drug

addiction.

Serbia and Montenegro

MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an

extended period of economic sanctions, and the damage to

Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the war in Kosovo

have left the economy only half the size it was in 1990. Since the

ousting of former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC in October

2000, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition government

has implemented stabilization measures and embarked on an aggressive

market reform program. After renewing its membership in the IMF in

December 2000, Yugoslavia continued to reintegrate into the

international community by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). A World

Bank-European Commission sponsored Donors' Conference held in June

2001 raised $1.3 billion for economic restructuring. An agreement

rescheduling the country's $4.5 billion Paris Club government debts

was concluded in November 2001; it will write off 66% of the debt; a

similar debt relief agreement on its $2.8 billion London Club

commercial debt is still pending. The smaller republic of Montenegro

severed its economy from federal control and from Serbia during the

MILOSEVIC era and continues to maintain its own central bank, uses

the euro instead of the Yugoslav dinar as official currency,

collects customs tariffs, and manages its own budget. Kosovo, while

technically still part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now

Serbia and Montenegro) according to United Nations Security Council

Resolution 1244, is moving toward local autonomy under United

Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and is

dependent on the international community for financial and technical

assistance. The euro and the Yugoslav dinar are official currencies,

and UNMIK collects taxes and manages the budget. The complexity of

Serbia and Montenegro political relationships, slow progress in

privatization, and stagnation in the European economy are holding

back the economy. Arrangements with the IMF, especially requirements

for fiscal discipline, are an important element in policy formation.

Severe unemployment remains a key political economic problem.

Seychelles

Since independence in 1976, per capita output in this

Indian Ocean archipelago has expanded to roughly seven times the old

near-subsistence level. Growth has been led by the tourist sector,

which employs about 30% of the labor force and provides more than

70% of hard currency earnings, and by tuna fishing. In recent years

the government has encouraged foreign investment in order to upgrade

hotels and other services. At the same time, the government has

moved to reduce the dependence on tourism by promoting the

development of farming, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. A

sharp drop illustrated the vulnerability of the tourist sector in

1991-92 due largely to the Gulf war, and once again following the 11

September 2001 terrorist attacks on the US. Other issues facing the

government are the curbing of the budget deficit, including the

containment of social welfare costs, and further privatization of

public enterprises. Growth slowed in 1998-2002, due to sluggish

tourist and tuna sectors. Also, tight controls on exchange rates and

the scarcity of foreign exchange have impaired short-term economic

prospects. The black market value of the Seychelles rupee is half

the official exchange rate; without a devaluation of the currency

the tourist sector should remain sluggish as vacationers seek

cheaper destinations such as Comoros, Mauritius, and Madagascar.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is an extremely poor African nation with

tremendous inequality in income distribution. It does have

substantial mineral, agricultural, and fishery resources. However,

the economic and social infrastructure is not well developed, and

serious social disorders continue to hamper economic development,

following a 11-year civil war. About two-thirds of the working-age

population engages in subsistence agriculture. Manufacturing

consists mainly of the processing of raw materials and of light

manufacturing for the domestic market. Plans continue to reopen

bauxite and rutile mines shut down during the conflict. The major

source of hard currency consists of the mining of diamonds. The fate

of the economy depends upon the maintenance of domestic peace and

the continued receipt of substantial aid from abroad, which is

essential to offset the severe trade imbalance and to supplement

government revenues.

Singapore

Singapore, a highly developed and successful free market

economy, enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment,

stable prices, and one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world.

The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in electronics

and manufacturing. It was hard hit in 2001-2002 by the global

recession and the slump in the technology sector. The government

hopes to establish a new growth path that will be less vulnerable to

the external business cycle than the current export-led model but is

unlikely to abandon efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast

Asia's financial and high-tech hub.

Slovakia

Slovakia has mastered much of the difficult transition from

a centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. The DZURINDA

government has made excellent progress in 2001-03 in macroeconomic

stabilization and structural reform. Major privatizations are nearly

complete, the banking sector is almost completely in foreign hands,

and foreign investment has picked up. Slovakia's economy exceeded

expectations in 2001-03, despite the general European slowdown.

Unemployment, at an unacceptable 15% in 2003, remains the economy's

Achilles heel. The government faces other strong challenges in 2004,

especially the cutting of budget and current account deficits, the

containment of inflation, and the strengthening of the health care

system.

Slovenia

Slovenia, with its historical ties to Western Europe,

enjoys a GDP per capita substantially higher than that of the other

transitioning economies of Central Europe. Privatization of the

economy proceeded at an accelerated pace in 2002-3, and the budget

deficit dropped from 3.0% of GDP in 2002 to 1.9% in 2003. Despite

the economic slowdown in Europe in 2001-03, Slovenia maintained 3%

growth. Structural reforms to improve the business environment allow

for greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and help to

lower unemployment. Further measures to curb inflation are also

needed. Corruption and the high degree of coordination between

government, business, and central bank policy are issues of concern

in the run-up to Slovenia's scheduled 1 May 2004 accession to the

European Union.

Solomon Islands

The bulk of the population depends on agriculture,

fishing, and forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Most

manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The

islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead,

zinc, nickel, and gold. However, severe ethnic violence, the closing

of key business enterprises, and an empty government treasury have

led to serious economic disarray, indeed near collapse. Tanker

deliveries of crucial fuel supplies (including those for electrical

generation) have become sporadic due to the government's inability

to pay and attacks against ships. Telecommunications are threatened

by the nonpayment of bills and by the lack of technical and

maintenance staff many of whom have left the country.

Somalia

Somalia's economic fortunes are being driven by its deep

political divisions. The northern area has declared its independence

as "Somaliland"; the central area, Puntland, is a self-declared

autonomous state; and the remaining southern portion is riddled with

the struggles of rival factions. Economic life continues, in part

because much activity is local and relatively easily protected.

Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock normally

accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings,

but Saudi Arabia's recent ban on Somali livestock, because of Rift

Valley Fever concerns, has severely hampered the sector. Nomads and

semi-nomads, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood,

make up a large portion of the population. Livestock, hides, fish,

charcoal, and bananas are Somalia's principal exports, while sugar,

sorghum, corn, qat, and machined goods are the principal imports.

Somalia's small industrial sector, based on the processing of

agricultural products, has largely been looted and sold as scrap

metal. Despite the seeming anarchy, Somalia's service sector has

managed to survive and grow. Telecommunication firms provide

wireless services in most major cities and offer the lowest

international call rates on the continent. In the absence of a

formal banking sector, money exchange services have sprouted

throughout the country, handling between $200 million and $500

million in remittances annually. Mogadishu's main market offers a

variety of goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels

continue to operate, and security is provided by militias. The

ongoing civil disturbances and clan rivalries, however, have

interfered with any broad-based economic development and

international aid arrangements. In 2002 Somalia's overdue financial

obligations to the IMF continued to grow.

South Africa

South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with

an abundant supply of natural resources; well-developed financial,

legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors; a stock

exchange that ranks among the 10 largest in the world; and a modern

infrastructure supporting an efficient distribution of goods to

major urban centers throughout the region. However, growth has not

been strong enough to lower South Africa's high unemployment rate;

and daunting economic problems remain from the apartheid era,

especially poverty and lack of economic empowerment among the

disadvantaged groups. High crime and HIV/AIDS infection rates also

deter investment. South African economic policy is fiscally

conservative, but pragmatic, focusing on targeting inflation and

liberalizing trade as means to increase job growth and household

income.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Some fishing takes

place in adjacent waters. There is a potential source of income from

harvesting finfish and krill. The islands receive income from

postage stamps produced in the UK, sale of fishing licenses, and

harbor and landing fees from tourist vessels. Tourism from

specialized cruise ships is increasing rapidly.

Southern Ocean

Fisheries in 2000-01 (1 July to 30 June) landed

112,934 metric tons, of which 87% was krill and 11% Patagonian

toothfish. International agreements were adopted in late 1999 to

reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which in the

2000-01 season landed, by one estimate, 8,376 metric tons of

Patagonian and antarctic toothfish. In the 2000-01 antarctic summer

12,248 tourists, most of them seaborne, visited the Southern Ocean

and Antarctica, compared to 14,762 the previous year.

Spain

Spain's mixed capitalist economy supports a GDP that on a per

capita basis is 80% that of the four leading West European

economies. Its center-right government successfully worked to gain

admission to the first group of countries launching the European

single currency (the euro) on 1 January 1999. The AZNAR

administration has continued to advocate liberalization,

privatization, and deregulation of the economy and has introduced

some tax reforms to that end. Unemployment has been steadily falling

under the AZNAR administration but remains high at 11.7%. The

government intends to make further progress in changing labor laws

and reforming pension schemes, which are key to the sustainability

of both Spain's internal economic advances and its competitiveness

in a single currency area. A general strike in mid-2002 reduced

cooperation between labor and government. Growth of 2.4% in 2003 was

satisfactory given the background of a faltering European economy.

Adjusting to the monetary and other economic policies of an

integrated Europe - and reducing unemployment - will pose challenges

to Spain over the next few years.

Spratly Islands

Economic activity is limited to commercial fishing.

The proximity to nearby oil- and gas-producing sedimentary basins

suggests the potential for oil and gas deposits, but the region is

largely unexplored, and there are no reliable estimates of potential

reserves; commercial exploitation has yet to be developed.

Sri Lanka

In 1977, Colombo abandoned statist economic policies and

its import substitution trade policy for market-oriented policies

and export-oriented trade. Sri Lanka's most dynamic sectors now are

food processing, textiles and apparel, food and beverages,

telecommunications, and insurance and banking. By 1996 plantation

crops made up only 20% of exports (compared with 93% in 1970), while

textiles and garments accounted for 63%. GDP grew at an average

annual rate of 5.5% in the early 1990s until a drought and a

deteriorating security situation lowered growth to 3.8% in 1996. The

economy rebounded in 1997-2000 with average growth of 5.3%, but 2001

saw the first contraction in the country's history, -1.4%, due to a

combination of power shortages, severe budgetary problems, the

global slowdown, and continuing civil strife. Growth recovered to

3.2% in 2002. About 800,000 Sri Lankans work abroad, 90% in the

Middle East. They send home about $1 billion a year.

Sudan

Sudan has turned around a struggling economy with sound

economic policies and infrastructure investments, but it still faces

formidable economic problems, notably the low level of per capita

output. From 1997 to date, Sudan has been implementing IMF

macroeconomic reforms. In 1999 Sudan began exporting crude oil and

in the last quarter of 1999 recorded its first trade surplus, which,

along with monetary policy, has stabilized the exchange rate.

Increased oil production, revived light industry, and expanded

export processing zones helped maintain GDP growth at 5.1% in 2002.

Agriculture production remains Sudan's most important sector,

employing 80% of the work force and contributing 43% of GDP, but

most farms remain rain-fed and susceptible to drought. Chronic

domestic instability, lagging reforms, adverse weather, and weak

world agricultural prices - but, above all, the low starting point -

ensure that much of the population will remain at or below the

poverty line for years.

Suriname

The economy is dominated by the bauxite industry, which

accounts for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export earnings.

Suriname's economic prospects for the medium term will depend on

renewed commitment to responsible monetary and fiscal policies and

to the introduction of structural reforms to liberalize markets and

promote competition. The government of Ronald VENETIAAN has begun an

austerity program, raised taxes, and attempted to control spending.

However, in 2002, President VENETIAAN agreed to a large pay raise

for civil servants, which threatens his earlier gains in stabilizing

the economy. The Dutch Government has agreed to restart the aid

flow, which will allow Suriname to access international development

financing. The short-term economic outlook depends on the

government's ability to control inflation and on the development of

projects in the bauxite and gold mining sectors.

Svalbard

Coal mining is the major economic activity on Svalbard. The

treaty of 9 February 1920 gives the 41 signatories equal rights to

exploit mineral deposits, subject to Norwegian regulation. Although

US, UK, Dutch, and Swedish coal companies have mined in the past,

the only companies still mining are Norwegian and Russian. The

settlements on Svalbard are essentially company towns. The Norwegian

state-owned coal company employs nearly 60% of the Norwegian

population on the island, runs many of the local services, and

provides most of the local infrastructure. There is also some

trapping of seal, polar bear, fox, and walrus.

Swaziland

In this small, landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture

occupies more than 80% of the population. The manufacturing sector

has diversified since the mid-1980s. Sugar and wood pulp remain

important foreign exchange earners. Mining has declined in

importance in recent years with only coal and quarry stone mines

remaining active. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short

border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South

Africa from which it receives nine-tenths of its imports and to

which it sends more than two-thirds of its exports. Customs duties

from the Southern African Customs Union and worker remittances from

South Africa substantially supplement domestically earned income.

The government is trying to improve the atmosphere for foreign

investment. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and sometimes

floods persist as problems for the future. More than one-fourth of

the population needed emergency food aid in 2002 because of drought,

and more than one-third of the adult population was infected by

HIV/AIDS.

Sweden

Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole 20th century,

Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed

system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It

has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external

communications, and a skilled labor force. Timber, hydropower, and

iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented

toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of

industrial output, of which the engineering sector accounts for 50%

of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for only 2% of GDP and

2% of the jobs. The government's commitment to fiscal discipline

resulted in a substantial budgetary surplus in 2001, which was cut

by more than half in 2002, due to the global economic slowdown,

revenue declines, and spending increases. The Swedish central bank

(the Riksbank) is focusing on price stability with its inflation

target of 2%. Growth remained sluggish in 2003. On September 14,

2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system,

concerned about the impact on democracy and sovereignty.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a prosperous and stable modern market

economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a

per capita GDP larger than that of the big western European

economies. The Swiss in recent years have brought their economic

practices largely into conformity with the EU's to enhance their

international competitiveness. Switzerland remains a safe haven for

investors, because it has maintained a degree of bank secrecy and

has kept up the franc's long-term external value. Reflecting the

anemic economic conditions of Europe, GDP growth dropped in 2001 to

about 0.8%, to 0.2% in 2002, and to -0.3% in 2003.

Syria

Syria's predominantly statist economy has been growing, on

average, more slowly than its 2.4% annual population growth rate,

causing a persistent decline in per capita GDP. Recent legislation

allows private banks to operate in Syria, although a private banking

sector will take years and further government cooperation to

develop. External factors such as the international war on

terrorism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the war between the

US-led coalition and Iraq probably will drive real annual GDP growth

levels back below their 3.5% spike in 2002. A long-run economic

constraint is the pressure on water supplies caused by rapid

population growth, industrial expansion, and increased water

pollution.

Taiwan

Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with gradually

decreasing guidance of investment and foreign trade by government

authorities. In keeping with this trend, some large government-owned

banks and industrial firms are being privatized. Exports have

provided the primary impetus for industrialization. The trade

surplus is substantial, and foreign reserves are the world's third

largest. Agriculture contributes 2% to GDP, down from 32% in 1952.

While Taiwan is a major investor throughout Southeast Asia, China

has become the largest destination for investment and has overtaken

the US to become Taiwan's largest export market. Because of its

conservative financial approach and its entrepreneurial strengths,

Taiwan suffered little compared with many of its neighbors from the

Asian financial crisis in 1998. The global economic downturn,

combined with problems in policy coordination by the administration

and bad debts in the banking system, pushed Taiwan into recession in

2001, the first year of negative growth ever recorded. Unemployment

also reached record levels. Output recovered moderately in 2002 in

the face of continued global slowdown, fragile consumer confidence,

and bad bank loans. Growing economic ties with China are a dominant

long-term factor. Exports to China - mainly parts and equipment for

the assembly of goods for export to developed countries - drove

Taiwan's economic recovery in 2002.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan has the lowest per capita GDP among the 15

former Soviet republics. Only 8% to 10% of the land area is arable.

Cotton is the most important crop. Mineral resources, varied but

limited in amount, include silver, gold, uranium, and tungsten.

Industry consists only of a large aluminum plant, hydropower

facilities, and small obsolete factories mostly in light industry

and food processing. The civil war (1992-97) severely damaged the

already weak economic infrastructure and caused a sharp decline in

industrial and agricultural production. Even though 60% of its

people continue to live in abject poverty, Tajikistan has

experienced steady economic growth since 1997. Continued

privatization of medium and large state-owned enterprises will

further increase productivity. Tajikistan's economic situation,

however, remains fragile due to uneven implementation of structural

reforms, weak governance, widespread unemployment, and the external

debt burden. A debt restructuring agreement was reached with Russia

in December 2002, including an interest rate of 4%, a 3-year grace

period, and a US $49.8 million credit to the Central Bank of

Tajikistan.

Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The

economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for half of

GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs 80% of the work force.

Topography and climatic conditions, however, limit cultivated crops

to only 4% of the land area. Industry traditionally featured the

processing of agricultural products and light consumer goods. The

World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and bilateral donors

have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania's out-of-date economic

infrastructure and to alleviate poverty. Growth in 1991-2002

featured a pickup in industrial production and a substantial

increase in output of minerals, led by gold. Oil and gas exploration

and development played an important role in this growth. Recent

banking reforms have helped increase private sector growth and

investment. Continued donor support and solid macroeconomic policies

should support continued real GDP growth of 5% in 2003.

Thailand

Thailand has a free enterprise economy and welcomes foreign

investment. Exports feature computers and electrical appliances.

After enjoying the world's highest growth rate from 1985 to 1995 -

averaging almost 9% annually - increased speculative pressure on

Thailand's currency in 1997 led to a crisis that uncovered financial

sector weaknesses and forced the government to float the baht. Long

pegged at 25 to the dollar, the baht reached its lowest point of 56

to the dollar in January 1998, and the economy contracted by 10.2%

that same year. Thailand then entered a recovery stage, expanding by

4.2% in 1999 and 4.4% in 2000, largely due to strong exports. An

ailing financial sector and the slow pace of corporate debt

restructuring, combined with a softening of global demand, slowed

growth to 1.4% in 2001. Increased consumption and investment

spending pushed GDP growth up to 5.2% in 2002 despite a sluggish

global economy.

Togo

This small sub-Saharan economy is heavily dependent on both

commercial and subsistence agriculture, which provides employment

for 65% of the labor force. Some basic foodstuffs must still be

imported. Cocoa, coffee, and cotton generate about 40% of export

earnings, with cotton being the most important cash crop. Togo is

the world's fourth-largest producer of phosphate, but production

fell an estimated 22% in 2002 due to power shortages and the cost of

developing new deposits. The government's decade-long effort,

supported by the World Bank and the IMF, to implement economic

reform measures, encourage foreign investment, and bring revenues in

line with expenditures has moved slowly. Progress depends on

following through on privatization, increased openness in government

financial operations, progress toward legislative elections, and

continued support from foreign donors.

Tokelau

Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack

of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine

agriculture to the subsistence level. The people rely heavily on aid

from New Zealand - about $4 million annually - to maintain public

services, with annual aid being substantially greater than GDP. The

principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage

stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to

families from relatives in New Zealand.

Tonga

Tonga has a small, open economy with a narrow export base in

agricultural goods. Squash, coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans are

the main crops, and agricultural exports make up two-thirds of total

exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food,

mainly from New Zealand. Tourism is the second-largest source of

hard currency earnings following remittances. The country remains

dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities

overseas to offset its trade deficit. The government is emphasizing

the development of the private sector, especially the encouragement

of investment, and is committing increased funds for health and

education. Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and

well-developed social services.

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago has earned a reputation as

an excellent investment site for international businesses. A leading

performer the past four years has been the booming natural gas

sector. Tourism is a growing sector, although not proportionately as

important as in many other Caribbean islands. The economy benefits

from low inflation and a trade surplus. The year 2002 was marked by

solid growth in the oil sector, offset in part by domestic political

uncertainty.

Tromelin Island

no economic activity

Tunisia

Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural,

mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental

control of economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened

over the past decade with increasing privatization, simplification

of the tax structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Real growth

averaged 5.4% in 1997-2001 but slowed to 1.9% in 2002 because of

agricultural drought, slow investment, and lackluster tourism.

Increased rainfall portends higher growth levels for 2003, but

continued regional tension from the war in Iraq will most likely

continue to suppress tourism earnings. Tunisia has agreed to

gradually remove barriers to trade with the European Union over the

next decade. Broader privatization, further liberalization of the

investment code to increase foreign investment, improvements in

government efficiency, and reduction of the trade deficit are among

the challenges for the future.

Turkey

Turkey's dynamic economy is a complex mix of modern industry

and commerce along with a traditional agriculture sector that in

2001 still accounted for 40% of employment. It has a strong and

rapidly growing private sector, yet the state still plays a major

role in basic industry, banking, transport, and communication. The

most important industry - and largest exporter - is textiles and

clothing, which is almost entirely in private hands. In recent years

the economic situation has been marked by erratic economic growth

and serious imbalances. Real GNP growth has exceeded 6% in many

years, but this strong expansion has been interrupted by sharp

declines in output in 1994, 1999, and 2001. Meanwhile, the public

sector fiscal deficit has regularly exceeded 10% of GDP - due in

large part to the huge burden of interest payments, which account

for more than 50% of central government spending. Inflation, in

recent years in the high double-digit range, fell to 26% in 2003.

Perhaps because of these problems, foreign direct investment in

Turkey remains low - less than $1 billion annually. In late 2000 and

early 2001 a growing trade deficit and serious weaknesses in the

banking sector plunged the economy into crisis - forcing Turkey to

float the lira and pushing the country into recession. Results in

2002-03 were much better, because of strong financial support from

the IMF and tighter fiscal policy. Continued slow global growth and

serious political tensions in the Middle East could result in

negative growth in 2004.

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is largely desert country with intensive

agriculture in irrigated oases and large gas and oil resources.

One-half of its irrigated land is planted in cotton, making it the

world's tenth-largest producer. With an authoritarian ex-Communist

regime in power and a tribally based social structure, Turkmenistan

has taken a cautious approach to economic reform, hoping to use gas

and cotton sales to sustain its inefficient economy. Privatization

goals remain limited. In 1998-2003, Turkmenistan suffered from the

continued lack of adequate export routes for natural gas and from

obligations on extensive short-term external debt. At the same time,

however, total exports rose by 38% in 2003, largely because of

higher international oil and gas prices. Overall prospects in the

near future are discouraging because of widespread internal poverty,

the burden of foreign debt, and the unwillingness of the government

to adopt market-oriented reforms. However, Turkmenistan's

cooperation with the international community in transporting

humanitarian aid to Afghanistan may foreshadow a change in the

atmosphere for foreign investment, aid, and technological support.

Turkmenistan's economic statistics are state secrets, and GDP and

other figures are subject to wide margins of error. In any event,

GDP increased substantially in 2003 because of a strong recovery in

agriculture and rapid industrial growth.

Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos economy is based on

tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services. Most capital

goods and food for domestic consumption are imported. The US is the

leading source of tourists, accounting for more than half of the

93,000 visitors in 1998. Major sources of government revenue include

fees from offshore financial activities and customs receipts.

Tourism fell by 6% in 2002 but appeared to be picking up at yearend.

Tuvalu

Tuvalu consists of a densely populated, scattered group of

nine coral atolls with poor soil. The country has no known mineral

resources and few exports. Subsistence farming and fishing are the

primary economic activities. Fewer than 1,000 tourists, on average,

visit Tuvalu annually. Government revenues largely come from the

sale of stamps and coins and worker remittances. About 1,000

Tuvaluans work in Nauru in the phosphate mining industry. Nauru has

begun repatriating Tuvaluans, however, as phosphate resources

decline. Substantial income is received annually from an

international trust fund established in 1987 by Australia, NZ, and

the UK and supported also by Japan and South Korea. Thanks to wise

investments and conservative withdrawals, this Fund has grown from

an initial $17 million to over $35 million in 1999. The US

government is also a major revenue source for Tuvalu, because of

payments from a 1988 treaty on fisheries. In an effort to reduce its

dependence on foreign aid, the government is pursuing public sector

reforms, including privatization of some government functions and

personnel cuts of up to 7%. In 1998, Tuvalu began deriving revenue

from use of its area code for "900" lines and in 2000, from the

lease of its ".tv" Internet domain name. Royalties from these new

technology sources could increase substantially over the next

decade. With merchandise exports only a fraction of merchandise

imports, continued reliance must be placed on fishing and

telecommunications license fees, remittances from overseas workers,

official transfers, and investment income from overseas assets.

Uganda

Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile

soils, regular rainfall, and sizable mineral deposits of copper and

cobalt. Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy,

employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee accounts for the bulk

of export revenues. Since 1986, the government - with the support of

foreign countries and international agencies - has acted to

rehabilitate and stabilize the economy by undertaking currency

reform, raising producer prices on export crops, increasing prices

of petroleum products, and improving civil service wages. The policy

changes are especially aimed at dampening inflation and boosting

production and export earnings. During 1990-2001, the economy turned

in a solid performance based on continued investment in the

rehabilitation of infrastructure, improved incentives for production

and exports, reduced inflation, gradually improved domestic

security, and the return of exiled Indian-Ugandan entrepreneurs.

Ongoing Ugandan involvement in the war in the Democratic Republic of

the Congo, corruption within the government, and slippage in the

government's determination to press reforms raise doubts about the

continuation of strong growth. In 2000, Uganda qualified for

enhanced Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief worth

$1.3 billion and Paris Club debt relief worth $145 million. These

amounts combined with the original HIPC debt relief added up to

about $2 billion. Growth for 2001-02 was solid despite continued

decline in the price of coffee, Uganda's principal export. Prospects

for 2003 are mixed, with probable strengthening of coffee prices yet

with halting growth in the economies of major export customers.

Ukraine

After Russia, the Ukrainian republic was far and away the

most important economic component of the former Soviet Union,

producing about four times the output of the next-ranking republic.

Its fertile black soil generated more than one-fourth of Soviet

agricultural output, and its farms provided substantial quantities

of meat, milk, grain, and vegetables to other republics. Likewise,

its diversified heavy industry supplied the unique equipment (for

example, large diameter pipes) and raw materials to industrial and

mining sites (vertical drilling apparatus) in other regions of the

former USSR. Ukraine depends on imports of energy, especially

natural gas, to meet some 85% of its annual energy requirements.

Shortly after independence in December 1991, the Ukrainian

Government liberalized most prices and erected a legal framework for

privatization, but widespread resistance to reform within the

government and the legislature soon stalled reform efforts and led

to some backtracking. Output by 1999 had fallen to less than 40% of

the 1991 level. Loose monetary policies pushed inflation to

hyperinflationary levels in late 1993. Ukraine's dependence on

Russia for energy supplies and the lack of significant structural

reform have made the Ukrainian economy vulnerable to external

shocks. Now in his second term, President KUCHMA has pledged to

reduce the number of government agencies, streamline the regulatory

process, create a legal environment to encourage entrepreneurs, and

enact a comprehensive tax overhaul. Reforms in the more politically

sensitive areas of structural reform and land privatization are

still lagging. Outside institutions - particularly the IMF - have

encouraged Ukraine to quicken the pace and scope of reforms. GDP in

2000 showed strong export-based growth of 6% - the first growth

since independence - and industrial production grew 12.9%. The

economy continued to expand in 2001 as real GDP rose 9% and

industrial output grew by over 14%. Growth of 4.1% in 2002 was more

moderate, in part a reflection of faltering growth in the developed

world. In general, growth has been undergirded by strong domestic

demand, low inflation, and solid consumer and investor confidence.

Growth was a sturdy 6% in 2003 despite a loss of mementum in needed

economic reforms.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE has an open economy with a high per

capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Its wealth is

based on oil and gas output (about 33% of GDP), and the fortunes of

the economy fluctuate with the prices of those commodities. Since

1973, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an

impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state

with a high standard of living. At present levels of production, oil

and gas reserves should last for more than 100 years. The government

has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion

and is opening up its utilities to greater private sector

involvement.

United Kingdom

The UK, a leading trading power and financial center,

is one of the quartet of trillion dollar economies of Western

Europe. Over the past two decades the government has greatly reduced

public ownership and contained the growth of social welfare

programs. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient

by European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with only

1% of the labor force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil

reserves; primary energy production accounts for 10% of GDP, one of

the highest shares of any industrial nation. Services, particularly

banking, insurance, and business services, account by far for the

largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to decline in

importance. GDP growth slipped in 2001-03 as the global downturn,

the high value of the pound, and the bursting of the "new economy"

bubble hurt manufacturing and exports. Still, the economy is one of

the strongest in Europe; inflation, interest rates, and unemployment

remain low. The relatively good economic performance has complicated

the BLAIR government's efforts to make a case for Britain to join

the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Critics point out,

however, that the economy is doing well outside of EMU, and they

point to public opinion polls that continue to show a majority of

Britons opposed to the single currency. Meantime, the government has

been speeding up the improvement of education, transport, and health

services, at a cost in higher taxes. The war in March-April 2003

between a US-led coalition and Iraq, together with the subsequent

problems of restoring the economy and the polity, involve a heavy

commitment of British military forces.

United States

The US has the largest and most technologically

powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $37,600. In

this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms

make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments

buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private

marketplace. US business firms enjoy considerably greater

flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in

decisions to expand capital plant, lay off surplus workers, and

develop new products. At the same time, they face higher barriers to

entry in their rivals' home markets than the barriers to entry of

foreign firms in US markets. US firms are at or near the forefront

in technological advances, especially in computers and in medical,

aerospace, and military equipment, although their advantage has

narrowed since the end of World War II. The onrush of technology

largely explains the gradual development of a "two-tier labor

market" in which those at the bottom lack the education and the

professional/technical skills of those at the top and, more and

more, fail to get comparable pay raises, health insurance coverage,

and other benefits. Since 1975, practically all the gains in

household income have gone to the top 20% of households. The years

1994-2000 witnessed solid increases in real output, low inflation

rates, and a drop in unemployment to below 5%. The year 2001 saw the

end of boom psychology and performance, with output increasing only

0.3% and unemployment and business failures rising substantially.

The response to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 showed

the remarkable resilience of the economy. Moderate recovery took

place in 2002, with the GDP growth rate rising to 2.45%. A major

short-term problem in first half 2002 was a sharp decline in the

stock market, fueled in part by the exposure of dubious accounting

practices in some major corporations. The war in March/April 2003

between a US-led coalition and Iraq shifted resources to military

industries and introduced uncertainties about investment and

employment in other sectors of the economy. Long-term problems

include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure, rapidly

rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, sizable

trade deficits, and stagnation of family income in the lower

economic groups.

Uruguay

Uruguay's economy is characterized by an export-oriented

agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, and high levels of

social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during

1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy suffered a major downturn,

stemming largely from lower demand in Argentina and Brazil, which

together account for nearly half of Uruguay's exports. Total GDP in

these four years dropped by nearly 20%, with 2002 the worst year.

Unemployment rose to nearly 20% in 2002, inflation surged, and the

burden of external debt doubled. Cooperation with the IMF and the US

has limited the damage, which is still extensive. Moves to

reschedule debt and promote economic recovery may help limit a

further decline in output in 2003.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country of which 11%

consists of intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. More than

60% of its population lives in densely populated rural communities.

Uzbekistan is now the world's second-largest cotton exporter, a

large producer of gold and oil, and a regionally significant

producer of chemicals and machinery. Following independence in

December 1991, the government sought to prop up its Soviet-style

command economy with subsidies and tight controls on production and

prices. Uzbekistan responded to the negative external conditions

generated by the Asian and Russian financial crises by emphasizing

import substitute industrialization and by tightening export and

currency controls within its already largely closed economy. The

government, while aware of the need to improve the investment

climate, sponsors measures that often increase, not decrease, the

government's control over business decisions. A sharp increase in

the inequality of income distribution has hurt the lower ranks of

society since independence.

Vanuatu

The economy is based primarily on subsistence or small-scale

agriculture, which provides a living for 65% of the population.

Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with about 50,000

visitors in 1997, are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral

deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum

deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market.

Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Economic development is

hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports,

vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main

markets and between constituent islands. A severe earthquake in

November 1999 followed by a tsunami, caused extensive damage to the

northern island of Pentecote and left thousands homeless. Another

powerful earthquake in January 2002 caused extensive damage in the

capital, Port-Vila, and surrounding areas, and also was followed by

a tsunami. GDP growth rose less than 3% on average in the 1990s. In

response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten

regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002 the

government stepped up efforts to boost tourism. Australia and New

Zealand are the main suppliers of foreign aid.

Venezuela

Venezuela continues to be highly dependent on the

petroleum sector, which accounts for roughly one-third of GDP,

around 80% of export earnings, and more than half of government

operating revenues. Despite higher oil prices at the end of 2002 and

into 2003, domestic political instability, culminating in a

two-month national oil strike from December 2002 to February 2003,

temporarily halted economic activity. The economy is likely to

remain in a recession in 2003, after sinking an estimated 8.9

percent in 2002.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a poor, densely-populated country that has had to

recover from the ravages of war, the loss of financial support from

the old Soviet Bloc, and the rigidities of a centrally planned

economy. Substantial progress was achieved from 1986 to 1996 in

moving forward from an extremely low starting point - growth

averaged around 9% per year from 1993 to 1997. The 1997 Asian

financial crisis highlighted the problems in the Vietnamese economy

but, rather than prompting reform, reaffirmed the government's

belief that shifting to a market-oriented economy would lead to

disaster. GDP growth of 8.5% in 1997 fell to 6% in 1998 and 5% in

1999. Growth then rose to 6% to 7% in 2000-02 even against the

background of global recession. These numbers mask some major

difficulties in economic performance. Many domestic industries,

including coal, cement, steel, and paper, have reported large

stockpiles of inventory and tough competition from more efficient

foreign producers. Meanwhile, Vietnamese authorities have moved to

implement the structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and

to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The

US-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement entered into force near the end

of 2001 and is expected to significantly increase Vietnam's exports

to the US. The US is assisting Vietnam with implementing the legal

and structural reforms called for in the agreement.

Virgin Islands

Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting

for more than 70% of GDP and 70% of employment. The islands normally

host 2 million visitors a year. The manufacturing sector consists of

petroleum refining, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and

watch assembly. The agricultural sector is small, with most food

being imported. International business and financial services are a

small but growing component of the economy. One of the world's

largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The islands are

subject to substantial damage from storms. The government is working

to improve fiscal discipline, support construction projects in the

private sector, expand tourist facilities, reduce crime, and protect

the environment.

Wake Island

Economic activity is limited to providing services to

contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods

must be imported.

Wallis and Futuna

The economy is limited to traditional subsistence

agriculture, with about 80% labor force earnings from agriculture

(coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing.

About 4% of the population is employed in government. Revenues come

from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to

Japan and South Korea, import taxes, and remittances from expatriate

workers in New Caledonia.

West Bank

Real per capita GDP for the West Bank and Gaza Strip

(WBGS) declined by about one-third between 1992 and 1996 due to the

combined effect of falling aggregate incomes and rapid population

growth. The downturn in economic activity was largely the result of

Israeli closure policies - the imposition of border closures in

response to security incidents in Israel - which disrupted labor and

commodity market relationships between Israel and the WBGS. The most

serious social effect of this downturn was rising unemployment;

unemployment in the WBGS during the 1980s was generally under 5%; by

1995 it had risen to over 20%. Israel's use of comprehensive

closures during the next five years decreased and, in 1998, Israel

implemented new policies to reduce the impact of closures and other

security procedures on the movement of Palestinian goods and labor.

These changes fueled an almost three-year-long economic recovery in

the West Bank and Gaza Strip; real GDP grew by 5% in 1998 and 6% in

1999. Recovery was upended in the last quarter of 2000 with the

outbreak of violence, which triggered tight Israeli closures of

Palestinian self-rule areas and severely disrupted trade and labor

movements. In 2001, and even more severely in 2002, Israeli military

measures in Palestinian Authority areas have resulted in the

destruction of much capital plant and administrative structure,

widespread business closures, and a sharp drop in GDP. Another major

loss has been the decline in earnings of Palestinian workers in

Israel. International aid of $2 billion in 2001-02 to the West Bank

and Gaza Strip have prevented the complete collapse of the economy.

Western Sahara

Western Sahara depends on pastoral nomadism, fishing,

and phosphate mining as the principal sources of income for the

population. The territory lacks sufficient rainfall for sustainable

agricultural production, and most of the food for the urban

population must be imported. All trade and other economic activities

are controlled by the Moroccan Government. Moroccan energy interests

in 2001 signed contracts to explore for oil off the coast of Western

Sahara, which has angered the Polisario. Incomes and standards of

living in Western Sahara are substantially below the Moroccan level.

World Growth in global output (gross world product, GWP) fell from 4.8% in 2000 to 2.2% in 2001 and 2.7% in 2002. The causes: sluggishness in the US economy (21% of GWP) and in the 15 EU economies (19% of GWP); continued stagnation in the Japanese economy (7.2% of GWP); and spillover effects in the less developed regions of the world. China, the second-largest economy in the world (12% of GWP), proved an exception, continuing its rapid annual growth, officially announced as 8% but estimated by many observers as perhaps two percentage points lower. Russia (2.6% of GWP), with 4% growth, continued to make uneven progress, its GDP per capita still only one-third that of the leading industrial nations. The other 14 successor nations of the USSR and the other old Warsaw Pact nations again experienced widely divergent growth rates; the three Baltic nations continued as strong performers, in the 5% range of growth. The developing nations also varied in their growth results, with many countries facing population increases that erode gains in output. Externally, the nation-state, as a bedrock economic-political institution, is steadily losing control over international flows of people, goods, funds, and technology. Internally, the central government often finds its control over resources slipping as separatist regional movements - typically based on ethnicity - gain momentum, e.g., in many of the successor states of the former Soviet Union, in the former Yugoslavia, in India, in Indonesia, and in Canada. Externally, the central government is losing decision-making powers to international bodies. In Western Europe, governments face the difficult political problem of channeling resources away from welfare programs in order to increase investment and strengthen incentives to seek employment. The addition of 80 million people each year to an already overcrowded globe is exacerbating the problems of pollution, desertification, underemployment, epidemics, and famine. Because of their own internal problems and priorities, the industrialized countries devote insufficient resources to deal effectively with the poorer areas of the world, which, at least from the economic point of view, are becoming further marginalized. The introduction of the euro as the common currency of much of Western Europe in January 1999, while paving the way for an integrated economic powerhouse, poses economic risks because of varying levels of income and cultural and political differences among the participating nations. The terrorist attacks on the US on 11 September 2001 accentuate a further growing risk to global prosperity, illustrated, for example, by the reallocation of resources away from investment to anti-terrorist programs. The opening of war in March 2003 between a US-led coalition and Iraq added new uncertainties to global economic prospects. (For specific economic developments in each country of the world in 2002, see the individual country entries.)

Yemen

Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the Arab world,

reported strong growth in the mid-1990s with the onset of oil

production, but has been harmed by periodic declines in oil prices.

Yemen has embarked on an IMF-supported structural adjustment program

designed to modernize and streamline the economy, which has led to

substantial foreign debt relief and restructuring. International

donors, meeting in Paris in October 2002, agreed on a further $2.3

billion economic support package. Yemen has worked to maintain tight

control over spending and implement additional components of the IMF

program. A high population growth rate and internal political

dissension complicate the government's task.

Zambia

Despite progress in privatization and budgetary reform,

Zambia's economic growth remains below the 5% to 7% necessary to

reduce poverty significantly. Privatization of government-owned

copper mines relieved the government from covering mammoth losses

generated by the industry and greatly improved the chances for

copper mining to return to profitability and spur economic growth.

However, low mineral prices have slowed the benefits of privatizing

the mines and have reduced incentives for further private investment

in the sector. Cooperation continues with international bodies on

programs to reduce poverty.

Zimbabwe

The government of Zimbabwe faces a wide variety of

difficult economic problems as it struggles with an unsustainable

fiscal deficit, an overvalued exchange rate, soaring inflation, and

bare shelves. Its 1998-2002 involvement in the war in the Democratic

Republic of the Congo, for example, drained hundreds of millions of

dollars from the economy. Badly needed support from the IMF has been

suspended because of the country's failure to meet budgetary goals.

Inflation rose from an annual rate of 32% in 1998 to 59% in 1999, to

60% in 2000, to over 100% by yearend 2001, to 228% in early 2003.

The government's land reform program, characterized by chaos and

violence, has nearly destroyed the commercial farming sector, the

traditional source of exports and foreign exchange and the provider

of 400,000 jobs.

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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@2117 Pipelines (km)

Afghanistan

gas 651 km (2003)

Albania

gas 339 km; oil 207 km (2003)

Algeria

condensate 1,344 km; gas 87,347 km; liquid petroleum gas

2,213 km; oil 6,496 km (2003)

Angola

gas 214 km; liquid natural gas 14 km; liquid petroleum gas 30

km; oil 845 km; refined products 56 km (2003)

Argentina

gas 26,797 km; liquid petroleum gas 41 km; oil 3,668 km;

refined products 2,945 km; unknown (oil/water) 13 km (2003)

Armenia

gas 2,031 km (2003)

Australia

condensate 36 km; condensate/gas 243 km; gas 27,321 km;

liquid petroleum gas 240 km; oil 4,779 km; oil/gas/water 104 km;

water 40 km (2003)

Austria

gas 2,722 km; oil 687 km; refined products 149 km (2003)

Azerbaijan

gas 5,001 km; oil 1,631 km (2003)

Bahrain

gas 20 km; oil 53 km (2003)

Bangladesh

gas 2,016 km (2003)

Belarus

gas 4,519 km; oil 1,811 km; refined products 1,686 km (2003)

Belgium

gas 1,485 km; oil 158 km; refined products 535 km (2003)

Bolivia

gas 4,860 km; liquid petroleum gas 47 km; oil 2,460 km;

refined products 1,589 km; unknown (oil/water) 247 km (2003)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

gas 170 km; oil 9 km (2003)

Brazil

condensate/gas 243 km; gas 10,984 km; liquid petroleum gas

341 km; oil 5,113 km; refined products 4,800 km (2003)

Brunei

gas 665 km; oil 439 km (2003)

Bulgaria

gas 2,425 km; oil 339 km; refined products 156 km (2003)

Burma

gas 2,056 km; oil 558 km (2003)

Cameroon

gas 90 km; liquid petroleum gas 9 km; oil 1,124 km (2003)

Canada

crude and refined oil 23,564 km; natural gas 74,980 km

Chad

oil 205 km (2003)

Chile

gas 2,267 km; gas/liquid petroleum gas 42 km; liquid petroleum

gas 531 km; oil 983 km; refined products 545 km (2003)

China

gas 13,845 km; oil 15,143 km; refined products 3,280 km (2003)

Colombia

gas 4,360 km; oil 6,134 km; refined products 3,140 km (2003)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

gas 54 km; oil 71 km (2003)

Congo, Republic of the

gas 53 km; oil 673 km (2003)

Costa Rica

refined products 421 km (2003)

Cote d'Ivoire

condensate 107 km; gas 223 km; oil 104 km (2003)

Croatia

gas 1,374 km; oil 583 km (2003)

Cuba

gas 49 km; oil 230 km (2003)

Czech Republic

gas 7,020 km; oil 547 km; refined products 94 km

(2003)

Denmark

condensate 12 km; gas 3,892 km; oil 455 km; oil/gas/water 2

km; unknown (oil/water) 64 km (2003)

Dominican Republic

crude oil 96 km; petroleum products 8 km

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

gas 71 km; oil 1,575 km; refined products 1,185 km (2003)

Egypt

condensate 327 km; condensate/gas 94 km; gas 6,145 km; liquid

petroleum gas 382 km; oil 5,726 km; oil/gas/water 36 km; water 62 km

(2003)

Equatorial Guinea condensate 37 km; gas 39 km; liquid natural gas 4 km; oil 24 km (2003)

Estonia

gas 859 km (2003)

Finland

gas 694 km (2003)

France

gas 13,946 km; oil 3,024 km; refined products 4,889 km (2003)

Gabon

gas 210 km; oil 1,426 km; water 3 km (2003)

Georgia

gas 1,495 km; oil 1,029 km; refined products 232 km (2003)

Germany

condensate 325 km; gas 25,289 km; oil 3,743 km; refined

products 3,827 km (2003)

Ghana

refined products 74 km (2003)

Gibraltar

0 km

Greece

gas 1,531 km; oil 108 km (2003)

Guatemala

oil 480 km (2003)

Hungary

gas 4,397 km; oil 990 km; refined products 335 km (2003)

India

gas 5,798 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,195 km; oil 5,613 km;

refined products 5,567 km (2003)

Indonesia

condensate 672 km; condensate/gas 125 km; gas 8,183 km;

oil 7,429 km; oil/gas/water 66 km; refined products 1,329 km; water

72 km (2003)

Iran

condensate/gas 212 km; gas 16,998 km; liquid petroleum gas 570

km; oil 8,256 km; refined products 7,808 km (2003)

Iraq

gas 1,739 km; oil 5,418 km; refined products 1,343 km (2003)

Ireland

gas 1,795 km (2003)

Israel

gas 100 km; oil 1,509 km (2003)

Italy

gas 17,448 km; oil 1,245 km (2003)

Jamaica

petroleum products 10 km

Japan

gas 2,719 km; oil 170 km; oil/gas/water 60 km (2003)

Jordan

gas 10 km; oil 743 km (2003)

Kazakhstan

condensate 640 km; gas 10,527 km; oil 9,771 km; refined

products 1,187 km; water 1,465 km (2003)

Kenya

refined products 752 km (2003)

Korea, North

oil 136 km (2003)

Korea, South

gas 1,433 km; refined products 827 km (2003)

Kuwait

gas 169 km; oil 540 km; refined products 57 km (2003)

Kyrgyzstan

gas 367 km; oil 13 km (2003)

Laos

refined products 540 km (2003)

Latvia

gas 1,097 km; oil 412 km; refined products 421 km (2003)

Lebanon

oil 209 km (2003)

Libya

condensate 225 km; gas 3,196 km; oil 6,872 km (2003)

Liechtenstein

gas 20 km (2003)

Lithuania

gas 1,698 km; oil 331 km; refined products 109 km (2003)

Luxembourg

gas 155 km (2003)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

gas 268 km; oil 120 km

(2003)

Malaysia

condensate 279 km; gas 5,047 km; oil 1,841 km; refined

products 114 km (2003)

Mexico

crude oil 28,200 km; petroleum products 10,150 km; natural

gas 13,254 km; petrochemical 1,400 km

Midway Islands

7.8 km

Moldova

gas 606 km (2003)

Morocco

gas 695 km; oil 285 km (2003)

Mozambique

gas 189 km; refined products 292 km (2003)

Netherlands

condensate 325 km; gas 6,998 km; oil 590 km; refined

products 716 km (2003)

New Zealand

gas 2,213 km; liquid petroleum gas 79 km; oil 160 km;

refined products 304 km (2003)

Nicaragua

oil 54 km (2003)

Nigeria

condensate 105 km; gas 1,660 km; oil 3,634 km (2003)

Norway

condensate 411 km; gas 6,199 km; oil 2,213 km; oil/gas/water

746 km; unknown (oil/water) 38 km; water 96 km (2003)

Oman

gas 3,599 km; oil 3,187 km (2003)

Pakistan

gas 9,945 km; oil 1,821 km (2003)

Panama

crude oil 130 km (2001)

Papua New Guinea

oil 264 km (2003)

Peru

gas 388 km; oil 1,557 km; refined products 13 km (2003)

Philippines

gas 565 km; oil 135 km; refined products 100 km (2003)

Poland

gas 12,901 km; oil 737 km (2003)

Portugal

gas 482 km (2003)

Qatar

condensate 90 km; condensate/gas 209 km; gas 902 km; liquid

petroleum gas 87 km; oil 722 km; oil/gas/water 41 km (2003)

Romania

gas 3,508 km; oil 2,427 km (2003)

Russia

gas 135,771 km; oil 70,833 km; refined products 11,536 km;

water 23 km (2003)

Saudi Arabia

condensate 212 km; gas 837 km; liquid petroleum gas

1,187 km; oil 5,062 km; refined products 69 km (2003)

Senegal

gas 564 km (2003)

Serbia and Montenegro

gas 3,177 km; oil 393 km (2003)

Singapore

gas 139 km (2003)

Slovakia

gas 6,769 km; oil 449 km (2003)

Slovenia

gas 2,526 km; oil 11 km (2003)

Somalia

crude oil 15 km

South Africa

condensate 100 km; gas 741 km; oil 847 km; refined

products 1,354 km (2003)

Spain

gas 7,290 km; oil 730 km; refined products 3,110 km; unknown

(oil/water) 397 km (2003)

Sri Lanka

crude oil and petroleum products 62 km (1987)

Sudan

gas 156 km; oil 2,297 km; refined products 810 km (2003)

Suriname

oil 51 km (2003)

Sweden

gas 798 km (2003)

Switzerland

gas 1,831 km; oil 212 km; refined products 7 km (2003)

Syria

gas 2,300 km; oil 2,183 km (2003)

Taiwan

condensate 25 km; gas 435 km (2003)

Tajikistan

gas 540 km; oil 38 km (2003)

Tanzania

gas 5 km; oil 866 km (2003)

Thailand

gas 3,066 km; refined products 265 km (2003)

Trinidad and Tobago condensate 253 km; gas 1,117 km; oil 478 km (2003)

Tunisia

gas 3,059 km; oil 1,203 km; refined products 345 km (2003)

Turkey

gas 3,177 km; oil 3,562 km (2003)

Turkmenistan

gas 6,634 km; oil 853 km (2003)

Ukraine

gas 20,069 km; oil 4,435 km; refined products 4,098 km (2003)

United Arab Emirates

condensate 383 km; gas 1,765 km; liquid

petroleum gas 186 km; oil 1,266 km (2003)

United Kingdom

condensate 370 km; gas 21,263 km; liquid petroleum

gas 59 km; oil 6,420 km; oil/gas/water 63 km; refined products 4,474

km; water 650 km (2003)

United States

petroleum products 244,620 km; natural gas 548,665 km

(2003)

Uruguay

gas 192 km (2003)

Uzbekistan

gas 9,012 km; oil 869 km; refined products 33 km (2003)

Venezuela

extra heavy crude 992 km; gas 5,262 km; oil 7,484 km;

refined products 1,681 km; unknown (oil/water) 141 km (2003)

Vietnam

condensate/gas 432 km; gas 210 km; oil 3 km; refined

products 206 km (2003)

Yemen

gas 88 km; oil 1,174 km (2003)

Zambia

oil 771 km (2003)

Zimbabwe

refined products 261 km (2003)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2118 Political parties and leaders

Afghanistan

NA; note - political parties in Afghanistan are in flux

and many prominent players have plans to create new parties; the

Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan (TISA) is headed by

President Hamid KARZAI; the TISA is a coalition government formed of

leaders from across the Afghan political spectrum; there are also

several political factions not holding positions in the Transitional

government that are forming new groups and parties in the hopes of

participating in 2004 elections

Albania

Agrarian Party of Albania or PASH [Lufter XHUVELI];

Christian Democratic Party or PDK [Zef BUSHATI]; Communist Party of

Albania or PKSH [Hysni MILLOSHI]; Democratic Alliance or PAD

[Nerltan CEKA]; Democratic Party or PD [Sali BERISHA]; Legality

Movement Party or PLL [Guri DUROLLARI]; National Front Party (Balli

Kombetar) or PBK [Abaz ERMENJI]; Party of National Unity or PUK

[Idajet BEQUIRI]; Republican Party or PR [Fatmir MEDIU]; Social

Democracy or DS [Paskal MILO]; Social Democratic Party or PSD

[Skender GJINUSHI]; Socialist Party or PS (formerly the Albanian

Party of Labor) [Fatos NANO]; Union for Human Rights Party or PBDNJ

[Vasil MELO]

Algeria

Algerian National Front or FNA [Moussa TOUATI]; Democratic

National Rally or RND [Ahmed OUYAHIA, chairman]; Islamic Salvation

Front or FIS (outlawed April 1992) [Ali BELHADJ and Dr. Abassi

MADANI, Rabeh KEBIR (self-exile in Germany)]; Society of Peace

Movement or MSP [Boujerra SOLTANI]; National Entente Movement or MEN

[Ali BOUKHAZNA]; National Liberation Front or FLN [Ali BENFLIS,

secretary general]; National Reform Movement or MRN [Abdellah

DJABALLAH]; National Renewal Party or PRA [leader NA]; Progressive

Republican Party [Khadir DRISS]; Rally for Culture and Democracy or

RCD [Said SAADI, secretary general]; Renaissance Movement or EnNahda

Movement [Lahbib ADAMI]; Social Liberal Party or PSL [Ahmed KHELIL];

Socialist Forces Front or FFS [Hocine Ait AHMED, secretary general

(self-exile in Switzerland)]; Union for Democracy and Liberty

[Mouley BOUKHALAFA]; Workers Party or PT [Louisa HANOUN]

note: a law banning political parties based on religion was enacted

in March 1997

American Samoa

Democratic Party [leader NA]; Republican Party

[leader NA]

Andorra

Democratic Party or PD (formerly part of National Democratic

Group or AND) [Ladislau BARO SOLO]; Liberal Party of Andorra or PLA

[Marc FORNE MOLNE] (used to be Liberal Union or UL); Liberal Union

or UL [Francesc CERQUEDA]; National Democratic Group or AND

[Ladislau BARO SOLO]; National Democratic Initiative or IDN [Vicenc

MATEU ZAMORA]; New Democracy or ND [Jaume BARTOMEU CASSANY]; Social

Democratic Party or PSD (formerly part of National Democratic Group

of AND) [leader NA]; Union of the People of Ordino (Unio Parroquial

d'Ordino) or UPO [Simo DURO COMA]

note: there are two other small parties

Angola

Liberal Democratic Party or PLD [Analia de Victoria PEREIRA];

National Front for the Liberation of Angola or FNLA [disputed

leadership: Lucas NGONDA, Holden ROBERTO]; National Union for the

Total Independence of Angola or UNITA [interim leader: PAULO Lukamba

"Gato"], largest opposition party has engaged in years of armed

resistance; Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola or MPLA

[Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS], ruling party in power since 1975; Social

Renewal Party or PRS [disputed leadership: Eduardo KUANGANA, Antonio

MUACHICUNGO]

note: about a dozen minor parties participated in the 1992 elections

but only won a few seats and have little influence in the National

Assembly

Anguilla

Anguilla United Party or AUP [Hubert HUGHES]; The United

Front or UF [Osbourne FLEMING, Victor BANKS], a coalition of the

Anguilla Democratic Party or ADP and the Anguilla National Alliance

or ANA

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua Labor Party or ALP [Lester Bryant BIRD];

Barbuda People's Movement or BPM [Thomas H. FRANK]; United

Progressive Party or UPP [Baldwin SPENCER] (a coalition of three

opposition parties - United National Democratic Party or UNDP,

Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement or ACLM, and Progressive Labor

Movement or PLM)

Argentina

Action for the Republic or AR [Domingo CAVALLO];

Alternative for a Republic of Equals or ARI [Elisa CARRIO]; Front

for a Country in Solidarity or Frepaso (a four-party coalition)

[Dario Pedro ALESSANDRO]; Justicialist Party or PJ [Carlos Saul

MENEM] (Peronist umbrella political organization); Radical Civic

Union or UCR [Angel ROZAS]; Federal Recreate Movement [Ricardo LOPEZ

MURPHY]; several provincial parties

Armenia

Agro-Industrial Party [Vladimir BADALIAN]; Armenia Party

[Myasnik MALKHASYAN]; Armenian National Movement or ANM [Alex

ARZUMANYAN, chairman]; Armenian Ramkavar Liberal Party or HRAK

[Ruben MIRZAKHANYAN, chairman]; Armenian Revolutionary Federation

("Dashnak" Party) or ARF [Vahan HOVHANISSIAN]; Democratic Party

[Aram SARKISYAN]; Justice Bloc (comprised of the Democratic Party,

National Democratic Party, National Democratic Union, and the

People's Party); National Democratic Party [Shavarsh KOCHARIAN];

National Democratic Union or NDU [Vazgen MANUKIAN]; National Unity

Party [Artashes GEGAMIAN, chairman]; People's Party of Armenia

[Stepan DEMIRCHYAN]; Republic Party [Albert BAZEYAN and Aram

SARKISYAN, chairmen]; Republican Party or RPA [Andranik MARKARYAN];

Rule of Law Party [Artur BAGDASARIAN, chairman]; Union of

Constitutional Rights [Hrant KHACHATURYAN]; United Labor Party

[Gurgen ARSENIAN]

Aruba

Aruba Solidarity Movement or MAS [leader NA]; Aruban

Democratic Alliance or Aliansa [leader NA]; Aruban Democratic Party

or PDA [Leo BERLINSKI]; Aruban Liberal Party or OLA [Glenbert

CROES]; Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA [Benny NISBET]; Aruban

People's Party or AVP [Jan (Henny) H. EMAN]; Concentration for the

Liberation of Aruba or CLA [leader NA]; People's Electoral Movement

Party or MEP [Nelson O. ODUBER]; For a Restructured Aruba Now or

PARA [Urbana LOPEZ]; National Democratic Action or ADN [Pedro Charro

KELLY]

Australia

Australian Democrats [Andrew BARTLETT]; Australian Labor

Party [Mark LATHAM]; Australian Progressive Alliance [Meg LEES];

Country Labor Party [leader NA]; Australian Greens [Bob BROWN];

Liberal Party [John Winston HOWARD]; The Nationals [John ANDERSON];

One Nation Party [Len HARRIS]

Austria

Austrian People's Party or OeVP [Wolfgang SCHUESSEL];

Freedom Party of Austria or FPOe [Herbert HAUPT]; Social Democratic

Party of Austria or SPOe [Alfred GUSENBAUER]; The Greens Alternative

or GA [Alexander VAN DER BELLEN]

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Popular Front or APF [Ali KARIMLI, leader of

"Reform" faction; Mirmahmud MIRALI-OGLU, leader of "Classic"

faction]; Civic Solidarity Party or CSP [Sabir RUSTAMKHANLY]; Civic

Union Party [Ayaz MUTALIBOV]; Communist Party of Azerbaijan or CPA

[Ramiz AHMADOV]; Compatriot Party [Mais SAFARLI]; Democratic Party

for Azerbaijan or DPA [Rasul QULIYEV, chairman]; Justice Party

[Ilyas ISMAILOV]; Liberal Party of Azerbaijan [Lala Shvkat

HACIYEVA]; Musavat [Isa GAMBAR, chairman]; New Azerbaijan Party or

NAP [Heydar ALIYEV, chairman]; Party for National Independence of

Azerbaijan or PNIA [Etibar MAMMADLI, chairman]; Social Democratic

Party of Azerbaijan or SDP [Zardust ALIZADE]

note: opposition parties regularly factionalize and form new parties

Bahamas, The

Free National Movement or FNM [Tommy TURNQUEST];

Progressive Liberal Party or PLP [Perry CHRISTIE]

Bahrain

political parties prohibited but politically oriented

societies are allowed

Bangladesh

Awami League or AL [Sheikh HASINA]; Bangladesh Communist

Party or BCP [Saifuddin Ahmed MANIK]; Bangladesh Nationalist Party

or BNP [Khaleda ZIA, chairperson]; Islami Oikya Jote or IOJ [Mufti

Fazlul Haq AMINI]; Jamaat-E-Islami or JI [Motiur Rahman NIZAMI];

Jatiya Party or JP (Ershad faction) [Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD];

Jatiya Party (Manzur faction) [Naziur Rahman MANZUR]

Barbados

Barbados Labor Party or BLP [Owen ARTHUR]; Democratic Labor

Party or DLP [Clyde Mascoll]

Belarus

Agrarian Party or AP [Mikhail SHIMANSKY]; Belarusian

Communist Party or KPB [Viktor CHIKIN, chairman]; Belarusian

Ecological Green Party (merger of Belarusian Ecological Party and

Green Party of Belarus) [leader NA]; Belarusian Patriotic Movement

(Belarusian Patriotic Party) or BPR [Anatoliy BARANKEVICH,

chairman]; Belarusian Popular Front or BNF [Vintsuk VYACHORKA];

Belarusian Social-Democrat Party or SDBP [Nikolay STATKEVICH,

chairman]; Belarusian Social-Democratic Party or Hromada [Stanislav

SHUSHKEVICH, chairman]; Belarusian Socialist Party [Vyacheslav

KUZNETSOV]; Civic Accord Bloc (United Civic Party) or CAB [Anatol

LIABEDZKA]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDPB [Sergei GAYDUKEVICH,

chairman]; Party of Communists Belarusian or PKB [Sergei KALYAKIN,

chairman]; Republican Party of Labor and Justice or RPPS [Anatoliy

NETYLKIN, chairman]; Social-Democrat Party of Popular Accord or PPA

[Leanid SECHKA]; Women's Party or "Nadezhda" [Valentina POLEVIKOVA,

chairperson]

Belgium

AGALEV (Flemish Greens) [Dirk HOLEMANS]; Christian Democrats

and Flemish or CD & V [Yves LETERME]; note - used to be the Flemish

Christian Democrats or CVP; Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Michel

JAVAUK, Evelyne HUYTEBROECK, Claude BROUIR]; Flemish Liberal

Democrats or VLD [Karel DE GUCHT]; Francophone Humanist and

Democratic Center of CDH (used to be Social Christian Party or PSC)

[Joelle MILQUET]; Francophone Reformist Movement or MR (used to be

Liberal Reformation Party or PRL) [Antoine DUQUESNE]; Francophone

Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI RUPO]; National Front or FN [Daniel

FERET]; New Flemish Alliance or NVA [Geert BOURGEOIS]; note - new

party that emerged after the demise of the People's Union or VU;

Social Progressive Alternative Party or SP.A [Steve STEVAERT]; note

- was Flemish Socialist Party or SP; Spirit [Els VAN WEERT]; note -

new party that emerged after the demise of the People's Union or VU;

Vlaams Blok or VB [Frank VANHECKE]; other minor parties

Belize

People's United Party or PUP [Said MUSA]; United Democratic

Party or UDP [Dean BARROW, party leader; Douglas SINGH, party

chairman]

Benin

African Congress for Renewal or DUNYA [Saka SALEY]; African

Movement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou FAGBOHOUN];

Alliance of the Social Democratic Party or PSD [Bruno AMOUSSOU];

Coalition of Democratic Forces [Gatien HOUNGBEDJI]; Democratic

Renewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Front for Renewal and

Development or FARD-ALAFIA [Jerome Sakia KINA]; Impulse for Progress

and Democracy or IPD [Bertin BORNA]; Key Force or FC [leader NA];

Presidential Movement (UBF, MADEP, FC, IDP, and 4 other small

parties); Renaissance Party du Benin or PRB [Nicephore SOGLO]; The

Star Alliance (Alliance E'toile) [Sacca LAFIA]; Union of Tomorrow's

Benin or UBF [Bruno AMOUSSOU]

note: approximately 20 additional minor parties

Bermuda

National Liberal Party or NLP [Dessaline WALDRON];

Progressive Labor Party or PLP [Jennifer SMITH]; United Bermuda

Party or UBP [Chairman Wayne FURBERT]

Bhutan

no legal parties

Bolivia

Bolivian Socialist Falange or FSB [Romel PANTOJA]; Civic

Solidarity Union or UCS [Johnny FERNANDEZ]; Free Bolivia Movement or

MBL [Franz BARRIOS]; Marshal of Ayacucho Institutional Vanguard or

VIMA [Freddy ZABALA]; Movement of the Revolutionary Left or MIR

[Jaime PAZ Zamora]; Movement Toward Socialism or MAS [Evo MORALES];

Movement Without Fear or MSM [Juan DEL GRANADO]; Nationalist

Democratic Action or ADN [Jorge Fernando QUIROGA Ramirez];

Nationalist Revolutionary Movement or MNR [Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE

LOZADA]; New Republican Force or NFR [Manfred REYES-VILLA];

Pachakuti Indigenous Movement or MIP [Felipe QUISPE]; Socialist

Party or PS [Jeres JUSTINIANO]

note: the MNR, MIR, and UCS comprise the ruling coalition

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Alliance of Independent Social Democrats or

SNSD [Milorad DODIK]; Bosnian Party or BOSS [Mirnes AJANOVIC]; Civic

Democratic Party or GDS [Ilija SIMIC]; Croatian Democratic Union of

Bosnia and Herzegovina or HDZ [Barisa COLAK (acting)]; Croat

Christian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina or HKDU [Mijo

IVANIC-LONIC]; Croat Party of Rights or HSP [Zdravko HRISTIC]; Croat

Peasants Party or HSS [Ilija SIMIC]; Democratic National Union or

DNZ [Fikret ABDIC]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDS [Rasim KADIC];

New Croat Initiative or NHI [Kresimir ZUBAK]; Party for Bosnia and

Herzegovina or SBiH [Safet HALILOVIC]; Party of Democratic Action or

SDA [Sulejman TIHIC]; Party of Democratic Progress or PDP [Mladen

IVANIC]; Pro-European People's Party or PROENS [Jadranko PRLIC];

Serb Democratic Party or SDS [Dragan KALINIC]; Serb Radical Party of

the Republika Srpska or SRS-RS [Radislav KANJERIC]; Social

Democratic Party of BIH or SDP [Zlatko LAGUMDZIJA]; Socialist Party

of Republika Srpska or SPRS [Petar DJOKIC]

Botswana

Botswana Democratic Party or BDP [Festus MOGAE]; Botswana

National Front or BNF [Otswoletse MOUPO]; Botswana Congress Party or

BCP [Mokgweetsi KGOSIPULA]; Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM

[Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO]

note: a number of minor parties joined forces in 1999 to form the

BAM but did not capture any parliamentary seats; the BAM parties

are: the United Action Party [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO], the

Independence Freedom Party or IFP [Motsamai MPHO], and the Botswana

Progressive Union [D. K. KWELE]

Brazil

Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Michel TEMER];

Brazilian Labor Party or PTB [Jose Carlos MARTINEZ]; Brazilian

Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Senator Jose ANIBAL]; Brazilian

Socialist Party or PSB [Miguel ARRAES]; Brazilian Progressive Party

or PPB [Paulo Salim MALUF]; Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB

[Renato RABELLO]; Democratic Labor Party or PDT [Leonel BRIZOLA];

Green Party or PV [leader NA]; Liberal Front Party or PFL [Jorge

BORNHAUSEN]; Liberal Party or PL [Deputy Valdemar COSTA Neto];

National Order Reconstruction Party or PRONA [Dr. Eneas CARNEIRO];

Popular Socialist Party or PPS [Senator Roberto FREIRE]; Social

Democratic Party or PSD [leader NA]; Worker's Party or PT [Jose

GENOINO]

British Virgin Islands

Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Ethlyn

SMITH]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Orlando SMITH]; United

Party or UP [Gregory MADURO]; Virgin Islands Party or VIP [Ralph T.

O'NEAL]

Brunei

Brunei Solidarity National Party or PPKB in Malay [Haji Mohd

HATTA bin Haji Zainal Abidin, president]; note - the PPKB is the

only legal political party in Brunei; it was registered in 1985 but

became largely inactive after 1988; it was revived in 1995 and again

in 1998; it has less than 200 registered party members; other

parties include Brunei People's Party or PRB (banned in 1962) and

Brunei National Democratic Party (registered in May 1965,

deregistered by the Brunei Government in 1988)

Bulgaria

Bulgarian Socialist Party or BSP [Sergei STANISHEV];

Coalition for Bulgaria or CfB (coalition of parties dominated by

BSP) [Sergei STANISHEV]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary

Organization or VMRO [Krasimir KARAKACHANOV]; Movement for Rights

and Freedoms or MRF [Ahmed DOGAN]; National Movement for Simeon II

or NMS2 [Simeon SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA]; Union of Democratic Forces or

UDF [Nadezhda MIKHAYLOVA]; Union of Free Democrats or UFD [Stefan

SOFIYANSKI]; United Democratic Forces or UtdDF (a coalition between

the UDF and other center-right parties)

Burkina Faso

African Democratic Rally-Alliance for Democracy and

Federation or RDA-ADF [Herman YAMEOGO]; Confederation for Federation

and Democracy or CFD [Amadou Diemdioda DICKO]; Congress for

Democracy and Progress or CDP [Roch Marc-Christian KABORE]; Movement

for Tolerance and Progress or MTP [Nayabtigungou Congo KABORE];

Party for African Independence or PAI [Philippe OUEDRAOGO]; Party

for Democracy and Progress or PDP [Joseph KI-ZERBO]; Union of Greens

for the Development of Burkina Faso or UVDB [Ram OVEDRAGO]

Burma

National League for Democracy or NLD [AUNG SHWE, chairman,

AUNG SAN SUU KYI, general secretary]; National Unity Party or NUP

(proregime) [THA KYAW]; Shan Nationalities League for Democracy or

SNLD [KHUN TUN OO]; Union Solidarity and Development Association or

USDA (proregime, a social and political organization) [THAN AUNG,

general secretary]; and other smaller parties

Burundi

the two national, mainstream, governing parties are: Unity

for National Progress or UPRONA [Alphonse KADEGE, president];

Burundi Democratic Front or FRODEBU [Jean MINANI, president]

note: a multiparty system was introduced after 1998, included are:

Burundi African Alliance for the Salvation or ABASA [Terrence

NSANZE]; Rally for Democracy and Economic and Social Development or

RADDES [Joseph NZEYIMANA]; Party for National Redress or PARENA

[Jean-Baptiste BAGAZA]; People's Reconciliation Party or PRP

[Mathias HITIMANA]

Cambodia

Buddhist Liberal Party or BLP [IENG MOULY]; Cambodian

Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party or CPP [CHEA SIM];

Khmer Citizen Party or KCP [NGUON SOEUR]; National United Front for

an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia or

FUNCINPEC [Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH]; Sam Rangsi Party or SRP

(formerly Khmer Nation Party or KNP) [SAM RANGSI]

Cameroon

Cameroonian Democratic Union or UDC [Adamou NDAM NJOYA];

Democratic Rally of the Cameroon People or RDCP [Paul BIYA];

Movement for the Defense of the Republic or MDR [Dakole DAISSALA];

Movement for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon or MLDC

[leader Marcel YONDO]; Movement for the Youth of Cameroon or MYC

[Dieudonne TINA]; National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP

[Maigari BELLO BOUBA]; Social Democratic Front or SDF [John FRU

NDI]; Union of Cameroonian Populations or UPC [Augustin Frederic

KODOCK]

Canada

Bloc Quebecois [Gilles DUCEPPE]; Canadian Alliance [Stephen

HARPER]; Liberal Party [Paul MARTIN]; New Democratic Party [Jack

LAYTON]; Progressive Conservative Party [Peter MACKAY]

Cape Verde

African Party for Independence of Cape Verde or PAICV

[Jose Maria Pereira NEVES, chairman]; Democratic Alliance for Change

or ADM [Dr. Eurico MONTEIRO] (a coalition of PCD, PTS, and UCID);

Democratic Christian Party or PDC [Manuel RODRIGUES, chairman];

Democratic Renovation Party or PRD [Jacinto SANTOS, president];

Movement for Democracy or MPD [Agostinho LOPES, president]; Party

for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Dr. Eurico MONTEIRO, president];

Party of Work and Solidarity or PTS [Anibal MEDINA, president];

Social Democratic Party or PSD [Joao ALEM, president]

Cayman Islands

there are no formal political parties but the

following loose groupings act as political organizations; National

Team [leader NA]; Democratic Alliance [leader NA]; Team Cayman

[leader NA]; United Democratic Party [leader NA]

Central African Republic

Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP

[Jacques MBOLIEDAS]; Central African Democratic Assembly or RDC

[Andre KOLINGBA]; Civic Forum or FC [Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA];

Democratic Forum for Modernity or FODEM [Charles MASSI]; Liberal

Democratic Party or PLD [Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON]; Movement for

Democracy and Development or MDD [David DACKO]; Movement for the

Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC [the party of

deposed president, Ange-Felix PATASSE]; Patriotic Front for Progress

or FPP [Abel GOUMBA]; People's Union for the Republic or UPR [Pierre

Sammy MAKFOY]; National Unity Party or PUN [Jean-Paul NGOUPANDE];

Social Democratic Party or PSD [Enoch LAKOUE]

Chad

Federation Action for the Republic or FAR [Ngarlejy YORONGAR];

National Rally for Development and Progress or RNDP [Mamadou BISSO];

National Union for Democracy and Renewal or UNDR [Saleh KEBZABO];

Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS [Mahamat Saleh AHMAT, chairman]

(originally in opposition but now the party in power and the party

of the president); Union for Renewal and Democracy or URD [Gen.

Wadal Abdelkader KAMOUGUE]; Viva Rally for Development and Progress

or Viva RNDP [Delwa Kassire COUMAKOYE]

Chile

Alliance for Chile ("Alianza") or APC - including RN and UDI;

Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Adolfo ZALDIVAR]; Coalition of

Parties for Democracy ("Concertacion") or CPD - including PDC, PS,

PPD, PRSD; Communist Party or PC [Gladys MARIN]; Independent

Democratic Union or UDI [Pablo LONGUEIRA]; National Renewal or RN

[Sebastian PINERA]; Party for Democracy or PPD [Guido GIRARDI];

Radical Social Democratic Party or PRSD [Orlando CANTUARIAS];

Socialist Party or PS [Camilo ESCALONA]

China

Chinese Communist Party or CCP [HU Jintao, General Secretary

of the Central Committee]; eight registered small parties controlled

by CCP

Christmas Island

none

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none

Colombia

Conservative Party or PSC [Carlos HOLGUIN Sardi]; Liberal

Party or PL [Piedad CORDOBA and Juan Manuel LOPEZ Cabrales];

Colombian Communist Party or PCC [Jaime CAICEDO]; 19 of April

Movement or M-19 [Antonio NAVARRO Wolff]

note: Colombia has about 60 formally recognized political parties,

most of which do not have a presence in either house of Congress

Comoros

Forces pour l'Action Republicaine or FAR [Col. Abdourazak

ABDULHAMID]; Forum pour la Redressement National or FRN (alliance of

12 parties); Front Democratique or FD [Moustoifa Said CHEIKH]; Front

National pour la Justice or FNJ (Islamic party in opposition) [Ahmed

RACHID]; Movement des Citoyens pour la Republique or MCR [Mahamoud

MRADABI]; Mouvement Populaire Anjouanais or MPA (Anjouan separatist

movement) [leader NA]; Mouvement pour la Democratie et le Progress

or MDP-NGDC [Abbas DJOUSSOUF]; Movement pour le Socialisme et la

Democratie or MSD (splinter group of FD) [Abdou SOEFOU]; Parti

Comorien pour la Democratie et le Progress or PCDP [Ali MROUDJAE];

Rassemblement National pour le Development or RND (party of the

government) [Omar TAMOU, Abdoulhamid AFFRAITANE]

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Democratic Social Christian Party

or PDSC [Andre BO-BOLIKO]; Forces for Renovation for Union and

Solidarity or FONUS [Joseph OLENGHANKOY]; National Congolese

Lumumbist Movement or MNC [Francois LUMUMBA]; Popular Movement of

the Revolution or MPR (three factions: MPR-Fait Prive [Catherine

NZUZI wa Mbombo]; MPR/Vunduawe [Felix VUNDUAWE]; MPR/Mananga

[MANANGA Dintoka Mpholo]); Unified Lumumbast Party or PALU [Antoine

GIZENGA]; Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Etienne

TSHISEKEDI wa Mulumba]; Union of Federalists and Independent

Republicans or UFERI (two factions: UFERI [Lokambo OMOKOKO];

UFERI/OR [Adolph Kishwe MAYA])

Congo, Republic of the

the most important of the many parties are

the Democratic and Patriotic Forces or FDP (an alliance of

Convention for Alternative Democracy, Congolese Labor Party or PCT,

Liberal Republican Party, National Union for Democracy and Progress,

Patriotic Union for the National Reconstruction, and Union for the

National Renewal) [Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, president]; Congolese

Movement for Democracy and Integral Development or MCDDI [Michel

MAMPOUYA]; Pan-African Union for Social Development or UPADS [Martin

MBERI]; Rally for Democracy and Social Progress or RDPS [Jean-Pierre

Thystere TCHICAYA, president]; Rally for Democracy and the Republic

or RDR [Raymond Damasge NGOLLO]; Union for Democracy and Republic or

UDR [leader NA]; Union of Democratic Forces or UFD [Sebastian EBAO]

Cook Islands

Cook Islands People's Party or CIP [Geoffrey HENRY];

Democratic Alliance Party or DAP [Terepai MAOATE]; New Alliance

Party or NAP [Norman GEORGE]; Cook Islands National Party or CIN

[Teariki HEATHER]

Costa Rica

Agricultural Labor Action or PALA [Carlos Alberto SOLIS

Blanco]; Citizen Action Party or PAC [Otton SOLIS]; Costa Rican

Renovation Party or PRC [Justo OROZCO]; Democratic Force Party or

PFD [Jose M. NUNEZ]; Libertarian Movement Party or PML [Otto GUEVARA

Guth]; National Christian Alliance Party or ANC [Alejandro

MADRIGAL]; National Independent Party or PNI [Jorge GONZALEZ

Marten]; National Integration Party or PIN [Walter MUNOZ Cespedes];

National Liberation Party or PLN [Sonia PICADO]; Social Christian

Unity Party or PUSC [Luis Manuel CHACON]

note: mainly a two-party system - PUSC and PLN - until the 3

February 2002 election in which the PAC captured a significant

percentage, forcing a run-off in April 2002

Cote d'Ivoire

Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire-African Democratic

Rally or PDCI-RDA [Aime Henri Konan BEDIE]; Ivorian Popular Front or

FPI [Laurent GBAGBO]; Ivorian Worker's Party or PIT [Francis WODIE];

Rally of the Republicans or RDR [Alassane OUATTARA]; Union for

Democracy and Peace or UDPCI [leader NA]; over 20 smaller parties

Croatia

Croatian Bloc or HB [Ivic PASALIC]; Croatian Christian

Democratic Union or HKDU [Anto KOVACEVIC]; Croatian Democratic Union

or HDZ [Ivo SANADER]; Croatian Party of Rights or HSP [Anto DJAPIC];

Croatian Peasant Party or HSS [Zlatko TOMCIC]; Croatian People's

Party or HNS [Vesna PUSIC]; Croatian Social Liberal Party or HSLS

[Drazen BUDISA]; Croatian True Revival Party or HIP [Miroslav

TUDJMAN]; Democratic Centre or DC [Mate GRANIC]; Istrian Democratic

Assembly or IDS [Ivan JAKOVCIC]; Liberal Party or LS [Ivo BANAC];

Party of Liberal Democrats or LIBRA [Goran GRANIC]; Social

Democratic Party of Croatia or SDP [Ivica RACAN]

note: the Social Democratic Party or SDP and the Croatian Social

Liberal Party or HSLS formed a coalition as did the HSS, HNS, LP,

and IDS, which together defeated the Croatian Democratic Union or

HDZ in the 2000 lower house parliamentary election; the IDS

subsequently left the governing coalition in June 2001 over its

inability to win greater autonomy for Istria

Cuba

only party - Cuban Communist Party or PCC [Fidel CASTRO Ruz,

first secretary]

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: Democratic Party or DIKO [Tassos

PAPADOPOULOS]; Democratic Rally or DISY [Nikos ANASTASIADHIS];

Fighting Democratic Movement or ADIK [Dinos MIKHAILIDIS]; Green

Party of Cyprus [George PERDIKIS]; New Horizons [Nikolaus KOUTSOU];

Restorative Party of the Working People or AKEL (Communist Party)

[Dimitrios CHRISTOFIAS]; Social Democrats Movement or KISOS

(formerly United Democratic Union of Cyprus or EDEK) [Yiannakis

OMIROU]; United Democrats Movement or EDE [George VASSILIOU];

Turkish Cypriot area: Communal Liberation Party or TKP [Mustafa

AKINCI]; Democratic Party or DP [Serder DENKTASH]; National Birth

Party or UDP [Enver EMIN]; National Unity Party or UBP [Dervis

EROGLU]; Our Party or BP [Okyay SADIKOGLU]; Patriotic Unity Movement

or YBH [Izzet IZCAN]; Republican Turkish Party or CTP [Mehmet ALI

TALAT]

Czech Republic

Christian and Democratic Union-Czechoslovak People's

Party or KDU-CSL [Miroslav KALOUSEK, chairman]; Civic Democratic

Alliance or ODA [Michael ZANTOVSKY, chairman]; Civic Democratic

Party or ODS [Mirek TOPOLANEK, chairman]; Communist Party of Bohemia

and Moravia or KSCM [Miroslav GREBENICEK, chairman]; Communist Party

of Czechoslovakia or KSC [Miroslav STEPAN, chairman]; Czech National

Social Party of CSNS [Jan SULA, chairman]; Czech Social Democratic

Party or CSSD [Vladimir SPIDLA, chairman]; Freedom Union-Democratic

Union or US-DEU [Petr MARES, chairman]; Quad Coalition [Karel KUHNL,

chairman] (includes KDU-CSL, US, ODA, DEU)

Denmark

Center Democratic Party [Mimi JAKOBSEN]; Christian People's

Party [Marianne KARLSMOSE]; Conservative Party (sometimes known as

Conservative People's Party) [Bendt BENDTSEN]; Danish People's Party

[Pia KJAERSGAARD]; Liberal Party [Anders Fogh RASMUSSEN]; Social

Democratic Party [Mogens LYKKETOFT]; Social Liberal Party (sometimes

called the Radical Left) [Marianne JELVED, leader; Johannes LEBECH,

chairman]; Socialist People's Party [Holger K. NIELSEN]; Red-Green

Unity List (bloc includes Left Socialist Party, Communist Party of

Denmark, Socialist Workers' Party) [collective leadership]

Djibouti

Democratic National Party or PND [ADEN Robleh Awaleh];

Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Abdillahi HAMARITEH]; Djibouti

Development Party or PDD [Mohamed Daoud CHEHEM]; Front pour la

Restauration de l'Unite Democratique or FRUD [Ali Mohamed DAOUD];

People's Progress Assembly or RPP (governing party) [Ismail Omar

GUELLEH]; Peoples Social Democratic Party or PPSD [Moumin Bahdon

FARAH]; Republican Alliance for Democracy or ARD [Ahmed Dini AHMED];

Union for Democracy and Justice or UDJ [leader NA]

Dominica

Dominica Freedom Party or DFP [Charles SAVARIN]; Dominica

Labor Party or DLP [Pierre CHARLES]; United Workers Party or UWP

[Edison JAMES]

Dominican Republic

Dominican Liberation Party or PLD [Leonel

FERNANDEZ Reyna]; Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD [Hatuey DE

CAMPS]; Social Christian Reformist Party or PRSC [Eduardo ESTRELLA]

East Timor

Associacao Social-Democrata Timorense or ASDT [Francisco

Xavier do AMARAL]; Christian Democratic Party of Timor or PDC

[Antonio XIMENES]; Christian Democratic Union of Timor or UDC

[Vicente da Silva GUTERRES]; Democratic Party or PD [Fernando de

ARAUJO]; Liberal Party or PL [leader NA]; Maubere Democratic Party

or PDM [leader NA]; People's Party of Timor or PPT [Jacob XAVIER];

Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor or FRETILIN [Lu OLO];

Social Democrat Party of East Timor or PSD [Mario CARRASCALAO];

Socialist Party of Timor or PST [leader NA]; Sons of the Mountain

Warriors (also known as Association of Timorese Heroes) or KOTA

[Clementino dos Reis AMARAL]; Timor Democratic Union or UDT [Joao

CARRASCALAO]; Timor Labor Party or PTT [Paulo Freitas DA SILVA];

Timorese Nationalist Party or PNT [Abilio ARAUJO]; Timorese Popular

Democratic Association or APODETI [Frederico Almeida-Santos DA COSTA]

Ecuador

Concentration of Popular Forces or CFP [Averroes BUCARAM];

Democratic Left or ID [Rodrigo BORJA Cevallos]; National Action

Institutional Renewal Party or PRIAN [leader NA]; Pachakutik

Movement [Miguel LLUCO]; Patriotic Society Party or PSP [leader NA];

Popular Democracy or DP [Dr. Juan Manuel FUERTES]; Popular

Democratic Movement or MPD [Gustavo TERAN Acosta]; Radical Alfarista

Front or FRA [Fabian ALARCON, director]; Roldosist Party or PRE

[Abdala BUCARAM Ortiz, director]; Social Christian Party or PSC

[Pascual DEL CIOPPO]; Socialist Party or PS [leader NA]

Egypt

Nasserist Arab Democratic Party or Nasserists [Dia' al-din

DAWUD]; National Democratic Party or NDP [President Mohammed Hosni

MUBARAK] - governing party; National Progressive Unionist Grouping

or Tagammu [Khalid MUHI AL-DIN]; New Wafd Party or NWP [No'man

GOMA]; Socialist Liberal Party or LSP [leader NA]

note: formation of political parties must be approved by the

government

El Salvador

Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Rodolfo PARKER];

Democratic Convergence or CD [Ruben ZAMORA, secretary general]

(includes Social Democratic Party or PSD [Juan MEDRANO, leader);

Democratic Party or PD [Jorge MELENDEZ]; Farabundo Marti National

Liberation Front or FMLN [Fabio CASTILLO]; Liberal Democratic Party

or PLD [Kirio Waldo SALGADO, president]; National Action Party or

PAN [Gustavo Rogelio SALINAS, secretary general]; National

Conciliation Party or PCN [Ciro CRUZ Zepeda, president]; National

Republican Alliance or ARENA [Walter ARAUJO]; Social Christian Union

or USC (formed by the merger of Christian Social Renewal Party or

PRSC and Unity Movement or MU) [Abraham RODRIGUEZ, president]

Equatorial Guinea

Convergence Party for Social Democracy or CPDS

[Placido MIKO Abogo]; Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea or PDGE

(ruling party) [Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO]; Party for Progress

of Equatorial Guinea or PPGE [Severo MOTO]; Popular Action of

Equatorial Guinea or APGE [Miguel Esono EMAN]; Popular Union or UP

[Andres Moises Bda ADA]; Progressive Democratic Alliance or ADP

[Victorino Bolekia BONAY]; Union of Independent Democrats of UDI

[Daniel OYONO]

Eritrea

People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ, the only

party recognized by the government [ISAIAS Afworki]; note - a

National Assembly committee drafted a law on political parties in

January 2001, but the full National Assembly has not yet debated or

voted on it

Estonia

Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) [Edgar SAVISAAR,

chairman]; Estonian People's Union (Rahvaliit) [Villu REILJAN];

Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond) [Siim KALLAS]; Estonian

United Russian People's Party or EUVRP [leader NA]; Moderates

(Moodukad) [Ivari PADAR]; Pro Patria Union (Isamaaliit) [Tunne

KELAM, chairman]; Res Publica [Juhan PARTS]; Russian Baltic Party

[Sergei IVANOV]

Ethiopia

Afar National Democratic Party or ANDP [leader NA]; Amhara

National Democratic Movement or ANDM [ADDISU Legesse]; Bench Madji

People's Democratic Organization or BMPDO [leader NA]; Benishangul

Gumuz People's Democratic Unity Front or BGPDUF [leader NA];

Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front or EPRDF [MELES

Zenawi] (an alliance of ANDM, OPDO, SEPDF, and TPLF); Gedeyo

People's Revolutionary Democratic Front or GPRDF [leader NA]; Gurage

Nationalities' Democratic Movement or GNDM [leader NA]; Kafa Shaka

People's Democratic Organization or KSPDO [leader NA]; Kembata,

Alabaa and Tembaro or KAT [leader NA]; Oromo People's Democratic

Organization or OPDO [JUNEDI Sado]; Sidamo People's Democratic

Organization or SPDO [leader NA]; South Omo People's Democratic

Movement or SOPDM [leader NA]; Tigrayan People's Liberation Front or

TPLF [MELES Zenawi]; Walayta, Gamo, Gofa, Dawro, and Konta People's

Democratic Organization or WGGPDO [leader NA]; dozens of small

parties

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

none; all independents

Faroe Islands

Center Party [Tordur NICLASEN]; Home Rule Party

[Helena Dam a NEYSTABO]; People's Party [Oli BRECKMANN]; Republican

Party [Finnabogi ISAKSON]; Social Democratic Party [Joannes

EIDESGAARD]; Union Party [Edmund JOENSEN]

Fiji

Bai Kei Viti Party or BKV [Ratu Tevita MOMOEDONU]; Conservative

Alliance Party/Matanitu Vanua or MV [Ratu Rakuita VAKALALABURE];

Dodonu Ni Taukei Party or DNT [Fereti S. DEWA]; Fiji Democratic

Party or FDP [Felipe BOLE] (a merger of the Christian Democrat

Alliance or VLV [Poesci Waqalevu BUNE], Fijian Association Party or

FAP [Adi Kuini SPEED], Fijian Political Party or SVT (primarily

Fijian) [Felipe BOLE], and New Labor Unity Party or NLUP [Tupeni

BABA]); Fiji Labor Party or FLP [Mahendra CHAUDRHRY]; General Voters

Party or GVP [leader NA] (became part of United General Party);

Girmit Heritage Party or GHP [leader NA]; Justice and Freedom Party

or AIM [leader NA]; Lio 'On Famor Rotuma Party or LFR [leader NA];

National Federation Party or NFP (primarily Indian) [Pramond RAE];

Nationalist Vanua Takolavo Party or NVTLP [Saula TELAWA]; Party of

National Unity or PANU [Meli BOGILEKA]; Party of the Truth or POTT

[leader NA]; United Fiji Party/Sogosogo Duavata ni Lewenivanua or

SDL [Laisenia QARASE]; United General Party or UGP [Millis Mick

BEDDOES]

Finland

Center Party or Kesk [Matti VANHANEN]; Christian Democrats

or KD [Bjarne KALLIS]; Green League or VIHR [Osmo SOININVAARA]; Left

Alliance or VAS (Communist) composed of People's Democratic League

and Democratic Alternative [Suvi-Anne SIIMES]; National Coalition

(conservative) Party or Kok [Ville ITALA]; Social Democratic Party

or SDP [Paavo LIPPONEN]; Swedish People's Party or SFP [Jan-Erik

ENESTAM]

France

Citizen and Republican Movement or MCR [Jean Pierre

CHEVENEMENT]; Democratic and European Social Rally or RDSE (mainly

RAD and PRG) [leader NA]; French Communist Party or PCF

[Marie-George BUFFET]; Left Radical Party or PRG (previously Radical

Socialist Party or PRS and the Left Radical Movement or MRG)

[Jean-Michel BAYLET]; Liberal Democracy or DL (originally Republican

Party or PR; now merged into the UMP) [Alain MADELIN]; Movement for

France or MPF [Philippe DE VILLIERS]; Rally for France or RPF

[Charles PASQUA]; Rally for the Republic or RPR (merged into UMP)

[Serge LEPELTIER]; Socialist Party or PS [Francois HOLLANDE]; Greens

[Martine BILLARD, Denis BAUPIN, Stephane POCRAIN, Maryse ARDITI];

Union for French Democracy or UDF (coalition of DL, CDS, UDF, RP,

and other parties) [Francois BAYROU]; Union for a Popular Movement

or UMP (including RPR, DL, and a part of UDF) [Alain JUPPE]

French Guiana

Guyanese Democratic Action or ADG [Andre LECANTE];

Guyanese Socialist Party or PSG [Marie-Claude VERDAN]; Guyana

Democratic Forces or FDG [Georges OTHILY]; Popular National Guyanese

Party or PNPG [Jose DORCY]; Rally for the Republic or RPR [Roland

HO-WEN-SZE]; Socialist Party or PS [Pierre RIBARDIERE]; Walwari

Committee [Christine TAUBIRA-DELANON]

French Polynesia

Independent Front for the Liberation of Polynesia

(Tavini Huiraatira) [Oscar TEMARU]; New Fatherland Party (Ai'a Api)

[Emile VERNAUDON]; People's Rally for the Republic of Polynesia or

RPR (Tahoeraa Huiraatira) [Gaston FLOSSE]; The New Star (Te Fetia

Api) [leader NA]

Gabon

Circle of Liberal Reformers or CLR [General Jean Boniface

ASSELE]; Democratic and Republican Alliance or ADERE

[Divungui-di-Ndinge DIDJOB]; Gabonese Democratic Party or PDG,

former sole party [Simplice Nguedet MANZELA]; Gabonese Party for

Progress or PGP [Pierre-Louis AGONDJO-OKAWE,]; National Rally of

Woodcutters-Rally for Gabon or RNB-RPG (Bucherons) [Fr. Paul

M'BA-ABESSOLE]; People's Unity Party or PUP [Louis Gaston MAYILA];

Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Pierre EMBONI]; Social

Democratic Party or PSD [Pierre Claver MAGANGA-MOUSSAVOU]

Gambia, The

Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or

APRC [Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH]; Gambian People's Party-Progressive

People's Party-United Democratic Party or GPP-PPP-UDP Coalition

[Ousainou DARBOE]; National Convention Party or NCP [Sheriff DIBBA];

National Reconciliation Party or NRP [Hamat N. K. BAH]; People's

Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism or PDOIS

[Sidia JATTA]

note: in August 2001, an independent electoral commission allowed

the reregistration of the GPP, NCP, and PPP, three parties banned

since 1996

Georgia

Citizen's Union of Georgia or CUG [Avtandil JORBENADZE];

Georgian People's Front [Nodar NATADZE]; Georgian United Communist

Party or UCPG [Panteleimon GIORGADZE]; Greens [Giorgi

GACHECHILADZE]; Industry Will Save Georgia or IWSG [Georgi TOPADZE];

Labor Party [Shalva NATELASHVILI]; National Democratic Party or NDP

[Irina SARISHVILI-CHANTURIA]; New National Movement [Mikheil

SAAKASHVILI]; New Right [Levaii GACHECHILADZE]; Republican Party

[David BERDZENISHVILI]; "Revival" Union Party or AGUR [Alsan

ABASHIDZE]; Socialist Party or SPG [Irakli MINDELI]; Traditionalists

[Akaki ASATIANI]

Germany

Alliance '90/Greens [Angelika BEER and Reinhard BUETIKOFER];

Christian Democratic Union or CDU [Angela MERKEL]; Christian Social

Union or CSU [Edmund STOIBER, chairman]; Free Democratic Party or

FDP [Guido WESTERWELLE, chairman]; Party of Democratic Socialism or

PDS [Lothar BISKY]; Social Democratic Party or SPD [Gerhard

SCHROEDER, chairman]

Ghana

Convention People's Party or CPP [Nii Noi DOWUONA, general

secretary]; Every Ghanaian Living Everywhere or EGLE [Owuraku AMOFA,

chairman]; Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP [Dan LARTY];

National Convention Party or NCP [Sarpong KUMA-KUMA]; National

Democratic Congress or NDC [Dr. Huudu YAHAYA, general secretary];

New Patriotic Party or NPP [Samuel Arthur ODOI-SYKES]; People's

Convention Party or PCP [P. K. DONKOH-AYIFI, acting chairman];

People's Heritage Party or PHP [Emmanuel Alexander ERSKINE];

People's National Convention or PNC [Edward MAHAMA]; Reform Party

[Kyeretwie OPUKU, general secretary]

Gibraltar

Gibraltar Liberal Party [Joseph GARCIA]; Gibraltar Social

Democrats or GSD [Peter CARUANA]; Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or

GSLP [Joseph John BOSSANO]

Greece

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) [Nikolaos

KONSTANTOPOULOS]; Communist Party of Greece or KKE [Aleka PAPARIGA];

New Democracy or ND (conservative) [Konstandinos KARAMANLIS];

Panhellenic Socialist Movement or PASOK [Konstandinos SIMITIS]

Greenland

Akulliit Party [Bjarne KREUTZMANN]; Atassut Party

(Solidarity, a conservative party favoring continuing close

relations with Denmark) [Augusta SALLING]; Demokratiit [Per

BERTHELSEN]; Inuit Ataqatigiit or IA (Eskimo Brotherhood, a leftist

party favoring complete independence from Denmark rather than home

rule) [Josef MOTZFELDT]; Issituup (Polar Party) [Nicolai HEINRICH];

Kattusseqatigiit (Candidate List, an independent right-of-center

party with no official platform [leader NA]; Siumut (Forward Party,

a social democratic party advocating more distinct Greenlandic

identity and greater autonomy from Denmark) [Hans ENOKSEN]

Grenada

Grenada United Labor Party or GULP [Herbert PREUDHOMME];

National Democratic Congress or NDC [leader vacant]; New National

Party or NNP [George McGUIRE]; People Labor Movement or PLM [leader

NA]

Guadeloupe

Communist Party of Guadeloupe or PCG [Mona CADOCE]; FGPS

[Dominique LARIFLA]; Progressive Democratic Party or PPDG [Henri

BANGOU]; Rally for the Republic or RPR (may have become UMP)

[Lucette MICHAUX-CHEVRY]; Socialist Party or PS [Georges LOUISOR];

Union for French Democracy or UDF [Marcel ESDRAS]

Guam

Democratic Party (controls the legislature) [speaker, Vicente

(Ben) PANGELINAN]; Republican Party (party of Governor CAMACHO)

[leader NA]

Guatemala

Authentic Integral Development or DIA [Eduardo SUGER];

Democratic Union or UD [Rodolfo PAIZ Andrade]; Grand National

Alliance or GANA [leader NA]; Green Party or LOV [Rodolfo ROSALES

Garcis-Salaz]; Guatemalan Christian Democracy or DCG [Vinicio CEREZO

Arevalo]; Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity or URNG [Secretary

General Alba ESTELA Maldonado]; Guatemalan Republican Front or FRG

[Efrain RIOS Montt]; Movement for Guatemalan Unity or MGU [Jacobo

ARBENZ Villanueva]; Movement for Principals and Values or MPV

[Francisco BIANCHI]; National Advancement Party or PAN [Secretary

General Leonel LOPEZ Rodas]; National Unity for Hope or UNE

[Alvarado COLOM Caballeros]; New Nation Alliance or ANN, formed by

an alliance of DIA, URNG, and several splinter groups most of whom

subsequently defected [led by three co-equal partners - Nineth

Varenca MONTENEGRO Cottom, Rodolfo BAUER Paiz, and Jorge Antonio

BALSELLS TUT]; Patriot Party or PP [retired General Otto PEREZ

Molina]; Progressive Liberator Party or PLP [Acisclo VALLADARES

Molina]; Reform Movement or MR [Secretary General Alfredo

SKINNER-KLEE]; Unionista Party [leader NA]

Guernsey

none; all independents

Guinea

Democratic Party of Guinea-African Democratic Rally or

PDG-RDA [El Hadj Ismael Mohamed Gassim GUSHEIN]; National Union for

Progress or UNP [Paul Louis FABER]; Party for Unity and Progress or

PUP [Lansana CONTE] - the governing party; People's Party of Guinea

or PPG [Pascal TOLNO]; Rally for the Guinean People or RPG [Alpha

CONDE]; Union for Progress and Renewal or UPR [Siradiou DIALLO];

Union for Progress of Guinea or UPG [Jean-Marie DORE,

secretary-general]; Union of Republican Forces or UFR [Sidya TOURE]

Guinea-Bissau

African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau

and Cape Verde or PAIGC [Francisco BENANTE]; Front for the

Liberation and Independence of Guinea or FLING [Francois MENDY];

Guinea-Bissau Resistance-Ba Fata Movement or RGB-MB [Helder Vaz

LOPES]; Guinean Civic Forum or FCG [Antonieta Rosa GOMES];

International League for Ecological Protection or LIPE [Alhaje

Bubacar DJALO, president]; National Union for Democracy and Progress

or UNDP [Abubacer BALDE, secretary general]; Party for Democratic

Convergence or PCD [Victor MANDINGA]; Social Renovation Party or PRS

[Kumba YALA]; Union for Change or UM [Jorge MANDINGA, president, Dr.

Anne SAAD, secretary general]; United Social Democratic Party or

PUSD [Victor Sau'de MARIA]

Guyana

Alliance for Guyana or AFG (includes Guyana Labor Party or

GLP and Working People's Alliance or WPA) [Rupert ROOPNARAINE];

Guyana Action Party or GAP [Paul HARDY]; Guyana Labor Party or GLP

[leader NA]; People's National Congress or PNC/R [Robert Herman

Orlando CORBIN]; People's Progressive Party/Civic or PPP/C [Bharrat

JAGDEO]; Rise, Organize, and Rebuild or ROAR [Ravi DEV]; The United

Force or TUF [Manzoor NADIR]; Working People's Alliance or WPA

[Rupert ROOPNARAINE]

Haiti

Alliance for the Liberation and Advancement of Haiti or ALAH

[Reynold GEORGES]; Assembly of Progressive National Democrats or

RDNP [Leslie MANIGAT]; Convergence (opposition coalition composed of

ESPACE, OPL, and MOCHRENA) [Gerard PIERRE-CHARLES, Evans PAUL, Luc

MESADIEU, Victor BENOIT]; Democratic Consultation Group coalition or

ESPACE [Evans PAUL, Victor BENOIT] composed of the following

parties: National Congress of Democratic Movements or KONAKOM,

National Progressive Revolutionary Party or PANPRA, Generation 2004,

and Haiti Can; Haitian Christian Democratic Party or PDCH

[Marie-France CLAUDE]; Haitian Democratic Party or PADEM [Clark

PARENT]; Lavalas Family or FL [Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE]; Mobilization

for National Development or MDN [Hubert DE RONCERAY]; Movement for

National Reconstruction or MRN [Rene THEODORE]; Movement for the

Installation of Democracy in Haiti or MIDH [Marc BAZIN]; Movement

for the Organization of the Country or MOP [Gesner COMEAU and Jean

MOLIERE]; National Cooperative Action Movement or MKN [Volrick Remy

JOSEPH]; National Front for Change and Democracy or FNCD [Evans PAUL

and Turneb DELPE]; New Christian Movement for a New Haiti or

MOCHRENA [Luc MESADIEU]; Open the Gate or PLB [Renaud BERNARDIN];

Struggling People's Organization or OPL [Gerard PIERRE-CHARLES]

Holy See (Vatican City)

none

Honduras

Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Dr. Hernan CORRALES

Padilla]; Democratic Unification Party or PUD [leader NA]; Liberal

Party or PL [Roberto MICHELETTI Bain]; National Innovation and Unity

Party-Social Democratic Party or PINU-SD [Olban F. VALLADARES];

National Party of Honduras or PN [Raphael CALLEJAS]

Hong Kong

Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood

[Frederick FUNG Kin-kee, chairman]; Citizens Party [Alex CHAN

Kai-chung]; Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong

[Jasper TSANG Yok-sing, chairman]; Democratic Party [Martin LEE

Chu-ming, chairman]; Frontier Party [Emily LAU Wai-hing,

chairwoman]; Hong Kong Association for Democracy and People's

Livelihood [leader NA]; Hong Kong Progressive Alliance [Ambrose LAU

Hon-chuen]; Liberal Party [James TIEN Pei-chun, chairman]; New

Century Forum [NQ Ching-fai, chairman]

note: political blocs include: pro-democracy - Association for

Democracy and People's Livelihood, Citizens Party, Democratic Party,

Frontier Party; pro-Beijing - Democratic Alliance for the Betterment

of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Progressive Alliance, Liberal Party, New

Century Forum

Hungary

Alliance of Free Democrats or SzDSz [Gabor KUNCZE];

Christian Democratic People's Party or KDNP [Laszlo VARGA,

chairman]; Hungarian Civic Alliance or Fidesz-MPP [Jozsef SZASER,

chairman]; Hungarian Democratic Forum or MDF [Ibolya DAVID];

Hungarian Democratic People's Party or MDNP [Erzsebet PUSZTAI,

chairman]; Hungarian Justice and Life Party or MIEP [Istvan CSURKA,

chairman]; Hungarian Socialist Party or MSzP [Laszlo KOVACS,

chairman]; Hungarian Workers' Party or MMP [Gyula THURMER, chairman]

Iceland

Independence Party or IP [David ODDSSON]; Left-Green

Alliance or LGP [Steingrimur SIGFUSSON]; Liberal Party or LP [Gudjon

KRISTJANSSON]; Progressive Party or PP [Halldor ASGRIMSSON]; Social

Democratic Alliance (includes People's Alliance or PA, Social

Democratic Party or SDP, Women's List)or SDA [Ossur SKARPHEDINSSON];

Social Democratic Party or SDP [Sighvatur BJORGVINSSON]; Women's

List or WL [Kristin ASTGEIRSDOTTIR]

India

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or AIADMK [C.

Jayalalitha JAYARAM]; All India Forward Bloc or AIFB, [D. BISWAS

(general secretary)]; Asom Gana Parishad [Brindaban GOSWAMI];

Bahujan Samaj Party or BSP [MAYAWATI]; Bharatiya Janata Party or BJP

[Jana KRISNAMURTHY]; Biju Janata Dal or BJD [Naveen PATNAIK];

Communist Party of India or CPI [Ardhendu Bhushan BARDHAN];

Communist Party of India/Marxist-Leninist or CPI/ML [Dipankar

BHATTACHARYA]; Congress (I) Party [Sonia GANDHI]; Dravida Munnetra

Kazagham or DMK (a regional party in Tamil Nadu) [M. KARUNANIDHI];

Indian National League [Suliaman SAITH]; Janata Dal (Secular) [H. D.

Deve GOWDA]; Janata Dal (United) or JDU [Sharad YADAV]; Kerala

Congress (Mani faction) [K. M. MANI]; Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra

Kazhagam or MDMK [VAIKO]; Muslim League [G. M. BANATWALA];

Nationalist Congress Party or NCP [Sharad PAWAR]; Rashtriya Janata

Dal or RJD [Laloo Prasad YADAV]; Revolutionary Socialist Party or

RSP [Abani ROY]; Samajwadi Party or SP [Mulayam Singh YADAV];

Shiromani Akali Dal [G. S. TOHRA]; Shiv Sena [Bal THACKERAY]; Tamil

Maanila Congress [G. K. VASAN]; Telugu Desam Party or TDP

[Chandrababu NAIDU]; Trinamool Congress [Mamata BANERJEE]

Indonesia

Crescent Moon and Star Party or PBB [Yusril Ihza MAHENDRA,

chairman]; Federation of Functional Groups or Golkar [Akbar

TANDJUNG, general chairman]; Indonesia Democracy Party-Struggle or

PDI-P [MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri, chairperson]; National Awakening Party

or PKB [Alwi SHIHAB, chairman]; National Mandate Party or PAN [Amien

RAIS, chairman]; Prosperous Justice Party or PKS [Hidayat NUR WAHID,

chairman]; United Development Party or PPP (federation of former

Islamic parties) [Hamzah HAZ, chairman]

Iran

a loose pro-reform coalition called the 2nd Khordad front

achieved considerable success at elections to the sixth Majles in

early 2000, and groups in the coalition include: Islamic Iran

Participation Front (IIPF); Executives of Construction Party

(Kargozaran); Solidarity Party; Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution

Organization (MIRO); and Militant Clerics Society (Ruhaniyun); a new

apparently conservative group, the Builders of Islamic Iran, emerged

at the local level in early 2003

Iraq

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn

regime by US-led coalition

Ireland

Fianna Fail [Bertie AHERN]; Fine Gael [Enda KENNY]; Green

Party [Trevor SARGENT]; Labor Party [Pat RABITTE]; Progressive

Democrats [Mary HARNEY]; Sinn Fein [Gerry ADAMS]; Socialist Party

[Joe HIGGINS]; The Workers' Party [Sean GARLAND]

Israel

Center Party [Dan MERIDOR]; Democratic Front for Peace and

Equality (Hadash) [Muhammad BARAKA]; Democratic Movement [Roman

BRONFMAN]; Gesher [David LEVI]; Green Leaf Party [Boaz WACHTEL and

Shlomi SANDAK]; Herut [Michael KLEINER]; Labor Party [Binyamin

BEN-ELIEZER]; Likud Party [Ariel SHARON]; Meimad [Rabbi Michael

MELCHIOR]; Meretz [Yossi SARID]; National Democratic Alliance

(Balad) [Azmi BISHARA]; National Religious Party [Yitzhak LEVY];

National Union [Benyamin ELON] (includes Tekuma and Moledet); One

Israel [Ra'anan COHEN]; One Nation [Amir PERETZ]; Shas [Eliyahu

YISHAI]; Shinui [Tommy LAPID]; United Arab List [Abd al-Malik

DAHAMSHAH]; United Torah Judaism [Meir PORUSH]; Yisra'el Ba'Aliya or

YBA [Natan SHARANSKY]; Yisra'el Beiteinu [Avigdor LIEBERMAN]

Italy

Center-Left Olive Tree Coalition [Francesco RUTELLI] -

Democrats of the Left, Daisy Alliance (including Italian Popular

Party, Italian Renewal, Union of Democrats for Europe, The

Democrats), Sunflower Alliance (including Green Federation, Italian

Democratic Socialists), Italian Communist Party; Center-Right

Freedom House Coalition [Silvio BERLUSCONI] (formerly House of

Liberties and Freedom Alliance) - Forza Italia, National Alliance,

The Whiteflower Alliance (includes Christian Democratic Center,

United Christian Democrats), Northern League; Christian Democratic

Center or CCD [Marco FOLLINI]; Democrats of the Left or DS [Piero

FASSINO]; Forza Italia or FI [Silvio BERLUSCONI]; Green Federation

[Alfonso Pecoraro SCANIO]; Italian Communist Party or PdCI [Armando

COSSUTTA]; Italian Popular Party or PPI [Pierluigi CASTAGNETTI];

Italian Renewal or RI [Lamberto DINI]; Italian Social Democrats or

SDI [Enrico BOSELLI]; Socialist Movement-Tricolor Flame or MS-Fiamma

[Pino RAUTI]; National Alliance or AN [Gianfranco FINI]; Northern

League or NL [Umberto BOSSI]; Southern Tyrols People's Party or SVP

(German speakers) [Siegfried BRUGGER]; Sunflower Alliance (includes

Green Federation, Italian Social Democrats); The Daisy Alliance

(includes Italian Popular Party, Italian Renewal, Union of Democrats

for Europe, The Democrats); The Democrats [Arturo PARISI]; The

Radicals (formerly Pannella Reformers and Autonomous List) [Marco

PANNELLA]; The Whiteflower Alliance (includes Christian Democratic

Center, United Christian Democrats); Union of Democrats for Europe

or UDEUR [Clemente MASTELLA]; United Christian Democrats or CDU

[Rocco BUTTIGLIONE]

Jamaica

Jamaica Labor Party or JLP [Edward SEAGA]; National

Democratic Movement or NDM [Bruce GOLDING]; People's National Party

or PNP [Percival James PATTERSON]

Japan

Democratic Party of Japan or DPJ [Naoto KAN, leader; Katsuya

OKADA, secretary general]; Japan Communist Party or JCP [Kazuo SHII,

chairman; Tadayoshi ICHIDA, secretary general]; Komeito [Takenori

KANZAKI, president; Tetsuzo FUYUSHIBA, secretary general]; Liberal

Democratic Party or LDP [Junichiro KOIZUMI, president; Shinzo ABE,

secretary general]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Mizuho

FUKUSHIMA, chairperson; Seiji MATAICHI, secretary general]

Jersey

none; all independents

Jordan

Al-Umma (Nation) Party [Ahmad al-HANANDEH, secretary

general]; Arab Land Party [Dr. Muhammad al-'ORAN, secretary

general]; Communist Party [Munir HAMARINAH, secretary general];

Constitutional Front [Mahdi al-TALL, secretary general]; Jordanian

Democratic Popular Unity Party [Sa'id DHIYAB, secretary general];

Jordanian Progressive Party [Fawwaz al-ZUBI, secretary general];

Jordanian People's Democratic (Hashd) Party [Salim al-NAHHAS,

secretary general]; Islamic Action Front [Hazma MANSOUR, secretary

general]; National Action (Haqq) Party [Muhammad al-ZUBI, secretary

general]; National Constitutional Party [Abdul Hadi MAJALI,

secretary general]; (Arab) Socialist Ba'th Party [Taysif al-HIMSI,

secretary general]; Pan-Arab (Democratic) Movement [Mahmud

al-NUWAYHI, secretary general]

Kazakhstan

Agrarian Party [Romin MADINOV]; Ak Zhol Party "White

Road" [Bulat ABILOV, Uraz ZHANDOSOV, Zhanat YERTLESOVA, cofounders];

AUL "Village" [leader NA]; Civic Party [Azat PERUASHEV, first

secretary]; Communist Party or KPK [Serikbolsyn ABDILDIN, first

secretary]; Otan "Fatherland" [Gani YESIMOV, chairman]; Patriots'

Party [Gani KASYMOV]

note: only seven parties in Kazakhstan have been registered under

the new political party law passed in July 2002

Kenya

Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-People or FORD-People

[Kimaniwa NYOIKE, chairman]; Kenya African National Union or KANU

[Uhuru KENYATTA]; National Rainbow Coalition or NARC [Mwai KIBAKI] -

the governing party

Kiribati

Boutokaan Te Koaua Party or BTK [Taberannang TIMEON];

Maneaban Te Mauri Party or MTM [Teburoro TITO]; Maurin Kiribati Pati

or MKP [leader NA]; National Progressive Party or NPP [Dr. Harry

TONG]

note: there is no tradition of formally organized political parties

in Kiribati; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups

because they have no party headquarters, formal platforms, or party

structures

Korea, North

Chondoist Chongu Party [YU Mi-yong, chairwoman]; Social

Democratic Party [KIM Yong-tae, chairman]; major party - Korean

Workers' Party or KWP [KIM Chong-il, general secretary]

Korea, South

Democratic People's Party or DPP [leader NA]; Grand

National Party or GNP [CH'OE Pyong-ryol, chairman]; Millennium

Democratic Party or MDP [CHO Sun-hyong, chairman]; United Liberal

Democrats or ULD [KIM Chong-p'il, president]; Uri Party [KIM

Kun-t'ae, chairman]

Kuwait

none; formation of political parties is illegal

Kyrgyzstan

Agrarian Labor Party of Kyrgyzstan [Uson S. SYDYKOV];

Agrarian Party of Kyrgyzstan [Arkin ALIYEV]; Ata-Meken or Fatherland

[Omurbek TEKEBAYEV]; Banner National Revival Party or ASABA

[Chaprashty BAZARBAY]; Democratic Movement of Kyrgyzstan or DDK

[Jypar JEKSHEYEV]; Democratic Women's Party of Kyrgyzstan [T. A.

SHAILIYEVA]; Dignity Party [Feliks KULOV]; Erkin Kyrgyzstan

Progressive and Democratic Party [Tursunbay Bakir UULU]; Justice

Party [Chingiz AYTMATOV]; Movement for the People's Salvation

[Jumgalbek AMAMBAYEV]; Mutual Help Movement or Ashar [Jumagazy

USUPOV]; My Country Party of Action [Almazbek ISMANKULOV]; National

Unity Democratic Movement or DDNE [Yury RAZGULYAYEV]; Party of

Communists of Kyrgyzstan or KCP [Absamat M. MASALIYEV]; Party of the

Veterans of the War in Afghanistan [leader NA]; Peasant Party

[leader NA]; People's Party [Melis ESHIMKANOV]; Republican Popular

Party of Kyrgyzstan [J. SHARSHENALIYEV]; Social Democratic Party or

PSD [J. IBRAMOV]; Union of Democratic Forces (composed of Social

Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan or PSD [J. IBRAMOV], Economic Revival

Party, and Birimdik Party)

Laos

Lao People's Revolutionary Party or LPRP [KHAMTAI Siphandon,

party president]; other parties proscribed

Latvia

Alliance of the Greens and Farmers Union or ZZS [Augusts

BRIGMANIS (Farmer's Union); Indulis EMSIS (Green Party)]; CENTER

Political Alliance [Juris CELMINS]; First Party of Latvia [Eriks

JEKABSONS]; For Fatherland and Freedom or LNNK [Maris GRINBLATS];

For Human Rights in a United Latvia or PCTVL [Janis JURKANS], a

coalition of the People's Harmony Party or TSP, the Latvian

Socialist Party or LSP, and the Equal Rights Movement; Freedom Party

[Ziedonis CEVERS]; Land of Mara [Irena SAPROVSKA]; Latvian Rebirth

Party [Andris RUBINS]; Latvian Social-Democratic Workers Party

(Social Democrats) or LSDSP [Juris BOJARS]; Latvia's Way Union or LC

[Janis NAGLIS]; Light of Latgale or LG [Rihards EIGIMS]; New Era

Party [Einars REPSE]; Our Land Party [Ilmars ANCANS]; Party of

Latvians [Aivars GARDA]; People's Party [Andris SKELE]; Progressive

Center Party [Inta STAMGUTE]; Russian Party [Mihails GAVRILOVS];

Social Democratic Union or SDS [Egils BALDZENS]; Social Democratic

Welfare Party or SLP [Juris ZURAVLOVS]; United Republican Party of

Latvia or LARP [Eriks Andrejs SAULUNS, Janis PUKIS, Sarmite JEGERE]

Lebanon

political party activity is organized along largely

sectarian lines; numerous political groupings exist, consisting of

individual political figures and followers motivated by religious,

clan, and economic considerations

Lesotho

Basotho Congress Party or BCP [Tseliso MAKHAKHE]; Basotho

National Party or BNP [Maj. Gen. Justine Metsing LEKHANYA]; Lesotho

Congress for Democracy or LCD [Phebe MOTEBANO, chairwoman; Pakalitha

MOSISILI, leader] - the governing party; Lesotho People's Congress

or LPC [Kelebone MAOPE]; United Democratic Party or UDP [Charles

MOFELI]; Marematlou Freedom Party or MFP and Setlamo Alliance

[Vincent MALEBO]; Progressive National Party or PNP [Chief Peete

Nkoebe PEETE]; Sefate Democratic Party or SDP [Bofihla NKUEBE]

Liberia

Alliance of Political Parties (a coalition of LAP and LUP)

[leader NA]; All Liberia Coalition Party or ALCOP [Peter KERBAY];

Liberian Action Party or LAP [C. Gyude BRYANT]; Liberian People's

Party or LPP [Koffa NAGBE]; Liberia Unification Party or LUP [leader

NA]; National Patriotic Party or NPP [Cyril ALLEN] - governing

party; United People's Party or UPP [Wesley JOHNSON]; Unity Party or

UP [Charles CLARKE]

Libya

none

Liechtenstein

Fatherland Union or VU [Oswald KRANZ]; Progressive

Citizens' Party or FBP [Ernst WALCH]; The Free List or FL [Dr. Pepo

FRICK, Karin JENNY, Rene HASLER]

Lithuania

Electoral Action of Lithuanian Poles [Valdemar

TOMASZEVSKI, chairman]; Homeland Union/Conservative Party or TS

[Andrius KUBILIUS, chairman]; Lithuanian Center Union or LCS

[Kestutis GLAVECKAS, chairman]; Lithuanian Christian Democrats or

LKD [Kazys BOBELIS]; Lithuanian Farmer's Party or LUP [Ramunas

KARBAUSKIS, chairman]; Lithuanian Green Party [Rimantas BRAZIULIS];

Lithuanian Liberal Youth [Neringa MOROZAITE]; Lithuanian National

Democratic Party [Vygintas GONTIS]; Lithuanian Social Democratic

Coalition [Algirdas BRAZAUSKAS, chairman] consists of the Lithuanian

Democratic Labor Party or LDDP, the Lithuanian Social Democratic

Party or LSDP, and New Democracy; Moderate Conservative Union

[Gediminas VAGNORIUS]; Modern Christian Democratic Union [Vytautas

BOGUSIS, chairman]; New Democracy and Farmer's Union [Kazimiera

PRUNSKIENE, chairman]; New Union-Social Liberals [Arturas

PAULAUSKAS, chairman]; Young Lithuania [Arnoldas PLATELIS]

Luxembourg

Action Committee for Democracy and Justice or ADR [Robert

MEHLEN]; Christian Social People's Party or CSV (known also as

Christian Social Party or PCS) [Erna HENNICOT-SCHOEPGES]; Democratic

Party or DP [Lydie POLFER]; Green Party [Abbes JACOBY and Felix

BRAS]; Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party or LSAP [Jean ASSELBORN];

Marxist and Reformed Communist Party DEI LENK (the Left) [no formal

leadership]; other minor parties

Macau

there are no formal political parties, however, there are

civic associations that, for purposes of legislative voting, join

together to form political blocs

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Democratic Alternative or

DA [Vasil TUPURKOVSKI, president]; Democratic Union for Integration

or DUI (also BDI) [Ali AHMETI]; Democratic Party of Albanians or

PDSH [Arben XHAFERI, president]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary

Organization-Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity or

VMRO-DPMNE [Ljubco GEORGIEVSKI, president]; Internal Macedonian

Revolutionary Organization-True Macedonian Reform Option or

VMRO-VMRO [Boris ZMEJKOVSKI]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary

Organization-Macedonian [Boris STOJMENOV]; Liberal Democratic Party

or LDP [Risto PENOV]; Liberal Party [Stojan ANDOV]; National

Democratic Party or PDK [Kastriot HAXHIREXHA]; Party for Democratic

Prosperity or PPD [Abdurrahman HALITI]; Social-Democratic Alliance

of Macedonia or SDSM [Branko CRVENKOVSKI, president]; Socialist

Party of Macedonia or SP [Ljubisav IVANOV, president]; Together for

Macedonia coalition (including the SDSM and LDP) [Branko

CRVENKOVSKI]; Union of Romanies of Macedonia or SRM [leader NA]

Madagascar

Association for the Rebirth of Madagascar or AREMA

[leader vacant]; Economic Liberalism and Democratic Action for

National Recovery or LEADER/Fanilo [Herizo RAZAFIMAHALEO]; I Love

Madagascar or TIM [leader NA]; National Union or FP [leader NA];

Renewal of the Social Democratic Party or RPSD [Evariste MARSON]

Malawi

Alliance for Democracy or AFORD [Chakufwa CHIHANA]; Malawi

Congress Party or MCP [John TEMBO, president; Gwanda CHAKUAMBA, vice

president]; Malawi Democratic Party or MDP [Kampelo KALUA]; United

Democratic Front or UDF [Bakili MULUZI] - governing party

Malaysia

ruling coalition parties: Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Party or

PGRM [LIM Kheng Yaik]; Liberal Democratic Party (Parti Liberal

Demokratik - Sabah) or LDP [CHONG Kah Kiat]; Malaysian Chinese

Association (Persatuan China Malaysia) or MCA [LING Ong Ka Ting];

Malaysian Indian Congress (Kongresi India Malaysia) or MIC [S. Samy

VELLU]; Parti Bangsa Dayak Sarawak or PBDS [Leo MOGGIE]; Parti

Bersatu Sabah or PBS [Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan]; Parti Pesaka

Bumiputra Bersatu or PBB [Patinggi Haji Abdul TAIB Mahmud]; Sabah

Progressive Party (Parti Progresif Sabah) or SAPP [YONG Teck Lee];

Sarawak United People's Party (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak) or SUPP

[WONG Soon Kah]; United Malays National Organization or UMNO

[ABDULLAH Ahmad Badawi]; United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut

Organization (Pertubuhan Pasko Momogun Kadazan Dusun Bersatu) or

UPKO [leader NA]; opposition parties: Democratic Action Party (Parti

Tindakan Demokratik) or DAP [KERK Kim Hock]; Islamic Party of

Malaysia (Parti Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang];

National Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Nasional) or Keadilan [WAN

AZIZAH Wan Ismael]; National Front (Barisan Nasional) or BN (the

ruling coalition dominated by the UMNO and includes MCA, MIC, PGRM,

PBDS, SUPP, PBB, PBS, LDP, SAPP, UPKO) [ABDULLAH Ahmad Badawi]

Maldives

although political parties are not banned, none exist

Mali

Alliance for Democracy or ADEMA [Diounconda Traore KEITA, party

chairman]; Block of Alternative for the Renewal of Africa or BARA

[Yoro DIAKITE]; Democratic and Social Convention or CDS [Mamadou

Bakary SANGARE, chairman]; Hope 2002 [leader NA]; Movement for the

Independence, Renaissance and Integration of Africa or MIRIA

[Mohamed Lamine TRAORE, Mouhamedou DICKO]; National Congress for

Democratic Initiative or CNID [Mountaga TALL, chairman]; Party for

Democracy and Progress or PDP [Me Idrissa TRAORE]; Party for

National Renewal or PARENA [Yoro DIAKITE, chairman; Tiebile DRAME,

secretary general]; Rally for Democracy and Labor or RDT [Ali

GNANGADO]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Almamy SYLLA,

chairman]; Rally for Mali or RPM [Ibrahim Bonbasor KEITA, chairman];

Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally or US/RDA [Mamadou Bamou

TOURE, secretary general]; Union of Democratic Forces for Progress

or UFDP [Youssouf TOURE, secretary general]; Union for Democracy and

Development or UDD [Moussa Balla COULIBALY]

Malta

Alternativa Demokratika/Alliance for Social Justice or AD

[Harry VASSALLO]; Malta Labor Party or MLP [Alfred SANT];

Nationalist Party or PN [Edward FENECH ADAMI]

Man, Isle of

Man Labor Party [leader NA]; Alliance for Progressive

Government [leader NA]; Man Nationalist Party [leader NA]

note: most members sit as independents

Marshall Islands

traditionally there have been no formally organized

political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions

or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters,

formal platforms, or party structures; the following two "groupings"

have competed in legislative balloting in recent years - Kabua Party

[Imata KABUA] and United Democratic Party or UDP [Litokwa TOMEING]

Martinique

Martinique Communist Party or PCM [Pierre SUEDILLE];

Martinique Independence Movement or MIM [Alfred MARIE-JEANNE];

Martinique Progressive Party or PPM [Camille DARSIERES]; Martinique

Socialist Party or PMS [Ernest WAN-AJOUHU]; Movement of Democrats

and Ecologists for a Sovereign Martinique or Modemas [Garcin MALSA];

Rally for the Republic or RPR [Michel CHARLONE]; Socialist

Revolution Group or GRS [Philippe PIERRE-CHARLES]; Union for French

Democracy or UDF [Jean MAREN]

Mauritania

Action for Change or AC [Messoud Ould BOULKHEIR];

Alliance for Justice and Democracy or AJD [Kebe ABDOULAYE];

Democratic and Social Republican Party or PRDS (ruling party)

[President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA]; Mauritanian Party for

Renewal and Concorde or PMRC [Molaye El Hassen Ould JIYID]; National

Union for Democracy and Development or UNDD [Tidjane KOITA]; Party

for Liberty, Equality and Justice or PLEJ [Daouda M'BAGNIGA];

Popular Front or FP [Ch'bih Ould CHEIKH MALAININE]; Popular Progress

Alliance or APP [Mohamed El Hafed Ould ISMAEL]; Popular Social and

Democratic Union or UPSD [Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH]; Progress Force

Union or UFP [Mohamed Ould MAOULOUD]; Rally of Democratic Forces or

RFD [Ahmed Ould DADDAH]; Rally for Democracy and Unity or RDU [Ahmed

Ould SIDI BABA]; Union for Democracy and Progress or UDP [Naha Mint

MOUKNASS]

note: the Action for Change party was banned in January 2002;

parties legalized by constitution ratified 12 July 1991, however,

politics continue to be tribally based

Mauritius

Hizbullah [Cehl Mohamed FAKEEMEEAH]; Mauritian Labor Party

or MLP [Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM]; Mauritian Militant Movement or MMM

[Paul BERENGER] - in coalition with MSM; Mauritian Social Democrat

Party or PMSD [Charles Xavier-Luc DUVAL]; Militant Socialist

Movement or MSM [Pravind JUGNAUTH] - governing party; Rodrigues

Movement or MR [Joseph (Nicholas) Von MALLY]; Rodrigues Peoples

Organization or OPR [Serge CLAIR]

Mayotte

Democratic Front or FD [Youssouf MOUSSA]; Mahoran Popular

Movement or MPM [Ahmed MADI]; Federation of Mahorans or RPR [Mansour

KAMARDINE]; Movement for Department Status Mayotte or MDM [Mouhoutar

SALIM]; Socialist Party or PS (local branch of French Parti

Socialiste) [Ibrahim ABUBACAR]; Union for French Democracy or UDF

[Henri JEAN-BAPTISTE]

Mexico

Convergence for Democracy or CD [Dante DELGADO Ranauro];

Institutional Revolutionary Party or PRI [Dulce Maria SAURI

Riancho]; Mexican Green Ecological Party or PVEM [Jorge Emilio

GONZALEZ Martinez]; National Action Party or PAN [Luis Felipe BRAVO

Mena]; Party of the Democratic Revolution or PRD [Amalia GARCIA

Medina]; Party of the Nationalist Society or PSN [Gustavo RIOJAS

Santana]; Social Alliance Party or PAS [Guillermo CALDERON

Dominguez]; Workers Party or PT [Alberto ANAYA Gutierrez]

Micronesia, Federated States of

no formal parties

Moldova

Braghis Alliance [Dumitru BRAGHIS]; Communist Party or PCM

[Vladimir VORONIN, first chairman]; Popular Christian Democratic

Party or PPCD [Iurie ROSCA]; Social Democratic Union (composed of

Braghis Alliance and the Democratic Party of Moldova) [leader NA]

Monaco

National and Democratic Union or UND [Jean-Louis CAMPORA];

Union for Monaco or UPM (including National Union for the Future of

Monaco or UNAM [leader NA]

Mongolia

Citizens' Will Party or CWP (also called Civil Will Party

or Civil Courage Party) [Sanjaasurengyn OYUN]; Democratic Party or

DP [D. DORLIGJAN]; Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party or MPRP

[Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR]; Mongolian New Socialist Democratic Party or

MNSDP [B. ERDENEBAT]; Mongolian Republican Party or MRP [B.

JARGALSAIHAN]

note: the MPRP is the ruling party

Montserrat

National Progressive Party or NPP [Reuben T. MEADE]; New

People's Liberation Movement or NPLM [John A. OSBORNE]

Morocco

Action Party or PA [Muhammad EL IDRISSI]; Alliance of

Liberties or ADL [Ali BELHAJ]; Annahj Addimocrati or Annahj

[Abdellah EL HARIF]; Avant Garde Social Democratic Party or PADS

[Ahmed BENJELLOUN]; Citizen Forces or FC [Abderrahman LAHJOUJI];

Citizen's Initiatives for Development [Mohamed BENHAMOU];

Constitutional Union or UC [Mohamed ABIED (interim)]; Democratic and

Independence Party or PDI [Abdelwahed MAACH]; Democratic and Social

Movement or MDS [Mahmoud ARCHANE]; Democratic Socialist Party or PSD

[Aissa OUARDIGHI]; Democratic Union or UD [Bouazza IKKEN];

Environment and Development Party or PED [Ahmed EL ALAMI]; Front of

Democratic Forces or FFD [Thami EL KHYARI]; Istiqlal Party

(Independence Party) or PI [Abbas El FASSI]; Justice and Development

Party (formerly the Constitutional and Democratic Popular Movement)

or PJD [Abdelkrim EL KHATIB]; Moroccan Liberal Party or PML [Mohamed

ZIANE]; National Democratic Party or PND [Abdallah KADIRI]; National

Ittihadi Congress Party or CNI [Abdelmajid BOUZOUBAA]; National

Popular Movement or MNP [Mahjoubi AHERDANE]; National Rally of

Independents or RNI [Ahmed OSMAN]; National Union of Popular Forces

or UNFP [Abdellah IBRAHIM]; Parti Al Ahd or Al Ahd [Najib EL

OUAZZANI, chairman]; Party of Progress and Socialism or PPS [Ismail

ALAOUI]; Party of Renewal and Equity or PRE [Chakir ACHABAR]; Party

of the Unified Socialist Left or GSU [Mohamed Ben Said AIT IDDER];

Popular Movement or MP [Mohamed LAENSER]; Reform and Development

Party or PRD [Abderrahmane EL KOUHEN]; Social Center Party or PSC

[Lahcen MADIH]; Socialist Union of Popular Forces or USFP

[Abderrahman EL-YOUSSOUFI]

Mozambique

Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frente de

Liberatacao de Mocambique) or Frelimo [Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO,

president]; Mozambique National Resistance-Electoral Union

(Resistencia Nacional Mocambicana-Uniao Eleitoral) or Renamo-UE

[Afonso DHLAKAMA, president]

Namibia

Congress of Democrats or COD [Ben ULENGA]; Democratic

Turnhalle Alliance of Namibia or DTA [Katuutire KAURA, president];

Monitor Action Group or MAG [Kosie PRETORIUS]; South West Africa

People's Organization or SWAPO [Sam Shafishuna NUJOMA]; United

Democratic Front or UDF [Justus GAROEB]

Nauru

loose multiparty system; Democratic Party [Kennan ADEANG];

Nauru Party (informal) [leader NA]; Naoero Amo (Nauru First) Party

[leader NA]

Nepal

Communist Party of Nepal/United Marxist-Leninist or CPN/UML

[Madhav Kumar NEPAL, general secretary]; National Democratic Party

or NDP (also called Rastriya Prajantra Party or RPP) [Surya Bahadur

THAPA, chairman]; National People's Front (Rastriya Jana Morcha)

[Chitra Bahadur, chairman]; Nepal Sadbhavana (Goodwill) Party or NSP

[Bhadri Prasad MANDAL, acting party president]; Nepal Workers and

Peasants Party or NWPP [Narayan Man BIJUKCHHE, party chairman];

Nepali Congress or NC [Girija Prasad KOIRALA, party president;

Sushil KOIRALA, general secretary]; Samyukta Janmorcha Nepal [Lila

Mani POKHAREL, general secretary]

Netherlands

Christian Democratic Appeal or CDA [Maxime Jacques

Marcel VERHAGEN]; Christian Union Party [Andre ROUVOET]; Democrats

66 or D66 [Boris DITTRICH]; Green Party [Femke HALSEMA]; Labor Party

or PvdA [Wouter BOS]; List Pim Fortuyn [Mat HERBEN]; People's Party

for Freedom and Democracy (Liberal) or VVD [Gerrit ZALM]; Socialist

Party [Jan MARIJNISSEN]; a host of minor parties

Netherlands Antilles

Antillean Restructuring Party or PAR [Miguel

POURIER]; C 93 [Stanley BROWN]; Democratic Party of Bonaire or PDB

[Jopi ABRAHAM]; Democratic Party of Curacao or DP [Errol HERNANDEZ];

Democratic Party of Sint Eustatius or DP-St. E [Julian WOODLEY];

Democratic Party of Sint Maarten or DP-St. M [Sarah

WESCOTT-WILLIAMS]; Foundation Energetic Management Anti-Narcotics or

FAME [Eric LODEWIJKS]; Labor Party People's Crusade or PLKP [Errol

COVA]; National People's Party or PNP [Susanne F. C. CAMELIA-ROMER];

New Antilles Movement or MAN [Kenneth GIJSBERTHA]; Patriotic Union

of Bonaire or UPB [Ramon BOOI]; Patriotic Movement of Sint Maarten

or SPA [Vance JAMES, Jr.]; People's Party or PAPU [Richard Hodi];

Pro Curacao Party or PPK [Winston LOURENS]; Saba Democratic Labor

Movement [Steve HASSELL]; Saba Unity Party [Carmen SIMMONDS]; St.

Eustatius Alliance or SEA [Kenneth VAN PUTTEN]; Serious Alternative

People's Party or Sapp [Julian ROLLOCKS]; Social Action Cause or KAS

[Benny DEMEI]; Windward Islands People's Movement or WIPM [Will

JOHNSTON]; Workers' Liberation Front or FOL [Anthony GODETT, Rignald

LAK, Editha WRIGHT]

note: political parties are indigenous to each island

New Caledonia

Alliance pour la Caledonie or APLC [Didier LE ROUX];

Federation des Comites de Coordination des Independantistes or FCCI

[Francois BURCK]; Front National or FN [Guy GEORGE]; Front Uni de

Liberation Kanak or FULK [Ernest UNE]; Kanak Socialist Front for

National Liberation or FLNKS [leader NA] (includes PALIKA, UNI, UC,

and UPM); Parti de Liberation Kanak or PALIKA [Paul NEAOUTYINE and

Elie POIGOUNE]; Rally for Caledonia in the Republic (anti

independent) or RPCR [Jacques LAFLEUR]; Union Nationale pour

l'Independance or UNI [Paul NEAOUTYINE]; note - may no longer exist,

but Paul NEAOUTYINE has since become a president of Parti de

Liberation Kanak or PALIKA; Union Progressiste Melanesienne or UPM

[Victor TUTUGORO]

New Zealand

ACT New Zealand [Richard PREBBLE]; Alliance (a coalition

of the New Labor Party, Democratic Party, New Zealand Liberal Party,

and Mana Motuhake) [James (Jim) ANDERTON]; Green Party [Jeanette

FITZSIMONS and Rod DONALD]; National Party or NP [Don BRASH]; New

Zealand First Party or NZFP [Winston PETERS]; New Zealand Labor

Party or NZLP [Helen CLARK]; United Future or UF [Peter DUNNE]

Nicaragua

Conservative Party of Nicaragua or PCN [Dr. Fernando

AGUERO Rocha]; Independent Liberal Party or PLI [Virgilio GODOY];

Liberal Alliance (ruling alliance including Liberal Constitutional

Party or PLC, New Liberal Party or PALI, Independent Liberal Party

for National Unity or PLIUN, and Central American Unionist Party or

PUCA) [leader NA]; National Conservative Party or PC [Pedro

SOLARZANO, Noel VIDAURRE]; National Project or PRONAL [Benjamin

LANZAS]; Nicaraguan Party of the Christian Path or PCCN [Guillermo

OSORNO, Roberto RODRIGUEZ]; Nicaraguan Resistance Party or PRN

[Salvador TALAVERA]; Sandinista National Liberation Front or FSLN

[Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra]; Sandinista Renovation Movement or MRS

[Sergio RAMIREZ]; Unity Alliance or AU [Alejandro SERRANO]; Union

Nacional Opositora 96 or UNO-96 [Alfredo CESAR Aguirre]

Niger

Democratic Rally of the People-Jama'a or RDP-Jama'a [Hamid

ALGABID]; Democratic and Social Convention-Rahama or CDS-Rahama

[Mahamane OUSMANE]; National Movement for a Developing

Society-Nassara or MNSD-Nassara [Mamadou TANDJA, chairman]; Nigerien

Alliance for Democracy and Social Progress-Zaman Lahiya or

ANDPS-Zaman Lahiya [Moumouni Adamou DJERMAKOYE]; Nigerien Party for

Democracy and Socialism-Tarayya or PNDS-Tarayya [Mahamadou

ISSOUFOU]; Union of Democratic Patriots and Progressives-Chamoua or

UPDP-Chamoua [Professor Andre' SALIFOU, chairman]

Nigeria

Alliance for Democracy or AD [Alhaji Adamu ABDULKADIR]; All

Nigeria Peoples' Party or ANPP [Don ETIEBET]; All Progressives Grand

Alliance or APGA [Chekwas OKORIE]; National Democratic Party or NDP

[Aliyu Habu FARI]; Peoples Democratic Party or PDP [Audu OGBEH];

Peoples Redemption Party or PRP [Abdulkadir Balarabe MUSA]; Peoples

Salvation Party or PSP [Lawal MAITURARE]; United Nigeria Peoples

Party or UNPP [Saleh JAMBO]

Niue

Niue People's Action Party or NPP [Young VIVIAN]; Alliance of

Independents or AI [leader NA]

Norfolk Island

none

Northern Mariana Islands

Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO];

Republican Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]

Norway

Center Party [Aslaug Marie HAGA]; Christian People's Party

[Valgerd Svarstad HAUGLAND]; Coastal Party [Steinar BASTESEN];

Conservative Party [Jan PETERSEN]; Labor Party [Jens STOLTENBERG];

Liberal Party [Lars SPONHEIM]; Progress Party [Carl I. HAGEN];

Socialist Left Party [Kristin HALVORSEN]

Oman

none

Pakistan

Awami National Party or ANP [Wali KHAN]; Balochistan

National Movement/Hayee Group or BNM/H [Dr. Hayee BALUCH]; Baluch

National Party or BNP [Sardar Akhtar MENGAL]; Baluch National

Party/Awami or BNP/Awami [Moheem Kahn BALOCH]; Jamhoori Watan Party

or JWP [Akbar Khan BUGTI]; Jamiat-al-Hadith or JAH [Sajid MIR];

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Fazlur Rehman faction or JUI/F [Fazlur

REHMAN]; Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Sami-ul-HAQ faction or JUI/S [Sami

ul-HAQ]; Jamiat-i-Islami or JI [Qazi Hussain AHMED]; Jamiat

Ulema-i-Pakistan, Noorani faction or JUP/NO [Shah Ahmad NOORANI];

Millat Party or MP [Farooq LEGHARI]; Mutahida Qaumi Movement, Altaf

faction or MQM/A [Altaf HUSSAIN]; Muhajir Quami Movement, Haqiqi

faction or MQM/H [Afaq AHMAD]; Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal Pakistan or

MMA [leader NA]; National Alliance or NA [Farooq Ahmad Khan

LEGHARI]; National People's Party or NPP [Ghulam Mustapha JATOI];

Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party or PkMAP [Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI];

Pakhtun Quami Party or PQP [Mohammed Afzal KHAN]; Pakistan Awami

Tehrik or PAT [Tahir ul QADRI]; Pakistan Democratic Party or PDP

[Nawabadzada KHAN]; Pakistan Muslim League, Functional Group or

PML/F [Pir PAGARO]; Pakistan Muslim League, Junejo faction or PML/J

[Hamid Nasir CHATTHA]; Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Sharif faction

or PML/N [Nawaz SHARIF]; Pakistan Muslim League, Quaid-l-Azam

faction or PML/Q [Chaudhry Shujjat HUSSEIN]; Pakistan Muslim League,

Zia-ul-HAQ or PML/Z [Ejaz ul-Haq]; Pakistan National Party or PNP

[Hasil BIZENJO]; Pakistan People's Party or PPP [Benazir BHUTTO];

Pakistan People's Party/Sherpao or PPP/S [Aftab Ahmed Khan SHERPAO];

Pakistan People's Party/Shaheed Bhutto or PPP/SB [Ghinva BHUTTO];

Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians or PPPP [Amin FAHIM];

Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf or PTI [Imran KHAN]; Tehrik-i-Islami

[Allama Sajid NAQVI]; Tehrik-i-Insaaf or PTI [Imran KHAN]

note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequently

Palau

none

Panama

Arnulfista Party or PA [Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez];

Civic Renewal Party or PRC [Serguei DE LA ROSA]; Democratic Change

[Ricardo MARTINELLI]; Democratic Revolutionary Party or PRD [Martin

TORRIJOS]; National Liberal Party or PLN [Raul ARANGO Gasteazopo];

National Renovation Movement or MORENA [Pedro VALLARINO Cox];

Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA [Ramon MORALES];

Popular Party or PP (formerly Christian Democratic Party or PDC)

[Ruben AROSEMENA]; Solidarity Party or PS [Samuel LEWIS Galindo]

Papua New Guinea

Melanesian Alliance Party or MAP [Bernard

NAROKOBI]; National Alliance or NA [Michael SOMARE, party leader;

George MANOA, party president]; National Front Party [leader NA];

National Party or NP [leader NA]; Papua New Guinea Revival Party

[John PUNDARI]; Papua New Guinea United Party or Pangu Pati [Pate

WAMP, party leader; Chris HAIVETA, parliamentary leader]; People's

Action Party or PAP [Ted DIRO]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM

[Sir Mekere MORAUTA]; People's Labor Party or PLP [Peter YAMA];

People's National Congress or PNC [Bill SKATE]; People's Progress

Party or PPP [Michael NALI]; People's Unity Party or PUP [leader

NA]; United Party or UP [Rimbiuk PATO]

note: 43 political parties registered to participate in the June

2002 elections

Paraguay

Asociacion Nacional Republicana - Colorado Party or ANR

[Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS]; Movimiento Patria Querida or MPQ [Pedro

Nicolas Maraa FADUL Niella]; Movimiento Union Nacional de Colorados

Eticos or UNACE [Lino Cesar OVIEDO Silva]; Partido Encuentro

Nacional or PEN [Diego ABENTE Brun]; Partido Liberal Radical

Autentico or PLRA [Julio Cesar FRANCO]; Partido Pais Solidario or

PPS [Carlos Alberto FILIZZOLA Pallares]

Peru

Peruvian Aprista Party or PAP [Alan GARCIA]; Independent

Moralizing Front or FIM [Fernando OLIVERA Vega]; National Unity

(Unidad Nacional) or UN [Lourdes FLORES Nano]; Peru Posible or PP

[Luis SOLARI]; Popular Action or AP [Javier DIAZ Orihuela]; Solucion

Popular [Carlos BOLANA]; Somos Peru or SP [Alberto ANDRADE]; Union

for Peru or UPP [Roger GUERRA Garcia]

Philippines

Laban Ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino

Democrats) or LDP [Edgardo ANGARA, president, Agapito AQUINO,

secretary general]; Lakas Ng Edsa (National Union of Christian

Democrats) or Lakas [Jose DE VENECIA, president]; Liberal Party or

LP [Florencio ABAD, president; Franklin DRILON, chairman]; National

People's Coalition or NPC [Eduardo COJUANGCO, chairman emeritus;

Frisco SAN JUAN, president; Faustino DY, chairman]; PDP-Laban

[Aquilino PIMENTEL, chairman; Jejomar BINAY, president]; PMP

[Horacio MORALES, president]; Aksyon Demokratiko Party [Raul ROCO,

president]; Reporma [Renato DE VILLA, chairman]; PROMDI [Emilio

OSMENA, president]

Pitcairn Islands

none

Poland

Catholic-National Movement or RKN [Antoni MACIEREWICZ];

Citizens Platform or PO [Donald TUSK]; Conservative Peasants Party

or SKL-RNP [Artur BALAZS]; Democratic Left Alliance or SLD [Leszek

MILLER]; Freedom Union or UW [Wladyslaw FRASYNIUK]; German Minority

of Lower Silesia or MNSO [Henryk KROLL]; Law and Justice or PiS

[Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI]; League of Polish Families or LPR [Marek

KOTLINOWSKI]; Movement for the Reconstruction of Poland or ROP [Jan

OLSZEWSKI]; Peasant-Democratic Party or PLD [Roman JAGIELINSKI];

Polish Accord or PP [Jan LOPUSZANSKI]; Polish Peasant Bloc or PBL

[Wojciech MOJZESOWICZ]; Polish Peasant Party or PSL [Jaroslaw

KALINOWSKI]; Samoobrona [Andrzej LEPPER]; Social Movement or RS

[Krzysztof PIESIEWICZ]; Union of Labor or UP [Marek POL]

Portugal

The Greens or PEV [no leader]; Popular Party or PP [Paulo

PORTAS]; Portuguese Communist Party/The Greens or PCP/PEV [Carlos

CARVALHAS]; Portuguese Socialist Party or PS [Eduardo Ferro

RODRIGUES]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Jose Manuel DURAO

BARROSO]; United Democratic Coalition or CDU [Carlos CARVALHAS]; The

Left Bloc [no leader]

Puerto Rico

National Democratic Party [Celeste BENITEZ]; National

Republican Party of Puerto Rico [Luis FERRE]; New Progressive Party

or PNP (pro-US statehood) [Carlos PESQUERA]; Popular Democratic

Party or PPD (pro-commonwealth) [Sila M. CALDERON]; Puerto Rican

Independence Party or PIP (pro-independence) [Ruben BERRIOS Martinez]

Qatar

none

Reunion

Communist Party of Reunion or PCR [Paul VERGES]; Rally for

the Republic or RPR [Andre Maurice PIHOUEE]; Socialist Party or PS

[Jean-Claude FRUTEAU]; Union for French Democracy or UDF [Gilbert

GERARD]

Romania

Democratic Party or PD [Traian BASESCU]; Democratic Union of

Hungarians in Romania or UDMR [Bela MARKO]; National Liberal Party

or PNL [Theodor STOLOJAN]; Romania Mare Party (Greater Romanian

Party) or PRM [Corneliu Vadim TUDOR]; Social Democratic Party or PSD

[Adrian NASTASE], formerly known as the Party of Social Democracy in

Romania or PDSR

Russia

Communist Party of the Russian Federation or KPRF [Gennadiy

Andreyevich ZYUGANOV]; Liberal Democratic Party of Russia or LDPR

[Vladimir Volfovich ZHIRINOVSKIY]; Motherland Bloc (Rodina) [Sergey

GLAZYEV and Dmitriy ROGOZIN]; People's Party [Gennadiy RAYKOV];

Union of Rightist Forces or SPS [Anatoliy Borisovich CHUBAYS, Yegor

Timurovich GAYDAR, Irina Mutsuovna KHAKAMADA, Boris Yefimovich

NEMTSOV]; United Russia [Boris Vyacheslavovich GRYZLOV]; Yabloko

Party [Grigoriy Alekseyevich YAVLINSKIY]

Rwanda

Centrist Democratic Party or PDC [Jean-Nipomuscene

NAYINZIRA]; Democratic Socialist Party or PSD [J. Damascene

NTAWUKURIRYAYO]; Democratic Popular Union of Rwanda or UDPR [leader

NA]; Democratic Republican Movement or MDR [Celestin KABANDA];

Islamic Democratic Party or PDI [Andre BUMAYA]; Liberal Party or PL

[Pie MUGABO]; Party for Democratic Renewal (officially banned)

[Pasteur BIZIMUNGU and Charles NTAKARUTINKA]; Rwanda Patriotic Front

or FPR [Maj. Gen. Paul KAGAME]; Rwandan Socialist Party or PSR

[leader NA]

Saint Helena

none

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Vance

AMORY]; Nevis Reformation Party or NRP [Joseph PARRY]; People's

Action Movement or PAM [Lindsey GRANT]; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor

Party or SKNLP [Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS]

Saint Lucia

National Alliance or NA [George ODLUM]; Saint Lucia

Freedom Party or SFP [Martinus FRANCOIS]; Saint Lucia Labor Party or

SLP [Kenneth ANTHONY]; Sou Tout Apwe Fete Fini or STAFF [Christopher

HUNTE]; United Workers Party or UWP [Dr. Morella JOSEPH]

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

PRG [leader NA]; Rassemblement pour la

Republique or RPR (now UMP) [leader NA]; Socialist Party or PS

[leader NA]; Union pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF [leader NA]

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

National Reform Party or NRP [Joel

MIGUEL]; New Democratic Party or NDP [Arnhim EUSTACE]; People's

Progressive Movement or PPM [Ken BOYEA]; Progressive Labor Party or

PLP [leader NA]; United People's Movement or UPM [Adrian SAUNDERS];

Unity Labor Party or ULP [Ralph GONSALVES] (formed by the coalition

of Saint Vincent Labor Party or SVLP and the Movement for National

Unity or MNU)

Samoa

Christian Democratic Party [leader NA]; Human Rights

Protection Party or HRPP [Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA, chairman];

Samoa All People's Party or SAPP [Matatumua MAIMOANA]; Samoan

National Development Party or SNDP [LE MAMEA Ropati, chairman]

(opposition); Samoa National Party [FETU Tiatia, party secretary];

Samoan Progressive Conservative Party [LEOTA Ituau Ale]; Samoan

United Independents Party or SUIP [Dr. Saleimoa VAAI]

San Marino

Communist Refoundation or RC [Ivan FOSHI]; Ideas in

Movement or IM [Alessandro ROSSI]; National Alliance or AN [leader

NA]; Party of Democrats or PD [Claudio FELICI]; San Marino Christian

Democratic Party or PDCS [Giovanni LONFERNINI]; San Marino Popular

Alliance of Democrats or APDS [Roberto GIORGETTI]; San Marino

Socialist Party or PSS [Alberto CECCHETTI]; Socialists for Reform or

SR [Renzo GIARDI]

Sao Tome and Principe

Democratic Renovation Party [Armindo GRACA];

Force for Change Democratic Movement [leader NA]; Independent

Democratic Action or ADI [Carlos NEVES]; Movement for the Liberation

of Sao Tome and Principe-Social Democratic Party or MLSTP-PSD

[Manuel Pinto Da COSTA]; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD

[Aldo BANDEIRA]; Ue-Kedadji coalition [leader NA]; other small

parties

Saudi Arabia

none allowed

Senegal

African Party for Democracy and Socialism or And Jef (also

known as PADS/AJ) [Landing SAVANE, secretary general]; African Party

of Independence [Majhemout DIOP]; Alliance of Forces of Progress or

AFP [Moustapha NIASSE]; Democratic and Patriotic Convention or CDP

(also known as Garab-Gi) [Dr. Iba Der THIAM]; Democratic

League-Labor Party Movement or LD-MPT [Dr. Abdoulaye BATHILY]; Front

for Socialism and Democracy or FSD [Cheikh Abdoulaye DIEYE]; Gainde

Centrist Bloc or BGC [Jean-Paul DIAS]; Independence and Labor Party

or PIT [Amath DANSOKHO]; National Democratic Rally or RND [Madier

DIOUF]; Senegalese Democratic Party or PDS [Abdoulaye WADE];

Socialist Party or PS [Ousmane Tanor DIENG]; SOPI Coalition (a

coalition led by the PDS) [Abdoulaye WADE]; Union for Democratic

Renewal or URD [Djibo Leyti KA]; other small parties

Serbia and Montenegro

Democratic Opposition of Serbia or DOS (a

coalition of many small parties including DSS) [leader NA]; Alliance

of Vojvodina Hungarians or SVM [Jozsef KASZA]; Democratic League of

Kosovo or LDK [Dr. Ibrahim RUGOVA, president]; Democratic List for

European Montenegro or DLECG [Milo DJUKANOVIC, Ranko KRIVOKAPIC];

Democratic Party or DS [collective interim leadership led by Cedomir

JOVANOVIC]; Democratic Party of Serbia or DSS [Vojislav KOSTUNICA];

Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro or DPS [Milo

DJUKANOVIC]; Party of Serb Unity or SSJ [Borislav PELEVIC]; Serbian

Radical Party or SRS [Tomislav NIKOLIC]; Serbian Socialist Party or

SPS (former Communist Party and party of Slobodan MILOSEVIC) [Zoran

ANDJELKOVIC, general secretary]; Social Democratic Party or SDP

[Rasim LJAJIC]; Together for Changes or ZP [leader NA]

Seychelles

Democratic Party or DP [James MANCHAM, Daniel BELLE];

Mouvement Seychellois pour la Democratie [Jacques HODOUL];

Seychelles National Party or SNP (formerly the United Opposition or

UO) [Wavel RAMKALAWAN]; Seychelles People's Progressive Front or

SPPF [France Albert RENE, James MICHEL] - the governing party

Sierra Leone

All People's Congress or APC [Alhaji Sat KOROMA,

interim chairman]; Citizens United for Peace and Progress or CUPP

[Alfred Musa CONTEH, interim chairman]; Coalition for Progress Party

or CPP [Jeridine WILLIAM-SARHO, interim leader]; Democratic Center

Party or DCP [Adu Aiah KOROMA]; Democratic Labor Party or DLP

[George E. L. PALMER]; Democratic Party or DP [Henry BALO, acting

chairman]; National Alliance Democratic Party or NADP [Mohamed Yahya

SILLAH, chairman]; National Democratic Alliance or NDA [Amadu M. B.

JALLOH]; National People's Party or NPP [Andrew TURAY]; National

Republican Party or NRP [Stephen Sahr MAMBU]; National Unity

Movement or NUM [Sam LEIGH, interim chairman]; National Unity Party

or NUP [John BENJAMINE, interim leader]; Peace and Liberation Party

or PLP [Darlington MORRISON, interim chairman]; People's Democratic

Alliance or PDA [Cpl. (Ret.) Abdul Rahman KAMARA, interim chairman];

People's Democratic Party or PDP [Osman KAMARA]; People's National

Convention or PNC [Edward John KARGBO]; People's Progressive Party

or PPP [Abass Chernok BUNDU, chairman]; Revolutionary United Front

Party or RUFP [Foday Saybana SANKOH, chairman]; Social Democratic

Party or SDP [Andrew Victor LUNGAY]; Sierra Leone People's Party or

SLPP [Ahmad Tejan KABBAH, chairman]; United National People's Party

or UNPP [John KAREFA-SMART in exile, Raymond KAMARA, acting leader];

Young People's Party or YPP [Cornelius DEVEAUS, interim chairman]

Singapore

governing party: People's Action Party or PAP [GOH Chok

Tong]; opposition parties: Democratic Progressive Party or DPP

[leader NA]; National Solidarity Party or NSP [Steve CHIA];

Singapore Democratic Alliance or SDA [CHIAM See Tong] (includes SPP,

PKMS, NSP, SJP); Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan];

Singapore Justice Party or SJP [leader NA]; Singapore National Malay

Organization or PKMS [Muhammad ALI Aman]; Singapore People's Party

or SPP [CHIAM See Tong]; Workers' Party or WP [LOW Thia Kiang]

Slovakia

Christian Democratic Movement or KDH [Pavol HRUSOVSKY];

Democratic Party or DS [Ludovit KANIK]; Direction (Smer) [Robert

FICO]; Movement for a Democratic Slovakia-People's Party or HZDS-LS

[Vladimir MECIAR]; New Citizens Alliance or ANO [Pavol RUSKO]; Party

of the Hungarian Coalition or SMK [Bela BUGAR]; Slovak Communist

Party or KSS [Jozef SEVC]; Slovak Democratic and Christian Union or

SDKU [Mikulas DZURINDA]; Slovak National Party or SNS [Jan SLOTA]

Slovenia

Democratic Party of Retired (Persons) of Slovenia or DeSUS

[Anton ROUS]; Liberal Democratic or LDS [Anton ROP]; New Slovenia or

NSi [Andrej BAJUK]; Slovene National Party or SNS [Zmago JELINCIC];

Slovene People's Party or SLS [Franc BUT]; Slovene Youth Party or

SMS [Dominic CERNJAK]; Social Democratic Party of Slovenia or SDS

[Janez JANSA]; United List of Social Democrats or ZLSD [Borut PAHOR]

Solomon Islands

Association of Independents [Snyder RINI]; People's

Alliance Party or PAP [Allan KEMAKEZA]; People's Progressive Party

or PPP [Mannaseh Damukana SOGAVARE]; Solomon Islands Alliance for

Change Coalition or SIACC [Bartholomew ULUFA'ALU]; Solomon Islands

Labor Party or SILP [Joses TUHANUKU]

note: in general, Solomon Islands politics is characterized by fluid

coalitions

Somalia

none

South Africa

African Christian Democratic Party or ACDP [Kenneth

MESHOE, president]; African National Congress or ANC [Thabo MBEKI,

president]; Democratic Alliance (formed from the merger of the

Democratic Party or DP and the New National Party or NNP; note - NNP

split from DP in 2001) [Anthony LEON]; Freedom Front or FF [Dr.

Pieter MULDER, president]; Inkatha Freedom Party or IFP [Mangosuthu

BUTHELEZI, president]; New National Party or NNP [Marthinus VAN

SCHALKWYK]; Pan-Africanist Congress or PAC [Stanley MOGOBA,

president]; United Democratic Movement or UDM [Bantu HOLOMISA]

Spain

Basque Nationalist Party or PNV [Xabier ARZALLUS Antia];

Canarian Coalition or CC (a coalition of five parties) [Paulino

RIVERO]; Convergence and Union or CiU [Jordi PUJOL i Soley,

secretary general] (a coalition of the Democratic Convergence of

Catalonia or CDC [Jordi PUJOL i Soley] and the Democratic Union of

Catalonia or UDC [Josep Antoni DURAN y LLEIDA]); Galician

Nationalist Bloc or BNG [Xose Manuel BEIRAS]; Party of Independents

from Lanzarote or PIL [Dimas MARTIN Martin]; Popular Party or PP

[Mariano RAJOY]; Spanish Socialist Workers Party or PSOE [Jose Luis

RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO]; United Left or IU (a coalition of parties

including the PCE and other small parties) [Gaspar LLAMAZARES]

Sri Lanka

All Ceylon Tamil Congress or ACTC [KUMARGURUPARAM]; Ceylon

Workers Congress or CWC [Arumugam THONDAMAN]; Communist Party or CP

[D. GUNASEKERA]; Democratic United National (Lalith) Front or DUNLF

[Shrimani ATULATHMUDALI]; Eelam People's Democratic Party or EPDP

[Douglas DEVANANDA]; Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front

or EPRLF [Suresh PREMACHANDRAN]; Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or JVP

[Tilvan SILVA]; National Unity Alliance or NUA [Ferial ASHRAFF];

People's Alliance or PA [Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA];

People's Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam or PLOTE [leader

NA]; Sihala Urumaya or SU [Tilak KARUNARATNE]; Sri Lanka Freedom

Party or SLFP [Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA]; Sri Lanka Muslim

Congress or SLMC [Rauff HAKEEM]; Sri Lanka Progressive Front or SLPF

[P. Nelson PERERA]; Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization or TELO

[SABARATNAM]; Tamil National Alliance or TNA [Nadarajah RAVIRAJ];

Tamil United Liberation Front or TULF [R. SAMPATHAN]; United

National Party or UNP [Ranil WICKREMASINGHE]; Upcountry People's

Front or UPF [P. CHANDRASEKARAN]; several ethnic Tamil and Muslim

parties, represented in either Parliament or provincial councils

Sudan

the government allows political "associations" under a 1998

law revised in 2000; to obtain government approval parties must

accept the constitution and refrain from advocating or using

violence against the regime; approved parties include the National

Congress Party or NCP [Ibrahim Ahmed UMAR], Popular National

Congress or PNC [Hassan al-TURABI], and over 20 minor,

pro-government parties

Suriname

Democratic Alternative '91 or DA '91 (a coalition of the

Alternative Forum or AF and Party for Brotherhood and Unity in

Politics or BEP, formed in January 1991) [Winston JESSURUN];

Democratic National Platform 2000 or DNP 2000 (coalition of two

parties, Democratic Party and Democrats of the 21st Century) [Jules

WIJDENBOSCH]; Independent Progressive Democratic Alternative or OPDA

[Joginder RAMKHILAWAN]; Millennium Combination or MC (a coalition of

three parties, Democratic Alternative, Party for National Unity and

Solidarity, and National Democratic Party) [leader NA]; National

Democratic Party or NDP [Desire BOUTERSE]; Naya Kadam or NK [leader

NA]; Party for Renewal and Democracy or BVD [Tjan GOBARDHAN]; Party

of National Unity and Solidarity or KTPI [Willy SOEMITA]; Pertjaja

Luhur [Paul SOMOHARDJO]; Progressive Workers' and Farm Laborers'

Union or PALU [Ir Iwan KROLIS]; The New Front or NF (a coalition of

four parties Suriname National Party or NPS, Progressive Reform

Party or VHP, Suriname Labor Party or SPA, and Pertjaja Luhur)

[Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN]; The Progressive Development Alliance (a

combination of three parties, Renewed Progressive Party or HPP,

Party of the Federation of Land Workers or PVF, and Suriname

Progressive People's Party or PSV) [Harry KISOENSINGH]

Swaziland

political parties are banned by the constitution - the

following are considered political associations; Imbokodvo National

Movement or INM [leader NA]; Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or

NNLC [Obed DLAMINI, president]; People's United Democratic Movement

or PUDEMO [Mario MASUKU, president]; Swaziland National Front or

SWANAFRO [Elmond SHONGWE, president]

Sweden

Center Party [Maud OLOFSSON]; Christian Democratic Party [Alf

SVENSSON]; Green Party [no formal leader but party spokespersons are

Maria WETTERSTRAND and Peter ERIKSSON]; Left Party or VP (formerly

Communist) [Ulla HOFFMAN (acting)]; Liberal People's Party [Lars

LEIJONBORG]; Moderate Party (conservative) [Fredrik REINFELDT];

Social Democratic Party [Goran PERSSON]

Switzerland

Christian Democratic People's Party

(Christichdemokratische Volkspartei der Schweiz or CVP, Parti

Democrate-Chretien Suisse or PDC, Partito Democratico-Cristiano

Popolare Svizzero or PDC, Partida Cristiandemocratica dalla Svizra

or PCD) [Philipp STAEHELIN, president]; Green Party (Grune Partei

der Schweiz or Grune, Parti Ecologiste Suisse or Les Verts, Partito

Ecologista Svizzero or I Verdi, Partida Ecologica Svizra or La

Verda) [Ruth GENNER and Patrice MUGNY, co-presidents]; Radical Free

Democratic Party (Freisinnig-Demokratische Partei der Schweiz or

FDP, Parti Radical-Democratique Suisse or PRD, Partitio

Liberal-Radicale Svizzero or PLR) [Christiane LANGENBERGER,

president]; Social Democratic Party (Sozialdemokratische Partei der

Schweiz or SPS, Parti Socialist Suisse or PSS, Partito Socialista

Svizzero or PSS, Partida Socialdemocratica de la Svizra or PSS)

[Christiane BRUNNER, president]; Swiss People's Party

(Schweizerische Volkspartei or SVP, Union Democratique du Centre or

UDC, Unione Democratica de Centro or UDC, Uniun Democratica dal

Center or UDC) [Ueli MAURER, president]; and other minor parties

Syria

National Progressive Front or NPF (includes Arab Socialist

Renaissance (Ba'th) Party (governing party) [President Bashar

al-ASAD, secretary general], Socialist Unionist Democratic Party

[Ahmad al ASAD], Syrian Communist Party [leader NA], Unionist

Socialist Party [leader NA], Arab Socialist Party [Abd al-Ghani

QANNUT], and Arab Socialist Unionist Movement [Sami SUFAN])

[President Bashar al-ASAD, chairman]; Syrian Arab Socialist Party or

ASP [Safwan QUDSI]; Syrian Communist Party or SCP [Yusuf FAYSAL];

Syrian Social National Party [Jubran URAYJI]

Taiwan

Democratic Progressive Party or DPP [CHEN Shui-bian,

chairman]; Kuomintang or KMT (Nationalist Party) [LIEN Chan,

chairman]; People First Party or PFP [James SOONG (SOONG Chu-yu),

chairman]; Taiwan Solidarity Union or TSU [HUANG Chu-wen, chairman];

other minor parties including the Chinese New Party or CNP

Tajikistan

Democratic Party or DPT [Mahmadruzi ISKANDAROV,

chairman]; Islamic Revival Party [Said Abdullo NURI, chairman];

People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan or PDPT [Emomali RAHMONOV];

Social Democratic Party or SDPT [Rahmatullo ZOIROV]; Socialist Party

or SPT [Sherali KENJAYEV]; Tajik Communist Party or CPT [Shodi

SHABDOLOV]

Tanzania

Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Party of Democracy and

Development) or CHADEMA [Bob MAKANI]; Chama Cha Mapinduzi or CCM

(Revolutionary Party) [Benjamin William MKAPA]; Civic United Front

or CUF [Ibrahim LIPUMBA]; Democratic Party (unregistered)

[Christopher MTIKLA]; Tanzania Labor Party or TLP [Augustine

Lyatonga MREMA]; United Democratic Party or UDP [John CHEYO]

Thailand

Democratic Party or DP (Prachathipat Party) [BANTADTAN

Banyat]; National Development Party or NDP (Chat Phattana) [KORN

Dabbaransi]; Thai Nation Party or TNP (Chat Thai Party) [BANHAN

Sinlapa-acha]; Thai Rak Thai Party or TRT [THAKSIN Chinnawat]

Togo

Juvento [Monsilia DJATO]; Movement of the Believers of Peace

and Equality or MOCEP [leader NA]; Rally for the Support for

Development and Democracy or RSDD [Hanay OLYMPIO]; Rally of the

Togolese People or RPT [President Gnassingbe EYADEMA]; Union for

Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Gagou KOKOU]

note: Rally of the Togolese People or RPT, led by President EYADEMA,

was the only party until the formation of multiple parties was

legalized 12 April 1991

Tokelau

none

Tonga

there are no political parties

Trinidad and Tobago

National Alliance for Reconstruction or NAR

[Hochoy CHARLES]; People's Empowerment Party or PEP [leader NA];

People's National Movement or PNM [Patrick MANNING]; Team Unity or

TUN [Ramesh MAHARAJ]; United National Congress or UNC [Basdeo PANDAY]

Tunisia

Al-Tajdid Movement [Adel CHAOUCH]; Constitutional Democratic

Rally Party (Rassemblement Constitutionnel Democratique) or RCD

[President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI (official ruling party)]; Liberal

Social Party or PSL [Mounir BEJI]; Movement of Democratic Socialists

or MDS [Khamis CHAMMARI]; Popular Unity Party or PUP [Mohamed Belhaj

AMOR]; Unionist Democratic Union or UDU [Abderrahmane TLILI]

Turkey

Democratic Left Party or DSP [Bulent ECEVIT]; Justice and

Development Party or AKP [Recep Tayip ERDOGAN]; Motherland Party or

ANAP [Ahmet Mesut YILMAZ]; Nationalist Action Party or MHP [Devlet

BAHCELI]; Republican People's Party or CHP [Deniz BAYKAL]; True Path

Party (sometimes translated as Correct Way Party) or DYP [Tansu

CILLER]; Young Party or GP [Cem UZAN]

Turkmenistan

Democratic Party of Turkmenistan or DPT [Saparmurat

NIYAZOV]

note: formal opposition parties are outlawed; unofficial, small

opposition movements exist underground or in foreign countries; the

two most prominent opposition groups-in-exile have been Gundogar and

Erkin; Gundogar was led by former Foreign Minister Boris

SHIKHUMRADOV until his arrest and imprisonment in the wake of the 25

November 2002 assassination attempt on President NIYAZOV; Erkin is

led by former Foreign Minister Abdy KULIEV and is based out of Moscow

Turks and Caicos Islands

People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Derek

H. TAYLOR]; Progressive National Party or PNP [Washington MISICK];

United Democratic Party or UDP [Wendal SWANN]

Tuvalu

there are no political parties but members of Parliament

usually align themselves in informal groupings

Uganda

only one political organization, the Movement (formerly the

NRM)[President MUSEVENI, chairman] is allowed to operate unfettered;

note - the president maintains that the Movement is not a political

party, but a mass organization, which claims the loyalty of all

Ugandans

note: the constitution requires the suspension of political parties

while the Movement organization is in governance; of the political

parties that exist but are prohibited from sponsoring candidates,

the most important are the Ugandan People's Congress or UPC [Milton

OBOTE]; Democratic Party or DP [Paul SSEMOGERERE]; Conservative

Party or CP [Ken LUKYAMUZI]; Justice Forum [Muhammad Kibirige

MAYANJA]; and National Democrats Forum [Chapaa KARUHANGA]

Ukraine

Agrarian Party [Kateryna VASHCHUK]; Communist Party of

Ukraine or CPU [Petro SYMONENKO]; Democratic Initiatives [Stepan

HAVRYSH]; European Choice [Volodymyr STASYUK]; Our Ukraine [Viktor

YUSHCHENKO]; People's Choice [Mykola HAPOCHKA]; People's Democratic

Party or PDP [Valeriy PUSTOVOYTENKO, chairman]; People's Power

[Bohdan HUBSKYY]; Regions of Ukraine [Viktor YANUKOVYCH]; Socialist

Party of Ukraine or SPU [Oleksandr MOROZ, chairman]; United Social

Democratic Party [Leonid KRAVCHUK]; Working Ukraine-Industrialists

and Entrepreneurs [Ihor SHAROV]; Yuliya Tymoshenko Bloc [Yuliya

TYMOSHENKO]

note: and numerous smaller parties

United Arab Emirates

none

United Kingdom

Conservative and Unionist Party [Michael HOWARD];

Democratic Unionist Party (Northern Ireland) [Rev. Ian PAISLEY];

Labor Party [Anthony (Tony) BLAIR]; Liberal Democrats [Charles

KENNEDY]; Party of Wales (Plaid Cymru) [Ieuan Wyn Jones]; Scottish

National Party or SNP [John SWINNEY]; Sinn Fein (Northern Ireland)

[Gerry ADAMS]; Social Democratic and Labor Party or SDLP (Northern

Ireland) [Mark DURKAN]; Ulster Unionist Party (Northern Ireland)

[David TRIMBLE]

United States

Democratic Party [Terence McAULIFFE]; Green Party

[leader NA]; Libertarian Party [Steve DASBACH]; Republican Party

[Governor Marc RACICOT]

Uruguay

Colorado Party [Jorge BATLLE Ibanez]; National Party or

Blanco [Luis Alberto LACALLE Herrera]; New Sector/Space Coalition or

Nuevo Espacio [Rafael MICHELINI]; Progressive Encounter/Broad Front

Coalition or Encuentro Progresista/Frente Amplio [Tabare VAZQUEZ]

Uzbekistan

Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party [Anwar

JURABAYEV, first secretary]; Democratic National Rebirth Party

(Milly Tiklanish) or MTP [Aziz KAYUMOV, chairman]; People's

Democratic Party or NDP (formerly Communist Party) [Abdulkhafiz

JALALOV, first secretary]; Self-Sacrificers Party or Fidokorlar

National Democratic Party [Ahtam TURSUNOV, first secretary]; note -

Fatherland Progress Party merged with Self-Sacrificers Party

Vanuatu

Jon Frum Movement [Song KEASPAI]; Melanesian Progressive

Party or MPP [Barak SOPE]; National United Party or NUP [Dinh Van

THAN]; Union of Moderate Parties or UMP [Serge VOHOR]; Vanuaaku

Party (Our Land Party) or VP [Edward NATAPEI]; Vanuatu Republican

Party or VRP [Maxime Carlot KORMAN]

Venezuela

Democratic Action or AD [Claudio FERMIN]; Fifth Republic

Movement or MVR [Garcia PONCE]; Homeland for All or PPT [Jose

ALBORNIZ]; Justice First [Julio BORGES]; Movement Toward Socialism

or MAS [Hector MUJICA]; National Convergence or Convergencia [Juan

Jose CALDERA]; Radical Cause or La Causa R [Antonio HERRERA]; Social

Christian Party or COPEI [Oswaldo ALVAREZ Paz]; Venezuela Project or

PV [Henrique SALAS Romer]

Vietnam

only party - Communist Party of Vietnam or CPV [Nong Duc

MANH, general secretary]

Virgin Islands

Democratic Party [Arturo WATLINGTON]; Independent

Citizens' Movement or ICM [Usie RICHARDS]; Republican Party [Gary

SPRAUVE]

Wallis and Futuna

Lua Kae Tahi (Giscardians) [leader NA]; Mouvement

des Radicaux de Gauche or MRG [leader NA]; Rally for the Republic or

RPR [Clovis LOGOLOGOFOLAU]; Taumu'a Lelei [Soane Muni UHILA]; Union

Populaire Locale or UPL [Falakiko GATA]; Union Pour la Democratie

Francaise or UDF [leader NA]

Yemen

there are over 12 political parties active in Yemen, some of

the more prominent are: General People's Congress or GPC [President

Ali Abdallah SALIH]; Islamic Reform Grouping or Islah [Shaykh

Abdallah bin Husayn al-AHMAR]; National Arab Socialist Baath Party

[Dr. Qassim SALAAM]; Nasserite Unionist Party [Abdel Malik

al-MAKHLAFI]; Yemeni Socialist Party or YSP [Ali Salih MUQBIL]

note: President SALIH's General People's Congress or GPC won a

landslide victory in the April 1997 legislative election and no

longer governs in coalition with Shaykh Abdallah bin Husayn

al-AHMAR's Islamic Reform Grouping or Islah - the two parties had

been in coalition since the end of the civil war in 1994; the YSP, a

loyal opposition party, boycotted the April 1997 legislative

election, but announced that it would participate in Yemen's first

local elections, held in February 2001; these local elections aim to

decentralize political power and are a key element of the

government's political reform program

Zambia

Agenda for Zambia or AZ [Inonge MBIKUSITA-LEWANIKA]; Forum

for Democracy and Development or FDD [Christon TEMBO]; Heritage

Party or HP [Godfrey MIYANDA]; Liberal Progressive Front or LPF

[Roger CHONGWE, president]; Movement for Multiparty Democracy or MMD

[Levy MWANAWASA, acting president]; National Leadership for

Development or NLD [Yobert SHAMAPANDE]; National Party or NP [Dr.

Sam CHIPUNGU]; Patriotic Front or PF [Michael SATA]; Zambian

Republican Party or ZRP [Benjamin MWILA]; Social Democratic Party or

SDP [Gwendoline KONIE]; United National Independence Party or UNIP

[Francis NKHOMA, president]; United Party for National Development

or UPND [Anderson MAZOKA]

Zimbabwe

Movement for Democratic Change or MDC [Morgan TSVANGIRAI];

National Alliance for Good Governance or NAGG [Shakespeare MAYA];

United Parties [Abel MUZOREWA]; Zimbabwe African National

Union-Ndonga or ZANU-Ndonga [Wilson KUMBULA]; Zimbabwe African

National Union-Patriotic Front or ZANU-PF [Robert Gabriel MUGABE];

Zimbabwe African Peoples Union or ZAPU [Agrippa MADLELA]

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2119 Population

Afghanistan

28,717,213 (July 2003 est.)

Albania

3,582,205 (July 2003 est.)

Algeria

32,818,500 (July 2003 est.)

American Samoa

70,260 (July 2003 est.)

Andorra

69,150 (July 2003 est.)

Angola

10,766,471 (July 2003 est.)

Anguilla

12,738 (July 2003 est.)

Antarctica

no indigenous inhabitants, but there are seasonally

staffed research stations

note: approximately 27 nations, all signatory to the Antarctic

Treaty, send personnel to perform seasonal (summer) and year-round

research on the continent and in its surrounding oceans; the

population of persons doing and supporting science on the continent

and its nearby islands south of 60 degrees south latitude (the

region covered by the Antarctic Treaty) varies from approximately

4,000 in summer to 1,000 in winter; in addition, approximately 1,000

personnel including ship's crew and scientists doing onboard

research are present in the waters of the treaty region; summer

(January) population - 3,687 total; Argentina 302, Australia 201,

Belgium 13, Brazil 80, Bulgaria 16, Chile 352, China 70, Finland 11,

France 100, Germany 51, India 60, Italy 106, Japan 136, South Korea

14, Netherlands 10, NZ 60, Norway 40, Peru 28, Poland 70, Russia

254, South Africa 80, Spain 43, Sweden 20, UK 192, US 1,378

(1998-99); winter (July) population - 964 total; Argentina 165,

Australia 75, Brazil 12, Chile 129, China 33, France 33, Germany 9,

India 25, Japan 40, South Korea 14, NZ 10, Poland 20, Russia 102,

South Africa 10, UK 39, US 248 (1998-99); year-round stations - 42

total; Argentina 6, Australia 4, Brazil 1, Chile 4, China 2, Finland

1, France 1, Germany 1, India 1, Italy 1, Japan 1, South Korea 1, NZ

1, Norway 1, Poland 1, Russia 6, South Africa 1, Spain 1, Ukraine 1,

UK 2, US 3, Uruguay 1 (1998-99); summer-only stations - 32 total;

Argentina 3, Australia 4, Bulgaria 1, Chile 7, Germany 1, India 1,

Japan 3, NZ 1, Peru 1, Russia 3, Sweden 2, UK 5 (1998-99); in

addition, during the austral summer some nations have numerous

occupied locations such as tent camps, summer-long temporary

facilities, and mobile traverses in support of research (July 2003

est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

67,897 (July 2003 est.)

Argentina

38,740,807 (July 2003 est.)

Armenia

3,326,448

note: Armenia's first census since independence was conducted in

October 2001; official results are not expected until late 2003

(July 2003 est.)

Aruba

70,844 (July 2003 est.)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands no indigenous inhabitants note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2003 est.)

Australia

19,731,984 (July 2003 est.)

Austria

8,188,207 (July 2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

7,830,764 (July 2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

297,477

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Bahrain

667,238

note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2003 est.)

Baker Island

uninhabited

note: American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and

naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during

World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by

special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and

generally restricted to scientists and educators; a cemetery and

remnants of structures from early settlement are located near the

middle of the west coast; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife

Service (July 2003 est.)

Bangladesh

138,448,210 (July 2003 est.)

Barbados

277,264 (July 2003 est.)

Bassas da India

uninhabited (July 2003 est.)

Belarus

10,322,151 (July 2003 est.)

Belgium

10,289,088 (July 2003 est.)

Belize

266,440 (July 2003 est.)

Benin

7,041,490

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Bermuda

64,482 (July 2003 est.)

Bhutan 2,139,549 note: other estimates range as low as 810,000 (July 2003 est.)

Bolivia

8,586,443 (July 2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

3,989,018 (July 2003 est.)

Botswana

1,573,267

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Bouvet Island

uninhabited (July 2003 est.)

Brazil

182,032,604

note: Brazil took a count in August 2000, which reported a

population of 169,799,170; that figure was about 3.3% lower than

projections by the US Census Bureau, and is close to the implied

underenumeration of 4.6% for the 1991 census; estimates for this

country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality

due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant

mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and

changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would

otherwise be expected (July 2003 est.)

British Indian Ocean Territory

no indigenous inhabitants

note: approximately 1,200 former agricultural workers resident in

the Chagos Archipelago, often referred to as Chagossians or Ilois,

were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles in the 1960's and

1970's, in November 2000 they were granted the right of return by a

British High Court ruling, though no timetable has been set; in

2001, there were approximately 1,500 UK and US military personnel

and 2,000 civilian contractors living on the island of Diego Garcia

(July 2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands

21,730 (July 2003 est.)

Brunei

358,098 (July 2003 est.)

Bulgaria

7,537,929 (July 2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

13,228,460

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Burma

42,510,537

note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of

excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life

expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Burundi

6,096,156

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Cambodia

13,124,764

note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of

excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life

expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Cameroon

15,746,179

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Canada

32,207,113 (July 2003 est.)

Cape Verde

412,137 (July 2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

41,934 (July 2003 est.)

Central African Republic

3,683,538

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Chad

9,253,493 (July 2003 est.)

Chile

15,665,216 (July 2003 est.)

China

1,286,975,468 (July 2003 est.)

Christmas Island

433 (July 2003 est.)

Clipperton Island

uninhabited (July 2003 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

630 (July 2003 est.)

Colombia

41,662,073 (July 2003 est.)

Comoros

632,948 (July 2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

56,625,039

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

2,954,258

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Cook Islands

21,008 (July 2003 est.)

Coral Sea Islands

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological

station (July 2003 est.)

Costa Rica

3,896,092 (July 2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

16,962,491

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Croatia

4,422,248 (July 2003 est.)

Cuba

11,263,429 (July 2003 est.)

Cyprus

771,657 (July 2003 est.)

Czech Republic

10,249,216 (July 2003 est.)

Denmark

5,384,384 (July 2003 est.)

Djibouti

457,130 (July 2003 est.)

Dominica

69,655 (July 2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

8,715,602 (July 2003 est.)

East Timor

997,853

note: other estimates range as low as 800,000 (2002 est.) (July 2003

est.)

Ecuador

13,710,234 (July 2003 est.)

Egypt

74,718,797 (July 2003 est.)

El Salvador

6,470,379 (July 2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

510,473 (July 2003 est.)

Eritrea

4,362,254 (July 2003 est.)

Estonia

1,408,556 (July 2003 est.)

Ethiopia

66,557,553

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Europa Island

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there is a small French military garrison and a few

meteorologists; visited by scientists (July 2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

2,967 (July 2003 est.)

Faroe Islands

46,345 (July 2003 est.)

Fiji

868,531 (July 2003 est.)

Finland

5,190,785 (July 2003 est.)

France

60,180,529 (July 2003 est.)

French Guiana

186,917 (July 2003 est.)

French Polynesia

262,125 (July 2003 est.)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

no indigenous inhabitants (July

2002 est.)

note: in 2002, there were 145 researchers whose numbers vary from

winter (July) to summer (January) (July 2003 est.)

Gabon

1,321,560

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Gambia, The

1,501,050 (July 2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

1,274,868 (July 2002 est.)

note: in addition, there are more than 5,000 Israeli settlers in the

Gaza Strip (July 2003 est.)

Georgia

4,934,413 (July 2003 est.)

Germany

82,398,326 (July 2003 est.)

Ghana

20,467,747

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Gibraltar

27,776 (July 2003 est.)

Glorioso Islands

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there is a small French military garrison along with a few

meteorologists; visited by scientists (July 2003 est.)

Greece

10,665,989 (July 2003 est.)

Greenland

56,385 (July 2003 est.)

Grenada

89,258 (July 2003 est.)

Guadeloupe

440,189 (July 2003 est.)

Guam

163,941 (July 2003 est.)

Guatemala

13,909,384 (July 2003 est.)

Guernsey

64,818 (July 2003 est.)

Guinea

9,030,220 (July 2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

1,360,827 (July 2003 est.)

Guyana

702,100

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Haiti

7,527,817

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

uninhabited (July 2003 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

911 (July 2003 est.)

Honduras

6,669,789

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Hong Kong

7,394,170 (July 2003 est.)

Howland Island

uninhabited

note: American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and

naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during

World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by

special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and

generally restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually

by US Fish and Wildlife Service (July 2003 est.)

Hungary

10,045,407 (July 2003 est.)

Iceland

280,798 (July 2003 est.)

India

1,049,700,118 (July 2003 est.)

Indonesia

234,893,453 (July 2003 est.)

Iran

68,278,826 (July 2003 est.)

Iraq

24,683,313 (July 2003 est.)

Ireland

3,924,140 (July 2003 est.)

Israel

6,116,533 (July 2002 est.)

note: includes about 187,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank,

about 20,000 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, more than 5,000

in the Gaza Strip, and fewer than 177,000 in East Jerusalem

(February 2003 est.) (July 2003 est.)

Italy

57,998,353 (July 2003 est.)

Jamaica

2,695,867 (July 2003 est.)

Jan Mayen

no indigenous inhabitants

note: personnel operate the Long Range Navigation (Loran-C) base and

the weather and coastal services radio station (July 2003 est.)

Japan

127,214,499 (July 2003 est.)

Jarvis Island

uninhabited

note: Millersville settlement on western side of island occasionally

used as a weather station from 1935 until World War II, when it was

abandoned; reoccupied in 1957 during the International Geophysical

Year by scientists who left in 1958; public entry is by special-use

permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally

restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually by US Fish

and Wildlife Service (July 2003 est.)

Jersey

90,156 (July 2003 est.)

Johnston Atoll

no indigenous inhabitants

note: in previous years, there was an average of 1,100 US military

and civilian contractor personnel present; as of September 2001,

population had decreased significantly when US Army Chemical

Activity Pacific (USACAP) departed; as of January 2003 the island

population was just above 800 personnel, including US Air Force, US

Department of Defense civilian, and civilian contractor personnel

(January 2003 est.) (July 2003 est.)

Jordan

5,460,265 (July 2003 est.)

Juan de Nova Island no indigenous inhabitants note: there is a small French military garrison along with a few meteorologists; occasionally visited by scientists (July 2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

16,763,795 (July 2003 est.)

Kenya

31,639,091

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Kingman Reef

uninhabited (July 2003 est.)

Kiribati

98,549 (July 2003 est.)

Korea, North

22,466,481 (July 2003 est.)

Korea, South

48,289,037 (July 2003 est.)

Kuwait 2,183,161 note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals (July 2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

4,892,808 (July 2003 est.)

Laos

5,921,545 (July 2003 est.)

Latvia

2,348,784 (July 2003 est.)

Lebanon

3,727,703 (July 2003 est.)

Lesotho

1,861,959

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Liberia

3,317,176 (July 2003 est.)

Libya 5,499,074 note: includes 166,510 non-nationals (July 2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

33,145 (July 2003 est.)

Lithuania

3,592,561 (July 2003 est.)

Luxembourg

454,157 (July 2003 est.)

Macau

469,903 (July 2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

2,063,122

note: a census was taken 1-15 November 2002, but results are not yet

available (July 2003 est.)

Madagascar

16,979,744 (July 2003 est.)

Malawi

11,651,239

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Malaysia

23,092,940 (July 2003 est.)

Maldives

329,684 (July 2003 est.)

Mali

11,626,219 (July 2003 est.)

Malta

400,420 (July 2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

74,261 (July 2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

56,429 (July 2003 est.)

Martinique

425,966 (July 2003 est.)

Mauritania

2,912,584 (July 2003 est.)

Mauritius

1,210,447 (July 2003 est.)

Mayotte

178,437 (July 2003 est.)

Mexico

104,907,991 (July 2003 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

108,143 (July 2003 est.)

Midway Islands

no indigenous inhabitants; approximately 40 people

make up the staff of US Fish and Wildlife Service and their services

cooperator living at the atoll (July 2003 est.)

Moldova

4,439,502 (July 2003 est.)

Monaco

32,130 (July 2003 est.)

Mongolia

2,712,315 (July 2003 est.)

Montserrat

8,995

note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the

resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned

(July 2003 est.)

Morocco

31,689,265 (July 2003 est.)

Mozambique

17,479,266

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected; the 1997

Mozambican census reported a population of 16,099,246 (July 2003

est.)

Namibia

1,927,447

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Nauru

12,570 (July 2003 est.)

Navassa Island

uninhabited

note: transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island

(July 2003 est.)

Nepal

26,469,569 (July 2003 est.)

Netherlands

16,150,511 (July 2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

216,226 (July 2003 est.)

New Caledonia

210,798 (July 2003 est.)

New Zealand

3,951,307 (July 2003 est.)

Nicaragua

5,128,517 (July 2003 est.)

Niger

11,058,590 (July 2003 est.)

Nigeria

133,881,703

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Niue

2,145 (July 2003 est.)

Norfolk Island

1,853 (July 2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands

80,006 (July 2003 est.)

Norway

4,546,123 (July 2003 est.)

Oman 2,807,125 note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2003 est.)

Pakistan

150,694,740 (July 2003 est.)

Palau

19,717 (July 2003 est.)

Palmyra Atoll

no indigenous inhabitants; 4 to 20 Nature Conservancy

staff, US Fish and Wildlife staff (July 2003 est.)

Panama

2,960,784 (July 2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

5,295,816 (July 2003 est.)

Paracel Islands no indigenous inhabitants note: there are scattered Chinese garrisons (July 2003 est.)

Paraguay

6,036,900 (July 2003 est.)

Peru

28,409,897 (July 2003 est.)

Philippines

84,619,974 (July 2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

47 (July 2003 est.)

Poland

38,622,660 (July 2003 est.)

Portugal

10,102,022 (July 2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

3,885,877 (July 2003 est.)

Qatar

817,052 (July 2003 est.)

Reunion

755,171 (July 2003 est.)

Romania

22,271,839 (July 2003 est.)

Russia

144,526,278 (July 2003 est.)

Rwanda

7,810,056

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Saint Helena

7,367 (July 2003 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

38,763 (July 2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

162,157 (July 2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

6,976 (July 2003 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

116,812 (July 2003 est.)

Samoa

178,173 (July 2003 est.)

San Marino

28,119 (July 2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

175,883 (July 2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia 24,293,844 note: includes 5,576,076 non-nationals (July 2003 est.)

Senegal 10,580,307 (July 2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro 10,655,774 note: a census was taken in Serbia 1-15 April 2002 (July 2003 est.)

Seychelles

80,469 (July 2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

5,732,681 (July 2003 est.)

Singapore

4,608,595 (July 2003 est.)

Slovakia

5,430,033 (July 2003 est.)

Slovenia

1,935,677 (July 2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

509,190 (July 2003 est.)

Somalia

8,025,190

note: this estimate was derived from an official census taken in

1975 by the Somali Government; population counting in Somalia is

complicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movements

in response to famine and clan warfare (July 2003 est.)

South Africa

42,768,678

note: South Africa took a census October 1996 that showed a

population of 40,583,611 (after an official adjustment for a 6.8%

underenumeration based on a postenumeration survey); estimates for

this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess

mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy,

higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth

rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex

than would otherwise be expected (July 2003 est.)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

no indigenous

inhabitants

note: the small military garrison on South Georgia withdrew in March

2001, to be replaced by a permanent group of scientists of the

British Antarctic Survey, which also has a biological station on

Bird Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited (July 2003

est.)

Spain

40,217,413 (July 2003 est.)

Spratly Islands

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there are scattered garrisons occupied by personnel of several

claimant states (July 2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

19,742,439 (2003 est.)

note: since the outbreak of hostilities between the government and

armed Tamil separatists in the mid-1980s, several hundred thousand

Tamil civilians have fled the island; as of yearend 2000,

approximately 65,000 were housed in 131 refugee camps in south

India, another 40,000 lived outside the Indian camps, and more than

200,000 Tamils have sought refuge in the West (July 2003 est.)

Sudan

38,114,160 (July 2003 est.)

Suriname

435,449 (July 2003 est.)

Svalbard

2,811 (July 2003 est.)

Swaziland

1,161,219

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Sweden

8,878,085 (July 2003 est.)

Switzerland

7,318,638 (July 2003 est.)

Syria

17,585,540 (July 2002 est.)

note: in addition, about 40,000 people live in the Israeli-occupied

Golan Heights - 20,000 Arabs (18,000 Druze and 2,000 Alawites) and

about 20,000 Israeli settlers (February 2003 est.) (July 2003 est.)

Taiwan

22,603,001 (July 2003 est.)

Tajikistan

6,863,752 (July 2003 est.)

Tanzania

35,922,454

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Thailand

64,265,276

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Togo

5,429,299

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Tokelau

1,418 (July 2003 est.)

Tonga

108,141 (July 2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

1,104,209 (July 2003 est.)

Tromelin Island

uninhabited, except for visits by scientists (July

2003 est.)

Tunisia

9,924,742 (July 2003 est.)

Turkey

68,109,469 (July 2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

4,775,544 (July 2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

19,350 (July 2003 est.)

Tuvalu

11,305 (July 2003 est.)

Uganda

25,632,794

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Ukraine

48,055,439 (July 2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

2,484,818

note: includes an estimated 1,606,079 non-nationals; the 17 December

1995 census presents a total population figure of 2,377,453, and

there are estimates of 3.44 million for 2002 (July 2003 est.)

United Kingdom

60,094,648 (July 2003 est.)

United States

290,342,554 (July 2003 est.)

Uruguay

3,413,329 (July 2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

25,981,647 (July 2003 est.)

Vanuatu

199,414 (July 2003 est.)

Venezuela

24,654,694 (July 2003 est.)

Vietnam

81,624,716 (July 2003 est.)

Virgin Islands

124,778 (July 2003 est.)

Wake Island

no indigenous inhabitants

note: US military personnel have left the island, but contractor

personnel remain; as of October 2001, 200 contractor personnel were

present (July 2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

15,734 (July 2003 est.)

West Bank

2,237,194 (July 2002 est.)

note: in addition, there are about 187,000 Israeli settlers in the

West Bank and fewer than 177,000 in East Jerusalem (February 2002

est.) (July 2003 est.)

Western Sahara

261,794 (July 2003 est.)

World

6,302,309,691 (July 2003 est.)

Yemen

19,349,881 (July 2003 est.)

Zambia

10,307,333

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

12,576,742

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the

effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower

life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of

population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July

2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2120 Ports and harbors

Afghanistan

Kheyrabad, Shir Khan

Albania

Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore

Algeria

Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Beni Saf, Dellys, Djendjene,

Ghazaouet, Jijel, Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda, Tenes

American Samoa

Aunu'u (new construction), Auasi, Faleosao, Ofu, Pago

Pago, Ta'u

Andorra

none

Angola

Ambriz, Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Malongo, Mocamedes, Namibe,

Porto Amboim, Soyo

Anguilla

Blowing Point, Road Bay

Antarctica

there are no developed ports and harbors in Antarctica;

most coastal stations have offshore anchorages, and supplies are

transferred from ship to shore by small boats, barges, and

helicopters; a few stations have a basic wharf facility; US coastal

stations include McMurdo (77 51 S, 166 40 E), Palmer (64 43 S, 64 03

W); government use only except by permit (see Permit Office under

"Legal System"); all ships at port are subject to inspection in

accordance with Article 7, Antarctic Treaty; offshore anchorage is

sparse and intermittent

Antigua and Barbuda

Saint John's

Arctic Ocean

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

Argentina

Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Comodoro Rivadavia, Concepcion

del Uruguay, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Necochea, Rio Gallegos,

Rosario, Santa Fe, Ushuaia

Armenia

none

Aruba

Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

none; offshore anchorage only

Atlantic Ocean

Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp

(Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca

(Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal),

Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas

(Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal),

London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal

(Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran

(Algeria), Oslo (Norway), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Rio de

Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Saint Petersburg

(Russia), Stockholm (Sweden)

Australia

Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport (Tasmania),

Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart (Tasmania), Launceston (Tasmania),

Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville

Austria

Enns, Krems, Linz, Vienna

Azerbaijan

Baku (Baki)

Bahamas, The

Freeport, Matthew Town, Nassau

Bahrain

Manama, Mina' Salman, Sitrah

Baker Island

none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one

small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast

Bangladesh

Chittagong, Dhaka, Mongla Port, Narayanganj

Barbados

Bridgetown, Speightstown (Port Charles Marina)

Bassas da India

none; offshore anchorage only

Belarus

Mazyr

Belgium

Antwerp (one of the world's busiest ports), Brugge, Gent,

Hasselt, Liege, Mons, Namur, Oostende, Zeebrugge

Belize

Belize City, Big Creek, Corozol, Punta Gorda

Benin

Cotonou, Porto-Novo

Bermuda

Hamilton, Saint George's, Dockyard

Bhutan

none

Bolivia

Puerto Aguirre (on the Paraguay/Parana waterway, at the

Bolivia/Brazil border); also, Bolivia has free port privileges in

maritime ports in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosanska Gradiska, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski

Samac, and Brcko (all inland waterway ports on the Sava), Orasje

Botswana

none

Bouvet Island

none; offshore anchorage only

Brazil

Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Imbituba, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto

Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos, Vitoria

British Indian Ocean Territory

Diego Garcia

British Virgin Islands

Road Town

Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, Muara, Seria, Tutong

Bulgaria

Burgas, Lom, Nesebur, Ruse, Varna, Vidin

Burkina Faso

none

Burma

Bassein, Bhamo, Chauk, Mandalay, Moulmein, Myitkyina, Rangoon,

Akyab (Sittwe), Tavoy

Burundi

Bujumbura

Cambodia

Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville), Kampot, Krong Kaoh Kong,

Phnom Penh

Cameroon

Bonaberi, Douala, Garoua, Kribi, Tiko

Canada

Becancour (Quebec), Churchill, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal,

New Westminster, Prince Rupert, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick),

St. John's (Newfoundland), Sept Isles, Sydney, Trois-Rivieres,

Thunder Bay, Toronto, Vancouver, Windsor

Cape Verde

Mindelo, Praia, Tarrafal

Cayman Islands

Cayman Brac, George Town

Central African Republic

Bangui, Nola, Salo, Nzinga

Chad

none

Chile

Antofagasta, Arica, Chanaral, Coquimbo, Iquique, Puerto Montt,

Punta Arenas, San Antonio, San Vicente, Talcahuano, Valparaiso

China

Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Huangpu, Lianyungang,

Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shantou,

Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Xingang, Yantai, Zhanjiang (2001)

Christmas Island

Flying Fish Cove

Clipperton Island

none; offshore anchorage only

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none; lagoon anchorage only

Colombia

Bahia de Portete, Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena,

Leticia, Puerto Bolivar, San Andres, Santa Marta, Tumaco, Turbo

Comoros

Fomboni, Moroni, Moutsamoudou

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Banana, Boma, Bukavu, Bumba, Goma,

Kalemie, Kindu, Kinshasa, Kisangani, Matadi, Mbandaka

Congo, Republic of the

Brazzaville, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo,

Pointe-Noire

Cook Islands

Avarua, Avatiu

Coral Sea Islands

none; offshore anchorage only

Costa Rica

Caldera, Golfito, Moin, Puerto Limon, Puerto Quepos,

Puntarenas

Cote d'Ivoire

Abidjan, Aboisso, Dabou, San-Pedro

Croatia

Dubrovnik, Dugi Rat, Omisalj, Ploce, Pula, Rijeka, Sibenik,

Split, Vukovar (inland waterway port on Danube), Zadar

Cuba

Cienfuegos, Havana, Manzanillo, Mariel, Matanzas, Nuevitas,

Santiago de Cuba

Cyprus

Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Vasilikos

Czech Republic

Decin, Prague, Usti nad Labem

Denmark

Abenra, Alborg, Arhus, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Fredericia,

Frederikshavn, Hirtshals, Kolding, Odense, Roenne (Bornholm), Vejle

Djibouti

Djibouti

Dominica

Portsmouth, Roseau

Dominican Republic

Barahona, La Romana, Manzanillo, Puerto Plata,

San Pedro de Macoris, Santo Domingo

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, La Libertad, Manta, Puerto Bolivar,

San Lorenzo

Egypt

Alexandria, Al Ghardaqah, Aswan, Asyut, Bur Safajah, Damietta,

Marsa Matruh, Port Said, Suez

El Salvador

Acajutla, Puerto Cutuco, La Libertad, La Union, Puerto

El Triunfo

Equatorial Guinea

Bata, Luba, Malabo

Eritrea

Assab (Aseb), Massawa (Mits'iwa)

Estonia

Haapsalu, Kunda, Muuga, Paldiski, Parnu, Tallinn

Ethiopia

none; Ethiopia is landlocked and was by agreement with

Eritrea using the ports of Assab and Massawa; since the border

dispute with Eritrea flared, Ethiopia has used the port of Djibouti

for nearly all of its imports

Europa Island

none; offshore anchorage only

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Stanley

note: the primary port is located in Stanley Harbour and known

locally as FIPASS (Falkland Interim Port and Storage System); the

facility consists of seven permanently moored barges providing 300

meters of berthing space; it was installed by the military after

1982 and handed over to the Falkland Islands Government in 1988

Faroe Islands

Torshavn, Klaksvik, Tvoroyri, Runavik, Fuglafjordhur

Fiji

Lambasa, Lautoka, Levuka, Malau, Savusavu, Suva, Vuda

Finland

Hamina, Helsinki, Kokkola, Kotka, Loviisa, Oulu, Pori,

Rauma, Turku, Uusikaupunki, Varkaus

France

Bordeaux, Boulogne, Cherbourg, Dijon, Dunkerque, La Pallice,

Le Havre, Lyon, Marseille, Mullhouse, Nates, Paris, Rouen, Saint

Nazaire, Saint Malo, Strasbourg

French Guiana

Cayenne, Degrad des Cannes, Saint-Laurent du Maroni

French Polynesia

Mataura, Papeete, Rikitea, Uturoa

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

none; offshore anchorage only

Gabon

Cap Lopez, Kango, Lambarene, Libreville, Mayumba, Owendo,

Port-Gentil

Gambia, The

Banjul

Gaza Strip

Gaza

Georgia

Bat'umi, P'ot'i, Sokhumi

Germany

Berlin, Bonn, Brake, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Cologne, Dresden,

Duisburg, Emden, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Kiel, Luebeck, Magdeburg,

Mannheim, Rostock, Stuttgart

Ghana

Takoradi, Tema

Gibraltar

Gibraltar

Glorioso Islands

none; offshore anchorage only

Greece

Alexandroupolis, Elefsis, Irakleion (Crete), Kavala, Kerkyra,

Chalkis, Igoumenitsa, Lavrion, Patrai, Peiraiefs (Piraeus),

Thessaloniki, Volos

Greenland

Aasiaat (Egedesminde), Ilulissat (Jakobshavn),

Kangerlussuaq, Nanortalik, Narsarsuaq, Nuuk (Godthab), Qaqortoq

(Julianehab), Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Tasiilaq (March 2001)

Grenada

Grenville, Saint George's

Guadeloupe

Basse-Terre, Gustavia (on Saint Barthelemy), Marigot,

Pointe-a-Pitre

Guam

Apra Harbor

Guatemala

Champerico, Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, San Jose,

Santo Tomas de Castilla

Guernsey

Saint Peter Port, Saint Sampson

Guinea

Boke, Conakry, Kamsar

Guinea-Bissau

Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim

Guyana

Bartica, Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam, Parika

Haiti

Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, Jacmel, Jeremie, Les Cayes, Miragoane,

Port-au-Prince, Port-de-Paix, Saint-Marc

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

none; offshore anchorage only

Holy See (Vatican City)

none

Honduras

La Ceiba, Puerto Castilla, Puerto Cortes, San Lorenzo,

Tela, Puerto Lempira

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Howland Island

none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one

small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast

Hungary

Budapest, Dunaujvaros

Iceland

Akureyri, Hornafjordhur, Isafjordhur, Keflavik, Raufarhofn,

Reykjavik, Seydhisfjordhur, Straumsvik, Vesttmannaeyjar

India

Chennai (Madras), Cochin, Jawaharal Nehru, Kandla, Kolkata

(Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay), Vishakhapatnam

Indian Ocean

Chennai (Madras; India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Durban

(South Africa), Jakarta (Indonesia), Kolkata (Calcutta; India)

Melbourne (Australia), Mumbai (Bombay; India), Richards Bay (South

Africa)

Indonesia

Cilacap, Cirebon, Jakarta, Kupang, Makassar, Palembang,

Semarang, Surabaya

Iran

Abadan (largely destroyed in fighting during 1980-88 war),

Ahvaz, Bandar 'Abbas, Bandar-e Anzali, Bushehr, Bandar-e Emam

Khomeyni, Bandar-e Lengeh, Bandar-e Mahshahr, Bandar-e Torkaman,

Chabahar (Bandar Beheshti), Jazireh-ye Khark, Jazireh-ye Lavan,

Jazireh-ye Sirri, Khorramshahr (limited operation since November

1992), Now Shahr

Iraq

Umm Qasr, Khawr az Zubayr, and Al Basrah have limited

functionality

Ireland

Arklow, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Foynes, Galway, Limerick,

New Ross, Waterford

Israel

Ashdod, Ashqelon, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa, Tel Aviv-Yafo

Italy

Augusta (Sicily), Bagnoli, Bari, Brindisi, Gela, Genoa, La

Spezia, Livorno, Milazzo, Naples, Porto Foxi, Porto Torres

(Sardinia), Salerno, Savona, Taranto, Trieste, Venice (2001)

Jamaica

Alligator Pond, Discovery Bay, Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho

Rios, Port Antonio, Rocky Point, Port Esquivel (Longswharf)

Jan Mayen

none; offshore anchorage only

Japan

Akita, Amagasaki, Chiba, Hachinohe, Hakodate, Higashi-Harima,

Himeji, Hiroshima, Kawasaki, Kinuura, Kobe, Kushiro, Mizushima,

Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Sakai, Sakaide, Shimizu, Tokyo, Tomakomai

Jarvis Island

none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one

small boat landing area in the middle of the west coast and another

near the southwest corner of the island

Jersey

Gorey, Saint Aubin, Saint Helier

Johnston Atoll

Johnston Island

Jordan

Al 'Aqabah

Juan de Nova Island

none; offshore anchorage only

Kazakhstan

Aqtau (Shevchenko), Atyrau (Gur'yev), Oskemen

(Ust-Kamenogorsk), Pavlodar, Semey (Semipalatinsk)

Kenya

Kisumu, Lamu, Mombasa

Kingman Reef

none; offshore anchorage only

Kiribati

Banaba, Betio, English Harbour, Kanton

Korea, North

Ch'ongjin, Haeju, Hungnam (Hamhung), Kimch'aek, Kosong,

Najin, Namp'o, Sinuiju, Songnim, Sonbong (formerly Unggi), Ungsang,

Wonsan

Korea, South

Chinhae, Inch'on, Kunsan, Masan, Mokp'o, P'ohang,

Pusan, Tonghae-hang, Ulsan, Yosu

Kuwait

Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Kuwait, Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina'

al Ahmadi, Mina' Su'ud

Kyrgyzstan

Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)

Laos

none

Latvia

Liepaja, Riga, Ventspils

Lebanon

Antilyas, Batroun, Beirut, Chekka, El Mina, Ez Zahrani,

Jbail, Jounie, Naqoura, Sidon, Tripoli, Tyre

Lesotho

none

Liberia

Buchanan, Greenville, Harper, Monrovia, Robertsport

Libya

Al Khums, Banghazi, Darnah, Marsa al Burayqah, Misratah, Ra's

Lanuf, Tobruk, Tripoli, Zuwarah

Liechtenstein

none

Lithuania

Butinge, Kaunas, Klaipeda

Luxembourg

Mertert

Macau

Macau

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

none

Madagascar

Antsiranana, Antsohimbondrona, Mahajanga, Toamasina,

Toliara

Malawi

Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Chilumba

Malaysia

Bintulu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuching, Kudat, Labuan,

Lahad Datu, Lumut, Miri, Pasir Gudang, George Town (Penang), Port

Dickson, Port Kelang, Sandakan, Sibu, Tanjung Berhala, Tanjung

Kidurong, Tawau

Maldives

Gan, Male

Mali

Koulikoro

Malta

Marsaxlokk, Valletta

Man, Isle of

Castletown, Douglas, Peel, Ramsey

Marshall Islands

Majuro

Martinique

Fort-de-France, La Trinite

Mauritania

Bogue, Kaedi, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Rosso

Mauritius

Port Louis

Mayotte

Dzaoudzi

Mexico

Acapulco, Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Ensenada, Guaymas, La Paz,

Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Progreso, Salina Cruz,

Tampico, Topolobampo, Tuxpan, Veracruz

Micronesia, Federated States of

Colonia (Yap), Kolonia (Pohnpei),

Lele, Moen

Midway Islands

Sand Island

Moldova

none

Monaco

Monaco

Mongolia

none

Montserrat

Plymouth (abandoned), Little Bay (anchorages and ferry

landing), Carr's Bay

Morocco

Agadir, El Jadida, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra,

Mohammedia, Nador, Rabat, Safi, Tangier; also Spanish-controlled

Ceuta and Melilla

Mozambique

Beira, Inhambane, Maputo, Nacala, Pemba, Quelimane

Namibia

Luderitz, Walvis Bay

Nauru

Nauru

Navassa Island

none; offshore anchorage only

Nepal

none

Netherlands

Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Dordrecht, Eemshaven, Groningen,

Haarlem, IJmuiden, Maastricht, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Utrecht,

Vlissingen

Netherlands Antilles

Kralendijk, Philipsburg, Willemstad

New Caledonia

Mueo, Noumea, Thio

New Zealand

Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Tauranga, Wellington

Nicaragua

Bluefields, Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto

Sandino, Rama, San Juan del Sur

Niger

none

Nigeria

Calabar, Lagos, Onne, Port Harcourt, Sapele, Warri

Niue

none; offshore anchorage only

Norfolk Island

none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade

Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan, Tinian

Norway

Bergen, Drammen, Floro, Hammerfest, Harstad, Haugesund,

Kristiansand, Larvik, Narvik, Oslo, Porsgrunn, Stavanger, Tromso,

Trondheim

Oman

Matrah, Mina' al Fahl, Mina' Raysut

Pacific Ocean

Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Kao-hsiung (Taiwan),

Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San

Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney

(Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan)

Pakistan

Karachi, Port Muhammad bin Qasim

Palau

Koror

Palmyra Atoll

West Lagoon

Panama

Balboa, Cristobal, Coco Solo, Manzanillo (part of Colon

area), Vacamonte

Papua New Guinea

Kieta, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul

Paracel Islands

small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and

Duncan Island being expanded

Paraguay

Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion

Peru

Callao, Chimbote, Ilo, Matarani, Paita, Puerto Maldonado,

Salaverry, San Martin, Talara, Iquitos, Pucallpa, Yurimaguas

note: Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas are all on the upper reaches

of the Amazon and its tributaries

Philippines

Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras Island,

Iligan, Iloilo, Jolo, Legaspi, Manila, Masao, Puerto Princesa, San

Fernando, Subic Bay, Zamboanga

Pitcairn Islands

Adamstown (on Bounty Bay)

Poland

Gdansk, Gdynia, Gliwice, Kolobrzeg, Szczecin, Swinoujscie,

Ustka, Warsaw, Wroclaw

Portugal

Aveiro, Funchal (Madeira Islands), Horta (Azores), Leixoes,

Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Praia da Vitoria (Azores),

Setubal, Viana do Castelo

Puerto Rico

Aguadilla, Arecibo, Fajardo, Guanica, Guayanilla,

Guayama, Mayaguez, Playa de Ponce, San Juan

Qatar

Doha, Halul Island, Umm Sa'id (Musay'id)

Reunion

Le Port, Pointe des Galets

Romania

Braila, Constanta, Galati, Mangalia, Sulina, Tulcea

Russia

Aleksandrovsk-Sakhalinsky, Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan',

De-Kastri, Indigirskiy, Kaliningrad, Kandalaksha, Kazan',

Khabarovsk, Kholmsk, Krasnoyarsk, Lazarev, Mago, Mezen', Moscow,

Murmansk, Nakhodka, Nevel'sk, Novorossiysk, Onega,

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Rostov, Shakhtersk, Saint Petersburg,

Sochi, Taganrog, Tuapse, Uglegorsk, Vanino, Vladivostok, Volgograd,

Vostochnyy, Vyborg

Rwanda

Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye

Saint Helena

Georgetown (on Ascension), Jamestown

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, Charlestown

Saint Lucia

Castries, Vieux Fort

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Saint Pierre

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Kingstown

Samoa

Apia, Asau, Mulifanua, Salelologa

San Marino

none

Sao Tome and Principe

Santo Antonio, Sao Tome

Saudi Arabia

Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Duba, Jiddah, Jizan, Rabigh, Ra's

al Khafji, Mishab, Ras Tanura, Yanbu' al Bahr, Madinat Yanbu' al

Sinaiyah

Senegal

Dakar, Kaolack, Matam, Podor, Richard Toll, Saint-Louis,

Ziguinchor

Serbia and Montenegro

Bar, Belgrade, Kotor, Novi Sad, Pancevo,

Tivat, Zelenika

Seychelles

Victoria

Sierra Leone

Bonthe, Freetown, Pepel

Singapore

Singapore

Slovakia

Bratislava, Komarno

Slovenia

Izola, Koper, Piran

Solomon Islands

Aola Bay, Honiara, Lofung, Noro, Viru Harbor, Yandina

Somalia

Boosaaso, Berbera, Chisimayu (Kismaayo), Merca, Mogadishu

South Africa

Cape Town, Durban, East London, Mossel Bay, Port

Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Saldanha

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Grytviken

Southern Ocean

McMurdo, Palmer, and offshore anchorages in Antarctica

note: few ports or harbors exist on the southern side of the

Southern Ocean; ice conditions limit use of most of them to short

periods in midsummer; even then some cannot be entered without

icebreaker escort; most antarctic ports are operated by government

research stations and, except in an emergency, are not open to

commercial or private vessels; vessels in any port south of 60

degrees south are subject to inspection by Antarctic Treaty

observers (see Article 7)

Spain

Aviles, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cadiz, Cartagena, Castellon de la

Plana, Ceuta, Huelva, La Coruna, Las Palmas (Canary Islands),

Malaga, Melilla, Pasajes, Gijon, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary

Islands), Santander, Tarragona, Valencia, Vigo

Spratly Islands

none; offshore anchorage only

Sri Lanka

Colombo, Galle, Jaffna, Trincomalee

Sudan

Juba, Khartoum, Kusti, Malakal, Nimule, Port Sudan, Sawakin

Suriname

Albina, Moengo, New Nickerie, Paramaribo, Paranam,

Wageningen

Svalbard

Barentsburg, Longyearbyen, Ny-Alesund, Pyramiden

Swaziland

none

Sweden

Gavle, Goteborg, Halmstad, Helsingborg, Hudiksvall, Kalmar,

Karlshamn, Lulea, Malmo, Solvesborg, Stockholm, Sundsvall

Switzerland

Basel

Syria

Baniyas, Jablah, Latakia, Tartus

Taiwan

Chi-lung (Keelung), Hua-lien, Kao-hsiung, Su-ao, T'ai-chung

Tajikistan

none

Tanzania

Bukoba, Dar es Salaam, Kigoma, Kilwa Masoko, Lindi, Mtwara,

Mwanza, Pangani, Tanga, Wete, Zanzibar

Thailand

Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha,

Songkhla

Togo

Kpeme, Lome

Tokelau

none; offshore anchorage only

Tonga

Neiafu, Nuku'alofa, Pangai

Trinidad and Tobago

Pointe-a-Pierre, Point Fortin, Point Lisas,

Port-of-Spain, Scarborough, Tembladora

Tromelin Island

none; offshore anchorage only

Tunisia

Bizerte, Gabes, La Goulette, Sfax, Sousse, Tunis, Zarzis

Turkey

Gemlik, Hopa, Iskenderun, Istanbul, Izmir, Kocaeli (Izmit),

Icel (Mersin), Samsun, Trabzon

Turkmenistan

Turkmenbasy

Turks and Caicos Islands

Grand Turk, Providenciales

Tuvalu

Funafuti, Nukufetau

Uganda

Entebbe, Jinja, Port Bell

Ukraine

Berdyans'k, Feodosiya, Illichivs'k, Izmayil, Kerch, Kherson,

Kiev (Kyyiv), Kiliya, Mariupol', Mykolayiv, Odesa, Reni,

Sevastopol', Yalta, Yuzhnyy

United Arab Emirates

'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Das Island, Khawr Fakkan,

Mina' Jabal 'Ali, Mina' Khalid, Mina' Rashid, Mina' Saqr, Mina'

Zayid, Umm al Qaywayn

United Kingdom

Aberdeen, Belfast, Bristol, Cardiff, Dover, Falmouth,

Felixstowe, Glasgow, Grangemouth, Hull, Leith, Liverpool, London,

Manchester, Peterhead, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Scapa Flow,

Southampton, Sullom Voe, Teesport, Tyne

United States

Anchorage, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Chicago,

Duluth, Hampton Roads, Honolulu, Houston, Jacksonville, Los Angeles,

New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Port Canaveral, Portland

(Oregon), Prudhoe Bay, San Francisco, Savannah, Seattle, Tampa,

Toledo

Uruguay

Colonia, Fray Bentos, Juan La Caze, La Paloma, Montevideo,

Nueva Palmira, Paysandu, Punta del Este, Piriapolis

Uzbekistan

Termiz (Amu Darya)

Vanuatu

Forari, Port-Vila, Santo (Espiritu Santo)

Venezuela

Amuay, Bajo Grande, El Tablazo, La Guaira, La Salina,

Maracaibo, Matanzas, Palua, Puerto Cabello, Puerto la Cruz, Puerto

Ordaz, Puerto Sucre, Punta Cardon

Vietnam

Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long, Quy

Nhon, Nha Trang, Vinh, Vung Tau

Virgin Islands

Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Port

Alucroix

Wake Island

none; two offshore anchorages for large ships

Wallis and Futuna

Leava, Mata-Utu

West Bank

none

Western Sahara

Ad Dakhla, Cabo Bojador, Laayoune (El Aaiun)

World

Chiba, Houston, Kawasaki, Kobe, Marseille, Mina' al Ahmadi

(Kuwait), New Orleans, New York, Rotterdam, Yokohama

Yemen

Aden, Al Hudaydah, Al Mukalla, As Salif, Ras Issa, Mocha,

Nishtun

Zambia

Mpulungu

Zimbabwe

Binga, Kariba

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2121 Railways (km)

Afghanistan

total: 24.6 km

broad gauge: 9.6 km 1.524-m gauge from Gushgy (Turkmenistan) to

Towraghondi; 15 km 1.524-m gauge from Termiz (Uzbekistan) to

Kheyrabad transshipment point on south bank of Amu Darya (2001)

Albania

total: 447 km

standard gauge: 447 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Algeria

total: 3,973 km

standard gauge: 2,888 km 1.435-m gauge (283 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,085 km 1.055-m gauge (2002)

American Samoa

0 km

Andorra

0 km

Angola total: 2,761 km narrow gauge: 2,638 km 1.067-m gauge; 123 km 0.600-m gauge (2002)

Anguilla

0 km

Antigua and Barbuda

total: 77 km

narrow gauge: 64 km 0.760-m gauge; 13 km 0.610-m gauge (used almost

exclusively for handling sugarcane) (2001 est.)

Argentina

total: 34,463 km (168 km electrified)

broad gauge: 20,736 km 1.676-m gauge (142 km electrified)

standard gauge: 3,115 km 1.435-m gauge (26 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 10,375 km 1.000-m gauge; 237 km 0.750-m gauge (2002)

Armenia

total: 852 km in common carrier service; does not include

industrial lines

broad gauge: 852 km 1.520-m gauge (779 km electrified) (2002)

Aruba

0 km

Australia

total: 41,588 km (4,612 km electrified)

broad gauge: 2,193 km 1.600-m gauge

standard gauge: 23,648 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 15,456 km 1.067-m gauge

dual gauge: 291 km dual gauge (2002)

Austria

total: 6,024 km (3,641 km electrified)

standard gauge: 5,566 km 1.435-m gauge (3,524 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 34 km 1.000-m gauge (28 km electrified); 424 km

0.760-m gauge (89 km electrified) (2002)

Azerbaijan total: 2,122 km broad gauge: 2,122 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (2002)

Bahamas, The

0 km

Bahrain

0 km

Bangladesh

total: 2,706 km

broad gauge: 884 km 1.676-m gauge

narrow gauge: 1,822 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Barbados

0 km

Belarus

total: 5,523 km

broad gauge: 5,523 km 1.520-m gauge (875 km electrified) (2002)

Belgium

total: 3,471 km

standard gauge: 3,471 km 1.435-m gauge (2,631 km electrified) (2002)

Belize

0 km

Benin total: 578 km narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Bermuda

0 km

Bhutan

0 km

Bolivia

total: 3,519 km

narrow gauge: 3,519 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

total: 1,021 km (795 km electrified)

standard gauge: 1,021 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Botswana

total: 888 km

narrow gauge: 888 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Brazil

total: 31,543 km (1,981 km electrified)

broad gauge: 4,961 km 1.600-m gauge (692 km electrified)

standard gauge: 194 km 1.440-m gauge (630 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 25,992 km 1.000-m gauge (581 km electrified)

dual gauge: 396 km 1.000-m and 1.600-m gauges (three rails) (78 km

electrified) (2002)

British Virgin Islands

0 km

Brunei

total: 13 km (private line)

narrow gauge: 13 km 0.610-m gauge (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

total: 4,294 km

standard gauge: 4,049 km 1.435-m gauge (2,710 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 245 km 0.760-m gauge (2002)

Burkina Faso

total: 622 km

narrow gauge: 622 km 1.000-m gauge

note:: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote D'Ivoire

(2002)

Burma

total: 3,955 km

narrow gauge: 3,955 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Burundi

0 km

Cambodia

total: 602 km

narrow gauge: 602 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Cameroon

total: 1,008 km

narrow gauge: 1,008 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Canada

total: 49,422 km

standard gauge: 49,422 km 1.435-m gauge (129 km electrified) (2002)

Cape Verde

0 km

Cayman Islands

0 km

Central African Republic

0 km

Chad

0 km

Chile

total: 6,585 km

broad gauge: 2,831 km 1.676-m gauge (1,317 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 3,754 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

China

total: 71,600 km

standard gauge: 68,000 km 1.435-m gauge (14,600 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 3,600 km 1.000-m and 0.750-m gauge local industrial

lines (2002)

Christmas Island

24 km to serve phosphate mines

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

0 km

Colombia

total: 3,304 km

standard gauge: 150 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 3,154 km 0.914-m gauge (2002)

Comoros

0 km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

total: 4,772 km

narrow gauge: 3,621 km 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified); 125 km

1.000-m gauge; 1,026 km 0.600-m gauge (2002)

Congo, Republic of the total: 894 km narrow gauge: 894 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Cook Islands 0 km

Costa Rica total: 950 km narrow gauge: 950 km 1.067-m gauge (260 km electrified) (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire

total: 660 km

narrow gauge: 660 km 1.000-meter gauge

note: an additional 622 km of this railroad extends into Burkina

Faso (2002)

Croatia

total: 2,296 km

standard gauge: 2,296 km 1.435-m gauge (983 km electrified) (2002)

Cuba

total: 3,442 km

standard gauge: 3,442 km 1.435-m gauge (142 km electrified)

note: an additional 7,742 km of track is used by sugar plantations;

about 65% of this track is standard gauge; the rest is narrow gauge

(2002)

Cyprus

0 km

Czech Republic

total: 9,462 km

standard gauge: 9,363 km 1.435-m gauge (1,745 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 99 km 0.760-m gauge (2002)

Denmark

total: 3,164 km

standard gauge: 2,324 km 1.435-m gauge (595 km electrified)

note:: total includes 840 km of suburban track (2002)

Djibouti

total: 100 km (Djibouti segment of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti

railway)

narrow gauge: 100 km 1.000-m gauge

note: railway under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia (2002)

Dominica

0 km

Dominican Republic

total: 1,503 km

standard gauge: 375 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 142 km 0.762-m gauge

note:: 986 km also operated by sugar companies in 1.076-m, 0.889-m,

and 0.762-m gauges (2002)

East Timor

0 km

Ecuador

total: 966 km

narrow gauge: 966 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Egypt

total: 5,105 km

standard gauge: 5,105 km 1.435-m gauge (42 km electrified) (2002)

El Salvador

total: 283 km

narrow gauge: 283 km 0.914-m gauge

note: length of operational route reduced from 562 km to 283 km by

disuse and lack of maintenance (2002)

Equatorial Guinea

total: 0 km

Eritrea

total: 306 km

narrow gauge: 306 km 0.950-m gauge

note: railway is being rebuilt (2002)

Estonia

total: 968 km

broad gauge: 968 km 1.520-m/1.524-m gauge (132 km electrified)

note:: gauge being increased from 1.520-m to 1.524-m to reduce wear

on wheels and rail as lines are modernized (2002)

Ethiopia

total: 681 km (Ethiopian segment of the Addis

Ababa-Djibouti railroad)

narrow gauge: 681 km 1.000-m gauge

note: railway under joint control of Djibouti and Ethiopia (2002)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

0 km

Faroe Islands

0 km

Fiji

total: 597 km

narrow gauge: 597 km 0.600-m gauge

note: belongs to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation; used

to haul sugarcane during harvest season (May to September) (2002)

Finland

total: 5,850 km

broad gauge: 5,850 km 1.524-m gauge (2,400 km electrified) (2002)

France

total: 32,682 km

standard gauge: 32,515 km 1.435-m gauge (14,104 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 167 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

French Guiana

0 km

French Polynesia

0 km

Gabon total: 814 km standard gauge: 814 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Gambia, The

0 km

Gaza Strip

total: NA km; note - one line, abandoned and in

disrepair, little trackage remains (2001 est.)

Georgia

total: 1,612 km

broad gauge: 1,575 km 1.520-m gauge

narrow gauge: 37 km 0.912-m gauge (2002)

Germany

total: 45,514 km (21,000 km electrified)

standard gauge: 45,276 km 1.435-m gauge (20,084 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 214 km 1.000-m gauge (16 km electrified); 24 km

0.750-m gauge (2002)

Ghana

total: 953 km

narrow gauge: 953 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Greece

total: 2,571 km (764 km electrified)

standard gauge: 1,565 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 961 km 1.000-m gauge; 22 km 0.750-m gauge

dual gauge: 23 km combined 1.435-m and 1.000-m gauges (three rail

system) (2002)

Greenland

0 km

Grenada

0 km

Guadeloupe

NA km; privately owned, narrow-gauge plantation lines

Guam

0 km

Guatemala total: 886 km narrow gauge: 886 km 0.914-m gauge (2002)

Guernsey

5 km

Guinea

total: 1,115 km

standard gauge: 311 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 804 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Guinea-Bissau

0 km

Guyana

total: 187 km

standard gauge: 139 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 48 km 0.914-m gauge

note: all dedicated to ore transport (2001 est.)

Haiti

total: 40 km

narrow gauge: 40 km 0.760-m gauge; single-track

note: privately owned industrial line; closed in early 1990s (2001

est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

total: 0.86 km

standard gauge: 0.86 km 1.435-m gauge

note: a spur of the Italian Railways system, serving Rome's Saint

Peter's station (2001 est.)

Honduras

total: 699 km

narrow gauge: 279 km 1.067-m gauge; 420 km 0.914-m gauge (2002)

Hong Kong

total: 34 km

standard gauge: 34 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified and double-tracked)

note: connects to China railway system at Hong Kong-China border

(2001)

Hungary

total: 7,875 km

broad gauge: 36 km 1.524-m gauge

standard gauge: 7,620 km 1.435-m gauge (2,628 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 219 km 0.760-m gauge

note: Hungary and Austria jointly manage a cross-border,

standard-gauge railway connecting Gyor, Sopron, and Ebenfurt (Gysev

railroad) with a route length of 101 km in Hungary and 65 km in

Austria; 156 km of this line is electrified (2002)

Iceland

0 km

India

total: 63,518 km (15,009 km electrified)

broad gauge: 45,142 km 1.676-m gauge

narrow gauge: 15,013 km 1.000-m gauge; 3,363 km 0.762-m gauge and

0.610-m gauge (2002)

Indonesia

total: 6,458 km

narrow gauge: 5,961 km 1.067-m gauge (125 km electrified); 497 km

0.750-m gauge (2002)

Iran

total: 7,201 km

broad gauge: 94 km 1.676-m gauge

standard gauge: 7,107 km 1.435-m gauge (146 km electrified) (2002)

Iraq

total: 1,963 km

standard gauge: 1,963 km 1.435-m gauge (2003)

Ireland

total: 3,312 km

broad gauge: 1,947 km 1.600-m gauge (46 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,365 km 0.914-m gauge (operated by the Irish Peat

Board to transport peat to power stations and briquetting plants)

(2002)

Israel

total: 640 km

standard gauge: 640 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Italy

total: 19,493 km

standard gauge: 18,090 km 1.435-m gauge (11,375 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 88 km 1.000-m gauge (88 km electrified); 1,315 km

0.950-m gauge (189 km electrified) (2002)

Jamaica

total: 272 km

standard gauge: 272 km 1.435-m gauge; note - 207 km, belonging to

the Jamaica Railway Corporation, were in common carrier service but

are no longer operational; the remaining track is privately owned

and used to transport bauxite (2002)

Japan

total: 23,168 km (15,995 km electrified)

standard gauge: 3,204 km 1.435-m gauge (3,204 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 77 km 1.372-m gauge (77 km electrified); 19,855 km

1.067-m gauge (12,683 km electrified); 31 km 0.762-m gauge (31 km

electrified) (2002)

Jersey

0 km

Jordan total: 505 km narrow gauge: 505 km 1.050-m gauge (2002)

Juan de Nova Island total: NA km; short line going to a jetty

Kazakhstan

total: 13,601 km

broad gauge: 13,601 km 1.520-m gauge (3,661 km electrified) (2002)

Kenya

total: 2,778 km

narrow gauge: 2,778 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Kiribati

0 km

Korea, North

total: 5,214 km

standard gauge: 4,549 km 1.435-m gauge (3,500 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 665 km 0.762-m gauge (2002)

Korea, South total: 3,125 km standard gauge: 3,125 km 1.435-m gauge (661 km electrified) (2002)

Kuwait 0 km

Kyrgyzstan total: 420 km broad gauge: 420 km 1.520-m gauge (2002)

Laos

0 km

Latvia

total: 2,347 km

broad gauge: 2,314 km 1.520-m gauge (270 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2002)

Lebanon

total: 401 km

standard gauge: 319 km 1.435-m

narrow gauge: 82 km 1.050-m

note: rail system is unusable because of damage in civil war (2002)

Lesotho

total: 2.6 km; note - owned by, operated by, and included in

the statistics of South Africa

narrow gauge: 2.6 km 1.067-m gauge (1995)

Liberia

total: 490 km

standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 145 km 1.067-m gauge

note: none of the railways are in operation (2002)

Libya

0 km

Liechtenstein

total: 18.5 km

standard gauge: 18.5 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified)

note: owned, operated, and included in statistics of Austrian

Federal Railways (2002)

Lithuania

total: 1,998 km

broad gauge: 1,807 km 1.524-m gauge (122 km electrified)

standard gauge: 22 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 169 km 0.750-m gauge (all service suspended) (2002)

Luxembourg total: 274 km standard gauge: 274 km 1.435-m gauge (242 km electrified) (2002)

Macau 0 km

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

total: 699 km

standard gauge: 699 km 1.435-m gauge (233 km electrified) (2002)

Madagascar

total: 732 km

narrow gauge: 732 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Malawi

total: 797 km

narrow gauge: 797 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Malaysia

total: 2,418 km

standard gauge: 57 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 2,361 km 1.000-m gauge (150 km electrified) (2002)

Maldives

0 km

Mali

total: 729 km

narrow gauge: 729 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Malta

0 km

Man, Isle of

total: 60 km (35 km electrified) (2002)

Marshall Islands

0 km

Martinique

0 km

Mauritania 717 km standard gauge: 717 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Mauritius

0 km

Mayotte

0 km

Mexico total: 19,510 km standard gauge: 19,510 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Micronesia, Federated States of 0 km

Moldova

total: 1,300 km

broad gauge: 1,300 km 1.520-m gauge (2002)

Monaco

total: 1.7 km

standard gauge: 1.7 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Mongolia

1,815 km

broad gauge: 1,815 km 1.524-m gauge (2002)

Montserrat

0 km

Morocco

total: 1,907 km

standard gauge: 1,907 km 1.435-m gauge (1,003 km electrified) (2002)

Mozambique

total: 3,123 km

narrow gauge: 2,983 km 1.067-m gauge; 140 km 0.762-m gauge (2002)

Namibia

total: 2,382 km

narrow gauge: 2,382 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Nauru

total: 5 km

note: gauge unknown; used to haul phosphates from the center of the

island to processing facilities on the southwest coast (2001)

Nepal

total: 59 km

narrow gauge: 59 km 0.762-m gauge (2002)

Netherlands

total: 2,808 km

standard gauge: 2,808 km 1.435-m gauge (2,061 km electrified) (2002)

Netherlands Antilles

0 km

New Caledonia

0 km

New Zealand

total: 3,898 km

narrow gauge: 3,898 km 1.067-m gauge (506 km electrified) (2002)

Nicaragua

total: 6 km

narrow gauge: 6 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Niger

0 km

Nigeria

total: 3,557 km

narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge

standard gauge: 52 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Niue

0 km

Norfolk Island

0 km

Northern Mariana Islands

0 km

Norway total: 4,178 km standard gauge: 4,178 km 1.435-m gauge (2,518 km electrified) (2002)

Oman

0 km

Pakistan

total: 8,163 km

broad gauge: 7,718 km 1.676-m gauge (293 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 445 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Palau

0 km

Panama

total: 355 km

broad gauge: 76 km 1.524-m gauge

narrow gauge: 279 km 0.914-m gauge (2002)

Papua New Guinea

0 km

Paraguay

total: 441 km

standard gauge: 441 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Peru

total: 1,829 km

standard gauge: 1,515 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 314 km 0.914-m gauge (2002)

Philippines

total: 897 km

narrow gauge: 897 km 1.067-m gauge (405 km are not in operation)

(2002)

Pitcairn Islands

0 km

Poland

total: 23,420 km

broad gauge: 646 km 1.524-m gauge

standard gauge: 21,639 km 1.435-m gauge (11,626 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,135 km various gauges including 1.000-m, 0.785-m,

0.750-m, and 0.600-m (2002)

Portugal

total: 2,850 km

broad gauge: 2,576 km 1.668-m gauge (623 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 274 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Puerto Rico total: 96 km narrow gauge: 96 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Qatar

0 km

Reunion

0 km

Romania

total: 11,385 km (3,888 km electrified)

standard gauge: 10,898 km 1.435-m gauge

broad gage: 60 km 1.524-m gauge

narrow gauge: 427 km 0.760-m gauge (2002)

Russia

total: 87,157 km

broad gauge: 86,200 km 1.520-m gauge (40,300 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 957 km 1.067-m gauge (on Sakhalin Island)

note:: an additional 30,000 km of non-common carrrier lines serve

industries (2002)

Rwanda

0 km

Saint Helena

0 km

Saint Kitts and Nevis

total: 50 km

narrow gauge: 50 km 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts to serve sugarcane

plantations during harvest season (2002)

Saint Lucia

0 km

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

0 km

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

0 km

Samoa

0 km

San Marino

0 km; note - there is a 1.5-km cable railway connecting

the city of San Marino to Borgo Maggiore

Sao Tome and Principe

0 km

Saudi Arabia

total: 1,392 km

standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and

sidings) (2002)

Senegal

total: 906 km

narrow gauge: 906 km 1.000-meter gauge (2002)

Serbia and Montenegro

total: 4,059 km

standard gauge: 4,059 km 1.435-m gauge (1,364 km electrified) (2002)

Seychelles

0 km

Sierra Leone

total: 84 km

narrow gauge: 84 km 1.067-m gauge

note: Sierra Leone has no common carrier railroads; the existing

railroad is private and used on a limited basis while the mine at

Marampa is closed (2001)

Singapore

total: 38.6 km

narrow gauge: 38.6 km 1.000-m gauge

note: there is also an 83 km mass transit system with 48 stations

Slovakia

total: 3,668 km

broad gauge: 106 km 1.520-m gauge

standard gauge: 3,511 km 1.435-m gauge (1,567 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 51 km (46 km 1,000-m gauge; 5 km 0.750-m gauge) (2002)

Slovenia total: 1,201 km standard gauge: 1,201 km 1.435-m gauge (499 km electrified) (2002)

Solomon Islands

0 km

Somalia

0 km

South Africa

total: 22,298 km

narrow gauge: 21,984 km 1.065-m gauge (10,436 km electrified); 314

km 0.610-m gauge

note: includes a 2,228 km commuter rail system (2002)

Spain

total: 14,189 km

broad gauge: 11,804 km 1.668-m gauge (6,409 km electrified)

standard gauge: 455 km 1.435-m gauge (455 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 1,902 km 1.000-m gauge (781 km electrified); 28 km

0.914-m gauge (28 km electrified) (2002)

Sri Lanka

total: 1,508 km

broad gauge: 1,449 km 1.676-m gauge

narrow gauge: 59 km 0.762-m gauge (2002)

Sudan

total: 5,978 km

narrow gauge: 4,578 km 1.067-m gauge; 1,400 km 0.600-m gauge

plantation line (2002)

Suriname

total: 166 km (single-track)

standard gauge: 80 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 86 km 1.000-m gauge

note: Suriname railroads are not in operation (2001)

Svalbard

0 km

Swaziland

total: 301 km

narrow gauge: 301 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Sweden

total: 11,481 km

standard gauge: 11,481 km 1.435-m gauge (7,527 km electrified) (2002)

Switzerland

total: 4,511 km

standard gauge: 3,483 km 1.435-m gauge (3,472 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 982 km 1.000-m gauge (975 km electrified); 46 km

0.800-m gauge (46 km electrified) (2002)

Syria

total: 2,743 km

standard gauge: 2,425 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 318 km 1.050-m gauge (2002)

Taiwan

total: 1,108 km

narrow gauge: 1,108 km 1.067-m gauge (519 km electrified)

note: there also are 1,255 km of 1.067-m gauge routes belonging to

the Taiwan Sugar Corporation and to the Taiwan Forestry Bureau used

to haul products and limited numbers of passengers (2002)

Tajikistan

total: 482 km

broad gauge: 482 km 1.520-m gauge (2002)

Tanzania

total: 3,690 km

narrow gauge: 2,721 km 1.000-m gauge; 969 km 1.067-m gauge (2002)

Thailand

total: 4,071 km

narrow gauge: 4,071 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Togo

total: 525 km

narrow gauge: 525 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Tokelau

0 km

Tonga

0 km

Trinidad and Tobago

minimal agricultural railroad system near San

Fernando; common carrier railway service was discontinued in 1968

(2001)

Tunisia

total: 2,152 km

standard gauge: 468 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 1,674 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)

dual gauge: 10 km 1.435-m and 1.000-m gauges (three rails) (2002)

Turkey

total: 8,607 km

standard gauge: 8,607 km 1.435-m gauge (2,131 km electrified) (2002)

Turkmenistan

total: 2,440 km

broad gauge: 2,440 km 1.520-m gauge (2002)

Turks and Caicos Islands

0 km

Tuvalu

0 km

Uganda

total: 1,241 km

narrow gauge: 1,241 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)

Ukraine

total: 22,473 km

broad gauge: 22,473 km 1.524-m gauge (9,250 km electrified) (2002)

United Arab Emirates

0 km

United Kingdom

total: 16,893 km

standard gauge: 16,536 km 1.435-m gauge (4,928 km electrified)

broad gauge: 357 km 1.600-m gauge (in Northern Ireland) (2002)

United States

total: 194,731 km mainline routes

standard gauge: 194,731 km 1.435-m gauge

note: represents the aggregate length of roadway of all line-haul

railroads including an estimate for class II and III railroads;

excludes 135,185 km of yard tracks, sidings, and parallel lines

(2000)

Uruguay

total: 2,073 km

standard gauge: 2,073 km 1.435-m gauge

note: 461 km have been taken out of service and 460 km are in

partial use (2002)

Uzbekistan total: 3,950 km broad gauge: 3,950 km 1.520-m gauge (620 km electrified) (2002)

Vanuatu 0 km

Venezuela total: 682 km standard gauge: 682 km 1.435-m gauge (2002)

Vietnam

total: 3,142 km

standard gauge: 209 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 2,625 km 1.000-m gauge

dual gauge: 308 km three-rail track combining 1.435-m and 1.000-m

gauges (2002)

Virgin Islands

0 km

Wallis and Futuna

0 km

West Bank

0 km

Western Sahara

0 km

World

total: 1,122,650 km includes about 190,000 to 195,000 km of

electrified routes of which 147,760 km are in Europe, 24,509 km in

the Far East, 11,050 km in Africa, 4,223 km in South America, and

4,160 km in North America; note - fastest speed in daily service is

300 km/hr attained by France's Societe Nationale des Chemins-de-Fer

Francais (SNCF) Le Train a Grande Vitesse (TGV) - Atlantique line

broad gauge: 251,153 km

standard gauge: 710,754 km

narrow gauge: 239,430 km

Yemen

0 km

Zambia

total: 2,173 km

narrow gauge: 2,173 km 1.067-m gauge

note: includes 891 km of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority

(TAZARA) (2002)

Zimbabwe

total: 3,077 km

narrow gauge: 3,077 km 1.067-m gauge (313 km electrified)

note: includes the 318 km Bulawayo-Beitbridge Railway Company line

(2002)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2122 Religions (%)

Afghanistan

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

Albania

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

note: all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious

observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing

private religious practice

Algeria

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

American Samoa

Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%,

Protestant and other 30%

Andorra

Roman Catholic (predominant)

Angola

indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15%

(1998 est.)

Anguilla

Anglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%,

Baptist 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, other 12%

Antigua and Barbuda

Christian, (predominantly Anglican with other

Protestant, and some Roman Catholic)

Argentina

nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing),

Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%

Armenia

Armenian Apostolic 94%, other Christian 4%, Yezidi

(Zoroastrian/animist) 2%

Aruba

Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian,

Jewish

Australia

Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%,

non-Christian 11%, other 12.6%

Austria

Roman Catholic 78%, Protestant 5%, Muslim and other 17%

Azerbaijan

Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox

2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.)

note: religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan;

percentages for actual practicing adherents are much lower

Bahamas, The

Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%,

Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or

unknown 3%, other 2%

Bahrain

Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%

Bangladesh

Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, other 1% (1998)

Barbados

Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%,

other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, other 12%

Belarus

Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic,

Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 20% (1997 est.)

Belgium

Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%

Belize

Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Anglican 5.3%,

Methodist 3.5%, Mennonite 4.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%,

Pentecostal 7.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), none 9.4%, other 14%

(2000)

Benin

indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%

Bermuda

non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic

15%, other 19%

Bhutan

Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced

Hinduism 25%

Bolivia

Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%,

Protestant 4%, other 10%

Botswana

indigenous beliefs 85%, Christian 15%

Brazil

Roman Catholic (nominal) 80%

British Virgin Islands

Protestant 86% (Methodist 33%, Anglican 17%,

Church of God 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's

Witnesses 2%, other 15%), Roman Catholic 10%, none 2%, other 2%

(1991)

Brunei

Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%,

indigenous beliefs and other 10%

Bulgaria

Bulgarian Orthodox 83.8%, Muslim 12.1%, Roman Catholic

1.7%, Jewish 0.1%, Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 2.3%

(1998)

Burkina Faso

indigenous beliefs 40%, Muslim 50%, Christian (mainly

Roman Catholic) 10%

Burma

Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%),

Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2%

Burundi

Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%),

indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10%

Cambodia

Theravada Buddhist 95%, other 5%

Cameroon

indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Canada

Roman Catholic 46%, Protestant 36%, other 18%

note: based on the 1991 census

Cape Verde

Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs);

Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene)

Cayman Islands

United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational),

Anglican, Baptist, Church of God, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Central African Republic

indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%,

Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%

note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the

Christian majority

Chad

Muslim 51%, Christian 35%, animist 7%, other 7%

Chile

Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish NEGL%

China

Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Muslim 1%-2%, Christian 3%-4%

note: officially atheist (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21%

(1997)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Sunni Muslim 80%, other 20% (2002 est.)

Colombia

Roman Catholic 90%

Comoros

Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant

20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other syncretic sects and

indigenous beliefs 10%

Congo, Republic of the

Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%

Cook Islands

Christian (majority of populace are members of the Cook

Islands Christian Church)

Costa Rica

Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's

Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%

Cote d'Ivoire

Christian 20-30%, Muslim 35-40%, indigenous 25-40%

(2001)

note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim

(70%) and Christian (20%)

Croatia

Roman Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, Muslim 1.3%, Protestant

0.3%, others and unknown 6.2% (2001)

Cuba

nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power;

Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also

represented

Cyprus

Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian Apostolic,

and other 4%

Czech Republic

Roman Catholic 39.2%, Protestant 4.6%, Orthodox 3%,

other 13.4%, atheist 39.8%

Denmark

Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Protestant and Roman

Catholic 3%, Muslim 2%

Djibouti

Muslim 94%, Christian 6%

Dominica

Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%,

Pentecostal 3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%),

none 2%, other 6%

Dominican Republic

Roman Catholic 95%

East Timor

Roman Catholic 90%, Muslim 4%, Protestant 3%, Hindu 0.5%,

Buddhist, Animist (1992 est.)

Ecuador

Roman Catholic 95%

Egypt

Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%

El Salvador

Roman Catholic 83%

note: there is extensive activity by Protestant groups throughout

the country; by the end of 1992, there were an estimated 1 million

Protestant evangelicals in El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

nominally Christian and predominantly Roman

Catholic, pagan practices

Eritrea

Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant

Estonia

Evangelical Lutheran, Russian Orthodox, Estonian Orthodox,

Baptist, Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic,

Pentecostal, Word of Life, Jewish

Ethiopia

Muslim 45%-50%, Ethiopian Orthodox 35%-40%, animist 12%,

other 3%-8%

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

primarily Anglican, Roman

Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church, Jehovah's

Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist

Faroe Islands

Evangelical Lutheran

Fiji

Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%,

Muslim 8%, other 2%

note: Fijians are mainly Christian, Indians are Hindu, and there is

a Muslim minority (1986)

Finland

Evangelical Lutheran 89%, Russian Orthodox 1%, none 9%,

other 1%

France

Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim

5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%

French Guiana

Roman Catholic

French Polynesia

Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no

religion 6%

Gabon

Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%

Gambia, The

Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, indigenous beliefs 1%

Gaza Strip

Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 98.7%, Christian 0.7%,

Jewish 0.6%

Georgia

Georgian Orthodox 65%, Muslim 11%, Russian Orthodox 10%,

Armenian Apostolic 8%, unknown 6%

Germany

Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%,

unaffiliated or other 28.3%

Ghana

indigenous beliefs 21%, Muslim 16%, Christian 63%

Gibraltar

Roman Catholic 76.9%, Church of England 6.9%, Muslim 6.9%,

Jewish 2.3%, none or other 7% (1991)

Greece

Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Greenland

Evangelical Lutheran

Grenada

Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%

Guadeloupe

Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 4%,

Protestant 1%

Guam

Roman Catholic 85%, other 15% (1999 est.)

Guatemala

Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Guernsey

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist,

Congregational, Methodist

Guinea

Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Guinea-Bissau

indigenous beliefs 50%, Muslim 45%, Christian 5%

Guyana

Christian 50%, Hindu 35%, Muslim 10%, other 5%

Haiti

Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal

4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3% (1982)

note: roughly half of the population also practices Voodoo

Holy See (Vatican City)

Roman Catholic

Honduras

Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant minority

Hong Kong

eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%

Hungary

Roman Catholic 67.5%, Calvinist 20%, Lutheran 5%, atheist

and other 7.5%

Iceland

Evangelical Lutheran 87.1%, other Protestant 4.1%, Roman

Catholic 1.7%, other 7.1% (2002)

India

Hindu 81.3%, Muslim 12%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other

groups including Buddhist, Jain, Parsi 2.5% (2000)

Indonesia

Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%,

Buddhist 1%, other 1% (1998)

Iran

Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 10%, Zoroastrian, Jewish,

Christian, and Baha'i 1%

Iraq

Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%

Ireland

Roman Catholic 91.6%, Church of Ireland 2.5%, other 5.9%

(1998)

Israel

Jewish 80.1%, Muslim 14.6% (mostly Sunni Muslim), Christian

2.1%, other 3.2% (1996 est.)

Italy

predominately Roman Catholic with mature Protestant and Jewish

communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community

Jamaica

Protestant 61.3% (Church of God 21.2%, Baptist 8.8%,

Anglican 5.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 9%, Pentecostal 7.6%, Methodist

2.7%, United Church 2.7%, Brethren 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.6%,

Moravian 1.1%), Roman Catholic 4%, other, including some spiritual

cults 34.7%

Japan

observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including

Christian 0.7%)

Jersey

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Congregational New Church,

Methodist, Presbyterian

Jordan

Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but

some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox,

Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several

small Shi'a Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%

Kenya

Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, indigenous beliefs 10%,

Muslim 10%, other 2%

note: a large majority of Kenyans are Christian, but estimates for

the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam or indigenous

beliefs vary widely

Kiribati

Roman Catholic 52%, Protestant (Congregational) 40%, some

Seventh-Day Adventist, Muslim, Baha'i, Latter-day Saints, and Church

of God (1999)

Korea, North

traditionally Buddhist and Confucianist, some Christian

and syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)

note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent;

government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of

religious freedom

Korea, South

Christian 49%, Buddhist 47%, Confucianist 3%,

Shamanist, Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way), and other 1%

Kuwait

Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi,

and other 15%

Kyrgyzstan

Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%

Laos

Buddhist 60%, animist and other 40% (including various

Christian denominations 1.5%)

Latvia

Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox

Lebanon

Muslim 70% (including Shi'a, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite,

Alawite or Nusayri), Christian 30% (including Orthodox Christian,

Catholic, Protestant), Jewish NEGL%

Lesotho

Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%

Liberia

indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Libya

Sunni Muslim 97%

Liechtenstein

Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%,

other 6.2% (June 2002)

Lithuania

Roman Catholic (primarily), Lutheran, Russian Orthodox,

Protestant, Evangelical Christian Baptist, Muslim, Jewish

Luxembourg

87% Roman Catholic, 13% Protestants, Jews, and Muslims

(2000)

Macau

Buddhist 50%, Roman Catholic 15%, none and other 35% (1997

est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonian Orthodox 67%,

Muslim 30%, other 3%

Madagascar

indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%

Malawi

Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, indigenous

beliefs 3%, other 2%

Malaysia

Muslim, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu, Christian, Sikh; note - in

addition, Shamanism is practiced in East Malaysia

Maldives

Sunni Muslim

Mali

Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%

Malta

Roman Catholic 98%

Man, Isle of

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist,

Presbyterian, Society of Friends

Marshall Islands

Christian (mostly Protestant)

Martinique

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 10.5%, Muslim 0.5%, Hindu

0.5%, other 3.5% (1997)

Mauritania

Muslim 100%

Mauritius

Hindu 52%, Christian 28.3% (Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant

2.3%), Muslim 16.6%, other 3.1%

Mayotte

Muslim 97%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic)

Mexico

nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%, other 5%

Micronesia, Federated States of

Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%

Moldova

Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5%

(2000)

Monaco

Roman Catholic 90%

Mongolia

Tibetan Buddhist Lamaism 96%, Muslim (primarily in the

southwest), Shamanism, and Christian 4% (1998)

Montserrat

Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal,

Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations

Morocco

Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Mozambique

indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%

Namibia

Christian 80% to 90% (Lutheran 50% at least), indigenous

beliefs 10% to 20%

Nauru

Christian (two-thirds Protestant, one-third Roman Catholic)

Nepal

Hinduism 86.2%, Buddhism 7.8%, Islam 3.8%, other 2.2%

note: only official Hindu state in the world (1995)

Netherlands

Roman Catholic 31%, Protestant 21%, Muslim 4.4%, other

3.6%, unaffiliated 40% (1998)

Netherlands Antilles

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Seventh-Day

Adventist

New Caledonia

Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%

New Zealand

Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%,

Methodist 5%, Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none

33% (1986)

Nicaragua

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant

Niger

Muslim 80%, remainder indigenous beliefs and Christian

Nigeria

Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Niue

Ekalesia Niue (Niuean Church - a Protestant church closely

related to the London Missionary Society) 75%, Latter-Day Saints

10%, other 15% (mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses,

Seventh-Day Adventist)

Norfolk Island

Anglican 37.4%, Uniting Church in Australia 14.5%,

Roman Catholic 11.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.1%, none 12.2%,

unknown 17.4%, other 3.9% (1996)

Northern Mariana Islands

Christian (Roman Catholic majority,

although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)

Norway

Evangelical Lutheran 86% (state church), other Protestant and

Roman Catholic 3%, other 1%, none and unknown 10% (1997)

Oman

Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu

Pakistan

Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and

other 3%

Palau

Christian (Roman Catholics 49%, Seventh-Day Adventists,

Jehovah's Witnesses, the Assembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission,

and Latter-Day Saints), Modekngei religion (one-third of the

population observes this religion, which is indigenous to Palau)

Panama

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Papua New Guinea

Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%,

Presbyterian/Methodist/London Missionary Society 8%, Anglican 5%,

Evangelical Alliance 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1%, other Protestant

10%, indigenous beliefs 34%

Paraguay

Roman Catholic 90%, Mennonite, and other Protestant

Peru

Roman Catholic 90%

Philippines

Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist

and other 3%

Pitcairn Islands

Seventh-Day Adventist 100%

Poland

Roman Catholic 95% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox,

Protestant, and other 5%

Portugal

Roman Catholic 94%, Protestant (1995)

Puerto Rico

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

Qatar

Muslim 95%

Reunion

Roman Catholic 86%, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist (1995)

Romania

Eastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 87%,

Protestant 6.8%, Catholic 5.6%, other (mostly Muslim) 0.4%,

unaffiliated 0.2% (2002)

Russia

Russian Orthodox, Muslim, other

Rwanda

Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim

4.6%, indigenous beliefs 0.1%, none 1.7% (2001)

Saint Helena

Anglican (majority), Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist,

Roman Catholic

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Saint Lucia

Roman Catholic 90%, Anglican 3%, other Protestant 7%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Roman Catholic 99%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Anglican 47%, Methodist 28%, Roman

Catholic 13%, Hindu Seventh-Day Adventist, other Protestant

Samoa

Christian 99.7% (about one-half of population associated with

the London Missionary Society; includes Congregational, Roman

Catholic, Methodist, Latter-Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventist)

San Marino

Roman Catholic

Sao Tome and Principe

Christian 80% (Roman Catholic, Evangelical

Protestant, Seventh-Day Adventist)

Saudi Arabia

Muslim 100%

Senegal

Muslim 94%, indigenous beliefs 1%, Christian 5% (mostly

Roman Catholic)

Serbia and Montenegro

Orthodox 65%, Muslim 19%, Roman Catholic 4%,

Protestant 1%, other 11%

Seychelles

Roman Catholic 86.6%, Anglican 6.8%, other Christian

2.5%, other 4.1%

Sierra Leone

Muslim 60%, indigenous beliefs 30%, Christian 10%

Singapore

Buddhist (Chinese), Muslim (Malays), Christian, Hindu,

Sikh, Taoist, Confucianist

Slovakia

Roman Catholic 60.3%, atheist 9.7%, Protestant 8.4%,

Orthodox 4.1%, other 17.5%

Slovenia

Roman Catholic (Uniate 2%) 70.8%, Lutheran 1%, Muslim 1%,

atheist 4.3%, other 22.9%

Solomon Islands

Anglican 45%, Roman Catholic 18%, United

(Methodist/Presbyterian) 12%, Baptist 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%,

other Protestant 5%, indigenous beliefs 4%

Somalia

Sunni Muslim

South Africa

Christian 68% (includes most whites and Coloreds, about

60% of blacks and about 40% of Indians), Muslim 2%, Hindu 1.5% (60%

of Indians), indigenous beliefs and animist 28.5%

Spain

Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

Sri Lanka

Buddhist 70%, Hindu 15%, Christian 8%, Muslim 7% (1999)

Sudan

Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), indigenous beliefs 25%, Christian

5% (mostly in south and Khartoum)

Suriname

Hindu 27.4%, Muslim 19.6%, Roman Catholic 22.8%, Protestant

25.2% (predominantly Moravian), indigenous beliefs 5%

Swaziland

Zionist (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral

worship) 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, Anglican, Bahai,

Methodist, Mormon, Jewish and other 30%

Sweden

Lutheran 87%, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim,

Jewish, Buddhist

Switzerland

Roman Catholic 46.1%, Protestant 40%, other 5%, none

8.9% (1990)

Syria

Sunni Muslim 74%, Alawite, Druze, and other Muslim sects 16%,

Christian (various sects) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus,

Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)

Taiwan

mixture of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist 93%, Christian

4.5%, other 2.5%

Tajikistan

Sunni Muslim 85%, Shi'a Muslim 5%

Tanzania

mainland - Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs

35%; Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslim

Thailand

Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism

0.1%, other 0.6% (1991)

Togo

indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 29%, Muslim 20%

Tokelau

Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic 28%,

other 2%

note: on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on

Nukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with

the Congregational Christian Church predominant

Tonga

Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)

Trinidad and Tobago

Roman Catholic 29.4%, Hindu 23.8%, Anglican

10.9%, Muslim 5.8%, Presbyterian 3.4%, other 26.7%

Tunisia

Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Turkey

Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians

and Jews)

Turkmenistan

Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%

Turks and Caicos Islands

Baptist 40%, Methodist 16%, Anglican 18%,

Church of God 12%, other 14% (1990)

Tuvalu

Church of Tuvalu (Congregationalist) 97%, Seventh-Day

Adventist 1.4%, Baha'i 1%, other 0.6%

Uganda

Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%, Muslim 16%, indigenous

beliefs 18%

Ukraine

Ukrainian Orthodox - Moscow Patriarchate, Ukrainian Orthodox

- Kiev Patriarchate, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox, Ukrainian

Catholic (Uniate), Protestant, Jewish

United Arab Emirates

Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and

other 4%

United Kingdom

Anglican and Roman Catholic 40 million, Muslim 1.5

million, Presbyterian 800,000, Methodist 760,000, Sikh 500,000,

Hindu 500,000, Jewish 350,000

United States

Protestant 56%, Roman Catholic 28%, Jewish 2%, other

4%, none 10% (1989)

Uruguay

Roman Catholic 66% (less than half of the adult population

attends church regularly), Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, nonprofessing

or other 31%

Uzbekistan

Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Vanuatu

Presbyterian 36.7%, Anglican 15%, Roman Catholic 15%,

indigenous beliefs 7.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.2%, Church of

Christ 3.8%, other 15.7% (including Jon Frum Cargo cult)

Venezuela

nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Vietnam

Buddhist, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (predominantly Roman

Catholic, some Protestant), indigenous beliefs, Muslim

Virgin Islands

Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%,

other 7%

Wallis and Futuna

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

West Bank

Muslim 75% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 17%, Christian

and other 8%

Western Sahara

Muslim

World

Christians 32.79% (of which Roman Catholics 17.33%,

Protestants 5.62%, Orthodox 3.51%, Anglicans 1.31%), Muslims 19.6%,

Hindus 13.31%, Buddhists 5.88%, Sikhs 0.38%, Jews 0.24%, other

religions 12.83%, non-religious 12.53%, atheists 2.44% (2001 est.)

Yemen

Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shi'a), small

numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu

Zambia

Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, indigenous

beliefs 1%

Zimbabwe

syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%,

Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2123 Suffrage

Afghanistan

NA; previously males 15-50 years of age

Albania

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Algeria

18 years of age; universal

American Samoa

18 years of age; universal

Andorra

18 years of age; universal

Angola

18 years of age; universal

Anguilla

18 years of age; universal

Antigua and Barbuda

18 years of age; universal

Argentina

18 years of age; universal and mandatory

Armenia

18 years of age; universal

Aruba

18 years of age; universal

Australia

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Austria

18 years of age; universal; compulsory for presidential

elections

Azerbaijan

18 years of age; universal

Bahamas, The

18 years of age; universal

Bahrain

18 years of age; universal

Bangladesh

18 years of age; universal

Barbados

18 years of age; universal

Belarus

18 years of age; universal

Belgium

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Belize

18 years of age; universal

Benin

18 years of age; universal

Bermuda

18 years of age; universal

Bhutan

each family has one vote in village-level elections

Bolivia

18 years of age, universal and compulsory (married); 21

years of age, universal and compulsory (single)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of

age, universal

Botswana

18 years of age; universal

Brazil

voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70;

compulsory over 18 and under 70 years of age

British Virgin Islands

18 years of age; universal

Brunei

none

Bulgaria

18 years of age; universal

Burkina Faso

universal

Burma

18 years of age; universal

Burundi

NA years of age; universal adult

Cambodia

18 years of age; universal

Cameroon

20 years of age; universal

Canada

18 years of age; universal

Cape Verde

18 years of age; universal

Cayman Islands

18 years of age; universal

Central African Republic

21 years of age; universal

Chad

18 years of age; universal

Chile

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

China

18 years of age; universal

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA

Colombia

18 years of age; universal

Comoros

18 years of age; universal

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Congo, Republic of the

18 years of age; universal

Cook Islands

NA years of age; universal adult

Costa Rica

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Cote d'Ivoire

18 years of age; universal

Croatia

18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed)

Cuba

16 years of age; universal

Cyprus

18 years of age; universal

Czech Republic

18 years of age; universal

Denmark

18 years of age; universal

Djibouti

18 years of age; universal adult

Dominica

18 years of age; universal

Dominican Republic 18 years of age, universal and compulsory; married persons regardless of age note: members of the armed forces and police cannot vote

East Timor

17 years of age; universal

Ecuador

18 years of age; universal, compulsory for literate persons

ages 18-65, optional for other eligible voters

Egypt

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

El Salvador

18 years of age; universal

Equatorial Guinea

18 years of age; universal adult

Eritrea

18 years of age; universal

Estonia

18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens

Ethiopia

18 years of age; universal

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

18 years of age; universal

Faroe Islands

18 years of age; universal

Fiji

21 years of age; universal

Finland

18 years of age; universal

France

18 years of age; universal

French Guiana

18 years of age; universal

French Polynesia

18 years of age; universal

Gabon

21 years of age; universal

Gambia, The

18 years of age; universal

Georgia

18 years of age; universal

Germany

18 years of age; universal

Ghana

18 years of age; universal

Gibraltar

18 years of age; universal, plus other UK subjects who

have been residents six months or more

Greece

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Greenland

18 years of age; universal

Grenada

18 years of age; universal

Guadeloupe

18 years of age; universal

Guam

18 years of age; universal; US citizens, but do not vote in US

presidential elections

Guatemala

18 years of age; universal (active duty members of the

armed forces may not vote and are restricted to their barracks on

election day)

Guernsey

18 years of age; universal

Guinea

18 years of age; universal

Guinea-Bissau

18 years of age; universal

Guyana

18 years of age; universal

Haiti

18 years of age; universal

Holy See (Vatican City)

limited to cardinals less than 80 years old

Honduras

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Hong Kong

direct election 18 years of age; universal for permanent

residents living in the territory of Hong Kong for the past seven

years; indirect election limited to about 100,000 members of

functional constituencies and an 800-member election committee drawn

from broad regional groupings, municipal organizations, and central

government bodies

Hungary

18 years of age; universal

Iceland

18 years of age; universal

India

18 years of age; universal

Indonesia

17 years of age; universal and married persons regardless

of age

Iran

15 years of age; universal

Iraq

formerly 18 years of age; universal; note - in transition

following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led

coalition

Ireland

18 years of age; universal

Israel

18 years of age; universal

Italy

18 years of age; universal (except in senatorial elections,

where minimum age is 25)

Jamaica

18 years of age; universal

Japan

20 years of age; universal

Jersey

NA years of age; universal adult

Jordan

18 years of age; universal

Kazakhstan

18 years of age; universal

Kenya

18 years of age; universal

Kiribati

18 years of age; universal

Korea, North

17 years of age; universal

Korea, South

20 years of age; universal

Kuwait

adult males who have been naturalized for 30 years or more or

have resided in Kuwait since before 1920 and their male descendants

at age 21

note: only 10% of all citizens are eligible to vote; in 1996,

naturalized citizens who do not meet the pre-1920 qualification but

have been naturalized for 30 years were eligible to vote for the

first time

Kyrgyzstan

18 years of age; universal

Laos

18 years of age; universal

Latvia

18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens

Lebanon

21 years of age; compulsory for all males; authorized for

women at age 21 with elementary education

Lesotho

18 years of age; universal

Liberia

18 years of age; universal

Libya

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Liechtenstein

18 years of age; universal

Lithuania

18 years of age; universal

Luxembourg

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Macau

direct election 18 years of age, universal for permanent

residents living in Macau for the past seven years; indirect

election limited to organizations registered as "corporate voters"

(257 are currently registered) and a 300-member Election Committee

drawn from broad regional groupings, municipal organizations, and

central government bodies

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

18 years of age; universal

Madagascar

18 years of age; universal

Malawi

18 years of age; universal

Malaysia

21 years of age; universal

Maldives

21 years of age; universal

Mali

18 years of age; universal

Malta

18 years of age; universal

Man, Isle of

18 years of age; universal

Marshall Islands

18 years of age; universal

Martinique

18 years of age; universal

Mauritania

18 years of age; universal

Mauritius

18 years of age; universal

Mayotte

18 years of age; universal

Mexico

18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)

Micronesia, Federated States of

18 years of age; universal

Moldova

18 years of age; universal

Monaco

21 years of age; universal

Mongolia

18 years of age; universal

Montserrat

18 years of age; universal

Morocco

18 years of age; universal (as of January 2003)

Mozambique

18 years of age; universal

Namibia

18 years of age; universal

Nauru

20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Nepal

18 years of age; universal

Netherlands

18 years of age; universal

Netherlands Antilles

18 years of age; universal

New Caledonia

18 years of age; universal

New Zealand

18 years of age; universal

Nicaragua

16 years of age; universal

Niger

18 years of age; universal

Nigeria

18 years of age; universal

Niue

18 years of age; universal

Norfolk Island

18 years of age; universal

Northern Mariana Islands 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Norway

18 years of age; universal

Oman

in Oman's most recent elections in 2000, limited to

approximately 175,000 Omanis chosen by the government to vote in

elections for the Majlis al-Shura

Pakistan

18 years of age; universal; joint electorates and reserved

parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims

Palau

18 years of age; universal

Panama

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Papua New Guinea

18 years of age; universal

Paraguay

18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 75

Peru

18 years of age; universal

Philippines

18 years of age; universal

Pitcairn Islands 18 years of age; universal with three years residency

Poland

18 years of age; universal

Portugal

18 years of age; universal

Puerto Rico

18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are

US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Qatar

18 years of age; universal

Reunion

18 years of age; universal

Romania

18 years of age; universal

Russia

18 years of age; universal

Rwanda

18 years of age; universal adult

Saint Helena

NA years of age

Saint Kitts and Nevis

18 years of age; universal

Saint Lucia

18 years of age; universal

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

18 years of age; universal

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

18 years of age; universal

Samoa

21 years of age; universal

San Marino

18 years of age; universal

Sao Tome and Principe

18 years of age; universal

Saudi Arabia

none

Senegal

18 years of age; universal

Serbia and Montenegro 16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal

Seychelles

17 years of age; universal

Sierra Leone

18 years of age; universal

Singapore

21 years of age; universal and compulsory

Slovakia

18 years of age; universal

Slovenia

18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed)

Solomon Islands

21 years of age; universal

Somalia

18 years of age; universal

South Africa

18 years of age; universal

Spain

18 years of age; universal

Sri Lanka

18 years of age; universal

Sudan

17 years of age; universal, but noncompulsory

Suriname

18 years of age; universal

Swaziland

18 years of age

Sweden

18 years of age; universal

Switzerland

18 years of age; universal

Syria

18 years of age; universal

Taiwan

20 years of age; universal

Tajikistan

18 years of age; universal

Tanzania

18 years of age; universal

Thailand

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Togo

NA years of age; universal adult

Tokelau

21 years of age; universal

Tonga

21 years of age; universal

Trinidad and Tobago

18 years of age; universal

Tunisia

20 years of age; universal

Turkey

18 years of age; universal

Turkmenistan

18 years of age; universal

Turks and Caicos Islands

18 years of age; universal

Tuvalu

18 years of age; universal

Uganda

18 years of age; universal

Ukraine

18 years of age; universal

United Arab Emirates

none

United Kingdom

18 years of age; universal

United States

18 years of age; universal

Uruguay

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Uzbekistan

18 years of age; universal

Vanuatu

18 years of age; universal

Venezuela

18 years of age; universal

Vietnam

18 years of age; universal

Virgin Islands

18 years of age; universal; note - indigenous

inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential

elections

Wallis and Futuna

18 years of age; universal

Western Sahara

none; a UN-sponsored voter identification campaign

not yet completed

Yemen

18 years of age; universal

Zambia

18 years of age; universal

Zimbabwe

18 years of age; universal

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2124 Telephone system

Afghanistan

general assessment: very limited telephone and telegraph

service

domestic: in 1997, telecommunications links were established between

Mazar-e Sharif, Herat, Kandahar, Jalalabad, and Kabul through

satellite and microwave systems

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

linked only to Iran and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region);

commercial satellite telephone center in Ghazni

Albania

general assessment: Albania has the poorest telephone

service in Europe with fewer than two telephones per 100

inhabitants; it is doubtful that every village has telephone service

domestic: obsolete wire system; no longer provides a telephone for

every village; in 1992, following the fall of the Communist

government, peasants cut the wire to about 1,000 villages and used

it to build fences

international: inadequate; international traffic carried by

microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to Italy and Greece

Algeria

general assessment: telephone density in Algeria is very

low, not exceeding five telephones per 100 persons; the number of

fixed main lines increased in the last few years to a little more

than 2,000,000, but only about two-thirds of these have subscribers;

much of the infrastructure is outdated and inefficient

domestic: good service in north but sparse in south; domestic

satellite system with 12 earth stations (20 additional domestic

earth stations are planned)

international: 5 submarine cables; microwave radio relay to Italy,

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

Tunisia; participant in Medarabtel; satellite earth stations - 2

Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik, and

1 Arabsat (1998)

American Samoa

general assessment: NA

domestic: good telex, telegraph, facsimile and cellular telephone

services; domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Andorra

general assessment: NA

domestic: modern system with microwave radio relay connections

between exchanges

international: landline circuits to France and Spain

Angola

general assessment: telephone service limited mostly to

government and business use; HF radiotelephone used extensively for

military links

domestic: limited system of wire, microwave radio relay, and

tropospheric scatter

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Anguilla

general assessment: NA

domestic: modern internal telephone system

international: microwave radio relay to island of Saint Martin

(Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles)

Antarctica

general assessment: local systems at some research

stations

domestic: NA

international: via satellite from some research stations

Antigua and Barbuda

general assessment: NA

domestic: good automatic telephone system

international: 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth station -

1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Saba

(Netherlands Antilles) and Guadeloupe

Argentina

general assessment: by opening the telecommunications

market to competition and foreign investment with the

"Telecommunications Liberalization Plan of 1998," Argentina

encouraged the growth of modern telecommunication technology;

fiber-optic cable trunk lines are being installed between all major

cities; the major networks are entirely digital and the availability

of telephone service is being improved; however, telephone density

is presently minimal, and making telephone service universally

available will take time

domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber-optic cable, and a domestic

satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network;

more than 110,000 pay telephones are installed and mobile telephone

use is rapidly expanding

international: satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); Atlantis II and Unisur submarine cables; two international

gateways near Buenos Aires (1999)

Armenia

general assessment: system inadequate; now 90% privately

owned and undergoing modernization and expansion

domestic: the majority of subscribers and the most modern equipment

are in Yerevan (this includes paging and mobile cellular service)

international: Yerevan is connected to the Trans-Asia-Europe

fiber-optic cable through Iran; additional international service is

available by microwave radio relay and landline connections to the

other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and

through the Moscow international switch and by satellite to the rest

of the world; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (2000)

Aruba

general assessment: NA

domestic: more than adequate

international: 1 submarine cable to Sint Maarten (Netherlands

Antilles); extensive interisland microwave radio relay links

Australia

general assessment: excellent domestic and international

service

domestic: domestic satellite system; much use of radiotelephone in

areas of low population density; rapid growth of mobile cellular

telephones

international: submarine cables to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea,

and Indonesia; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (4 Indian

Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean), 2 Inmarsat (Indian and Pacific Ocean

regions) (1998)

Austria

general assessment: highly developed and efficient

domestic: there are 48 main lines for every 100 persons; the fiber

optic net is very extensive; all telephone applications and Internet

services are available

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat; in addition, there are

about 600 VSAT (very small aperture terminals) (2002)

Azerbaijan

general assessment: inadequate; requires considerable

expansion and modernization; teledensity of 10 main lines per 100

persons is low (2002)

domestic: the majority of telephones are in Baku and other

industrial centers - about 700 villages still without public

telephone service; satellite service connects Baku to a modern

switch in its exclave of Naxcivan

international: the old Soviet system of cable and microwave is still

serviceable; a satellite connection to Turkey enables Baku to reach

about 200 additional countries, some of which are directly connected

to Baku by satellite providers other than Turkey (1997)

Bahamas, The

general assessment: modern facilities

domestic: totally automatic system; highly developed

international: tropospheric scatter and submarine cable to Florida;

3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

(Atlantic Ocean) (1997)

Bahrain

general assessment: modern system

domestic: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network

with rapidly growing use of mobile cellular telephones

international: tropospheric scatter to Qatar and UAE; microwave

radio relay to Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar, UAE, and

Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (1997)

Bangladesh

general assessment: totally inadequate for a modern

country

domestic: modernizing; introducing digital systems; trunk systems

include VHF and UHF microwave radio relay links, and some

fiber-optic cable in cities

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean);

international radiotelephone communications and landline service to

neighboring countries (2000)

Barbados

general assessment: NA

domestic: island-wide automatic telephone system

international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia

Belarus

general assessment: the Ministry of Telecommunications

controls all telecommunications through its carrier (a joint stock

company) Beltelcom which is a monopoly

domestic: local - Minsk has a digital metropolitan network and a

cellular NMT-450 network; waiting lists for telephones are long;

local service outside Minsk is neglected and poor; intercity -

Belarus has a partly developed fiber-optic backbone system presently

serving at least 13 major cities (1998); Belarus's fiber optics form

synchronous digital hierarchy rings through other countries'

systems; an inadequate analog system remains operational

international: Belarus is a member of the Trans-European Line (TEL),

Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line, and has access to the

Trans-Siberia Line (TSL); three fiber-optic segments provide

connectivity to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine; worldwide

service is available to Belarus through this infrastructure;

additional analog lines to Russia; Intelsat, Eutelsat, and

Intersputnik earth stations

Belgium

general assessment: highly developed, technologically

advanced, and completely automated domestic and international

telephone and telegraph facilities

domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable

network; limited microwave radio relay network

international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat

Belize

general assessment: above-average system

domestic: trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Benin

general assessment: NA

domestic: fair system of open-wire, microwave radio relay, and

cellular connections

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); submarine cable

Bermuda

general assessment: NA

domestic: modern, fully automatic telephone system

international: 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Bhutan

general assessment: NA

domestic: domestic telephone service is very poor with few

telephones in use

international: international telephone and telegraph service is by

landline through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990)

Bolivia

general assessment: new subscribers face bureaucratic

difficulties; most telephones are concentrated in La Paz and other

cities; mobile cellular telephone use expanding rapidly

domestic: primary trunk system, which is being expanded, employs

digital microwave radio relay; some areas are served by fiber-optic

cable; mobile cellular systems are being expanded

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

general assessment: telephone and telegraph

network needs modernization and expansion; many urban areas are

below average as contrasted with services in other former Yugoslav

republics

domestic: NA

international: no satellite earth stations

Botswana

general assessment: the system is expanding with the growth

of mobile cellular service and participation in regional development

domestic: small system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay

links, and a few radiotelephone communication stations; mobile

cellular service is growing fast

international: two international exchanges; digital microwave radio

relay links to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa;

satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Brazil

general assessment: good working system

domestic: extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic

satellite system with 64 earth stations

international: 3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations

- 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region

east), connected by microwave relay system to Mercosur Brazilsat B3

satellite earth station

British Indian Ocean Territory general assessment: separate facilities for military and public needs are available domestic: all commercial telephone services are available, including connection to the Internet international: international telephone service is carried by satellite (2000)

British Virgin Islands

general assessment: worldwide telephone

service

domestic: NA

international: submarine cable to Bermuda

Brunei

general assessment: service throughout the country is

excellent; international service is good to East Asia, Europe, and

the US

domestic: every service available

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Pacific Ocean); digital submarine cable links to Malaysia, the

Philippines, and Singapore (2001)

Bulgaria

general assessment: extensive but antiquated

domestic: more than two-thirds of the lines are residential;

telephone service is available in most villages; a fairly modern

digital cable trunk line now connects switching centers in most of

the regions, the others are connected by digital microwave radio

relay

international: direct dialing to 58 countries; satellite earth

stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); 2 Intelsat

(Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions)

Burkina Faso

general assessment: all services only fair

domestic: microwave radio relay, open-wire, and radiotelephone

communication stations

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Burma

general assessment: meets minimum requirements for local and

intercity service for business and government; international service

is good

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Burundi

general assessment: primitive system

domestic: sparse system of open-wire, radiotelephone communications,

and low-capacity microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Cambodia

general assessment: adequate landline and/or cellular

service in Phnom Penh and other provincial cities; rural areas have

little telephone service

domestic: NA

international: adequate but expensive landline and cellular service

available to all countries from Phnom Penh and major provincial

cities; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean

region)

Cameroon

general assessment: available only to business and

government

domestic: cable, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Canada

general assessment: excellent service provided by modern

technology

domestic: domestic satellite system with about 300 earth stations

international: 5 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations

- 5 Intelsat (4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and 2

Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region)

Cape Verde

general assessment: effective system, being improved

domestic: interisland microwave radio relay system with both analog

and digital exchanges; work is in progress on a submarine

fiber-optic cable system which is scheduled for completion in 2003

international: 2 coaxial submarine cables; HF radiotelephone to

Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

(Atlantic Ocean)

Cayman Islands

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: 1 submarine coaxial cable; satellite earth station -

1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Central African Republic

general assessment: fair system

domestic: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and

low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Chad

general assessment: primitive system

domestic: fair system of radiotelephone communication stations

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Chile

general assessment: modern system based on extensive microwave

radio relay facilities

domestic: extensive microwave radio relay links; domestic satellite

system with 3 earth stations

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

China

general assessment: domestic and international services are

increasingly available for private use; unevenly distributed

domestic system serves principal cities, industrial centers, and

many towns

domestic: interprovincial fiber-optic trunk lines and cellular

telephone systems have been installed; a domestic satellite system

with 55 earth stations is in place

international: satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (4 Pacific

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and

1 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions); several international

fiber-optic links to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Russia, and

Germany (2000)

Christmas Island

general assessment: service provided by the

Australian network

domestic: only analog mobile telephone service is available

international: satellite earth stations - one Intelsat earth station

provides telephone and telex service (2000)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

general assessment: connected within

Australia's telecommunication system

domestic: NA

international: telephone, telex, and facsimile communications with

Australia and elsewhere via satellite; 1 satellite earth station of

NA type (2002)

Colombia

general assessment: modern system in many respects

domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system; domestic

satellite system with 41 earth stations; fiber-optic network linking

50 cities

international: satellite earth stations - 6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat; 3

fully digitalized international switching centers; 8 submarine cables

Comoros

general assessment: sparse system of microwave radio relay

and HF radiotelephone communication stations

domestic: HF radiotelephone communications and microwave radio relay

international: HF radiotelephone communications to Madagascar and

Reunion

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

general assessment: poor

domestic: barely adequate wire and microwave radio relay service in

and between urban areas; domestic satellite system with 14 earth

stations

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Congo, Republic of the

general assessment: services barely adequate

for government use; key exchanges are in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire,

and Loubomo; intercity lines frequently out of order

domestic: primary network consists of microwave radio relay and

coaxial cable

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Cook Islands

general assessment: NA

domestic: the individual islands are connected by a combination of

satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF

radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small

exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and

fiber-optic cable

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Costa Rica

general assessment: very good domestic telephone service

domestic: point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave,

fiber-optic, and coaxial cable link rural areas; Internet service is

available

international: connected to Central American Microwave System;

satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); two

submarine cables (1999)

Cote d'Ivoire

general assessment: well developed by African

standards but operating well below capacity

domestic: open-wire lines and microwave radio relay; 90% digitalized

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); 2 coaxial submarine cables (June 1999)

Croatia

general assessment: NA

domestic: reconstruction plan calls for replacement of all analog

circuits with digital and enlarging the network; a backup will be

included in the plan for the main trunk

international: digital international service is provided through the

main switch in Zagreb; Croatia participates in the Trans-Asia-Europe

(TEL) fiber-optic project, which consists of two fiber-optic trunk

connections with Slovenia and a fiber-optic trunk line from Rijeka

to Split and Dubrovnik; Croatia is also investing in ADRIA 1, a

joint fiber-optic project with Germany, Albania, and Greece (2000)

Cuba

general assessment: NA

domestic: principal trunk system, end to end of country, is coaxial

cable; fiber-optic distribution in Havana and on Isla de la

Juventud; 2 microwave radio relay installations (one is old,

US-built; the other newer, built during the period of Soviet

support); both analog and digital mobile cellular service established

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic

Ocean region)

Cyprus

general assessment: excellent in both the Greek Cypriot and

Turkish Cypriot areas

domestic: open-wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay

international: tropospheric scatter; 3 coaxial and 5 fiber-optic

submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat

Czech Republic

general assessment: privatization and modernization

of the Czech telecommunication system got a late start but is

advancing steadily; growth in the use of mobile cellular telephones

is particularly vigorous

domestic: 86% of exchanges now digital; existing copper subscriber

systems now being enhanced with Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line

(ADSL) equipment to accommodate Internet and other digital signals;

trunk systems include fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Atlantic

and Indian Ocean regions), 1 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 1

Globalstar

Denmark

general assessment: excellent telephone and telegraph

services

domestic: buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay form

trunk network, 4 cellular mobile communications systems

international: 18 submarine fiber-optic cables linking Denmark with

Norway, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Faroe

Islands, Iceland, and Canada; satellite earth stations - 6 Intelsat,

10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat (Blaavand-Atlantic-East); note -

the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

share the Danish earth station and the Eik, Norway, station for

worldwide Inmarsat access (1997)

Djibouti

general assessment: telephone facilities in the city of

Djibouti are adequate as are the microwave radio relay connections

to outlying areas of the country

domestic: microwave radio relay network

international: submarine cable to Jiddah, Suez, Sicily, Marseilles,

Colombo, and Singapore; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat

(Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; Medarabtel regional microwave radio

relay telephone network

Dominica

general assessment: NA

domestic: fully automatic network

international: microwave radio relay and SHF radiotelephone links to

Martinique and Guadeloupe; VHF and UHF radiotelephone links to Saint

Lucia

Dominican Republic

general assessment: NA

domestic: relatively efficient system based on islandwide microwave

radio relay network

international: 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth station -

1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

general assessment: generally elementary but being expanded

domestic: facilities generally inadequate and unreliable

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Egypt

general assessment: large system; underwent extensive

upgrading during 1990s and is reasonably modern; Internet access and

cellular service are available

domestic: principal centers at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah,

Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta are connected by coaxial cable and

microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean

and Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat; 5 coaxial submarine

cables; tropospheric scatter to Sudan; microwave radio relay to

Israel; a participant in Medarabtel and a signatory to Project

Oxygen (a global submarine fiber-optic cable system)

El Salvador

general assessment: NA

domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System

Equatorial Guinea

general assessment: poor system with adequate

government services

domestic: NA

international: international communications from Bata and Malabo to

African and European countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

(Indian Ocean)

Eritrea

general assessment: inadequate

domestic: very inadequate; most telephones are in Asmara; government

is seeking international tenders to improve the system (2002)

international: NA; note - international connections exist

Estonia

general assessment: foreign investment in the form of joint

business ventures greatly improved telephone service; substantial

fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV, and radio traffic in

the digital mode; internet services are available throughout most of

the country - only about 11,000 subscriber requests were unfilled by

September 2000

domestic: a wide range of high quality voice, data, and internet

services is available throughout the country

international: fiber-optic cables to Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and

Russia provide worldwide packet-switched service; two international

switches are located in Tallinn (2001)

Ethiopia

general assessment: open-wire and microwave radio relay

system; adequate for government use

domestic: open-wire; microwave radio relay; radio communication in

the HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies; two domestic satellites provide

the national trunk service

international: open-wire to Sudan and Djibouti; microwave radio

relay to Kenya and Djibouti; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat

(1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) general assessment: NA domestic: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other countries

Faroe Islands

general assessment: good international communications;

good domestic facilities

domestic: digitalization was completed in 1998; both NMT (analog)

and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Orion; 1 fiber-optic

submarine cable to the Shetland Islands, linking the Faroe Islands

with Denmark and Iceland; fiber-optic submarine cable connection to

Canada-Europe cable

Fiji

general assessment: modern local, interisland, and

international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose

telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio

communications center

domestic: NA

international: access to important cable links between US and Canada

as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite earth station - 1

Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Finland

general assessment: modern system with excellent service

domestic: cable, microwave radio relay, and an extensive cellular

net provide domestic needs

international: 1 submarine cable; satellite earth stations - access

to Intelsat transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth

station, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note -

Finland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic

countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

France

general assessment: highly developed

domestic: extensive cable and microwave radio relay; extensive

introduction of fiber-optic cable; domestic satellite system

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (with total of

5 antennas - 2 for Indian Ocean and 3 for Atlantic Ocean), NA

Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region); HF radiotelephone

communications with more than 20 countries

French Guiana

general assessment: NA

domestic: fair open-wire and microwave radio relay system

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

French Polynesia

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Gabon

general assessment: adequate service by African standards and

improving with the help of the growing mobile cell system

domestic: adequate system of cable, microwave radio relay,

tropospheric scatter, radiotelephone communication stations, and a

domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); fiber optic submarine cable to be in service in 2002

Gambia, The

general assessment: adequate; a packet switched data

network is available

domestic: adequate network of microwave radio relay and open-wire

international: microwave radio relay links to Senegal and

Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Gaza Strip

general assessment: NA

domestic: rudimentary telephone services provided by an open-wire

system

international: NA

Georgia

general assessment: NA

domestic: local - T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi have cellular telephone

networks; urban telephone density is about 20 per 100 people; rural

telephone density is about 4 per 100 people; intercity facilities

include a fiber-optic line between T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi;

nationwide pager service is available

international: Georgia and Russia are working on a fiber-optic line

between P'ot'i and Sochi (Russia); present international service is

available by microwave, landline, and satellite through the Moscow

switch; international electronic mail and telex service are available

Germany

general assessment: Germany has one of the world's most

technologically advanced telecommunications systems; as a result of

intensive capital expenditures since reunification, the formerly

backward system of the eastern part of the country, dating back to

World War II, has been modernized and integrated with that of the

western part

domestic: Germany is served by an extensive system of automatic

telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic

cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic

satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available,

expanding rapidly, and includes roaming service to many foreign

countries

international: Germany's international service is excellent

worldwide, consisting of extensive land and undersea cable

facilities as well as earth stations in the INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

EUTELSAT, and INTERSPUTNIK satellite systems (2001)

Ghana

general assessment: poor to fair system; Internet accessible;

many rural communities not yet connected; expansion of services is

underway

domestic: primarily microwave radio relay; wireless local loop has

been installed

international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); microwave radio relay link to Panaftel system connects Ghana

to its neighbors

Gibraltar

general assessment: adequate, automatic domestic system

and adequate international facilities

domestic: automatic exchange facilities

international: radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite

earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Greece

general assessment: adequate, modern networks reach all

areas; good mobile telephone and international service

domestic: microwave radio relay trunk system; extensive open-wire

connections; submarine cable to offshore islands

international: tropospheric scatter; 8 submarine cables; satellite

earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1

Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region)

Greenland

general assessment: adequate domestic and international

service provided by satellite, cables and microwave radio relay;

totally digitalized in 1995

domestic: microwave radio relay and satellite

international: satellite earth stations - 12 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 2

Americom GE-2 (all Atlantic Ocean)

Grenada

general assessment: automatic, islandwide telephone system

domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links

international: new SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and Tobago

and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad

Guadeloupe

general assessment: domestic facilities inadequate

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); microwave radio relay to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and

Martinique

Guam

general assessment: modern system, integrated with US

facilities for direct dialing, including free use of 800 numbers

domestic: modern digital system, including cellular mobile service

and local access to the Internet

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific

Ocean); submarine cables to US and Japan (Guam is a trans-Pacific

communications hub for MCI, Sprint, AT&T, IT&E, and GTE, linking the

US and Asia)

Guatemala

general assessment: fairly modern network centered in the

city of Guatemala

domestic: NA

international: connected to Central American Microwave System;

satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Guernsey

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: 1 submarine cable

Guinea

general assessment: poor to fair system of open-wire lines,

small radiotelephone communication stations, and new microwave radio

relay system

domestic: microwave radio relay and radiotelephone communication

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Guinea-Bissau

general assessment: small system

domestic: combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines,

radiotelephone, and cellular communications

international: NA

Guyana

general assessment: fair system for long-distance calling

domestic: microwave radio relay network for trunk lines

international: tropospheric scatter to Trinidad; satellite earth

station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Haiti

general assessment: domestic facilities barely adequate;

international facilities slightly better

domestic: coaxial cable and microwave radio relay trunk service

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Holy See (Vatican City)

general assessment: automatic exchange

domestic: tied into Italian system

international: uses Italian system

Honduras

general assessment: inadequate system

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System

Hong Kong

general assessment: modern facilities provide excellent

domestic and international services

domestic: microwave radio relay links and extensive fiber-optic

network

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Pacific

Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); coaxial cable to Guangzhou, China; access

to 5 international submarine cables providing connections to ASEAN

member nations, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Middle East, and Western

Europe

Hungary

general assessment: the telephone system has been modernized

and is capable of satisfying all requests for telecommunication

service

domestic: the system is digitalized and highly automated; trunk

services are carried by fiber-optic cable and digital microwave

radio relay; a program for fiber-optic subscriber connections was

initiated in 1996; heavy use is made of mobile cellular telephones

international: Hungary has fiber-optic cable connections with all

neighboring countries; the international switch is in Budapest;

satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian

Ocean regions), 1 Inmarsat, 1 very small aperture terminal (VSAT)

system of ground terminals

Iceland

general assessment: extensive domestic service

domestic: the trunk network consists of coaxial and fiber-optic

cables and microwave radio relay links

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note -

Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic

countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)

India

general assessment: mediocre service; local and long distance

service provided throughout all regions of the country, with

services primarily concentrated in the urban areas; major objective

is to continue to expand and modernize long-distance network to keep

pace with rapidly growing number of local subscriber lines; steady

improvement is taking place with the recent admission of private and

private-public investors, but, with telephone density at about two

for each 100 persons and a waiting list of over 2 million, demand

for main line telephone service will not be satisfied for a very

long time

domestic: local service is provided by microwave radio relay and

coaxial cable, with open wire and obsolete electromechanical and

manual switchboard systems still in use in rural areas; starting in

the 1980s, a substantial amount of digital switch gear has been

introduced for local and long-distance service; long-distance

traffic is carried mostly by coaxial cable and low-capacity

microwave radio relay; since 1985 significant trunk capacity has

been added in the form of fiber-optic cable and a domestic satellite

system with 254 earth stations; mobile cellular service is provided

in four metropolitan cities

international: satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region); nine gateway exchanges

operating from Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta),

Chennai (Madras), Jalandhar, Kanpur, Gaidhinagar, Hyderabad, and

Ernakulam; 4 submarine cables - LOCOM linking Chennai (Madras) to

Penang; Indo-UAE-Gulf cable linking Mumbai (Bombay) to Al Fujayrah,

UAE; India-SEA-ME-WE-3, SEA-ME-WE-2 with landing sites at Cochin and

Mumbai (Bombay); Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) with

landing site at Mumbai (Bombay) (2000)

Indonesia

general assessment: domestic service fair, international

service good

domestic: interisland microwave system and HF radio police net;

domestic satellite communications system

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Pacific Ocean)

Iran

general assessment: inadequate but currently being modernized

and expanded with the goal of not only improving the efficiency and

increasing the volume of the urban service but also bringing

telephone service to several thousand villages, not presently

connected

domestic: as a result of heavy investing in the telephone system

since 1994, the number of long-distance channels in the microwave

radio relay trunk has grown substantially; many villages have been

brought into the net; the number of main lines in the urban systems

has approximately doubled; and thousands of mobile cellular

subscribers are being served; moreover, the technical level of the

system has been raised by the installation of thousands of digital

switches

international: HF radio and microwave radio relay to Turkey,

Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Syria, Kuwait,

Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; submarine fiber-optic cable to UAE with

access to Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG);

Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line runs from Azerbaijan

through the northern portion of Iran to Turkmenistan with expansion

to Georgia and Azerbaijan; satellite earth stations - 9 Intelsat and

4 Inmarsat

Iraq

general assessment: an unknown number of telecommunication

facilities were damaged during the March-April 2003 war

domestic: the network consists of coaxial cables and microwave radio

relay links

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region),

and 1 Arabsat (inoperative); coaxial cable and microwave radio relay

to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey; Kuwait line is probably

nonoperational

Ireland

general assessment: modern digital system using cable and

microwave radio relay

domestic: microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Israel

general assessment: most highly developed system in the

Middle East although not the largest

domestic: good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay;

all systems are digital

international: 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)

Italy

general assessment: modern, well developed, fast; fully

automated telephone, telex, and data services

domestic: high-capacity cable and microwave radio relay trunks

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (with a total

of 5 antennas - 3 for Atlantic Ocean and 2 for Indian Ocean), 1

Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), and NA Eutelsat; 21 submarine

cables

Jamaica

general assessment: fully automatic domestic telephone

network

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); 3 coaxial submarine cables

Japan

general assessment: excellent domestic and international

service

domestic: high level of modern technology and excellent service of

every kind

international: satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (4 Pacific

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region), and

1 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions); submarine cables to

China, Philippines, Russia, and US (via Guam) (1999)

Jersey

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: 3 submarine cables

Johnston Atoll

general assessment: 33 commercial lines, 15 incoming

and 18 outgoing; adequate telecommunications

domestic: 60-channel submarine cable (broken in January 2002), 24

DSN circuits by satellite, Automated Digital Network (AUTODIN) with

standard remote terminal, digital telephone switch, Military

Affiliated Radio System (MARS) station (scheduled for

decommissioning March 2003), UHF/VHF air-ground radio, a link to the

Pacific Consolidated Telecommunications Network (PCTN) satellite

international: NA (2002)

Jordan

general assessment: service has improved recently with the

increased use of digital switching equipment, but better access to

the telephone system is needed in the rural areas and easier access

to pay telephones is needed by the urban public

domestic: microwave radio relay transmission and coaxial and

fiber-optic cable are employed on trunk lines; considerable use of

mobile cellular systems; Internet service is available

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat, 1 Arabsat, and

29 land and maritime Inmarsat terminals; fiber-optic cable to Saudi

Arabia and microwave radio relay link with Egypt and Syria;

connection to international submarine cable FLAG (Fiber-Optic Link

Around the Globe); participant in MEDARABTEL; international links

total about 4,000

Kazakhstan

general assessment: service is poor; equipment antiquated

domestic: intercity by landline and microwave radio relay; mobile

cellular systems are available in most of Kazakhstan

international: international traffic with other former Soviet

republics and China carried by landline and microwave radio relay

and with other countries by satellite and by the Trans-Asia-Europe

(TAE) fiber-optic cable; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat

Kenya

general assessment: unreliable; little attempt to modernize

except for service to business

domestic: trunks are primarily microwave radio relay; business data

commonly transferred by a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) system

international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat

Kiribati

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

note: Kiribati is being linked to the Pacific Ocean Cooperative

Telecommunications Network, which should improve telephone service

Korea, North

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

and 1 Russian (Indian Ocean region); other international connections

through Moscow and Beijing

Korea, South

general assessment: excellent domestic and

international services

domestic: NA

international: fiber-optic submarine cable to China; the

Russia-Korea-Japan submarine cable; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (2 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat

(Pacific Ocean region)

Kuwait

general assessment: the quality of service is excellent

domestic: new telephone exchanges provide a large capacity for new

subscribers; trunk traffic is carried by microwave radio relay,

coaxial cable, and open-wire and fiber-optic cable; a cellular

telephone system operates throughout Kuwait, and the country is well

supplied with pay telephones

international: coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Saudi

Arabia; linked to Bahrain, Qatar, UAE via the Fiber-Optic Gulf (FOG)

cable; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 2

Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 2 Arabsat

Kyrgyzstan

general assessment: poorly developed; about 100,000

unsatisfied applications for household telephones

domestic: principally microwave radio relay; one cellular provider,

probably limited to Bishkek region

international: connections with other CIS countries by landline or

microwave radio relay and with other countries by leased connections

with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; satellite

earth stations - 1 Intersputnik and 1 Intelsat; connected

internationally by the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line

Laos

general assessment: service to general public is poor but

improving with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an

additional 48,000 expected by 2001; the government relies on a

radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas

domestic: radiotelephone communications

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian

Ocean region)

Latvia

general assessment: inadequate, but is being modernized to

provide an international capability independent of the Moscow

international switch; more facilities are being installed for

individual use

domestic: expansion underway in intercity trunk line connections,

rural exchanges, and mobile systems; still many unsatisfied

subscriber applications

international: international connections are now available via cable

and a satellite earth station at Riga, enabling direct connections

for most calls (1998)

Lebanon

general assessment: telecommunications system severely

damaged by civil war; rebuilding well underway

domestic: primarily microwave radio relay and cable

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Atlantic Ocean) (erratic operations); coaxial cable to Syria;

microwave radio relay to Syria but inoperable beyond Syria to

Jordan; 3 submarine coaxial cables

Lesotho

general assessment: rudimentary system

domestic: consists of a few landlines, a small microwave radio relay

system, and a minor radiotelephone communication system; a cellular

mobile telephone system is growing

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Liberia

general assessment: telephone and telegraph service via

microwave radio relay network; main center is Monrovia

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Libya

general assessment: telecommunications system is being

modernized; mobile cellular telephone system became operational in

1996

domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular,

tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth

stations

international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat,

and NA Intersputnik; submarine cables to France and Italy; microwave

radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece;

participant in Medarabtel (1999)

Liechtenstein

general assessment: automatic telephone system

domestic: NA

international: linked to Swiss networks by cable and microwave radio

relay

Lithuania

general assessment: inadequate, but is being modernized to

provide an improved international capability and better residential

access

domestic: a national, fiber-optic cable, interurban, trunk system is

nearing completion; rural exchanges are being improved and expanded;

mobile cellular systems are being installed; access to the Internet

is available; still many unsatisfied telephone subscriber

applications

international: landline connections to Latvia and Poland; major

international connections to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway by

submarine cable for further transmission by satellite

Luxembourg

general assessment: highly developed, completely

automated and efficient system, mainly buried cables

domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; buried cable

international: 3 channels leased on TAT-6 coaxial submarine cable

(Europe to North America)

Macau

general assessment: fairly modern communication facilities

maintained for domestic and international services

domestic: NA

international: HF radiotelephone communication facility; access to

international communications carriers provided via Hong Kong and

China; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

Madagascar

general assessment: system is above average for the region

domestic: open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay,

and tropospheric scatter links connect regions

international: submarine cable to Bahrain; satellite earth stations

- 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean

region)

Malawi

general assessment: NA

domestic: system employs open-wire lines, microwave radio relay

links, and radiotelephone communications stations

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Malaysia

general assessment: modern system; international service

excellent

domestic: good intercity service provided on Peninsular Malaysia

mainly by microwave radio relay; adequate intercity microwave radio

relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; domestic

satellite system with 2 earth stations

international: submarine cables to India, Hong Kong, and Singapore;

satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific

Ocean) (2001)

Maldives

general assessment: minimal domestic and international

facilities

domestic: interatoll communication through microwave links; all

inhabited islands are connected with telephone and fax service

international: satellite earth station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Mali

general assessment: domestic system unreliable but improving;

provides only minimal service

domestic: network consists of microwave radio relay, open-wire, and

radiotelephone communications stations; expansion of microwave radio

relay in progress

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)

Malta

general assessment: automatic system satisfies normal

requirements

domestic: submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands

international: 2 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Man, Isle of

general assessment: NA

domestic: landline, telefax, mobile cellular telephone system

international: fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, satellite

earth station, submarine cable

Marshall Islands

general assessment: digital switching equipment;

modern services include telex, cellular, internet, international

calling, caller ID, and leased data circuits

domestic: Majuro Atoll and Ebeye and Kwajalein islands have regular,

seven-digit, direct-dial telephones; other islands interconnected by

shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes)

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific

Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein

(2001)

Martinique

general assessment: domestic facilities are adequate

domestic: NA

international: microwave radio relay to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and

Saint Lucia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Mauritania

general assessment: limited system of cable and open-wire

lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone

communications stations (improvements being made)

domestic: mostly cable and open-wire lines; a recently completed

domestic satellite telecommunications system links Nouakchott with

regional capitals

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean) and 2 Arabsat

Mauritius

general assessment: small system with good service

domestic: primarily microwave radio relay trunk system

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean);

new microwave link to Reunion; HF radiotelephone links to several

countries

Mayotte

general assessment: small system administered by French

Department of Posts and Telecommunications

domestic: NA

international: microwave radio relay and HF radiotelephone

communications to Comoros (2001)

Mexico

general assessment: low telephone density with about 12 main

lines per 100 persons; privatized in December 1990; the opening to

competition in January 1997 improved prospects for development

domestic: adequate telephone service for business and government,

but the population is poorly served; domestic satellite system with

120 earth stations; extensive microwave radio relay network;

considerable use of fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, and mobile

cellular service

international: satellite earth stations - 32 Intelsat, 2 Solidaridad

(giving Mexico improved access to South America, Central America,

and much of the US as well as enhancing domestic communications),

numerous Inmarsat mobile earth stations; linked to Central American

Microwave System of trunk connections; high capacity Columbus-2

fiber-optic submarine cable with access to the US, Virgin Islands,

Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, and Italy (1997)

Micronesia, Federated States of general assessment: adequate system domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes) international: satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2002)

Moldova

general assessment: inadequate, outmoded, poor service

outside Chisinau; some effort to modernize is under way

domestic: new subscribers face long wait for service; mobile

cellular telephone service being introduced

international: service through Romania and Russia via landline;

satellite earth stations - Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik

Monaco

general assessment: modern automatic telephone system

domestic: NA

international: no satellite earth stations; connected by cable into

the French communications system

Mongolia

general assessment: very low density: about 3.5 telephones

for each thousand persons

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian

Ocean Region)

Montserrat

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

Morocco

general assessment: modern system with all important

capabilities; however density is low with only 4.6 main lines

available for each 100 persons

domestic: good system composed of open-wire lines, cables, and

microwave radio relay links; Internet available but expensive;

principal switching centers are Casablanca and Rabat; national

network nearly 100% digital using fiber-optic links; improved rural

service employs microwave radio relay

international: 7 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to

Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave

radio relay to Algeria; participant in Medarabtel; fiber-optic cable

link from Agadir to Algeria and Tunisia (1998)

Mozambique

general assessment: fair system but not available

generally (telephone density is only 16 telephones for each 1,000

persons)

domestic: the system consists of open-wire lines and trunk

connection by microwave radio relay and tropospheric scatter

international: satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (2 Atlantic

Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean)

Namibia

general assessment: good system; about 6 telephones for each

100 persons

domestic: good urban services; fair rural service; microwave radio

relay links major towns; connections to other populated places are

by open wire; 100% digital

international: fiber-optic cable to South Africa, microwave radio

relay link to Botswana, direct links to other neighboring countries;

connected to Africa ONE and South African Far East (SAFE) submarine

cables through South Africa; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat

(2002)

Nauru

general assessment: adequate local and international

radiotelephone communication provided via Australian facilities

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Nepal

general assessment: poor telephone and telegraph service; fair

radiotelephone communication service and mobile cellular telephone

network

domestic: NA

international: radiotelephone communications; microwave landline to

India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Netherlands

general assessment: highly developed and well maintained

domestic: the existing system of multi-conductor cables is gradually

being replaced by fiber-optic cables; the density of cellular

telephone traffic is rapidly increasing and further modernization of

the system is expected in 2001, with the introduction of the third

generation of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)

international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1

Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions) (1996)

Netherlands Antilles

general assessment: generally adequate

facilities

domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links

international: submarine cables - 2; satellite earth stations - 2

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

New Caledonia

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

New Zealand

general assessment: excellent domestic and international

systems

domestic: NA

international: submarine cables to Australia and Fiji; satellite

earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Nicaragua

general assessment: inadequate system being upgraded by

foreign investment

domestic: low-capacity microwave radio relay and wire system being

expanded; connected to Central American Microwave System

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic

Ocean region) and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Niger

general assessment: small system of wire, radio telephone

communications, and microwave radio relay links concentrated in the

southwestern area of Niger

domestic: wire, radiotelephone communications, and microwave radio

relay; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations and 1 planned

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)

Nigeria

general assessment: an inadequate system, further limited by

poor maintenance; major expansion is required and a start has been

made

domestic: intercity traffic is carried by coaxial cable, microwave

radio relay, a domestic communications satellite system with 19

earth stations, and a coastal submarine cable; mobile cellular

facilities and the Internet are available

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); coaxial submarine cable SAFE (South

African Far East)

Niue

domestic: single-line telephone system connects all villages on

island

international: NA

Norfolk Island

general assessment: adequate

domestic: NA

international: radiotelephone service with Sydney (Australia)

Northern Mariana Islands

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Norway

general assessment: modern in all respects; one of the most

advanced telecommunications networks in Europe

domestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; moreover, the

prevalence of rural areas encourages the wide use of cellular mobile

systems instead of fixed-wire systems

international: 2 buried coaxial cable systems; 4 coaxial submarine

cables; satellite earth stations - NA Eutelsat, NA Intelsat

(Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean

regions); note - Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with the

other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) (1999)

Oman

general assessment: modern system consisting of open-wire,

microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited

coaxial cable

domestic: open-wire, microwave, radiotelephone communications, and a

domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

and 1 Arabsat

Pakistan

general assessment: the domestic system is mediocre, but

improving; service is adequate for government and business use, in

part because major businesses have established their own private

systems; since 1988, the government has promoted investment in the

national telecommunications system on a priority basis,

significantly increasing network capacity; despite major

improvements in trunk and urban systems, telecommunication services

are still not readily available to the majority of the rural

population

domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable,

cellular, and satellite networks

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway

exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay

to neighboring countries (1999)

Palau

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Panama

general assessment: domestic and international facilities

well developed

domestic: NA

international: 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth stations -

2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to the Central American

Microwave System

Papua New Guinea

general assessment: services are adequate and being

improved; facilities provide radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal

radio, aeronautical radio, and international radio communication

services

domestic: mostly radiotelephone

international: submarine cables to Australia and Guam; satellite

earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); international radio

communication service

Paraguay

general assessment: meager telephone service; principal

switching center is Asuncion

domestic: fair microwave radio relay network

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Peru

general assessment: adequate for most requirements

domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system and a domestic

satellite system with 12 earth stations

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); Pan American submarine cable

Philippines

general assessment: good international radiotelephone

and submarine cable services; domestic and inter-island service

adequate

domestic: domestic satellite system with 11 earth stations

international: 9 international gateways; satellite earth stations -

3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean); submarine cables to

Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan

Pitcairn Islands

general assessment: only party line telephone

service is available for this small, closely related community

domestic: party line service only

international: radiotelephone

Poland

general assessment: underdeveloped and outmoded system in the

process of being overhauled; partial privatization of the

state-owned telephone monopoly is underway; the long waiting list

for main line telephone service has resulted in a boom in mobile

cellular telephone use

domestic: cable, open-wire, and microwave radio relay; 3 cellular

networks; local exchanges 56.6% digital

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat, NA Eutelsat, 2

Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions), and 1 Intersputnik

(Atlantic Ocean region)

Portugal

general assessment: undergoing rapid development in recent

years, Portugal's telephone system, by the end of 1998, achieved a

state-of-the-art network with broadband, high-speed capabilities and

a main line telephone density of 53%

domestic: integrated network of coaxial cables, open-wire, microwave

radio relay, and domestic satellite earth stations

international: 6 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat;

tropospheric scatter to Azores; note - an earth station for Inmarsat

(Atlantic Ocean region) is planned

Puerto Rico

general assessment: modern system, integrated with that

of the US by high-capacity submarine cable and Intelsat with

high-speed data capability

domestic: digital telephone system; cellular telephone service

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat; submarine cable

to US

Qatar

general assessment: modern system centered in Doha

domestic: NA

international: tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio

relay to Saudi Arabia and UAE; submarine cable to Bahrain and UAE;

satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian

Ocean) and 1 Arabsat

Reunion

general assessment: adequate system; principal center is

Saint-Denis

domestic: modern open-wire and microwave radio relay network

international: radiotelephone communication to Comoros, France,

Madagascar; new microwave route to Mauritius; satellite earth

station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Romania

general assessment: poor domestic service, but improving

domestic: 90% of telephone network is automatic; trunk network is

mostly microwave radio relay, with some fiber-optic cable; about

one-third of exchange capacity is digital; roughly 3,300 villages

have no service

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat; new digital,

international, direct-dial exchanges operate in Bucharest; note -

Romania is an active participant in several international

telecommunication network projects (1999)

Russia

general assessment: the telephone system has undergone

significant changes in the 1990s; there are more than 1,000

companies licensed to offer communication services; access to

digital lines has improved, particularly in urban centers; Internet

and e-mail services are improving; Russia has made progress toward

building the telecommunications infrastructure necessary for a

market economy; however, a large demand for main line service

remains unsatisfied

domestic: cross-country digital trunk lines run from Saint

Petersburg to Khabarovsk, and from Moscow to Novorossiysk; the

telephone systems in 60 regional capitals have modern digital

infrastructures; cellular services, both analog and digital, are

available in many areas; in rural areas, the telephone services are

still outdated, inadequate, and low density

international: Russia is connected internationally by three undersea

fiber-optic cables; digital switches in several cities provide more

than 50,000 lines for international calls; satellite earth stations

provide access to Intelsat, Intersputnik, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and

Orbita systems

Rwanda

general assessment: telephone system primarily serves

business and government

domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to the centers of the

prefectures by microwave radio relay and, recently, by cellular

telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF

radiotelephone

international: international connections employ microwave radio

relay to neighboring countries and satellite communications to more

distant countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian

Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax service)

Saint Helena

general assessment: can communicate worldwide

domestic: automatic network

international: HF radiotelephone from Saint Helena to Ascensionm,

which is a major coaxial submarine cable relay point between South

Africa, Portugal, and UK; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat

(Atlantic Ocean)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

general assessment: good interisland and

international connections

domestic: inter island links to Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Martin

(Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles) are handled by VHF/UHF/SHF

radiotelephone

international: international calls are carried by radiotelephone to

Antigua and Barbuda and switched there to submarine cable or to

Intelsat; or carried to Saint Martin (Guadeloupe and Netherlands

Antilles) by radiotelephone and switched to Intelsat

Saint Lucia

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: system is automatically switched

international: direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique and

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to Barbados;

international calls beyond these countries are carried by Intelsat

from Martinique

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

general assessment: adequate

domestic: NA

international: radiotelephone communication with most countries in

the world; 1 earth station in French domestic satellite system

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: islandwide, fully automatic telephone system; VHF/UHF

radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to the other islands of the

Grenadines

international: VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to

Barbados; new SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and to Saint Lucia;

access to Intelsat earth station in Martinique through Saint Lucia

Samoa

general assessment: adequate

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

San Marino

general assessment: adequate connections

domestic: automatic telephone system completely integrated into

Italian system

international: connected to Italian international network

Sao Tome and Principe

general assessment: adequate facilities

domestic: minimal system

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Saudi Arabia

general assessment: modern system

domestic: extensive microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and

fiber-optic cable systems

international: microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait,

Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan;

submarine cable to Djibouti, Egypt and Bahrain; satellite earth

stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1

Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region)

Senegal

general assessment: good system

domestic: above-average urban system; microwave radio relay, coaxial

cable and fiber-optic cable in trunk system

international: 4 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Serbia and Montenegro

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Seychelles

general assessment: effective system

domestic: radiotelephone communications between islands in the

archipelago

international: direct radiotelephone communications with adjacent

island countries and African coastal countries; satellite earth

station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Sierra Leone

general assessment: marginal telephone and telegraph

service

domestic: the national microwave radio relay trunk system connects

Freetown to Bo and Kenema

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Singapore

general assessment: major consideration given to serving

business interests; excellent international service

domestic: excellent domestic facilities

international: submarine cables to Malaysia (Sabah and Peninsular

Malaysia), Indonesia, and the Philippines; satellite earth stations

- 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat

(Pacific Ocean region)

Slovakia

general assessment: a modernization and privatization

program is increasing accessibility to telephone service, reducing

the waiting time for new subscribers, and generally improving

service quality

domestic: predominantly an analog system that is now receiving

digital equipment and is being enlarged with fiber-optic cable,

especially in the larger cities; mobile cellular capability has been

added

international: three international exchanges (one in Bratislava and

two in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is participating in

several international telecommunications projects that will increase

the availability of external services

Slovenia

general assessment: NA

domestic: 100% digital (2000)

international: NA

Solomon Islands

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Somalia

general assessment: the public telecommunications system was

almost completely destroyed or dismantled by the civil war factions;

private wireless companies offer service in most major cities and

charge the lowest international rates on the continent

domestic: local cellular telephone systems have been established in

Mogadishu and in several other population centers

international: international connections are available from

Mogadishu by satellite

South Africa

general assessment: the system is the best developed

and most modern in Africa

domestic: consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial

cables, microwave radio relay links, fiber-optic cable,

radiotelephone communication stations, and wireless local loops; key

centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port

Elizabeth, and Pretoria

international: 2 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3

Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: coastal radiotelephone station at Grytviken

Spain

general assessment: generally adequate, modern facilities;

teledensity is 44 main lines for each 100 persons

domestic: NA

international: 22 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations

- 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat;

tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries

Sri Lanka

general assessment: very inadequate domestic service,

particularly in rural areas; likely improvement with privatization

of national telephone company and encouragement to private

investment; good international service (1999)

domestic: national trunk network consists mostly of digital

microwave radio relay; fiber-optic links now in use in Colombo area

and two fixed wireless local loops have been installed; competition

is strong in mobile cellular systems; telephone density remains low

at 2.6 main lines per 100 persons (1999)

international: submarine cables to Indonesia and Djibouti; satellite

earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (1999)

Sudan

general assessment: large, well-equipped system by regional

standards and being upgraded; cellular communications started in

1996 and have expanded substantially

domestic: consists of microwave radio relay, cable, radiotelephone

communications, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite

system with 14 earth stations

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (2000)

Suriname

general assessment: international facilities are good

domestic: microwave radio relay network

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Svalbard

general assessment: probably adequate

domestic: local telephone service

international: satellite earth station - 1 of unknown type (for

communication with Norwegian mainland only)

Swaziland

general assessment: a somewhat modern but not an advanced

system

domestic: system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and

low-capacity, microwave radio relay

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Sweden

general assessment: excellent domestic and international

facilities; automatic system

domestic: coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice

traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some

additional telephone channels

international: 5 submarine coaxial cables; satellite earth stations

- 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic

and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth

station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland,

and Norway)

Switzerland

general assessment: excellent domestic and international

services

domestic: extensive cable and microwave radio relay networks

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean

and Indian Ocean)

Syria

general assessment: fair system currently undergoing

significant improvement and digital upgrades, including fiber-optic

technology

domestic: coaxial cable and microwave radio relay network

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); 1 submarine cable;

coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon,

and Turkey; participant in Medarabtel

Taiwan

general assessment: provides telecommunications service for

every business and private need

domestic: thoroughly modern; completely digitalized

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Pacific

Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); submarine cables to Japan (Okinawa),

Philippines, Guam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia,

Middle East, and Western Europe (1999)

Tajikistan

general assessment: poorly developed and not well

maintained; many towns are not reached by the national network

domestic: cable and microwave radio relay

international: linked by cable and microwave radio relay to other

CIS republics and by leased connections to the Moscow international

gateway switch; Dushanbe linked by Intelsat to international gateway

switch in Ankara (Turkey); satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 2

Intelsat

Tanzania

general assessment: fair system operating below capacity

and being modernized for better service; VSAT (very small aperture

terminal) system under construction

domestic: trunk service provided by open-wire, microwave radio

relay, tropospheric scatter, and fiber-optic cable; some links being

made digital

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Thailand

general assessment: service to general public adequate, but

investment in technological upgrades reduced by recession; bulk of

service to government activities provided by multichannel cable and

microwave radio relay network

domestic: microwave radio relay and multichannel cable; domestic

satellite system being developed

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Pacific Ocean)

Togo

general assessment: fair system based on a network of microwave

radio relay routes supplemented by open-wire lines and a mobile

cellular system

domestic: microwave radio relay and open-wire lines for conventional

system; cellular system has capacity of 10,000 telephones

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean) and 1 Symphonie

Tokelau

general assessment: adequate

domestic: radiotelephone service between islands

international: radiotelephone service to Samoa; government-regulated

telephone service (TeleTok), with 3 satellite earth stations,

established in 1997

Tonga

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

(1996)

Trinidad and Tobago

general assessment: excellent international

service; good local service

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana

Tunisia

general assessment: above the African average and continuing

to be upgraded; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis;

Internet access available

domestic: trunk facilities consist of open-wire lines, coaxial

cable, and microwave radio relay

international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 1

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave

radio relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; two

international gateway digital switches

Turkey

general assessment: undergoing rapid modernization and

expansion, especially with cellular telephones

domestic: additional digital exchanges are permitting a rapid

increase in subscribers; the construction of a network of

technologically advanced intercity trunk lines, using both

fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay is facilitating

communication between urban centers; remote areas are reached by a

domestic satellite system; the number of subscribers to mobile

cellular telephone service is growing rapidly

international: international service is provided by three submarine

fiber-optic cables in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, linking

Turkey with Italy, Greece, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, and Russia;

also by 12 Intelsat earth stations, and by 328 mobile satellite

terminals in the Inmarsat and Eutelsat systems (2002)

Turkmenistan

general assessment: poorly developed

domestic: NA

international: linked by cable and microwave radio relay to other

CIS republics and to other countries by leased connections to the

Moscow international gateway switch; a new telephone link from

Ashgabat to Iran has been established; a new exchange in Ashgabat

switches international traffic through Turkey via Intelsat;

satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 1 Intelsat

Turks and Caicos Islands

general assessment: fair cable and

radiotelephone services

domestic: NA

international: 2 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Tuvalu

general assessment: serves particular needs for internal

communications

domestic: radiotelephone communications between islands

international: NA

Uganda

general assessment: seriously inadequate; two cellular

systems have been introduced, but a sharp increase in the number of

main lines is essential; e-mail and Internet services are available

domestic: intercity traffic by wire, microwave radio relay, and

radiotelephone communication stations, fixed and mobile cellular

systems for short-range traffic

international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat; analog links to Kenya and Tanzania

Ukraine

general assessment: Ukraine's telecommunication development

plan, running through 2005, emphasizes improving domestic trunk

lines, international connections, and the mobile cellular system

domestic: at independence in December 1991, Ukraine inherited a

telephone system that was antiquated, inefficient, and in disrepair;

more than 3.5 million applications for telephones could not be

satisfied; telephone density is now rising slowly and the domestic

trunk system is being improved; the mobile cellular telephone system

is expanding at a high rate

international: two new domestic trunk lines are a part of the

fiber-optic Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) system and three Ukrainian links

have been installed in the fiber-optic Trans-European Lines (TEL)

project which connects 18 countries; additional international

service is provided by the Italy-Turkey-Ukraine-Russia (ITUR)

fiber-optic submarine cable and by earth stations in the Intelsat,

Inmarsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems

United Arab Emirates

general assessment: modern system of microwave

radio relay and coaxial cable; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubai

domestic: microwave radio relay and coaxial cable

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic

Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; submarine cables to Qatar,

Bahrain, India, and Pakistan; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain;

microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia

United Kingdom

general assessment: technologically advanced domestic

and international system

domestic: equal mix of buried cables, microwave radio relay, and

fiber-optic systems

international: 40 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations

- 10 Intelsat (7 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat

(Atlantic Ocean region), and 1 Eutelsat; at least 8 large

international switching centers

United States

general assessment: a very large, technologically

advanced, multipurpose communications system

domestic: a large system of fiber-optic cable, microwave radio

relay, coaxial cable, and domestic satellites carries every form of

telephone traffic; a rapidly growing cellular system carries mobile

telephone traffic throughout the country

international: 24 ocean cable systems in use; satellite earth

stations - 61 Intelsat (45 Atlantic Ocean and 16 Pacific Ocean), 5

Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 4 Inmarsat (Pacific and

Atlantic Ocean regions) (2000)

Uruguay

general assessment: fully digitalized

domestic: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; new

nationwide microwave radio relay network

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic

Ocean) (2002)

Uzbekistan

general assessment: antiquated and inadequate; in serious

need of modernization

domestic: the domestic telephone system is being expanded and

technologically improved, particularly in Tashkent (Toshkent) and

Samarqand, under contracts with prominent companies in

industrialized countries; moreover, by 1998, six cellular networks

had been placed in operation - four of the GSM type (Global System

for Mobile Communication), one D-AMPS type (Digital Advanced Mobile

Phone System), and one AMPS type (Advanced Mobile Phone System)

international: linked by landline or microwave radio relay with CIS

member states and to other countries by leased connection via the

Moscow international gateway switch; after the completion of the

Uzbek link to the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable,

Uzbekistan will be independent of Russian facilities for

international communications; Inmarsat also provides an

international connection, albeit an expensive one; satellite earth

stations - NA (1998)

Vanuatu

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Venezuela

general assessment: modern and expanding

domestic: domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations; recent

substantial improvement in telephone service in rural areas;

substantial increase in digitalization of exchanges and trunk lines;

installation of a national interurban fiber-optic network capable of

digital multimedia services

international: 3 submarine coaxial cables; satellite earth stations

- 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 PanAmSat; participating with

Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia in the construction of an

international fiber-optic network

Vietnam

general assessment: Vietnam is putting considerable effort

into modernization and expansion of its telecommunication system,

but its performance continues to lag behind that of its more modern

neighbors

domestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to

Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or

microwave radio relay networks; since 1991, main lines in use have

been substantially increased and the use of mobile telephones is

growing rapidly

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian

Ocean region)

Virgin Islands

general assessment: NA

domestic: modern, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay

international: submarine cable and satellite communications;

satellite earth stations - NA

Wake Island

general assessment: satellite communications; 1 DSN

circuit off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS)

domestic: NA

international: NA

Wallis and Futuna

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

West Bank

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

note: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are

responsible for communication services in the West Bank

Western Sahara

general assessment: sparse and limited system

domestic: NA

international: tied into Morocco's system by microwave radio relay,

tropospheric scatter, and satellite; satellite earth stations - 2

Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) linked to Rabat, Morocco

World

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: NA

Yemen

general assessment: since unification in 1990, efforts have

been made to create a national telecommunications network

domestic: the national network consists of microwave radio relay,

cable, tropospheric scatter, and GSM cellular mobile telephone

systems

international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Indian Ocean

and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 2

Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and Djibouti

Zambia

general assessment: facilities are aging but still among the

best in Sub-Saharan Africa

domestic: high-capacity microwave radio relay connects most larger

towns and cities; several cellular telephone services in operation;

Internet service is widely available; very small aperture terminal

(VSAT) networks are operated by private firms

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean

and 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Zimbabwe

general assessment: system was once one of the best in

Africa, but now suffers from poor maintenance; more than 100,000

outstanding requests for connection despite an equally large number

of installed but unused main lines

domestic: consists of microwave radio relay links, open-wire lines,

radiotelephone communication stations, fixed wireless local loop

installations, and a substantial mobile cellular network; Internet

connection is available in Harare and planned for all major towns

and for some of the smaller ones

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat; two

international digital gateway exchanges (in Harare and Gweru)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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@2125 Terrain

Afghanistan

mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest

Albania

mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast

Algeria

mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow,

discontinuous coastal plain

American Samoa

five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited

coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)

Andorra

rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys

Angola

narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau

Anguilla

flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone

Antarctica

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

with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain

ranges up to nearly 5,000 meters; ice-free coastal areas include

parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic

Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers

form ice shelves along about half of the coastline, and floating ice

shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent

Antigua and Barbuda

mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands,

with some higher volcanic areas

Arctic Ocean

central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar

icepack that averages about 3 meters in thickness, although pressure

ridges may be three times that size; clockwise drift pattern in the

Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly straight-line movement from the

New Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark Strait (between Greenland

and Iceland); the icepack is surrounded by open seas during the

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

to the encircling landmasses; the ocean floor is about 50%

continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the

remainder a central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges

(Alpha Cordillera, Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonosov Ridge)

Argentina

rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to

rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western

border

Armenia

Armenian Highland with mountains; little forest land; fast

flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley

Aruba

flat with a few hills; scant vegetation

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

low with sand and coral

Atlantic Ocean

surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea,

Denmark Strait, and coastal portions of the Baltic Sea from October

to June; clockwise warm-water gyre (broad, circular system of

currents) in the northern Atlantic, counterclockwise warm-water gyre

in the southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the

Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire

Atlantic basin

Australia

mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

Austria

in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the

eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping

Azerbaijan

large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland) (much

of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north,

Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) in west; Baku lies on Abseron

Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea

Bahamas, The

long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills

Bahrain

mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central

escarpment

Baker Island

low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow

fringing reef

Bangladesh

mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast

Barbados

relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region

Bassas da India

volcanic rock

Belarus

generally flat and contains much marshland

Belgium

flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills,

rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast

Belize

flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Benin

mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains

Bermuda

low hills separated by fertile depressions

Bhutan

mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna

Bolivia

rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano),

hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin

Bosnia and Herzegovina

mountains and valleys

Botswana

predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari

Desert in southwest

Bouvet Island

volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible

Brazil

mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills,

mountains, and narrow coastal belt

British Indian Ocean Territory

flat and low (most areas do not

exceed four meters in elevation)

British Virgin Islands

coral islands relatively flat; volcanic

islands steep, hilly

Brunei

flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland

in west

Bulgaria

mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast

Burkina Faso

mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in

west and southeast

Burma

central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands

Burundi

hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some

plains

Cambodia

mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north

Cameroon

diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau

in center, mountains in west, plains in north

Canada

mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast

Cape Verde

steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic

Cayman Islands

low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs

Central African Republic

vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau;

scattered hills in northeast and southwest

Chad

broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in

northwest, lowlands in south

Chile

low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in

east

China

mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains,

deltas, and hills in east

Christmas Island

steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central

plateau

Clipperton Island

coral atoll

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

flat, low-lying coral atolls

Colombia

flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes

Mountains, eastern lowland plains

Comoros

volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low

hills

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

vast central basin is a low-lying

plateau; mountains in east

Congo, Republic of the

coastal plain, southern basin, central

plateau, northern basin

Cook Islands

low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in

south

Coral Sea Islands

sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)

Costa Rica

coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including

over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes

Cote d'Ivoire

mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in

northwest

Croatia

geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border,

low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands

Cuba

mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains

in the southeast

Cyprus

central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered

but significant plains along southern coast

Czech Republic

Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains,

hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east

consists of very hilly country

Denmark

low and flat to gently rolling plains

Djibouti

coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains

Dominica

rugged mountains of volcanic origin

Dominican Republic rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed

East Timor

mountainous

Ecuador

coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands

(sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)

Egypt

vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

El Salvador

mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central

plateau

Equatorial Guinea

coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are

volcanic

Eritrea

dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending

highlands, descending on the east to a coastal desert plain, on the

northwest to hilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling

plains

Estonia

marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south

Ethiopia

high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great

Rift Valley

Europa Island

low and flat

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

rocky, hilly, mountainous with

some boggy, undulating plains

Faroe Islands

rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of

coast

Fiji

mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Finland

mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes

and low hills

France

mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west;

remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east

French Guiana

low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small

mountains

French Polynesia

mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with

reefs

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

volcanic

Gabon

narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south

Gambia, The

flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills

Gaza Strip

flat to rolling, sand- and dune-covered coastal plain

Georgia

largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the

north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi

(Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River

Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood plains,

foothills of Kolkhida Lowland

Germany

lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south

Ghana

mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area

Gibraltar

a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar

Glorioso Islands

low and flat

Greece

mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as

peninsulas or chains of islands

Greenland

flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow,

mountainous, barren, rocky coast

Grenada

volcanic in origin with central mountains

Guadeloupe

Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior

mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the

seven other islands are volcanic in origin

Guam

volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat

coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep

coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in

center, mountains in south

Guatemala

mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling

limestone plateau (Peten)

Guernsey

mostly level with low hills in southwest

Guinea

generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior

Guinea-Bissau

mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east

Guyana

mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Haiti

mostly rough and mountainous

Heard Island and McDonald Islands Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky

Holy See (Vatican City)

low hill

Honduras

mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains

Hong Kong

hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north

Howland Island

low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island

surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area

Hungary

mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on

the Slovakian border

Iceland

mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields;

coast deeply indented by bays and fiords

India

upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain

along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north

Indian Ocean

surface dominated by counterclockwise gyre (broad,

circular system of currents) in the southern Indian Ocean; unique

reversal of surface currents in the northern Indian Ocean; low

atmospheric pressure over southwest Asia from hot, rising, summer

air results in the southwest monsoon and southwest-to-northeast

winds and currents, while high pressure over northern Asia from

cold, falling, winter air results in the northeast monsoon and

northeast-to-southwest winds and currents; ocean floor is dominated

by the Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian

Ocean Ridge, Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninetyeast Ridge

Indonesia

mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior

mountains

Iran

rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts,

mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coasts

Iraq

mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in

south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran

and Turkey

Ireland

mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged

hills and low mountains; sea cliffs on west coast

Israel

Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central

mountains; Jordan Rift Valley

Italy

mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands

Jamaica

mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain

Jan Mayen

volcanic island, partly covered by glaciers

Japan

mostly rugged and mountainous

Jarvis Island

sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing

reef

Jersey

gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coast

Johnston Atoll

mostly flat

Jordan

mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great

Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River

Juan de Nova Island

low and flat

Kazakhstan

extends from the Volga to the Altai Mountains and from

the plains in western Siberia to oases and desert in Central Asia

Kenya

low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift

Valley; fertile plateau in west

Kingman Reef

low and nearly level

Kiribati

mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs

Korea, North

mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow

valleys; coastal plains wide in west, discontinuous in east

Korea, South

mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west

and south

Kuwait

flat to slightly undulating desert plain

Kyrgyzstan

peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins

encompass entire nation

Laos

mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Latvia

low plain

Lebanon

narrow coastal plain; El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) separates

Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains

Lesotho

mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains

Liberia

mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling

plateau and low mountains in northeast

Libya

mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions

Liechtenstein

mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western

third

Lithuania

lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil

Luxembourg

mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow

valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope

down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast

Macau

generally flat

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by the Vardar River

Madagascar

narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Malawi

narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills,

some mountains

Malaysia

coastal plains rising to hills and mountains

Maldives

flat, with white sandy beaches

Mali

mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna

in south, rugged hills in northeast

Malta

mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal

cliffs

Man, Isle of

hills in north and south bisected by central valley

Marshall Islands

low coral limestone and sand islands

Martinique

mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano

Mauritania

mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central

hills

Mauritius

small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains

encircling central plateau

Mayotte

generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic

peaks

Mexico

high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus;

desert

Micronesia, Federated States of islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk

Midway Islands

low, nearly level

Moldova

rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea

Monaco

hilly, rugged, rocky

Mongolia

vast semidesert and desert plains, grassy steppe, mountains

in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in south-central

Montserrat

volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal

lowland

Morocco

northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas

of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains

Mozambique

mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus

in northwest, mountains in west

Namibia

mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari

Desert in east

Nauru

sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs

with phosphate plateau in center

Navassa Island

raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to

undulating; ringed by vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 m high)

Nepal

Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill

region, rugged Himalayas in north

Netherlands

mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders);

some hills in southeast

Netherlands Antilles

generally hilly, volcanic interiors

New Caledonia

coastal plains with interior mountains

New Zealand

predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains

Nicaragua

extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central

interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by

volcanoes

Niger

predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling

plains in south; hills in north

Nigeria

southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus;

mountains in southeast, plains in north

Niue

steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau

Norfolk Island

volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Northern Mariana Islands

southern islands are limestone with level

terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

Norway

glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken

by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply

indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north

Oman

central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Pacific Ocean

surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated

by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents)

and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre;

in the northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of

Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarctica

reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the

eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the

western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the Mariana

Trench, which is the world's deepest

Pakistan

flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest;

Balochistan plateau in west

Palau

varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of

Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier

reefs

Palmyra Atoll

very low

Panama

interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland

plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills

Papua New Guinea

mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling

foothills

Paracel Islands

mostly low and flat

Paraguay

grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran

Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the

river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere

Peru

western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center

(sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)

Philippines

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal

lowlands

Pitcairn Islands

rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with

cliffs

Poland

mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Portugal

mountainous north of the Tagus River, rolling plains in

south

Puerto Rico

mostly mountains, with coastal plain belt in north;

mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most

coastal areas

Qatar

mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and

gravel

Reunion

mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast

Romania

central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Plain of

Moldavia on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from

the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps

Russia

broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous

forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern

border regions

Rwanda

mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with

altitude declining from west to east

Saint Helena

Saint Helena - rugged, volcanic; small scattered

plateaus and plains

note: the other islands of the group have a volcanic origin

Saint Kitts and Nevis

volcanic with mountainous interiors

Saint Lucia

volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

mostly barren rock

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

volcanic, mountainous

Samoa

narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in

interior

San Marino

rugged mountains

Sao Tome and Principe

volcanic, mountainous

Saudi Arabia

mostly uninhabited, sandy desert

Senegal

generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in

southeast

Serbia and Montenegro

extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile

plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast,

ancient mountains and hills; to the southwest, extremely high

shoreline with no islands off the coast

Seychelles

Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky,

hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs

Sierra Leone

coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country,

upland plateau, mountains in east

Singapore

lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water

catchment area and nature preserve

Slovakia

rugged mountains in the central and northern part and

lowlands in the south

Slovenia

a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain

region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys

with numerous rivers to the east

Solomon Islands

mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls

Somalia

mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

South Africa

vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow

coastal plain

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

most of the islands,

rising steeply from the sea, are rugged and mountainous; South

Georgia is largely barren and has steep, glacier-covered mountains;

the South Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin with some active

volcanoes

Southern Ocean

the Southern Ocean is deep, 4,000 to 5,000 meters

over most of its extent with only limited areas of shallow water;

the Antarctic continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually

deep, its edge lying at depths of 400 to 800 meters (the global mean

is 133 meters); the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum

of 2.6 million square kilometers in March to about 18.8 million

square kilometers in September, better than a sixfold increase in

area; the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (21,000 km in length) moves

perpetually eastward; it is the world's largest ocean current,

transporting 130 million cubic meters of water per second - 100

times the flow of all the world's rivers

Spain

large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills;

Pyrenees in north

Spratly Islands

flat

Sri Lanka

mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in

south-central interior

Sudan

generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in far south,

northeast and west; desert dominates the north

Suriname

mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

Svalbard

wild, rugged mountains; much of high land ice covered; west

coast clear of ice about one-half of the year; fjords along west and

north coasts

Swaziland

mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Sweden

mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Switzerland

mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with

a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes

Syria

primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain;

mountains in west

Taiwan

eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently

rolling plains in west

Tajikistan

Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate landscape; western

Fergana Valley in north, Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys in southwest

Tanzania

plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north,

south

Thailand

central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains

elsewhere

Togo

gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern

plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes

Tokelau

low-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons

Tonga

most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral

formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base

Trinidad and Tobago

mostly plains with some hills and low mountains

Tromelin Island

low, flat, and sandy; likely volcanic

Tunisia

mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south

merges into the Sahara

Turkey

high central plateau (Anatolia); narrow coastal plain;

several mountain ranges

Turkmenistan

flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes rising to

mountains in the south; low mountains along border with Iran;

borders Caspian Sea in west

Turks and Caicos Islands low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps

Tuvalu

very low-lying and narrow coral atolls

Uganda

mostly plateau with rim of mountains

Ukraine

most of Ukraine consists of fertile plains (steppes) and

plateaus, mountains being found only in the west (the Carpathians),

and in the Crimean Peninsula in the extreme south

United Arab Emirates

flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling

sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east

United Kingdom

mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to

rolling plains in east and southeast

United States

vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low

mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in

Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in Hawaii

Uruguay

mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland

Uzbekistan

mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad,

flat intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya,

Syr Darya (Sirdaryo), and Zarafshon; Fergana Valley in east

surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral

Sea in west

Vanuatu

mostly mountains of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains

Venezuela

Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest;

central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast

Vietnam

low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands;

hilly, mountainous in far north and northwest

Virgin Islands

mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little

level land

Wake Island

atoll of three coral islands built up on an underwater

volcano; central lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim

Wallis and Futuna

volcanic origin; low hills

West Bank

mostly rugged dissected upland, some vegetation in west,

but barren in east

Western Sahara

mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or

sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in south and northeast

World

the greatest ocean depth is the Mariana Trench at 10,924 m in

the Pacific Ocean

Yemen

narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged

mountains; dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the

desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula

Zambia

mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains

Zimbabwe

mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high

veld); mountains in east

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2127 Total fertility rate (children born/woman)

Afghanistan

5.64 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Albania

2.22 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Algeria

2.55 children born/woman (2003 est.)

American Samoa

3.3 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Andorra

1.27 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Angola

6.38 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Anguilla

1.76 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

2.28 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Argentina

2.28 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Armenia

1.56 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Aruba

1.79 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Australia

1.76 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Austria

1.41 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Azerbaijan

2.34 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

2.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Bahrain

2.71 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Bangladesh

3.17 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Barbados

1.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Belarus

1.34 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Belgium

1.62 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Belize

3.86 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Benin

6.04 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Bermuda

1.9 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Bhutan

4.94 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Bolivia

3.23 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

1.71 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Botswana

3.27 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Brazil

2.01 children born/woman (2003 est.)

British Virgin Islands

1.72 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Brunei

2.37 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Bulgaria

1.13 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Burkina Faso

6.34 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Burma

2.15 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Burundi

5.99 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Cambodia

3.58 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Cameroon

4.63 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Canada

1.61 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Cape Verde

3.77 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Cayman Islands

1.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Central African Republic

4.68 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Chad

6.44 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Chile

2.09 children born/woman (2003 est.)

China

1.7 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Christmas Island

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

Colombia

2.61 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Comoros

5.21 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.69 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

3.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Cook Islands

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

Costa Rica

2.38 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

5.51 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Croatia

1.93 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Cuba

1.61 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Cyprus

1.88 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Czech Republic

1.18 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Denmark

1.73 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Djibouti

5.56 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Dominica

1.99 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic

2.92 children born/woman (2003 est.)

East Timor

3.79 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Ecuador

2.99 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Egypt

3.02 children born/woman (2003 est.)

El Salvador

3.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

4.75 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Eritrea

5.74 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Estonia

1.27 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Ethiopia

5.55 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA children born/woman

Faroe Islands

2.24 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Fiji

2.81 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Finland

1.7 children born/woman (2003 est.)

France

1.85 children born/woman (2003 est.)

French Guiana

3.09 children born/woman (2003 est.)

French Polynesia

2.14 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Gabon

4.83 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Gambia, The

5.53 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Gaza Strip

6.17 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Georgia

1.51 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Germany

1.37 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Ghana

3.32 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Gibraltar

1.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Greece

1.35 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Greenland

2.43 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Grenada

2.45 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Guadeloupe

1.92 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Guam

3.62 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Guatemala

4.67 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Guernsey

1.37 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Guinea

5.9 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

5.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Guyana

2.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Haiti

4.86 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Honduras

4.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Hong Kong

1.32 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Hungary

1.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Iceland

1.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)

India

2.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Indonesia

2.5 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Iran

1.99 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Iraq

4.52 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Ireland

1.89 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Israel

2.5 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Italy

1.26 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Jamaica

2.01 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Japan

1.38 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Jersey

1.57 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Jordan

3 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Kazakhstan

2.16 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Kenya

3.47 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Kiribati

4.28 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Korea, North

2.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Korea, South

1.56 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Kuwait

3.08 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

3.12 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Laos

4.94 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Latvia

1.2 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Lebanon

1.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Lesotho

3.52 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Liberia

6.23 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Libya

3.49 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Liechtenstein

1.5 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Lithuania

1.43 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Luxembourg

1.7 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Macau

1.32 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 1.75 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Madagascar

5.73 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Malawi

6.1 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Malaysia

3.13 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Maldives

5.26 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Mali

6.66 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Malta

1.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of

1.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands

4.12 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Martinique

1.79 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Mauritania

6.08 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Mauritius

1.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Mayotte

6.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Mexico

2.53 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

3.5 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Moldova

1.74 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Monaco

1.76 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Mongolia

2.28 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Montserrat

1.8 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Morocco

2.89 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Mozambique

4.87 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Namibia

4.71 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Nauru

3.4 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Nepal

4.39 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Netherlands

1.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

2.04 children born/woman (2003 est.)

New Caledonia

2.39 children born/woman (2003 est.)

New Zealand

1.79 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Nicaragua

3 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Niger

6.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Nigeria

5.4 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Niue

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

Norfolk Island

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands

1.75 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Norway

1.8 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Oman

5.94 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Pakistan

4.1 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Palau

2.47 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Panama

2.53 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Papua New Guinea

4.13 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Paraguay

4.02 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Peru

2.81 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Philippines

3.29 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

Poland

1.37 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Portugal

1.49 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Puerto Rico

2.02 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Qatar

3.02 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Reunion

2.53 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Romania

1.36 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Russia

1.33 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Rwanda

5.6 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Saint Helena

1.54 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

2.37 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Saint Lucia

2.29 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

2.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

1.95 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Samoa

3.21 children born/woman (2003 est.)

San Marino

1.31 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

5.88 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia

6.15 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Senegal

4.93 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

1.77 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Seychelles

1.79 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Sierra Leone

5.86 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Singapore

1.24 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Slovakia

1.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Slovenia

1.27 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Solomon Islands

4.34 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Somalia

6.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)

South Africa

2.24 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Spain

1.26 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Sri Lanka

1.9 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Sudan

5.1 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Suriname

2.4 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Svalbard

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

Swaziland

3.92 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Sweden

1.54 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Switzerland

1.48 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Syria

3.72 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Taiwan

1.57 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Tajikistan

4.17 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Tanzania

5.24 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Thailand

1.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Togo

4.97 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Tokelau

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

Tonga

3 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

1.78 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Tunisia

1.9 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Turkey

2.03 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan

3.5 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

3.15 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Tuvalu

3.05 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Uganda

6.72 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Ukraine

1.34 children born/woman (2003 est.)

United Arab Emirates

3.09 children born/woman (2003 est.)

United Kingdom

1.66 children born/woman (2003 est.)

United States

2.07 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Uruguay

2.35 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Uzbekistan

3 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Vanuatu

2.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Venezuela

2.36 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Vietnam

2.24 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Virgin Islands

2.22 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

West Bank

4.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Western Sahara

NA children born/woman (2003 est.)

World

2.65 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Yemen

6.82 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Zambia

5.25 children born/woman (2003 est.)

Zimbabwe

3.66 children born/woman (2003 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2128 Government type

Afghanistan

transitional

Albania

emerging democracy

Algeria

republic

American Samoa

NA

Andorra

parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as

its heads of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the

president of France and bishop of Seo de Urgel, Spain, who are

represented locally by coprinces' representatives

Angola

republic, nominally a multiparty democracy with a strong

presidential system

Anguilla

NA

Antarctica Antarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica. The 24th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Russia in July 2001. At the end of 2001, there were 45 treaty member nations: 27 consultative and 18 non-consultative. Consultative (voting) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 20 nonclaimant nations. The US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims. The US does not recognize the claims of others. Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations. Decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (within their areas) in accordance with their own national laws. The year in parentheses indicates when an acceding nation was voted to full consultative (voting) status, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory. Claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1983), Bulgaria (1998) China (1985), Ecuador (1990), Finland (1989), Germany (1981), India (1983), Italy (1987), Japan, South Korea (1989), Netherlands (1990), Peru (1989), Poland (1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1988), Sweden (1988), Uruguay (1985), and the US. Non-consultative (nonvoting) members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Papua New Guinea (1981), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1995), Ukraine (1992), and Venezuela (1999). Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes; Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations. Other agreements - some 200 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments include - Agreed Measures for Fauna and Flora (1964) which were later incorporated into the Environmental Protocol; Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980); a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but remains unratified; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through five specific annexes: 1) marine pollution, 2) fauna and flora, 3) environmental impact assessments, 4) waste management, and 5) protected area management; it prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research.

Antigua and Barbuda

constitutional monarchy with UK-style parliament

Argentina

republic

Armenia

republic

Aruba

parliamentary democracy

Australia

democratic, federal-state system recognizing the British

monarch as sovereign

Austria

federal republic

Azerbaijan

republic

Bahamas, The

constitutional parliamentary democracy

Bahrain

constitutional hereditary monarchy

Bangladesh

parliamentary democracy

Barbados

parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within

the Commonwealth

Belarus

republic

Belgium

federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional

monarch

Belize

parliamentary democracy

Benin

republic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped

Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February

1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991

Bermuda

parliamentary British overseas territory with internal

self-government

Bhutan

monarchy; special treaty relationship with India

Bolivia

republic

Bosnia and Herzegovina

emerging federal democratic republic

Botswana

parliamentary republic

Brazil

federative republic

British Virgin Islands

NA

Brunei

constitutional sultanate

Bulgaria

parliamentary democracy

Burkina Faso

parliamentary republic

Burma

military regime

Burundi

republic

Cambodia

multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy

established in September 1993

Cameroon

unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime

(opposition parties legalized in 1990)

note: preponderance of power remains with the president

Canada

confederation with parliamentary democracy

Cape Verde

republic

Cayman Islands

British crown colony

Central African Republic

republic

Chad

republic

Chile

republic

China

Communist state

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA

Colombia

republic; executive branch dominates government structure

Comoros

independent republic

Congo, Democratic Republic of the dictatorship; presumably undergoing a transition to representative government

Congo, Republic of the

republic

Cook Islands

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Costa Rica

democratic republic

Cote d'Ivoire

republic; multiparty presidential regime established

1960

Croatia

presidential/parliamentary democracy

Cuba

Communist state

Cyprus

republic

note: a disaggregation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the

island began following the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this

separation was further solidified after the Turkish intervention in

July 1974 after a Greek junta-based coup attempt gave the Turkish

Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots control the

only internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983

Turkish Cypriot "President" Rauf DENKTASH declared independence and

the formation of a "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC),

recognized only by Turkey; both sides publicly support a settlement

based on a federation (Greek Cypriot position) or confederation

(Turkish Cypriot position)

Czech Republic

parliamentary democracy

Denmark

constitutional monarchy

Djibouti

republic

Dominica

parliamentary democracy; republic within the Commonwealth

Dominican Republic

representative democracy

East Timor

republic

Ecuador

republic

Egypt

republic

El Salvador

republic

Equatorial Guinea

republic

Eritrea

transitional government

note: following a successful referendum on independence for the

Autonomous Region of Eritrea on 23-25 April 1993, a National

Assembly, composed entirely of the People's Front for Democracy and

Justice or PFDJ, was established as a transitional legislature; a

Constitutional Commission was also established to draft a

constitution; ISAIAS Afworki was elected president by the

transitional legislature; the constitution, ratified in May 1997,

did not enter into effect, pending parliamentary and presidential

elections; parliamentary elections had been scheduled to take place

in December 2001, but were postponed indefinitely; currently the

sole legal party is the People's Front for Democracy and Justice

(PFDJ)

Estonia

parliamentary republic

Ethiopia

federal republic

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA

Faroe Islands

NA

Fiji

republic

note: military coup leader Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA formally

declared Fiji a republic on 6 October 1987

Finland

republic

France

republic

French Guiana

NA

French Polynesia

NA

Gabon

republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties

legalized in 1990)

Gambia, The

republic under multiparty democratic rule

Georgia

republic

Germany

federal republic

Ghana

constitutional democracy

Gibraltar

NA

Greece

parliamentary republic; monarchy rejected by referendum 8

December 1974

Greenland

parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy

Grenada

constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style parliament

Guadeloupe

NA

Guam

NA

Guatemala

constitutional democratic republic

Guernsey

NA

Guinea

republic

Guinea-Bissau

republic, multiparty since mid-1991

Guyana

republic within the Commonwealth

Haiti

elected government

Holy See (Vatican City)

ecclesiastical

Honduras

democratic constitutional republic

Hong Kong

limited democracy

Hungary

parliamentary democracy

Iceland

constitutional republic

India

federal republic

Indonesia

republic

Iran

theocratic republic

Iraq

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn

regime by US-led coalition

Ireland

republic

Israel

parliamentary democracy

Italy

republic

Jamaica

constitutional parliamentary democracy

Japan

constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government

Jersey

NA

Jordan

constitutional monarchy

Kazakhstan

republic

Kenya

republic

Kiribati

republic

Korea, North

authoritarian socialist; one-man dictatorship

Korea, South

republic

Kuwait

nominal constitutional monarchy

Kyrgyzstan

republic

Laos

Communist state

Latvia

parliamentary democracy

Lebanon

republic

Lesotho

parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Liberia

republic

Libya

Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the

populace through local councils; in fact, a military dictatorship

Liechtenstein

hereditary constitutional monarchy on a democratic and

parliamentary basis

Lithuania

parliamentary democracy

Luxembourg

constitutional monarchy

Macau

limited democracy

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

parliamentary democracy

Madagascar

republic

Malawi

multiparty democracy

Malaysia

constitutional monarchy

note: Malaya (what is now Peninsular Malaysia) formed 31 August

1957; Federation of Malaysia (Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore)

formed 9 July 1963 (Singapore left the federation on 9 August 1965);

nominally headed by the paramount ruler and a bicameral Parliament

consisting of a nonelected upper house and an elected lower house;

Peninsular Malaysian states - hereditary rulers in all but Melaka,

George Town (Penang), Sabah, and Sarawak, where governors are

appointed by the Malaysian Government; powers of state governments

are limited by the federal constitution; under terms of the

federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain certain constitutional

prerogatives (e.g., the right to maintain their own immigration

controls); Sabah - holds 20 seats in House of Representatives, with

foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers

delegated to federal government; Sarawak - holds 28 seats in House

of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal

security, and other powers delegated to federal government

Maldives

republic

Mali

republic

Malta

republic

Man, Isle of

parliamentary democracy

Marshall Islands

constitutional government in free association with

the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21

October 1986

Martinique

NA

Mauritania

republic

Mauritius

parliamentary democracy

Mayotte

NA

Mexico

federal republic

Micronesia, Federated States of constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986; economic provisions of the Compact are being renegotiated

Moldova

republic

Monaco

constitutional monarchy

Mongolia

parliamentary

Montserrat

NA

Morocco

constitutional monarchy

Mozambique

republic

Namibia

republic

Nauru

republic

Nepal

parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy

Netherlands

constitutional monarchy

Netherlands Antilles

parliamentary

New Caledonia

NA

New Zealand

parliamentary democracy

Nicaragua

republic

Niger

republic

Nigeria

republic transitioning from military to civilian rule

Niue

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Norfolk Island

NA

Northern Mariana Islands commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

Norway

constitutional monarchy

Oman

monarchy

Pakistan

federal republic

Palau

constitutional government in free association with the US; the

Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994

Panama

constitutional democracy

Papua New Guinea

constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy

Paraguay

constitutional republic

Peru

constitutional republic

Philippines

republic

Pitcairn Islands

NA

Poland

republic

Portugal

parliamentary democracy

Puerto Rico

commonwealth

Qatar

traditional monarchy

Reunion

NA

Romania

republic

Russia

federation

Rwanda

republic; presidential, multiparty system

Saint Helena

NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis

constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style

parliament

Saint Lucia

Westminster-style parliamentary democracy

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth

Samoa

constitutional monarchy under native chief

San Marino

independent republic

Sao Tome and Principe

republic

Saudi Arabia

monarchy

Senegal

republic under multiparty democratic rule

Serbia and Montenegro

republic

Seychelles

republic

Sierra Leone

constitutional democracy

Singapore

parliamentary republic

Slovakia

parliamentary democracy

Slovenia

parliamentary democratic republic

Solomon Islands

parliamentary democracy tending toward anarchy

Somalia

no permanent national government; transitional,

parliamentary national government

South Africa

republic

Spain

parliamentary monarchy

Sri Lanka

republic

Sudan

authoritarian regime - ruling military junta took power in

1989; government is run by an alliance of the military and the

National Congress Party (NCP), formerly the National Islamic Front

(NIF), which espouses an Islamist platform

Suriname

constitutional democracy

Svalbard

NA

Swaziland

monarchy; independent member of Commonwealth

Sweden

constitutional monarchy

Switzerland

federal republic

Syria

republic under military regime since March 1963

Taiwan

multiparty democratic regime headed by popularly-elected

president and unicameral legislature

Tajikistan

republic

Tanzania

republic

Thailand

constitutional monarchy

Togo

republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule

Tokelau

NA

Tonga

hereditary constitutional monarchy

Trinidad and Tobago

parliamentary democracy

Tunisia

republic

Turkey

republican parliamentary democracy

Turkmenistan

republic

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA

Tuvalu

constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy; began

debating republic status in 1992

Uganda

republic

Ukraine

republic

United Arab Emirates

federation with specified powers delegated to

the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member

emirates

United Kingdom

constitutional monarchy

United States

Constitution-based federal republic; strong democratic

tradition

Uruguay

constitutional republic

Uzbekistan

republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little

power outside the executive branch

Vanuatu

parliamentary republic

Venezuela

federal republic

Vietnam

Communist state

Virgin Islands

NA

Wallis and Futuna

NA

Western Sahara

legal status of territory and issue of sovereignty

unresolved; territory contested by Morocco and Polisario Front

(Popular Front for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de

Oro), which in February 1976 formally proclaimed a

government-in-exile of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

(SADR),led by President Mohamed ABDELAZIZ; territory partitioned

between Morocco and Mauritania in April 1976, with Morocco acquiring

northern two-thirds; Mauritania, under pressure from Polisario

guerrillas, abandoned all claims to its portion in August 1979;

Morocco moved to occupy that sector shortly thereafter and has since

asserted administrative control; the Polisario's government-in-exile

was seated as an OAU member in 1984; guerrilla activities continued

sporadically, until a UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented 6

September 1991

Yemen

republic

Zambia

republic

Zimbabwe

parliamentary democracy

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2129 Unemployment rate (%)

Afghanistan

NA%

Albania

17% officially; may be as high as 30% (2001 est.)

Algeria

31% (2002 est.)

American Samoa

6% (2000)

Andorra

0%

Angola

extensive unemployment and underemployment affecting more

than half the population (2001 est.)

Anguilla

6.7% (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda

11% (2001 est.)

Argentina

21.5% (37377)

Armenia

20% (2001 est.)

Aruba

0.6%

Australia

6.3% (2002)

Austria

4.8% (2002 est.)

Azerbaijan

16% (official rate is 1.2%) (2003 est.)

Bahamas, The

6.9% (2001 est.)

Bahrain

15% (1998 est.)

Bangladesh

40% (includes underemployment) (2002 est.)

Barbados

10% (2001 est.)

Belarus

2.1% officially registered unemployed (December 2000); large

number of underemployed workers

Belgium

7.2% (2002 est.)

Belize

9.1% (2002)

Benin

NA%

Bermuda

4.5% (1993)

Bhutan

NA%

Bolivia 7.6% note: widespread underemployment (2000)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

40% (2002 est.)

Botswana

40% (official rate is 21%) (2001 est.)

Brazil

6.4% (2001 est.)

British Virgin Islands

3% (1995)

Brunei

10% (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

18% (2002 est.)

Burkina Faso

NA%

Burma

5.1% (2001 est.)

Burundi

NA%

Cambodia

2.8% (1999 est.)

Cameroon

30% (2001 est.)

Canada

7.6% (2002 est.)

Cape Verde

21% (2000 est.)

Cayman Islands

4.1% (1997)

Central African Republic

8% (23% for Bangui) (2001 est.)

Chad

NA%

Chile

9.2% (2002)

China

urban unemployment roughly 10%; substantial unemployment and

underemployment in rural areas (2002 est.)

Christmas Island

NA%

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

60% (2000 est.)

Colombia

17.4% (2002 est.)

Comoros

20% (1996 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

NA%

Congo, Republic of the

NA%

Cook Islands

13% (1996)

Costa Rica

6.3% (2002 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

13% in urban areas (1998)

Croatia

21.7% (2002 est.)

Cuba

4.1% (2001 est.)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: 3.3%; Turkish Cypriot area: 5.6% (2002

est.)

Czech Republic

9.8% (2002)

Denmark

5.1% (2002)

Djibouti

50% (2000 est.)

Dominica

23% (2000 est.)

Dominican Republic

14.5% (2002 est.)

East Timor

50% (including underemployment)

Ecuador

7.7%; note - widespread underemployment (2001 est.)

Egypt

12% (2001 est.)

El Salvador

10% - but the economy has much underemployment. (2001

est.)

Equatorial Guinea

30% (1998 est.)

Eritrea

NA%

Estonia

12.4% (2001)

Ethiopia

NA%

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

full employment; labor shortage

Faroe Islands

1% (October 2000)

Fiji

7.6% (1999)

Finland

8.5% (2002 est.)

France

9.1% (2002 est.)

French Guiana

22% (2001)

French Polynesia

11.8% (1994)

Gabon

21% (1997 est.)

Gambia, The

NA%

Gaza Strip

50% (includes West Bank) (2002 est.)

Georgia

17% (2001 est.)

Germany

9.8% (2002 est.)

Ghana

20% (1997 est.)

Gibraltar

2% (2001 est.)

Greece

10.3% (2002 est.)

Greenland

10% (2000 est.)

Grenada

12.5% (2000)

Guadeloupe

27.8% (1998)

Guam

15% (2000 est.)

Guatemala

7.5% (1999 est.)

Guernsey

0.5% (1999 est.)

Guinea

NA%

Guinea-Bissau

NA%

Guyana

9.1% (understated) (2000)

Haiti

widespread unemployment and underemployment; more than

two-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs (2002 est.)

Honduras

28% (2002 est.)

Hong Kong

7.5% (2002 est.)

Hungary

5.8% (2002 est.)

Iceland

2.8% (2002 est.)

India

8.8% (2002)

Indonesia

10.6% (2002 est.)

Iran

16.3% (2003 est.)

Iraq

NA%

Ireland

4.3% (2002 est.)

Israel

10.4% (2002 est.)

Italy

9.1% (2002 est.)

Jamaica

15.4% (2002 est.)

Japan

5.4% (2002)

Jersey

0.7% (1998 est.)

Jordan

16% official rate; actual rate is 25%-30% (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

8.8% (2002 est.)

Kenya

40% (2001 est.)

Kiribati

2%; underemployment 70% (1992 est.)

Korea, North

NA%

Korea, South

3.1% (2002 est.)

Kuwait

7% (2002 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

7.2% (1999 est.)

Laos

5.7% (1997 est.)

Latvia

7.6% (2001 est.)

Lebanon

18% (1997 est.)

Lesotho

45% (2002)

Liberia

NA

Libya

30% (2001)

Liechtenstein

1.3% (37500)

Lithuania

12.5% (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

4.1% (2002 est.)

Macau

6.3% (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

37% (2002 est.)

Madagascar

5.9% (1998)

Malawi

NA%

Malaysia

3.8% (2002 est.)

Maldives

NEGL%

Mali

14.6% urban areas; 5.3% rural areas (2001 est.)

Malta

7% (2002 est.)

Man, Isle of

0.7% (March 2003)

Marshall Islands

30.9% (1999 est.)

Martinique

27.2% (1998)

Mauritania

21% (1999 est.)

Mauritius

8.8% (2002 est.)

Mayotte

38% (1999)

Mexico

urban - 3% plus considerable underemployment (2002)

Micronesia, Federated States of

16% (1999 est.)

Moldova

8% (roughly 25% of working age Moldovans are employed

abroad) (2002 est.)

Monaco

3.1% (1998)

Mongolia

20% (2000)

Montserrat

6% (1998 est.)

Morocco

19% (2002 est.)

Mozambique

21% (1997 est.)

Namibia

35% (1998)

Nauru

0%

Nepal

47% (2001 est.)

Netherlands

3% (2002 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

15% (1998 est.)

New Caledonia

19% (1996)

New Zealand

5.3% (2002 est.)

Nicaragua

24% plus considerable underemployment (2002 est.)

Niger

NA%

Nigeria

28% (1992 est.)

Niue

NA%

Norfolk Island

NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

NA%

Norway

3.9% (2002 est.)

Oman

NA%

Pakistan

7.8% plus substantial underemployment (2002 est.)

Palau

2.3% (2000 est.)

Panama

16% (2002 est.)

Papua New Guinea

NA%

Paraguay

18.2% (2002 est.)

Peru

9.4%; widespread underemployment (2002 est.)

Philippines

10.2% (2002)

Pitcairn Islands

NA%

Poland

18.1% (2002)

Portugal

4.7% (2002 est.)

Puerto Rico

12% (2002)

Qatar

2.7% (2001)

Reunion

36% (1999 est.)

Romania

8.3% (2002)

Russia

7.9% plus considerable underemployment (2002)

Rwanda

NA%

Saint Helena

14% (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

4.5% (1997)

Saint Lucia

16.5% (1997 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

9.8% (1997)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

22% (1997 est.)

Samoa

NA%; note - substantial underemployment

San Marino

2.6% (2001)

Sao Tome and Principe

NA%

Saudi Arabia

25% (2002)

Senegal

48% (urban youth 40%) (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

32% (2002 est.)

Seychelles

NA%

Sierra Leone

NA%

Singapore

4.6% (2002 est.)

Slovakia

17.2% (2002 est.)

Slovenia

11% (2002 est.)

Solomon Islands

NA%

Somalia

NA%

South Africa

37% (includes workers no longer looking for employment)

(2001 est.)

Spain

11.3% (2002 est.)

Sri Lanka

8% (2002)

Sudan

18.7% (2002 est.)

Suriname

17% (2000)

Swaziland

34% (2000 est.)

Sweden

4% (2002 est.)

Switzerland

1.9% (2002 est.)

Syria

20% (2002 est.)

Taiwan

5.2% (2002 est.)

Tajikistan

40% (2002 est.)

Tanzania

NA%

Thailand

2.9% (2002 est.)

Togo

NA%

Tokelau

NA%

Tonga

13.3% (1996 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

10.8% (2002)

Tunisia

15.4% (2002 est.)

Turkey

10.8% (plus underemployment of 6.1%) (2002 est.)

Turkmenistan

NA%

Turks and Caicos Islands

10% (1997 est.)

Tuvalu

NA%

Uganda

NA%

Ukraine

3.8% officially registered; large number of unregistered or

underemployed workers (2002)

United Arab Emirates

NA%

United Kingdom

5.2% (2002 est.)

United States

5.8% (2002)

Uruguay

19.4% (2002)

Uzbekistan

10% plus another 20% underemployed (1999 est.)

Vanuatu

NA%

Venezuela

17% (2002 est.)

Vietnam

25% (1995 est.)

Virgin Islands

4.9% (March 1999)

Wallis and Futuna

NA%

West Bank

50% (includes Gaza Strip) (2002 est.)

Western Sahara

NA%

World

30% combined unemployment and underemployment in many

non-industrialized countries; developed countries typically 4%-12%

unemployment

Yemen

30% (1995 est.)

Zambia

50% (2000 est.)

Zimbabwe

70% (2002 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2137 Military - note

American Samoa

defense is the responsibility of the US

Andorra

defense is the responsibility of France and Spain

Anguilla

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Antarctica

the Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a military

nature, such as the establishment of military bases and

fortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, or the

testing of any type of weapon; it permits the use of military

personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other

peaceful purposes

Aruba

defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

defense is the responsibility of

Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal

Australian Air Force

Baker Island

defense is the responsibility of the US; visited

annually by the US Coast Guard

Bassas da India

defense is the responsibility of France

Bermuda

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Bouvet Island

defense is the responsibility of Norway

British Indian Ocean Territory

defense is the responsibility of the

UK; the US lease on Diego Garcia expires in 2016

British Virgin Islands

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Cayman Islands

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Christmas Island

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Clipperton Island

defense is the responsibility of France

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

defense is the responsibility of Australia;

the territory does have a five-person police force

Cook Islands

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand, in

consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request

Coral Sea Islands

defense is the responsibility of Australia;

visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has

control over the activities of visitors

Cuba

Moscow, for decades the key military supporter and supplier of

Cuba, cut off almost all military aid by 1993

Europa Island

defense is the responsibility of France

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) defense is the responsibility of the UK

Faroe Islands

defense is the responsibility of Denmark

French Guiana

defense is the responsibility of France

French Polynesia

defense is the responsibility of France

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

defense is the responsibility of

France

Georgia

a CIS peacekeeping force of Russian troops is deployed in

the Abkhazia region of Georgia together with a UN military observer

group; a Russian peacekeeping battalion is deployed in South Ossetia

Gibraltar

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Glorioso Islands

defense is the responsibility of France

Greenland

defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Guadeloupe

defense is the responsibility of France

Guam

defense is the responsibility of the US

Guernsey

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

defense is the responsibility of

Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols

Holy See (Vatican City) defense is the responsibility of Italy; Swiss Papal Guards are posted at entrances to the Vatican City to provide security and protect the Pope

Hong Kong

defense is the responsibility of China

Howland Island

defense is the responsibility of the US; visited

annually by the US Coast Guard

Iceland

defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force

(IDF) headquartered at Keflavik

Jan Mayen

defense is the responsibility of Norway

Jarvis Island

defense is the responsibility of the US; visited

annually by the US Coast Guard

Jersey

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Johnston Atoll

defense is the responsibility of the US

Juan de Nova Island

defense is the responsibility of France

Kingman Reef

defense is the responsibility of the US

Kiribati

Kiribati does not have military forces; defense assistance

is provided by Australia and NZ

Lesotho

the Lesotho Government in 1999 began an open debate on the

future structure, size, and role of the armed forces, especially

considering the Lesotho Defense Force's (LDF) history of intervening

in political affairs

Liechtenstein

defense is the responsibility of Switzerland

Man, Isle of

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Marshall Islands

defense is the responsibility of the US

Martinique

defense is the responsibility of France

Mayotte

defense is the responsibility of France; small contingent of

French forces stationed on the island

Micronesia, Federated States of

Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

is a sovereign, self-governing state in free association with the

US; FSM is totally dependent on the US for its defense

Midway Islands

defense is the responsibility of the US

Monaco

defense is the responsibility of France

Montserrat

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Nauru

Nauru maintains no defense forces; under an informal

agreement, defense is the responsibility of Australia

Navassa Island

defense is the responsibility of the US

Netherlands Antilles defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

New Caledonia

defense is the responsibility of France

Niue

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Norfolk Island

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Northern Mariana Islands

defense is the responsibility of the US

Palau

defense is the responsibility of the US; under a Compact of

Free Association between Palau and the US, the US military is

granted access to the islands for 50 years

Palmyra Atoll

defense is the responsibility of the US

Panama

on 10 February 1990, the government of then President ENDARA

abolished Panama's military and reformed the security apparatus by

creating the Panamanian Public Forces; in October 1994, Panama's

Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting

the creation of a standing military force, but allowing the

temporary establishment of special police units to counter acts of

"external aggression"

Paracel Islands

occupied by China

Pitcairn Islands

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Puerto Rico

defense is the responsibility of the US

Reunion

defense is the responsibility of France

Saint Helena

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

defense is the responsibility of France

Samoa

Samoa has no formal defense structure or regular armed forces;

informal defense ties exist with NZ, which is required to consider

any Samoan request for assistance under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship

South Africa

with the end of Apartheid and the establishment of

majority rule, former military, black homelands forces, and

ex-opposition forces were integrated into the South African National

Defense Force (SANDF); as of 2003 the integration process was

considered complete

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

defense is the

responsibility of the UK

Spratly Islands

Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small

islands or reefs, of which about 45 are claimed and occupied by

China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam

Svalbard

demilitarized by treaty (9 February 1920)

Tokelau

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Tromelin Island

defense is the responsibility of France

Turks and Caicos Islands

defense is the responsibility of the UK

United States

note: 2002 estimates for military manpower are based

on projections that do not take into consideration the results of

the 2000 census

Virgin Islands

defense is the responsibility of the US

Wake Island

defense is the responsibility of the US

Wallis and Futuna

defense is the responsibility of France

Yemen

establishment of a Coast Guard, scheduled for May 2001, has

been delayed

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2138 Communications - note

Bouvet Island automatic meteorological station

Coral Sea Islands there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland

Europa Island

1 meteorological station

Glorioso Islands

1 meteorological station

Juan de Nova Island

1 meteorological station

Saint Helena

Gough Island has a meteorological station

Tromelin Island

important meteorological station

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2140 Government - note

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Dayton Agreement, signed in Paris on 14

December 1995, retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's exterior border and

created a joint multi-ethnic and democratic government. This

national government - based on proportional representation similar

to that which existed in the former socialist regime - is charged

with conducting foreign, economic, and fiscal policy. The Dayton

Agreement also recognized a second tier of government, comprised of

two entities - a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and

Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb Republika Srpska (RS) - each

presiding over roughly one-half the territory. The Federation and RS

governments are charged with overseeing internal functions. The

Bosniak/Croat Federation is further divided into 10 cantons. The

Dayton Agreement established the Office of the High Representative

(OHR) to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the

agreement.

Malawi

the executive exerts considerable influence over the

legislature

Somalia

although an interim government was created in 2000 other

governing bodies continue to exist and control various cities and

regions of the country, including Somaliland, Puntland, and

traditional clan and faction strongholds

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2142 Country name

Afghanistan

conventional long form: Transitional Islamic State of

Afghanistan

conventional short form: Afghanistan

local long form: Dowlat-e Eslami-ye Afghanestan

local short form: Afghanestan

former: Republic of Afghanistan

Albania

conventional long form: Republic of Albania

conventional short form: Albania

local long form: Republika e Shqiperise

local short form: Shqiperia

former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania

Algeria

conventional long form: People's Democratic Republic of

Algeria

conventional short form: Algeria

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash

Sha'biyah

local short form: Al Jaza'ir

American Samoa

conventional long form: Territory of American Samoa

conventional short form: American Samoa

abbreviation: AS

Andorra

conventional long form: Principality of Andorra

conventional short form: Andorra

local long form: Principat d'Andorra

local short form: Andorra

Angola

conventional long form: Republic of Angola

conventional short form: Angola

local long form: Republica de Angola

local short form: Angola

former: People's Republic of Angola

Anguilla

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Anguilla

Antarctica

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

conventional long form: Argentine Republic

conventional short form: Argentina

local long form: Republica Argentina

local short form: Argentina

Armenia

conventional long form: Republic of Armenia

conventional short form: Armenia

local long form: Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun

local short form: Hayastan

former: Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic; Armenian Republic

Aruba

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Aruba

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

conventional long form: Territory of

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Australia

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia

conventional short form: Australia

Austria

conventional long form: Republic of Austria

conventional short form: Austria

local long form: Republik Oesterreich

local short form: Oesterreich

Azerbaijan

conventional long form: Republic of Azerbaijan

conventional short form: Azerbaijan

local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi

local short form: none

former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic

Bahamas, The

conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas

conventional short form: The Bahamas

Bahrain

conventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrain

conventional short form: Bahrain

local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn

local short form: Al Bahrayn

former: Dilmun

Baker Island

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Baker Island

Bangladesh

conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh

conventional short form: Bangladesh

former: East Pakistan

Barbados

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Barbados

Bassas da India

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Bassas da India

Belarus

conventional long form: Republic of Belarus

conventional short form: Belarus

local long form: Respublika Byelarus'

local short form: none

former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic

Belgium

conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium

conventional short form: Belgium

local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie

local short form: Belgique/Belgie

Belize

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Belize

former: British Honduras

Benin

conventional long form: Republic of Benin

conventional short form: Benin

local long form: Republique du Benin

local short form: Benin

former: Dahomey

Bermuda

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Bermuda

former: Somers Islands

Bhutan

conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan

conventional short form: Bhutan

Bolivia

conventional long form: Republic of Bolivia

conventional short form: Bolivia

local long form: Republica de Bolivia

local short form: Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina

local long form: none

local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina

Botswana

conventional long form: Republic of Botswana

conventional short form: Botswana

former: Bechuanaland

Bouvet Island

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Bouvet Island

Brazil

conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil

conventional short form: Brazil

local long form: Republica Federativa do Brasil

local short form: Brasil

British Indian Ocean Territory

conventional long form: British

Indian Ocean Territory

conventional short form: none

abbreviation: BIOT

British Virgin Islands

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: British Virgin Islands

abbreviation: BVI

Brunei

conventional long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam

conventional short form: Brunei

Bulgaria

conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria

conventional short form: Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Burkina Faso

former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta

Burma

conventional long form: Union of Burma

conventional short form: Burma

local long form: Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the

US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of

Myanmar)

local short form: Myanma Naingngandaw

former: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma

note: since 1989 the military authorities in Burma have promoted the

name Myanmar as a conventional name for their state; this decision

was not approved by any sitting legislature in Burma, and the US

Government did not adopt the name, which is a derivative of the

Burmese short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw

Burundi

conventional long form: Republic of Burundi

conventional short form: Burundi

local long form: Republika y'u Burundi

local short form: Burundi

former: Urundi

Cambodia

conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia

conventional short form: Cambodia

local long form: Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea

local short form: Kampuchea

former: Khmer Republic, Kampuchea Republic

Cameroon

conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon

conventional short form: Cameroon

former: French Cameroon

Canada

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Canada

Cape Verde

conventional long form: Republic of Cape Verde

conventional short form: Cape Verde

local long form: Republica de Cabo Verde

local short form: Cabo Verde

Cayman Islands

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

conventional long form: Central African

Republic

conventional short form: none

local long form: Republique Centrafricaine

local short form: none

former: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire

abbreviation: CAR

Chad

conventional long form: Republic of Chad

conventional short form: Chad

local long form: Republique du Tchad

local short form: Tchad

Chile

conventional long form: Republic of Chile

conventional short form: Chile

local long form: Republica de Chile

local short form: Chile

China

conventional long form: People's Republic of China

conventional short form: China

local long form: Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo

local short form: Zhong Guo

abbreviation: PRC

Christmas Island

conventional long form: Territory of Christmas

Island

conventional short form: Christmas Island

Clipperton Island conventional long form: none conventional short form: Clipperton Island local long form: none local short form: Ile Clipperton former: sometimes called Ile de la Passion

Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional long form: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional short form: Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Colombia

conventional long form: Republic of Colombia

conventional short form: Colombia

local long form: Republica de Colombia

local short form: Colombia

Comoros

conventional long form: Union of the Comoros

conventional short form: Comoros

local long form: Union des Comores

local short form: Comores

Congo, Democratic Republic of the conventional long form: Democratic Republic of the Congo conventional short form: none local long form: Republique Democratique du Congo local short form: none former: Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire abbreviation: DROC

Congo, Republic of the conventional long form: Republic of the Congo conventional short form: Congo (Brazzaville) local long form: Republique du Congo local short form: none former: Middle Congo, Congo/Brazzaville, Congo

Cook Islands

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Cook Islands

former: Harvey Islands

Coral Sea Islands

conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory

conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands

Costa Rica

conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica

conventional short form: Costa Rica

local long form: Republica de Costa Rica

local short form: Costa Rica

Cote d'Ivoire

conventional long form: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire

conventional short form: Cote d'Ivoire

local long form: Republique de Cote d'Ivoire

local short form: Cote d'Ivoire

former: Ivory Coast

Croatia

conventional long form: Republic of Croatia

conventional short form: Croatia

local long form: Republika Hrvatska

local short form: Hrvatska

Cuba

conventional long form: Republic of Cuba

conventional short form: Cuba

local long form: Republica de Cuba

local short form: Cuba

Cyprus

conventional long form: Republic of Cyprus

conventional short form: Cyprus

note: the Turkish Cypriot area refers to itself as the "Turkish

Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC)

Czech Republic

conventional long form: Czech Republic

conventional short form: Czech Republic

local long form: Ceska Republika

local short form: Ceska Republika

Denmark

conventional long form: Kingdom of Denmark

conventional short form: Denmark

local long form: Kongeriget Danmark

local short form: Danmark

Djibouti

conventional long form: Republic of Djibouti

conventional short form: Djibouti

former: French Territory of the Afars and Issas, French Somaliland

Dominica

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Dominica

conventional short form: Dominica

Dominican Republic conventional long form: Dominican Republic conventional short form: none local long form: Republica Dominicana local short form: none

East Timor

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

conventional short form: East Timor

local long form: Republika Demokratika Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum];

Republica Democratica de Timor-Leste [Portuguese]

local short form: Timor Lorosa'e [Tetum]; Timor-Leste [Portuguese]

former: Portuguese Timor

Ecuador

conventional long form: Republic of Ecuador

conventional short form: Ecuador

local long form: Republica del Ecuador

local short form: Ecuador

Egypt

conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt

conventional short form: Egypt

local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah

local short form: Misr

former: United Arab Republic (with Syria)

El Salvador

conventional long form: Republic of El Salvador

conventional short form: El Salvador

local long form: Republica de El Salvador

local short form: El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

conventional long form: Republic of Equatorial

Guinea

conventional short form: Equatorial Guinea

local long form: Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial

local short form: Guinea Ecuatorial

former: Spanish Guinea

Eritrea

conventional long form: State of Eritrea

conventional short form: Eritrea

local long form: Hagere Ertra

local short form: Ertra

former: Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia

Estonia

conventional long form: Republic of Estonia

conventional short form: Estonia

local long form: Eesti Vabariik

local short form: Eesti

former: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

Ethiopia

conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of

Ethiopia

conventional short form: Ethiopia

local long form: Ityop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik

local short form: Ityop'iya

former: Abyssinia, Italian East Africa

abbreviation: FDRE

Europa Island

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Europa Island

local long form: none

local short form: Ile Europa

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Faroe Islands

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Faroe Islands

local long form: none

local short form: Foroyar

Fiji

conventional long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands

conventional short form: Fiji

Finland

conventional long form: Republic of Finland

conventional short form: Finland

local long form: Suomen Tasavalta

local short form: Suomi

France

conventional long form: French Republic

conventional short form: France

local long form: Republique Francaise

local short form: France

French Guiana

conventional long form: Department of Guiana

conventional short form: French Guiana

local long form: none

local short form: Guyane

French Polynesia

conventional long form: Territory of French

Polynesia

conventional short form: French Polynesia

local long form: Territoire de la Polynesie Francaise

local short form: Polynesie Francaise

former: French Colony of Oceania

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

conventional long form:

Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands

conventional short form: French Southern and Antarctic Lands

local long form: Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques

Francaises

local short form: Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises

Gabon

conventional long form: Gabonese Republic

conventional short form: Gabon

local long form: Republique Gabonaise

local short form: Gabon

Gambia, The

conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia

conventional short form: The Gambia

Gaza Strip

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Gaza Strip

local long form: none

local short form: Qita Ghazzah

Georgia

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Georgia

local long form: none

local short form: Sak'art'velo

former: Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic

Germany

conventional long form: Federal Republic of Germany

conventional short form: Germany

local long form: Bundesrepublik Deutschland

local short form: Deutschland

former: German Empire, German Republic, German Reich

Ghana

conventional long form: Republic of Ghana

conventional short form: Ghana

former: Gold Coast

Gibraltar

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Gibraltar

Glorioso Islands conventional long form: none conventional short form: Glorioso Islands local long form: none local short form: Iles Glorieuses

Greece

conventional long form: Hellenic Republic

conventional short form: Greece

local long form: Elliniki Dhimokratia

local short form: Ellas or Ellada

former: Kingdom of Greece

Greenland

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Greenland

local long form: none

local short form: Kalaallit Nunaat

Grenada

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Grenada

Guadeloupe

conventional long form: Department of Guadeloupe

conventional short form: Guadeloupe

local long form: Departement de la Guadeloupe

local short form: Guadeloupe

Guam

conventional long form: Territory of Guam

conventional short form: Guam

local long form: Guahan

Guatemala

conventional long form: Republic of Guatemala

conventional short form: Guatemala

local long form: Republica de Guatemala

local short form: Guatemala

Guernsey

conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey

conventional short form: Guernsey

Guinea

conventional long form: Republic of Guinea

conventional short form: Guinea

local long form: Republique de Guinee

local short form: Guinee

former: French Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau

conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau

local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau

local short form: Guine-Bissau

former: Portuguese Guinea

Guyana

conventional long form: Co-operative Republic of Guyana

conventional short form: Guyana

former: British Guiana

Haiti

conventional long form: Republic of Haiti

conventional short form: Haiti

local long form: Republique d'Haiti

local short form: Haiti

Heard Island and McDonald Islands conventional long form: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Holy See (Vatican City) conventional long form: The Holy See (State of the Vatican City) conventional short form: Holy See (Vatican City) local long form: Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano) local short form: Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano)

Honduras

conventional long form: Republic of Honduras

conventional short form: Honduras

local long form: Republica de Honduras

local short form: Honduras

Hong Kong

conventional long form: Hong Kong Special Administrative

Region

conventional short form: Hong Kong

local long form: Xianggang Tebie Xingzhengqu

local short form: Xianggang

abbreviation: HK

Howland Island

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Howland Island

Hungary

conventional long form: Republic of Hungary

conventional short form: Hungary

local long form: Magyar Koztarsasag

local short form: Magyarorszag

Iceland

conventional long form: Republic of Iceland

conventional short form: Iceland

local long form: Lydhveldidh Island

local short form: Island

India

conventional long form: Republic of India

conventional short form: India

Indonesia

conventional long form: Republic of Indonesia

conventional short form: Indonesia

local long form: Republik Indonesia

local short form: Indonesia

former: Netherlands East Indies; Dutch East Indies

Iran

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Iran

conventional short form: Iran

local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran

local short form: Iran

former: Persia

Iraq

conventional long form: Republic of Iraq

conventional short form: Iraq

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Iraqiyah

local short form: Al Iraq

Ireland

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Ireland

Israel

conventional long form: State of Israel

conventional short form: Israel

local long form: Medinat Yisra'el

local short form: Yisra'el

Italy

conventional long form: Italian Republic

conventional short form: Italy

local long form: Repubblica Italiana

local short form: Italia

former: Kingdom of Italy

Jamaica

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Jamaica

Jan Mayen

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Jan Mayen

Japan

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Japan

Jarvis Island

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Jarvis Island

Jersey

conventional long form: Bailiwick of Jersey

conventional short form: Jersey

Johnston Atoll

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Johnston Atoll

Jordan

conventional long form: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

conventional short form: Jordan

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah

local short form: Al Urdun

former: Transjordan

Juan de Nova Island conventional long form: none conventional short form: Juan de Nova Island local long form: none local short form: Ile Juan de Nova

Kazakhstan

conventional long form: Republic of Kazakhstan

conventional short form: Kazakhstan

local long form: Qazaqstan Respublikasy

local short form: none

former: Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

Kenya

conventional long form: Republic of Kenya

conventional short form: Kenya

former: British East Africa

Kingman Reef

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Kingman Reef

Kiribati

conventional long form: Republic of Kiribati

conventional short form: Kiribati

note: pronounced keer-ree-bahss

former: Gilbert Islands

Korea, North

conventional long form: Democratic People's Republic of

Korea

conventional short form: North Korea

local long form: Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk

local short form: none

note: the North Koreans generally use the term "Choson" to refer to

their country

abbreviation: DPRK

Korea, South

conventional long form: Republic of Korea

conventional short form: South Korea

local long form: Taehan-min'guk

local short form: none

note: the South Koreans generally use the term "Han'guk" to refer to

their country

abbreviation: ROK

Kuwait

conventional long form: State of Kuwait

conventional short form: Kuwait

local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt

local short form: Al Kuwayt

Kyrgyzstan

conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic

conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan

local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy

local short form: none

former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic

Laos

conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic

conventional short form: Laos

local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao

local short form: none

Latvia

conventional long form: Republic of Latvia

conventional short form: Latvia

local long form: Latvijas Republika

local short form: Latvija

former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

Lebanon

conventional long form: Lebanese Republic

conventional short form: Lebanon

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah

local short form: Lubnan

Lesotho

conventional long form: Kingdom of Lesotho

conventional short form: Lesotho

former: Basutoland

Liberia

conventional long form: Republic of Liberia

conventional short form: Liberia

Libya

conventional long form: Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab

Jamahiriya

conventional short form: Libya

local long form: Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah

al Ishtirakiyah al Uzma

local short form: none

Liechtenstein

conventional long form: Principality of Liechtenstein

conventional short form: Liechtenstein

local long form: Fuerstentum Liechtenstein

local short form: Liechtenstein

Lithuania

conventional long form: Republic of Lithuania

conventional short form: Lithuania

local long form: Lietuvos Respublika

local short form: Lietuva

former: Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic

Luxembourg

conventional long form: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

conventional short form: Luxembourg

local long form: Grand Duche de Luxembourg

local short form: Luxembourg

Macau

conventional long form: Macau Special Administrative Region

conventional short form: Macau

local long form: Aomen Tebie Xingzhengqu (Chinese); Regiao

Administrativa Especial de Macau (Portuguese)

local short form: Aomen (Chinese); Macau (Portuguese)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of conventional long form: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia conventional short form: none local long form: Republika Makedonija local short form: Makedonija abbreviation: F.Y.R.O.M.

Madagascar

conventional long form: Republic of Madagascar

conventional short form: Madagascar

local long form: Republique de Madagascar

local short form: Madagascar

former: Malagasy Republic

Malawi

conventional long form: Republic of Malawi

conventional short form: Malawi

former: British Central African Protectorate, Nyasaland

Protectorate, Nyasaland

Malaysia

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Malaysia

former: Federation of Malaysia

Maldives

conventional long form: Republic of Maldives

conventional short form: Maldives

local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa

local short form: Dhivehi Raajje

Mali

conventional long form: Republic of Mali

conventional short form: Mali

local long form: Republique de Mali

local short form: Mali

former: French Sudan and Sudanese Republic

Malta

conventional long form: Republic of Malta

conventional short form: Malta

local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta

local short form: Malta

Man, Isle of

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Isle of Man

Marshall Islands

conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall

Islands

conventional short form: Marshall Islands

former: Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific

Islands)

Martinique

conventional long form: Department of Martinique

conventional short form: Martinique

local long form: Departement de la Martinique

local short form: Martinique

Mauritania

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania

conventional short form: Mauritania

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah

local short form: Muritaniyah

Mauritius

conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius

conventional short form: Mauritius

Mayotte

conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte

conventional short form: Mayotte

Mexico

conventional long form: United Mexican States

conventional short form: Mexico

local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos

local short form: Mexico

Micronesia, Federated States of conventional long form: Federated States of Micronesia conventional short form: none former: Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) abbreviation: FSM

Midway Islands conventional long form: none conventional short form: Midway Islands

Moldova

conventional long form: Republic of Moldova

conventional short form: Moldova

local long form: Republica Moldova

local short form: none

former: Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova; Moldavia

Monaco

conventional long form: Principality of Monaco

conventional short form: Monaco

local long form: Principaute de Monaco

local short form: Monaco

Mongolia

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Mongolia

local long form: none

local short form: Mongol Uls

former: Outer Mongolia

Montserrat

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Montserrat

Morocco

conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco

conventional short form: Morocco

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah

local short form: Al Maghrib

Mozambique

conventional long form: Republic of Mozambique

conventional short form: Mozambique

local long form: Republica de Mocambique

local short form: Mocambique

former: Portuguese East Africa

Namibia

conventional long form: Republic of Namibia

conventional short form: Namibia

former: German Southwest Africa, South-West Africa

Nauru

conventional long form: Republic of Nauru

conventional short form: Nauru

former: Pleasant Island

Navassa Island

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Navassa Island

Nepal

conventional long form: Kingdom of Nepal

conventional short form: Nepal

Netherlands

conventional long form: Kingdom of the Netherlands

conventional short form: Netherlands

local long form: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden

local short form: Nederland

Netherlands Antilles

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Netherlands Antilles

local long form: none

local short form: Nederlandse Antillen

former: Curacao and Dependencies

New Caledonia

conventional long form: Territory of New Caledonia and

Dependencies

conventional short form: New Caledonia

local long form: Territoire des Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances

local short form: Nouvelle-Caledonie

New Zealand

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: New Zealand

abbreviation: NZ

Nicaragua

conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua

conventional short form: Nicaragua

local long form: Republica de Nicaragua

local short form: Nicaragua

Niger

conventional long form: Republic of Niger

conventional short form: Niger

local long form: Republique du Niger

local short form: Niger

Nigeria

conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria

conventional short form: Nigeria

Niue

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Niue

former: Savage Island

Norfolk Island

conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island

conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Northern Mariana Islands

conventional long form: Commonwealth of the

Northern Mariana Islands

conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands

former: Mariana Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific

Islands)

Norway

conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway

conventional short form: Norway

local long form: Kongeriket Norge

local short form: Norge

Oman

conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman

conventional short form: Oman

local long form: Saltanat Uman

local short form: Uman

former: Muscat and Oman

Pakistan

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan

conventional short form: Pakistan

former: West Pakistan

Palau

conventional long form: Republic of Palau

conventional short form: Palau

local long form: Beluu er a Belau

local short form: Belau

former: Palau District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)

Palmyra Atoll

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Palmyra Atoll

Panama

conventional long form: Republic of Panama

conventional short form: Panama

local long form: Republica de Panama

local short form: Panama

Papua New Guinea

conventional long form: Independent State of Papua

New Guinea

conventional short form: Papua New Guinea

former: Territory of Papua and New Guinea

abbreviation: PNG

Paracel Islands

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Paracel Islands

Paraguay

conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay

conventional short form: Paraguay

local long form: Republica del Paraguay

local short form: Paraguay

Peru

conventional long form: Republic of Peru

conventional short form: Peru

local long form: Republica del Peru

local short form: Peru

Philippines

conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines

conventional short form: Philippines

local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas

local short form: Pilipinas

Pitcairn Islands

conventional long form: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie,

and Oeno Islands

conventional short form: Pitcairn Islands

Poland

conventional long form: Republic of Poland

conventional short form: Poland

local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska

local short form: Polska

Portugal

conventional long form: Portuguese Republic

conventional short form: Portugal

local long form: Republica Portuguesa

local short form: Portugal

Puerto Rico

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

conventional short form: Puerto Rico

Qatar

conventional long form: State of Qatar

conventional short form: Qatar

local long form: Dawlat Qatar

local short form: Qatar

note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation falls

between cutter and gutter, but not like guitar

Reunion

conventional long form: Department of Reunion

conventional short form: Reunion

local long form: none

local short form: Ile de la Reunion

former: Bourbon Island

Romania

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Romania

local long form: none

local short form: Romania

Russia

conventional long form: Russian Federation

conventional short form: Russia

local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya

local short form: Rossiya

former: Russian Empire, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic

Rwanda

conventional long form: Rwandese Republic

conventional short form: Rwanda

local long form: Republika y'u Rwanda

local short form: Rwanda

former: Ruanda

Saint Helena conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Helena

Saint Kitts and Nevis conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis former: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Saint Lucia conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Lucia

Saint Pierre and Miquelon conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon conventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelon local long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon local short form: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa

conventional long form: Independent State of Samoa

conventional short form: Samoa

former: Western Samoa

San Marino

conventional long form: Republic of San Marino

conventional short form: San Marino

local long form: Repubblica di San Marino

local short form: San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe conventional short form: Sao Tome and Principe local long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe local short form: Sao Tome e Principe

Saudi Arabia

conventional long form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

conventional short form: Saudi Arabia

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

local short form: Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

Senegal

conventional long form: Republic of Senegal

conventional short form: Senegal

local long form: Republique du Senegal

local short form: Senegal

Serbia and Montenegro

conventional long form: Serbia and Montenegro

conventional short form: none

local long form: Srbija i Crna Gora

local short form: none

Seychelles

conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles

conventional short form: Seychelles

Sierra Leone

conventional long form: Republic of Sierra Leone

conventional short form: Sierra Leone

Singapore

conventional long form: Republic of Singapore

conventional short form: Singapore

Slovakia

conventional long form: Slovak Republic

conventional short form: Slovakia

local long form: Slovenska Republika

local short form: Slovensko

Slovenia

conventional long form: Republic of Slovenia

conventional short form: Slovenia

local long form: Republika Slovenija

local short form: Slovenija

Solomon Islands

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Solomon Islands

former: British Solomon Islands

Somalia

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Somalia

former: Somali Republic, Somali Democratic Republic

South Africa

conventional long form: Republic of South Africa

conventional short form: South Africa

former: Union of South Africa

abbreviation: RSA

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

conventional long form:

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

conventional short form: none

Spain

conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain

conventional short form: Spain

local short form: Espana

Spratly Islands

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Spratly Islands

Sri Lanka

conventional long form: Democratic Socialist Republic of

Sri Lanka

conventional short form: Sri Lanka

former: Serendib, Ceylon

Sudan

conventional long form: Republic of the Sudan

conventional short form: Sudan

local long form: Jumhuriyat as-Sudan

local short form: As-Sudan

former: Anglo-Egyptian Sudan

Suriname

conventional long form: Republic of Suriname

conventional short form: Suriname

local long form: Republiek Suriname

local short form: Suriname

former: Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

Svalbard

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Svalbard (sometimes referred to as

Spitzbergen)

Swaziland

conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland

conventional short form: Swaziland

Sweden

conventional long form: Kingdom of Sweden

conventional short form: Sweden

local long form: Konungariket Sverige

local short form: Sverige

Switzerland

conventional long form: Swiss Confederation

conventional short form: Switzerland

local long form: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German),

Confederation Suisse (French), Confederazione Svizzera (Italian)

local short form: Schweiz (German), Suisse (French), Svizzera

(Italian)

Syria

conventional long form: Syrian Arab Republic

conventional short form: Syria

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah

local short form: Suriyah

former: United Arab Republic (with Egypt)

Taiwan

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Taiwan

local long form: none

local short form: T'ai-wan

former: Formosa

Tajikistan

conventional long form: Republic of Tajikistan

conventional short form: Tajikistan

local long form: Jumhurii Tojikiston

local short form: Tojikiston

former: Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic

Tanzania

conventional long form: United Republic of Tanzania

conventional short form: Tanzania

former: United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Thailand

conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand

conventional short form: Thailand

former: Siam

Togo

conventional long form: Togolese Republic

conventional short form: Togo

local long form: Republique Togolaise

local short form: none

former: French Togoland

Tokelau

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Tokelau

Tonga

conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga

conventional short form: Tonga

former: Friendly Islands

Trinidad and Tobago

conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and

Tobago

conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago

Tromelin Island

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Tromelin Island

local long form: none

local short form: Ile Tromelin

Tunisia

conventional long form: Tunisian Republic

conventional short form: Tunisia

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah

local short form: Tunis

Turkey

conventional long form: Republic of Turkey

conventional short form: Turkey

local long form: Turkiye Cumhuriyeti

local short form: Turkiye

Turkmenistan

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Turkmenistan

local long form: none

local short form: Turkmenistan

former: Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic

Turks and Caicos Islands

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Turks and Caicos Islands

Tuvalu

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Tuvalu

former: Ellice Islands

note: "Tuvalu" means "group of eight," referring to the country's

eight traditionally inhabited islands

Uganda

conventional long form: Republic of Uganda

conventional short form: Uganda

Ukraine

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Ukraine

local long form: none

local short form: Ukrayina

former: Ukrainian National Republic, Ukrainian State, Ukrainian

Soviet Socialist Republic

United Arab Emirates

conventional long form: United Arab Emirates

conventional short form: none

local long form: Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah

local short form: none

former: Trucial Oman, Trucial States

abbreviation: UAE

United Kingdom

conventional long form: United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland

conventional short form: United Kingdom

abbreviation: UK

United States

conventional long form: United States of America

conventional short form: United States

abbreviation: US or USA

Uruguay

conventional long form: Oriental Republic of Uruguay

conventional short form: Uruguay

local long form: Republica Oriental del Uruguay

local short form: Uruguay

former: Banda Oriental, Cisplatine Province

Uzbekistan

conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan

conventional short form: Uzbekistan

local long form: Ozbekiston Respublikasi

local short form: Ozbekiston

former: Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

Vanuatu

conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu

conventional short form: Vanuatu

former: New Hebrides

Venezuela

conventional long form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

conventional short form: Venezuela

local long form: Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela

local short form: Venezuela

Vietnam

conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnam

conventional short form: Vietnam

local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam

local short form: Viet Nam

abbreviation: SRV

Virgin Islands

conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands

conventional short form: Virgin Islands

former: Danish West Indies

Wake Island

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Wake Island

Wallis and Futuna

conventional long form: Territory of the Wallis

and Futuna Islands

conventional short form: Wallis and Futuna

local long form: Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna

local short form: Wallis et Futuna

West Bank

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: West Bank

Western Sahara

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Western Sahara

former: Spanish Sahara

Yemen

conventional long form: Republic of Yemen

conventional short form: Yemen

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Yamaniyah

local short form: Al Yaman

Zambia

conventional long form: Republic of Zambia

conventional short form: Zambia

former: Northern Rhodesia

Zimbabwe

conventional long form: Republic of Zimbabwe

conventional short form: Zimbabwe

former: Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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@2144 Location

Afghanistan

Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran

Albania

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian

Sea, between Greece and Serbia and Montenegro

Algeria

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between

Morocco and Tunisia

American Samoa

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean,

about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Andorra

Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain

Angola

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between

Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Anguilla

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North

Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Antarctica

continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle

Antigua and Barbuda

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and

the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico

Arctic Ocean

body of water between Europe, Asia, and North America,

mostly north of the Arctic Circle

Argentina

Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic

Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay

Armenia

Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey

Aruba

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian

Ocean, northwest of Australia, south of the Indonesian half of Timor

island

Atlantic Ocean

body of water between Africa, Europe, the Southern

Ocean, and the Western Hemisphere

Australia

Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South

Pacific Ocean

Austria

Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia

Azerbaijan

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between

Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus

range

Bahamas, The

Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic

Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba

Bahrain

Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi

Arabia

Baker Island

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about half

way between Hawaii and Australia

Bangladesh

Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma

and India

Barbados

Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of

Venezuela

Bassas da India

Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique

Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique

Belarus

Eastern Europe, east of Poland

Belgium

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and

the Netherlands

Belize

Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between

Guatemala and Mexico

Benin

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria

and Togo

Bermuda

North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean,

east of North Carolina (US)

Bhutan

Southern Asia, between China and India

Bolivia

Central South America, southwest of Brazil

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic

Sea and Croatia

Botswana

Southern Africa, north of South Africa

Bouvet Island

island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the

Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)

Brazil

Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean

British Indian Ocean Territory

archipelago in the Indian Ocean,

south of India, about one-half the way from Africa to Indonesia

British Virgin Islands

Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the

North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Brunei

Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia

Bulgaria

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between

Romania and Turkey

Burkina Faso

Western Africa, north of Ghana

Burma

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of

Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand

Burundi

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Cambodia

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between

Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos

Cameroon

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between

Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria

Canada

Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on

the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on

the north, north of the conterminous US

Cape Verde

Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic

Ocean, west of Senegal

Cayman Islands

Caribbean, island group in Caribbean Sea, nearly

one-half of the way from Cuba to Honduras

Central African Republic

Central Africa, north of Democratic

Republic of the Congo

Chad

Central Africa, south of Libya

Chile

Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean,

between Argentina and Peru

China

Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow

Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam

Christmas Island

Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean,

south of Indonesia

Clipperton Island

Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean,

1,120 km southwest of Mexico

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the

Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia, about halfway from Australia

to Sri Lanka

Colombia

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea,

between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean,

between Ecuador and Panama

Comoros

Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of

the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern

Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Central Africa, northeast of Angola

Congo, Republic of the

Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic

Ocean, between Angola and Gabon

Cook Islands

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean,

about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Coral Sea Islands

Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of

Australia

Costa Rica

Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the

North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama

Cote d'Ivoire

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,

between Ghana and Liberia

Croatia

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia

Cuba

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North

Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida

Cyprus

Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey

Czech Republic

Central Europe, southeast of Germany

Denmark

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea,

on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major

islands (Sjaelland and Fyn)

Djibouti

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea,

between Eritrea and Somalia

Dominica

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North

Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Puerto Rico to

Trinidad and Tobago

Dominican Republic

Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of

Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean,

east of Haiti

East Timor

Southeastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser

Sunda Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago; note

- East Timor includes the eastern half of the island of Timor, the

Oecussi (Ambeno) region on the northwest portion of the island of

Timor, and the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco

Ecuador

Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the

Equator, between Colombia and Peru

Egypt

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between

Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and

includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula

El Salvador

Middle America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean,

between Guatemala and Honduras

Equatorial Guinea

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra,

between Cameroon and Gabon

Eritrea

Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and

Sudan

Estonia

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of

Finland, between Latvia and Russia

Ethiopia

Eastern Africa, west of Somalia

Europa Island

Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel,

about one-half of the way from southern Madagascar to southern

Mozambique

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Southern South America, islands in

the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina

Faroe Islands

Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian

Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from

Iceland to Norway

Fiji

Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about

two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Finland

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia,

and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia

France

Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English

Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering

the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain

French Guiana

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic

Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname

French Polynesia

Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean,

about one-half of the way from South America to Australia

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

southeast of Africa, islands in

the southern Indian Ocean, about equidistant between Africa,

Antarctica, and Australia; note - French Southern and Antarctic

Lands include Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet, and Iles

Kerguelen in the southern Indian Ocean, along with the

French-claimed sector of Antarctica, "Adelie Land"; the US does not

recognize the French claim to "Adelie Land"

Gabon

Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator,

between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea

Gambia, The

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and

Senegal

Gaza Strip

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between

Egypt and Israel

Georgia

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey

and Russia

Germany

Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea,

between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark

Ghana

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote

d'Ivoire and Togo

Gibraltar

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar,

which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on

the southern coast of Spain

Glorioso Islands

Southern Africa, group of islands in the Indian

Ocean, northwest of Madagascar

Greece

Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and

the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey

Greenland

Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean

and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada

Grenada

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic

Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Guadeloupe

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the

North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico

Guam

Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about

three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Guatemala

Middle America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between

El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras

(Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize

Guernsey

Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest

of France

Guinea

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between

Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

Guinea-Bissau

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,

between Guinea and Senegal

Guyana

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,

between Suriname and Venezuela

Haiti

Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola,

between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the

Dominican Republic

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

islands in the Indian Ocean, about

two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica

Holy See (Vatican City)

Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy)

Honduras

Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between

Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North

Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador and Nicaragua

Hong Kong

Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Howland Island

Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about

half way between Hawaii and Australia

Hungary

Central Europe, northwest of Romania

Iceland

Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the

North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the UK

India

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of

Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan

Indian Ocean

body of water between Africa, the Southern Ocean, Asia,

and Australia

Indonesia

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean

and the Pacific Ocean

Iran

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and

the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan

Iraq

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait

Ireland

Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of

Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain

Israel

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt

and Lebanon

Italy

Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central

Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia

Jamaica

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba

Jan Mayen

Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the

Norwegian Sea, northeast of Iceland

Japan

Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and

the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula

Jarvis Island

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, about half

way between Hawaii and the Cook Islands

Jersey

Western Europe, island in the English Channel, northwest of

France

Johnston Atoll

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 717 NM

(1328 km) southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii, about one-third of the way

from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands

Jordan

Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia

Juan de Nova Island

Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique

Channel, about one-third of the way between Madagascar and Mozambique

Kazakhstan

Central Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of

the Ural River in eastern-most Europe

Kenya

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia

and Tanzania

Kingman Reef

Oceania, reef in the North Pacific Ocean, about half

way between Hawaii and American Samoa

Kiribati

Oceania, group of 33 coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean,

straddling the equator; the capital Tarawa is about one-half of the

way from Hawaii to Australia; note - on 1 January 1995, Kiribati

proclaimed that all of its territory lies in the same time zone as

its Gilbert Islands group (GMT +12) even though the Phoenix Islands

and the Line Islands under its jurisdiction lie on the other side of

the International Date Line

Korea, North

Eastern Asia, northern half of the Korean Peninsula

bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and

South Korea

Korea, South

Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula

bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea

Kuwait

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and

Saudi Arabia

Kyrgyzstan

Central Asia, west of China

Laos

Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam

Latvia

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and

Lithuania

Lebanon

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel

and Syria

Lesotho

Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa

Liberia

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between

Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone

Libya

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between

Egypt and Tunisia

Liechtenstein

Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland

Lithuania

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia

and Russia

Luxembourg

Western Europe, between France and Germany

Macau

Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Southeastern Europe,

north of Greece

Madagascar

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of

Mozambique

Malawi

Southern Africa, east of Zambia

Malaysia

Southeastern Asia, peninsula and northern one-third of the

island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and the South China Sea, south

of Vietnam

Maldives

Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean,

south-southwest of India

Mali

Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

Malta

Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of

Sicily (Italy)

Man, Isle of

Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great

Britain and Ireland

Marshall Islands

Oceania, group of atolls and reefs in the North

Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Martinique

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North

Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Mauritania

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,

between Senegal and Western Sahara

Mauritius

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of

Madagascar

Mayotte

Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about

one-half of the way from northern Madagascar to northern Mozambique

Mexico

Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of

Mexico, between Belize and the US and bordering the North Pacific

Ocean, between Guatemala and the US

Micronesia, Federated States of

Oceania, island group in the North

Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to

Indonesia

Midway Islands

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about

one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo

Moldova

Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania

Monaco

Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the

southern coast of France, near the border with Italy

Mongolia

Northern Asia, between China and Russia

Montserrat

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of

Puerto Rico

Morocco

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the

Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara

Mozambique

South-eastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel,

between South Africa and Tanzania

Namibia

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between

Angola and South Africa

Nauru

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the

Marshall Islands

Navassa Island

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, about

one-fourth of the way from Haiti to Jamaica

Nepal

Southern Asia, between China and India

Netherlands

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium

and Germany

Netherlands Antilles

Caribbean, two island groups in the Caribbean

Sea - one includes Curacao and Bonaire north of Venezuela; the other

is east of the Virgin Islands

New Caledonia

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of

Australia

New Zealand

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast

of Australia

Nicaragua

Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the

North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras

Niger

Western Africa, southeast of Algeria

Nigeria

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin

and Cameroon

Niue

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga

Norfolk Island

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of

Australia

Northern Mariana Islands

Oceania, islands in the North Pacific

Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Norway

Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North

Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden

Oman

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and

Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE

Pacific Ocean

body of water between the Southern Ocean, Asia,

Australia, and the Western Hemisphere

Pakistan

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on

the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north

Palau

Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean,

southeast of the Philippines

Palmyra Atoll

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about half

way between Hawaii and American Samoa

Panama

Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the

North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica

Papua New Guinea

Oceania, group of islands including the eastern

half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South

Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Paracel Islands

Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs

in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central

Vietnam to the northern Philippines

Paraguay

Central South America, northeast of Argentina

Peru

Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean,

between Chile and Ecuador

Philippines

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine

Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Pitcairn Islands

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about

midway between Peru and New Zealand

Poland

Central Europe, east of Germany

Portugal

Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,

west of Spain

Puerto Rico

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the

North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic

Qatar

Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi

Arabia

Reunion

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of

Madagascar

Romania

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between

Bulgaria and Ukraine

Russia

Northern Asia (that part west of the Urals is included with

Europe), bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North

Pacific Ocean

Rwanda

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Saint Helena

islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway

between South America and Africa

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about

one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago

Saint Lucia

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North

Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Northern North America, islands in the

North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Caribbean, islands between the

Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Samoa

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about

one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

San Marino

Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy

Sao Tome and Principe

Western Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea,

straddling the Equator, west of Gabon

Saudi Arabia

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red

Sea, north of Yemen

Senegal

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between

Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania

Serbia and Montenegro

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic

Sea, between Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Seychelles

Eastern Africa, group of islands in the Indian Ocean,

northeast of Madagascar

Sierra Leone

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,

between Guinea and Liberia

Singapore

Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Slovakia

Central Europe, south of Poland

Slovenia

Central Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic Sea,

between Austria and Croatia

Solomon Islands

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific

Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea

Somalia

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian

Ocean, east of Ethiopia

South Africa

Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent

of Africa

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Southern South America,

islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South America

Southern Ocean

body of water between 60 degrees south latitude and

Antarctica

Spain

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay,

Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains,

southwest of France

Spratly Islands

Southeastern Asia, group of reefs and islands in the

South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam

to the southern Philippines

Sri Lanka

Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India

Sudan

Northern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and

Eritrea

Suriname

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,

between French Guiana and Guyana

Svalbard

Northern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents

Sea, Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of Norway

Swaziland

Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Sweden

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia,

Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway

Switzerland

Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy

Syria

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon

and Turkey

Taiwan

Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea,

Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the

Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China

Tajikistan

Central Asia, west of China

Tanzania

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya

and Mozambique

Thailand

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf

of Thailand, southeast of Burma

Togo

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Benin and

Ghana

Tokelau

Oceania, group of three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean,

about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Tonga

Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about

two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Trinidad and Tobago

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and

the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela

Tromelin Island

Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of

Madagascar

Tunisia

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between

Algeria and Libya

Turkey

southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia (that portion of

Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe),

bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering

the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria

Turkmenistan

Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran

and Kazakhstan

Turks and Caicos Islands

Caribbean, two island groups in the North

Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti

Tuvalu

Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the

South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to

Australia

Uganda

Eastern Africa, west of Kenya

Ukraine

Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland and

Russia

United Arab Emirates

Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the

Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

United Kingdom

Western Europe, islands including the northern

one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean

and the North Sea, northwest of France

United States

North America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean

and the North Pacific Ocean, between Canada and Mexico

Uruguay

Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean,

between Argentina and Brazil

Uzbekistan

Central Asia, north of Afghanistan

Vanuatu

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about

three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Venezuela

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and

the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

Vietnam

Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of

Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia

Virgin Islands

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the

North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico

Wake Island

Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about

two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands

Wallis and Futuna

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about

two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

West Bank

Middle East, west of Jordan

Western Sahara

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,

between Mauritania and Morocco

Yemen

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red

Sea, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Zambia

Southern Africa, east of Angola

Zimbabwe

Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2145 Map references

Afghanistan

Asia

Albania

Europe

Algeria

Africa

American Samoa

Oceania

Andorra

Europe

Angola

Africa

Anguilla

Central America and the Caribbean

Antarctica

Antarctic Region

Antigua and Barbuda

Central America and the Caribbean

Arctic Ocean

Arctic Region

Argentina

South America

Armenia

Asia

Aruba

Central America and the Caribbean

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Southeast Asia

Atlantic Ocean

Political Map of the World

Australia

Oceania

Austria

Europe

Azerbaijan

Asia

Bahamas, The

Central America and the Caribbean

Bahrain

Middle East

Baker Island

Oceania

Bangladesh

Asia

Barbados

Central America and the Caribbean

Bassas da India

Africa

Belarus

Europe

Belgium

Europe

Belize

Central America and the Caribbean

Benin

Africa

Bermuda

North America

Bhutan

Asia

Bolivia

South America

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Europe

Botswana

Africa

Bouvet Island

Antarctic Region

Brazil

South America

British Indian Ocean Territory

Political Map of the World

British Virgin Islands

Central America and the Caribbean

Brunei

Southeast Asia

Bulgaria

Europe

Burkina Faso

Africa

Burma

Southeast Asia

Burundi

Africa

Cambodia

Southeast Asia

Cameroon

Africa

Canada

North America

Cape Verde

Political Map of the World

Cayman Islands

Central America and the Caribbean

Central African Republic

Africa

Chad

Africa

Chile

South America

China

Asia

Christmas Island

Southeast Asia

Clipperton Island

Political Map of the World

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Southeast Asia

Colombia

South America

Comoros

Africa

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Africa

Congo, Republic of the

Africa

Cook Islands

Oceania

Coral Sea Islands

Oceania

Costa Rica

Central America and the Caribbean

Cote d'Ivoire

Africa

Croatia

Europe

Cuba

Central America and the Caribbean

Cyprus

Middle East

Czech Republic

Europe

Denmark

Europe

Djibouti

Africa

Dominica

Central America and the Caribbean

Dominican Republic

Central America and the Caribbean

East Timor

Southeast Asia

Ecuador

South America

Egypt

Africa

El Salvador

Central America and the Caribbean

Equatorial Guinea

Africa

Eritrea

Africa

Estonia

Europe

Ethiopia

Africa

Europa Island

Africa

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

South America

Faroe Islands

Europe

Fiji

Oceania

Finland

Europe

France

Europe

French Guiana

South America

French Polynesia

Oceania

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Antarctic Region

Gabon

Africa

Gambia, The

Africa

Gaza Strip

Middle East

Georgia

Asia

Germany

Europe

Ghana

Africa

Gibraltar

Europe

Glorioso Islands

Africa

Greece

Europe

Greenland

Arctic Region

Grenada

Central America and the Caribbean

Guadeloupe

Central America and the Caribbean

Guam

Oceania

Guatemala

Central America and the Caribbean

Guernsey

Europe

Guinea

Africa

Guinea-Bissau

Africa

Guyana

South America

Haiti

Central America and the Caribbean

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Antarctic Region

Holy See (Vatican City)

Europe

Honduras

Central America and the Caribbean

Hong Kong

Southeast Asia

Howland Island

Oceania

Hungary

Europe

Iceland

Arctic Region

India

Asia

Indian Ocean

Political Map of the World

Indonesia

Southeast Asia

Iran

Middle East

Iraq

Middle East

Ireland

Europe

Israel

Middle East

Italy

Europe

Jamaica

Central America and the Caribbean

Jan Mayen

Arctic Region

Japan

Asia

Jarvis Island

Oceania

Jersey

Europe

Johnston Atoll

Oceania

Jordan

Middle East

Juan de Nova Island

Africa

Kazakhstan

Asia

Kenya

Africa

Kingman Reef

Oceania

Kiribati

Oceania

Korea, North

Asia

Korea, South

Asia

Kuwait

Middle East

Kyrgyzstan

Asia

Laos

Southeast Asia

Latvia

Europe

Lebanon

Middle East

Lesotho

Africa

Liberia

Africa

Libya

Africa

Liechtenstein

Europe

Lithuania

Europe

Luxembourg

Europe

Macau

Southeast Asia

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Europe

Madagascar

Africa

Malawi

Africa

Malaysia

Southeast Asia

Maldives

Asia

Mali

Africa

Malta

Europe

Man, Isle of

Europe

Marshall Islands

Oceania

Martinique

Central America and the Caribbean

Mauritania

Africa

Mauritius

Political Map of the World

Mayotte

Africa

Mexico

North America

Micronesia, Federated States of

Oceania

Midway Islands

Oceania

Moldova

Europe

Monaco

Europe

Mongolia

Asia

Montserrat

Central America and the Caribbean

Morocco

Africa

Mozambique

Africa

Namibia

Africa

Nauru

Oceania

Navassa Island

Central America and the Caribbean

Nepal

Asia

Netherlands

Europe

Netherlands Antilles

Central America and the Caribbean

New Caledonia

Oceania

New Zealand

Oceania

Nicaragua

Central America and the Caribbean

Niger

Africa

Nigeria

Africa

Niue

Oceania

Norfolk Island

Oceania

Northern Mariana Islands

Oceania

Norway

Europe

Oman

Middle East

Pacific Ocean

Political Map of the World

Pakistan

Asia

Palau

Oceania

Palmyra Atoll

Oceania

Panama

Central America and the Caribbean

Papua New Guinea

Oceania

Paracel Islands

Southeast Asia

Paraguay

South America

Peru

South America

Philippines

Southeast Asia

Pitcairn Islands

Oceania

Poland

Europe

Portugal

Europe

Puerto Rico

Central America and the Caribbean

Qatar

Middle East

Reunion

World

Romania

Europe

Russia

Asia

Rwanda

Africa

Saint Helena

Africa

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Central America and the Caribbean

Saint Lucia

Central America and the Caribbean

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

North America

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Central America and the Caribbean

Samoa

Oceania

San Marino

Europe

Sao Tome and Principe

Africa

Saudi Arabia

Middle East

Senegal

Africa

Serbia and Montenegro

Europe

Seychelles

Africa

Sierra Leone

Africa

Singapore

Southeast Asia

Slovakia

Europe

Slovenia

Europe

Solomon Islands

Oceania

Somalia

Africa

South Africa

Africa

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Antarctic Region

Southern Ocean

Antarctic Region

Spain

Europe

Spratly Islands

Southeast Asia

Sri Lanka

Asia

Sudan

Africa

Suriname

South America

Svalbard

Arctic Region

Swaziland

Africa

Sweden

Europe

Switzerland

Europe

Syria

Middle East

Taiwan

Southeast Asia

Tajikistan

Asia

Tanzania

Africa

Thailand

Southeast Asia

Togo

Africa

Tokelau

Oceania

Tonga

Oceania

Trinidad and Tobago

Central America and the Caribbean

Tromelin Island

Africa

Tunisia

Africa

Turkey

Middle East

Turkmenistan

Asia

Turks and Caicos Islands

Central America and the Caribbean

Tuvalu

Oceania

Uganda

Africa

Ukraine

Asia, Europe

United Arab Emirates

Middle East

United Kingdom

Europe

United States

North America

Uruguay

South America

Uzbekistan

Asia

Vanuatu

Oceania

Venezuela

South America

Vietnam

Southeast Asia

Virgin Islands

Central America and the Caribbean

Wake Island

Oceania

Wallis and Futuna

Oceania

West Bank

Middle East

Western Sahara

Africa

World

Physical Map of the World, Political Map of the World,

Standard Time Zones of the World

Yemen

Middle East

Zambia

Africa

Zimbabwe

Africa

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2146 Irrigated land (sq km)

Afghanistan

23,860 sq km (1998 est.)

Albania

3,400 sq km (1998 est.)

Algeria

5,600 sq km (1998 est.)

American Samoa

NA sq km

Andorra

NA sq km

Angola

750 sq km (1998 est.)

Anguilla

NA sq km

Antarctica

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

NA sq km

Argentina

15,610 sq km (1998 est.)

Armenia

2,870 sq km (1998 est.)

Aruba

0.01 sq km (1998 est.)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Australia

24,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Austria

457 sq km (2000 est.)

Azerbaijan

14,550 sq km (1998 est.)

Bahamas, The

NA sq km

Bahrain

50 sq km (1998 est.)

Baker Island

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Bangladesh

38,440 sq km (1998 est.)

Barbados

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Bassas da India

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Belarus

1,150 sq km (1998 est.)

Belgium

40 sq km (includes Luxembourg) (1998 est.)

Belize

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Benin

120 sq km (1998 est.)

Bermuda

NA sq km

Bhutan

400 sq km (1998 est.)

Bolivia

1,280 sq km (1998 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Botswana

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Bouvet Island

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Brazil

26,560 sq km (1998 est.)

British Indian Ocean Territory

0 sq km (1998 est.)

British Virgin Islands

NA sq km

Brunei

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Bulgaria

8,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Burkina Faso

250 sq km (1998 est.)

Burma

15,920 sq km (1998 est.)

Burundi

740 sq km (1998 est.)

Cambodia

2,700 sq km (1998 est.)

Cameroon

330 sq km (1998 est.)

Canada

7,200 sq km (1998 est.)

Cape Verde

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Cayman Islands

NA sq km

Central African Republic

NA sq km

Chad

200 sq km (1998 est.)

Chile

18,000 sq km (1998 est.)

China

525,800 sq km (1998 est.)

Christmas Island

NA sq km

Clipperton Island

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA sq km

Colombia

8,500 sq km (1998 est.)

Comoros

NA sq km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

110 sq km (1998 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Cook Islands

NA sq km

Coral Sea Islands

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Costa Rica

1,260 sq km (1998 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

730 sq km (1998 est.)

Croatia

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Cuba

870 sq km (1998 est.)

Cyprus

400 sq km (1998 est.)

Czech Republic

240 sq km (1998 est.)

Denmark

4,760 sq km (1998 est.)

Djibouti

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Dominica

NA sq km

Dominican Republic

2,590 sq km (1998 est.)

East Timor

1,065 sq km (est.)

Ecuador

8,650 sq km (1998 est.)

Egypt

33,000 sq km (1998 est.)

El Salvador

360 sq km (1998 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

NA sq km

Eritrea

220 sq km (1998 est.)

Estonia

40 sq km (1998 est.)

Ethiopia

1,900 sq km (1998 est.)

Europa Island

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA sq km

Faroe Islands

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Fiji

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Finland

640 sq km (1998 est.)

France

20,000 sq km (1998 est.)

French Guiana

20 sq km (1998 est.)

French Polynesia

NA sq km

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Gabon

150 sq km (1998 est.)

Gambia, The

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Gaza Strip

120 sq km (1998 est.)

Georgia

4,700 sq km (1998 est.)

Germany

4,850 sq km (1998 est.)

Ghana

110 sq km (1998 est.)

Gibraltar

NA sq km

Glorioso Islands

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Greece

14,220 sq km (1998 est.)

Greenland

NA sq km

Grenada

NA sq km

Guadeloupe

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Guam

NA sq km

Guatemala

1,250 sq km (1998 est.)

Guernsey

NA sq km

Guinea

950 sq km (1998 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

170 sq km (1998 est.)

Guyana

1,500 sq km (1998 est.)

Haiti

750 sq km (1998 est.)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Honduras

760 sq km (1998 est.)

Hong Kong

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Howland Island

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Hungary

2,100 sq km (1998 est.)

Iceland

NA sq km

India

590,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Indonesia

48,150 sq km (1998 est.)

Iran

75,620 sq km (1998 est.)

Iraq

35,250 sq km (1998 est.)

Ireland

NA sq km

Israel

1,990 sq km (1998 est.)

Italy

26,980 sq km (1998 est.)

Jamaica

250 sq km (1998 est.)

Jan Mayen

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Japan

26,790 sq km (1998 est.)

Jarvis Island

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Jersey

NA sq km

Johnston Atoll

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Jordan

750 sq km (1998 est.)

Juan de Nova Island

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Kazakhstan

23,320 sq km (1998 est.)

Kenya

670 sq km (1998 est.)

Kingman Reef

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Kiribati

NA sq km

Korea, North

14,600 sq km (1998 est.)

Korea, South

11,590 sq km (1998 est.)

Kuwait

60 sq km (1998 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

10,740 sq km (1998 est.)

Laos

1,640 sq km

note: rainy season irrigation - 2,169 sq km; dry season irrigation -

750 sq km (1998 est.)

Latvia

200 sq km

note: land in Latvia is often too wet, and in need of drainage, not

irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land

has been improved by drainage (1998 est.)

Lebanon

1,200 sq km (1998 est.)

Lesotho

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Liberia

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Libya

4,700 sq km (1998 est.)

Liechtenstein

NA sq km

Lithuania

90 sq km (1998 est.)

Luxembourg

40 sq km (includes Belgium) (1998 est.)

Macau

NA sq km

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

550 sq km (1998 est.)

Madagascar

10,900 sq km (1998 est.)

Malawi

280 sq km (1998 est.)

Malaysia

3,650 sq km (1998 est.)

Maldives

NA sq km

Mali

1,380 sq km (1998 est.)

Malta

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Man, Isle of

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Marshall Islands

0 sq km

Martinique

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Mauritania

490 sq km (1998 est.)

Mauritius

200 sq km (1998 est.)

Mayotte

NA sq km

Mexico

65,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

NA sq km

Midway Islands

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Moldova

3,070 sq km (1998 est.)

Monaco

NA sq km

Mongolia

840 sq km (1998 est.)

Montserrat

NA sq km

Morocco

12,910 sq km (1998 est.)

Mozambique

1,070 sq km (1998 est.)

Namibia

70 sq km (1998 est.)

Nauru

NA sq km

Navassa Island

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Nepal

11,350 sq km (1998 est.)

Netherlands

5,650 sq km (1998 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

NA sq km

New Caledonia

160 sq km (1991)

New Zealand

2,850 sq km (1998 est.)

Nicaragua

880 sq km (1998 est.)

Niger

660 sq km (1998 est.)

Nigeria

2,330 sq km (1998 est.)

Niue

NA sq km

Norfolk Island

NA sq km

Northern Mariana Islands

NA sq km

Norway

1,270 sq km (1998 est.)

Oman

620 sq km (1998 est.)

Pakistan

180,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Palau

NA sq km

Palmyra Atoll

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Panama

320 sq km (1998 est.)

Papua New Guinea

NA sq km

Paracel Islands

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Paraguay

670 sq km (1998 est.)

Peru

11,950 sq km (1998 est.)

Philippines

15,500 sq km (1998 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA sq km

Poland

1,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Portugal

6,320 sq km (1998 est.)

Puerto Rico

400 sq km (1998 est.)

Qatar

130 sq km (1998 est.)

Reunion

120 sq km (1998 est.)

Romania

28,800 sq km (1998 est.)

Russia

46,630 sq km (1998 est.)

Rwanda

40 sq km (1998 est.)

Saint Helena

NA sq km

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA sq km

Saint Lucia

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA sq km

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Samoa

NA sq km

San Marino

NA sq km

Sao Tome and Principe

100 sq km (1998 est.)

Saudi Arabia

16,200 sq km (1998 est.)

Senegal

710 sq km (1998 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

570 sq km

Seychelles

NA sq km

Sierra Leone

290 sq km (1998 est.)

Singapore

NA sq km

Slovakia

1,740 sq km (1998 est.)

Slovenia

20 sq km (1998 est.)

Solomon Islands

NA sq km

Somalia

2,000 sq km (1998 est.)

South Africa

13,500 sq km (1998 est.)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Spain

36,400 sq km (1998 est.)

Spratly Islands

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Sri Lanka

6,510 sq km (1998 est.)

Sudan

19,500 sq km (1998 est.)

Suriname

490 sq km (1998 est.)

Svalbard

NA sq km

Swaziland

690 sq km (1998 est.)

Sweden

1,150 sq km (1998 est.)

Switzerland

250 sq km (1998 est.)

Syria

12,130 sq km (1998 est.)

Taiwan

NA sq km

Tajikistan

7,200 sq km (1998 est.)

Tanzania

1,550 sq km (1998 est.)

Thailand

47,490 sq km (1998 est.)

Togo

70 sq km (1998 est.)

Tokelau

NA sq km

Tonga

NA sq km

Trinidad and Tobago

30 sq km (1998 est.)

Tromelin Island

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Tunisia

3,800 sq km (1998 est.)

Turkey

42,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Turkmenistan

17,500 sq km (2003 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA sq km

Tuvalu

NA sq km

Uganda

90 sq km (1998 est.)

Ukraine

24,540 sq km (1998 est.)

United Arab Emirates

720 sq km (1998 est.)

United Kingdom

1,080 sq km (1998 est.)

United States

214,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Uruguay

1,800 sq km (1998 est.)

Uzbekistan

42,810 sq km (1998 est.)

Vanuatu

NA sq km

Venezuela

540 sq km (1998 est.)

Vietnam

30,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Virgin Islands

NA sq km

Wake Island

0 sq km (1998 est.)

Wallis and Futuna

NA sq km

West Bank

NA sq km

Western Sahara

NA sq km

World

2,714,320 sq km (1998 est.)

Yemen

4,900 sq km (1998 est.)

Zambia

460 sq km (1998 est.)

Zimbabwe

1,170 sq km (1998 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2147 Area (sq km)

Afghanistan

total: 647,500 sq km

land: 647,500 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Albania

total: 28,748 sq km

land: 27,398 sq km

water: 1,350 sq km

Algeria

total: 2,381,740 sq km

land: 2,381,740 sq km

water: 0 sq km

American Samoa total: 199 sq km land: 199 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island

Andorra

total: 468 sq km

land: 468 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Angola

total: 1,246,700 sq km

land: 1,246,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Anguilla

total: 102 sq km

land: 102 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Antarctica

total: 14 million sq km

land: 14 million sq km (280,000 sq km ice-free, 13.72 million sq km

ice-covered) (est.)

note: fifth-largest continent, following Asia, Africa, North

America, and South America, but larger than Australia and the

subcontinent of Europe

Antigua and Barbuda

total: 443 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161

sq km)

land: 443 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km

Arctic Ocean

total: 14.056 million sq km

note: includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea,

East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara

Sea, Laptev Sea, Northwest Passage, and other tributary water bodies

Argentina

total: 2,766,890 sq km

land: 2,736,690 sq km

water: 30,200 sq km

Armenia

total: 29,800 sq km

land: 28,400 sq km

water: 1,400 sq km

Aruba

total: 193 sq km

land: 193 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

total: 5 sq km

land: 5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and

Cartier Island

Atlantic Ocean

total: 76.762 million sq km

note: includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait,

Denmark Strait, part of the Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Labrador

Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, almost all of the

Scotia Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Australia

total: 7,686,850 sq km

land: 7,617,930 sq km

water: 68,920 sq km

note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island

Austria

total: 83,858 sq km

land: 82,738 sq km

water: 1,120 sq km

Azerbaijan

total: 86,600 sq km

land: 86,100 sq km

water: 500 sq km

note: includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the

Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region's autonomy was abolished by

Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991

Bahamas, The

total: 13,940 sq km

land: 10,070 sq km

water: 3,870 sq km

Bahrain

total: 665 sq km

land: 665 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Baker Island

total: 1.4 sq km

land: 1.4 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Bangladesh

total: 144,000 sq km

land: 133,910 sq km

water: 10,090 sq km

Barbados

total: 431 sq km

land: 431 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Bassas da India

total: 0.2 sq km

land: 0.2 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Belarus

total: 207,600 sq km

land: 207,600 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Belgium

total: 30,510 sq km

land: 30,230 sq km

water: 280 sq km

Belize

total: 22,966 sq km

land: 22,806 sq km

water: 160 sq km

Benin

total: 112,620 sq km

land: 110,620 sq km

water: 2,000 sq km

Bermuda

total: 53.3 sq km

land: 53.3 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Bhutan

total: 47,000 sq km

land: 47,000 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Bolivia

total: 1,098,580 sq km

land: 1,084,390 sq km

water: 14,190 sq km

Bosnia and Herzegovina

total: 51,129 sq km

land: 51,129 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Botswana

total: 600,370 sq km

land: 585,370 sq km

water: 15,000 sq km

Bouvet Island

total: 58.5 sq km

land: 58.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Brazil

total: 8,511,965 sq km

land: 8,456,510 sq km

water: 55,455 sq km

note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas,

Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao

Paulo

British Indian Ocean Territory total: 60 sq km land: 60 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago

British Virgin Islands total: 153 sq km land: 153 sq km water: 0 sq km note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the island of Anegada

Brunei

total: 5,770 sq km

land: 5,270 sq km

water: 500 sq km

Bulgaria

total: 110,910 sq km

land: 110,550 sq km

water: 360 sq km

Burkina Faso

total: 274,200 sq km

land: 273,800 sq km

water: 400 sq km

Burma

total: 678,500 sq km

land: 657,740 sq km

water: 20,760 sq km

Burundi

total: 27,830 sq km

land: 25,650 sq km

water: 2,180 sq km

Cambodia

total: 181,040 sq km

land: 176,520 sq km

water: 4,520 sq km

Cameroon

total: 475,440 sq km

land: 469,440 sq km

water: 6,000 sq km

Canada

total: 9,984,670 sq km

land: 9,093,507 sq km

water: 891,163 sq km

Cape Verde

total: 4,033 sq km

land: 4,033 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Cayman Islands

total: 262 sq km

land: 262 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Central African Republic

total: 622,984 sq km

land: 622,984 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Chad

total: 1.284 million sq km

land: 1,259,200 sq km

water: 24,800 sq km

Chile

total: 756,950 sq km

land: 748,800 sq km

water: 8,150 sq km

note: includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez

China

total: 9,596,960 sq km

land: 9,326,410 sq km

water: 270,550 sq km

Christmas Island

total: 135 sq km

land: 135 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Clipperton Island

total: 6 sq km

land: 6 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Cocos (Keeling) Islands total: 14 sq km land: 14 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island

Colombia

total: 1,138,910 sq km

land: 1,038,700 sq km

water: 100,210 sq km

note: includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, Serrana Bank, and

Serranilla Bank

Comoros

total: 2,170 sq km

land: 2,170 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

total: 2,345,410 sq km

land: 2,267,600 sq km

water: 77,810 sq km

Congo, Republic of the

total: 342,000 sq km

land: 341,500 sq km

water: 500 sq km

Cook Islands

total: 240 sq km

land: 240 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Coral Sea Islands

total: less than 3 sq km

land: less than 3 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea

area of about 780,000 sq km, with the Willis Islets the most

important

Costa Rica total: 51,100 sq km land: 50,660 sq km water: 440 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco

Cote d'Ivoire

total: 322,460 sq km

land: 318,000 sq km

water: 4,460 sq km

Croatia

total: 56,542 sq km

land: 56,414 sq km

water: 128 sq km

Cuba

total: 110,860 sq km

land: 110,860 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Cyprus

total: 9,250 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in the Turkish

Cypriot area)

land: 9,240 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Czech Republic

total: 78,866 sq km

land: 77,276 sq km

water: 1,590 sq km

Denmark

total: 43,094 sq km

land: 42,394 sq km

water: 700 sq km

note: includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest

of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major

islands of Sjaelland and Fyn), but excludes the Faroe Islands and

Greenland

Djibouti

total: 23,000 sq km

land: 22,980 sq km

water: 20 sq km

Dominica

total: 754 sq km

land: 754 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Dominican Republic

total: 48,730 sq km

land: 48,380 sq km

water: 350 sq km

East Timor

total: 15,007 sq km

land: NA sq km

water: NA sq km

Ecuador

total: 283,560 sq km

land: 276,840 sq km

water: 6,720 sq km

note: includes Galapagos Islands

Egypt

total: 1,001,450 sq km

land: 995,450 sq km

water: 6,000 sq km

El Salvador

total: 21,040 sq km

land: 20,720 sq km

water: 320 sq km

Equatorial Guinea

total: 28,051 sq km

land: 28,051 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Eritrea

total: 121,320 sq km

land: 121,320 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Estonia

total: 45,226 sq km

land: 43,211 sq km

water: 2,015 sq km

note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea

Ethiopia

total: 1,127,127 sq km

land: 1,119,683 sq km

water: 7,444 sq km

Europa Island

total: 28 sq km

land: 28 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) total: 12,173 sq km land: 12,173 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands

Faroe Islands

total: 1,399 sq km

land: 1,399 sq km

water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams)

Fiji

total: 18,270 sq km

land: 18,270 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Finland

total: 337,030 sq km

land: 305,470 sq km

water: 31,560 sq km

France

total: 547,030 sq km

land: 545,630 sq km

water: 1,400 sq km

note: includes only metropolitan France; excludes the overseas

administrative divisions

French Guiana

total: 91,000 sq km

land: 89,150 sq km

water: 1,850 sq km

French Polynesia

total: 4,167 sq km (118 islands and atolls)

land: 3,660 sq km

water: 507 sq km

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

total: 7,829 sq km

land: 7,829 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet and Iles

Kerguelen; excludes "Adelie Land" claim of about 500,000 sq km in

Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Gabon

total: 267,667 sq km

land: 257,667 sq km

water: 10,000 sq km

Gambia, The

total: 11,300 sq km

land: 10,000 sq km

water: 1,300 sq km

Gaza Strip

total: 360 sq km

land: 360 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Georgia

total: 69,700 sq km

land: 69,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Germany

total: 357,021 sq km

land: 349,223 sq km

water: 7,798 sq km

Ghana

total: 239,460 sq km

land: 230,940 sq km

water: 8,520 sq km

Gibraltar

total: 6.5 sq km

land: 6.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Glorioso Islands total: 5 sq km land: 5 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Ile Glorieuse, Ile du Lys, Verte Rocks, Wreck Rock, and South Rock

Greece

total: 131,940 sq km

land: 130,800 sq km

water: 1,140 sq km

Greenland

total: 2,166,086 sq km

land: 2,166,086 sq km (410,449 sq km ice-free, 1,755,637 sq km

ice-covered) (2000 est.)

Grenada

total: 344 sq km

land: 344 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Guadeloupe

total: 1,780 sq km

land: 1,706 sq km

water: 74 sq km

note: Guadeloupe is an archipelago of nine inhabited islands,

including Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Desirade,

Iles des Saintes (2), Saint-Barthelemy, Iles de la Petite Terre, and

Saint-Martin (French part of the island of Saint Martin)

Guam

total: 549 sq km

land: 549 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Guatemala

total: 108,890 sq km

land: 108,430 sq km

water: 460 sq km

Guernsey

total: 78 sq km

land: 78 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other

smaller islands

Guinea

total: 245,857 sq km

land: 245,857 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Guinea-Bissau

total: 36,120 sq km

land: 28,000 sq km

water: 8,120 sq km

Guyana

total: 214,970 sq km

land: 196,850 sq km

water: 18,120 sq km

Haiti

total: 27,750 sq km

land: 27,560 sq km

water: 190 sq km

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

total: 412 sq km

land: 412 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Holy See (Vatican City)

total: 0.44 sq km

land: 0.44 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Honduras

total: 112,090 sq km

land: 111,890 sq km

water: 200 sq km

Hong Kong

total: 1,092 sq km

land: 1,042 sq km

water: 50 sq km

Howland Island

total: 1.6 sq km

land: 1.6 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Hungary

total: 93,030 sq km

land: 92,340 sq km

water: 690 sq km

Iceland

total: 103,000 sq km

land: 100,250 sq km

water: 2,750 sq km

India

total: 3,287,590 sq km

land: 2,973,190 sq km

water: 314,400 sq km

Indian Ocean

total: 68.556 million sq km

note: includes Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Flores Sea,

Great Australian Bight, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Java Sea,

Mozambique Channel, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Savu Sea, Strait of

Malacca, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Indonesia

total: 1,919,440 sq km

land: 1,826,440 sq km

water: 93,000 sq km

Iran

total: 1.648 million sq km

land: 1.636 million sq km

water: 12,000 sq km

Iraq

total: 437,072 sq km

land: 432,162 sq km

water: 4,910 sq km

Ireland

total: 70,280 sq km

land: 68,890 sq km

water: 1,390 sq km

Israel

total: 20,770 sq km

land: 20,330 sq km

water: 440 sq km

Italy

total: 301,230 sq km

land: 294,020 sq km

water: 7,210 sq km

note: includes Sardinia and Sicily

Jamaica

total: 10,991 sq km

land: 10,831 sq km

water: 160 sq km

Jan Mayen

total: 373 sq km

land: 373 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Japan

total: 377,835 sq km

land: 374,744 sq km

water: 3,091 sq km

note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto,

Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and

Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto)

Jarvis Island

total: 4.5 sq km

land: 4.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Jersey

total: 116 sq km

land: 116 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Johnston Atoll

total: 2.8 sq km

land: 2.8 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Jordan

total: 92,300 sq km

land: 91,971 sq km

water: 329 sq km

Juan de Nova Island

total: 4.4 sq km

land: 4.4 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Kazakhstan

total: 2,717,300 sq km

land: 2,669,800 sq km

water: 47,500 sq km

Kenya

total: 582,650 sq km

land: 569,250 sq km

water: 13,400 sq km

Kingman Reef

total: 1 sq km

land: 1 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Kiribati

total: 811 sq km

land: 811 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands,

Phoenix Islands

Korea, North

total: 120,540 sq km

land: 120,410 sq km

water: 130 sq km

Korea, South

total: 98,480 sq km

land: 98,190 sq km

water: 290 sq km

Kuwait

total: 17,820 sq km

land: 17,820 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Kyrgyzstan

total: 198,500 sq km

land: 191,300 sq km

water: 7,200 sq km

Laos

total: 236,800 sq km

land: 230,800 sq km

water: 6,000 sq km

Latvia

total: 64,589 sq km

land: 63,589 sq km

water: 1,000 sq km

Lebanon

total: 10,400 sq km

land: 10,230 sq km

water: 170 sq km

Lesotho

total: 30,355 sq km

land: 30,355 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Liberia

total: 111,370 sq km

land: 96,320 sq km

water: 15,050 sq km

Libya

total: 1,759,540 sq km

land: 1,759,540 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Liechtenstein

total: 160 sq km

land: 160 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Lithuania

total: 65,200 sq km

land: NA sq km

water: NA sq km

Luxembourg

total: 2,586 sq km

land: 2,586 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Macau

total: 25.4 sq km

land: 25.4 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

total: 25,333 sq km

land: 24,856 sq km

water: 477 sq km

Madagascar

total: 587,040 sq km

land: 581,540 sq km

water: 5,500 sq km

Malawi

total: 118,480 sq km

land: 94,080 sq km

water: 24,400 sq km

Malaysia

total: 329,750 sq km

land: 328,550 sq km

water: 1,200 sq km

Maldives

total: 300 sq km

land: 300 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Mali

total: 1.24 million sq km

land: 1.22 million sq km

water: 20,000 sq km

Malta

total: 316 sq km

land: 316 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Man, Isle of

total: 572 sq km

land: 572 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Marshall Islands total: 181.3 sq km land: 181.3 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro, Rongelap, and Utirik

Martinique

total: 1,100 sq km

land: 1,060 sq km

water: 40 sq km

Mauritania

total: 1,030,700 sq km

land: 1,030,400 sq km

water: 300 sq km

Mauritius

total: 2,040 sq km

land: 2,030 sq km

water: 10 sq km

note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint

Brandon), and Rodrigues

Mayotte

total: 374 sq km

land: 374 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Mexico

total: 1,972,550 sq km

land: 1,923,040 sq km

water: 49,510 sq km

Micronesia, Federated States of total: 702 sq km land: 702 sq km water: 0 sq km (fresh water only) note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Yap Islands, and Kosrae (Kosaie)

Midway Islands total: 6.2 sq km land: 6.2 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Eastern Island, Sand Island, and Spit Island

Moldova

total: 33,843 sq km

land: 33,371 sq km

water: 472 sq km

Monaco

total: 1.95 sq km

land: 1.95 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Mongolia

total: 1.565 million sq km

land: 1,555,400 sq km

water: 9,600 sq km

Montserrat

total: 102 sq km

land: 102 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Morocco

total: 446,550 sq km

land: 446,300 sq km

water: 250 sq km

Mozambique

total: 801,590 sq km

land: 784,090 sq km

water: 17,500 sq km

Namibia

total: 825,418 sq km

land: 825,418 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Nauru

total: 21 sq km

land: 21 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Navassa Island

total: 5.2 sq km

land: 5.2 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Nepal

total: 140,800 sq km

land: 136,800 sq km

water: 4,000 sq km

Netherlands

total: 41,526 sq km

land: 33,883 sq km

water: 7,643 sq km

Netherlands Antilles total: 960 sq km land: 960 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin)

New Caledonia total: 19,060 sq km land: 18,575 sq km water: 485 sq km

New Zealand

total: 268,680 sq km

land: NA sq km

water: NA sq km

note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands,

Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands

Nicaragua

total: 129,494 sq km

land: 120,254 sq km

water: 9,240 sq km

Niger

total: 1.267 million sq km

land: 1,266,700 sq km

water: 300 sq km

Nigeria

total: 923,768 sq km

land: 910,768 sq km

water: 13,000 sq km

Niue

total: 260 sq km

land: 260 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Norfolk Island

total: 34.6 sq km

land: 34.6 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Northern Mariana Islands total: 477 sq km land: 477 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Norway

total: 324,220 sq km

land: 307,860 sq km

water: 16,360 sq km

Oman

total: 212,460 sq km

land: 212,460 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Pacific Ocean

total: 155.557 million sq km

note: includes Bali Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East

China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Philippine Sea, Sea of

Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and other

tributary water bodies

Pakistan

total: 803,940 sq km

land: 778,720 sq km

water: 25,220 sq km

Palau

total: 458 sq km

land: 458 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Palmyra Atoll

total: 11.9 sq km

land: 11.9 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Panama

total: 78,200 sq km

land: 75,990 sq km

water: 2,210 sq km

Papua New Guinea

total: 462,840 sq km

land: 452,860 sq km

water: 9,980 sq km

Paracel Islands

total: NA sq km

land: NA sq km

water: 0 sq km

Paraguay

total: 406,750 sq km

land: 397,300 sq km

water: 9,450 sq km

Peru

total: 1,285,220 sq km

land: 1.28 million sq km

water: 5,220 sq km

Philippines

total: 300,000 sq km

land: 298,170 sq km

water: 1,830 sq km

Pitcairn Islands

total: 47 sq km

land: 47 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Poland

total: 312,685 sq km

land: 304,465 sq km

water: 8,220 sq km

Portugal

total: 92,391 sq km

land: 91,951 sq km

water: 440 sq km

note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands

Puerto Rico

total: 9,104 sq km

land: 8,959 sq km

water: 145 sq km

Qatar

total: 11,437 sq km

land: 11,437 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Reunion

total: 2,517 sq km

land: 2,507 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Romania

total: 237,500 sq km

land: 230,340 sq km

water: 7,160 sq km

Russia

total: 17,075,200 sq km

land: 16,995,800 sq km

water: 79,400 sq km

Rwanda

total: 26,338 sq km

land: 24,948 sq km

water: 1,390 sq km

Saint Helena

total: 410 sq km

land: 410 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Saint Helena Island, Ascension, and the island group

of Tristan da Cunha, which consists of Tristan da Cunha Island,

Gough Island, Inaccessible Island, and the three Nightingale Islands

Saint Kitts and Nevis

total: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis

93 sq km)

land: 261 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Saint Lucia total: 616 sq km land: 606 sq km water: 10 sq km

Saint Pierre and Miquelon total: 242 sq km land: 242 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

total: 389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344

sq km)

land: 389 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Samoa

total: 2,944 sq km

land: 2,934 sq km

water: 10 sq km

San Marino

total: 61.2 sq km

land: 61.2 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Sao Tome and Principe

total: 1,001 sq km

land: 1,001 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Saudi Arabia

total: 1,960,582 sq km

land: 1,960,582 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Senegal

total: 196,190 sq km

land: 192,000 sq km

water: 4,190 sq km

Serbia and Montenegro

total: 102,350 sq km

land: 102,136 sq km

water: 214 sq km

Seychelles

total: 455 sq km

land: 455 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Sierra Leone

total: 71,740 sq km

land: 71,620 sq km

water: 120 sq km

Singapore

total: 692.7 sq km

land: 682.7 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Slovakia

total: 48,845 sq km

land: 48,800 sq km

water: 45 sq km

Slovenia

total: 20,273 sq km

land: 20,151 sq km

water: 122 sq km

Solomon Islands

total: 28,450 sq km

land: 27,540 sq km

water: 910 sq km

Somalia

total: 637,657 sq km

land: 627,337 sq km

water: 10,320 sq km

South Africa

total: 1,219,912 sq km

land: 1,219,912 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince

Edward Island)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

total: 3,903 sq km

land: 3,903 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Shag Rocks, Black Rock, Clerke Rocks, South Georgia

Island, Bird Island, and the South Sandwich Islands, which consist

of some nine islands

Southern Ocean

total: 20.327 million sq km

note: includes Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Drake

Passage, Ross Sea, a small part of the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and

other tributary water bodies

Spain

total: 504,782 sq km

land: 499,542 sq km

water: 5,240 sq km

note: there are 19 autonomous communities including Balearic Islands

and Canary Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the

coast of Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon

de Velez de la Gomera

Spratly Islands

total: less than 5 sq km

land: less than 5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts

scattered over an area of nearly 410,000 sq km of the central South

China Sea

Sri Lanka

total: 65,610 sq km

land: 64,740 sq km

water: 870 sq km

Sudan

total: 2,505,810 sq km

land: 2.376 million sq km

water: 129,810 sq km

Suriname

total: 163,270 sq km

land: 161,470 sq km

water: 1,800 sq km

Svalbard

total: 62,049 sq km

land: 62,049 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Spitsbergen and Bjornoya (Bear Island)

Swaziland

total: 17,363 sq km

land: 17,203 sq km

water: 160 sq km

Sweden

total: 449,964 sq km

land: 410,934 sq km

water: 39,030 sq km

Switzerland

total: 41,290 sq km

land: 39,770 sq km

water: 1,520 sq km

Syria

total: 185,180 sq km

land: 184,050 sq km

water: 1,130 sq km

note: includes 1,295 sq km of Israeli-occupied territory

Taiwan

total: 35,980 sq km

land: 32,260 sq km

water: 3,720 sq km

note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy

Tajikistan

total: 143,100 sq km

land: 142,700 sq km

water: 400 sq km

Tanzania

total: 945,087 sq km

land: 886,037 sq km

water: 59,050 sq km

note: includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar

Thailand

total: 514,000 sq km

land: 511,770 sq km

water: 2,230 sq km

Togo

total: 56,785 sq km

land: 54,385 sq km

water: 2,400 sq km

Tokelau

total: 10 sq km

land: 10 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Tonga

total: 748 sq km

land: 718 sq km

water: 30 sq km

Trinidad and Tobago

total: 5,128 sq km

land: 5,128 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Tromelin Island

total: 1 sq km

land: 1 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Tunisia

total: 163,610 sq km

land: 155,360 sq km

water: 8,250 sq km

Turkey

total: 780,580 sq km

land: 770,760 sq km

water: 9,820 sq km

Turkmenistan

total: 488,100 sq km

land: 488,100 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Turks and Caicos Islands

total: 430 sq km

land: 430 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Tuvalu

total: 26 sq km

land: 26 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Uganda

total: 236,040 sq km

land: 199,710 sq km

water: 36,330 sq km

Ukraine

total: 603,700 sq km

land: 603,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

United Arab Emirates

total: 82,880 sq km

land: 82,880 sq km

water: 0 sq km

United Kingdom

total: 244,820 sq km

land: 241,590 sq km

water: 3,230 sq km

note: includes Rockall and Shetland Islands

United States

total: 9,629,091 sq km

land: 9,158,960 sq km

water: 470,131 sq km

note: includes only the 50 states and District of Columbia

Uruguay

total: 176,220 sq km

land: 173,620 sq km

water: 2,600 sq km

Uzbekistan

total: 447,400 sq km

land: 425,400 sq km

water: 22,000 sq km

Vanuatu

total: 12,200 sq km

land: 12,200 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes more than 80 islands

Venezuela

total: 912,050 sq km

land: 882,050 sq km

water: 30,000 sq km

Vietnam

total: 329,560 sq km

land: 325,360 sq km

water: 4,200 sq km

Virgin Islands

total: 352 sq km

land: 349 sq km

water: 3 sq km

Wake Island

total: 6.5 sq km

land: 6.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Wallis and Futuna total: 274 sq km land: 274 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi, and 20 islets

West Bank

total: 5,860 sq km

land: 5,640 sq km

water: 220 sq km

note: includes West Bank, Latrun Salient, and the northwest quarter

of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus; East Jerusalem and

Jerusalem No Man's Land are also included only as a means of

depicting the entire area occupied by Israel in 1967

Western Sahara

total: 266,000 sq km

land: 266,000 sq km

water: 0 sq km

World

total: 510.072 million sq km

land: 148.94 million sq km

water: 361.132 million sq km

note: 70.8% of the world's surface is water, 29.2% is land

Yemen

total: 527,970 sq km

land: 527,970 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Perim, Socotra, the former Yemen Arab Republic (YAR

or North Yemen), and the former People's Democratic Republic of

Yemen (PDRY or South Yemen)

Zambia

total: 752,614 sq km

land: 740,724 sq km

water: 11,890 sq km

Zimbabwe

total: 390,580 sq km

land: 386,670 sq km

water: 3,910 sq km

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2149 Diplomatic representation in the US

Afghanistan

chief of mission: ambassador Seyyed Tayeb JAWAD

chancery: 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: 202-483-6410

FAX: 202-483-6487

consulate(s) general: New York

Albania

chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Fatos TARIFA

chancery: 2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942

FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342

Algeria

chief of mission: Ambassador Idriss JAZAIRY

chancery: 2137 Wyoming Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-2800

FAX: [1] (202) 667-2174

American Samoa

none (territory of the US)

Andorra

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires

Jelena V. PIA-COMELLA

chancery: 2 United Nations Plaza, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 750-8064

FAX: [1] (212) 750-6630

Angola

chief of mission: Ambassador Josefina Perpetua Pitra DIAKIDI

chancery: 2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1156

FAX: [1] (202) 785-1258

consulate(s) general: Houston and New York

Anguilla

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 362-5211 FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225 consulate(s) general: Miami

Argentina

chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Octavio BORDON

chancery: 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 238-6400

FAX: [1] (202) 332-3171

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,

New York

Armenia

chief of mission: Ambassador Arman KIRAKOSSIAN

chancery: 2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 319-1976

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2982

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Aruba

none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

none (territory of Australia)

Australia

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. THAWLEY

chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000

FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New

York, and San Francisco

Austria

chief of mission: Ambassador Eva NOWOTNY

chancery: 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008-3035

telephone: [1] (202) 895-6700

FAX: [1] (202) 895-6750

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

Azerbaijan

chief of mission: Ambassador Hafiz PASHAYEV

chancery: 2741 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 337-3500

FAX: [1] (202) 337-5911

Bahamas, The

chief of mission: Ambassador Joshua SEARS

chancery: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668

consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

Bahrain

chief of mission: Ambassador Khalifa bin Ali bin Rashid AL

KHALIFA

chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 342-0741

FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192

consulate(s) general: New York

Bangladesh

chief of mission: Ambassador Syed Hasan AHMAD

chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183

FAX: [1] (202) 244-5366

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

Barbados

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael Ian KING

chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 339-9201

FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467

consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

consulate(s): Los Angeles

Belarus

chief of mission: Ambassador Mikhail KHVOSTOV

chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 986-1604

FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805

consulate(s) general: New York

Belgium

chief of mission: Ambassador Franciskus VAN DAELE

chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900

FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

Belize

chief of mission: Ambassador Lisa M. SHOMAN

chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

Benin

chief of mission: Ambassador Cyrille Segbe OGUIN

chancery: 2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996

Bermuda

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Bhutan

none; note - Bhutan has a Permanent Mission to the UN;

address: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017;

telephone [1] (212) 826-1919; the Bhutanese mission to the UN has

consular jurisdiction in the US

consulate(s) general: New York

Bolivia

chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime APARICIO Otero

chancery: 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-4410

FAX: [1] (202) 328-3712

consulate(s) general: Miami, New York, and San Francisco

consulate(s): Washington, DC

Bosnia and Herzegovina chief of mission: Ambassador Igor DAVIDOVIC chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500 FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502 consulate(s) general: New York

Botswana

chief of mission: Ambassador Lapologang Caesar LEKOA

chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990

FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164

Brazil

chief of mission: Ambassador Rubens Antonio BARBOSA; note -

Ambassador-Designate Roberto ABDENUR expected to arrive March 2004

chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 238-2700

FAX: [1] (202) 238-2827

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,

New York, and San Francisco

British Indian Ocean Territory

none (overseas territory of the UK)

British Virgin Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei

chief of mission: Ambassador Anak Dato Haji PUTEH

chancery: 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838

FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560

Bulgaria

chief of mission: Ambassador Elena B. POPTODOROVA

chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-0174

FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973

consulate(s): New York

Burkina Faso

chief of mission: Ambassador Tertius ZONGO

chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577

FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882

Burma

chief of mission: Ambassador LINN MYAING

chancery: 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-9044

FAX: [1] (202) 332-9046

consulate(s) general: New York

Burundi

chief of mission: Ambassador Antoine NTAMOBWA

chancery: Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574

FAX: [1] (202) 342-2578

Cambodia

chief of mission: Ambassador ROLAND ENG

chancery: 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone: [1] (202) 726-7742

FAX: [1] (202) 726-8381

Cameroon

chief of mission: Ambassador Jerome MENDOUGA

chancery: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-8790

FAX: [1] (202) 387-3826

Canada

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael F. KERGIN

chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

telephone: [1] (202) 682-1740

FAX: [1] (202) 682-7726

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas,

Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and Seattle

consulate(s): Miami, Princeton, San Francisco, and San Jose

Cape Verde

chief of mission: Ambassador Jose BRITO

chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 965-6820

FAX: [1] (202) 965-1207

consulate(s) general: Boston

Cayman Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Central African Republic

chief of mission: Ambassador Emmanuel

TOUABOY

chancery: 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800

FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893

Chad

chief of mission: Ambassador Hassaballah Abdelhadi Ahmat

SOUBIANE

chancery: 2002 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 462-4009

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1937

Chile

chief of mission: Ambassador Andres BIANCHI

chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746

FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New

York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

China

chief of mission: Ambassador YANG Jiechi

chancery: 2300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 328-2500

FAX: [1] (202) 328-2582

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and

San Francisco

Christmas Island

none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

none (territory of Australia)

Colombia

chief of mission: Ambassador Luis Alberto MORENO Mejia

chancery: 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-8338

FAX: [1] (202) 232-8643

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,

New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and

Washington, DC

consulate(s): Atlanta

Comoros

chief of mission: Ambassador Mahmoud M. ABOUD (ambassador to

the US and Canada and permanent representative to the UN)

chancery: (temporary) care of the Permanent Mission of the Union of

the Comoros to the United Nations, 420 East 50th Street, New York,

NY 10022

telephone: [1] (212) 972-8010 and 223-2711

FAX: [1] (212) 983-4712 and 715-0699

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

chief of mission: Ambassador Faida

MITIFU

chancery: 1800 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-7690, 7691

FAX: [1] (202) 234-2609

Congo, Republic of the

chief of mission: Ambassador Serge MOMBOULI

chancery: 4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone: [1] (202) 726-5500

FAX: [1] (202) 726-1860

Cook Islands

none (self-governing in free association with New

Zealand)

Coral Sea Islands

none (territory of Australia)

Costa Rica

chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime DAREMBLUM Rosenstein

chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-2945

FAX: [1] (202) 265-4795

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Durham (North

Carolina), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York,

Phoenix, San Antonio, San Francisco, St. Paul, and Tampa

consulate(s): Austin

Cote d'Ivoire

chief of mission: Ambassador Pascal Dago KOKORA

chancery: 3421 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 797-0300

FAX: [1] (202) 462-9444

Croatia

chief of mission: Ambassador Ivan GRDESIC

chancery: 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 588-5899

FAX: [1] (202) 588-8936

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Cuba

none; note - Cuba has an Interests Section in the Swiss

Embassy, headed by Principal Officer Dagoberto RODRIGUEZ Barrera

(since August 2001); address: Cuban Interests Section, Swiss

Embassy, 2630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone: [1]

(202) 797-8518

Cyprus

chief of mission: Ambassador Euripides L. EVRIVIADES

chancery: 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-5772

FAX: [1] (202) 483-6710

consulate(s) general: New York

consulate(s): New York

note: representative of the Turkish Cypriot area in the US is Osman

ERTUG; office at 1667 K Street NW, Washington, DC; telephone [1]

(202) 887-6198

Czech Republic

chief of mission: Ambassador Martin PALOUS

chancery: 3900 Spring of Freedom Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 274-9100

FAX: [1] (202) 966-8540

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

Denmark

chief of mission: Ambassador Ulrik Andreas FEDERSPIEL

chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300

FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

Djibouti

chief of mission: Ambassador ROBLE Olhaye

chancery: Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

telephone: [1] (202) 331-0270

FAX: [1] (202) 331-0302

Dominica

chief of mission: Ambassador Swinburne LESTRADE

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791

consulate(s) general: New York

Dominican Republic

chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo GUILIANI Cury

chancery: 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-6280

FAX: [1] (202) 265-8057

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Jacksonville, Mayaguez

(Puerto Rico), Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San

Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

consulate(s): Mobile and Ponce (Puerto Rico)

East Timor

chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Luis GUTERRES

chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: 202 965-1515

FAX: 202 965-1517

consulate(s) general: New York (the ambassador resides in New York)

(2003)

Ecuador

chief of mission: Ambassador Raul GANGOTENA Rivadeneira

chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200

FAX: [1] (202) 667-3482

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New

Orleans, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, and San Francisco

Egypt

chief of mission: Ambassador M. Nabil FAHMY

chancery: 3521 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 895-5400

FAX: [1] (202) 244-4319

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco

El Salvador

chief of mission: Ambassador Rene Antonio LEON Rodriguez

chancery: 2308 California Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-9671

FAX: [1] (202) 234-3834

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles,

Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC

Equatorial Guinea

chief of mission: Ambassador Teodoro Biyogo NSUE

chancery: 2020 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 518-5700

FAX: [1] (202) 518-5252

Eritrea

chief of mission: Ambassador GIRMA Asmerom

chancery: 1708 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 319-1991

FAX: [1] (202) 319-1304

consulate(s) general: Oakland (California)

Estonia

chief of mission: Ambassador Juri LUIK

chancery: 1730 M Street NW, Suite 503, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101

FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108

consulate(s) general: New York

Ethiopia

chief of mission: Ambassador KASSAHUN Ayele

chancery: 3506 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 364-1200

FAX: [1] (202) 686-9551

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

consulate(s): New York

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

none (overseas territory of the

UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands

none (self-governing overseas administrative division

of Denmark)

Fiji

chief of mission: Ambassador Anare JALE

chancery: 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 240, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 337-8320

FAX: [1] (202) 337-1996

Finland

chief of mission: Ambassador Jukka Robert VALTASAARI

chancery: 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 298-5800

FAX: [1] (202) 298-6030

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

France

chief of mission: Ambassador Jean-David LEVITTE

chancery: 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 944-6000

FAX: [1] (202) 944-6166

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los

Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco

French Guiana

none (overseas department of France)

French Polynesia

none (overseas territory of France)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

none (overseas territory of

France)

Gabon

chief of mission: Ambassador Jules Marius OGOUEBANDJA

chancery: Suite 200, 2034 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 797-1000

FAX: [1] (202) 332-0668

consulate(s): New York

Gambia, The

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge D'Affaires

Lena Manga Sagnia SECK

chancery: Suite 905, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1379

FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430

Georgia

chief of mission: Ambassador Levan MIKELADZE

chancery: Suite 300, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC

20009

telephone: [1] (202) 387-2390

FAX: [1] (202) 393-6060

Germany

chief of mission: Ambassador Wolfgang Friedrich ISCHINGER

chancery: 4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 298-8140

FAX: [1] (202) 298-4249

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston,

Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Ghana

chief of mission: Ambassador Alan J. KYEREMATEN

chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520

FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527

consulate(s) general: New York

Gibraltar

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Glorioso Islands

none (possession of France)

Greece

chief of mission: Ambassador Yeoryious SAVVAIDES

chancery: 2221 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300

FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and

San Francisco

consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston, and New Orleans

Greenland

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of

Denmark)

Grenada

chief of mission: Ambassador Denis G. ANTOINE

chancery: 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 265-2561

FAX: [1] (202) 265-2468

consulate(s) general: New York

Guadeloupe

none (overseas department of France)

Guam

none (territory of the US)

Guatemala

chief of mission: Ambassador Antonio Fernando ARENALES

Forno

chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 745-4952

FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,

New York, and San Francisco

Guernsey

none (British crown dependency)

Guinea

chief of mission: Ambassador Rafiou Alpha Oumar BARRY

chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300

FAX: [1] (202) 478-3010

Guinea-Bissau

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge

d'Affaires Henrique Adriano DA SILVA

chancery: 1511 K Street NW, Suite 519, Washington, DC 20005

telephone: [1] (202) 347-3950

FAX: [1] (202) 347-3954

Guyana

chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Ali Odeen ISHMAEL

chancery: 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900

FAX: [1] (202) 232-1297

consulate(s) general: New York

Haiti

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chief of Mission Harry

Frantz LEO

chancery: 2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-4090

FAX: [1] (202) 745-7215

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Juan

(Puerto Rico)

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

none (territory of Australia)

Holy See (Vatican City)

chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio

Archbishop Gabriel MONTALVO

chancery: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 333-7121

FAX: [1] (202) 337-4036

Honduras

chief of mission: Ambassador Mario Miguel CANAHUATI

chancery: Suite 4-M, 3007 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 966-2604

FAX: [1] (202) 966-9751

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New

Orleans, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico),

Tampa

honorary consulate(s): Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Jacksonville

Hong Kong

none (special administrative region of China)

Hungary

chief of mission: Ambassador Andras SIMONYI

chancery: 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 362-6730

FAX: [1] (202) 966-8135

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

Iceland

chief of mission: Ambassador Helgi AGUSTSSON

chancery: Suite 1200, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005-1704

telephone: [1] (202) 265-6653

FAX: [1] (202) 265-6656

consulate(s) general: New York

India

chief of mission: Ambassador Lalit MANSINGH

chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; note -

Embassy located at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-7000

FAX: [1] (202) 483-3972

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco

Indonesia

chief of mission: Ambassador SOEMADI Brotodiningrat

chancery: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 775-5200

FAX: [1] (202) 775-5365

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and

San Francisco

Iran

none; note - Iran has an Interests Section in the Pakistani

Embassy; address: Iranian Interests Section, Pakistani Embassy, 2209

Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone: [1] (202)

965-4990

Iraq

in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn

regime by US-led coalition

Ireland

chief of mission: Ambassador Noel FAHEY; note - FAHEY has

announced that he will leave

chancery: 2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-3939

FAX: [1] (202) 232-5993

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco

Israel

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel AYALON

chancery: 3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 364-5500

FAX: [1] (202) 364-5607

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los

Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco

Italy

chief of mission: Ambassador Sergio VENTO

chancery: 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 612-4400

FAX: [1] (202) 518-2151

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, Los

Angeles, Philadelphia, and San Francisco

consulate(s): Detroit

Jamaica

chief of mission: Ambassador Seymour MULLINGS

chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660

FAX: [1] (202) 452-0081

consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

Japan

chief of mission: Ambassador Ryozo KATO

chancery: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 238-6700

FAX: [1] (202) 328-2187

consulate(s) general: Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver,

Detroit, Hagatna (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City (Missouri),

Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Portland (Oregon), San

Francisco, and Seattle

consulate(s): Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands)

Jersey

none (British crown dependency)

Jordan

chief of mission: Ambassador Karim Tawfiq KAWAR

chancery: 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 966-2664

FAX: [1] (202) 966-3110

Juan de Nova Island

none (possession of France)

Kazakhstan

chief of mission: Ambassador Kanat B. SAUDABAYEV

chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488

FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845

consulate(s): New York

Kenya

chief of mission: Ambassador Yusuf Abdulraham NZIBO

chancery: 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101

FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829

consulate(s) general: offices in Los Angeles and New York are

closed; mission to the UN remains open

Kiribati

Kiribati does not have an embassy in the US; there is an

honorary consulate in Honolulu

Korea, North

none; note - North Korea has a Permanent Mission to the

UN in New York

Korea, South

chief of mission: Ambassador HAN Sung-chu (HAN Sung-joo)

chancery: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-5600

FAX: [1] (202) 387-0205

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston,

Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle

consulate(s): New York, Tamuning (Guam)

Kuwait

chief of mission: Ambassador Sheikh SALIM al-Abdallah Jabir

Al Sabah

chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702

FAX: [1] (202) 966-0517

Kyrgyzstan

chief of mission: Ambassador Bakyt ABDRISAYEV

chancery: 1732 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 338-5141

FAX: [1] (202) 338-5139

consulate(s): New York

Laos

chief of mission: Ambassador PHANTHONG Phommahaxay

chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416

FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923

Latvia

chief of mission: Ambassador Aivis RONIS

chancery: 4325 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone: [1] (202) 726-8213, 8214

FAX: [1] (202) 726-6785

Lebanon

chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Farid ABBOUD

chancery: 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-6320

FAX: [1] (202) 939-6324

consulate(s) general: Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles

Lesotho

chief of mission: Ambassador Molelekeng E. RAPOLAKI

chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533 through 5536

FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815

Liberia

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge D'Affaires

Aaron B. KOLLIE

chancery: 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone: [1] (202) 723-0437

FAX: [1] (202) 723-0436

consulate(s) general: New York

Libya

Libya does not have an embassy in the US

Liechtenstein

chief of mission: Ambassador Claudia FRITSCHE

chancery: 1300 Eye Street NW, Suite 550W, Washington, DC 20005

telephone: [1] (202) 216-0460

FAX: [1] (202) 216-0459

Lithuania

chief of mission: Ambassador Vygaudas USACKAS

chancery: 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-5860

FAX: [1] (202) 328-0466

consulate(s) general: Chicago and New York

Luxembourg

chief of mission: Ambassador Arlette CONZEMIUS-PACCOURD

chancery: 2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-4171

FAX: [1] (202) 328-8270

consulate(s) general: New York and San Francisco

Macau

none (special administrative region of China)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of chief of mission: Ambassador Nikola DIMITROV chancery: Suite 302, 1101 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 337-3063 FAX: [1] (202) 337-3093 consulate(s) general: New York

Madagascar

chief of mission: Ambassador Rajaonarivony NARISOA

chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525, 5526

FAX: [1] (202) 483-7603

consulate(s) general: New York

Malawi

chief of mission: Ambassador Paul Tony Steven KANDIERO

chancery: 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 797-1007

FAX: [1] (202) 265-0976

Malaysia

chief of mission: Ambassador GHAZZALI bin Sheikh Abdul

Khalid

chancery: 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 572-9700

FAX: [1] (202) 572-9882

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

Maldives

Maldives does not have an embassy in the US, but does have

a Permanent Mission to the UN in New York; permanent representative

is Dr. Mohamed LATHEEF

Mali

chief of mission: Ambassador Abdoulaye DIOP

chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6603

Malta

chief of mission: Ambassador John LOWELL

chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611, 3612

FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470

consulate(s): New York

Man, Isle of

none (British crown dependency)

Marshall Islands

chief of mission: Ambassador Banny DE BRUM

chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414

FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236

consulate(s) general: Honolulu

Martinique

none (overseas department of France)

Mauritania

chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamedou Ould MICHEL

chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700

FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623

Mauritius

chief of mission: Ambassador Usha JEETAH

chancery: 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 441, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 244-1491, 1492

FAX: [1] (202) 966-0983

Mayotte

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Mexico

chief of mission: Ambassador Juan Jose BREMER Martino

chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600

FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas,

Denver, El Paso, Houston, Laredo (Texas), Los Angeles, Miami, New

Orleans, New York, Nogales (Arizona), Phoenix, Sacramento, San

Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

consulate(s): Albuquerque, Brownsville (Texas), Calexico

(California), Corpus Christi, Del Rio (Texas), Detroit, Douglas

(Arizona), Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California), Indianapolis

(Indiana), Las Vegas, McAllen (Texas), Midland (Texas), Omaha,

Orlando, Oxnard (California), Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon),

Presidio (Texas), Raleigh, Saint Louis, Salt Lake City, San

Bernardino, Santa Ana (California), Seattle, Tucson, Yuma (Arizona)

Micronesia, Federated States of chief of mission: Ambassador Jesse Bibiano MAREHALAU chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383 FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391 consulate(s) general: Honolulu and Tamuning (Guam)

Moldova

chief of mission: Ambassador Mihail MANOLI

chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130

FAX: [1] (202) 667-1204

Monaco

Monaco does not have an embassy in the US

consulate(s) general: New York

Mongolia

chief of mission: Ambassador Ravdangiyn BOLD

chancery: 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 333-7117

FAX: [1] (202) 298-9227

consulate(s) general: New York

Montserrat

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Morocco

chief of mission: Ambassador Aziz MEKOUAR

chancery: 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979 through 7982

FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161

consulate(s) general: New York

Mozambique

chief of mission: Ambassador Armando PANGUENE

chancery: 1990 M Street NW, Suite 570, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 293-7146

FAX: [1] (202) 835-0245

Namibia

chief of mission: Ambassador Leonard Nangolo IIPUMBU

chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540

FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443

Nauru

Nauru does not have an embassy in the US, but does have a UN

office at 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400 D, New York, New York 10017;

telephone: (212) 937-0074

consulate(s): Hagatna (Guam)

Nepal

chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Jai Pratap RANA

chancery: 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 667-4550

FAX: [1] (202) 667-5534

consulate(s) general: New York

Netherlands

chief of mission: Ambassador Boudewijn J. VAN EENENNAAM

chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300

FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York

consulate(s): Boston

Netherlands Antilles

none (represented by the Kingdom of the

Netherlands)

New Caledonia

none (overseas territory of France)

New Zealand

chief of mission: Ambassador L. John WOOD

chancery: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 328-4800

FAX: [1] (202) 667-5227

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Nicaragua

chief of mission: Ambassador Salvador STADTHAGEN (since 5

December 2003)

chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570

FAX: [1] (202) 939-6542

consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New

York

Niger

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph DIATTA

chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224 through 4227

FAX: [1] (202)483-3169

Nigeria

chief of mission: Ambassador Jibril Muhammad AMINU

chancery: 3519 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400

FAX: [1] (202) 775-1385

consulate(s) general: Atlanta and New York

Niue

none (self-governing territory in free association with New

Zealand)

Norfolk Island

none (territory of Australia)

Norway

chief of mission: Ambassador Knut VOLLEBAEK

chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000

FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870

consulate(s) general: Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, and San

Francisco

Oman

chief of mission: Ambassador Muhammad bin Ali bin Thani

AL-KHUSSAIBY

chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980 through 1981, 1988

FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933

Pakistan

chief of mission: Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir QAZI

chancery: 2315 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-6205

FAX: [1] (202) 387-0484

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York, and Sunnyvale

(California)

Palau

chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA

chancery: 1800 K Street NW, Suite 714, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: [1] (202) 452-6814

FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281

consulate(s): Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands)

Panama

chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto ALFARO Estripeaut

chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407

FAX: [1] (202) 483-8416

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New

York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Tampa

Papua New Guinea

chief of mission: Ambassador Evan Jeremy PAKI

chancery: 1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC

20036

telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680

FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679

Paraguay

chief of mission: Ambassador Leila Teresa RACHID COWLES

chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962

FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508

consulate(s) general: Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans,

New York

Peru

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)

chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869

FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles,

Miami, New York, Paterson (New Jersey), San Francisco, Washington

(DC)

Philippines

chief of mission: Ambassador Albert DEL ROSARIO

chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300

FAX: [1] (202) 328-7614

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San

Francisco, San Jose (Northern Mariana Islands), Tamuning (Guam)

consulate(s): San Diego

Pitcairn Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland

chief of mission: Ambassador Przemyslaw GRUDZINSKI

chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-3800 through 3802

FAX: [1] (202) 328-6270

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

Portugal

chief of mission: Ambassador Pedro Manuel Dos Reis Alves

CATARINO

chancery: 2125 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 328-8610

FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726

consulate(s) general: Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), and San

Francisco

consulate(s): Los Angeles, New Bedford (Massachusetts), Providence

(Rhode Island)

Puerto Rico

none (commonwealth associated with the US)

Qatar

chief of mission: Ambassador Badr Umar al-DAFA

chancery: 4200 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600

FAX: [1] (202) 237-0061

consulate(s) general: Houston

Reunion

none (overseas department of France)

Romania

chief of mission: Ambassador Sorin Dumitru DUCARU

chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-4846, 4848, 4851

FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

Russia

chief of mission: Ambassador Yuriy Viktorovich USHAKOV

chancery: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 298-5700, 5701, 5704, 5708

FAX: [1] (202) 298-5735

consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco, and Seattle

Rwanda

chief of mission: Ambassador Zac NSENGA

chancery: 1714 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882

FAX: [1] (202) 232-4544

Saint Helena

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Saint Kitts and Nevis chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Izben Cordinal WILLIAMS chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636 FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740 consulate(s) general: New York

Saint Lucia

chief of mission: Ambassador Sonia Merlyn JOHNNY

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6723

consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines chief of mission: Ambassador Ellsworth I. A. JOHN chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6730 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6736 consulate(s) general: New York

Samoa

chief of mission: Ambassador Feturi ELISAIA

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 599-6196, 6197

FAX: [1] (212) 599-0797

San Marino

San Marino does not have an embassy in the US

honorary consulate(s) general: Washington, DC and New York

honorary consulate(s): Detroit and Honolulu

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe does not have an embassy

in the US, but does have a Permanent Mission to the UN, headed by

First Secretary Domingos Augusto FERREIRA, located at 400 Park

Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10022, telephone [1] (212) 317-0580

Saudi Arabia

chief of mission: Ambassador BANDAR bin Sultan bin Abd

al-Aziz Al Saud

chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800

consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, and New York

Senegal

chief of mission: Ambassador Amadou Lamine BA

chancery: 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-0540

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6315

consulate(s) general: New York

Serbia and Montenegro

chief of mission: Ambassador Ivan VUJACIC

chancery: 2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-0333

FAX: [1] (202) 332-3933

consulate(s) general: Chicago

Seychelles

chief of mission: Ambassador Claude Sylvestre MOREL

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785

FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786

Sierra Leone

chief of mission: Ambassador Ibrahim M. KAMARA

chancery: 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 939-9261 through 9263

FAX: [1] (202) 483-1793

Singapore

chief of mission: Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee

chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100

FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876

consulate(s) general: San Francisco

consulate(s): New York

Slovakia

chief of mission: Ambassador Rastislav KACER

chancery: 3523 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 237-1054

FAX: [1] (202) 237-6438

Slovenia

chief of mission: Ambassador Davorin KRACUN

chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 667-5363

FAX: [1] (202) 667-4563

consulate(s) general: New York and Cleveland

Solomon Islands

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge

d'Affaires Colin BECK

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 599-6192, 6193

FAX: [1] (212) 661-8925

Somalia

Somalia does not have an embassy in the US (ceased

operations on 8 May 1991); note - the TNG and other factions have

representatives in Washington and at the United Nations

South Africa

chief of mission: Ambassador Barbara Joyce Mosima

MASEKELA

chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 232-4400

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

none (overseas

territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Spain

chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Javier RUPEREZ Rubio

chancery: 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 452-0100, 728-2340

FAX: [1] (202) 833-5670

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,

New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Sri Lanka

chief of mission: Ambassador Devinda R. SUBASINGHE

chancery: 2148 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025 (through 4028)

FAX: [1] (202) 232-7181

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles

consulate(s): New York

Sudan

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge D'Affairs, Ad

Interim Khidir Haroun AHMED (since April 2001)

chancery: 2210 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 338-8565

FAX: [1] (202) 667-2406

Suriname

chief of mission: Ambassador Henry Lothar ILLES

chancery: Suite 460, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 244-7488

FAX: [1] (202) 244-5878

consulate(s) general: Miami

Swaziland

chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Madzandza KANYA

chancery: 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 362-6683

FAX: [1] (202) 244-8059

Sweden

chief of mission: Ambassador Jan ELIASSON

chancery: 1501 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20005-1702

telephone: [1] (202) 467-2600

FAX: [1] (202) 467-2699

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

Switzerland

chief of mission: Ambassador Christian BLICKENSTORFER

chancery: 2900 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 745-7900

FAX: [1] (202) 387-2564

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New

York, and San Francisco

consulate(s): Boston

Syria

chief of mission: Ambassador (acting) Imad MUSTAFA

chancery: 2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 232-6313

FAX: [1] (202) 234-9548

Taiwan

none; unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the

people of the US are maintained through an unofficial

instrumentality, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative

Office (TECRO) in the US with headquarters in Taipei and field

offices in Washington and 12 other US cities

Tajikistan

chief of mission: Ambassador Khamrokhon ZARIPOV

chancery: 1725 K Sreet NW, Suite 409, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: [1] (202) 223-6090

FAX: [1] (202) 223-6091

Tanzania

chief of mission: Ambassador Andrew Mhando DARAJA

chancery: 2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-6125

FAX: [1] (202) 797-7408

Thailand

chief of mission: Ambassador SAKTHIP Krairiksh

chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600

FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

Togo

chief of mission: Ambassador Akoussoulelou BODJONA

chancery: 2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-4212

FAX: [1] (202) 232-3190

Tokelau

none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga

chief of mission: Ambassador Sonatane T. T. TUPOU

chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022

telephone: [1] (917) 369-1136

FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024

consulate(s) general: San Francisco

Trinidad and Tobago chief of mission: Ambassador Marina Annette VALERE (as of February 2003) chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490 FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130 consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

Tunisia

chief of mission: Ambassador Hatem ATALLAH

chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005

telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850

FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858

Turkey

chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Osman Faruk LOGOGLU

chancery: 2525 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 612-6700

FAX: [1] (202) 612-6744

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York

Turkmenistan

chief of mission: Ambassador Mered Bairamovich ORAZOV

chancery: 2207 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 588-1500

FAX: [1] (202) 588-0697

Turks and Caicos Islands

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu

Tuvalu does not have an embassy in the US - the country's

only diplomatic post is in Fiji - Tuvalu does, however, have a UN

office located at 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400D, New York, New York

10017, telephone: [1] (212) 490-0534

Uganda

chief of mission: Ambassador Edith Grace SSEMPALA

chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100 through 7102, 0416

FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727

Ukraine

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires

Sergiy KORSUNSKYI

chancery: 3350 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 349-2920

FAX: [1] (202) 333-0817

consulate(s) general: Chicago and New York

United Arab Emirates

chief of mission: Ambassador Asri Said Ahmad

al-DHAHIRI

chancery: 3522 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 243-2400

FAX: [1] (202) 243-2432

United Kingdom

chief of mission: Ambassador David G. MANNING

chancery: 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 588-6500

FAX: [1] (202) 588-7870

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los

Angeles, New York, and San Francisco

consulate(s): Dallas, Denver, Miami, and Seattle

Uruguay

chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo FERNANDEZ-FAINGOLD

chancery: 1913 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: [1] (202) 331-1313 through 1316

FAX: [1] (202) 331-8142

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York

Uzbekistan

chief of mission: Ambassador Abdulaziz KAMILOV

chancery: 1746 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 293-6803

FAX: [1] (202) 293-6804

consulate(s) general: New York

Vanuatu

Vanuatu does not have an embassy in the US; it does,

however, have a Permanent Mission to the UN

Venezuela

chief of mission: Ambassador Bernardo ALVAREZ

chancery: 1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 342-2214

FAX: [1] (202) 342-6820

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans,

New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Vietnam

chief of mission: Ambassador Nguyen Tam CHIEN

chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737

FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917

consulate(s) general: San Francisco

Virgin Islands

none (territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna

none (overseas territory of France)

Western Sahara

none

Yemen

chief of mission: Ambassador Abd al-Wahhab Abdallah al-HAJRI

chancery: Suite 705, 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 965-4760

FAX: [1] (202) 337-2017

Zambia

chief of mission: Ambassador Inonge MBIKUSITA-LEWANIKA

chancery: 2419 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-9717 through 9719

FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826

Zimbabwe

chief of mission: Ambassador Simbi Veke MUBAKO

chancery: 1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 332-7100

FAX: [1] (202) 483-9326

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2150 Telephones - main lines in use

Afghanistan

29,000 (1998)

Albania

120,000 (2001)

Algeria

2.3 million (1998)

American Samoa

13,000 (1997)

Andorra

32,946 (December 1998)

Angola

72,000 (1998)

Anguilla

4,974 (2000)

Antarctica

0

note: information for US bases only (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda

28,000 (1996)

Argentina

7.5 million (1998)

Armenia

600,000 (2002)

Aruba

33,000 (1997)

Australia

10.05 million (2000)

Austria

4 million (consisting of 3,600,000 analog main lines plus

400,000 Integrated Services Digital Network connections); in

addition, there are 100,000 Asymmetric Digital Services lines (2001)

Azerbaijan

865,000 (2002)

Bahamas, The

96,000 (1997)

Bahrain

152,000 (1997)

Bangladesh

500,000 (2000)

Barbados

108,000 (1997)

Belarus

2.313 million (1997)

Belgium

4.769 million (1997)

Belize

31,000 (1997)

Benin

51,000 (2000)

Bermuda

52,000 (1997)

Bhutan

6,000 (1997)

Bolivia

327,600 (1996)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

303,000 (1997)

Botswana

131,000 (September 2001)

Brazil

17.039 million (1997)

British Indian Ocean Territory

NA

British Virgin Islands

10,000 (1996)

Brunei

79,000 (1996)

Bulgaria

3,186,731 (2001)

Burkina Faso

53,200 (2000)

Burma

250,000 (2000)

Burundi

18,000 (2002)

Cambodia

21,800 (mid-1998)

Cameroon

95,000 (2001)

Canada

20,802,900 (1999)

Cape Verde

60,935 (2002)

Cayman Islands

19,000 (1995)

Central African Republic

9,500 (2000)

Chad

9,700 (1999)

Chile

2.603 million (1998)

China

135 million (2000)

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

287 (1992)

Colombia

5,433,565 (December 1997)

Comoros

7,000 (2000)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

20,000 (2000)

Congo, Republic of the

22,000 (1998)

Cook Islands

5,000 (1997)

Costa Rica

450,000 (1998)

note: 584,000 installed in 1997, but only about 450,000 were in use

in 1998

Cote d'Ivoire

263,700 (2000)

Croatia

1,721,139 (2000)

Cuba

473,031 (2000)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: 405,000 (1998);; Turkish Cypriot area:

83,162 (1998)

Czech Republic

3.869 million (2000)

Denmark

4.785 million (1997)

Djibouti

10,000 (2002)

Dominica

19,000 (1996)

Dominican Republic

709,000 (1997)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

1,115,272 (1999)

Egypt

3,971,500 (December 1998)

El Salvador

380,000 (1998)

Equatorial Guinea

6,000 (1998)

Eritrea

30,000 (2001)

Estonia

501,691 (2000)

Ethiopia

231,900 (2000)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA

Faroe Islands

24,851 (1999)

Fiji

80,901 (1999)

Finland

2,847,900 (2001)

France

34.86 million (yearend 1998)

French Guiana

47,000 (1997)

French Polynesia

52,000 (1997)

Gabon

39,000 (1998)

Gambia, The

31,900 (2000)

Gaza Strip

95,729 (total for Gaza Strip and West Bank) (1997)

Georgia

620,000 (1997)

Germany

50.9 million (March 2001)

Ghana

240,000 (2001)

Gibraltar

19,000 (1997)

Greece

5.431 million (1997)

Greenland

25,617 (yearend 1999)

Grenada

27,000 (1997)

Guadeloupe

171,000 (1996)

Guam

84,134 (1998)

Guatemala

665,061 (June 2000)

Guernsey

44,000 (1996)

Guinea

37,000 (1998)

Guinea-Bissau

10,000 (2001)

Guyana

70,000 (2000)

Haiti

60,000 (1997)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA

Honduras

234,000 (1997)

Hong Kong

3.839 million (1999)

Hungary

3.095 million (1997)

Iceland

196,984 (2001)

India

27.7 million (October 2000)

Indonesia

5,588,310 (1998)

Iran

6.313 million (1997)

Iraq

675,000 (1997); note - an unknown number of telephone lines

were damaged or destroyed during the March-April war

Ireland

1.6 million (2002)

Israel

2.8 million (1999)

Italy

25 million (1999)

Jamaica

353,000 (1996)

Japan

60.381 million (1997)

Jersey

65,500 (1997)

Jordan

403,000 (1997)

Kazakhstan

1.92 million (2001)

Kenya

310,000 (2001)

Kiribati

3,800 (1999)

Korea, North

1.1 million (1997)

Korea, South

24 million (2000)

Kuwait

412,000 (1997)

Kyrgyzstan

351,000 (1997)

Laos

25,000 (1997)

Latvia

734,693 (2000)

Lebanon

700,000 (1999)

Lesotho

22,200 (2000)

Liberia

6,700 (2000)

Libya

500,000 (1998)

Liechtenstein

20,072 (2000)

Lithuania

1.142 million (2001)

Luxembourg

314,700 (1999)

Macau

176,902 (November 2001)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

408,000 (1997)

Madagascar

55,000 (2000)

Malawi

45,000 (2000)

Malaysia

4.6 million (2000)

Maldives

21,000 (1999)

Mali

45,000 (2000)

Malta

187,000 (1997)

Man, Isle of

51,000 (1999)

Marshall Islands

4,186 (2001)

Martinique

170,000 (1997)

Mauritania

26,500 (2001)

Mauritius

280,900 (2000)

Mayotte

12,000 (1998)

Mexico

12.332 million (2000)

Micronesia, Federated States of

11,000 (2001)

Moldova

627,000 (1997)

Monaco

31,027 (1995)

Mongolia

104,100 (1999)

Montserrat

4,000 (1997)

Morocco

1.391 million (1998)

Mozambique

90,000 (2001)

Namibia

110,200 (2000)

Nauru

2,000 (1996)

Nepal

236,816 (January 2000)

Netherlands

9,132,400 (1999)

Netherlands Antilles

76,000 (1995)

New Caledonia

47,000 (1997)

New Zealand

1.92 million (2000)

Nicaragua

140,000 (1996)

Niger

20,000 (2001)

Nigeria

500,000 (2000 est.)

Niue

376 (1991)

Norfolk Island

1,087 (1983)

Northern Mariana Islands

21,000 (1996)

Norway

2.735 million (1998)

Oman

201,000 (1997)

Pakistan

2.861 million (March 1999)

Palau

6,700 (2002)

Panama

396,000 (1997)

Papua New Guinea

61,152 (1999)

Paraguay

290,475 (2001)

Peru

1.8 million (2000)

Philippines

6.98 million (2001)

Pitcairn Islands

1 (there are 17 telephones on one party line) (1997)

Poland

8.07 million (1998)

Portugal

5.3 million (yearend 1998)

Puerto Rico

1.322 million (1997)

Qatar

142,000 (1997)

Reunion

268,500 (1999)

Romania

3.777 million (1997)

Russia

30 million (1998)

Rwanda

600,000 note - 90% in Kigali (2002)

Saint Helena

2,000 (1997)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

17,000 (1997)

Saint Lucia

37,000 (1997)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

4,000 (1997)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

20,500 (1998)

Samoa

8,183 (1998)

San Marino

18,000 (1998)

Sao Tome and Principe

4,600 (2000)

Saudi Arabia

3.9 million (2002 est.)

Senegal

234,916 (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro

2.017 million (1995)

Seychelles

19,635 (1997)

Sierra Leone

25,000 (2001)

Singapore

1.95 million (2000)

Slovakia

1,934,558 (1998)

Slovenia

722,000 (1997)

Solomon Islands

8,000 (1997)

Somalia

15,000 (2000)

South Africa

more than 5 million (2001)

Spain

17.336 million (1999)

Sri Lanka

494,509 (1998)

Sudan

400,000 (2000)

Suriname

64,000 (1997)

Svalbard

NA

Swaziland

38,500 (2001)

Sweden

6.017 million (December 1998)

Switzerland

4.82 million (1998)

Syria

1.313 million (1997)

Taiwan

12.49 million (September 2000)

Tajikistan

363,000 (1997)

Tanzania

127,000 (1998)

Thailand

5.6 million (2000)

Togo

25,000 (1997)

Tokelau

NA

Tonga

8,000 (1996)

Trinidad and Tobago

252,000 (1999)

Tunisia

654,000 (1997)

Turkey

19.5 million (1999)

Turkmenistan

363,000 (1997)

Turks and Caicos Islands

3,000 (1994)

Tuvalu

1,000 (1997)

Uganda

50,074; however, 80,868 main lines have been installed (1998)

Ukraine

9.45 million (April 1999)

United Arab Emirates

915,223 (1998)

United Kingdom

34.878 million (1997)

United States

194 million (1997)

Uruguay

929,141 (2001)

Uzbekistan

1.98 million (1999)

Vanuatu

5,500 (1998)

Venezuela

2.6 million (however, 3,500,000 have been installed) (1998)

Vietnam

2.6 million (2000)

Virgin Islands

65,000 (1997)

Wallis and Futuna

1,125 (1994)

West Bank

95,729 (total for West Bank and Gaza Strip) (1997)

Western Sahara

about 2,000 (1999 est.)

World

NA

Yemen

291,359 (1999)

Zambia

130,000 (including approximately 40,000 fixed telephones in

wireless local loop connections) (2002)

Zimbabwe

212,000 (in addition, there are about 20,000 fixed

telephones in wireless local loop connections) (1997)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2151 Telephones - mobile cellular

Afghanistan

NA

Albania

250,000 (2001)

Algeria

33,500 (1999)

American Samoa

2,550 (1997)

Andorra

14,117 (December 1998)

Angola

25,800 (2000)

Anguilla

1,629 (2000)

Antarctica

NA; Iridium system in use

Antigua and Barbuda

1,300 (1996)

Argentina

3 million (December 1999)

Armenia

50,000 (2002)

Aruba

3,402 (1997)

Australia

8.6 million (2000)

Austria

6 million (2001)

Azerbaijan

800,000 (2002)

Bahamas, The

6,152 (1997)

Bahrain

58,543 (1997)

Bangladesh

283,000 (2000)

Barbados

8,013 (1997)

Belarus

8,167 (1997)

Belgium

974,494 (1997)

Belize

3,023 (1997)

Benin

55,500 (2000)

Bermuda

7,980 (1996)

Bhutan

NA

Bolivia

116,000 (1997)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

9,000 (1997)

Botswana

270,000 (September 2001)

Brazil

4.4 million (1997)

British Virgin Islands

NA

Brunei

43,524 (1996)

Bulgaria

1.054 million (2001)

Burkina Faso

25,200 (2000)

Burma

8,492 (1997)

Burundi

30,000 (2002)

Cambodia

80,000 (2000)

Cameroon

300,000 (2002)

Canada

8,751,300 (1997)

Cape Verde

28,119 (2002)

Cayman Islands

2,534 (1995)

Central African Republic

710 (1998)

Chad

5,500 (2000)

Chile

944,225 (1998)

China

65 million (January 2001)

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA

Colombia

1,800,229 (December 1998)

Comoros

NA

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

15,000 (2000)

Congo, Republic of the

3,300 (1998)

Cook Islands

0 (1994)

Costa Rica

143,000 (2000)

Cote d'Ivoire

450,000 (2000)

Croatia

1.3 million (2001)

Cuba

2,994 (1997)

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot area: 68,000 (1998); Turkish Cypriot area:

70,000 (1999)

Czech Republic

4.346 million (2000)

Denmark

1,444,016 (1997)

Djibouti

5,000 (2002)

Dominica

461 (1996)

Dominican Republic

130,149 (1997)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

384,000 (1999)

Egypt

380,000 (1999)

El Salvador

40,163 (1997)

Equatorial Guinea

300 (1998)

Eritrea

NA; note - mobile cellular service was introduced in May 2001

Estonia

711,000 (yearend 2001)

Ethiopia

17,800 (2000)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA

Faroe Islands

10,761 (1999)

Fiji

5,200 (1997)

Finland

3,728,600 (2001)

France

11.078 million (yearend 1998)

French Guiana

NA

French Polynesia

5,427 (1997)

Gabon

120,000 (2000)

Gambia, The

5,624 (2000)

Gaza Strip

NA

Georgia

185,500 (2000)

Germany

55.3 million (June 2001)

Ghana

150,000 (2001)

Gibraltar

1,620 (1997)

Greece

937,700 (1997)

Greenland

12,676 (yearend 1999)

Grenada

976 (1997)

Guadeloupe

NA

Guam

55,000 (1998)

Guatemala

663,296 (September 2000)

Guernsey

12,000 (1997)

Guinea

21,567 (1998)

Guinea-Bissau

0 (2001)

Guyana

6,100 (2000)

Haiti

over 180,000 (January 2003)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA

Honduras

14,427 (1997)

Hong Kong

3.7 million (December 1999)

Hungary

1.269 million (July 1999)

Iceland

248,131 (221,231 GSM, 26,900 NMT) (2001)

India

2.93 million (November 2000)

Indonesia

1.07 million (1998)

Iran

265,000 (August 1998)

Iraq

NA; service available in northern Iraq (2001)

Ireland

3 million (2002)

Israel

2.5 million (1999)

Italy

20.5 million (1999)

Jamaica

54,640 (1996)

Japan

63.88 million (2000)

Jersey

4,400 (1997)

Jordan

11,500 (1995)

Kazakhstan

400,000 (2001)

Kenya

540,000 (2001)

Kiribati

NA

Korea, North

NA

Korea, South

28 million (September 2000)

Kuwait

210,000 (1997)

Kyrgyzstan

NA

Laos

4,915 (1997)

Latvia

401,263 (2000)

Lebanon

580,000 (1999)

Lesotho

21,600 (2000)

Liberia

0 (1998)

Libya

20,000 (1998)

Liechtenstein

NA

Lithuania

500,000 (2001)

Luxembourg

215,741 (2000)

Macau

158,251 (November 2001)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

12,362 (1997)

Madagascar

63,100 (2000)

Malawi

49,000 (2000)

Malaysia

5 million (2000)

Maldives

1,290 (1997)

Mali

40,000 (2001)

Malta

17,691 (1997)

Man, Isle of

NA

Marshall Islands

489 (2001)

Martinique

15,000 (1997)

Mauritania

35,000 (2001)

Mauritius

180,000 (2000)

Mayotte

0 (2000)

Mexico

2.02 million (1998)

Micronesia, Federated States of

newly installed in Pohnpei and Yap

Moldova

2,200 (1997)

Monaco

NA

Mongolia

110,000 (2001)

Montserrat

70 (1994)

Morocco

116,645 (1998)

Mozambique

287,000 (2002)

Namibia

82,000 (2000 est.)

Nauru

450 (1994)

Nepal

NA

Netherlands

4,081,891 (April 1999)

Netherlands Antilles

13,977 (1996)

New Caledonia

13,040 (1998)

New Zealand

2.2 million (2000)

Nicaragua

7,911 (1997)

Niger

6,700 (2002)

Nigeria

200,000 (2001)

Niue

0 (1991)

Norfolk Island

0 (1983)

Northern Mariana Islands

1,200 (1995)

Norway

2,080,408 (1998)

Oman

59,822 (1997)

Pakistan

158,000 (1998)

Palau

1,000 (2002)

Panama

17,000 (1997)

Papua New Guinea

3,053 (1996)

Paraguay

510,000 (2001)

Peru

504,995 (1998)

Philippines

11.35 million (2001)

Poland

13 million (2002)

Portugal

3,074,194 (1999)

Puerto Rico

169,265 (1996)

Qatar

43,476 (1997)

Reunion

197,000 (September 2000)

Romania

645,500 (1999)

Russia

19 million (January 2003)

Rwanda

81,000 (2001)

note: Rwanda has mobile cellular service between Kigali and several

prefecture capitals (2002)

Saint Helena

0 (1997)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

205 (1997)

Saint Lucia

1,600 (1997)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

0 (1994)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

NA

Samoa

1,545 (February 1998)

San Marino

3,010 (1998)

Sao Tome and Principe

6,942 (1997)

Saudi Arabia

2.9 million (2002 est.)

Senegal

373,965 (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro

87,000 (1997)

Seychelles

16,316 (1999)

Sierra Leone

30,000 (2001)

Singapore

2.74 million (2000)

Slovakia

736,662 (April 1999)

Slovenia

1 million (2000)

Solomon Islands

658 (1997)

Somalia

NA

South Africa

7.06 million (2001)

Spain

8.394 million (1999)

Sri Lanka

228,604 (1999)

Sudan

20,000 (2000)

Suriname

4,090 (1997)

Svalbard

NA

Swaziland

45,000 (2001)

Sweden

3.835 million (October 1998)

Switzerland

1.967 million (1999)

Syria

NA

Taiwan

16 million (September 2000)

Tajikistan

2,500 (1997)

Tanzania

30,000 (1999)

Thailand

3.1 million (2002)

Togo

2,995 (1997)

Tokelau

0 (2001)

Tonga

302 (1996)

Trinidad and Tobago

17,411 (1997)

Tunisia

50,000 (1998)

Turkey

17.1 million (2001)

Turkmenistan

4,300 (1998)

Turks and Caicos Islands

0 (1994)

Tuvalu

0 (1994)

Uganda

9,000 (1998)

Ukraine

236,000 (1998)

United Arab Emirates

1 million (1999)

United Kingdom

43.5 million (yearend 1998)

United States

69.209 million (1998)

Uruguay

350,000 (2001)

Uzbekistan

130,000 (2003)

Vanuatu

310 (2000)

Venezuela

2 million (1998)

Vietnam

730,155 (2000)

Virgin Islands

2,000 (1992)

Wallis and Futuna

0 (1994)

West Bank

NA

Western Sahara

0 (1999)

World

NA

Yemen

32,042 (2000)

Zambia

90,000 (2002)

Zimbabwe

111,000 (2001)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2152 Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

Afghanistan

1 (2000)

Albania

10 (2001)

Algeria

2 (2000)

American Samoa

1 (2000)

Andorra

1 (2000)

Angola

1 (2000)

Anguilla

16 (2000)

Antarctica

NA

Antigua and Barbuda

16 (2000)

Argentina

33 (2000)

Armenia

9 (2001)

Aruba

NA

Australia

571 (2002)

Austria

37 (2000)

Azerbaijan

2 (2000)

Bahamas, The

19 (2000)

Bahrain

1 (2000)

Bangladesh

10 (2000)

Barbados

19 (2000)

Belarus

23 (2002)

Belgium

61 (2000)

Belize

2 (2000)

Benin

4 (2002)

Bermuda

20 (2000)

Bhutan

NA

Bolivia

9 (2000)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

3 (2000)

Botswana

11 (2001)

Brazil

50 (2000)

British Indian Ocean Territory

1 (2000)

British Virgin Islands

16 (2000)

Brunei

2 (2000)

Bulgaria

200 (2001)

Burkina Faso

1 (2002)

Burma

1

note: as of September 2000, Internet connections were legal only for

the government, tourist offices, and a few large businesses (2000)

Burundi

1 (2000)

Cambodia

2 (2000)

Cameroon

1 (2002)

Canada

760 (2000 est.)

Cape Verde

1 (2002)

Cayman Islands

16 (2000)

Central African Republic

1 (2002)

Chad

1 (2002)

Chile

7 (2000)

China

3 (2000)

Christmas Island

2 (2000)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

2 (2000)

Colombia

18 (2000)

Comoros

1 (2000)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

1 (2001)

Congo, Republic of the

1 (2000)

Cook Islands

3 (2000)

Costa Rica

3 (of which only one is legal) (2000)

Cote d'Ivoire

5 (2001)

Croatia

9 (2000)

Cuba

5 (2001)

Cyprus

6 (2000)

Czech Republic

more than 300 (2000)

Denmark

13 (2000)

Djibouti

1 (2000)

Dominica

16 (2000)

Dominican Republic

24 (2000)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

31 (2001)

Egypt

50 (2000)

El Salvador

4 (2000)

Equatorial Guinea

1 (2002)

Eritrea

5 (2001)

Estonia

38 (2001)

Ethiopia

1 (2002)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

2 (2000)

Faroe Islands

2 (2000)

Fiji

2 (2000)

Finland

3 (2002)

France

62 (2000)

French Guiana

2 (2000)

French Polynesia

2 (2000)

Gabon

1 (2001)

Gambia, The

2 (2001)

Gaza Strip

3 (1999)

Georgia

6 (2000)

Germany

200 (2001)

Ghana

12 (2000)

Gibraltar

2 (2000)

Greece

27 (2000)

Greenland

1 (2000)

Grenada

14 (2000)

Guadeloupe

3 (2000)

Guam

20 (2000)

Guatemala

5 (2000)

Guernsey

NA

Guinea

4 (2001)

Guinea-Bissau

2 (2002)

Guyana

3 (2000)

Haiti

3 (2000)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA

Honduras

8 (2000)

Hong Kong

17 (2000)

Hungary

16 (2000)

Iceland

20 (2001)

India

43 (2000)

Indonesia

24 (2000)

Iran

100 (2002)

Iraq

1 (2000)

Ireland

22 (2000)

Israel

21 (2000)

Italy

93 (Italy and Holy See) (2000)

Jamaica

21 (2000)

Jan Mayen

13 (Jan Mayen and Svalbard) (2000)

Japan

73 (2000)

Jersey

NA

Johnston Atoll

1 256 KB circuit to US Department of Defense-run

Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET) (2002)

Jordan

5 (2000)

Kazakhstan

10 (with their own international channels) (2001)

Kenya

65 (2001)

Kiribati

1 (2000)

Korea, North

1 (2000)

Korea, South

11 (2000)

Kuwait

3 (2000)

Kyrgyzstan

NA

Laos

1 (2000)

Latvia

41 (2001)

Lebanon

22 (2000)

Lesotho

1 (2000)

Liberia

2 (2001)

Libya

1 (2002)

Liechtenstein

44 (Liechtenstein and Switzerland) (2000)

Lithuania

32 (2001)

Luxembourg

8 (2000)

Macau

1 (2000)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

6 (2000)

Madagascar

2 (2000)

Malawi

3 (2002)

Malaysia

7 (2000)

Maldives

1 (2000)

Mali

13 (2001)

Malta

6 (2002)

Man, Isle of

NA

Marshall Islands

1 (2002)

Martinique

2 (2000)

Mauritania

5 (2001)

Mauritius

2 (2000)

Mayotte

NA

Mexico

51 (2000)

Micronesia, Federated States of

1 (2000)

Moldova

2 (1999)

Monaco

2 (2000)

Mongolia

5 (2001)

Montserrat

17 (2000)

Morocco

8 (2000)

Mozambique

11 (2002)

Namibia

2 (2000)

Nauru

1 (2000)

Nepal

6 (2000)

Netherlands

52 (2000)

Netherlands Antilles

6

New Caledonia

1 (2000)

New Zealand

36 (2000)

Nicaragua

3 (2000)

Niger

1 (2002)

Nigeria

11 (2000)

Niue

1 (2000)

Norfolk Island

2 (2000)

Northern Mariana Islands

1 (2001)

Norway

13 (2000)

Oman

1 (2000)

Pakistan

30 (2000)

Palau

1 (2002)

Panama

6 (2000)

Papua New Guinea

3 (2000)

Paraguay

4 (2000)

Peru

10 (2000)

Philippines

33 (2000)

Pitcairn Islands

NA

Poland

19 (2000)

Portugal

16 (2000)

Puerto Rico

76 (2000)

Qatar

1 (2000)

Reunion

1 (2000)

Romania

38 (2000)

Russia

300 (June 2000)

Rwanda

2 (2002)

Saint Helena

1 (2000)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

16 (2000)

Saint Lucia

15 (2000)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

1 (2000)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

15 (2000)

Samoa

2 (2000)

San Marino

2 (2000)

Sao Tome and Principe

1 (2002)

Saudi Arabia

22 (2003)

Senegal

1 (2002)

Serbia and Montenegro

9 (2000)

Seychelles

1 (2000)

Sierra Leone

1 (2001)

Singapore

9 (2000)

Slovakia

6 (2000)

Slovenia

11 (2000)

Solomon Islands

1 (2000)

Somalia

3 (one each in Boosaaso, Hargeisa, and Mogadishu) (2000)

South Africa

150 (2001)

Spain

56 (2000)

Sri Lanka

5 (2000)

Sudan

2 (2002)

Suriname

2 (2000)

Svalbard

13 (Svalbard and Jan Mayen) (2000)

Swaziland

5 (2002)

Sweden

29 (2000)

Switzerland

44 (Switzerland and Liechtenstein) (2000)

Syria

1 (2000)

Taiwan

8 (2000)

Tajikistan

4 (2002)

Tanzania

6 (2000)

Thailand

15 (2000)

Togo

3 (2001)

Tokelau

1 (2000)

Tonga

2 (2000)

Trinidad and Tobago

17 (2000)

Tunisia

1 (2000)

Turkey

50 (2001)

Turkmenistan

1

Turks and Caicos Islands

14 (2000)

Tuvalu

1 (2000)

Uganda

2 (2000)

Ukraine

260 (2001)

United Arab Emirates

1 (2000)

United Kingdom

more than 400 (2000)

United States

7,000 (2002 est.)

Uruguay

14 (2001)

Uzbekistan

42 (2000)

Vanuatu

1 (2000)

Venezuela

16 (2000)

Vietnam

5 (2000)

Virgin Islands

50 (2000)

Wallis and Futuna

1 (2000)

West Bank

8 (1999)

Western Sahara

1 (2000)

World

10,350 (2000 est.)

Yemen

1 (2000)

Zambia

5 (2001)

Zimbabwe

6 (2000)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2153 Internet users

Afghanistan

NA

Albania

12,000 (2001)

Algeria

180,000 (2001)

American Samoa

NA

Andorra

24,500 (2001)

Angola

60,000 (2002)

Anguilla

919 (2000)

Antigua and Barbuda

5,000 (2001)

Argentina

3.88 million (2001)

Armenia

30,000 (2001)

Aruba

24,000 (2002)

Australia

10.63 million (2002)

Austria

3.7 million (2002)

Azerbaijan

25,000 (2002)

Bahamas, The

16,900 (2002)

Bahrain

140,200 (2002)

Bangladesh

150,000 (2002)

Barbados

6,000 (2000)

Belarus

422,000 (2002)

Belgium

3.76 million (2002)

Belize

18,000 (2002)

Benin

25,000 (2002)

Bermuda

25,000 (2000)

Bhutan

2,500 (2002)

Bolivia

78,000 (2000)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

45,000 (2002)

Botswana

33,000 (2001)

Brazil

13.98 million (2002)

British Virgin Islands

NA

Brunei

35,000 (2002)

Bulgaria

585,000 (2001)

Burkina Faso

25,000 (2002)

Burma

10,000 (2002)

Burundi

6,000 (2002)

Cambodia

10,000 (2002)

Cameroon

45,000

note: Cameroon also had more than 100 cyber-cafes in 2001 (December

2001)

Canada

16.84 million (2002)

Cape Verde

12,000 (2002)

Cayman Islands

NA

Central African Republic

2,000 (2002)

Chad

4,000 (2002)

Chile

3.1 million (2002)

China

45.8 million (2002)

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA

Colombia

1.15 million (2002)

Comoros

2,500 (2002)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

6,000 (2002)

Congo, Republic of the

500 (2001)

Cook Islands

NA

Costa Rica

384,000 (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire

70,000 (2002)

Croatia

480,000 (2001)

Cuba

120,000 (2002)

Cyprus

150,000 (2002)

Czech Republic

2.69 million (2001)

Denmark

3.37 million (2002)

Djibouti

3,300 (2002)

Dominica

2,000 (2000)

Dominican Republic

186,000 (2002)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

328,000 (2002)

Egypt

600,000 (2002)

El Salvador

40,000 (2000)

Equatorial Guinea

900 (2002)

Eritrea

10,000 (2002)

Estonia

429,700 (2002)

Ethiopia

20,000 (2002)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA; however one-half of all

households are reported to have internet access (2002)

Faroe Islands

3,000 (2000)

Fiji

15,000 (2002)

Finland

2.69 million (2002)

France

16.97 million (2002)

French Guiana

2,000 (2000)

French Polynesia

16,000 (2002)

Gabon

18,000 (2002)

Gambia, The

5,000 (2001)

Gaza Strip

60,000 (includes West Bank) (2001)

Georgia

25,000 (2002)

Germany

32.1 million (2002)

Ghana

200,000 (2002)

Gibraltar

NA

Greece

1.4 million (2002)

Greenland

20,000 (2002)

Grenada

5,200 (2002)

Guadeloupe

4,000 (2000)

Guam

5,000 (2000)

Guatemala

200,000 (2002)

Guernsey

NA

Guinea

15,000 (2002)

Guinea-Bissau

4,000 (2002)

Guyana

95,000 (2002)

Haiti

30,000 (2002)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA

Honduras

40,000 (2000)

Hong Kong

4.35 million (2002)

Hungary

1.2 million (2001)

Iceland

220,000 (2002)

India

7 million (2002)

Indonesia

4.4 million (2002)

Iran

1.326 million (2002 est.)

Iraq

12,500 (2001)

Ireland

1.31 million (2002)

Israel

1.94 million (2001)

Italy

19.25 million (2001)

Jamaica

100,000 (2002)

Japan

56 million (2002)

Jersey

NA

Jordan

212,000 (2002)

Kazakhstan

100,000 (2002)

Kenya

500,000 (2002)

Kiribati

1,000 (2000)

Korea, North

NA

Korea, South

25.6 million (2002)

Kuwait

200,000 (2002)

Kyrgyzstan

51,600 (2001)

Laos

10,000 (2002)

Latvia

312,000 (2001)

Lebanon

300,000 (2001)

Lesotho

5,000 (2002)

Liberia

500 (2000)

Libya

20,000 (2001)

Liechtenstein

NA

Lithuania

341,000 (2001)

Luxembourg

100,000 (2001)

Macau

101,000 (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

100,000 (2001)

Madagascar

35,000 (2002)

Malawi

35,000 (2002)

Malaysia

5.7 million (2002)

Maldives

6,000 (2001)

Mali

30,000 (2002)

Malta

59,000 (2002)

Man, Isle of

NA

Marshall Islands

900 (2002)

Martinique

5,000 (2000)

Mauritania

7,500 (2001)

Mauritius

158,000 (2002)

Mayotte

NA

Mexico

3.5 million (2002)

Micronesia, Federated States of

2,000 (2000)

Moldova

15,000 (2000)

Monaco

NA

Mongolia

40,000 (2002)

Montserrat

NA

Morocco

400,000 (2002)

Mozambique

22,500 (2000)

Namibia

45,000 (2002)

Nauru

NA

Nepal

60,000 (2002)

Netherlands

9.73 million (2002)

Netherlands Antilles

2,000 (2000)

New Caledonia

24,000 (2001)

New Zealand

2.06 million (2002)

Nicaragua

20,000 (2000)

Niger

12,000 (2002)

Nigeria

100,000 (2000)

Niue

NA

Norfolk Island

NA

Northern Mariana Islands

NA

Norway

2.68 million (2002)

Oman

120,000 (2002)

Pakistan

1.2 million (2000)

Panama

45,000 (2000)

Papua New Guinea

135,000 (2001)

Paraguay

20,000 (2000)

Peru

3 million (2002)

Philippines

4.5 million (2002)

Pitcairn Islands

NA

Poland

6.4 million (2001)

Portugal

4.4 million (2002)

Puerto Rico

600,000 (2002)

Qatar

75,000 (2001)

Reunion

10,000 (2000)

Romania

1 million (2002)

Russia

18 million (2002)

Rwanda

20,000 (2002)

Saint Helena

NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis

2,000 (2000)

Saint Lucia

3,000 (2000)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

3,500 (2001)

Samoa

3,000 (2002)

San Marino

NA

Sao Tome and Principe

9,000 (2002)

Saudi Arabia

1.453 million (2002)

Senegal

100,000 (2002)

Serbia and Montenegro

400,000 (2001)

Seychelles

9,000 (2002)

Sierra Leone

20,000 (2001)

Singapore

2.31 million (2002)

Slovakia

700,000 (2000)

Slovenia

600,000 (2001)

Solomon Islands

8,400 (2002)

Somalia

200 (2000)

South Africa

3.068 million (2002)

Spain

7.89 million (2002)

Sri Lanka

121,500 (2001)

Sudan

56,000 (2002)

Suriname

14,500 (2002)

Svalbard

NA

Swaziland

7,000 (2002)

Sweden

6.02 million (2002)

Switzerland

3.85 million (2002)

Syria

60,000 (2002)

Taiwan

11.6 million (2001)

Tajikistan

5,000 (2002)

Tanzania

300,000 (2002)

Thailand

1.2 million (2001)

Togo

50,000 (2002)

Tokelau

NA

Tonga

1,000 (2000)

Trinidad and Tobago

120,000 (2002)

Tunisia

400,000 (2002)

Turkey

2.5 million (2002)

Turkmenistan

2,000 (2000)

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA

Tuvalu

NA

Uganda

60,000 (2002)

Ukraine

750,000 (2001)

United Arab Emirates

900,000 (2002)

United Kingdom

34.3 million (2002)

United States

165.75 million (2002)

Uruguay

400,000 (2002)

Uzbekistan

100,000 (2002)

Vanuatu

3,000 (2000)

Venezuela

1.3 million (2002)

Vietnam

400,000 (2002)

Virgin Islands

12,000 (2000)

Wallis and Futuna

NA

West Bank

60,000 (includes Gaza Strip) (2001)

Western Sahara

NA

World

604,111,719 (2002 est.)

Yemen

17,000 (2002)

Zambia

25,000 (2002)

Zimbabwe

100,000 (2002)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2154 Internet country code

Afghanistan

.af

Albania

.al

Algeria

.dz

American Samoa

.as

Andorra

.ad

Angola

.ao

Anguilla

.ai

Antarctica

.aq

Antigua and Barbuda

.ag

Argentina

.ar

Armenia

.am

Aruba

.aw

Australia

.au

Austria

.at

Azerbaijan

.az

Bahamas, The

.bs

Bahrain

.bh

Bangladesh

.bd

Barbados

.bb

Belarus

.by

Belgium

.be

Belize

.bz

Benin

.bj

Bermuda

.bm

Bhutan

.bt

Bolivia

.bo

Bosnia and Herzegovina

.ba

Botswana

.bw

Bouvet Island

.bv

Brazil

.br

British Indian Ocean Territory

.io

British Virgin Islands

.vg

Brunei

.bn

Bulgaria

.bg

Burkina Faso

.bf

Burma

.mm

Burundi

.bi

Cambodia

.kh

Cameroon

.cm

Canada

.ca

Cape Verde

.cv

Cayman Islands

.ky

Central African Republic

.cf

Chad

.td

Chile

.cl

China

.cn

Christmas Island

.cx

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

.cc

Colombia

.co

Comoros

.km

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

.cd

Congo, Republic of the

.cg

Cook Islands

.ck

Costa Rica

.cr

Cote d'Ivoire

.ci

Croatia

.hr

Cuba

.cu

Cyprus

.cy

Czech Republic

.cz

Denmark

.dk

Djibouti

.dj

Dominica

.dm

Dominican Republic

.do

East Timor

.tp

Ecuador

.ec

Egypt

.eg

El Salvador

.sv

Equatorial Guinea

.gq

Eritrea

.er

Estonia

.ee

Ethiopia

.et

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

.fk

Faroe Islands

.fo

Fiji

.fj

Finland

.fi

France

.fr

French Guiana

.gf

French Polynesia

.pf

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

.tf

Gabon

.ga

Gambia, The

.gm

Georgia

.ge

Germany

.de

Ghana

.gh

Gibraltar

.gi

Greece

.gr

Greenland

.gl

Grenada

.gd

Guadeloupe

.gp

Guam

.gu

Guatemala

.gt

Guernsey

.gg

Guinea

.gn

Guinea-Bissau

.gw

Guyana

.gy

Haiti

.ht

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

.hm

Holy See (Vatican City)

.va

Honduras

.hn

Hong Kong

.hk

Hungary

.hu

Iceland

.is

India

.in

Indonesia

.id

Iran

.ir

Iraq

.iq

Ireland

.ie

Israel

.il

Italy

.it

Jamaica

.jm

Japan

.jp

Jersey

.je

Jordan

.jo

Kazakhstan

.kz

Kenya

.ke

Kiribati

.ki

Korea, North

.kp

Korea, South

.kr

Kuwait

.kw

Kyrgyzstan

.kg

Laos

.la

Latvia

.lv

Lebanon

.lb

Lesotho

.ls

Liberia

.lr

Libya

.ly

Liechtenstein

.li

Lithuania

.lt

Luxembourg

.lu

Macau

.mo

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

.mk

Madagascar

.mg

Malawi

.mw

Malaysia

.my

Maldives

.mv

Mali

.ml

Malta

.mt

Man, Isle of

.im

Marshall Islands

.mh

Martinique

.mq

Mauritania

.mr

Mauritius

.mu

Mayotte

.yt

Mexico

.mx

Micronesia, Federated States of

.fm

Moldova

.md

Monaco

.mc

Mongolia

.mn

Montserrat

.ms

Morocco

.ma

Mozambique

.mz

Namibia

.na

Nauru

.nr

Nepal

.np

Netherlands

.nl

Netherlands Antilles

.an

New Caledonia

.nc

New Zealand

.nz

Nicaragua

.ni

Niger

.ne

Nigeria

.ng

Niue

.nu

Norfolk Island

.nf

Northern Mariana Islands

.mp

Norway

.no

Oman

.om

Pakistan

.pk

Palau

.pw

Panama

.pa

Papua New Guinea

.pg

Paraguay

.py

Peru

.pe

Philippines

.ph

Pitcairn Islands

.pn

Poland

.pl

Portugal

.pt

Puerto Rico

.pr

Qatar

.qa

Reunion

.re

Romania

.ro

Russia

.ru; Russia also has responsibility for a legacy domain ".su"

that was allocated to the Soviet Union, its legal status and

ownership are contested by the Russian Government, ICANN, and

several Russian commercial entities

Rwanda

.rw

Saint Helena

.sh

Saint Kitts and Nevis

.kn

Saint Lucia

.lc

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

.pm

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

.vc

Samoa

.ws

San Marino

.sm

Sao Tome and Principe

.st

Saudi Arabia

.sa

Senegal

.sn

Serbia and Montenegro

.yu

Seychelles

.sc

Sierra Leone

.sl

Singapore

.sg

Slovakia

.sk

Slovenia

.si

Solomon Islands

.sb

Somalia

.so

South Africa

.za

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

.gs

Spain

.es

Sri Lanka

.lk

Sudan

.sd

Suriname

.sr

Svalbard

.sj

Swaziland

.sz

Sweden

.se

Switzerland

.ch

Syria

.sy

Taiwan

.tw

Tajikistan

.tj

Tanzania

.tz

Thailand

.th

Togo

.tg

Tokelau

.tk

Tonga

.to

Trinidad and Tobago

.tt

Tunisia

.tn

Turkey

.tr

Turkmenistan

.tm

Turks and Caicos Islands

.tc

Tuvalu

.tv

Uganda

.ug

Ukraine

.ua

United Arab Emirates

.ae

United Kingdom

.uk

United States

.us

Uruguay

.uy

Uzbekistan

.uz

Vanuatu

.vu

Venezuela

.ve

Vietnam

.vn

Virgin Islands

.vi

Wallis and Futuna

.wf

Western Sahara

.eh

Yemen

.ye

Zambia

.zm

Zimbabwe

.zw

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2155 HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate (%)

Afghanistan

0.01% (2001 est.)

Albania

NA

Algeria

0.1% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)

American Samoa

NA%

Andorra

NA%

Angola

5.5% (2001 est.)

Anguilla

NA%

Antigua and Barbuda

NA%

Argentina

0.7% (2001 est.)

Armenia

0.2% (2001 est.)

Aruba

NA%

Australia

0.1% (2001 est.)

Austria

0.2% (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Bahamas, The

3.5% (2001 est.)

Bahrain

0.3% (2001 est.)

Bangladesh

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Barbados

1.2% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)

Belarus

0.3% (2001 est.)

Belgium

0.2% (2001 est.)

Belize

2% (2001 est.)

Benin

3.6% (2001 est.)

Bermuda

NA%

Bhutan

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Bolivia

0.1% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Botswana

38.8% (2001 est.)

Brazil

0.7% (2001 est.)

British Virgin Islands

NA%

Brunei

0.2% (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

less than 0.1% - note: no country specific models provided

(2001 est.)

Burkina Faso

6.5% (2001 est.)

Burma

1.99% (2001 est.)

Burundi

8.3% (2001 est.)

Cambodia

2.7% (2001 est.)

Cameroon

11.8% (2001 est.)

Canada

0.3% (2001 est.)

Cape Verde

0.04% (2001 est.)

Cayman Islands

NA%

Central African Republic

12.9% (2001 est.)

Chad

3.6% 5%-7% (2001 est.)

Chile

0.3% (2001 est.)

China

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Christmas Island

NA%

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA%

Colombia

0.4% (2001 est.)

Comoros

0.12% (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

4.9% (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

7.2% (2001 est.)

Cook Islands

NA%

Costa Rica

0.6% (2001 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

9.7% (2001 est.)

Croatia

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Cuba

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Cyprus

0.3% (2001 est.)

Czech Republic

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Denmark

0.2% (2001 est.)

Djibouti

11.75% (2001 est.)

Dominica

NA%

Dominican Republic

2.5% (2001 est.)

East Timor

NA%

Ecuador

0.3% (2001 est.)

Egypt

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

El Salvador

0.6% (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

3.4% (2001 est.)

Eritrea

2.8% (2001 est.)

Estonia

1% (2001 est.)

Ethiopia

6.4% (2001 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA%

Faroe Islands

NA%

Fiji

0.1% (2001 est.)

Finland

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

France

0.3% (2001 est.)

French Guiana

NA%

French Polynesia

NA%

Gabon

9% (2001 est.)

Gambia, The

1.6% (2001 est.)

Gaza Strip

NA%

Georgia

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Germany

0.1% (2001 est.)

Ghana

3% (2001 est.)

Gibraltar

NA%

Greece

0.2% (2001 est.)

Greenland

NA%

Grenada

NA%

Guadeloupe

NA%

Guam

NA%

Guatemala

1% (2001 est.)

Guernsey

NA%

Guinea

1.54% (2001 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

2.8% (2001 est.)

Guyana

2.7% (2001 est.)

Haiti

6.1% (2001 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA%

Honduras

1.6% (2001 est.)

Hong Kong

0.1% (2001 est.)

Hungary

0.1% (2001 est.)

Iceland

0.2% (2001 est.)

India

0.8% (2001 est.)

Indonesia

0.1% (2001 est.)

Iran

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Iraq

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Ireland

0.1% (2001 est.)

Israel

0.1% (2001 est.)

Italy

0.4% (2001 est.)

Jamaica

1.2% (2001 est.)

Japan

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Jersey

NA%

Jordan

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

0.1% (2001 est.)

Kenya

15% (2001 est.)

Kiribati

NA%

Korea, North

NA

Korea, South

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Kuwait

0.12% (2001 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Laos

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Latvia

0.4% (2001 est.)

Lebanon

0.09% (2001 est.)

Lesotho

31% (2001 est.)

Liberia

9% (2001 est.)

Libya

0.2% (2001 est.)

Liechtenstein

NA%

Lithuania

0.1% (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

0.2% (2001 est.)

Macau

NA%

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Madagascar

0.3% (2001 est.)

Malawi

15% (2001 est.)

Malaysia

0.4% (2001 est.)

Maldives

0.1% (2001 est.)

Mali

1.7% (2001 est.)

Malta

0.1% (2001 est.)

Man, Isle of

NA%

Marshall Islands

NA%

Martinique

NA%

Mauritania

1.8% (2001 est.)

Mauritius

0.1% (2001 est.)

Mayotte

NA%

Mexico

0.3% (2001 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

NA%

Moldova

0.2% (2001 est.)

Monaco

NA%

Mongolia

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Montserrat

NA%

Morocco

0.1% (2001 est.)

Mozambique

13% 12.6 to 16.4%, estimates vary (2001 est.)

Namibia

22.5% (2001 est.)

Nauru

NA%

Nepal

0.5% (2001 est.)

Netherlands

0.2% (2001 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

NA%

New Caledonia

NA%

New Zealand

0.1% (2001 est.)

Nicaragua

0.2% (2001 est.)

Niger

4% (2001 est.)

Nigeria

5.8% (2001 est.)

Niue

NA%

Norfolk Island

NA%

Northern Mariana Islands

NA%

Norway

0.1% (2001 est.)

Oman

0.1% (2001 est.)

Pakistan

0.1% (2001 est.)

Palau

NA%

Panama

1.5% (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

0.7% (2001 est.)

Paraguay

0.11% (2001 est.)

Peru

0.4% (2001 est.)

Philippines

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA%

Poland

0.1% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)

Portugal

0.5% (2001 est.)

Puerto Rico

NA%

Qatar

0.09% (2001 est.)

Reunion

NA%

Romania

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Russia

0.9% (2001 est.)

Rwanda

8.9% (2001 est.)

Saint Helena

NA%

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA%

Saint Lucia

NA%

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

NA%

Samoa

NA%

San Marino

NA%

Sao Tome and Principe

NA%

Saudi Arabia

0.01% (2001 est.)

Senegal

0.5% (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

0.2% (2001 est.)

Seychelles

NA%

Sierra Leone

7% (2001 est.)

Singapore

0.2% (2001 est.)

Slovakia

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Slovenia

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Solomon Islands

NA%

Somalia

1% (2001 est.)

South Africa

20.1% (2001 est.)

Spain

0.5% (2001 est.)

Sri Lanka

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Sudan

2.6% (2001 est.)

Suriname

1.2% (2001 est.)

Svalbard

0% (2001)

Swaziland

33.4% (2001 est.)

Sweden

0.1% (2001 est.)

Switzerland

0.5% (2001 est.)

Syria

0.01% (2001 est.)

Taiwan

NA

Tajikistan

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Tanzania

7.8% (2001 est.)

Thailand

1.8% (2001 est.)

Togo

6% (2001 est.)

Tokelau

NA%

Tonga

NA%

Trinidad and Tobago

2.5% (2001 est.)

Tunisia

0.04% (2001 est.)

Turkey

less than 0.1% - note: no country specific models provided

(2001 est.)

Turkmenistan

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA%

Tuvalu

NA%

Uganda

5% (2001 est.)

Ukraine

1% (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

0.18% (2001 est.)

United Kingdom

0.1% (2001 est.)

United States

0.6% (2001 est.)

Uruguay

0.3% (2001 est.)

Uzbekistan

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

Vanuatu

NA%

Venezuela

0.5% - note: no country specific models provided (2001

est.)

Vietnam

0.3% (2001 est.)

Virgin Islands

NA%

Wallis and Futuna

NA%

West Bank

NA%

Western Sahara

NA%

World

NA%

Yemen

0.1% (2001 est.)

Zambia

21.5% (2001 est.)

Zimbabwe

33.7% (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2156 HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

Afghanistan

NA

Albania

NA

Algeria

NA

American Samoa

NA

Andorra

NA

Angola

350,000 (2001 est.)

Anguilla

NA

Antigua and Barbuda

NA

Argentina

130,000 (2001 est.)

Armenia

less than 2,400 (2001 est.)

Aruba

NA

Australia

12,000 (2001 est.)

Austria

9,900 (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

less than 1,400 (2001 est.)

Bahamas, The

6,200 (2001 est.)

Bahrain

less than 1,000

Bangladesh

13,000 (2001 est.)

Barbados

1,800 (2001 est.)

Belarus

15,000 (2001 est.)

Belgium

8,500 (2001 est.)

Belize

2,500 (2001 est.)

Benin

120,000 (2001 est.)

Bermuda

NA

Bhutan

less than 100 (1999 est.)

Bolivia

4,600 (2001 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

NA

Botswana

330,000 (2001 est.)

Brazil

610,000 (2001 est.)

British Virgin Islands

NA

Brunei

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

346 (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso

440,000 (2001 est.)

Burma

530,000 (2001 est.)

Burundi

390,000 (2001 est.)

Cambodia

170,000 (2001 est.)

Cameroon

920,000 (2001 est.)

Canada

55,000 (2001 est.)

Cape Verde

775 (2001)

Cayman Islands

NA

Central African Republic

250,000 (2001 est.)

Chad

150,000 (2001 est.)

Chile

20,000 (2001 est.)

China

850,000 (2001 est.)

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA

Colombia

140,000 (2001 est.)

Comoros

NA

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

1.3 million (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

110,000 (2001 est.)

Cook Islands

NA

Costa Rica

11,000 (2001 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

770,000 (2001 est.)

Croatia

200 (2001 est.)

Cuba

3,200 (2001 est.)

Cyprus

less than 1,000 (1999 est.)

Czech Republic

500 (2001 est.)

Denmark

3,800 (2001 est.)

Djibouti

37,000 (2001 est.)

Dominica

NA

Dominican Republic

130,000 (2001 est.)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

20,000 (2001 est.)

Egypt

8,000 (2001 est.)

El Salvador

24,000 (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

5,900 (2001 est.)

Eritrea

55,000 (2001 est.)

Estonia

less than 7,700 (2001 est.)

Ethiopia

2.1 million (2001 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA

Faroe Islands

NA

Fiji

300 (2001 est.)

Finland

1,200 (2001 est.)

France

100,000 (2001 est.)

French Guiana

NA

French Polynesia

NA

Gabon

23,000 (1999 est.)

Gambia, The

8,400 (2001 est.)

Gaza Strip

NA

Georgia

less than 900 (2001 est.)

Germany

41,000 (2001 est.)

Ghana

360,000 (2001 est.)

Gibraltar

NA

Greece

8,800 (2001 est.)

Greenland

100 (1999)

Grenada

NA

Guadeloupe

NA

Guam

NA

Guatemala

67,000 (2001 est.)

Guernsey

NA

Guinea

55,000 (1999 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

17,000 (2001 est.)

Guyana

18,000 (2001 est.)

Haiti

250,000 (2001 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA

Honduras

57,000 (2001 est.)

Hong Kong

2,600 (2001 est.)

Hungary

2,800 (2001 est.)

Iceland

220 (2001 est.)

India

3.97 million (2001 est.)

Indonesia

120,000 (2001 est.)

Iran

20,000 (2001 est.)

Iraq

less than 1,000

Ireland

2,400 (2001 est.)

Israel

2,400 (1999 est.)

Italy

100,000 (2001 est.)

Jamaica

20,000 (2001 est.)

Japan

12,000 (2001 est.)

Jersey

NA

Jordan

less than 1,000

Kazakhstan

6,000 (2001 est.)

Kenya

2.5 million (2001 est.)

Kiribati

NA

Korea, North

NA

Korea, South

4,000 (2001 est.)

Kuwait

NA

Kyrgyzstan

over 500 (2001 est.)

Laos

1,400 (2001 est.)

Latvia

5,000 (2001 est.)

Lebanon

NA

Lesotho

360,000 (2001 est.)

Liberia

125,000 (2001 est.)

Libya

7,000 (2001 est.)

Liechtenstein

NA

Lithuania

less than 1,300 (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

NA

Macau

NA

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

less than 100 (1999 est.)

Madagascar

22,000 (2001 est.)

Malawi

850,000 (2001 est.)

Malaysia

42,000 (2001 est.)

Maldives

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Mali

110,000 (2001 est.)

Malta

NA

Man, Isle of

NA

Marshall Islands

NA

Martinique

NA

Mauritania

6,600 (1999 est.)

Mauritius

700 (2001 est.)

Mayotte

NA

Mexico

150,000 (2001 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

NA

Moldova

5,500 (2001 est.)

Monaco

NA

Mongolia

less than 100 (1999 est.)

Montserrat

NA

Morocco

13,000 (2001 est.)

Mozambique

1.1 million (2001 est.)

Namibia

230,000 (2001 est.)

Nauru

NA

Nepal

58,000 (2001 est.)

Netherlands

17,000 (2001 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

NA

New Caledonia

NA

New Zealand

1,200 (2001 est.)

Nicaragua

5,800 (2001 est.)

Niger

NA

Nigeria

3.5 million (2001 est.)

Niue

NA

Norfolk Island

NA

Northern Mariana Islands

NA

Norway

1,800 (2001 est.)

Oman

1,300 (2001 est.)

Pakistan

78,000 (2001 est.)

Palau

NA

Panama

25,000 (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

17,000 (2001 est.)

Paraguay

3,000 (1999 est.)

Peru

53,000 (2001 est.)

Philippines

9,400 (2001 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA

Poland

NA

Portugal

27,000 (2001 est.)

Puerto Rico

7,397 (1997)

Qatar

NA

Reunion

NA

Romania

6,500 (2001 est.)

Russia

700,000 (2001 est.)

Rwanda

500,000 (2001 est.)

Saint Helena

NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA

Saint Lucia

NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

NA

Samoa

12

San Marino

NA

Sao Tome and Principe

NA

Saudi Arabia

NA

Senegal

27,000 (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

10,000 (2001 est.)

Seychelles

NA

Sierra Leone

170,000 (2001 est.)

Singapore

3,400 (2001 est.)

Slovakia

less than 100 (1999 est.)

Slovenia

280 (2001 est.)

Solomon Islands

NA

Somalia

43,000 (2001 est.)

South Africa

5 million (2001 est.)

Spain

130,000 (2001 est.)

Sri Lanka

4,800 (2001 est.)

Sudan

450,000 (2001 est.)

Suriname

3,700 (2001 est.)

Svalbard

0 (2001)

Swaziland

170,000 (2001 est.)

Sweden

3,300 (2001 est.)

Switzerland

19,000 (2001 est.)

Syria

NA

Taiwan

NA

Tajikistan

less than 200 (2001 est.)

Tanzania

1.5 million (2001 est.)

Thailand

670,000 (2001 est.)

Togo

150,000 (2001 est.)

Tokelau

NA

Tonga

NA

Trinidad and Tobago

17,000 (2001 est.)

Tunisia

NA

Turkey

NA

Turkmenistan

less than 100 (1999 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA

Tuvalu

NA

Uganda

600,000 (2001 est.)

Ukraine

250,000 (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

NA

United Kingdom

34,000 (2001 est.)

United States

900,000 (2001 est.)

Uruguay

6,300 (2001 est.)

Uzbekistan

less than 740 (2001 est.)

Vanuatu

NA

Venezuela

62,000 (1999 est.)

Vietnam

130,000 (2001 est.)

Virgin Islands

NA

Wallis and Futuna

NA

West Bank

NA

Western Sahara

NA

World

NA

Yemen

9,900 (2001 est.)

Zambia

1.2 million (2001 est.)

Zimbabwe

2.3 million (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2157 HIV/AIDS - deaths

Afghanistan

NA

Albania

NA

Algeria

NA

American Samoa

NA

Andorra

NA

Angola

24,000 (2001 est.)

Anguilla

NA

Antigua and Barbuda

NA

Argentina

1,800 (2001 est.)

Armenia

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Aruba

NA

Australia

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Austria

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Bahamas, The

610 (2001 est.)

Bahrain

NA

Bangladesh

650 (2001 est.)

Barbados

250 (2001 est.)

Belarus

1,000 (2001 est.)

Belgium

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Belize

300 (2001 est.)

Benin

8,100 (2001 est.)

Bermuda

NA

Bhutan

NA

Bolivia

290 (2001 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

100 (2001 est.)

Botswana

26,000 (2001 est.)

Brazil

8,400 (2001 est.)

British Virgin Islands

NA

Brunei

NA

Bulgaria

100 (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso

44,000 (2001 est.)

Burma

65,000 (2001 est.)

Burundi

40,000 (2001 est.)

Cambodia

12,000 (2001 est.)

Cameroon

53,000 (2001 est.)

Canada

less than 500 (2001 est.)

Cape Verde

225 (as of 2001)

Cayman Islands

NA

Central African Republic

22,000 (2001 est.)

Chad

14,000 (confirmed AIDS cases, actual number far higher but

difficult to estimate) (2001 est.)

Chile

220 (2001 est.)

China

30,000 (2001 est.)

Christmas Island

NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

NA

Colombia

5,600 (2001 est.)

Comoros

NA

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

120,000 (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

11,000 (2001 est.)

Cook Islands

NA

Costa Rica

890 (2001 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

75,000 (2001 est.)

Croatia

less than 10 (2001 est.)

Cuba

120 (2001 est.)

Cyprus

NA

Czech Republic

less than 10 (2001 est.)

Denmark

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Djibouti

2,000 (2001 est.)

Dominica

NA

Dominican Republic

7,800 (2001 est.)

East Timor

NA

Ecuador

1,700 (2001 est.)

Egypt

NA

El Salvador

2,100 (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

370 (2001 est.)

Eritrea

350 (2001 est.)

Estonia

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Ethiopia

160,000 (2001 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA

Faroe Islands

NA

Fiji

NA

Finland

less than 100 (2001 est.)

France

800 (2001 est.)

French Guiana

NA

French Polynesia

NA

Gabon

3,000 (2001 est.)

Gambia, The

400 (2001 est.)

Gaza Strip

NA

Georgia

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Germany

660 (2001 est.)

Ghana

28,000 (2001 est.)

Gibraltar

NA

Greece

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Greenland

NA

Grenada

NA

Guadeloupe

NA

Guam

NA

Guatemala

5,200 (2001 est.)

Guernsey

NA

Guinea

9,000 (2001 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

1,200 (2001 est.)

Guyana

1,300 (2001 est.)

Haiti

30,000 (2001 est.)

Holy See (Vatican City)

NA

Honduras

3,300 (2001 est.)

Hong Kong

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Hungary

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Iceland

less than 100 (2001 est.)

India

310,000 (2001 est.)

Indonesia

4,600 (2001 est.)

Iran

290 (2001 est.)

Iraq

NA

Ireland

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Israel

100 (2001 est.)

Italy

1,100 (2001 est.)

Jamaica

980 (2001 est.)

Japan

430 (2001 est.)

Jersey

NA

Jordan

NA

Kazakhstan

less than 300 (2001 est.)

Kenya

190,000 (2001 est.)

Kiribati

NA

Korea, North

NA

Korea, South

220 (2001 est.)

Kuwait

NA

Kyrgyzstan

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Laos

less than 150 (2001 est.)

Latvia

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Lebanon

NA

Lesotho

25,000 (2001 est.)

Liberia

5,000 (2001 est.)

Libya

NA

Liechtenstein

NA

Lithuania

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Macau

NA

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Madagascar

870 (2001 est.)

Malawi

80,000 (2001 est.)

Malaysia

2,500 (2001 est.)

Maldives

NA

Mali

11,000 (2001 est.)

Malta

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Man, Isle of

NA

Marshall Islands

NA

Martinique

NA

Mauritania

610 (2001 est.)

Mauritius

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Mayotte

NA

Mexico

4,200 (2001 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of

NA

Moldova

less than 300 (2001 est.)

Monaco

NA

Mongolia

NA

Montserrat

NA

Morocco

NA

Mozambique

60,000 (2001 est.)

Namibia

13,000 (2001 est.)

Nauru

NA

Nepal

2,400 (2001 est.)

Netherlands

110 (2001 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

NA

New Caledonia

NA

New Zealand

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Nicaragua

400 (2001 est.)

Niger

6,000 (2001 est.)

Nigeria

170,000 (2001 est.)

Niue

NA

Norfolk Island

NA

Northern Mariana Islands

NA

Norway

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Oman

NA

Pakistan

4,500 (2001 est.)

Palau

NA

Panama

1,900 (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

880 (2001 est.)

Paraguay

220 (2001 est.)

Peru

3,900 (2001 est.)

Philippines

720 (2001 est.)

Pitcairn Islands

NA

Poland

100 (2001 est.)

Portugal

1,000 (2001 est.)

Puerto Rico

NA

Qatar

NA

Reunion

NA

Romania

350 (2001 est.)

Russia

9,000 (2001 est.)

Rwanda

49,000 (2001 est.)

Saint Helena

NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA

Saint Lucia

NA

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

NA

Samoa

3

San Marino

NA

Sao Tome and Principe

NA

Saudi Arabia

NA

Senegal

2,500 (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Seychelles

NA

Sierra Leone

11,000 (2001 est.)

Singapore

140 (2001 est.)

Slovakia

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Slovenia

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Solomon Islands

NA

Somalia

NA

South Africa

360,000 (2001 est.)

Spain

2,300 (2001 est.)

Sri Lanka

250 (2001 est.)

Sudan

23,000 (2001 est.)

Suriname

330 (2001 est.)

Svalbard

0 (2001)

Swaziland

12,000 (2001 est.)

Sweden

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Switzerland

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Syria

NA

Taiwan

NA

Tajikistan

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Tanzania

140,000 (2001 est.)

Thailand

55,000 (2001 est.)

Togo

12,000 (2001 est.)

Tokelau

NA

Tonga

NA

Trinidad and Tobago

1,200 (2001 est.)

Tunisia

NA

Turkey

NA

Turkmenistan

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA

Tuvalu

NA

Uganda

84,000 (2001 est.)

Ukraine

11,000 (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

NA

United Kingdom

460 (2001 est.)

United States

15,000 (2001 est.)

Uruguay

less than 500 (2001 est.)

Uzbekistan

less than 100 (2001 est.)

Vanuatu

NA

Venezuela

2,000 (2001 est.)

Vietnam

6,600 (2001 est.)

Virgin Islands

NA

Wallis and Futuna

NA

West Bank

NA

Western Sahara

NA

World

NA

Yemen

NA

Zambia

120,000 (2001 est.)

Zimbabwe

200,000 (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2158 Currency code

Afghanistan

AFA

Albania

ALL

Algeria

DZD

American Samoa

USD

Andorra

EUR

Angola

AOA

Anguilla

XCD

Antigua and Barbuda

XCD

Argentina

ARS

Armenia

AMD

Aruba

AWG

Australia

AUD

Austria

EUR

Azerbaijan

AZM

Bahamas, The

BSD

Bahrain

BHD

Bangladesh

BDT

Barbados

BBD

Belarus

BYB/BYR

Belgium

EUR

Belize

BZD

Benin

XOF

Bermuda

BMD

Bhutan

BTN; INR

Bolivia

BOB

Bosnia and Herzegovina

BAM

Botswana

BWP

Brazil

BRL

British Virgin Islands

USD

Brunei

BND

Bulgaria

BGN

Burkina Faso

XOF

Burma

MMK

Burundi

BIF

Cambodia

KHR

Cameroon

XAF

Canada

CAD

Cape Verde

CVE

Cayman Islands

KYD

Central African Republic

XAF

Chad

XAF

Chile

CLP

China

CNY

Christmas Island

AUD

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

AUD

Colombia

COP

Comoros

KMF

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

CDF

Congo, Republic of the

XAF

Cook Islands

NZD

Costa Rica

CRC

Cote d'Ivoire

XOF

Croatia

HRK

Cuba

CUP

Cyprus

CYP; TRL

Czech Republic

CZK

Denmark

DKK

Djibouti

DJF

Dominica

XCD

Dominican Republic

DOP

East Timor

IDR

Ecuador

USD

Egypt

EGP

El Salvador

USD

Equatorial Guinea

XAF

Eritrea

ERN

Estonia

EEK

Ethiopia

ETB

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

FKP

Faroe Islands

DKK

Fiji

FJD

Finland

EUR

France

EUR

French Guiana

EUR; FRF

French Polynesia

XPF

Gabon

XAF

Gambia, The

GMD

Gaza Strip

ILS

Georgia

GEL

Germany

EUR

Ghana

GHC

Gibraltar

GIP

Greece

EUR

Greenland

DKK

Grenada

XCD

Guadeloupe

EUR; FRF

Guam

USD

Guatemala

GTQ; USD

Guernsey

GBP

Guinea

GNF

Guinea-Bissau

XOF; GWP

Guyana

GYD

Haiti

HTG

Holy See (Vatican City)

EUR

Honduras

HNL

Hong Kong

HKD

Hungary

HUF

Iceland

ISK

India

INR

Indonesia

IDR

Iran

IRR

Iraq

IQD

Ireland

EUR

Israel

ILS

Italy

EUR

Jamaica

JMD

Japan

JPY

Jersey

GBP

Jordan

JOD

Kazakhstan

KZT

Kenya

KES

Kiribati

AUD

Korea, North

KPW

Korea, South

KRW

Kuwait

KWD

Kyrgyzstan

KGS

Laos

LAK

Latvia

LVL

Lebanon

LBP

Lesotho

LSL; ZAR

Liberia

LRD

Libya

LYD

Liechtenstein

CHF

Lithuania

LTL

Luxembourg

EUR

Macau

MOP

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

MKD

Madagascar

MGF

Malawi

MWK

Malaysia

MYR

Maldives

MVR

Mali

XOF

Malta

MTL

Man, Isle of

GBP

Marshall Islands

USD

Martinique

EUR

Mauritania

MRO

Mauritius

MUR

Mayotte

EUR

Mexico

MXN

Micronesia, Federated States of

USD

Moldova

MDL

Monaco

EUR

Mongolia

MNT

Montserrat

XCD

Morocco

MAD

Mozambique

MZM

Namibia

NAD; ZAR

Nauru

AUD

Nepal

NPR

Netherlands

EUR

Netherlands Antilles

ANG

New Caledonia

XPF

New Zealand

NZD

Nicaragua

NIO

Niger

XOF

Nigeria

NGN

Niue

NZD

Norfolk Island

AUD

Northern Mariana Islands

USD

Norway

NOK

Oman

OMR

Pakistan

PKR

Palau

USD

Panama

PAB; USD

Papua New Guinea

PGK

Paraguay

PYG

Peru

PEN

Philippines

PHP

Pitcairn Islands

NZD

Poland

PLN

Portugal

EUR

Puerto Rico

USD

Qatar

QAR

Reunion

EUR

Romania

ROL

Russia

RUR

Rwanda

RWF

Saint Helena

SHP

Saint Kitts and Nevis

XCD

Saint Lucia

XCD

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

EUR

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

XCD

Samoa

SAT (former WST code is still in wide use)

San Marino

EUR

Sao Tome and Principe

STD

Saudi Arabia

SAR

Senegal

XOF

Serbia and Montenegro

YUM

Seychelles

SCR

Sierra Leone

SLL

Singapore

SGD

Slovakia

SKK

Slovenia

SIT

Solomon Islands

SBD

Somalia

SOS

South Africa

ZAR

Spain

EUR

Sri Lanka

LKR

Sudan

SDD

Suriname

SRG

Svalbard

NOK

Swaziland

SZL

Sweden

SEK

Switzerland

CHF

Syria

SYP

Taiwan

TWD

Tajikistan

TJS

Tanzania

TZS

Thailand

THB

Togo

XOF

Tokelau

NZD

Tonga

TOP

Trinidad and Tobago

TTD

Tunisia

TND

Turkey

TRL

Turkmenistan

TMM

Turks and Caicos Islands

USD

Tuvalu

AUD

Uganda

UGX

Ukraine

UAH

United Arab Emirates

AED

United Kingdom

GBP

United States

USD

Uruguay

UYU

Uzbekistan

UZS

Vanuatu

VUV

Venezuela

VEB

Vietnam

VND

Virgin Islands

USD

Wallis and Futuna

XPF

West Bank

ILS; JOD

Western Sahara

MAD

Yemen

YER

Zambia

ZMK

Zimbabwe

ZWD

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2172 Distribution of family income - Gini index

Algeria

35.3 (1995)

Armenia

44.4 (1996)

Australia

35.2 (1994)

Austria

31 (1995)

Azerbaijan

36 (1995)

Bangladesh

33.6 (FY 95/96)

Belarus

21.7 (1998)

Belgium

28.7 (1996)

Bolivia

58.9 (1997)

Brazil

60.7 (1998)

Bulgaria

26.4 (2001)

Burkina Faso

48.2 (1994)

Burundi

42.5 (1998)

Cambodia

40.4 (1997)

Cameroon

47.7 (1996)

Canada

31.5 (1994)

Central African Republic

61.3 (1993)

Chile

56.7 (1998)

China

40 (2001)

Colombia

57.1 (1996)

Costa Rica

45.9 (1997)

Cote d'Ivoire

36.7 (1995)

Croatia

29 (1998)

Czech Republic

25.4 (1996)

Denmark

24.7 (1992)

Dominican Republic

47.4 (1998)

East Timor

38 (2002 est.)

Ecuador

43.7 (1995)

Egypt

28.9 (1995)

El Salvador

52.2 (1998)

Estonia

37 (1999)

Ethiopia

40 (1995)

Finland

25.6 (1991)

France

32.7 (1995)

Georgia

37.1 (1996)

Germany

30 (1994)

Ghana

40.7 (1999)

Greece

32.7 (1993)

Guatemala

55.8 (1998)

Guinea

40.3 (1994)

Honduras

56.3 (1998)

Hungary

24.4 (1998)

India

37.8 (1997)

Indonesia

31.7 (1999)

Ireland

35.9 (1987)

Israel

35.5 (2001)

Italy

27.3 (1995)

Jamaica

37.9 (2000)

Japan

24.9 (1993)

Jordan

36.4 (1997)

Kazakhstan

35.4 (1996)

Kenya

44.9 (1997)

Korea, South

31.6 (1993)

Kyrgyzstan

34.6 (1999)

Laos

37 (1997)

Latvia

32 (1999)

Lesotho

56 (1986-87)

Lithuania

34 (1999)

Madagascar

38.1 (1999)

Malaysia

49.2 (1997)

Mali

50.5 (1994)

Mauritania

37.3 (1995)

Mauritius

37 (1987 est.)

Mexico

53.1 (1998)

Moldova

40.6 (1997)

Mongolia

33.2 (1995)

Morocco

39.5 (1998-99)

Mozambique

39.6 (1996-97)

Nepal

36.7 (FY 95/96)

Netherlands

32.6 (1994)

Nicaragua

60.3 (1998)

Niger

50.5 (1995)

Nigeria

50.6 (1996-97)

Norway

25.8 (1995)

Pakistan

41 (FY98/99)

Panama

48.5 (1997)

Papua New Guinea

50.9 (1996)

Paraguay

57.7 (1998)

Peru

46.2 (1996)

Philippines

46.2 (1997)

Poland

31.6 (1998)

Portugal

35.6 (1994-95)

Romania

31.1 (1998)

Russia

39.9 (2001)

Rwanda

28.9 (1985)

Senegal

41.3 (1995)

Sierra Leone

62.9 (1989)

Slovakia

26.3 (1996)

Slovenia

28.4 (1998)

South Africa

59.3 (1993-94)

Spain

32.5 (1990)

Sri Lanka

34.4 (1995)

Sweden

25 (1992)

Switzerland

33.1 (1992)

Taiwan

32.6 (2000)

Tajikistan

34.7 (1998)

Tanzania

38.2 (1993)

Thailand

41.4 (1998)

Tunisia

41.7 (1995)

Turkey

41.5 (1994)

Turkmenistan

40.8 (1998)

Uganda

37.4 (1996)

Ukraine

29 (1999)

United Kingdom

36.8 (1995)

United States

40.8 (1997)

Uruguay

42.3 (1989)

Uzbekistan

44.7 (1998)

Venezuela

49.5 (1998)

Vietnam

36.1 (1998)

Yemen

33.4 (1998)

Zambia

52.6 (1998)

Zimbabwe

50.1 (1995)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2173 Oil - production (bbl/day)

Afghanistan

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Albania

5,952 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Algeria

1.52 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

American Samoa

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Angola

742,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Argentina

828,600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Armenia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Aruba

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Australia

731,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Austria

20,670 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

307,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bahamas, The

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bahrain

43,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bangladesh

3,581 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Barbados

1,271 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Belarus

37,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Belgium

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Belize

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Benin

700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bermuda

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bhutan

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bolivia

44,340 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Botswana

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Brazil

1.561 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

British Virgin Islands

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Brunei

217,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

603 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Burma

14,170 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Burundi

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cambodia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cameroon

76,650 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Canada

2.738 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cape Verde

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cayman Islands

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Central African Republic

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Chad

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Chile

13,640 bbl/day (2001 est.)

China

3.3 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Colombia

614,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Comoros

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

275,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cook Islands

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Costa Rica

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Croatia

29,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cuba

50,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cyprus

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Czech Republic

7,419 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Denmark

346,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Djibouti

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Dominica

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Dominican Republic

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Ecuador

421,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Egypt

816,900 bbl/day (2001 est.)

El Salvador

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

181,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Eritrea

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Estonia

5,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Ethiopia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Faroe Islands

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Fiji

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Finland

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

France

34,920 bbl/day (2001 est.)

French Guiana

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

French Polynesia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Gabon

301,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Gambia, The

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Georgia

2,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Germany

85,860 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Ghana

7,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Gibraltar

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Greece

5,992 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Greenland

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Grenada

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guadeloupe

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guam

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guatemala

21,080 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guinea

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guyana

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Haiti

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Honduras

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Hong Kong

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Hungary

41,190 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Iceland

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

India

732,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Indonesia

1.451 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Iran

3.804 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Iraq

2.452 million bbl/day (2001 est.); note - production was

disrupted as a result of the March-April 2003 war (2001 est.)

Ireland

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Israel

80 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2001 est.)

Italy

79,460 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Jamaica

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Japan

17,330 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Jordan

40 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

798,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Kenya

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Kiribati

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Korea, North

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Korea, South

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Kuwait

2.117 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

2,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Laos

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Latvia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Lebanon

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Lesotho

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Liberia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Libya

1.429 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Lithuania

4,594 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Macau

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Madagascar

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Malawi

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Malaysia

729,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Maldives

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mali

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Malta

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Martinique

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mauritania

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mauritius

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mexico

3.59 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Moldova

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mongolia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Montserrat

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Morocco

400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mozambique

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Namibia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Nauru

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Nepal

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Netherlands

46,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

New Caledonia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

New Zealand

42,160 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Nicaragua

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Niger

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Nigeria

2.256 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Niue

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Norway

3.408 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oman

963,800 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Pakistan

62,870 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Panama

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

67,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Paraguay

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Peru

95,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Philippines

8,460 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Poland

17,180 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Portugal

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Puerto Rico

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Qatar

864,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Reunion

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Romania

127,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Russia

7.286 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Rwanda

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saint Helena

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saint Lucia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Samoa

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saudi Arabia

8.711 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Senegal

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

15,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Seychelles

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Sierra Leone

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Singapore

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Slovakia

1,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Slovenia

20 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2001 est.)

Solomon Islands

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Somalia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

South Africa

196,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Spain

7,099 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Sri Lanka

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Sudan

209,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Suriname

10,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Swaziland

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Sweden

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Switzerland

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Syria

522,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Taiwan

1,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Tajikistan

250 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Tanzania

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Thailand

173,800 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Togo

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Tonga

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

125,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Tunisia

72,580 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Turkey

48,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Turkmenistan

162,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

0 bbl/day NA (2001 est.)

Uganda

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Ukraine

86,490 bbl/day (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

2.566 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

United Kingdom

2.541 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

United States

8.054 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Uruguay

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Uzbekistan

142,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Vanuatu

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Venezuela

3.08 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Vietnam

356,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Virgin Islands

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Western Sahara

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

World

75.46 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Yemen

438,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Zambia

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Zimbabwe

0 bbl/day (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2174 Oil - consumption (bbl/day)

Afghanistan

3,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Albania

22,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Algeria

209,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

American Samoa

3,800 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Angola

31,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda

3,600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Argentina

486,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Armenia

5,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Aruba

6,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Australia

796,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Austria

262,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

140,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bahamas, The

23,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bahrain

31,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bangladesh

71,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Barbados

10,900 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Belarus

230,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Belgium

595,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Belize

5,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Benin

11,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bermuda

4,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bhutan

1,020 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bolivia

49,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Botswana

16,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Brazil

2.199 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

British Virgin Islands

420 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Brunei

13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

94,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Burkina Faso

8,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Burma

38,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Burundi

2,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cambodia

3,600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cameroon

22,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Canada

1.703 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cape Verde

2,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cayman Islands

2,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Central African Republic

2,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Chad

1,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Chile

241,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

China

4.975 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Colombia

252,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Comoros

700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

14,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

5,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cook Islands

450 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Costa Rica

37,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

32,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Croatia

89,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cuba

163,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Cyprus

49,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Czech Republic

175,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Denmark

218,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Djibouti

11,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Dominica

600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Dominican Republic

129,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Ecuador

129,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Egypt

562,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

El Salvador

39,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

2,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Eritrea

6,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Estonia

24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Ethiopia

23,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Faroe Islands

4,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Fiji

5,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Finland

211,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

France

2.026 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

French Guiana

6,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

French Polynesia

4,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Gabon

13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Gambia, The

1,900 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Georgia

31,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Germany

2.813 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Ghana

38,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Gibraltar

42,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Greece

405,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Greenland

3,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Grenada

1,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guadeloupe

13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guam

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guatemala

61,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guinea

8,600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guinea-Bissau

2,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Guyana

11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Haiti

11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Honduras

29,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Hong Kong

257,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Hungary

140,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Iceland

16,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

India

2.13 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Indonesia

1.045 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Iran

1.277 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Iraq

460,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Ireland

174,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Israel

260,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Italy

1.866 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Jamaica

66,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Japan

5.29 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Jordan

103,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

195,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Kenya

57,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Kiribati

190 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Korea, North

85,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Korea, South

2.14 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Kuwait

273,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Laos

2,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Latvia

44,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Lebanon

107,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Lesotho

1,500 bbl/day (2001)

Liberia

3,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Libya

216,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Lithuania

72,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

50,650 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Macau

11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Madagascar

13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Malawi

5,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Malaysia

472,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Maldives

3,200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mali

4,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Malta

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Martinique

13,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mauritania

24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mauritius

21,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mexico

1.507 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Moldova

24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mongolia

8,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Montserrat

400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Morocco

167,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Mozambique

8,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Namibia

13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Nauru

1,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Nepal

16,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Netherlands

895,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Netherlands Antilles

72,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

New Caledonia

8,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

New Zealand

132,700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Nicaragua

24,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Niger

5,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Nigeria

275,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Niue

20 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Norway

171,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Oman

53,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Pakistan

365,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Panama

52,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

15,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Paraguay

25,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Peru

161,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Philippines

343,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Poland

424,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Portugal

339,800 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Puerto Rico

190,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Qatar

29,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Reunion

18,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Romania

215,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Russia

2.595 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Rwanda

5,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saint Helena

200 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

710 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saint Lucia

2,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

1,250 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Samoa

1,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe

700 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Saudi Arabia

1.452 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Senegal

31,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

64,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Seychelles

4,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Sierra Leone

6,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Singapore

700,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Slovakia

82,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Slovenia

53,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Solomon Islands

1,250 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Somalia

4,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

South Africa

460,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Spain

1.497 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Sri Lanka

75,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Sudan

50,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Suriname

10,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Swaziland

3,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Sweden

328,600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Switzerland

290,400 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Syria

265,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Taiwan

988,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Tajikistan

20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Tanzania

17,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Thailand

785,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Togo

10,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Tonga

1,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Tunisia

87,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Turkey

619,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Turkmenistan

63,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands

0 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2001 est.)

Uganda

8,750 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Ukraine

290,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

310,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

United Kingdom

1.71 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

United States

19.65 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Uruguay

41,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Uzbekistan

142,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Vanuatu

600 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Venezuela

505,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Vietnam

185,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Virgin Islands

66,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Western Sahara

1,800 bbl/day (2001 est.)

World

76.21 million bbl/day (2001 est.)

Yemen

74,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Zambia

11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

Zimbabwe

23,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2175 Oil - imports (bbl/day)

Afghanistan

NA (2001)

Albania

NA (2001)

Algeria

NA (2001)

American Samoa

NA (2001)

Angola

NA (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda

NA (2001)

Argentina

NA (2001)

Armenia

NA (2001)

Aruba

NA (2001)

Australia

530,800 bbl/day (2001)

Austria

262,000 bbl/day (2001)

Azerbaijan

NA (2001)

Bahamas, The

NA (2001)

Bahrain

NA (2001)

Bangladesh

NA (2001)

Barbados

NA (2001)

Belarus

NA (2001)

Belgium

1.042 million bbl/day (2001)

Belize

NA (2001)

Benin

NA (2001)

Bermuda

NA (2001)

Bhutan

NA (2001)

Bolivia

NA (2001)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

NA (2001)

Botswana

NA (2001)

Brazil

NA (2001)

British Virgin Islands

NA (2001)

Brunei

NA (2001)

Bulgaria

NA (2001)

Burkina Faso

NA (2001)

Burma

NA (2001)

Burundi

NA (2001)

Cambodia

NA (2001)

Cameroon

NA (2001)

Canada

1.145 million bbl/day (2001)

Cape Verde

NA (2001)

Cayman Islands

NA (2001)

Central African Republic

NA (2001)

Chad

NA (2001)

Chile

NA (2001)

China

NA (2001)

Colombia

NA (2001)

Comoros

NA (2001)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

NA (2001)

Congo, Republic of the

NA (2001)

Cook Islands

NA (2001)

Costa Rica

NA (2001)

Cote d'Ivoire

NA (2001)

Croatia

NA (2001)

Cuba

NA (2001)

Cyprus

NA (2001)

Czech Republic

192,300 bbl/day (2001)

Denmark

195,000 bbl/day (2001)

Djibouti

NA (2001)

Dominica

NA (2001)

Dominican Republic

NA (2001)

Ecuador

NA (2001)

Egypt

NA (2001)

El Salvador

NA (2001)

Equatorial Guinea

NA (2001)

Eritrea

NA (2001)

Estonia

NA (2001)

Ethiopia

NA (2001)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA (2001)

Faroe Islands

NA (2001)

Fiji

NA (2001)

Finland

318,300 bbl/day (2001)

France

2.281 million bbl/day (2001)

French Guiana

NA (2001)

French Polynesia

NA (2001)

Gabon

NA (2001)

Gambia, The

NA (2001)

Georgia

NA (2001)

Germany

3.081 million bbl/day (2001)

Ghana

NA (2001)

Gibraltar

NA (2001)

Greece

468,300 bbl/day (2001)

Greenland

NA (2001)

Grenada

NA (2001)

Guadeloupe

NA (2001)

Guam

NA (2001)

Guatemala

NA (2001)

Guinea

NA (2001)

Guinea-Bissau

NA (2001)

Guyana

NA (2001)

Haiti

NA (2001)

Honduras

NA (2001)

Hong Kong

NA (2001)

Hungary

136,600 bbl/day (2001)

Iceland

15,470 bbl/day (2001)

India

NA (2001)

Indonesia

NA (2001)

Iran

NA (2001)

Iraq

NA (2001)

Ireland

178,600 bbl/day (2001)

Israel

NA (2001)

Italy

2.158 million bbl/day (2001)

Jamaica

NA (2001)

Japan

5.449 million bbl/day (2001)

Jordan

NA (2001)

Kazakhstan

NA (2001)

Kenya

NA (2001)

Kiribati

NA (2001)

Korea, North

NA (2001)

Korea, South

2.965 million bbl/day (2001)

Kuwait

NA (2001)

Kyrgyzstan

NA (2001)

Laos

NA (2001)

Latvia

NA (2001)

Lebanon

NA (2001)

Lesotho

NA (2001)

Liberia

NA (2001)

Libya

NA (2001)

Lithuania

NA (2001)

Luxembourg

50,700 bbl/day (2001)

Macau

NA (2001)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

NA (2001)

Madagascar

NA (2001)

Malawi

NA (2001)

Malaysia

NA (2001)

Maldives

NA (2001)

Mali

NA (2001)

Malta

NA (2001)

Martinique

NA (2001)

Mauritania

NA (2001)

Mauritius

NA (2001)

Mexico

374,700 bbl/day (2001)

Moldova

NA (2001)

Mongolia

NA (2001)

Montserrat

NA (2001)

Morocco

NA (2001)

Mozambique

NA (2001)

Namibia

NA (2001)

Nauru

NA (2001)

Nepal

NA (2001)

Netherlands

2.284 million bbl/day (2001)

Netherlands Antilles

NA (2001)

New Caledonia

NA (2001)

New Zealand

119,700 bbl/day (2001)

Nicaragua

NA (2001)

Niger

NA (2001)

Nigeria

NA (2001)

Niue

NA (2001)

Norway

88,870 bbl/day (2001)

Oman

NA (2001)

Pakistan

NA (2001)

Panama

NA (2001)

Papua New Guinea

NA (2001)

Paraguay

NA (2001)

Peru

NA (2001)

Philippines

NA (2001)

Poland

413,700 bbl/day (2001)

Portugal

357,300 bbl/day (2001)

Puerto Rico

NA (2001)

Qatar

NA (2001)

Reunion

NA (2001)

Romania

NA (2001)

Russia

NA (2001)

Rwanda

NA (2001)

Saint Helena

NA (2001)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA (2001)

Saint Lucia

NA (2001)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA (2001)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

NA (2001)

Samoa

NA (2001)

Sao Tome and Principe

NA (2001)

Saudi Arabia

NA (2001)

Senegal

NA (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro

NA (2001)

Seychelles

NA (2001)

Sierra Leone

NA (2001)

Singapore

NA (2001)

Slovakia

NA (2001)

Slovenia

NA (2001)

Solomon Islands

NA (2001)

Somalia

NA (2001)

South Africa

NA (2001)

Spain

1.582 million bbl/day (2001)

Sri Lanka

NA (2001)

Sudan

NA (2001)

Suriname

NA (2001)

Swaziland

NA (2001)

Sweden

553,100 bbl/day (2001)

Switzerland

289,500 bbl/day (2001)

Syria

NA (2001)

Taiwan

NA (2001)

Tajikistan

NA (2001)

Tanzania

NA (2001)

Thailand

NA (2001)

Togo

NA (2001)

Tonga

NA (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago

NA (2001)

Tunisia

NA (2001)

Turkey

616,500 bbl/day (2001)

Turkmenistan

NA (2001)

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA (2001)

Uganda

NA (2001)

Ukraine

NA (2001)

United Arab Emirates

NA (2001)

United Kingdom

1.418 million bbl/day (2001)

United States

NA (2001)

Uruguay

NA (2001)

Uzbekistan

NA (2001)

Vanuatu

NA (2001)

Venezuela

NA (2001)

Vietnam

NA (2001)

Virgin Islands

NA (2001)

Western Sahara

NA (2001)

Yemen

NA (2001)

Zambia

NA (2001)

Zimbabwe

NA (2001)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2176 Oil - exports (bbl/day)

Afghanistan

NA (2001)

Albania

NA (2001)

Algeria

NA (2001)

American Samoa

NA (2001)

Angola

NA (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda

NA (2001)

Argentina

NA (2001)

Armenia

NA (2001)

Aruba

NA (2001)

Australia

523,400 bbl/day (2001)

Austria

35,470 bbl/day (2001)

Azerbaijan

NA (2001)

Bahamas, The

NA (2001)

Bahrain

NA (2001)

Bangladesh

NA (2001)

Barbados

NA (2001)

Belarus

NA (2001)

Belgium

450,000 bbl/day (2001)

Belize

NA (2001)

Benin

NA (2001)

Bermuda

NA (2001)

Bhutan

NA (2001)

Bolivia

NA (2001)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

NA (2001)

Botswana

NA (2001)

Brazil

NA (2001)

British Virgin Islands

NA (2001)

Brunei

NA (2001)

Bulgaria

NA (2001)

Burkina Faso

NA (2001)

Burma

NA (2001)

Burundi

NA (2001)

Cambodia

NA (2001)

Cameroon

NA (2001)

Canada

2.008 million bbl/day (2001)

Cape Verde

NA (2001)

Cayman Islands

NA (2001)

Central African Republic

NA (2001)

Chad

NA (2001)

Chile

NA (2001)

China

NA (2001)

Colombia

NA (2001)

Comoros

NA (2001)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

NA (2001)

Congo, Republic of the

NA (2001)

Cook Islands

NA (2001)

Costa Rica

NA (2001)

Cote d'Ivoire

NA (2001)

Croatia

NA (2001)

Cuba

NA (2001)

Cyprus

NA (2001)

Czech Republic

26,670 bbl/day (2001)

Denmark

332,100 bbl/day (2001)

Djibouti

NA (2001)

Dominica

NA (2001)

Dominican Republic

NA (2001)

Ecuador

NA (2001)

Egypt

NA (2001)

El Salvador

NA (2001)

Equatorial Guinea

NA (2001)

Eritrea

NA (2001)

Estonia

NA (2001)

Ethiopia

NA (2001)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

NA (2001)

Faroe Islands

NA (2001)

Fiji

NA (2001)

Finland

101,000 bbl/day (2001)

France

409,600 bbl/day (2001)

French Guiana

NA (2001)

French Polynesia

NA (2001)

Gabon

NA (2001)

Gambia, The

NA (2001)

Georgia

NA (2001)

Germany

404,300 bbl/day (2001)

Ghana

NA (2001)

Gibraltar

NA (2001)

Greece

84,720 bbl/day (2001)

Greenland

NA (2001)

Grenada

NA (2001)

Guadeloupe

NA (2001)

Guam

NA (2001)

Guatemala

NA (2001)

Guinea

NA (2001)

Guinea-Bissau

NA (2001)

Guyana

NA (2001)

Haiti

NA (2001)

Honduras

NA (2001)

Hong Kong

NA (2001)

Hungary

47,180 bbl/day (2001)

Iceland

0 bbl/day (2001)

India

NA (2001)

Indonesia

NA (2001)

Iran

NA (2001)

Iraq

NA (2001)

Ireland

27,450 bbl/day (2001)

Israel

NA (2001)

Italy

456,600 bbl/day (2001)

Jamaica

NA (2001)

Japan

93,360 bbl/day (2001)

Jordan

NA (2001)

Kazakhstan

NA (2001)

Kenya

NA (2001)

Kiribati

NA (2001)

Korea, North

NA (2001)

Korea, South

804,700 bbl/day (2001)

Kuwait

NA (2001)

Kyrgyzstan

NA (2001)

Laos

NA (2001)

Latvia

NA (2001)

Lebanon

NA (2001)

Lesotho

NA (2001)

Liberia

NA (2001)

Libya

NA (2001)

Lithuania

NA (2001)

Luxembourg

634 bbl/day (2001)

Macau

NA (2001)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

NA (2001)

Madagascar

NA (2001)

Malawi

NA (2001)

Malaysia

NA (2001)

Maldives

NA (2001)

Mali

NA (2001)

Malta

NA (2001)

Martinique

NA (2001)

Mauritania

NA (2001)

Mauritius

NA (2001)

Mexico

1.881 million bbl/day (2001)

Moldova

NA (2001)

Mongolia

NA (2001)

Montserrat

NA (2001)

Morocco

NA (2001)

Mozambique

NA (2001)

Namibia

NA (2001)

Nauru

NA (2001)

Nepal

NA (2001)

Netherlands

1.418 million bbl/day (2001)

Netherlands Antilles

NA (2001)

New Caledonia

NA (2001)

New Zealand

30,220 bbl/day (2001)

Nicaragua

NA (2001)

Niger

NA (2001)

Nigeria

NA (2001)

Niue

NA (2001)

Norway

3.466 million bbl/day (2001)

Oman

NA (2001)

Pakistan

NA (2001)

Panama

NA (2001)

Papua New Guinea

NA (2001)

Paraguay

NA (2001)

Peru

NA (2001)

Philippines

NA (2001)

Poland

53,000 bbl/day (2001)

Portugal

28,830 bbl/day (2001)

Puerto Rico

NA (2001)

Qatar

NA (2001)

Reunion

NA (2001)

Romania

NA (2001)

Russia

NA (2001)

Rwanda

NA (2001)

Saint Helena

NA (2001)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

NA (2001)

Saint Lucia

NA (2001)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

NA (2001)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

NA (2001)

Samoa

NA (2001)

Sao Tome and Principe

NA (2001)

Saudi Arabia

NA (2001)

Senegal

NA (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro

NA (2001)

Seychelles

NA (2001)

Sierra Leone

NA (2001)

Singapore

NA (2001)

Slovakia

NA (2001)

Slovenia

NA (2001)

Solomon Islands

NA (2001)

Somalia

NA (2001)

South Africa

NA (2001)

Spain

135,100 bbl/day (2001)

Sri Lanka

NA (2001)

Sudan

NA (2001)

Suriname

NA (2001)

Swaziland

NA (2001)

Sweden

203,700 bbl/day (2001)

Switzerland

10,420 bbl/day (2001)

Syria

NA (2001)

Taiwan

NA (2001)

Tajikistan

NA (2001)

Tanzania

NA (2001)

Thailand

NA (2001)

Togo

NA (2001)

Tonga

NA (2001)

Trinidad and Tobago

NA (2001)

Tunisia

NA (2001)

Turkey

46,110 bbl/day (2001)

Turkmenistan

NA (2001)

Turks and Caicos Islands

NA (2001)

Uganda

NA (2001)

Ukraine

NA (2001)

United Arab Emirates

NA (2001)

United Kingdom

2.205 million bbl/day (2001)

United States

NA (2001)

Uruguay

NA (2001)

Uzbekistan

NA (2001)

Vanuatu

NA (2001)

Venezuela

NA (2001)

Vietnam

NA (2001)

Virgin Islands

NA (2001)

Western Sahara

NA (2001)

Yemen

NA (2001)

Zambia

NA (2001)

Zimbabwe

NA (2001)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2177 Median age (years)

Afghanistan

total: 18.9 years

male: 19.1 years

female: 18.7 years (2002)

Albania

total: 26.5 years

male: 24.8 years

female: 28.1 years (2002)

Algeria

total: 22.5 years

male: 22.3 years

female: 22.6 years (2002)

American Samoa

total: 21.6 years

male: 21.1 years

female: 22.2 years (2002)

Andorra

total: 39.1 years

male: 39.4 years

female: 38.8 years (2002)

Angola

total: 18.2 years

male: 18.2 years

female: 18.2 years (2002)

Anguilla

total: 30 years

male: 30 years

female: 29.9 years (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda

total: 29.1 years

male: 28.6 years

female: 29.6 years (2002)

Argentina

total: 29 years

male: 28 years

female: 29.9 years (2002)

Armenia

total: 32.3 years

male: 30.6 years

female: 34.1 years (2002)

Aruba

total: 37.1 years

male: 35.3 years

female: 38.5 years (2002)

Australia

total: 36 years

male: 35.2 years

female: 36.8 years (2002)

Austria

total: 39.4 years

male: 38.2 years

female: 40.7 years (2002)

Azerbaijan

total: 27.1 years

male: 25.7 years

female: 28.6 years (2002)

Bahamas, The

total: 27 years

male: 26.2 years

female: 27.7 years (2002)

Bahrain

total: 28.7 years

male: 31.6 years

female: 25.1 years (2002)

Bangladesh

total: 21.2 years

male: 21.2 years

female: 21.1 years (2002)

Barbados

total: 33.3 years

male: 32.2 years

female: 34.4 years (2002)

Belarus

total: 36.7 years

male: 34.1 years

female: 39.3 years (2002)

Belgium

total: 40 years

male: 38.7 years

female: 41.3 years (2002)

Belize

total: 18.9 years

male: 18.8 years

female: 19 years (2002)

Benin

total: 16.4 years

male: 15.9 years

female: 16.9 years (2002)

Bermuda

total: 38.7 years

male: 37.8 years

female: 39.6 years (2002)

Bhutan

total: 20.1 years

male: 19.9 years

female: 20.3 years (2002)

Bolivia

total: 20.8 years

male: 20.1 years

female: 21.5 years (2002)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

total: 35.5 years

male: 35.1 years

female: 35.9 years (2002)

Botswana

total: 19.1 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 19.8 years (2002)

Brazil

total: 27 years

male: 26.2 years

female: 27.7 years (2002)

British Virgin Islands

total: 30.7 years

male: 31 years

female: 30.4 years (2002)

Brunei

total: 26.4 years

male: 27 years

female: 25.7 years (2002)

Bulgaria

total: 40.5 years

male: 38.4 years

female: 42.4 years (2002)

Burkina Faso

total: 16.8 years

male: 16.4 years

female: 17.2 years (2002)

Burma

total: 25.3 years

male: 24.8 years

female: 25.9 years (2002)

Burundi

total: 16.3 years

male: 15.9 years

female: 16.7 years (2002)

Cambodia

total: 19.2 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 20 years (2002)

Cameroon

total: 18.4 years

male: 18.2 years

female: 18.5 years (2002)

Canada

total: 37.8 years

male: 36.9 years

female: 38.8 years (2002)

Cape Verde

total: 18.7 years

male: 17.9 years

female: 19.6 years (2002)

Cayman Islands

total: 36.1 years

male: 35.8 years

female: 36.4 years (2002)

Central African Republic

total: 17.9 years

male: 17.6 years

female: 18.3 years (2002)

Chad

total: 16 years

male: 15.2 years

female: 16.8 years (2002)

Chile

total: 29.5 years

male: 28.6 years

female: 30.4 years (2002)

China

total: 31.5 years

male: 31.2 years

female: 31.7 years (2002)

Colombia

total: 25.6 years

male: 24.8 years

female: 26.4 years (2002)

Comoros

total: 18.6 years

male: 18.3 years

female: 18.9 years (2002)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

total: 15.8 years

male: 15.4 years

female: 16.1 years (2002)

Congo, Republic of the

total: 20.2 years

male: 19.8 years

female: 20.7 years (2002)

Costa Rica

total: 25.4 years

male: 24.9 years

female: 25.8 years (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire

total: 17 years

male: 17.3 years

female: 16.6 years (2002)

Croatia

total: 38.9 years

male: 37.1 years

female: 40.7 years (2002)

Cuba

total: 34.5 years

male: 33.9 years

female: 35.1 years (2002)

Cyprus

total: 34.2 years

male: 33.1 years

female: 35.2 years (2002)

Czech Republic

total: 38.4 years

male: 36.6 years

female: 40.2 years (2002)

Denmark

total: 39.1 years

male: 38.1 years

female: 40.1 years (2002)

Djibouti

total: 18.3 years

male: 18.9 years

female: 17.7 years (2002)

Dominica

total: 28.4 years

male: 28.1 years

female: 28.8 years (2002)

Dominican Republic

total: 23.5 years

male: 23.3 years

female: 23.7 years (2002)

East Timor

total: 19.7 years

male: 19.8 years

female: 19.6 years (2002)

Ecuador

total: 22.5 years

male: 22 years

female: 23 years (2002)

Egypt

total: 23.1 years

male: 22.8 years

female: 23.5 years (2002)

El Salvador

total: 21.1 years

male: 20 years

female: 22.2 years (2002)

Equatorial Guinea

total: 18.7 years

male: 18 years

female: 19.3 years (2002)

Eritrea

total: 17.6 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 17.7 years (2002)

Estonia

total: 38.1 years

male: 34.7 years

female: 41.3 years (2002)

Ethiopia

total: 17.3 years

male: 17.3 years

female: 17.4 years (2002)

Faroe Islands

total: 35.1 years

male: 34.5 years

female: 35.8 years (2002)

Fiji

total: 23.7 years

male: 23.3 years

female: 24.2 years (2002)

Finland

total: 40.3 years

male: 38.8 years

female: 41.8 years (2002)

France

total: 38.3 years

male: 36.8 years

female: 39.8 years (2002)

French Guiana

total: 28.2 years

male: 29.2 years

female: 27.1 years (2002)

French Polynesia

total: 26.7 years

male: 27.1 years

female: 26.3 years (2002)

Gabon

total: 18.5 years

male: 18.3 years

female: 18.7 years (2002)

Gambia, The

total: 17.4 years

male: 17.3 years

female: 17.6 years (2002)

Gaza Strip

total: 15.3 years

male: 15.1 years

female: 15.5 years (2002)

Georgia

total: 34.8 years

male: 32.6 years

female: 37 years (2002)

Germany

total: 41.3 years

male: 39.9 years

female: 42.8 years (2002)

Ghana

total: 19.8 years

male: 19.5 years

female: 20 years (2002)

Gibraltar

total: 38.8 years

male: 38.6 years

female: 39 years (2002)

Greece

total: 39.8 years

male: 38.6 years

female: 41 years (2002)

Greenland

total: 33.1 years

male: 34.3 years

female: 31.7 years (2002)

Grenada

total: 20.5 years

male: 21 years

female: 20 years (2002)

Guadeloupe

total: 31 years

male: 30.2 years

female: 31.9 years (2002)

Guam

total: 25.2 years

male: 25.6 years

female: 24.9 years (2002)

Guatemala

total: 18.3 years

male: 18.1 years

female: 18.5 years (2002)

Guernsey

total: 40.2 years

male: 39.3 years

female: 41.1 years (2002)

Guinea

total: 17.7 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 17.9 years (2002)

Guinea-Bissau

total: 18.8 years

male: 18.2 years

female: 19.4 years (2002)

Guyana

total: 25.7 years

male: 25.2 years

female: 26.3 years (2002)

Haiti

total: 17.9 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 18.5 years (2002)

Honduras

total: 18.8 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 19.2 years (2002)

Hong Kong

total: 37.5 years

male: 37.1 years

female: 37.7 years (2002)

Hungary

total: 38.4 years

male: 35.7 years

female: 41.1 years (2002)

Iceland

total: 34 years

male: 33.2 years

female: 34.7 years (2002)

India

total: 24.1 years

male: 24.1 years

female: 24.2 years (2002)

Indonesia

total: 25.8 years

male: 25.4 years

female: 26.2 years (2002)

Iran

total: 22.9 years

male: 22.7 years

female: 23.2 years (2002)

Iraq

total: 19 years

male: 18.9 years

female: 19.1 years (2002)

Ireland

total: 33.1 years

male: 32.2 years

female: 34 years (2002)

Israel

total: 28.9 years

male: 28.1 years

female: 29.8 years (2002)

Italy

total: 41 years

male: 39.4 years

female: 42.6 years (2002)

Jamaica

total: 26.5 years

male: 25.8 years

female: 27.2 years (2002)

Japan

total: 42 years

male: 40.3 years

female: 43.8 years (2002)

Jersey

total: 39.8 years

male: 39.1 years

female: 40.6 years (2002)

Jordan

total: 21.8 years

male: 22.4 years

female: 21.1 years (2002)

Kazakhstan

total: 28.2 years

male: 26.6 years

female: 29.7 years (2002)

Kenya

total: 18.4 years

male: 18.2 years

female: 18.5 years (2002)

Kiribati

total: 19.7 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 20.2 years (2002)

Korea, North

total: 31.1 years

male: 30 years

female: 32.3 years (2002)

Korea, South

total: 33.2 years

male: 32.2 years

female: 34.2 years (2002)

Kuwait

total: 25.9 years

male: 28.4 years

female: 21.8 years (2002)

Kyrgyzstan

total: 22.7 years

male: 21.8 years

female: 23.6 years (2002)

Laos

total: 18.5 years

male: 18.1 years

female: 18.9 years (2002)

Latvia

total: 39 years

male: 35.5 years

female: 42.1 years (2002)

Lebanon

total: 26.4 years

male: 25.4 years

female: 27.5 years (2002)

Lesotho

total: 19.8 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 20.4 years (2002)

Liberia

total: 18.1 years

male: 17.7 years

female: 18.4 years (2002)

Libya

total: 22.1 years

male: 22.2 years

female: 21.9 years (2002)

Liechtenstein

total: 38.3 years

male: 37.9 years

female: 38.8 years (2002)

Lithuania

total: 36.6 years

male: 33.9 years

female: 39.2 years (2002)

Luxembourg

total: 38.1 years

male: 37.2 years

female: 38.9 years (2002)

Macau

total: 33.1 years

male: 32.9 years

female: 33.3 years (2002)

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

total: 32.5 years

male: 31.4 years

female: 33.6 years (2002)

Madagascar

total: 17.4 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 17.6 years (2002)

Malawi

total: 16.4 years

male: 16.1 years

female: 16.7 years (2002)

Malaysia

total: 23.6 years

male: 23 years

female: 24.3 years (2002)

Maldives

total: 17.3 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 17.4 years (2002)

Mali

total: 16.3 years

male: 15.7 years

female: 16.9 years (2002)

Malta

total: 37.2 years

male: 35.6 years

female: 38.8 years (2002)

Man, Isle of

total: 39.1 years

male: 37.8 years

female: 40.6 years (2002)

Marshall Islands

total: 19.3 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 19.2 years (2002)

Martinique

total: 32.7 years

male: 32 years

female: 33.3 years (2002)

Mauritania

total: 16.9 years

male: 16.6 years

female: 17.2 years (2002)

Mauritius

total: 29.8 years

male: 29.1 years

female: 30.8 years (2002)

Mayotte

total: 16.9 years

male: 18.1 years

female: 15.7 years (2002)

Mexico

total: 23.8 years

male: 22.9 years

female: 24.6 years (2002)

Moldova

total: 32 years

male: 29.8 years

female: 34.2 years (2002)

Monaco

total: 45 years

male: 43 years

female: 47 years (2002)

Mongolia

total: 23.5 years

male: 23.2 years

female: 23.9 years (2002)

Montserrat

total: 27.8 years

male: 27.7 years

female: 27.9 years (2002)

Morocco

total: 23 years

male: 22.5 years

female: 23.5 years (2002)

Mozambique

total: 19 years

male: 18.7 years

female: 19.3 years (2002)

Namibia

total: 18.3 years

male: 17.9 years

female: 18.6 years (2002)

Nauru

total: 19.6 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 20 years (2002)

Nepal

total: 19.7 years

male: 19.6 years

female: 19.9 years (2002)

Netherlands

total: 38.6 years

male: 37.7 years

female: 39.5 years (2002)

Netherlands Antilles

total: 31.8 years

male: 30.3 years

female: 33.2 years (2002)

New Caledonia

total: 26.9 years

male: 26.7 years

female: 27.2 years (2002)

New Zealand

total: 33.1 years

male: 32.4 years

female: 33.9 years (2002)

Nicaragua

total: 20.4 years

male: 20 years

female: 20.8 years (2002)

Niger

total: 16.1 years

male: 15.6 years

female: 16.6 years (2002)

Nigeria

total: 18 years

male: 18.1 years

female: 17.9 years (2002)

Northern Mariana Islands

total: 30.4 years

male: 31 years

female: 30.1 years (2002)

Norway

total: 37.7 years

male: 36.7 years

female: 38.7 years (2002)

Oman

total: 19.4 years

male: 22.3 years

female: 16.5 years (2002)

Pakistan

total: 19.8 years

male: 19.7 years

female: 20 years (2002)

Palau

total: 30.8 years

male: 31.8 years

female: 29.7 years (2002)

Panama

total: 25.6 years

male: 25.4 years

female: 25.9 years (2002)

Papua New Guinea

total: 20.8 years

male: 21 years

female: 20.6 years (2002)

Paraguay

total: 20.9 years

male: 20.7 years

female: 21.2 years (2002)

Peru

total: 23.5 years

male: 23.2 years

female: 23.7 years (2002)

Philippines

total: 21.8 years

male: 21.3 years

female: 22.4 years (2002)

Poland

total: 36 years

male: 34.1 years

female: 38 years (2002)

Portugal

total: 37.6 years

male: 35.8 years

female: 39.3 years (2002)

Puerto Rico

total: 33.3 years

male: 31.6 years

female: 34.9 years (2002)

Qatar

total: 31.2 years

male: 36.4 years

female: 21.6 years (2002)

Reunion

total: 26.4 years

male: 25.2 years

female: 27.5 years (2002)

Romania

total: 35.4 years

male: 34 years

female: 37.1 years (2002)

Russia

total: 37.6 years

male: 34.7 years

female: 40.3 years (2002)

Rwanda

total: 18.1 years

male: 17.8 years

female: 18.3 years (2002)

Saint Helena

total: 34.2 years

male: 34.4 years

female: 33.9 years (2002)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

total: 27.1 years

male: 26.3 years

female: 27.9 years (2002)

Saint Lucia

total: 24.1 years

male: 23.3 years

female: 24.9 years (2002)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

total: 32.9 years

male: 32.7 years

female: 33.1 years (2002)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

total: 25.3 years

male: 25.1 years

female: 25.5 years (2002)

Samoa

total: 23.7 years

male: 26.3 years

female: 20.2 years (2002)

San Marino

total: 39.6 years

male: 39.2 years

female: 40 years (2002)

Sao Tome and Principe

total: 16.1 years

male: 15.5 years

female: 16.7 years (2002)

Saudi Arabia

total: 18.8 years

male: 20.9 years

female: 16.8 years (2002)

Senegal

total: 17.8 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 18.4 years (2002)

Serbia and Montenegro

total: 36.2 years

male: 34.3 years

female: 37.9 years (2002)

Seychelles

total: 26.9 years

male: 25.8 years

female: 27.9 years (2002)

Sierra Leone

total: 17.5 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 17.8 years (2002)

Singapore

total: 34.5 years

male: 34.3 years

female: 34.8 years (2002)

Slovakia

total: 35 years

male: 33.3 years

female: 36.7 years (2002)

Slovenia

total: 38.6 years

male: 37.1 years

female: 40.2 years (2002)

Solomon Islands

total: 18.2 years

male: 18.1 years

female: 18.3 years (2002)

Somalia

total: 17.6 years

male: 17.6 years

female: 17.6 years (2002)

South Africa

total: 24.5 years

male: 24 years

female: 25 years (2002)

Spain

total: 38.7 years

male: 37.4 years

female: 40.1 years (2002)

Sri Lanka

total: 28.7 years

male: 27.7 years

female: 29.7 years (2002)

Sudan

total: 17.7 years

male: 17.5 years

female: 17.9 years (2002)

Suriname

total: 25.5 years

male: 25.1 years

female: 26 years (2002)

Swaziland

total: 18.5 years

male: 18.2 years

female: 18.8 years (2002)

Sweden

total: 40.1 years

male: 39 years

female: 41.4 years (2002)

Switzerland

total: 40.2 years

male: 39.3 years

female: 41.2 years (2002)

Syria

total: 19.7 years

male: 19.6 years

female: 19.9 years (2002)

Taiwan

total: 33.2 years

male: 32.9 years

female: 33.6 years (2002)

Tajikistan

total: 19.3 years

male: 19 years

female: 19.6 years (2002)

Tanzania

total: 17.5 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 17.7 years (2002)

Thailand

total: 30.1 years

male: 29.4 years

female: 30.8 years (2002)

Togo

total: 17.3 years

male: 16.9 years

female: 17.7 years (2002)

Tonga

total: 19.8 years

male: 19.3 years

female: 20.3 years (2002)

Trinidad and Tobago

total: 29.9 years

male: 29.5 years

female: 30.4 years (2002)

Tunisia

total: 26.2 years

male: 25.7 years

female: 26.7 years (2002)

Turkey

total: 26.8 years

male: 26.7 years

female: 27 years (2002)

Turkmenistan

total: 21.1 years

male: 20.2 years

female: 22 years (2002)

Turks and Caicos Islands

total: 27 years

male: 27.7 years

female: 26.3 years (2002)

Tuvalu

total: 24.2 years

male: 22.9 years

female: 25.8 years (2002)

Uganda

total: 14.7 years

male: 14.6 years

female: 14.8 years (2002)

Ukraine

total: 38 years

male: 34.8 years

female: 40.9 years (2002)

United Arab Emirates

total: 27.6 years

male: 36.1 years

female: 21.9 years (2002)

United Kingdom

total: 38.4 years

male: 37.3 years

female: 39.5 years (2002)

United States

total: 35.8 years

male: 34.5 years

female: 37.1 years (2002)

Uruguay

total: 31.8 years

male: 30.2 years

female: 33.4 years (2002)

Uzbekistan

total: 21.8 years

male: 21.2 years

female: 22.5 years (2002)

Vanuatu

total: 21.9 years

male: 22 years

female: 21.8 years (2002)

Venezuela

total: 24.8 years

male: 24.3 years

female: 25.4 years (2002)

Vietnam

total: 24.5 years

male: 23.6 years

female: 25.5 years (2002)

Virgin Islands

total: 31.2 years

male: 28.6 years

female: 33.7 years (2002)

West Bank

total: 17.9 years

male: 17.7 years

female: 18 years (2002)

Yemen

total: 16.4 years

male: 16.4 years

female: 16.4 years (2002)

Zambia

total: 16.5 years

male: 16.4 years

female: 16.6 years (2002)

Zimbabwe

total: 18.9 years

male: 18.9 years

female: 18.9 years (2002)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2178 Oil - proved reserves (bbl)

Afghanistan

0 bbl (37257)

Albania

185.5 million bbl (37257)

Algeria

13.1 billion bbl (37257)

Angola

5.691 billion bbl (37257)

Argentina

2.927 billion bbl (37257)

Australia

3.664 billion bbl (37257)

Austria

85.69 million bbl (37257)

Azerbaijan

589 million bbl (37257)

Bahrain

62.28 million bbl (37257)

Bangladesh

28.45 million bbl (37257)

Barbados

1.254 million bbl (37257)

Benin

4.105 million bbl (37257)

Bolivia

458.8 million bbl (37257)

Brazil

8.507 billion bbl (37257)

Brunei

1.255 billion bbl (37257)

Bulgaria

8.1 million bbl (37257)

Burma

142.5 million bbl (37257)

Cameroon

200 million bbl (37257)

Canada

5.112 billion bbl (37257)

Chile

81.05 million bbl (37257)

China

26.75 billion bbl (37257)

Colombia

1.8 billion bbl (37257)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

1.538 billion bbl (37257)

Congo, Republic of the

93.5 million bbl (37257)

Cote d'Ivoire

50 million bbl (37257)

Croatia

93.6 million bbl (37257)

Cuba

532 million bbl (37257)

Czech Republic

17.25 million bbl (37257)

Denmark

1.23 billion bbl (37257)

Ecuador

2.358 billion bbl (37257)

Egypt

3.308 billion bbl (37257)

Equatorial Guinea

563.5 million bbl (37257)

Ethiopia

214,000 bbl (37257)

France

144.3 million bbl (37257)

Gabon

2.45 billion bbl (37257)

Germany

327.3 million bbl (37257)

Ghana

8.255 million bbl (37257)

Greece

4.5 million bbl (37257)

Guatemala

263 million bbl (37257)

Hungary

110.7 million bbl (37257)

India

4.33 billion bbl (37257)

Indonesia

7.083 billion bbl (37257)

Iran

94.39 billion bbl (37257)

Iraq

113.8 billion bbl (37257)

Ireland

0 bbl (37257)

Israel

1.92 million bbl (37257)

Italy

586.6 million bbl (37257)

Japan

29.29 million bbl (37257)

Jordan

445,000 bbl (37257)

Kazakhstan

2.709 billion bbl (37257)

Kuwait

97.68 billion bbl (37257)

Libya

29.75 billion bbl (37257)

Madagascar

0 bbl (37257)

Malaysia

3.729 billion bbl (37257)

Mexico

25.03 billion bbl (37257)

Morocco

900,000 bbl (37257)

Mozambique

0 bbl (37257)

Namibia

0 bbl (37257)

Netherlands

88.06 million bbl (37257)

New Zealand

89.62 million bbl (37257)

Nigeria

27 billion bbl (37257)

Norway

9.859 billion bbl (37257)

Oman

5.703 billion bbl (37257)

Pakistan

297.1 million bbl (37257)

Papua New Guinea

345.2 million bbl (37257)

Peru

614.7 million bbl (37257)

Philippines

164 million bbl (37257)

Poland

116.4 million bbl (37257)

Qatar

14.51 billion bbl (37257)

Romania

1.055 billion bbl (37257)

Russia

51.22 billion bbl (37257)

Rwanda

0 bbl (37257)

Saudi Arabia

261.7 billion bbl (37257)

Serbia and Montenegro

38.75 million bbl (37257)

Slovakia

4.5 million bbl (37257)

Somalia

0 bbl (37257)

South Africa

7.84 million bbl (37257)

Spain

10.5 million bbl (37257)

Sudan

631.5 million bbl (37257)

Suriname

37 million bbl (37257)

Syria

2.4 billion bbl (37257)

Taiwan

2 million bbl (37257)

Tanzania

0 bbl (37257)

Thailand

551.5 million bbl (37257)

Trinidad and Tobago

716 million bbl (37257)

Tunisia

417 million bbl (37257)

Turkey

288.4 million bbl (37257)

Turkmenistan

273 million bbl (37257)

Ukraine

197.5 million bbl (37257)

United Arab Emirates

80.31 billion bbl (37257)

United Kingdom

4.741 billion bbl (37257)

United States

22.45 billion bbl (37257)

Uzbekistan

297 million bbl (37257)

Venezuela

63.95 billion bbl (37257)

Vietnam

1.4 billion bbl (37257)

World

1.025 trillion bbl (37257)

Yemen

3.2 billion bbl (37257)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2179 Natural gas - proved reserves (cu m)

Afghanistan

49.98 billion cu m (37257)

Albania

3.316 billion cu m (37257)

Algeria

4.739 trillion cu m (37257)

Angola

79.57 billion cu m (37257)

Argentina

768 billion cu m (37257)

Australia

2.407 trillion cu m (37257)

Austria

24.9 billion cu m (37257)

Azerbaijan

62.3 billion cu m (37257)

Bahrain

46 billion cu m (37257)

Bangladesh

150.3 billion cu m (37257)

Barbados

70.79 million cu m (37257)

Benin

608.8 million cu m (37257)

Bolivia

727.2 billion cu m (37257)

Brazil

221.7 billion cu m (37257)

Brunei

315 billion cu m (37257)

Bulgaria

3.724 billion cu m (37257)

Burma

314.4 billion cu m (37257)

Cameroon

55.22 billion cu m (37257)

Canada

1.691 trillion cu m (37257)

Chile

67.78 billion cu m (37257)

China

1.29 trillion cu m (37257)

Colombia

132 billion cu m (37257)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

104.8 billion cu m (37257)

Congo, Republic of the

495.5 million cu m (37257)

Cote d'Ivoire

14.87 billion cu m (37257)

Croatia

34.36 billion cu m (37257)

Cuba

42.62 billion cu m (37257)

Czech Republic

3.057 billion cu m (37257)

Denmark

81.98 billion cu m (37257)

Ecuador

106.5 billion cu m (37257)

Egypt

1.264 trillion cu m (37257)

Equatorial Guinea

68.53 billion cu m (37257)

Ethiopia

12.46 billion cu m (37257)

France

12.86 billion cu m (37257)

Gabon

66.47 billion cu m (37257)

Germany

298.3 billion cu m (37257)

Ghana

11.89 billion cu m (37257)

Greece

254.9 million cu m (37257)

Guatemala

1.543 billion cu m (37257)

Hungary

50.45 billion cu m (37257)

India

542.4 billion cu m (37257)

Indonesia

2.549 trillion cu m (37257)

Iran

24.8 trillion cu m (37257)

Iraq

3.149 trillion cu m (37257)

Ireland

9.911 billion cu m (37257)

Israel

20.81 billion cu m (37257)

Italy

209.7 billion cu m (37257)

Japan

20.02 billion cu m (37257)

Jordan

3.256 billion cu m (37257)

Kazakhstan

920.3 billion cu m (37257)

Kuwait

1.548 trillion cu m (37257)

Libya

1.321 trillion cu m (37257)

Madagascar

0 cu m (37257)

Malaysia

2.23 trillion cu m (37257)

Mexico

969.2 billion cu m (37257)

Morocco

665.4 million cu m (37257)

Mozambique

63.71 billion cu m (37257)

Namibia

31.15 billion cu m (37257)

Netherlands

1.693 trillion cu m (37257)

New Zealand

58.94 billion cu m (37257)

Nigeria

4.007 trillion cu m (37257)

Norway

1.716 trillion cu m (37257)

Oman

846.4 billion cu m (37257)

Pakistan

695.6 billion cu m (37257)

Papua New Guinea

385.5 billion cu m (37257)

Peru

245.1 billion cu m (37257)

Philippines

104.6 billion cu m (37257)

Poland

154.4 billion cu m (37257)

Qatar

17.93 trillion cu m (37257)

Romania

111.1 billion cu m (37257)

Russia

47.86 trillion cu m (37257)

Rwanda

28.32 billion cu m (37257)

Saudi Arabia

6.339 trillion cu m (37257)

Serbia and Montenegro

24.07 billion cu m (37257)

Slovakia

7.504 billion cu m (37257)

Somalia

2.832 billion cu m (37257)

South Africa

14.16 million cu m (37257)

Spain

254.9 million cu m (37257)

Sudan

99.11 billion cu m (37257)

Suriname

0 cu m (37257)

Syria

240.7 billion cu m (37257)

Taiwan

38.23 billion cu m (37257)

Tanzania

11.33 billion cu m (37257)

Thailand

368.2 billion cu m (37257)

Trinidad and Tobago

610.6 billion cu m (37257)

Tunisia

77.16 billion cu m (37257)

Turkey

8.685 billion cu m (37257)

Turkmenistan

1.43 trillion cu m (37257)

Ukraine

560.7 billion cu m (37257)

United Arab Emirates

5.892 trillion cu m (37257)

United Kingdom

714.9 billion cu m (37257)

United States

5.195 trillion cu m (37257)

Uzbekistan

937.3 billion cu m (37257)

Venezuela

4.202 trillion cu m (37257)

Vietnam

192.6 billion cu m (37257)

World

161.2 trillion cu m (37257)

Yemen

480 billion cu m (37257)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2180 Natural gas - production (cu m)

Afghanistan

220 million cu m (2001 est.)

Albania

30 million cu m (2001 est.)

Algeria

80.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Angola

530 million cu m (2001 est.)

Argentina

37.15 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Armenia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Australia

33.08 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Austria

1.731 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

5.72 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bahrain

8.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bangladesh

9.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Barbados

29.17 million cu m (2001 est.)

Belarus

200 million cu m (2001 est.)

Belgium

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Bolivia

4.05 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Brazil

5.95 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Brunei

10.35 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

4 million cu m (2001 est.)

Burma

7.35 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Cameroon

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Canada

186.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Chile

1.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

China

30.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Colombia

5.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

1.35 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Croatia

1.76 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Cuba

600 million cu m (2001 est.)

Czech Republic

160 million cu m (2001 est.)

Denmark

8.38 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Ecuador

160 million cu m (2001 est.)

Egypt

21.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

20 million cu m (2001 est.)

Estonia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Finland

0 cu m (2001 est.)

France

1.898 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Gabon

80 million cu m (2001 est.)

Georgia

60 million cu m (2001 est.)

Germany

22.16 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Greece

35 million cu m (2001 est.)

Hong Kong

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Hungary

3.231 billion cu m (2001 est.)

India

22.75 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Indonesia

69 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Iran

61.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Iraq

2.76 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Ireland

815 million cu m (2001 est.)

Israel

10 million cu m (2001 est.)

Italy

15.49 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Japan

2.519 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Jordan

290 million cu m (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

10.08 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Korea, South

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Kuwait

9.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

16 million cu m (2001 est.)

Latvia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Libya

6.18 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Lithuania

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Malaysia

53.66 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Mexico

36.87 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Moldova

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Morocco

50 million cu m (2001 est.)

Mozambique

60 million cu m (2001 est.)

Netherlands

77.75 billion cu m (2001 est.)

New Zealand

6.504 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Nigeria

15.68 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Norway

54.6 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Oman

13.77 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Pakistan

23.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

110 million cu m (2001 est.)

Peru

370 million cu m (2001 est.)

Philippines

10 million cu m (2001 est.)

Poland

5.471 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Portugal

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Puerto Rico

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Qatar

32.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Romania

14.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Russia

580.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Saudi Arabia

53.69 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Senegal

50 million cu m (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

602 million cu m (2001 est.)

Singapore

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Slovakia

292 million cu m (2001 est.)

Slovenia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

South Africa

1.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Spain

516 million cu m (2001 est.)

Sweden

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Switzerland

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Syria

5.84 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Taiwan

750 million cu m (2001 est.)

Tajikistan

50 million cu m (2001 est.)

Thailand

18.73 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

15.19 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Tunisia

2.25 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Turkey

312 million cu m (2001 est.)

Turkmenistan

48.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Ukraine

18.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

44.94 billion cu m (2001 est.)

United Kingdom

105.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

United States

548.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Uruguay

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Uzbekistan

63.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Venezuela

31.71 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Vietnam

1.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

World

2.569 trillion cu m (2001 est.)

Yemen

0 cu m (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2181 Natural gas - consumption (cu m)

Afghanistan

220 million cu m (2001 est.)

Albania

30 million cu m (2001 est.)

Algeria

22.32 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Angola

530 million cu m (2001 est.)

Argentina

31.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Armenia

1.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Australia

23.33 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Austria

7.81 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

6.72 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bahrain

8.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bangladesh

9.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Barbados

29.17 million cu m (2001 est.)

Belarus

18 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Belgium

15.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bolivia

1.15 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

300 million cu m (2001 est.)

Brazil

9.59 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Brunei

1.35 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

5.804 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Burma

2.15 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Cameroon

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Canada

82.25 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Chile

6.47 billion cu m (2001 est.)

China

30.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Colombia

5.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

1.35 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Croatia

2.84 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Cuba

600 million cu m (2001 est.)

Czech Republic

9.892 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Denmark

5.28 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Ecuador

160 million cu m (2001 est.)

Egypt

21.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

20 million cu m (2001 est.)

Estonia

1.27 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Finland

4.557 billion cu m (2001 est.)

France

42.01 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Gabon

80 million cu m (2001 est.)

Georgia

1.16 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Germany

94.34 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Greece

2.021 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Hong Kong

680.9 million cu m (2001 est.)

Hungary

13.37 billion cu m (2001 est.)

India

22.75 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Indonesia

36.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Iran

65.59 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Iraq

2.76 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Ireland

4.199 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Israel

10 million cu m (2001 est.)

Italy

71.18 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Japan

80.42 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Jordan

290 million cu m (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

14.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Korea, South

20.92 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Kuwait

9.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

2.016 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Latvia

1.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Libya

5.41 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Lithuania

2.76 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

865 million cu m (2001 est.)

Malaysia

31.25 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Mexico

38.84 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Moldova

2.05 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Morocco

50 million cu m (2001 est.)

Mozambique

60 million cu m (2001 est.)

Netherlands

49.72 billion cu m (2001 est.)

New Zealand

6.504 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Nigeria

7.85 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Norway

4.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Oman

6.34 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Pakistan

23.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

110 million cu m (2001 est.)

Peru

370 million cu m (2001 est.)

Philippines

10 million cu m (2001 est.)

Poland

13.85 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Portugal

2.542 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Puerto Rico

630 million cu m (2001 est.)

Qatar

15.86 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Romania

19.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Russia

408.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Saudi Arabia

53.69 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Senegal

50 million cu m (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

602 million cu m (2001 est.)

Singapore

2.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Slovakia

7.932 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Slovenia

1.04 billion cu m (2001 est.)

South Africa

1.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Spain

17.96 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Sweden

949 million cu m (2001 est.)

Switzerland

3.093 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Syria

5.84 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Taiwan

6.64 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Tajikistan

1.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Thailand

23.93 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

11.54 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Tunisia

3.83 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Turkey

15.94 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Turkmenistan

9.6 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Ukraine

74.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

37.86 billion cu m (2001 est.)

United Kingdom

92.85 billion cu m (2001 est.)

United States

640.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Uruguay

40 million cu m (2001 est.)

Uzbekistan

45.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Venezuela

31.71 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Vietnam

1.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

World

2.556 trillion cu m (2001 est.)

Yemen

0 cu m (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2182 Natural gas - imports (cu m)

Afghanistan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Albania

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Algeria

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Angola

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Argentina

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Armenia

1.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Australia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Austria

6.033 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bahrain

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Bangladesh

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Barbados

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Belarus

17.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Belgium

15.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bolivia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

300 million cu m (2001 est.)

Brazil

3.64 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Brunei

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

5.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Burma

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Cameroon

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Canada

4.46 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Chile

5.27 billion cu m (2001 est.)

China

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Colombia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Croatia

1.08 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Cuba

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Czech Republic

9.521 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Denmark

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Ecuador

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Egypt

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Estonia

1.27 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Finland

4.567 billion cu m (2001 est.)

France

40.26 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Gabon

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Georgia

1.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Germany

78.73 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Greece

2.018 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Hong Kong

680.9 million cu m (2001 est.)

Hungary

9.587 billion cu m (2001 est.)

India

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Indonesia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Iran

4.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Iraq

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Ireland

3.384 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Israel

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Italy

54.78 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Japan

77.73 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Jordan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

8.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Korea, South

21.11 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Kuwait

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Latvia

1.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Libya

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Lithuania

2.76 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

867 million cu m (2001 est.)

Malaysia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Mexico

2.967 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Moldova

2.05 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Morocco

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Mozambique

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Netherlands

20.78 billion cu m (2001 est.)

New Zealand

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Nigeria

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Norway

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Oman

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Pakistan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Peru

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Philippines

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Poland

8.782 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Portugal

2.553 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Puerto Rico

630 million cu m (2001 est.)

Qatar

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Romania

5.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Russia

32.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Saudi Arabia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Senegal

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Singapore

2.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Slovakia

7.205 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Slovenia

1.04 billion cu m (2001 est.)

South Africa

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Spain

17.26 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Sweden

968 million cu m (2001 est.)

Switzerland

3.093 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Syria

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Taiwan

6.3 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Tajikistan

1.25 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Thailand

5.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Tunisia

1.58 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Turkey

15.75 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Turkmenistan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Ukraine

55.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

0 cu m (2001 est.)

United Kingdom

2.7 billion cu m (2001 est.)

United States

114.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Uruguay

40 million cu m (2001 est.)

Uzbekistan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Venezuela

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Vietnam

0 cu m (2001 est.)

World

697.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Yemen

0 cu m (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

@2183 Natural gas - exports (cu m)

Afghanistan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Albania

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Algeria

57.98 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Angola

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Argentina

6.05 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Armenia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Australia

9.744 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Austria

403 million cu m (2001 est.)

Azerbaijan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Bahrain

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Bangladesh

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Barbados

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Belarus

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Belgium

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Bolivia

2.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Brazil

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Brunei

9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Bulgaria

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Burma

5.2 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Cameroon

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Canada

109 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Chile

0 cu m (2001 est.)

China

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Colombia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Congo, Republic of the

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Croatia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Cuba

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Czech Republic

1 million cu m (2001 est.)

Denmark

3.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Ecuador

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Egypt

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Equatorial Guinea

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Estonia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Finland

0 cu m (2001 est.)

France

1.725 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Gabon

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Georgia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Germany

6.674 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Greece

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Hong Kong

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Hungary

4 million cu m (2001 est.)

India

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Indonesia

32.8 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Iran

110 million cu m (2001 est.)

Iraq

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Ireland

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Israel

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Italy

61 million cu m (2001 est.)

Japan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Jordan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Kazakhstan

4.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Korea, South

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Kuwait

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Kyrgyzstan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Latvia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Libya

770 million cu m (2001 est.)

Lithuania

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Luxembourg

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Malaysia

22.41 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Mexico

254 million cu m (2001 est.)

Moldova

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Morocco

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Mozambique

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Netherlands

49.28 billion cu m (2001 est.)

New Zealand

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Nigeria

7.83 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Norway

50.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Oman

7.43 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Pakistan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Papua New Guinea

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Peru

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Philippines

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Poland

41 million cu m (2001 est.)

Portugal

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Puerto Rico

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Qatar

16.54 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Romania

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Russia

205.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Saudi Arabia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Senegal

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Singapore

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Slovakia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Slovenia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

South Africa

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Spain

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Sweden

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Switzerland

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Syria

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Taiwan

410 million cu m (2001 est.)

Tajikistan

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Thailand

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago

3.65 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Tunisia

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Turkey

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Turkmenistan

38.6 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Ukraine

0 cu m (2001 est.)

United Arab Emirates

7.08 billion cu m (2001 est.)

United Kingdom

15.75 billion cu m (2001 est.)

United States

11.16 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Uruguay

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Uzbekistan

17.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Venezuela

0 cu m (2001 est.)

Vietnam

0 cu m (2001 est.)

World

703.9 billion cu m (2001 est.)

Yemen

0 cu m (2001 est.)

This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2001

Rank Country GDP Date of Information

1 World $ 49,000,000,000,000 2002 est. 2 United States $ 10,450,000,000,000 2002 est. 3 China $ 5,989,000,000,000 2002 est. 4 Japan $ 3,651,000,000,000 2002 est. 5 India $ 2,664,000,000,000 2002 est. 6 Germany $ 2,160,000,000,000 2002 est. 7 France $ 1,558,000,000,000 2002 est. 8 United Kingdom $ 1,528,000,000,000 2002 est. 9 Italy $ 1,455,000,000,000 2002 est. 10 Russia $ 1,409,000,000,000 2002 est. 11 Brazil $ 1,376,000,000,000 2002 est. 12 Korea, South $ 941,500,000,000 2002 est. 13 Canada $ 934,100,000,000 2002 est. 14 Mexico $ 924,400,000,000 2002 est. 15 Spain $ 850,700,000,000 2002 est. 16 Indonesia $ 714,200,000,000 2002 est. 17 Australia $ 525,500,000,000 2002 est. 18 Turkey $ 489,700,000,000 2002 est. 19 Iran $ 458,300,000,000 2002 est. 20 Thailand $ 445,800,000,000 2002 est. 21 Netherlands $ 437,800,000,000 2002 est. 22 South Africa $ 427,700,000,000 2002 est. 23 Taiwan $ 406,000,000,000 2002 est. 24 Argentina $ 403,800,000,000 2002 est. 25 Philippines $ 379,700,000,000 2002 est. 26 Poland $ 373,200,000,000 2002 est. 27 Belgium $ 299,700,000,000 2002 est. 28 Pakistan $ 295,300,000,000 2002 est. 29 Egypt $ 289,800,000,000 2002 est. 30 Saudi Arabia $ 268,900,000,000 2002 est. 31 Colombia $ 251,600,000,000 2002 est. 32 Bangladesh $ 238,200,000,000 2002 est. 33 Switzerland $ 233,400,000,000 2002 est. 34 Sweden $ 230,700,000,000 2002 est. 35 Austria $ 227,700,000,000 2002 est. 36 Ukraine $ 218,000,000,000 2002 est. 37 Greece $ 203,300,000,000 2002 est. 38 Hong Kong $ 198,500,000,000 2002 est. 39 Malaysia $ 198,400,000,000 2002 est. 40 Portugal $ 195,200,000,000 2002 est. 41 Vietnam $ 183,800,000,000 2002 est. 42 Algeria $ 173,800,000,000 2002 est. 43 Romania $ 169,300,000,000 2002 est. 44 Czech Republic $ 157,100,000,000 2002 est. 45 Chile $ 156,100,000,000 2002 est. 46 Denmark $ 155,300,000,000 2002 est. 47 Norway $ 149,100,000,000 2002 est. 48 Peru $ 138,800,000,000 2002 est. 49 Hungary $ 134,000,000,000 2002 est. 50 Finland $ 133,800,000,000 2002 est. 51 Venezuela $ 131,700,000,000 2002 est. 52 Morocco $ 121,800,000,000 2002 est. 53 Kazakhstan $ 120,000,000,000 2002 est. 54 Israel $ 117,400,000,000 2002 est. 55 Ireland $ 113,700,000,000 2002 est. 56 Nigeria $ 112,500,000,000 2002 est. 57 Singapore $ 112,400,000,000 2002 est. 58 Belarus $ 90,190,000,000 2002 est. 59 New Zealand $ 78,400,000,000 2002 est. 60 Sri Lanka $ 73,700,000,000 2002 est. 61 Burma $ 73,690,000,000 2002 est. 62 Slovakia $ 67,340,000,000 2002 est. 63 Tunisia $ 67,130,000,000 2002 est. 64 Uzbekistan $ 66,060,000,000 2002 est. 65 Syria $ 63,480,000,000 2002 est. 66 Iraq $ 58,000,000,000 2002 est. 67 United Arab Emirates $ 53,970,000,000 2002 est. 68 Dominican Republic $ 53,780,000,000 2002 est. 69 Guatemala $ 53,200,000,000 2002 est. 70 Sudan $ 52,900,000,000 2002 est. 71 Bulgaria $ 49,230,000,000 2002 est. 72 Ethiopia $ 48,530,000,000 2002 est. 73 Croatia $ 43,120,000,000 2002 est. 74 Puerto Rico $ 43,010,000,000 2002 est. 75 Ecuador $ 42,650,000,000 2002 est. 76 Ghana $ 41,250,000,000 2002 est. 77 Nepal $ 37,320,000,000 2002 est. 78 Slovenia $ 37,060,000,000 2002 est. 79 Kuwait $ 36,850,000,000 2002 est. 80 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 34,000,000,000 2002 est. 81 Libya $ 33,360,000,000 2002 est. 82 Kenya $ 32,890,000,000 2002 est. 83 Costa Rica $ 32,000,000,000 2002 est. 84 Turkmenistan $ 31,340,000,000 2002 est. 85 Cuba $ 30,690,000,000 2002 est. 86 Uganda $ 30,490,000,000 2002 est. 87 Lithuania $ 30,080,000,000 2002 est. 88 El Salvador $ 29,410,000,000 2002 est. 89 Azerbaijan $ 28,610,000,000 2002 est. 90 Cameroon $ 26,840,000,000 2002 est. 91 Uruguay $ 26,820,000,000 2002 est. 92 Zimbabwe $ 26,070,000,000 2002 est. 93 Paraguay $ 25,190,000,000 2002 est. 94 Cote d'Ivoire $ 24,030,000,000 2002 est. 95 Serbia and Montenegro $ 23,150,000,000 2002 est. 96 Jordan $ 22,630,000,000 2002 est. 97 Oman $ 22,400,000,000 2002 est. 98 Korea, North $ 22,260,000,000 2002 est. 99 Luxembourg $ 21,940,000,000 2002 est. 100 Bolivia $ 21,150,000,000 2002 est. 101 Latvia $ 20,990,000,000 2002 est. 102 Cambodia $ 20,420,000,000 2002 est. 103 Tanzania $ 20,420,000,000 2002 est. 104 Mozambique $ 19,520,000,000 2002 est. 105 Afghanistan $ 19,000,000,000 2002 est. 106 Guinea $ 18,690,000,000 2002 est. 107 Angola $ 18,360,000,000 2002 est. 108 Panama $ 18,060,000,000 2002 est. 109 Lebanon $ 17,610,000,000 2002 est. 110 Honduras $ 16,290,000,000 2002 est. 111 Georgia $ 16,050,000,000 2002 est. 112 Qatar $ 15,910,000,000 2002 est. 113 Albania $ 15,690,000,000 2002 est. 114 Senegal $ 15,640,000,000 2002 est. 115 Estonia $ 15,520,000,000 2002 est. 116 Yemen $ 15,070,000,000 2002 est. 117 Burkina Faso $ 14,510,000,000 2002 est. 118 Kyrgyzstan $ 13,880,000,000 2002 est. 119 Botswana $ 13,480,000,000 2002 est. 120 Namibia $ 13,150,000,000 2002 est. 121 Madagascar $ 12,590,000,000 2002 122 Mauritius $ 12,150,000,000 2002 est. 123 Armenia $ 12,130,000,000 2002 est. 124 Moldova $ 11,510,000,000 2002 est. 125 Nicaragua $ 11,160,000,000 2002 est. 126 Trinidad and Tobago $ 11,070,000,000 2002 est. 127 Papua New Guinea $ 10,860,000,000 2002 est. 128 Haiti $ 10,600,000,000 2002 est. 129 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of $ 10,570,000,000 2002 est. 130 Laos $ 10,400,000,000 2002 est. 131 Jamaica $ 10,080,000,000 2002 est. 132 Bahrain $ 9,910,000,000 2002 est. 133 Mali $ 9,775,000,000 2002 est. 134 Cyprus $ 9,400,000,000 2002 est. 135 Chad $ 9,297,000,000 2002 est. 136 Rwanda $ 8,920,000,000 2002 est. 137 Niger $ 8,713,000,000 2002 est. 138 Macau $ 8,600,000,000 2002 est. 139 Tajikistan $ 8,476,000,000 2002 est. 140 Iceland $ 8,444,000,000 2002 est. 141 Gabon $ 8,354,000,000 2002 est. 142 Zambia $ 8,240,000,000 2002 est. 143 Togo $ 7,594,000,000 2002 est. 144 Benin $ 7,380,000,000 2002 est. 145 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 7,300,000,000 2002 est. 146 Malta $ 6,818,000,000 2002 est. 147 Malawi $ 6,811,000,000 2002 est. 148 Brunei $ 6,500,000,000 2002 est. 149 Swaziland $ 5,542,000,000 2002 est. 150 Lesotho $ 5,106,000,000 2002 est. 151 Mongolia $ 5,060,000,000 2002 est. 152 Mauritania $ 4,891,000,000 2002 est. 153 Fiji $ 4,822,000,000 2002 est. 154 Bahamas, The $ 4,590,000,000 2002 est. 155 Martinique $ 4,500,000,000 2001 est. 156 Central African Republic $ 4,296,000,000 2002 est. 157 Somalia $ 4,270,000,000 2001 est. 158 Reunion $ 4,174,000,000 1999 est. 159 Barbados $ 4,153,000,000 2002 est. 160 Guadeloupe $ 3,700,000,000 1997 est. 161 Eritrea $ 3,300,000,000 2002 est. 162 Guam $ 3,200,000,000 2000 est. 163 Burundi $ 3,146,000,000 2002 est. 164 Liberia $ 3,116,000,000 2002 est. 165 New Caledonia $ 3,000,000,000 2002 est. 166 Sierra Leone $ 2,826,000,000 2002 est. 167 Bhutan $ 2,700,000,000 2002 est. 168 Guyana $ 2,628,000,000 2002 est. 169 Gambia, The $ 2,582,000,000 2002 est. 170 Congo, Republic of the $ 2,500,000,000 2002 est. 171 Netherlands Antilles $ 2,400,000,000 2002 est. 172 Virgin Islands $ 2,400,000,000 2001 est. 173 French Guiana $ 2,260,000,000 2002 est. 174 Bermuda $ 2,250,000,000 2002 est. 175 Jersey $ 2,200,000,000 1999 est. 176 Aruba $ 1,940,000,000 2002 est. 177 West Bank $ 1,700,000,000 2002 est. 178 Man, Isle of $ 1,600,000,000 2001 est. 179 Suriname $ 1,469,000,000 2002 est. 180 Andorra $ 1,300,000,000 2000 est. 181 Guernsey $ 1,300,000,000 1999 est. 182 French Polynesia $ 1,300,000,000 2001 est. 183 Belize $ 1,280,000,000 2002 est. 184 Cayman Islands $ 1,270,000,000 2002 est. 185 Equatorial Guinea $ 1,270,000,000 2002 est. 186 Maldives $ 1,250,000,000 2002 est. 187 Greenland $ 1,100,000,000 2001 est. 188 Faroe Islands $ 1,000,000,000 2001 est. 189 Samoa $ 1,000,000,000 2002 est. 190 San Marino $ 940,000,000 2001 est. 191 Guinea-Bissau $ 901,400,000 2002 est. 192 Northern Mariana Islands $ 900,000,000 2000 est. 193 Northern Mariana Islands $ 900,000,000 2000 est. 194 Northern Mariana Islands $ 900,000,000 2000 est. 195 Monaco $ 870,000,000 1999 est. 196 Saint Lucia $ 866,000,000 2002 est. 197 Liechtenstein $ 825,000,000 1999 est. 198 Solomon Islands $ 800,000,000 2001 est. 199 Cyprus $ 787,000,000 2002 est. 200 Antigua and Barbuda $ 750,000,000 2002 est. 201 Gaza Strip $ 735,000,000 2002 est. 202 Seychelles $ 626,000,000 2002 est. 203 Djibouti $ 619,000,000 2002 est. 204 Cape Verde $ 600,000,000 2002 est. 205 Vanuatu $ 563,000,000 2002 est. 206 American Samoa $ 500,000,000 2000 est. 207 Gibraltar $ 500,000,000 1997 est. 208 Comoros $ 441,000,000 2002 est. 209 Grenada $ 440,000,000 2002 est. 210 East Timor $ 440,000,000 2001 est. 211 Dominica $ 380,000,000 2002 est. 212 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 339,000,000 2002 est. 213 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 339,000,000 2002 est. 214 British Virgin Islands $ 320,000,000 2002 est. 215 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 277,000,000 2002 est. 216 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 277,000,000 2002 est. 217 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 277,000,000 2002 est. 218 Tonga $ 236,000,000 2001 est. 219 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 231,000,000 2000 est. 220 Sao Tome and Principe $ 200,000,000 2002 est. 221 Palau $ 174,000,000 2001 est. 222 Palau $ 174,000,000 2001 est. 223 Palau $ 174,000,000 2001 est. 224 Marshall Islands $ 115,000,000 2001 est. 225 Cook Islands $ 105,000,000 2001 est. 226 Anguilla $ 104,000,000 2001 est. 227 Mayotte $ 85,000,000 1998 est. 228 Kiribati $ 79,000,000 2001 est. 229 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 75,000,000 2002 est. 230 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 74,000,000 1996 est. 231 Nauru $ 60,000,000 2001 est. 232 Wallis and Futuna $ 30,000,000 2000 est. 233 Montserrat $ 29,000,000 2002 est. 234 Saint Helena $ 18,000,000 1998 est. 235 Tuvalu $ 12,200,000 2000 est. 236 Niue $ 7,600,000 2000 est. 237 Tokelau $ 1,500,000 1993 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2003

Rank Country GDP - real growth rate(%) Date of Information

1 Turkmenistan 21.10 2002 est. 2 Equatorial Guinea 20.00 2002 est. 3 East Timor 18.00 2001 est. 4 Man, Isle of 13.50 5 Armenia 12.90 2002 est. 6 Liechtenstein 11.00 1999 est. 7 Azerbaijan 10.60 2002 est. 8 Faroe Islands 10.00 2001 est. 9 Rwanda 9.70 2002 est. 10 Kazakhstan 9.50 2002 est. 11 Macau 9.50 2002 est. 12 Angola 9.40 2002 est. 13 Tajikistan 9.10 2002 est. 14 China 8.00 2002 est. 15 Turkey 7.80 2002 est. 16 Bhutan 7.70 2002 est. 17 Mozambique 7.70 2002 est. 18 Iran 7.60 2002 est. 19 San Marino 7.50 2001 est. 20 Chad 7.40 2002 est. 21 Albania 7.30 2002 est. 22 Cook Islands 7.10 2001 est. 23 Vietnam 7.00 2002 est. 24 Ireland 6.90 2002 est. 25 Lithuania 6.70 2002 est. 26 Sierra Leone 6.60 2002 est. 27 Moldova 6.50 2002 est. 28 Korea, South 6.30 2002 est. 29 Latvia 6.10 2002 est. 30 Tanzania 6.10 2002 est. 31 Benin 6.00 2002 est. 32 Estonia 6.00 2002 est. 33 Gambia, The 5.70 2001 est. 34 Guernsey 5.70 1999 est. 35 Laos 5.70 2002 est. 36 Uganda 5.50 2002 est. 37 Georgia 5.40 2002 est. 38 Burma 5.30 2002 est. 39 Kyrgyzstan 5.30 2002 est. 40 Peru 5.30 2002 est. 41 Thailand 5.30 2002 est. 42 Croatia 5.20 2002 est. 43 Sudan 5.10 2002 est. 44 Samoa 5.00 2002 est. 45 Jordan 4.90 2002 est. 46 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.90 2000 est. 47 Romania 4.90 2002 est. 48 Bangladesh 4.80 2002 est. 49 Bulgaria 4.80 2002 est. 50 Ukraine 4.80 2002 est. 51 Tunisia 4.80 2002 est. 52 Belarus 4.70 2002 est. 53 Fiji 4.60 2002 est. 54 Burkina Faso 4.60 2002 est. 55 Qatar 4.60 2002 est. 56 Morocco 4.60 2002 est. 57 Burundi 4.50 2002 est. 58 Cambodia 4.50 2002 est. 59 Mali 4.50 2002 est. 60 Ghana 4.50 2002 est. 61 Slovakia 4.40 2002 est. 62 Philippines 4.40 2002 est. 63 Pakistan 4.40 FY01/02 est. 64 India 4.30 2002 est. 65 Russia 4.30 2002 est. 66 Botswana 4.20 2002 est. 67 Uzbekistan 4.20 2002 est. 68 Dominican Republic 4.10 2002 est. 69 Malaysia 4.10 2002 est. 70 Yemen 4.10 2002 est. 71 Cameroon 4.00 2002 est. 72 Greece 4.00 2002 est. 73 Serbia and Montenegro 4.00 2002 est. 74 Sao Tome and Principe 4.00 2002 est. 75 Lesotho 4.00 2002 est. 76 French Polynesia 4.00 2001 est. 77 Cape Verde 4.00 2002 est. 78 Mongolia 3.90 2002 est. 79 Andorra 3.80 2000 est. 80 Belize 3.70 2002 est. 81 Indonesia 3.70 2002 est. 82 Guinea 3.70 2002 est. 83 Australia 3.60 2002 est. 84 Syria 3.60 2002 est. 85 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3.50 2002 est. 86 Djibouti 3.50 2002 est. 87 Somalia 3.50 2002 est. 88 Taiwan 3.50 2002 est. 89 Ecuador 3.40 2002 est. 90 Algeria 3.30 2002 est. 91 Saint Lucia 3.30 2002 est. 92 Canada 3.30 2002 est. 93 Hungary 3.30 2002 est. 94 Mauritania 3.30 2002 est. 95 New Zealand 3.30 2002 est. 96 Sri Lanka 3.20 2002 est. 97 Egypt 3.20 2002 est. 98 Slovenia 3.20 2002 est. 99 Trinidad and Tobago 3.20 2002 est. 100 Nigeria 3.20 2002 est. 101 Antigua and Barbuda 3.00 2002 est. 102 Tuvalu 3.00 2000 est. 103 Tonga 3.00 2001 est. 104 South Africa 3.00 2002 est. 105 Ethiopia 3.00 2002 est. 106 Brunei 3.00 2002 est. 107 Bahrain 2.90 2002 est. 108 Togo 2.90 2002 est. 109 Niger 2.90 2002 est. 110 Anguilla 2.80 2001 est. 111 Costa Rica 2.80 2002 est. 112 Bolivia 2.80 2002 est. 113 World 2.70 2001 est. 114 Cyprus 2.60 2002 est. 115 Grenada 2.50 2002 est. 116 Reunion 2.50 2002 est. 117 Honduras 2.50 2002 est. 118 Senegal 2.40 2002 est. 119 United States 2.40 2002 est. 120 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2.30 2002 est. 121 Hong Kong 2.30 2002 est. 122 Mauritius 2.30 2002 est. 123 Zambia 2.30 2002 est. 124 Namibia 2.30 2002 est. 125 Maldives 2.30 2002 est. 126 Guatemala 2.20 2002 est. 127 Oman 2.20 2002 est. 128 Singapore 2.20 2002 est. 129 Chile 2.10 2002 est. 130 El Salvador 2.10 2002 est. 131 Comoros 2.00 2002 est. 132 Virgin Islands 2.00 2001 est. 133 Spain 2.00 2002 est. 134 Liberia 2.00 2002 est. 135 Lebanon 2.00 2002 est. 136 Czech Republic 2.00 2002 est. 137 Eritrea 2.00 2002 est. 138 Sweden 1.90 2002 est. 139 Greenland 1.80 2001 est. 140 United Kingdom 1.80 2002 est. 141 United Arab Emirates 1.80 2002 est. 142 Cayman Islands 1.70 2002 est. 143 Cyprus 1.70 2002 est. 144 Malawi 1.70 2002 est. 145 Denmark 1.60 2002 est. 146 Swaziland 1.60 2002 est. 147 Finland 1.60 2002 est. 148 Brazil 1.50 2002 est. 149 Seychelles 1.50 2002 est. 150 Kiribati 1.50 2001 est. 151 Central African Republic 1.50 2002 est. 152 Colombia 1.50 2002 est. 153 Poland 1.40 2002 est. 154 Dominica 1.20 2002 est. 155 Suriname 1.20 2002 est. 156 France 1.20 2002 est. 157 Malta 1.20 2002 est. 158 Libya 1.20 2002 est. 159 Austria 1.10 2002 est. 160 Nicaragua 1.10 2002 est. 161 Kenya 1.10 2002 est. 162 Cuba 1.10 2002 est. 163 Guyana 1.10 2002 est. 164 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.00 2002 est. 165 Saudi Arabia 1.00 2002 est. 166 British Virgin Islands 1.00 2002 est. 167 Marshall Islands 1.00 2001 est. 168 Jamaica 1.00 2002 est. 169 Norway 1.00 2002 est. 170 Palau 1.00 2001 est. 171 Korea, North 1.00 2002 est. 172 Belgium 0.70 2002 est. 173 Panama 0.70 2002 est. 174 Mexico 0.70 2002 est. 175 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 0.70 2002 est. 176 Bermuda 0.50 2002 est. 177 Italy 0.40 2002 est. 178 Luxembourg 0.40 2002 est. 179 Portugal 0.40 2002 est. 180 Gabon 0.20 2002 est. 181 Germany 0.20 2002 est. 182 Netherlands 0.20 2002 est. 183 Japan 0.20 2002 est. 184 Bahamas, The 0.10 2002 est. 185 Switzerland 0.10 2002 est. 186 Congo, Republic of the 0.00 2002 est. 187 Netherlands Antilles 0.00 2002 est. 188 Puerto Rico -0.20 2002 est. 189 Niue -0.30 2000 est. 190 Vanuatu -0.30 2002 est. 191 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -0.50 2002 est. 192 Iceland -0.60 2002 est. 193 Nepal -0.60 2002 est. 194 Israel -0.80 2002 est. 195 Haiti -0.90 2002 est. 196 Montserrat -1.00 2002 est. 197 Aruba -1.50 2002 est. 198 Cote d'Ivoire -1.60 2002 est. 199 Saint Kitts and Nevis -1.90 2002 est. 200 Kuwait -2.00 2002 est. 201 Paraguay -2.70 2002 est. 202 Barbados -2.80 2002 est. 203 Iraq -3.00 2002 est. 204 Papua New Guinea -3.10 2002 est. 205 Guinea-Bissau -4.30 2002 est. 206 Venezuela -8.90 2002 est. 207 Solomon Islands -10.00 2001 est. 208 Uruguay -10.80 2002 est. 209 Argentina -10.90 2002 est. 210 Madagascar -11.90 2002 est. 211 Zimbabwe -13.00 2002 est. 212 Gaza Strip -15.00 2002 est. 213 West Bank -22.00 2002 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2004

Rank Country GDP - per capita Date of Information

1 Luxembourg $ 48,900 2002 est. 2 United States $ 36,300 2002 est. 3 Bermuda $ 35,200 2002 est. 4 Cayman Islands $ 35,000 2002 est. 5 San Marino $ 34,600 2001 est. 6 Norway $ 33,000 2002 est. 7 Switzerland $ 32,000 2002 est. 8 Iceland $ 30,200 2002 est. 9 Canada $ 29,300 2002 est. 10 Ireland $ 29,300 2002 est. 11 Belgium $ 29,200 2002 est. 12 Denmark $ 28,900 2002 est. 13 Japan $ 28,700 2002 est. 14 Aruba $ 28,000 2002 est. 15 Austria $ 27,900 2002 est. 16 Hong Kong $ 27,200 2002 est. 17 Netherlands $ 27,200 2002 est. 18 Monaco $ 27,000 1999 est. 19 Australia $ 26,900 2002 est. 20 Germany $ 26,200 2002 est. 21 France $ 26,000 2002 est. 22 Sweden $ 26,000 2002 est. 23 Finland $ 25,800 2002 est. 24 United Kingdom $ 25,500 2002 est. 25 Singapore $ 25,200 2002 est. 26 Italy $ 25,100 2002 est. 27 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 25,000 2002 est. 28 Liechtenstein $ 25,000 1999 est. 29 Jersey $ 24,800 1999 est. 30 United Arab Emirates $ 22,100 2002 est. 31 Faroe Islands $ 22,000 2001 est. 32 Spain $ 21,200 2002 est. 33 Guam $ 21,000 2000 est. 34 Man, Isle of $ 21,000 2001 est. 35 New Zealand $ 20,100 2002 est. 36 Qatar $ 20,100 2002 est. 37 Guernsey $ 20,000 1999 est. 38 Greenland $ 20,000 2001 est. 39 Korea, South $ 19,600 2002 est. 40 Israel $ 19,500 2002 est. 41 Portugal $ 19,400 2002 est. 42 Slovenia $ 19,200 2002 est. 43 Greece $ 19,100 2002 est. 44 Andorra $ 19,000 2000 est. 45 Virgin Islands $ 19,000 2001 est. 46 Brunei $ 18,600 2002 est. 47 Macau $ 18,500 2002 est. 48 Taiwan $ 18,000 2002 est. 49 Gibraltar $ 17,500 1997 est. 50 Kuwait $ 17,500 2002 est. 51 Malta $ 17,200 2002 est. 52 British Virgin Islands $ 16,000 2002 est. 53 Bahamas, The $ 15,300 2002 est. 54 Czech Republic $ 15,300 2002 est. 55 Bahrain $ 15,100 2002 est. 56 Barbados $ 15,000 2002 est. 57 Cyprus $ 15,000 2002 est. 58 French Guiana $ 14,400 2000 est. 59 New Caledonia $ 14,000 2002 est. 60 Hungary $ 13,300 2002 est. 61 Northern Mariana Islands $ 12,500 2000 est. 62 Slovakia $ 12,400 2002 est. 63 Netherlands Antilles $ 11,400 2002 est. 64 Saudi Arabia $ 11,400 2002 est. 65 Puerto Rico $ 11,100 2002 est. 66 Antigua and Barbuda $ 11,000 2002 est. 67 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 11,000 1996 est. 68 Estonia $ 11,000 2002 est. 69 Martinique $ 10,700 2001 est. 70 Argentina $ 10,500 2002 est. 71 Chile $ 10,100 2002 est. 72 Mauritius $ 10,100 2002 est. 73 South Africa $ 10,000 2002 est. 74 Trinidad and Tobago $ 10,000 2002 est. 75 Croatia $ 9,800 2002 est. 76 Poland $ 9,700 2002 est. 77 Russia $ 9,700 2002 est. 78 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 9,600 2000 est. 79 Guadeloupe $ 9,000 1997 est. 80 Palau $ 9,000 2001 est. 81 Latvia $ 8,900 2002 est. 82 Mexico $ 8,900 2002 est. 83 Malaysia $ 8,800 2002 est. 84 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 8,800 2002 est. 85 Belarus $ 8,700 2002 est. 86 Anguilla $ 8,600 2001 est. 87 Botswana $ 8,500 2002 est. 88 Lithuania $ 8,400 2002 est. 89 Costa Rica $ 8,300 2002 est. 90 Oman $ 8,300 2002 est. 91 American Samoa $ 8,000 2000 est. 92 Uruguay $ 7,900 2002 est. 93 World $ 7,900 2002 est. 94 Seychelles $ 7,800 2002 est. 95 Brazil $ 7,600 2002 est. 96 Romania $ 7,600 2002 est. 97 Turkey $ 7,300 2002 est. 98 Kazakhstan $ 7,200 2002 est. 99 Thailand $ 7,000 2002 est. 100 Namibia $ 6,900 2002 est. 101 Iran $ 6,800 2002 est. 102 Tunisia $ 6,800 2002 est. 103 Turkmenistan $ 6,700 2002 est. 104 Bulgaria $ 6,500 2002 est. 105 Gabon $ 6,500 2002 est. 106 Dominican Republic $ 6,300 2002 est. 107 Libya $ 6,200 2002 est. 108 Panama $ 6,200 2002 est. 109 Colombia $ 6,100 2002 est. 110 Cyprus $ 6,000 2002 est. 111 Fiji $ 5,600 2002 est. 112 Samoa $ 5,600 2002 est. 113 Reunion $ 5,600 2002 est. 114 Algeria $ 5,400 2002 est. 115 Saint Lucia $ 5,400 2002 est. 116 Venezuela $ 5,400 2002 est. 117 Dominica $ 5,400 2002 est. 118 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of $ 5,100 2002 est. 119 Cook Islands $ 5,000 2001 est. 120 Peru $ 5,000 2002 est. 121 Nauru $ 5,000 2001 est. 122 Grenada $ 5,000 2002 est. 123 French Polynesia $ 5,000 2001 est. 124 Belize $ 4,900 2002 est. 125 Lebanon $ 4,800 2002 est. 126 Swaziland $ 4,800 2002 est. 127 China $ 4,700 2002 est. 128 El Salvador $ 4,600 2002 est. 129 Philippines $ 4,600 2002 est. 130 Ukraine $ 4,500 2002 est. 131 Albania $ 4,400 2002 est. 132 Jordan $ 4,300 2002 est. 133 Paraguay $ 4,300 2002 est. 134 Egypt $ 4,000 2002 est. 135 Guatemala $ 3,900 2002 est. 136 Maldives $ 3,900 2002 est. 137 Morocco $ 3,900 2002 est. 138 Guyana $ 3,800 2002 est. 139 Jamaica $ 3,800 2002 est. 140 Azerbaijan $ 3,700 2002 est. 141 Sri Lanka $ 3,700 2002 est. 142 Syria $ 3,700 2002 est. 143 Armenia $ 3,600 2002 est. 144 Niue $ 3,600 2000 est. 145 Montserrat $ 3,400 2002 est. 146 Suriname $ 3,400 2002 est. 147 Ecuador $ 3,200 2002 est. 148 Georgia $ 3,200 2001 est. 149 Indonesia $ 3,100 2002 est. 150 Kyrgyzstan $ 2,900 2002 est. 151 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 2,900 2002 est. 152 Vanuatu $ 2,900 2002 est. 153 Cuba $ 2,700 2002 est. 154 Lesotho $ 2,700 2002 est. 155 Equatorial Guinea $ 2,700 2002 est. 156 India $ 2,600 2002 est. 157 Uzbekistan $ 2,600 2002 est. 158 Moldova $ 2,600 2002 est. 159 Bolivia $ 2,500 2002 est. 160 Saint Helena $ 2,500 1998 est. 161 Honduras $ 2,500 2002 est. 162 Iraq $ 2,400 2002 est. 163 Vietnam $ 2,300 2002 est. 164 Nicaragua $ 2,200 2002 est. 165 Tonga $ 2,200 2001 est. 166 Serbia and Montenegro $ 2,200 2002 est. 167 Guinea $ 2,100 2002 est. 168 Zimbabwe $ 2,100 2002 est. 169 Papua New Guinea $ 2,100 2002 est. 170 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 2,000 2002 est. 171 Wallis and Futuna $ 2,000 2000 est. 172 Ghana $ 2,000 2002 est. 173 Pakistan $ 2,000 FY01/02 est. 174 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 1,900 2002 est. 175 Mongolia $ 1,900 2002 est. 176 Bangladesh $ 1,800 2002 est. 177 Laos $ 1,800 2002 est. 178 Gambia, The $ 1,800 2002 est. 179 Angola $ 1,700 2002 est. 180 Mauritania $ 1,700 2002 est. 181 Cameroon $ 1,700 2002 est. 182 Solomon Islands $ 1,700 2001 est. 183 Burma $ 1,700 2002 est. 184 Cambodia $ 1,600 2002 est. 185 Marshall Islands $ 1,600 2001 est. 186 Senegal $ 1,500 2002 est. 187 Cape Verde $ 1,400 2002 est. 188 Cote d'Ivoire $ 1,400 2002 est. 189 Sudan $ 1,400 2002 est. 190 Togo $ 1,400 2002 est. 191 Nepal $ 1,400 2002 est. 192 Haiti $ 1,400 2002 est. 193 Bhutan $ 1,300 2002 est. 194 Tajikistan $ 1,300 2002 est. 195 Djibouti $ 1,300 2002 est. 196 Central African Republic $ 1,200 2002 est. 197 Sao Tome and Principe $ 1,200 2002 est. 198 Uganda $ 1,200 2002 est. 199 Rwanda $ 1,200 2002 est. 200 Benin $ 1,100 2002 est. 201 Kenya $ 1,100 2002 est. 202 Mozambique $ 1,100 2002 est. 203 Burkina Faso $ 1,100 2002 est. 204 Tuvalu $ 1,100 2000 est. 205 Chad $ 1,000 2002 est. 206 Korea, North $ 1,000 2002 est. 207 Tokelau $ 1,000 1993 est. 208 Liberia $ 1,000 2002 est. 209 Congo, Republic of the $ 900 2002 est. 210 Mali $ 900 2002 est. 211 Nigeria $ 900 2002 est. 212 Kiribati $ 800 2001 est. 213 Zambia $ 800 2002 est. 214 Yemen $ 800 2002 est. 215 West Bank $ 800 2002 est. 216 Niger $ 800 2002 est. 217 Madagascar $ 800 2002 est. 218 Afghanistan $ 700 2002 est. 219 Comoros $ 700 2002 est. 220 Eritrea $ 700 2002 est. 221 Ethiopia $ 700 2002 est. 222 Guinea-Bissau $ 700 2002 est. 223 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 600 2002 est. 224 Tanzania $ 600 2002 est. 225 Gaza Strip $ 600 2002 est. 226 Mayotte $ 600 1998 est. 227 Malawi $ 600 2002 est. 228 Somalia $ 600 2002 est. 229 Burundi $ 500 2002 est. 230 East Timor $ 500 2001 est. 231 Sierra Leone $ 500 2002 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2034

Rank Country Military expenditures - percent of GDP(%) Date of Information

1 Korea, North 33.90 FY02 2 Mali 15.00 FY02 3 Saudi Arabia 13.00 4 Ethiopia 12.60 FY00 5 Oman 12.20 FY01 6 Eritrea 12.00 FY02 7 Qatar 10.00 8 Israel 8.75 FY02 9 Jordan 8.60 FY01 10 Maldives 8.60 FY02 11 Afghanistan 7.70 FY02 12 Bahrain 6.70 FY01 13 Armenia 6.50 FY01 14 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 6.00 15 Syria 5.90 16 Kuwait 5.50 FY01 17 Angola 5.40 FY02 18 Burundi 5.30 FY02 19 New Caledonia 5.30 FY96 20 Yemen 5.20 FY01 21 Brunei 5.00 FY02 22 Greece 4.91 23 Singapore 4.90 24 Lebanon 4.80 25 Swaziland 4.75 FY00 26 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.60 27 Pakistan 4.60 FY02 28 Bosnia and Herzegovina 4.50 29 Turkey 4.50 2002 est. 30 Djibouti 4.40 FY02 31 China 4.30 FY02 32 Sri Lanka 4.20 33 Laos 4.20 34 Algeria 4.10 35 Egypt 4.10 FY99 36 Cuba 4.00 37 Morocco 4.00 38 Libya 3.90 39 Tajikistan 3.90 FY01 40 Cyprus 3.80 41 Mauritania 3.70 FY02 42 Botswana 3.50 FY02 43 Colombia 3.40 FY01 44 Turkmenistan 3.40 45 Ecuador 3.40 46 Guinea 3.30 FY02 47 United States 3.20 48 Zimbabwe 3.20 FY02 49 Chile 3.10 50 Iran 3.10 51 United Arab Emirates 3.10 52 Cambodia 3.00 53 Rwanda 3.00 FY02 54 Comoros 3.00 FY02 55 Australia 2.90 FY02 56 Congo, Republic of the 2.80 FY01 57 Korea, South 2.80 FY02 58 Guinea-Bissau 2.80 FY02 59 Benin 2.70 FY02 60 Taiwan 2.70 FY02 61 Bulgaria 2.70 FY02 62 Azerbaijan 2.60 63 France 2.57 2002 64 Equatorial Guinea 2.50 FY02 65 Vietnam 2.50 66 Sudan 2.50 67 Romania 2.47 2002 68 Namibia 2.40 FY02 69 Croatia 2.39 2002 est. 70 United Kingdom 2.32 2002 71 India 2.30 FY02 72 Fiji 2.20 FY02 73 Mongolia 2.20 FY02 74 Portugal 2.20 FY99/00 75 Norway 2.13 2002 76 Burma 2.10 77 Uganda 2.10 FY02 78 Sweden 2.10 FY01 79 Czech Republic 2.10 FY01 80 Malaysia 2.03 81 Estonia 2.00 2002 est. 82 Gabon 2.00 FY02 83 Uzbekistan 2.00 84 World 2.00 85 Finland 2.00 FY98/99 86 Brazil 1.90 FY99 87 Chad 1.90 FY02 88 Lithuania 1.90 FY01 89 Bhutan 1.90 FY02 90 Slovakia 1.89 2002 91 Belize 1.87 92 Bangladesh 1.80 FY96 93 Bolivia 1.80 FY99 94 Kenya 1.80 FY02 95 Peru 1.80 96 Seychelles 1.80 FY02 97 Togo 1.80 FY02 98 Hungary 1.75 2002 est. 99 Poland 1.71 2002 100 Malta 1.70 2000 101 Slovenia 1.70 FY00 102 South Africa 1.70 FY02 103 Italy 1.64 2002 104 Costa Rica 1.60 105 Cape Verde 1.60 FY02 106 Suriname 1.60 107 Netherlands 1.50 FY00/01 est. 108 Sierra Leone 1.50 FY02 109 Tunisia 1.50 110 Philippines 1.50 111 Albania 1.49 FY02 112 Belgium 1.40 FY01/02 113 Belarus 1.40 FY02 114 Denmark 1.40 FY99/00 115 Burkina Faso 1.40 FY02 116 Ukraine 1.40 FY02 117 Thailand 1.40 118 Trinidad and Tobago 1.40 1999 119 Senegal 1.40 FY02 120 Papua New Guinea 1.40 FY02 121 Paraguay 1.40 122 Kyrgyzstan 1.40 FY01 123 Cote d'Ivoire 1.40 FY02 124 Cameroon 1.40 FY98 125 Germany 1.38 2002 126 Argentina 1.30 FY00 127 Haiti 1.30 FY00 128 Indonesia 1.30 129 Liberia 1.30 FY02 130 Panama 1.30 131 Latvia 1.20 FY01 132 Nicaragua 1.20 133 Madagascar 1.20 FY02 134 Spain 1.15 2002 135 Canada 1.10 FY01/02 136 Central African Republic 1.10 FY02 137 Dominican Republic 1.10 138 Niger 1.10 FY02 139 Nepal 1.10 FY02 140 Uruguay 1.10 2000 141 Japan 1.00 FY02 142 Mexico 1.00 143 Mozambique 1.00 144 New Zealand 1.00 FY02 145 Switzerland 1.00 FY01 146 Nigeria 1.00 FY02 147 Ireland 0.90 FY00/01 148 Venezuela 0.90 149 Zambia 0.90 FY02 150 Somalia 0.90 FY02 151 Kazakhstan 0.90 FY02 152 Austria 0.80 FY01/02 153 Sao Tome and Principe 0.80 FY01 154 Luxembourg 0.80 FY01/02 155 Bahamas, The 0.70 FY99 156 Malawi 0.70 FY02 157 El Salvador 0.70 158 Ghana 0.60 FY02 159 Guatemala 0.60 160 Honduras 0.60 161 Georgia 0.59 162 Moldova 0.40 FY02 163 Gambia, The 0.30 FY02 164 Mauritius 0.20 FY02 165 Tanzania 0.20 FY02 166 Bermuda 0.11

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2038

Rank Country Electricity - production(kWh) Date of Information

1 World 14,850,000,000,000 2001 est. 2 United States 3,719,000,000,000 2001 3 China 1,420,000,000,000 2001 4 Japan 1,037,000,000,000 2001 5 Russia 846,500,000,000 2001 6 Canada 566,300,000,000 2001 7 Germany 544,800,000,000 2001 8 India 533,300,000,000 2001 9 France 520,100,000,000 2001 10 United Kingdom 360,900,000,000 2001 11 Brazil 321,200,000,000 2001 12 Korea, South 290,700,000,000 2001 13 Italy 258,800,000,000 2001 14 Spain 222,500,000,000 2001 15 Mexico 198,600,000,000 2001 16 Australia 198,200,000,000 2001 17 South Africa 195,600,000,000 2001 18 Ukraine 164,700,000,000 2001 19 Sweden 152,900,000,000 2001 20 Taiwan 151,100,000,000 2001 21 Poland 135,000,000,000 2001 22 Iran 124,600,000,000 2001 23 Saudi Arabia 122,400,000,000 2001 24 Norway 120,100,000,000 2001 25 Turkey 116,600,000,000 2001 26 Thailand 97,600,000,000 2001 27 Argentina 97,170,000,000 2001 28 Indonesia 95,780,000,000 2001 29 Netherlands 88,320,000,000 2001 30 Venezuela 87,600,000,000 2001 31 Ecuador 75,230,000,000 2001 32 Egypt 75,230,000,000 2001 33 Belgium 74,280,000,000 2001 34 Finland 71,200,000,000 2001 35 Czech Republic 70,040,000,000 2001 36 Switzerland 68,680,000,000 2001 37 Malaysia 68,340,000,000 2001 38 Pakistan 66,960,000,000 2001 39 Austria 58,750,000,000 2001 40 Kazakhstan 52,430,000,000 2001 41 Romania 50,860,000,000 2001 42 Greece 49,790,000,000 2001 43 Philippines 45,210,000,000 2001 44 Paraguay 44,890,000,000 2001 45 Uzbekistan 44,490,000,000 2001 46 Portugal 44,320,000,000 2001 47 Colombia 42,990,000,000 2001 48 Israel 42,240,000,000 2001 49 Chile 41,660,000,000 2001 50 Bulgaria 41,380,000,000 2001 51 United Arab Emirates 37,740,000,000 2001 52 New Zealand 37,510,000,000 2001 53 Iraq 36,010,000,000 2001 54 Denmark 35,470,000,000 2001 55 Hungary 34,390,000,000 2001 56 Serbia and Montenegro 31,710,000,000 2001 57 Kuwait 31,490,000,000 2001 58 Hong Kong 30,480,000,000 2001 59 Singapore 30,480,000,000 2001 60 Slovakia 30,290,000,000 2001 61 Korea, North 30,010,000,000 2001 62 Vietnam 29,800,000,000 2001 63 Algeria 24,690,000,000 2001 64 Belarus 24,400,000,000 2001 65 Ireland 23,530,000,000 2001 66 Syria 23,260,000,000 2001 67 Puerto Rico 20,900,000,000 2001 68 Peru 20,590,000,000 2001 69 Libya 20,180,000,000 2001 70 Azerbaijan 18,230,000,000 2001 71 Nigeria 15,670,000,000 2001 72 Bangladesh 15,330,000,000 2001 73 Lithuania 14,620,000,000 2001 74 Cuba 14,380,000,000 2001 75 Tajikistan 14,180,000,000 2001 76 Slovenia 13,690,000,000 2001 77 Kyrgyzstan 13,450,000,000 2001 78 Morocco 13,350,000,000 2001 79 Croatia 12,120,000,000 2001 80 Tunisia 10,480,000,000 2001 81 Turkmenistan 10,180,000,000 2001 82 Bosnia and Herzegovina 9,979,000,000 2001 83 Oman 9,274,000,000 2001 84 Qatar 9,264,000,000 2001 85 Dominican Republic 9,186,000,000 2001 86 Ghana 8,801,000,000 2001 87 Uruguay 7,963,000,000 2001 88 Estonia 7,937,000,000 2001 89 Iceland 7,894,000,000 2001 90 Zambia 7,751,000,000 2001 91 Georgia 7,270,000,000 2001 92 Mozambique 7,193,000,000 2001 93 Jordan 7,091,000,000 2001 94 Costa Rica 6,839,000,000 2001 95 Zimbabwe 6,735,000,000 2001 96 Lebanon 6,728,000,000 2001 97 Armenia 6,479,000,000 2001 98 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 6,465,000,000 2001 99 Sri Lanka 6,360,000,000 2001 100 Jamaica 6,272,000,000 2001 101 Bahrain 6,257,000,000 2001 102 Guatemala 6,237,000,000 2001 103 Burma 6,139,000,000 2001 104 Trinidad and Tobago 5,315,000,000 2001 105 Albania 5,289,000,000 2001 106 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 5,243,000,000 2001 107 Cote d'Ivoire 4,605,000,000 2001 108 Latvia 4,365,000,000 2001 109 Panama 4,039,000,000 2001 110 Kenya 4,033,000,000 2001 111 Bolivia 3,901,000,000 2001 112 Honduras 3,778,000,000 2001 113 El Salvador 3,729,000,000 2001 114 Cameroon 3,613,000,000 2001 115 Cyprus 3,401,000,000 2001 116 Moldova 3,394,000,000 2001 117 Yemen 3,010,000,000 2001 118 Tanzania 2,906,000,000 2001 119 Nicaragua 2,549,000,000 2001 120 Brunei 2,497,000,000 2001 121 Sudan 2,389,000,000 2001 122 Mongolia 2,225,000,000 2001 123 Suriname 1,959,000,000 2001 124 Uganda 1,928,000,000 2001 125 Bhutan 1,896,000,000 2001 126 Malta 1,768,000,000 2001 127 Nepal 1,755,000,000 2001 128 Ethiopia 1,713,000,000 2001 129 New Caledonia 1,613,000,000 2001 130 Macau 1,611,000,000 2002 131 Bahamas, The 1,560,000,000 2001 132 Senegal 1,518,000,000 2001 133 Papua New Guinea 1,496,000,000 2001 134 Angola 1,450,000,000 2001 135 Laos 1,317,000,000 2001 136 Mauritius 1,311,000,000 2001 137 Guadeloupe 1,155,000,000 2001 138 Martinique 1,151,000,000 2001 139 Reunion 1,080,000,000 2001 140 Netherlands Antilles 1,061,000,000 2001 141 Virgin Islands 1,030,000,000 2001 142 Guyana 852,000,000 2001 143 Madagascar 830,200,000 2001 144 Guam 830,000,000 2001 145 Gabon 798,400,000 2001 146 Guinea 790,600,000 2001 147 Barbados 780,000,000 2001 148 Malawi 769,200,000 2001 149 Bermuda 643,700,000 2001 150 Haiti 580,000,000 2001 151 Aruba 531,900,000 2001 152 Fiji 520,100,000 2001 153 Mali 480,200,000 2001 154 Liberia 468,800,000 2001 155 Luxembourg 457,000,000 2001 156 French Guiana 455,000,000 2001 157 French Polynesia 428,300,000 2001 158 Botswana 409,800,000 2001 159 Cayman Islands 381,900,000 2001 160 Congo, Republic of the 358,100,000 2001 161 Swaziland 348,300,000 2001 162 Afghanistan 334,800,000 2001 163 Burkina Faso 279,200,000 2001 164 Benin 274,300,000 2001 165 Sierra Leone 250,100,000 2001 166 Somalia 245,100,000 2001 167 Greenland 245,000,000 2001 168 Niger 242,000,000 2001 169 Eritrea 220,500,000 2001 170 Belize 199,500,000 2001 171 Djibouti 180,000,000 2001 172 Faroe Islands 160,400,000 2001 173 Seychelles 160,000,000 2001 174 Mauritania 157,400,000 2001 175 Burundi 155,400,000 2001 176 Grenada 138,000,000 2001 177 American Samoa 130,000,000 2001 178 Saint Lucia 120,200,000 2001 179 Cambodia 119,000,000 2001 180 Maldives 117,000,000 2001 181 Central African Republic 106,000,000 2001 182 Antigua and Barbuda 105,300,000 2001 183 Samoa 105,100,000 2001 184 Togo 101,600,000 2001 185 Saint Kitts and Nevis 100,300,000 2001 186 Gibraltar 100,000,000 2001 187 Rwanda 96,780,000 2001 188 Chad 94,040,000 2001 189 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 92,480,000 2001 190 Western Sahara 90,000,000 2001 191 Gambia, The 85,330,000 2001 192 Dominica 72,410,000 2001 193 Guinea-Bissau 55,000,000 2001 194 Johnston Atoll 44,200,000 1999 195 Vanuatu 43,460,000 2001 196 Cape Verde 42,030,000 2001 197 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 42,030,000 2001 198 British Virgin Islands 38,100,000 2001 199 Solomon Islands 32,000,000 2001 200 Nauru 30,000,000 2001 201 Cook Islands 27,430,000 2001 202 Tonga 27,270,000 2001 203 Namibia 26,950,000 2001 204 Equatorial Guinea 23,560,000 2001 205 Comoros 21,270,000 2001 206 Sao Tome and Principe 17,000,000 2001 207 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 16,330,000 2001 208 Kiribati 7,000,000 2001 209 Saint Helena 5,000,000 2001 210 Turks and Caicos Islands 5,000,000 2001 211 Niue 3,000,000 2001 212 Montserrat 2,500,000 2001 213 Lesotho 0 2001

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2042

Rank Country Electricity - consumption(kWh) Date of Information

1 World 13,930,000,000,000 2001 est. 2 United States 3,602,000,000,000 2001 3 China 1,312,000,000,000 2001 4 Japan 964,200,000,000 2001 5 Russia 773,000,000,000 2001 6 Germany 506,800,000,000 2001 7 Canada 504,400,000,000 2001 8 India 497,200,000,000 2001 9 France 415,300,000,000 2001 10 United Kingdom 346,100,000,000 2001 11 Brazil 335,900,000,000 2001 12 Italy 289,100,000,000 2001 13 Korea, South 270,300,000,000 2001 14 Spain 210,400,000,000 2001 15 Mexico 186,700,000,000 2001 16 Australia 184,400,000,000 2001 17 South Africa 181,200,000,000 2001 18 Ukraine 152,400,000,000 2001 19 Taiwan 140,500,000,000 2001 20 Sweden 134,900,000,000 2001 21 Poland 118,800,000,000 2001 22 Iran 115,900,000,000 2001 23 Norway 115,300,000,000 2001 24 Saudi Arabia 113,800,000,000 2001 25 Turkey 112,600,000,000 2001 26 Netherlands 99,420,000,000 2001 27 Argentina 92,120,000,000 2001 28 Thailand 90,910,000,000 2001 29 Indonesia 89,080,000,000 2001 30 Venezuela 81,470,000,000 2001 31 Belgium 78,180,000,000 2001 32 Finland 76,180,000,000 2001 33 Ecuador 69,960,000,000 2001 34 Egypt 69,960,000,000 2001 35 Malaysia 63,480,000,000 2001 36 Pakistan 62,270,000,000 2001 37 Czech Republic 55,600,000,000 2001 38 Austria 54,850,000,000 2001 39 Switzerland 53,430,000,000 2001 40 Greece 48,800,000,000 2001 41 Kazakhstan 48,360,000,000 2001 42 Uzbekistan 47,070,000,000 2001 43 Romania 46,100,000,000 2001 44 Philippines 42,040,000,000 2001 45 Portugal 41,480,000,000 2001 46 Chile 40,130,000,000 2001 47 Colombia 39,810,000,000 2001 48 Israel 37,820,000,000 2001 49 Hong Kong 37,120,000,000 2001 50 Hungary 35,150,000,000 2001 51 United Arab Emirates 35,100,000,000 2001 52 New Zealand 34,880,000,000 2001 53 Iraq 33,490,000,000 2001 54 Bulgaria 32,520,000,000 2001 55 Denmark 32,410,000,000 2001 56 Serbia and Montenegro 32,370,000,000 2001 57 Kuwait 29,290,000,000 2001 58 Singapore 28,350,000,000 2001 59 Korea, North 27,910,000,000 2001 60 Vietnam 27,710,000,000 2001 61 Belarus 26,690,000,000 2001 62 Slovakia 24,410,000,000 2001 63 Algeria 22,900,000,000 2001 64 Ireland 21,630,000,000 2001 65 Syria 21,630,000,000 2001 66 Puerto Rico 19,440,000,000 2001 67 Peru 19,150,000,000 2001 68 Libya 18,770,000,000 2001 69 Azerbaijan 16,650,000,000 2001 70 Morocco 14,610,000,000 2001 71 Nigeria 14,550,000,000 2001 72 Tajikistan 14,520,000,000 2001 73 Croatia 14,270,000,000 2001 74 Bangladesh 14,250,000,000 2001 75 Slovenia 13,830,000,000 2001 76 Cuba 13,380,000,000 2001 77 Kyrgyzstan 10,460,000,000 2001 78 Zimbabwe 9,813,000,000 2001 79 Tunisia 9,748,000,000 2001 80 Ghana 8,835,000,000 2001 81 Lithuania 8,683,000,000 2001 82 Oman 8,625,000,000 2001 83 Qatar 8,616,000,000 2001 84 Dominican Republic 8,543,000,000 2001 85 Turkmenistan 8,509,000,000 2001 86 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8,116,000,000 2001 87 Georgia 7,611,000,000 2001 88 Lebanon 7,440,000,000 2001 89 Iceland 7,341,000,000 2001 90 Jordan 6,860,000,000 2001 91 Estonia 6,192,000,000 2001 92 Uruguay 6,152,000,000 2001 93 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 6,112,000,000 2001 94 Costa Rica 6,109,000,000 2001 95 Luxembourg 6,070,000,000 2001 96 Latvia 6,046,000,000 2001 97 Sri Lanka 5,915,000,000 2001 98 Albania 5,898,000,000 2001 99 Jamaica 5,833,000,000 2001 100 Bahrain 5,819,000,000 2001 101 Armenia 5,784,000,000 2001 102 Burma 5,709,000,000 2001 103 Guatemala 5,559,000,000 2001 104 Zambia 5,458,000,000 2001 105 Trinidad and Tobago 4,943,000,000 2001 106 Kenya 3,981,000,000 2001 107 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 3,839,000,000 2001 108 Honduras 3,822,000,000 2001 109 El Salvador 3,777,000,000 2001 110 Panama 3,681,000,000 2001 111 Bolivia 3,634,000,000 2001 112 Cameroon 3,360,000,000 2001 113 Moldova 3,216,000,000 2001 114 Cyprus 3,163,000,000 2001 115 Cote d'Ivoire 2,983,000,000 2001 116 Yemen 2,800,000,000 2001 117 Tanzania 2,752,000,000 2001 118 Paraguay 2,637,000,000 2001 119 Nicaragua 2,388,000,000 2001 120 Brunei 2,322,000,000 2001 121 Sudan 2,222,000,000 2001 122 Mongolia 2,194,000,000 2001 123 Suriname 1,822,000,000 2001 124 Nepal 1,764,000,000 2001 125 Macau 1,688,000,000 2002 126 Malta 1,644,000,000 2001 127 Uganda 1,620,000,000 2001 128 Ethiopia 1,594,000,000 2001 129 Botswana 1,564,000,000 2001 130 New Caledonia 1,500,000,000 2001 131 Bahamas, The 1,451,000,000 2001 132 Senegal 1,412,000,000 2001 133 Papua New Guinea 1,391,000,000 2001 134 Mozambique 1,390,000,000 2001 135 Angola 1,348,000,000 2001 136 Mauritius 1,219,000,000 2001 137 Guadeloupe 1,074,000,000 2001 138 Martinique 1,070,000,000 2001 139 Reunion 1,005,000,000 2001 140 Netherlands Antilles 986,800,000 2001 141 Swaziland 962,900,000 2001 142 Virgin Islands 957,900,000 2001 143 Laos 824,700,000 2001 144 Guyana 792,400,000 2001 145 Madagascar 772,100,000 2001 146 Guam 771,900,000 2001 147 Gabon 742,500,000 2001 148 Guinea 735,200,000 2001 149 Barbados 725,400,000 2001 150 Malawi 715,300,000 2001 151 Congo, Republic of the 633,000,000 2001 152 Benin 631,100,000 2001 153 Togo 614,500,000 2001 154 Namibia 603,100,000 2001 155 Bermuda 598,600,000 2001 156 Haiti 539,400,000 2001 157 Afghanistan 511,400,000 2001 158 Aruba 494,700,000 2001 159 Fiji 483,700,000 2001 160 Mali 446,600,000 2001 161 Liberia 435,900,000 2001 162 French Guiana 423,200,000 2001 163 French Polynesia 398,300,000 2001 164 Bhutan 379,500,000 2001 165 Cayman Islands 355,200,000 2001 166 Niger 325,100,000 2001 167 Burkina Faso 259,600,000 2001 168 Sierra Leone 232,600,000 2001 169 Greenland 227,900,000 2001 170 Somalia 227,900,000 2001 171 Eritrea 205,100,000 2001 172 Belize 185,500,000 2001 173 Burundi 177,500,000 2001 174 Djibouti 167,400,000 2001 175 Faroe Islands 149,100,000 2001 176 Seychelles 148,800,000 2001 177 Mauritania 146,300,000 2001 178 Rwanda 140,000,000 2001 179 Grenada 128,300,000 2001 180 American Samoa 120,900,000 2001 181 Saint Lucia 111,800,000 2001 182 Cambodia 110,600,000 2001 183 Maldives 108,800,000 2001 184 Central African Republic 98,630,000 2001 185 Antigua and Barbuda 97,890,000 2001 186 Samoa 97,740,000 2001 187 Saint Kitts and Nevis 93,260,000 2001 188 Gibraltar 93,000,000 2001 189 Chad 87,460,000 2001 190 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 86,000,000 2001 191 Western Sahara 83,700,000 2001 192 Gambia, The 79,360,000 2001 193 Dominica 67,350,000 2001 194 Guinea-Bissau 51,150,000 2001 195 Anguilla 42,600,000 196 Vanuatu 40,420,000 2001 197 Lesotho 40,000,000 2001 198 Cape Verde 39,080,000 2001 199 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 39,080,000 2001 200 British Virgin Islands 35,430,000 2001 201 Solomon Islands 29,760,000 2001 202 Nauru 27,900,000 2001 203 Cook Islands 25,510,000 2001 204 Tonga 25,360,000 2001 205 Equatorial Guinea 21,910,000 2001 206 Comoros 19,780,000 2001 207 Sao Tome and Principe 15,810,000 2001 208 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 15,190,000 2001 209 Kiribati 6,510,000 2001 210 Saint Helena 4,650,000 2001 211 Turks and Caicos Islands 4,650,000 2001 212 Niue 2,790,000 2001 213 Montserrat 2,325,000 2001 214 Johnston Atoll 2,002,000

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2054

Rank Country Birth rate(births/1,000 population) Date of Information

1 Niger 49.54 2003 est. 2 Mali 47.79 2003 est. 3 Chad 47.06 2003 est. 4 Uganda 46.57 2003 est. 5 Somalia 46.42 2003 est. 6 Angola 45.57 2003 est. 7 Liberia 45.28 2003 est. 8 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 45.12 2003 est. 9 Burkina Faso 44.78 2003 est. 10 Malawi 44.70 2003 est. 11 Sierra Leone 43.89 2003 est. 12 Yemen 43.23 2003 est. 13 Benin 43.15 2003 est. 14 Mayotte 42.86 2003 est. 15 Guinea 42.50 2003 est. 16 Madagascar 42.16 2003 est. 17 Mauritania 42.16 2003 est. 18 Sao Tome and Principe 41.87 2003 est. 19 Gaza Strip 41.23 2003 est. 20 Djibouti 40.78 2003 est. 21 Gambia, The 40.77 2003 est. 22 Afghanistan 40.63 2003 est. 23 Rwanda 40.10 2003 est. 24 Cote d'Ivoire 40.01 2003 est. 25 Ethiopia 39.81 2003 est. 26 Burundi 39.72 2003 est. 27 Zambia 39.53 2003 est. 28 Tanzania 39.50 2003 est. 29 Eritrea 39.44 2003 est. 30 Nigeria 38.75 2003 est. 31 Comoros 38.50 2003 est. 32 Guinea-Bissau 38.41 2003 est. 33 Mozambique 38.20 2003 est. 34 Oman 37.47 2003 est. 35 Saudi Arabia 37.20 2003 est. 36 Equatorial Guinea 36.94 2003 est. 37 Laos 36.93 2003 est. 38 Maldives 36.71 2003 est. 39 Gabon 36.54 2003 est. 40 Sudan 36.48 2003 est. 41 Senegal 36.23 2003 est. 42 Central African Republic 35.93 2003 est. 43 Cameroon 35.49 2003 est. 44 Togo 35.23 2003 est. 45 Guatemala 35.05 2003 est. 46 Bhutan 34.82 2003 est. 47 Marshall Islands 34.18 2003 est. 48 Namibia 34.10 2003 est. 49 West Bank 34.07 2003 est. 50 Haiti 34.06 2003 est. 51 Iraq 33.66 2003 est. 52 Tajikistan 32.78 2003 est. 53 Nepal 32.46 2003 est. 54 Solomon Islands 32.45 2003 est. 55 Honduras 31.67 2003 est. 56 Kiribati 31.24 2003 est. 57 Papua New Guinea 31.07 2003 est. 58 Belize 30.46 2003 est. 59 Zimbabwe 30.34 2003 est. 60 Paraguay 30.14 2003 est. 61 Bangladesh 29.90 2003 est. 62 Pakistan 29.59 2003 est. 63 Syria 29.54 2003 est. 64 Congo, Republic of the 29.46 2003 est. 65 Swaziland 29.37 2003 est. 66 Kenya 28.81 2003 est. 67 Turkmenistan 28.02 2003 est. 68 El Salvador 27.90 2003 est. 69 East Timor 27.75 2003 est. 70 Libya 27.43 2003 est. 71 Cambodia 27.28 2003 est. 72 Lesotho 27.26 2003 est. 73 Cape Verde 26.95 2003 est. 74 Micronesia, Federated States of 26.47 2003 est. 75 Philippines 26.30 2003 est. 76 Nicaragua 26.29 2003 est. 77 Nauru 26.09 2003 est. 78 Uzbekistan 26.09 2003 est. 79 Kyrgyzstan 26.06 2003 est. 80 Ghana 25.84 2003 est. 81 Bolivia 25.53 2003 est. 82 Botswana 25.50 2003 est. 83 Ecuador 24.94 2003 est. 84 Tonga 24.51 2003 est. 85 Egypt 24.36 2003 est. 86 Vanuatu 24.26 2003 est. 87 Dominican Republic 23.94 2003 est. 88 Malaysia 23.70 2003 est. 89 Jordan 23.68 2003 est. 90 Turks and Caicos Islands 23.51 2003 est. 91 India 23.28 2003 est. 92 American Samoa 23.26 2003 est. 93 Morocco 23.26 2003 est. 94 Guam 23.19 2003 est. 95 Fiji 23.06 2003 est. 96 Grenada 22.87 2003 est. 97 Peru 22.81 2003 est. 98 Algeria 21.94 2003 est. 99 Mexico 21.92 2003 est. 100 Kuwait 21.83 2003 est. 101 Colombia 21.59 2003 est. 102 Tuvalu 21.58 2003 est. 103 Indonesia 21.49 2003 est. 104 Mongolia 21.39 2003 est. 105 French Guiana 21.33 2003 est. 106 Saint Lucia 20.93 2003 est. 107 Panama 20.78 2003 est. 108 World 20.43 2003 est. 109 Reunion 20.17 2003 est. 110 Northern Mariana Islands 19.97 2003 est. 111 Venezuela 19.78 2003 est. 112 Brunei 19.68 2003 est. 113 Lebanon 19.68 2003 est. 114 Vietnam 19.58 2003 est. 115 New Caledonia 19.45 2003 est. 116 Costa Rica 19.40 2003 est. 117 Suriname 19.40 2003 est. 118 Azerbaijan 19.28 2003 est. 119 Burma 19.15 2003 est. 120 Bahrain 19.02 2003 est. 121 Palau 19.02 2003 est. 122 South Africa 18.87 2003 est. 123 Israel 18.67 2003 est. 124 Bahamas, The 18.57 2003 est. 125 United Arab Emirates 18.48 2003 est. 126 Saint Kitts and Nevis 18.45 2003 est. 127 Kazakhstan 18.36 2003 est. 128 Antigua and Barbuda 18.23 2003 est. 129 Albania 18.20 2003 est. 130 Guyana 17.87 2003 est. 131 French Polynesia 17.74 2003 est. 132 Brazil 17.67 2003 est. 133 Korea, North 17.61 2003 est. 134 Turkey 17.59 2003 est. 135 Montserrat 17.57 2003 est. 136 Argentina 17.47 2003 est. 137 Jamaica 17.35 2003 est. 138 Iran 17.23 2003 est. 139 Uruguay 17.19 2003 est. 140 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 17.16 2003 est. 141 Seychelles 16.89 2003 est. 142 Dominica 16.78 2003 est. 143 Tunisia 16.53 2003 est. 144 Thailand 16.37 2003 est. 145 Guadeloupe 16.16 2003 est. 146 Sri Lanka 16.12 2003 est. 147 Chile 16.10 2003 est. 148 Mauritius 16.10 2003 est. 149 Greenland 16.09 2003 est. 150 Virgin Islands 15.80 2003 est. 151 Netherlands Antilles 15.76 2003 est. 152 Qatar 15.68 2003 est. 153 Samoa 15.41 2003 est. 154 Puerto Rico 15.00 2003 est. 155 British Virgin Islands 15.00 2003 est. 156 Martinique 14.96 2003 est. 157 Anguilla 14.68 2003 est. 158 Ireland 14.63 2003 est. 159 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 14.62 2003 est. 160 Moldova 14.31 2003 est. 161 New Zealand 14.14 2003 est. 162 United States 14.14 2003 est. 163 Iceland 14.13 2003 est. 164 Faroe Islands 13.81 2003 est. 165 Cayman Islands 13.33 2003 est. 166 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 13.20 2003 est. 167 Barbados 13.15 2003 est. 168 China 12.96 2003 est. 169 Saint Helena 12.90 2003 est. 170 Cyprus 12.77 2003 est. 171 Croatia 12.76 2003 est. 172 Malta 12.75 2003 est. 173 Singapore 12.75 2003 est. 174 Trinidad and Tobago 12.74 2003 est. 175 Taiwan 12.74 2003 est. 176 Serbia and Montenegro 12.74 2003 est. 177 Bosnia and Herzegovina 12.65 2003 est. 178 Korea, South 12.60 2003 est. 179 Armenia 12.57 2003 est. 180 Australia 12.55 2003 est. 181 France 12.54 2003 est. 182 Norway 12.17 2003 est. 183 Bermuda 12.13 2003 est. 184 Macau 12.07 2003 est. 185 Luxembourg 11.92 2003 est. 186 Cuba 11.87 2003 est. 187 Aruba 11.86 2003 est. 188 Georgia 11.79 2003 est. 189 Denmark 11.52 2003 est. 190 Portugal 11.45 2003 est. 191 Man, Isle of 11.38 2003 est. 192 Netherlands 11.31 2003 est. 193 Gibraltar 11.09 2003 est. 194 Canada 10.99 2003 est. 195 United Kingdom 10.99 2003 est. 196 Liechtenstein 10.92 2003 est. 197 Romania 10.79 2003 est. 198 Hong Kong 10.71 2003 est. 199 Finland 10.54 2003 est. 200 San Marino 10.49 2003 est. 201 Lithuania 10.48 2003 est. 202 Poland 10.47 2003 est. 203 Belgium 10.45 2003 est. 204 Jersey 10.44 2003 est. 205 Belarus 10.18 2003 est. 206 Slovakia 10.10 2003 est. 207 Russia 10.09 2003 est. 208 Spain 10.08 2003 est. 209 Ukraine 9.89 2003 est. 210 Greece 9.79 2003 est. 211 Sweden 9.71 2003 est. 212 Andorra 9.65 2003 est. 213 Japan 9.61 2003 est. 214 Switzerland 9.59 2003 est. 215 Monaco 9.46 2003 est. 216 Austria 9.43 2003 est. 217 Guernsey 9.43 2003 est. 218 Hungary 9.32 2003 est. 219 Estonia 9.24 2003 est. 220 Slovenia 9.23 2003 est. 221 Italy 9.18 2003 est. 222 Czech Republic 9.01 2003 est. 223 Germany 8.60 2003 est. 224 Latvia 8.55 2003 est. 225 Bulgaria 8.02 2003 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2066

Rank Country Death rate(deaths/1,000 population) Date of Information

1 Botswana 31.00 2003 est. 2 Mozambique 30.04 2003 est. 3 Angola 25.83 2003 est. 4 Lesotho 24.58 2003 est. 5 Zambia 24.30 2003 est. 6 Malawi 22.64 2003 est. 7 Zimbabwe 22.02 2003 est. 8 Rwanda 21.72 2003 est. 9 Niger 21.71 2003 est. 10 Swaziland 21.08 2003 est. 11 Sierra Leone 20.66 2003 est. 12 Ethiopia 20.17 2003 est. 13 Central African Republic 19.73 2003 est. 14 Djibouti 19.45 2003 est. 15 Mali 19.21 2003 est. 16 Namibia 19.17 2003 est. 17 Burkina Faso 18.76 2003 est. 18 South Africa 18.42 2003 est. 19 Cote d'Ivoire 18.41 2003 est. 20 Liberia 17.84 2003 est. 21 Burundi 17.80 2003 est. 22 Somalia 17.64 2003 est. 23 Tanzania 17.38 2003 est. 24 Afghanistan 17.15 2003 est. 25 Uganda 16.95 2003 est. 26 Guinea-Bissau 16.62 2003 est. 27 Ukraine 16.39 2003 est. 28 Chad 16.38 2003 est. 29 Kenya 16.01 2003 est. 30 Guinea 15.70 2003 est. 31 Cameroon 15.30 2003 est. 32 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 14.87 2003 est. 33 Georgia 14.71 2003 est. 34 Latvia 14.70 2003 est. 35 Bulgaria 14.34 2003 est. 36 Congo, Republic of the 14.20 2003 est. 37 Belarus 14.05 2003 est. 38 Russia 13.99 2003 est. 39 Nigeria 13.76 2003 est. 40 Benin 13.65 2003 est. 41 Bhutan 13.47 2003 est. 42 Estonia 13.42 2003 est. 43 Haiti 13.36 2003 est. 44 Eritrea 13.23 2003 est. 45 Mauritania 13.04 2003 est. 46 Hungary 13.00 2003 est. 47 Lithuania 12.89 2003 est. 48 Monaco 12.82 2003 est. 49 Moldova 12.70 2003 est. 50 Equatorial Guinea 12.54 2003 est. 51 Laos 12.39 2003 est. 52 Gambia, The 12.35 2003 est. 53 Romania 12.25 2003 est. 54 Burma 12.17 2003 est. 55 Madagascar 11.88 2003 est. 56 Togo 11.51 2003 est. 57 Man, Isle of 11.49 2003 est. 58 Croatia 11.25 2003 est. 59 Gabon 11.17 2003 est. 60 Senegal 10.88 2003 est. 61 Kazakhstan 10.78 2003 est. 62 Czech Republic 10.74 2003 est. 63 Denmark 10.72 2003 est. 64 Serbia and Montenegro 10.62 2003 est. 65 Sweden 10.58 2003 est. 66 Ghana 10.53 2003 est. 67 Germany 10.34 2003 est. 68 Portugal 10.21 2003 est. 69 United Kingdom 10.21 2003 est. 70 Armenia 10.16 2003 est. 71 Slovenia 10.15 2003 est. 72 Italy 10.12 2003 est. 73 Belgium 10.07 2003 est. 74 Poland 9.96 2003 est. 75 Greece 9.86 2003 est. 76 Guernsey 9.84 2003 est. 77 Nepal 9.84 2003 est. 78 Finland 9.82 2003 est. 79 Norway 9.72 2003 est. 80 Austria 9.69 2003 est. 81 Azerbaijan 9.68 2003 est. 82 Sudan 9.59 2003 est. 83 Spain 9.48 2003 est. 84 Guyana 9.27 2003 est. 85 Cambodia 9.26 2003 est. 86 Slovakia 9.22 2003 est. 87 Jersey 9.17 2003 est. 88 Kyrgyzstan 9.10 2003 est. 89 France 9.05 2003 est. 90 Yemen 9.04 2003 est. 91 Barbados 9.02 2003 est. 92 Uruguay 8.97 2003 est. 93 Gibraltar 8.93 2003 est. 94 Turkmenistan 8.87 2003 est. 95 Comoros 8.86 2003 est. 96 Saint Kitts and Nevis 8.85 2003 est. 97 World 8.83 2003 est. 98 Switzerland 8.82 2003 est. 99 Pakistan 8.79 2003 est. 100 Luxembourg 8.78 2003 est. 101 Trinidad and Tobago 8.71 2003 est. 102 Faroe Islands 8.70 2003 est. 103 Bahamas, The 8.68 2003 est. 104 Netherlands 8.66 2003 est. 105 Bangladesh 8.63 2003 est. 106 Kiribati 8.63 2003 est. 107 Japan 8.55 2003 est. 108 India 8.49 2003 est. 109 Tajikistan 8.46 2003 est. 110 United States 8.44 2003 est. 111 Mayotte 8.34 2003 est. 112 Bosnia and Herzegovina 8.21 2003 est. 113 Vanuatu 8.13 2003 est. 114 Uzbekistan 7.97 2003 est. 115 Ireland 7.94 2003 est. 116 Bolivia 7.91 2003 est. 117 San Marino 7.86 2003 est. 118 Malta 7.80 2003 est. 119 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 7.78 2003 est. 120 Puerto Rico 7.68 2003 est. 121 Greenland 7.66 2003 est. 122 Maldives 7.65 2003 est. 123 Cyprus 7.63 2003 est. 124 Papua New Guinea 7.63 2003 est. 125 Canada 7.61 2003 est. 126 Argentina 7.58 2003 est. 127 New Zealand 7.54 2003 est. 128 Bermuda 7.46 2003 est. 129 Grenada 7.46 2003 est. 130 Cuba 7.38 2003 est. 131 Montserrat 7.34 2003 est. 132 Tuvalu 7.34 2003 est. 133 Australia 7.31 2003 est. 134 Mongolia 7.18 2003 est. 135 Sao Tome and Principe 7.11 2003 est. 136 Nauru 7.08 2003 est. 137 Palau 7.00 2003 est. 138 Dominica 6.99 2003 est. 139 Iceland 6.95 2003 est. 140 Korea, North 6.93 2003 est. 141 Dominican Republic 6.88 2003 est. 142 Cape Verde 6.86 2003 est. 143 Thailand 6.86 2003 est. 144 Liechtenstein 6.85 2003 est. 145 Suriname 6.83 2003 est. 146 Mauritius 6.81 2003 est. 147 Guatemala 6.78 2003 est. 148 China 6.74 2003 est. 149 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 6.74 2003 est. 150 Seychelles 6.49 2003 est. 151 Albania 6.48 2003 est. 152 Sri Lanka 6.46 2003 est. 153 Honduras 6.44 2003 est. 154 Martinique 6.41 2003 est. 155 East Timor 6.41 2003 est. 156 Samoa 6.41 2003 est. 157 Netherlands Antilles 6.40 2003 est. 158 Aruba 6.38 2003 est. 159 Lebanon 6.32 2003 est. 160 Indonesia 6.26 2003 est. 161 Panama 6.25 2003 est. 162 Saint Helena 6.24 2003 est. 163 Israel 6.20 2003 est. 164 Taiwan 6.20 2003 est. 165 Hong Kong 6.19 2003 est. 166 Vietnam 6.19 2003 est. 167 Brazil 6.13 2003 est. 168 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6.08 2003 est. 169 Belize 6.05 2003 est. 170 Guadeloupe 6.04 2003 est. 171 Korea, South 6.03 2003 est. 172 El Salvador 6.01 2003 est. 173 Turkey 5.95 2003 est. 174 Iraq 5.84 2003 est. 175 Saudi Arabia 5.79 2003 est. 176 Morocco 5.78 2003 est. 177 Andorra 5.74 2003 est. 178 Fiji 5.70 2003 est. 179 Peru 5.69 2003 est. 180 Virgin Islands 5.68 2003 est. 181 Antigua and Barbuda 5.64 2003 est. 182 Chile 5.63 2003 est. 183 Colombia 5.63 2003 est. 184 New Caledonia 5.63 2003 est. 185 Philippines 5.60 2003 est. 186 Iran 5.54 2003 est. 187 Tonga 5.54 2003 est. 188 Reunion 5.49 2003 est. 189 Anguilla 5.42 2003 est. 190 Jamaica 5.42 2003 est. 191 Egypt 5.35 2003 est. 192 Ecuador 5.29 2003 est. 193 Saint Lucia 5.24 2003 est. 194 Malaysia 5.12 2003 est. 195 Micronesia, Federated States of 5.10 2003 est. 196 Algeria 5.09 2003 est. 197 Syria 5.04 2003 est. 198 Marshall Islands 5.03 2003 est. 199 Tunisia 5.02 2003 est. 200 Mexico 4.97 2003 est. 201 Venezuela 4.90 2003 est. 202 French Guiana 4.80 2003 est. 203 Cayman Islands 4.70 2003 est. 204 Nicaragua 4.69 2003 est. 205 Paraguay 4.64 2003 est. 206 French Polynesia 4.53 2003 est. 207 British Virgin Islands 4.46 2003 est. 208 Qatar 4.43 2003 est. 209 American Samoa 4.38 2003 est. 210 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.34 2003 est. 211 Costa Rica 4.31 2003 est. 212 Singapore 4.31 2003 est. 213 Guam 4.29 2003 est. 214 West Bank 4.16 2003 est. 215 Solomon Islands 4.12 2003 est. 216 Gaza Strip 4.03 2003 est. 217 United Arab Emirates 4.02 2003 est. 218 Bahrain 3.99 2003 est. 219 Oman 3.97 2003 est. 220 Macau 3.85 2003 est. 221 Libya 3.49 2003 est. 222 Brunei 3.39 2003 est. 223 Jordan 2.62 2003 est. 224 Kuwait 2.45 2003 est. 225 Northern Mariana Islands 2.44 2003 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2067

Rank Country Military expenditures - dollar figure Date of Information

1 United States $ 276,700,000,000 2 China $ 55,910,000,000 FY02 3 France $ 46,500,000,000 2000 4 Japan $ 39,520,000,000 FY02 5 Germany $ 38,800,000,000 2002 6 United Kingdom $ 31,700,000,000 2002 7 Italy $ 20,200,000,000 2002 8 Saudi Arabia $ 18,300,000,000 9 Brazil $ 13,408,000,000 10 Korea, South $ 13,094,300,000 FY02 11 India $ 11,520,000,000 FY02 12 Australia $ 11,390,000,000 FY02 13 Iran $ 9,700,000,000 14 Israel $ 8,970,000,000 FY02 15 Spain $ 8,600,000,000 2002 16 Turkey $ 8,100,000,000 2002 est. 17 Canada $ 7,861,000,000 FY01/02 18 Taiwan $ 7,574,000,000 FY02 19 Netherlands $ 6,500,000,000 FY00/01 est. 20 Greece $ 6,120,000,000 21 Korea, North $ 5,217,400,000 FY02 22 Singapore $ 4,470,000,000 23 Sweden $ 4,395,000,000 FY01 24 Argentina $ 4,300,000,000 25 Egypt $ 4,040,000,000 FY99 26 Mexico $ 4,000,000,000 27 Poland $ 3,500,000,000 2002 28 Colombia $ 3,300,000,000 29 Norway $ 3,113,000,000 30 Belgium $ 3,077,000,000 FY01/02 31 Pakistan $ 2,964,000,000 FY02 32 Switzerland $ 2,548,000,000 FY01 33 Chile $ 2,500,000,000 34 Denmark $ 2,470,000,000 FY99/00 35 Oman $ 2,424,000,000 FY01 36 Kuwait $ 1,967,300,000 37 Algeria $ 1,870,000,000 38 Finland $ 1,800,000,000 FY98/99 39 Thailand $ 1,775,000,000 40 South Africa $ 1,746,000,000 FY02 41 Malaysia $ 1,690,000,000 42 United Arab Emirates $ 1,600,000,000 43 Austria $ 1,497,000,000 FY01/02 44 Morocco $ 1,400,000,000 45 Iraq $ 1,300,000,000 FY00 46 Libya $ 1,300,000,000 47 Portugal $ 1,286,000,000 FY99/00 48 Czech Republic $ 1,190,200,000 FY01 49 Hungary $ 1,080,000,000 2002 est. 50 Indonesia $ 1,000,000,000 51 Peru $ 1,000,000,000 52 Philippines $ 995,000,000 53 Romania $ 985,000,000 2002 54 Venezuela $ 934,000,000 55 Syria $ 858,000,000 56 Ethiopia $ 800,000,000 FY00 57 Jordan $ 757,500,000 FY01 58 Qatar $ 723,000,000 59 Ecuador $ 720,000,000 60 Sri Lanka $ 719,000,000 61 Ireland $ 700,000,000 FY00/01 62 Serbia and Montenegro $ 654,000,000 2002 63 Vietnam $ 650,000,000 64 Zimbabwe $ 625,100,000 FY02 65 Ukraine $ 617,900,000 FY02 66 New Zealand $ 605,700,000 FY02 67 Sudan $ 581,000,000 68 Bangladesh $ 559,000,000 FY96 69 Lebanon $ 541,000,000 70 Bahrain $ 526,200,000 FY01 71 Afghanistan $ 525,200,000 FY02 72 Croatia $ 520,000,000 2002 est. 73 Yemen $ 482,500,000 FY01 74 Mali $ 419,700,000 FY02 75 Nigeria $ 417,900,000 FY02 76 Slovakia $ 406,000,000 2002 77 Cyprus $ 384,000,000 78 Slovenia $ 370,000,000 FY00 79 Bulgaria $ 356,000,000 FY02 80 Tunisia $ 356,000,000 81 Brunei $ 329,700,000 FY02 82 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 250,000,000 83 Uruguay $ 250,000,000 1999 84 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 234,300,000 85 Lithuania $ 230,800,000 FY01 86 Angola $ 222,700,000 FY02 87 Kazakhstan $ 221,800,000 FY02 88 Botswana $ 207,300,000 FY02 89 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of $ 200,000,000 90 Uzbekistan $ 200,000,000 91 New Caledonia $ 192,300,000 FY96 92 Kenya $ 185,200,000 FY02 93 Dominican Republic $ 180,000,000 94 Belarus $ 176,100,000 FY02 95 Estonia $ 155,000,000 2002 est. 96 Guinea $ 154,000,000 FY02 97 Luxembourg $ 147,800,000 FY01/02 98 Bolivia $ 147,000,000 99 Cote d'Ivoire $ 143,500,000 FY02 100 Armenia $ 135,000,000 FY01 101 Panama $ 128,000,000 102 Paraguay $ 125,000,000 103 Uganda $ 124,700,000 FY02 104 Azerbaijan $ 121,000,000 105 Guatemala $ 120,000,000 106 Cameroon $ 118,600,000 FY00 107 Cambodia $ 112,000,000 108 El Salvador $ 112,000,000 109 Eritrea $ 95,750,000 FY02 110 Trinidad and Tobago $ 90,000,000 1999 111 Turkmenistan $ 90,000,000 112 Latvia $ 87,000,000 FY01 113 Congo, Republic of the $ 84,000,000 FY01 114 Gabon $ 81,900,000 FY02 115 Benin $ 80,800,000 FY02 116 Namibia $ 73,100,000 FY02 117 Costa Rica $ 69,000,000 118 Senegal $ 68,600,000 FY02 119 Malta $ 60,000,000 2000 est. 120 Rwanda $ 59,570,000 FY02 121 Nepal $ 57,220,000 FY02 122 Albania $ 56,500,000 FY02 123 Laos $ 55,000,000 124 Madagascar $ 52,300,000 FY02 125 Haiti $ 50,000,000 FY00 126 Burkina Faso $ 45,830,000 FY02 127 Burundi $ 42,130,000 FY02 128 Chad $ 40,740,000 FY02 129 Papua New Guinea $ 40,210,000 FY02 130 Fiji $ 39,210,000 FY02 131 Burma $ 39,000,000 132 Mauritania $ 37,110,000 FY02 133 Ghana $ 36,010,000 FY02 134 Tajikistan $ 35,400,000 FY01 135 Mozambique $ 35,100,000 136 Honduras $ 35,000,000 137 Maldives $ 34,460,000 FY02 138 Lesotho $ 34,000,000 1999 139 Zambia $ 33,460,000 FY02 140 Equatorial Guinea $ 30,000,000 FY02 141 Jamaica $ 30,000,000 142 Djibouti $ 26,530,000 FY02 143 Nicaragua $ 26,000,000 144 Togo $ 23,720,000 FY02 145 Mongolia $ 23,100,000 FY02 146 Georgia $ 23,000,000 147 Niger $ 20,540,000 FY02 148 Bahamas, The $ 20,000,000 FY95/96 149 Swaziland $ 20,000,000 FY01 150 Tanzania $ 19,680,000 FY02 151 Kyrgyzstan $ 19,200,000 FY01 152 Somalia $ 17,100,000 FY02 153 Central African Republic $ 13,430,000 FY02 154 Malawi $ 13,010,000 FY02 155 Seychelles $ 12,800,000 FY02 156 Sierra Leone $ 10,260,000 FY02 157 Mauritius $ 9,712,000 FY02 158 Bhutan $ 9,300,000 FY02 159 Cape Verde $ 9,300,000 FY02 160 Liberia $ 7,800,000 FY02 161 Belize $ 7,700,000 162 Moldova $ 6,400,000 FY02 163 Comoros $ 6,000,000 FY02 164 Guinea-Bissau $ 5,600,000 FY02 165 East Timor $ 4,400,000 FY03 166 Bermuda $ 4,028,000 January 2002 167 Gambia, The $ 1,200,000 FY02 168 San Marino $ 700,000 FY00/01 169 Sao Tome and Principe $ 400,000 FY01 170 Iceland $ 0

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2078

Rank Country Exports Date of Information

1 World $ 6,600,000,000,000 2002 est. 2 United States $ 687,000,000,000 2002 est. 3 Germany $ 608,000,000,000 2002 est. 4 Japan $ 383,800,000,000 2002 est. 5 China $ 325,600,000,000 2002 est. 6 France $ 307,800,000,000 2002 7 United Kingdom $ 286,300,000,000 2002 8 Canada $ 260,500,000,000 2002 est. 9 Italy $ 259,200,000,000 2002 est. 10 Netherlands $ 243,300,000,000 2002 11 Hong Kong $ 200,300,000,000 2002 est. 12 Korea, South $ 162,600,000,000 2002 est. 13 Belgium $ 162,000,000,000 2002 est. 14 Mexico $ 158,400,000,000 2002 est. 15 Taiwan $ 130,000,000,000 2002 est. 16 Singapore $ 127,000,000,000 2002 est. 17 Spain $ 122,200,000,000 2002 est. 18 Russia $ 104,600,000,000 2002 est. 19 Switzerland $ 100,300,000,000 2002 est. 20 Malaysia $ 95,200,000,000 2002 est. 21 Ireland $ 86,600,000,000 2002 est. 22 Sweden $ 80,600,000,000 2002 est. 23 Saudi Arabia $ 71,000,000,000 2001 24 Austria $ 70,000,000,000 2001 25 Norway $ 68,200,000,000 2002 est. 26 Thailand $ 67,700,000,000 2002 est. 27 Australia $ 66,300,000,000 2002 est. 28 Brazil $ 59,400,000,000 2002 est. 29 Denmark $ 56,300,000,000 2002 est. 30 Indonesia $ 52,300,000,000 2002 est. 31 Puerto Rico $ 46,900,000,000 2001 32 United Arab Emirates $ 44,900,000,000 2002 est. 33 India $ 44,500,000,000 2001 34 Czech Republic $ 40,800,000,000 2002 35 Finland $ 40,100,000,000 2002 36 Philippines $ 35,100,000,000 2002 37 Turkey $ 35,100,000,000 2002 38 Poland $ 32,400,000,000 2002 est. 39 South Africa $ 31,800,000,000 2002 est. 40 Hungary $ 31,400,000,000 2002 est. 41 Venezuela $ 28,600,000,000 2001 42 Israel $ 28,100,000,000 2002 est. 43 Portugal $ 25,900,000,000 2001 44 Argentina $ 25,300,000,000 2002 45 Iran $ 24,800,000,000 2002 est. 46 Algeria $ 19,500,000,000 2002 est. 47 Ukraine $ 18,100,000,000 2002 est. 48 Chile $ 17,800,000,000 2002 est. 49 Nigeria $ 17,300,000,000 2002 est. 50 Vietnam $ 16,500,000,000 2002 est. 51 Kuwait $ 16,000,000,000 2002 est. 52 New Zealand $ 15,000,000,000 2002 est. 53 Romania $ 13,700,000,000 2002 est. 54 Iraq $ 13,000,000,000 2002 est. 55 Colombia $ 12,900,000,000 2002 est. 56 Slovakia $ 12,900,000,000 2002 est. 57 Greece $ 12,600,000,000 2002 58 Libya $ 11,800,000,000 2002 est. 59 Qatar $ 10,900,000,000 2002 est. 60 Oman $ 10,600,000,000 2002 est. 61 Kazakhstan $ 10,300,000,000 2002 est. 62 Slovenia $ 10,300,000,000 2002 63 Luxembourg $ 10,100,000,000 2002 64 Pakistan $ 9,800,000,000 FY02/03 est. 65 Angola $ 8,600,000,000 2002 est. 66 Belarus $ 7,700,000,000 2002 67 Peru $ 7,600,000,000 2002 est. 68 Morocco $ 7,500,000,000 2002 est. 69 Egypt $ 7,000,000,000 2002 est. 70 Tunisia $ 6,800,000,000 2002 est. 71 Bangladesh $ 6,200,000,000 2002 72 Syria $ 6,200,000,000 2002 est. 73 Bahrain $ 5,800,000,000 2002 74 Panama $ 5,800,000,000 2002 est. 75 Lithuania $ 5,400,000,000 2002 est. 76 Bulgaria $ 5,300,000,000 2002 est. 77 Dominican Republic $ 5,300,000,000 2002 est. 78 Costa Rica $ 5,100,000,000 2002 79 Ecuador $ 4,900,000,000 2002 est. 80 Croatia $ 4,900,000,000 2002 81 Sri Lanka $ 4,600,000,000 2002 82 Cote d'Ivoire $ 4,400,000,000 2002 est. 83 Trinidad and Tobago $ 4,200,000,000 2002 est. 84 Estonia $ 3,400,000,000 2002 85 Yemen $ 3,400,000,000 2002 est. 86 Brunei $ 3,000,000,000 2000 est. 87 El Salvador $ 3,000,000,000 2002 est. 88 Turkmenistan $ 2,970,000,000 2002 est. 89 Uzbekistan $ 2,800,000,000 2002 est. 90 Burma $ 2,700,000,000 2002 91 Guatemala $ 2,700,000,000 2002 est. 92 Gabon $ 2,600,000,000 2002 est. 93 Equatorial Guinea $ 2,500,000,000 2002 est. 94 Jordan $ 2,500,000,000 2002 est. 95 Liechtenstein $ 2,470,000,000 1996 96 Botswana $ 2,400,000,000 2002 est. 97 Serbia and Montenegro $ 2,400,000,000 2002 98 Congo, Republic of the $ 2,400,000,000 2002 est. 99 Macau $ 2,360,000,000 2002 100 Iceland $ 2,300,000,000 2002 101 Latvia $ 2,300,000,000 2002 102 Ghana $ 2,200,000,000 2002 est. 103 Kenya $ 2,100,000,000 2002 est. 104 Uruguay $ 2,100,000,000 2002 est. 105 Azerbaijan $ 2,000,000,000 2002 106 Paraguay $ 2,000,000,000 2002 est. 107 Malta $ 2,000,000,000 2001 108 Cameroon $ 1,900,000,000 2002 est. 109 Aruba $ 1,880,000,000 2002 est. 110 Cuba $ 1,800,000,000 2002 est. 111 Sudan $ 1,800,000,000 2002 est. 112 Papua New Guinea $ 1,800,000,000 2002 est. 113 Mauritius $ 1,600,000,000 2002 est. 114 Zimbabwe $ 1,570,000,000 2001 est. 115 Jamaica $ 1,400,000,000 2002 est. 116 Cambodia $ 1,380,000,000 2001 est. 117 Bolivia $ 1,300,000,000 2002 est. 118 Honduras $ 1,300,000,000 2002 est. 119 Namibia $ 1,210,000,000 2002 est. 120 Afghanistan $ 1,200,000,000 2001 est. 121 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 1,200,000,000 2002 est. 122 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 1,150,000,000 2002 est. 123 Senegal $ 1,150,000,000 2002 est. 124 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of $ 1,100,000,000 2002 est. 125 Cyprus $ 1,030,000,000 2002 est. 126 Lebanon $ 1,000,000,000 2002 est. 127 Tanzania $ 863,000,000 2001 128 Korea, North $ 842,000,000 2001 est. 129 Guinea $ 835,000,000 2002 est. 130 Swaziland $ 820,000,000 2002 est. 131 Nepal $ 720,000,000 2001 est. 132 Tajikistan $ 710,000,000 2002 est. 133 Zambia $ 709,000,000 2001 134 Madagascar $ 700,000,000 2002 135 Mali $ 680,000,000 2002 est. 136 Mozambique $ 680,000,000 2002 est. 137 Nicaragua $ 637,000,000 2002 est. 138 Gaza Strip $ 603,000,000 139 West Bank $ 603,000,000 140 Moldova $ 590,000,000 2002 est. 141 Bahamas, The $ 560,700,000 2002 est. 142 Netherlands Antilles $ 553,000,000 2002 143 Armenia $ 525,000,000 2001 est. 144 Georgia $ 515,000,000 2002 est. 145 Mongolia $ 501,000,000 2002 est. 146 Guyana $ 500,000,000 2002 147 Kyrgyzstan $ 488,000,000 2002 est. 148 Uganda $ 476,000,000 2002 est. 149 Togo $ 449,000,000 2002 150 Suriname $ 445,000,000 2002 151 Fiji $ 442,000,000 2001 152 Malawi $ 435,000,000 201 153 Ethiopia $ 433,000,000 2001 est. 154 Lesotho $ 422,000,000 2002 est. 155 Faroe Islands $ 418,000,000 2001 156 New Caledonia $ 400,000,000 2000 157 Greenland $ 364,000,000 2001 158 Mauritania $ 355,000,000 2002 159 American Samoa $ 345,000,000 1999 160 Laos $ 345,000,000 2002 est. 161 Albania $ 340,000,000 2002 est. 162 Haiti $ 298,000,000 2002 163 Niger $ 293,000,000 2002 est. 164 Belize $ 290,000,000 2002 est. 165 French Polynesia $ 260,000,000 2000 166 Martinique $ 250,000,000 1997 167 Burkina Faso $ 250,000,000 2002 est. 168 Seychelles $ 235,000,000 2002 169 Barbados $ 227,000,000 2002 170 Reunion $ 214,000,000 1997 171 Benin $ 207,000,000 2002 172 Chad $ 197,000,000 2002 est. 173 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 169,200,000 2000 174 French Guiana $ 155,000,000 175 Bhutan $ 154,000,000 2000 est. 176 Guadeloupe $ 140,000,000 1997 177 Gambia, The $ 138,000,000 2002 est. 178 Central African Republic $ 134,000,000 2002 est. 179 Somalia $ 126,000,000 2001 est. 180 Liberia $ 110,000,000 2002 est. 181 Maldives $ 110,000,000 2001 est. 182 Gibraltar $ 81,100,000 1997 183 Grenada $ 78,000,000 2000 est. 184 Guam $ 75,700,000 1999 est. 185 Guinea-Bissau $ 71,000,000 2002 est. 186 Djibouti $ 70,000,000 2002 est. 187 Saint Lucia $ 68,300,000 2000 est. 188 Rwanda $ 68,000,000 2002 est. 189 Andorra $ 58,000,000 1998 190 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 53,700,000 2000 est. 191 Bermuda $ 51,000,000 2000 192 Dominica $ 50,000,000 2002 est. 193 Solomon Islands $ 47,000,000 2001 est. 194 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 47,000,000 2001 est. 195 Cyprus $ 46,000,000 2002 est. 196 Antigua and Barbuda $ 40,000,000 197 Sierra Leone $ 35,000,000 2000 est. 198 Cape Verde $ 30,000,000 2002 est. 199 Nauru $ 27,000,000 1995 200 Burundi $ 26,000,000 2002 est. 201 British Virgin Islands $ 25,300,000 2002 202 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 22,000,000 FY 99/00 est. 203 Vanuatu $ 22,000,000 2001 204 Eritrea $ 20,000,000 2001 205 Palau $ 18,000,000 2001 est. 206 Comoros $ 16,300,000 2001 est. 207 Samoa $ 15,500,000 2001 208 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 12,000,000 1999 209 Cook Islands $ 9,100,000 2000 210 Marshall Islands $ 9,000,000 2000 211 Tonga $ 8,900,000 2001 est. 212 East Timor $ 8,000,000 2001 est. 213 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 7,600,000 1995 214 Kiribati $ 6,000,000 1998 215 Sao Tome and Principe $ 5,500,000 2002 est. 216 Mayotte $ 3,440,000 1997 217 Anguilla $ 2,600,000 1999 218 Norfolk Island $ 1,500,000 FY 91/92 219 Cayman Islands $ 1,200,000 1999 220 Saint Helena $ 704,000 1995 221 Montserrat $ 700,000 2001 222 Tuvalu $ 276,000 1997 223 Wallis and Futuna $ 250,000 1999 224 Niue $ 137,200 1999 225 Tokelau $ 98,000 1983

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2079

Rank Country Debt - external Date of Information

1 World $ 2,000,000,000,000 2002 est. 2 United States $ 862,000,000,000 1995 est. 3 Brazil $ 222,400,000,000 2002 4 Australia $ 176,800,000,000 yearend 2002 est. 5 Argentina $ 155,000,000,000 2001 est. 6 Russia $ 153,500,000,000 yearend 2002 7 Mexico $ 150,000,000,000 2000 est. 8 China $ 149,400,000,000 2002 est. 9 Korea, South $ 135,200,000,000 yearend 2002 est. 10 Indonesia $ 131,000,000,000 2002 est. 11 Iraq $ 120,000,000,000 2002 est. 12 Turkey $ 118,300,000,000 Yearend 2001 13 India $ 100,600,000,000 2001 est. 14 Spain $ 90,000,000,000 1993 est. 15 Sweden $ 66,500,000,000 1994 16 Poland $ 64,000,000,000 2002 17 Greece $ 63,400,000,000 2002 est. 18 Thailand $ 62,500,000,000 2002 est. 19 Philippines $ 60,300,000,000 2002 20 Hong Kong $ 49,500,000,000 2002 est. 21 Malaysia $ 47,500,000,000 2002 est. 22 Israel $ 42,800,000,000 2001 est. 23 Chile $ 40,400,000,000 2002 24 Colombia $ 38,400,000,000 2002 est. 25 Venezuela $ 38,200,000,000 2000 26 New Zealand $ 33,000,000,000 2002 est. 27 Pakistan $ 32,300,000,000 2002 est. 28 Hungary $ 31,500,000,000 2002 est. 29 Egypt $ 30,500,000,000 2002 est. 30 Finland $ 30,000,000,000 December 1993 31 Nigeria $ 29,700,000,000 2002 est. 32 Peru $ 29,200,000,000 2002 est. 33 Belgium $ 28,300,000,000 1999 est. 34 Saudi Arabia $ 25,900,000,000 2003 est. 35 South Africa $ 24,700,000,000 2002 est. 36 Taiwan $ 24,700,000,000 2002 37 Czech Republic $ 23,800,000,000 2002 38 Syria $ 22,000,000,000 2002 est. 39 Denmark $ 21,700,000,000 2000 40 Algeria $ 21,600,000,000 2002 est. 41 United Arab Emirates $ 18,500,000,000 2002 est. 42 Morocco $ 17,700,000,000 2002 est. 43 Bangladesh $ 16,500,000,000 2002 44 Croatia $ 16,500,000,000 yearend 2002 est. 45 Sudan $ 15,800,000,000 2002 est. 46 Qatar $ 15,400,000,000 2002 est. 47 Ecuador $ 14,400,000,000 2002 48 Ukraine $ 14,200,000,000 2002 49 Vietnam $ 14,100,000,000 2001 50 Romania $ 13,700,000,000 2002 est. 51 Tunisia $ 13,600,000,000 2003 est. 52 Portugal $ 13,100,000,000 1997 est. 53 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 12,900,000,000 2000 est. 54 Cuba $ 12,300,000,000 2002 est. 55 Austria $ 12,100,000,000 2001 est. 56 Korea, North $ 12,000,000,000 1996 est. 57 Uruguay $ 11,800,000,000 2002 est. 58 Ireland $ 11,000,000,000 1998 59 Kuwait $ 10,400,000,000 2000 est. 60 Bulgaria $ 10,300,000,000 yearend 2002 61 Cote d'Ivoire $ 10,300,000,000 2002 est. 62 Angola $ 9,900,000,000 2002 est. 63 Sri Lanka $ 9,800,000,000 2002 64 Slovakia $ 9,600,000,000 2002 est. 65 Lebanon $ 9,300,000,000 2002 est. 66 Serbia and Montenegro $ 9,200,000,000 2001 est. 67 Iran $ 8,700,000,000 2002 est. 68 Cameroon $ 8,600,000,000 2002 est. 69 Jordan $ 8,200,000,000 2002 est. 70 Singapore $ 8,200,000,000 2002 est. 71 Cyprus $ 8,000,000,000 2002 72 Slovenia $ 7,900,000,000 2001 73 Ghana $ 7,200,000,000 2002 est. 74 Panama $ 7,000,000,000 2002 est. 75 Tanzania $ 6,800,000,000 2002 est. 76 Kazakhstan $ 6,600,000,000 2002 est. 77 Yemen $ 6,200,000,000 2002 78 Burma $ 6,100,000,000 2002 est. 79 Bolivia $ 5,900,000,000 2002 est. 80 Lithuania $ 5,800,000,000 2002 est. 81 Zambia $ 5,800,000,000 2001 82 Nicaragua $ 5,800,000,000 2002 est. 83 Kenya $ 5,700,000,000 2002 est. 84 Oman $ 5,700,000,000 2002 est. 85 El Salvador $ 5,600,000,000 2001 est. 86 Honduras $ 5,400,000,000 2002 87 Ethiopia $ 5,300,000,000 2001 est. 88 Jamaica $ 5,300,000,000 2002 est. 89 Congo, Republic of the $ 5,000,000,000 2000 est. 90 Guatemala $ 4,900,000,000 2002 est. 91 Costa Rica $ 4,800,000,000 2002 est. 92 Dominican Republic $ 4,800,000,000 2002 est. 93 Madagascar $ 4,600,000,000 2002 94 Uzbekistan $ 4,600,000,000 2002 est. 95 Libya $ 4,400,000,000 2001 est. 96 Zimbabwe $ 3,900,000,000 2002 est. 97 Gabon $ 3,800,000,000 2002 est. 98 Bahrain $ 3,700,000,000 2002 99 Guinea $ 3,400,000,000 2000 est. 100 Latvia $ 3,400,000,000 2000 est. 101 Estonia $ 3,300,000,000 2001 est. 102 Mali $ 3,300,000,000 2000 103 Paraguay $ 3,200,000,000 2002 est. 104 Senegal $ 3,100,000,000 2002 est. 105 Malawi $ 2,900,000,000 2002 106 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 2,800,000,000 2001 107 Uganda $ 2,800,000,000 2002 est. 108 Papua New Guinea $ 2,800,000,000 2002 est. 109 Trinidad and Tobago $ 2,800,000,000 2002 est. 110 Iceland $ 2,600,000,000 1999 111 Somalia $ 2,600,000,000 2000 est. 112 Nepal $ 2,550,000,000 FY 00/01 113 Laos $ 2,530,000,000 1999 114 Mauritania $ 2,500,000,000 2000 115 Mauritius $ 2,400,000,000 2002 est. 116 Turkmenistan $ 2,400,000,000 2001 est. 117 Liberia $ 2,100,000,000 2000 est. 118 Canada $ 1,900,000,000 2000 119 Georgia $ 1,700,000,000 2001 120 Benin $ 1,600,000,000 2000 121 Niger $ 1,600,000,000 1999 est. 122 Kyrgyzstan $ 1,500,000,000 2002 est. 123 Sierra Leone $ 1,500,000,000 2002 est. 124 Azerbaijan $ 1,400,000,000 2002 125 Togo $ 1,400,000,000 2000 126 Netherlands Antilles $ 1,350,000,000 1996 127 Moldova $ 1,300,000,000 2002 128 Burkina Faso $ 1,300,000,000 2000 129 Rwanda $ 1,300,000,000 2000 est. 130 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of $ 1,300,000,000 2001 est. 131 French Guiana $ 1,200,000,000 1988 132 Guyana $ 1,200,000,000 2002 133 Haiti $ 1,200,000,000 1999 134 Burundi $ 1,140,000,000 2001 135 Chad $ 1,100,000,000 2000 est. 136 Tajikistan $ 1,000,000,000 2002 est. 137 Mozambique $ 966,000,000 2002 est. 138 Guinea-Bissau $ 941,500,000 2000 est. 139 Mongolia $ 913,000,000 2001 est. 140 Armenia $ 905,000,000 June 2001 141 Central African Republic $ 881,400,000 2000 est. 142 Belarus $ 851,000,000 2001 est. 143 Cambodia $ 829,000,000 1999 est. 144 Albania $ 784,000,000 2000 145 Lesotho $ 735,000,000 2002 146 Barbados $ 692,000,000 2002 147 Namibia $ 517,000,000 2002 est. 148 Gambia, The $ 476,000,000 2001 est. 149 Belize $ 475,000,000 2001 est. 150 Bahamas, The $ 371,600,000 2001 151 Djibouti $ 366,000,000 2002 est. 152 Botswana $ 360,000,000 2002 153 Cape Verde $ 325,000,000 2002 154 Suriname $ 321,000,000 2002 est. 155 Swaziland $ 320,000,000 2002 est. 156 Eritrea $ 311,000,000 2000 est. 157 Aruba $ 285,000,000 1996 158 Maldives $ 281,000,000 2003 est. 159 Macau $ 255,000,000 2000 est. 160 Sao Tome and Principe $ 253,800,000 2000 161 Equatorial Guinea $ 248,000,000 2000 est. 162 Bhutan $ 245,000,000 2000 163 Comoros $ 232,000,000 2000 est. 164 Antigua and Barbuda $ 231,000,000 1999 165 Saint Lucia $ 214,000,000 2000 166 Samoa $ 197,000,000 2000 167 Grenada $ 196,000,000 2000 168 Martinique $ 180,000,000 1994 169 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 171,000,000 2001 170 Seychelles $ 170,000,000 2002 est. 171 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 167,200,000 2000 172 Dominica $ 161,500,000 2001 173 Bermuda $ 145,000,000 FY 99/00 174 Cook Islands $ 141,000,000 1996 est. 175 Solomon Islands $ 137,000,000 2001 est. 176 Fiji $ 135,900,000 2000 177 Malta $ 130,000,000 1997 178 Gaza Strip $ 108,000,000 1997 est. 179 West Bank $ 108,000,000 1997 est. 180 Marshall Islands $ 86,500,000 FY 99/00 est. 181 New Caledonia $ 79,000,000 1998 est. 182 Cayman Islands $ 70,000,000 1996 183 Vanuatu $ 68,600,000 2000 est. 184 Faroe Islands $ 64,000,000 1999 185 Tonga $ 57,500,000 June 2001 186 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 53,100,000 FY 02/03 est. 187 British Virgin Islands $ 36,100,000 1997 188 Nauru $ 33,300,000 189 Greenland $ 25,000,000 1999 190 Kiribati $ 10,000,000 1999 est. 191 Montserrat $ 8,900,000 1997 192 Anguilla $ 8,800,000 1998 193 Niue $ 418,000 2002 est. 194 Brunei $ 0 195 Norway $ 0 196 Tokelau $ 0 197 Palau $ 0 FY 99/00 198 Liechtenstein $ 0 2001

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2085

Rank Country Highways(km) Date of Information

1 United States 6,334,859 2000 2 India 3,319,644 1999 est. 3 Brazil 1,724,929 2000 4 Canada 1,408,000 2002 5 China 1,402,698 2000 6 Japan 1,161,894 1999 7 France 894,000 2000 8 Australia 811,603 1999 est. 9 Spain 663,795 1999 10 Russia 532,393 2000 11 Italy 479,688 1999 12 Turkey 385,960 1999 13 United Kingdom 371,913 1999 14 Poland 364,656 2000 15 South Africa 362,099 2000 16 Indonesia 342,700 1999 est. 17 Mexico 329,532 1999 est. 18 Pakistan 254,410 1999 19 Germany 230,735 1999 20 Argentina 215,471 1999 21 Sweden 212,402 2000 22 Bangladesh 207,486 1999 23 Philippines 201,994 2000 24 Austria 200,000 2000 25 Romania 198,603 2000 26 Nigeria 194,394 1999 est. 27 Hungary 188,203 1999 28 Ukraine 169,491 2000 29 Iran 167,157 1998 30 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 157,000 1999 est. 31 Saudi Arabia 151,470 1999 32 Belgium 148,216 2000 33 Greece 117,000 1999 est. 34 Netherlands 116,500 1999 35 Colombia 110,000 2000 36 Algeria 104,000 1999 37 Sri Lanka 96,695 1999 38 Venezuela 96,155 1999 est. 39 Vietnam 93,300 1999 est. 40 Ireland 92,500 2000 est. 41 New Zealand 92,053 2000 42 Norway 91,454 2000 43 Tanzania 88,200 1999 est. 44 Korea, South 86,990 1999 est. 45 Libya 83,200 1999 est. 46 Uzbekistan 81,600 1999 est. 47 Kazakhstan 81,331 2000 48 Chile 79,814 2000 49 Finland 77,943 2001 50 Lithuania 75,243 2000 51 Belarus 74,385 2000 52 Latvia 73,202 2000 53 Peru 72,900 1999 est. 54 Denmark 71,591 2000 55 Switzerland 71,011 2000 56 Portugal 68,732 2000 57 Yemen 67,000 1999 est. 58 Zambia 66,781 1999 est. 59 Namibia 66,467 2000 60 Malaysia 65,877 1999 61 Thailand 64,600 1999 est. 62 Egypt 64,000 1999 est. 63 Kenya 63,942 2000 64 Cuba 60,858 1999 est. 65 Morocco 57,707 2000 66 Czech Republic 55,408 2000 67 Bolivia 53,790 2000 est. 68 Angola 51,429 1999 69 Estonia 51,411 2000 70 Cote d'Ivoire 50,400 1999 est. 71 Madagascar 49,827 1999 est. 72 Serbia and Montenegro 49,805 2000 73 Mongolia 49,250 2000 74 Iraq 45,550 2000 est. 75 Syria 43,381 1999 76 Ecuador 43,197 2000 77 Slovakia 42,717 2000 78 Ghana 39,409 1999 est. 79 Bulgaria 37,286 2000 80 Taiwan 35,931 2000 81 Costa Rica 35,892 2000 82 Oman 34,965 2001 83 Cameroon 34,300 1999 est. 84 Chad 33,400 1999 est. 85 Ethiopia 31,571 2000 86 Korea, North 31,200 1999 est. 87 Guinea 30,500 1999 est. 88 Mozambique 30,400 1999 est. 89 Paraguay 29,500 1999 est 90 Malawi 28,400 1999 est. 91 Burma 28,200 1996 est. 92 Croatia 28,123 2000 93 Tajikistan 27,767 2000 94 Uganda 27,000 1999 est. 95 Azerbaijan 24,981 2000 96 Turkmenistan 24,000 1999 est. 97 Central African Republic 23,810 1999 est. 98 Somalia 22,100 1999 est. 99 Bosnia and Herzegovina 21,846 1999 est 100 Laos 21,716 1999 est. 101 Afghanistan 21,000 1999 est. 102 Georgia 20,362 2000 103 Slovenia 20,177 2000 104 Papua New Guinea 19,600 1999 est. 105 Nicaragua 19,032 2000 106 Tunisia 18,997 2000 107 Jamaica 18,700 1999 est. 108 Kyrgyzstan 18,500 1999 est. 109 Zimbabwe 18,338 1999 est. 110 Albania 18,000 2000 111 Israel 16,281 2000 112 Armenia 15,918 2000 113 Mali 15,100 1999 est. 114 Senegal 14,576 2000 115 Burundi 14,480 1999 est. 116 Puerto Rico 14,400 1999 est. 117 Guatemala 14,118 1999 118 Honduras 13,603 1999 est. 119 Cyprus 13,491 2000/1996 120 Nepal 13,223 1999 est. 121 Iceland 12,955 2003 122 Congo, Republic of the 12,800 1999 est. 123 Moldova 12,657 1999 124 Dominican Republic 12,600 1999 125 Burkina Faso 12,506 1999 126 Cambodia 12,323 2000 est 127 Rwanda 12,000 1999 est. 128 Sudan 11,900 1999 est. 129 Panama 11,400 1999 130 Sierra Leone 11,330 1999 131 Liberia 10,600 1999 est. 132 Botswana 10,217 1999 133 Niger 10,100 1999 est. 134 El Salvador 10,029 1999 est. 135 Uruguay 8,983 1999 est. 136 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 8,684 1999 est. 137 Gabon 8,464 2000 est. 138 Trinidad and Tobago 8,320 1999 est. 139 Guyana 7,970 1999 est. 140 Mauritania 7,720 2000 141 Togo 7,520 1999 est. 142 Lebanon 7,300 1999 est. 143 Jordan 7,245 2000 144 Benin 6,787 1999 est. 145 Western Sahara 6,200 1991 est 146 Lesotho 5,940 1999 147 Luxembourg 5,189 2000 148 New Caledonia 4,825 1999 149 West Bank 4,500 1997 est. 150 Suriname 4,492 2000 151 Kuwait 4,450 1999 est. 152 Guinea-Bissau 4,400 1999 est. 153 Haiti 4,160 1999 est. 154 Eritrea 4,010 1999 est. 155 East Timor 3,800 1995 156 Bhutan 3,690 1999 est. 157 Fiji 3,440 1999 est. 158 Bahrain 3,261 2000 159 Swaziland 3,247 1998 160 Singapore 3,066 1999 161 Djibouti 2,890 1999 est. 162 Equatorial Guinea 2,880 1999 est. 163 Belize 2,872 1999 est. 164 Reunion 2,724 1994 165 Gambia, The 2,700 1999 166 Bahamas, The 2,693 1999 est. 167 French Polynesia 2,590 1999 168 Brunei 2,525 2000 169 Guadeloupe 2,467 1998 170 Malta 2,254 2000 171 Martinique 2,105 2000 172 Mauritius 1,926 2000 173 Hong Kong 1,831 1999 est. 174 Barbados 1,793 1999 175 Solomon Islands 1,360 1999 est. 176 Qatar 1,230 1999 est. 177 Saint Lucia 1,210 1999 est. 178 Cape Verde 1,100 1999 est. 179 United Arab Emirates 1,088 1999 est. 180 Vanuatu 1,070 1999 est. 181 Grenada 1,040 1999 est. 182 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1,040 1999 est. 183 Guam 885 184 Comoros 880 1999 est 185 Virgin Islands 856 2000 186 Aruba 800 1995 187 Man, Isle of 800 1999 188 Samoa 790 1999 est. 189 Cayman Islands 785 2000 190 Dominica 780 1999 est. 191 French Guiana 722 1996 192 Tonga 680 1999 est. 193 Kiribati 670 1999 est. 194 Netherlands Antilles 600 195 Jersey 577 196 Faroe Islands 463 1999 197 Bermuda 450 2002 198 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 440 2002 199 Seychelles 373 1997 est. 200 Northern Mariana Islands 362 1991 201 American Samoa 350 202 Cook Islands 320 2000 203 Sao Tome and Principe 320 1999 est. 204 Saint Kitts and Nevis 320 1999 est 205 Macau 271 2000 206 Andorra 269 1994 207 Antigua and Barbuda 250 1999 est. 208 Liechtenstein 250 209 Micronesia, Federated States of 240 1999 est. 210 Christmas Island 240 2000 211 Niue 234 2001 212 Montserrat 227 2003 213 San Marino 220 2001 214 Saint Helena 198 2000 215 British Virgin Islands 177 2000 216 Turks and Caicos Islands 121 2000 217 Wallis and Futuna 120 218 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 114 219 Anguilla 105 1997 220 Mayotte 93 221 Norfolk Island 80 2001 222 Palau 61 223 Monaco 50 1999 est. 224 Nauru 30 1999 est. 225 Gibraltar 29 2002 226 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 15 2003 227 Tuvalu 8 1999 est. 228 Pitcairn Islands 6

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2087

Rank Country Imports Date of Information

1 World $ 6,600,000,000,000 2002 est. 2 United States $ 1,165,000,000,000 2002 est. 3 Germany $ 487,300,000,000 2002 est. 4 United Kingdom $ 330,100,000,000 2002 5 France $ 303,700,000,000 2002 est. 6 China $ 295,300,000,000 2002 est. 7 Japan $ 292,100,000,000 2002 est. 8 Italy $ 238,200,000,000 2002 est. 9 Canada $ 229,000,000,000 2002 est. 10 Hong Kong $ 208,100,000,000 2002 est. 11 Netherlands $ 201,100,000,000 2001 est. 12 Mexico $ 168,400,000,000 2002 13 Spain $ 156,600,000,000 2002 est. 14 Belgium $ 152,000,000,000 2001 15 Korea, South $ 148,400,000,000 2002 est. 16 Singapore $ 113,000,000,000 2002 est. 17 Taiwan $ 113,000,000,000 2002 18 Switzerland $ 94,400,000,000 2002 est. 19 Malaysia $ 76,800,000,000 2002 est. 20 Austria $ 74,000,000,000 2001 21 Sweden $ 68,600,000,000 2002 est. 22 Australia $ 68,000,000,000 2002 est. 23 Russia $ 60,700,000,000 2002 est. 24 Thailand $ 58,100,000,000 2002 est. 25 India $ 53,800,000,000 2001 26 Turkey $ 50,800,000,000 2002 est. 27 Ireland $ 48,600,000,000 2002 est. 28 Denmark $ 47,900,000,000 2002 est. 29 Brazil $ 46,200,000,000 2002 30 Poland $ 43,400,000,000 2002 31 Czech Republic $ 43,200,000,000 2002 32 Saudi Arabia $ 39,500,000,000 2001 33 Portugal $ 39,000,000,000 2001 34 Norway $ 37,300,000,000 2002 est. 35 Hungary $ 33,900,000,000 2002 est. 36 Philippines $ 33,500,000,000 2002 37 Indonesia $ 32,100,000,000 2002 est. 38 Finland $ 31,800,000,000 2002 est. 39 Greece $ 31,400,000,000 2002 40 Israel $ 30,800,000,000 2002 est. 41 United Arab Emirates $ 30,800,000,000 2002 est. 42 Puerto Rico $ 29,100,000,000 2001 43 South Africa $ 26,600,000,000 2002 est. 44 Iran $ 21,800,000,000 2002 est. 45 Venezuela $ 18,800,000,000 2001 46 Ukraine $ 18,000,000,000 2002 est. 47 Vietnam $ 16,800,000,000 2002 est. 48 Romania $ 16,700,000,000 2002 est. 49 Chile $ 15,600,000,000 2002 50 Slovakia $ 15,400,000,000 2001 est. 51 Egypt $ 15,200,000,000 2002 est. 52 Nigeria $ 13,600,000,000 2002 est. 53 Luxembourg $ 13,250,000,000 2002 54 Colombia $ 12,500,000,000 2002 est. 55 New Zealand $ 12,500,000,000 2001 est. 56 Pakistan $ 11,100,000,000 FY02/03 est. 57 Slovenia $ 11,100,000,000 2002 58 Croatia $ 10,700,000,000 2002 59 Algeria $ 10,600,000,000 2002 est. 60 Morocco $ 10,400,000,000 2002 est. 61 Kazakhstan $ 9,600,000,000 2002 est. 62 Argentina $ 9,000,000,000 2002 63 Belarus $ 8,800,000,000 2002 64 Dominican Republic $ 8,700,000,000 2002 est. 65 Tunisia $ 8,700,000,000 2002 66 Bangladesh $ 8,500,000,000 2002 67 Iraq $ 7,800,000,000 2002 est. 68 Kuwait $ 7,300,000,000 2002 est. 69 Peru $ 7,300,000,000 2002 est. 70 Bulgaria $ 6,900,000,000 2002 est. 71 Lithuania $ 6,800,000,000 2002 est. 72 Panama $ 6,700,000,000 2002 est. 73 Costa Rica $ 6,400,000,000 2002 74 Libya $ 6,300,000,000 2002 est. 75 Serbia and Montenegro $ 6,300,000,000 2002 76 Ecuador $ 6,000,000,000 2002 est. 77 Lebanon $ 6,000,000,000 2002 78 Guatemala $ 5,600,000,000 2002 est. 79 Oman $ 5,500,000,000 2002 est. 80 Sri Lanka $ 5,400,000,000 2002 81 El Salvador $ 4,900,000,000 2002 82 Syria $ 4,900,000,000 2002 est. 83 Cuba $ 4,800,000,000 2001 est. 84 Estonia $ 4,400,000,000 2002 85 Jordan $ 4,400,000,000 2002 est. 86 Bahrain $ 4,200,000,000 2002 87 Angola $ 4,100,000,000 2002 est. 88 Cyprus $ 3,900,000,000 2002 est. 89 Latvia $ 3,900,000,000 2002 90 Qatar $ 3,900,000,000 2002 est. 91 Trinidad and Tobago $ 3,800,000,000 2002 est. 92 Jamaica $ 3,100,000,000 2002 est. 93 Kenya $ 3,000,000,000 2002 est. 94 Yemen $ 2,900,000,000 2002 est. 95 Bosnia and Herzegovina $ 2,800,000,000 2002 est. 96 Malta $ 2,800,000,000 2001 97 Ghana $ 2,800,000,000 2002 est. 98 Honduras $ 2,700,000,000 2002 est. 99 Macau $ 2,530,000,000 2002 100 Burma $ 2,500,000,000 2002 101 Uzbekistan $ 2,500,000,000 2002 est. 102 Reunion $ 2,500,000,000 1997 103 Cote d'Ivoire $ 2,500,000,000 2002 est. 104 Paraguay $ 2,400,000,000 2002 est. 105 Turkmenistan $ 2,250,000,000 2002 est. 106 Aruba $ 2,210,000,000 2002 est. 107 Iceland $ 2,100,000,000 2002 108 Martinique $ 2,000,000,000 1997 109 Botswana $ 1,900,000,000 2002 est. 110 Gaza Strip $ 1,900,000,000 111 West Bank $ 1,900,000,000 112 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of $ 1,900,000,000 2002 est. 113 Uruguay $ 1,870,000,000 2002 est. 114 Bahamas, The $ 1,860,000,000 2002 est. 115 Azerbaijan $ 1,800,000,000 2002 116 Mauritius $ 1,800,000,000 2002 est. 117 Zimbabwe $ 1,739,000,000 2001 est. 118 Cambodia $ 1,730,000,000 2001 est. 119 Cameroon $ 1,700,000,000 2002 est. 120 Guadeloupe $ 1,700,000,000 1997 121 Nicaragua $ 1,700,000,000 2002 est. 122 Tanzania $ 1,670,000,000 2001 123 Ethiopia $ 1,630,000,000 2001 124 Bolivia $ 1,600,000,000 2002 est. 125 Nepal $ 1,600,000,000 2001 est. 126 Albania $ 1,500,000,000 2002 est. 127 Sudan $ 1,500,000,000 2002 est. 128 Senegal $ 1,460,000,000 2002 est. 129 Netherlands Antilles $ 1,430,000,000 2002 130 Brunei $ 1,400,000,000 2000 est. 131 Namibia $ 1,380,000,000 2002 est. 132 Korea, North $ 1,314,000,000 2001 est. 133 Afghanistan $ 1,300,000,000 2001 est. 134 French Polynesia $ 1,200,000,000 2000 135 Mozambique $ 1,180,000,000 2002 est. 136 Haiti $ 1,140,000,000 2002 137 Uganda $ 1,140,000,000 2002 est. 138 Zambia $ 1,123,000,000 2001 139 Gabon $ 1,100,000,000 2002 est. 140 Papua New Guinea $ 1,100,000,000 2002 est. 141 Andorra $ 1,077,000,000 1998 142 New Caledonia $ 1,000,000,000 2000 143 Armenia $ 991,000,000 2001 est. 144 Barbados $ 987,000,000 2002 145 Madagascar $ 985,000,000 2002 146 Moldova $ 980,000,000 2002 est. 147 Swaziland $ 938,000,000 2002 148 Liechtenstein $ 917,300,000 1996 149 Congo, Democratic Republic of the $ 890,000,000 2002 est. 150 Tajikistan $ 830,000,000 2002 est. 151 Georgia $ 750,000,000 2002 est. 152 Lesotho $ 738,000,000 2002 est. 153 Congo, Republic of the $ 730,000,000 2002 est. 154 Bermuda $ 719,000,000 2000 155 Guinea $ 670,000,000 2002 est. 156 Mongolia $ 659,000,000 2002 est. 157 Fiji $ 642,000,000 2001 158 Mali $ 630,000,000 2002 est. 159 French Guiana $ 625,000,000 160 Kyrgyzstan $ 587,000,000 2002 est. 161 Guyana $ 575,000,000 2002 162 Chad $ 570,000,000 2002 est. 163 Equatorial Guinea $ 562,000,000 2002 est. 164 Togo $ 561,000,000 2002 165 Laos $ 555,000,000 2002 est. 166 Burkina Faso $ 525,000,000 2002 est. 167 Malawi $ 505,000,000 2001 168 Eritrea $ 500,000,000 2001 169 Gibraltar $ 492,000,000 1997 170 Benin $ 479,000,000 2002 171 Faroe Islands $ 469,000,000 1999 172 Cayman Islands $ 457,400,000 1999 173 American Samoa $ 452,000,000 1999 174 Belize $ 430,000,000 2002 est. 175 Greenland $ 403,000,000 2001 176 Maldives $ 395,000,000 2001 est. 177 Seychelles $ 380,000,000 2002 178 Niger $ 368,000,000 2002 est. 179 Mauritania $ 360,000,000 2000 180 Antigua and Barbuda $ 357,000,000 2000 est. 181 Somalia $ 343,000,000 2001 est. 182 Saint Lucia $ 319,400,000 2000 est. 183 Cyprus $ 301,000,000 2002 est. 184 Suriname $ 300,000,000 2002 185 Grenada $ 270,000,000 2000 est. 186 Djibouti $ 255,000,000 2002 est. 187 Rwanda $ 253,000,000 2002 est. 188 East Timor $ 237,000,000 2001 est. 189 Gambia, The $ 225,000,000 2002 est. 190 Cape Verde $ 220,000,000 2002 est. 191 Guam $ 203,000,000 1999 est. 192 Bhutan $ 196,000,000 2000 est. 193 Sierra Leone $ 190,000,000 2002 est. 194 British Virgin Islands $ 187,000,000 2002 est. 195 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines $ 185,600,000 2000 est. 196 Turks and Caicos Islands $ 175,600,000 2000 197 Liberia $ 165,000,000 2002 est. 198 Saint Kitts and Nevis $ 152,000,000 2001 est. 199 Micronesia, Federated States of $ 149,000,000 FY 99/00 est. 200 Mayotte $ 141,300,000 1997 201 Burundi $ 135,000,000 2002 est. 202 Dominica $ 135,000,000 2002 est. 203 Samoa $ 130,100,000 2001 204 Central African Republic $ 102,000,000 2002 est. 205 Palau $ 99,000,000 2001 est. 206 Vanuatu $ 93,000,000 2001 207 Solomon Islands $ 82,000,000 2001 est. 208 Anguilla $ 80,900,000 1999 209 Tonga $ 70,000,000 2001 est. 210 Guinea-Bissau $ 59,000,000 2002 est. 211 Saint Pierre and Miquelon $ 55,000,000 1999 212 Marshall Islands $ 54,000,000 2000 213 Cook Islands $ 50,700,000 2000 214 Kiribati $ 44,000,000 1999 215 Comoros $ 39,800,000 2001 est. 216 Nauru $ 33,000,000 1995 217 Sao Tome and Principe $ 24,800,000 2002 est. 218 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) $ 24,700,000 1995 219 Norfolk Island $ 17,900,000 FY 91/92 220 Montserrat $ 17,000,000 2001 221 Saint Helena $ 14,434,000 1995 222 Tuvalu $ 7,200,000 1998 223 Niue $ 2,380,000 1999 224 Tokelau $ 323,000 1983 225 Wallis and Futuna $ 300,000 1999

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2089

Rank Country Industrial production growth rate(%) Date of Information

1 Equatorial Guinea 30.00 2002 est. 2 Burundi 18.00 2001 3 Cambodia 16.00 2001 est. 4 Lesotho 15.50 1999 5 Armenia 15.00 2002 est. 6 Cote d'Ivoire 15.00 1998 est. 7 Burkina Faso 14.00 2001 est. 8 China 12.60 2002 est. 9 Tajikistan 10.30 2000 est. 10 Vietnam 10.20 2002 est. 11 Kazakhstan 10.00 2002 est. 12 Bhutan 9.30 1996 est. 13 Albania 9.00 2000 est. 14 Moldova 9.00 2002 est. 15 Nepal 8.70 FY 99/00 16 Tonga 8.60 FY 98/99 17 Sudan 8.50 1999 est. 18 Turkey 8.50 2002 est. 19 East Timor 8.50 20 Tanzania 8.40 1999 est. 21 Benin 8.30 2001 est. 22 Senegal 8.10 2002 est. 23 Faroe Islands 8.00 1999 est. 24 Mauritius 8.00 2000 est. 25 Laos 7.50 1999 est. 26 Guyana 7.10 1997 est. 27 Bosnia and Herzegovina 7.00 2002 est. 28 Greece 7.00 2000 est. 29 Rwanda 7.00 2001 est. 30 Ethiopia 6.70 2001 est. 31 Korea, South 6.50 2002 est. 32 Peru 6.50 2002 est. 33 Suriname 6.50 1994 est. 34 Uganda 6.30 2002 est. 35 Antigua and Barbuda 6.00 1997 est. 36 Algeria 6.00 2001 est. 37 Ukraine 6.00 2002 est. 38 Taiwan 6.00 2002 39 San Marino 6.00 1997 est. 40 Romania 6.00 2002 41 Lithuania 6.00 2002 est. 42 Kyrgyzstan 6.00 2000 est. 43 India 6.00 2002 est. 44 Ireland 6.00 2002 est. 45 Azerbaijan 6.00 2002 est. 46 Latvia 5.70 2002 est. 47 Iran 5.50 2001 est. 48 Ecuador 5.10 2001 est. 49 Zambia 5.10 2001 est. 50 Brunei 5.00 2002 est. 51 Chad 5.00 1995 52 Estonia 5.00 2000 est. 53 Malaysia 5.00 2002 est. 54 Finland 5.00 2002 est. 55 Indonesia 4.90 2002 est. 56 Mexico 4.90 2002 est. 57 Belize 4.60 1999 58 Belgium 4.50 2000 est. 59 Slovakia 4.40 2002 est. 60 Maldives 4.40 1996 est. 61 Nicaragua 4.40 2000 est. 62 Australia 4.30 2002 est. 63 Cameroon 4.20 1999 est. 64 Guatemala 4.10 1999 65 Mongolia 4.10 2002 est. 66 Colombia 4.00 2001 est. 67 Honduras 4.00 1999 est. 68 Philippines 4.00 2000 est. 69 Yemen 4.00 2002 est. 70 United Arab Emirates 4.00 2000 71 Oman 4.00 2000 est. 72 Bolivia 3.90 1998 73 Austria 3.80 2001 est. 74 Ghana 3.80 2000 est. 75 Russia 3.70 2002 est. 76 Swaziland 3.70 FY 95/96 77 Czech Republic 3.50 2002 78 Tunisia 3.50 2002 est. 79 Uzbekistan 3.50 2000 est. 80 Mozambique 3.40 2000 81 Guinea 3.20 1994 82 Man, Isle of 3.20 FY 96/97 83 Switzerland 3.20 2001 84 Anguilla 3.10 1997 est. 85 Hungary 3.10 2002 est. 86 Central African Republic 3.00 2002 87 World 3.00 2002 est. 88 Thailand 3.00 2000 est. 89 South Africa 3.00 2002 est. 90 Georgia 3.00 2000 91 Djibouti 3.00 1996 est. 92 El Salvador 3.00 2002 est. 93 New Zealand 3.00 2001 est. 94 Madagascar 3.00 2000 est. 95 Costa Rica 2.90 2002 est. 96 Croatia 2.80 2002 est. 97 Samoa 2.80 2000 98 Guinea-Bissau 2.60 1997 est. 99 Trinidad and Tobago 2.60 2002 est. 100 Belarus 2.50 2002 est. 101 Botswana 2.40 2001 est. 102 Pakistan 2.40 FY01/02 est. 103 Slovenia 2.40 2002 104 Brazil 2.30 2002 est. 105 Canada 2.20 2002 est. 106 Egypt 2.20 2002 est. 107 Bahrain 2.00 2000 est. 108 Bulgaria 2.00 2002 est. 109 Mauritania 2.00 2000 est. 110 Dominican Republic 2.00 2001 est. 111 Bangladesh 1.80 2002 est. 112 Serbia and Montenegro 1.70 2002 est. 113 Gabon 1.60 2002 est. 114 Portugal 1.50 2002 est. 115 Denmark 1.40 2002 est. 116 Norway 1.20 2002 est. 117 Spain 1.20 2002 est. 118 Sri Lanka 1.10 2002 119 Angola 1.00 120 Cook Islands 1.00 2002 121 Jordan 1.00 2002 est. 122 Argentina 1.00 2000 est. 123 Vanuatu 1.00 1997 est. 124 Turkmenistan 1.00 2002 est. 125 Saudi Arabia 1.00 1997 est. 126 Kenya 0.90 2002 est. 127 Sweden 0.90 2002 est. 128 Grenada 0.70 1997 est. 129 Kiribati 0.70 1991 est. 130 Morocco 0.50 1999 est. 131 Panama 0.50 2002 est. 132 Nigeria 0.40 2002 est. 133 Poland 0.30 2001 134 Cuba 0.20 2001 est. 135 Iceland 0.20 2002 est. 136 Congo, Republic of the 0.00 2002 est. 137 Paraguay 0.00 2000 est. 138 Netherlands 0.00 2002 est. 139 Luxembourg 0.00 2002 est. 140 Cyprus -0.30 2002 141 France -0.30 2002 142 United States -0.40 2002 est. 143 New Caledonia -0.60 1996 144 Malawi -0.80 2002 est. 145 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -0.90 1997 est. 146 Cyprus -1.40 2002 147 Japan -1.40 2002 est. 148 Chile -1.50 2002 est. 149 Israel -1.50 2002 est. 150 Comoros -2.00 1999 est. 151 Jamaica -2.00 2000 est. 152 Germany -2.10 2002 est. 153 Italy -2.80 2002 154 Zimbabwe -3.10 2002 est. 155 Barbados -3.20 2000 est. 156 United Kingdom -3.40 2002 est. 157 Kuwait -5.00 2002 est. 158 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of -5.00 2002 est. 159 Venezuela -5.40 2002 est. 160 Saint Lucia -8.90 1997 est. 161 Hong Kong -9.70 2002 est. 162 Singapore -9.80 2002 est. 163 Dominica -10.00 1997 est. 164 Uruguay -12.00 2002 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2091

Rank Country Infant mortality rate(deaths/1,000 live births) Date of Information

1 Mozambique 199.00 2003 est. 2 Angola 193.82 2003 est. 3 Sierra Leone 146.86 2003 est. 4 Afghanistan 142.48 2003 est. 5 Liberia 132.18 2003 est. 6 Niger 123.64 2003 est. 7 Somalia 120.34 2003 est. 8 Mali 119.20 2003 est. 9 Tajikistan 113.43 2003 est. 10 Guinea-Bissau 110.29 2003 est. 11 Djibouti 106.96 2003 est. 12 Malawi 105.15 2003 est. 13 Bhutan 104.68 2003 est. 14 Tanzania 103.68 2003 est. 15 Ethiopia 103.22 2003 est. 16 Rwanda 102.61 2003 est. 17 Burkina Faso 99.78 2003 est. 18 Zambia 99.29 2003 est. 19 Cote d'Ivoire 98.33 2003 est. 20 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 96.56 2003 est. 21 Chad 95.74 2003 est. 22 Congo, Republic of the 95.34 2003 est. 23 Central African Republic 93.30 2003 est. 24 Guinea 93.30 2003 est. 25 Equatorial Guinea 89.02 2003 est. 26 Laos 88.94 2003 est. 27 Uganda 87.90 2003 est. 28 Benin 86.76 2003 est. 29 Lesotho 86.21 2003 est. 30 Azerbaijan 82.41 2003 est. 31 Madagascar 80.21 2003 est. 32 Comoros 79.51 2003 est. 33 Pakistan 76.53 2003 est. 34 Eritrea 76.32 2003 est. 35 Haiti 76.01 2003 est. 36 Cambodia 75.94 2003 est. 37 Kyrgyzstan 75.34 2003 est. 38 Gambia, The 74.93 2003 est. 39 Mauritania 73.80 2003 est. 40 Turkmenistan 73.17 2003 est. 41 Burundi 71.54 2003 est. 42 Uzbekistan 71.51 2003 est. 43 Nigeria 71.35 2003 est. 44 Nepal 70.57 2003 est. 45 Burma 70.35 2003 est. 46 Cameroon 70.12 2003 est. 47 Togo 68.73 2003 est. 48 Namibia 68.44 2003 est. 49 Swaziland 67.44 2003 est. 50 Botswana 67.34 2003 est. 51 Zimbabwe 66.47 2003 est. 52 Bangladesh 66.08 2003 est. 53 Mayotte 65.98 2003 est. 54 Sudan 65.59 2003 est. 55 Yemen 65.02 2003 est. 56 Kenya 63.36 2003 est. 57 South Africa 60.84 2003 est. 58 Maldives 60.13 2003 est. 59 India 59.59 2003 est. 60 Kazakhstan 58.73 2003 est. 61 Vanuatu 58.11 2003 est. 62 Senegal 57.57 2003 est. 63 Mongolia 57.16 2003 est. 64 Bolivia 56.05 2003 est. 65 Iraq 55.16 2003 est. 66 Gabon 55.05 2003 est. 67 Papua New Guinea 54.84 2003 est. 68 Ghana 53.02 2003 est. 69 World 51.38 2003 est. 70 Kiribati 51.26 2003 est. 71 Georgia 51.24 2003 est. 72 Cape Verde 50.50 2003 est. 73 East Timor 50.47 2003 est. 74 Saudi Arabia 47.94 2003 est. 75 Sao Tome and Principe 46.04 2003 est. 76 Morocco 44.87 2003 est. 77 Turkey 44.20 2003 est. 78 Iran 44.17 2003 est. 79 Moldova 41.58 2003 est. 80 Armenia 40.86 2003 est. 81 Indonesia 38.09 2003 est. 82 Guatemala 37.92 2003 est. 83 Algeria 37.74 2003 est. 84 Guyana 37.55 2003 est. 85 Albania 37.28 2003 est. 86 Peru 36.97 2003 est. 87 Egypt 35.26 2003 est. 88 Dominican Republic 34.19 2003 est. 89 Micronesia, Federated States of 32.39 90 Ecuador 31.97 2003 est. 91 Brazil 31.74 2003 est. 92 Syria 31.67 2003 est. 93 Marshall Islands 31.58 2003 est. 94 Nicaragua 31.39 2003 est. 95 Vietnam 30.83 2003 est. 96 Honduras 29.96 2003 est. 97 Samoa 29.73 2003 est. 98 Paraguay 27.71 2003 est. 99 Belize 27.07 2003 est. 100 Tunisia 26.91 2003 est. 101 Libya 26.80 2003 est. 102 El Salvador 26.75 2003 est. 103 Lebanon 26.43 2003 est. 104 Bahamas, The 26.21 2003 est. 105 Korea, North 25.66 2003 est. 106 China 25.26 2003 est. 107 Philippines 24.98 2003 est. 108 Trinidad and Tobago 24.97 2003 est. 109 Suriname 24.74 2003 est. 110 Gaza Strip 24.15 2003 est. 111 Venezuela 23.79 2003 est. 112 Mexico 23.68 2003 est. 113 Solomon Islands 22.88 2003 est. 114 Anguilla 22.80 2003 est. 115 Bosnia and Herzegovina 22.70 2003 est. 116 Colombia 22.47 2003 est. 117 Thailand 21.83 2003 est. 118 Panama 21.44 2003 est. 119 Tuvalu 21.34 2003 est. 120 Oman 21.01 2003 est. 121 Antigua and Barbuda 20.90 2003 est. 122 Ukraine 20.87 2003 est. 123 Saint Helena 20.70 2003 est. 124 West Bank 20.68 2003 est. 125 Qatar 20.03 2003 est. 126 Russia 19.51 2003 est. 127 Malaysia 19.00 2003 est. 128 Jordan 18.86 2003 est. 129 British Virgin Islands 18.80 2003 est. 130 Bahrain 18.59 2003 est. 131 Romania 18.40 2003 est. 132 Serbia and Montenegro 16.90 2003 est. 133 Turks and Caicos Islands 16.87 2003 est. 134 Greenland 16.80 2003 est. 135 Seychelles 16.41 2003 est. 136 Argentina 16.16 2003 est. 137 Mauritius 16.11 2003 est. 138 Palau 15.76 2003 est. 139 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 15.70 2003 est. 140 United Arab Emirates 15.58 2003 est. 141 Saint Kitts and Nevis 15.39 2003 est. 142 Dominica 15.34 2003 est. 143 Sri Lanka 15.22 2003 est. 144 Grenada 14.63 2003 est. 145 Latvia 14.59 2003 est. 146 Saint Lucia 14.37 2003 est. 147 Lithuania 14.17 2003 est. 148 Belarus 13.87 2003 est. 149 Uruguay 13.80 2003 est. 150 Bulgaria 13.70 2003 est. 151 Brunei 13.50 2003 est. 152 Fiji 13.35 2003 est. 153 Tonga 13.35 2003 est. 154 Jamaica 13.26 2003 est. 155 French Guiana 12.84 2003 est. 156 Barbados 12.72 2003 est. 157 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 12.14 2003 est. 158 Estonia 12.03 2003 est. 159 Netherlands Antilles 10.71 2003 est. 160 Kuwait 10.57 2003 est. 161 Costa Rica 10.56 2003 est. 162 Nauru 10.33 2003 est. 163 American Samoa 9.82 2003 est. 164 Puerto Rico 9.38 2003 est. 165 Guadeloupe 9.07 2003 est. 166 Bermuda 9.05 2003 est. 167 Virgin Islands 9.00 2003 est. 168 Poland 8.95 2003 est. 169 Chile 8.88 2003 est. 170 French Polynesia 8.78 2003 est. 171 Cayman Islands 8.64 2003 est. 172 Hungary 8.58 2003 est. 173 Slovakia 8.55 2003 est. 174 Reunion 8.13 2003 est. 175 New Caledonia 8.06 2003 est. 176 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 7.97 2003 est. 177 Montserrat 7.77 2003 est. 178 Cyprus 7.54 2003 est. 179 Martinique 7.44 2003 est. 180 Israel 7.37 2003 est. 181 Korea, South 7.31 2003 est. 182 Cuba 7.15 2003 est. 183 Croatia 6.92 2003 est. 184 United States 6.75 2003 est. 185 Taiwan 6.65 2003 est. 186 Faroe Islands 6.52 2003 est. 187 Guam 6.46 2003 est. 188 Italy 6.19 2003 est. 189 Man, Isle of 6.17 2003 est. 190 Aruba 6.14 2003 est. 191 Greece 6.12 2003 est. 192 New Zealand 6.07 2003 est. 193 San Marino 5.97 2003 est. 194 Portugal 5.73 2003 est. 195 Hong Kong 5.63 2003 est. 196 Monaco 5.63 2003 est. 197 Malta 5.62 2003 est. 198 Northern Mariana Islands 5.52 2003 est. 199 Jersey 5.43 2003 est. 200 Czech Republic 5.37 2003 est. 201 Ireland 5.34 2003 est. 202 Gibraltar 5.31 2003 est. 203 United Kingdom 5.28 2003 est. 204 Denmark 4.90 2003 est. 205 Canada 4.88 2003 est. 206 Guernsey 4.85 2003 est. 207 Liechtenstein 4.85 2003 est. 208 Australia 4.83 2003 est. 209 Luxembourg 4.65 2003 est. 210 Belgium 4.57 2003 est. 211 Spain 4.54 2003 est. 212 Macau 4.42 2003 est. 213 Slovenia 4.42 2003 est. 214 France 4.37 2003 est. 215 Switzerland 4.36 2003 est. 216 Austria 4.33 2003 est. 217 Netherlands 4.26 2003 est. 218 Germany 4.23 2003 est. 219 Andorra 4.06 2003 est. 220 Norway 3.87 2003 est. 221 Finland 3.73 2003 est. 222 Singapore 3.57 2003 est. 223 Iceland 3.50 2003 est. 224 Sweden 3.42 2003 est. 225 Japan 3.30 2003 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2092

Rank Country Inflation rate (consumer prices)(%) Date of Information

1 Zimbabwe 134.50 2002 est. 2 Angola 106.00 2002 est. 3 Iraq 70.00 2002 est. 4 Burma 53.70 2002 est. 5 Turkey 45.20 2002 est. 6 Belarus 42.80 2002 est. 7 Argentina 41.00 2002, yearend 8 Venezuela 31.20 2002 est. 9 Malawi 27.40 2001 est. 10 Uzbekistan 26.00 2001 est. 11 Cyprus 24.50 2002 est. 12 Romania 22.50 2002 est. 13 Zambia 21.00 2002 est. 14 Serbia and Montenegro 19.00 2002 est. 15 Suriname 17.00 2002 est. 16 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 16.00 2002 est. 17 Iran 15.30 2002 est. 18 Mozambique 15.20 2002 est. 19 Eritrea 15.00 2001 20 Russia 15.00 2002 est. 21 Liberia 15.00 2002 est. 22 Ghana 14.50 2002 est. 23 Nigeria 14.20 2002 est. 24 Uruguay 14.10 2002 est. 25 Ecuador 12.50 2002 est. 26 Yemen 12.20 2002 est. 27 Burundi 12.00 2002 est. 28 Tajikistan 12.00 2001 est. 29 Haiti 11.90 2001 est. 30 Indonesia 11.90 2002 est. 31 Swaziland 11.80 2002 est. 32 Paraguay 10.50 2002 est. 33 Laos 10.00 2002 est. 34 Lesotho 10.00 2002 est. 35 South Africa 9.90 2002 est. 36 Papua New Guinea 9.80 2002 est. 37 Sri Lanka 9.60 2002 est. 38 Sudan 9.20 2002 est. 39 Costa Rica 9.10 2002 est. 40 Sao Tome and Principe 9.00 2002 est. 41 Tonga 8.40 2001 est. 42 Brazil 8.30 2002 43 Botswana 8.10 2002 est. 44 Guatemala 8.10 2002 est. 45 Namibia 8.00 2001 46 Honduras 7.70 2002 est. 47 Madagascar 7.40 2001 est. 48 Slovenia 7.40 2002 est. 49 Cuba 7.10 2002 est. 50 Jamaica 7.00 2002 est. 51 Mauritius 6.40 2002 est. 52 Mexico 6.40 2002 est. 53 Colombia 6.20 2002 est. 54 Albania 6.00 2002 est. 55 Chad 6.00 2002 est. 56 Equatorial Guinea 6.00 2002 est. 57 Guinea 6.00 2002 est. 58 Kazakhstan 6.00 2002 est. 59 Bulgaria 5.90 2002 est. 60 Israel 5.70 2002 est. 61 Gambia, The 5.50 2002 est. 62 Rwanda 5.50 2002 est. 63 Moldova 5.50 2002 est. 64 India 5.40 2002 est. 65 Dominican Republic 5.30 2002 est. 66 Hungary 5.30 2002 est. 67 Georgia 5.20 2002 est. 68 Iceland 5.20 2002 est. 69 Faroe Islands 5.10 1999 70 Puerto Rico 5.00 2002 est. 71 Tuvalu 5.00 2000 est. 72 Turkmenistan 5.00 2002 est. 73 Tanzania 4.80 2002 est. 74 Guyana 4.70 2002 est. 75 Jersey 4.70 1998 76 Ireland 4.60 2002 est. 77 Cameroon 4.50 2002 est. 78 Mali 4.50 2002 est. 79 Andorra 4.30 2000 80 Trinidad and Tobago 4.30 2002 est. 81 Egypt 4.30 2002 est. 82 Congo, Republic of the 4.00 2002 est. 83 Togo 4.00 2002 est. 84 Samoa 4.00 2001 est. 85 Turks and Caicos Islands 4.00 1995 86 Ethiopia 4.00 2003 est. 87 Guinea-Bissau 4.00 2002 est. 88 Guernsey 3.99 2000 est. 89 Martinique 3.90 1990 90 Pakistan 3.90 2002 est. 91 Vietnam 3.90 2002 est. 92 El Salvador 3.80 2001 est. 93 Estonia 3.70 2002 est. 94 Portugal 3.70 2002 est. 95 Nicaragua 3.70 2002 est. 96 Central African Republic 3.60 2001 est. 97 Man, Isle of 3.60 March 2003 est. 98 Morocco 3.60 2002 est. 99 Greece 3.60 2002 est. 100 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 3.60 1998 101 Bosnia and Herzegovina 3.50 2002 est. 102 Comoros 3.50 2001 est. 103 Burkina Faso 3.50 2001 est. 104 Lebanon 3.50 2002 est. 105 Netherlands 3.40 2002 est. 106 Palau 3.40 2000 est. 107 Benin 3.30 2002 est. 108 Cambodia 3.30 2002 est. 109 Jordan 3.30 2002 est. 110 San Marino 3.30 2001 111 Slovakia 3.30 2002 est. 112 Aruba 3.20 2002 est. 113 Cook Islands 3.20 2000 est. 114 Saint Helena 3.20 1997 est. 115 Vanuatu 3.20 2001 est. 116 Cote d'Ivoire 3.20 2002 est. 117 Bangladesh 3.10 2002 est. 118 Philippines 3.10 2002 est. 119 Algeria 3.00 2002 est. 120 Bhutan 3.00 2002 est. 121 Cape Verde 3.00 2002 122 Hong Kong 3.00 2002 est. 123 Mauritania 3.00 2002 est. 124 Saint Lucia 3.00 2001 est. 125 Spain 3.00 2002 est. 126 Senegal 3.00 2002 est. 127 Niger 3.00 2002 est. 128 Mongolia 3.00 2002 est. 129 Australia 2.80 2002 est. 130 United Arab Emirates 2.80 2002 est. 131 Cyprus 2.80 2002 est. 132 Nepal 2.80 2001 est. 133 Korea, South 2.80 2002 est. 134 Grenada 2.80 2001 est. 135 Cayman Islands 2.80 2002 136 New Zealand 2.70 2002 est. 137 Azerbaijan 2.60 2002 est. 138 Montserrat 2.60 2002 est. 139 Chile 2.50 2002 est. 140 Kiribati 2.50 2001 est. 141 British Virgin Islands 2.50 2002 142 Tunisia 2.50 2002 est. 143 Italy 2.40 2002 est. 144 Malta 2.40 2002 est. 145 Anguilla 2.30 146 Denmark 2.30 2002 est. 147 Gabon 2.30 2002 est. 148 Bermuda 2.30 July 2002 149 Canada 2.20 2002 est. 150 Gaza Strip 2.20 2001 est. 151 Croatia 2.20 2002 est. 152 West Bank 2.20 2001 est. 153 Sweden 2.20 2002 est. 154 Kyrgyzstan 2.10 2002 est. 155 United Kingdom 2.10 2002 est. 156 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2.10 1991-96 average 157 Bolivia 2.00 2001 est. 158 Virgin Islands 2.00 1992 159 Kuwait 2.00 2002 est. 160 Marshall Islands 2.00 2001 est. 161 Fiji 2.00 2002 est. 162 Djibouti 2.00 2002 est. 163 Latvia 2.00 2002 est. 164 Belize 1.90 2002 est. 165 Qatar 1.90 2002 166 Kenya 1.90 2002 est. 167 Finland 1.90 2002 est. 168 Malaysia 1.90 2002 est. 169 Poland 1.90 2002 est. 170 Austria 1.80 2002 est. 171 Bahamas, The 1.80 2001 est. 172 Solomon Islands 1.80 2001 est. 173 France 1.80 2002 est. 174 Belgium 1.70 2002 est. 175 Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.70 2001 est. 176 Greenland 1.60 1999 est. 177 Luxembourg 1.60 2002 est. 178 United States 1.60 2002 179 French Guiana 1.50 2002 est. 180 Gibraltar 1.50 1998 181 French Polynesia 1.50 182 Germany 1.30 2002 est. 183 Norway 1.30 2001 est. 184 Northern Mariana Islands 1.20 1997 est. 185 Armenia 1.10 2002 est. 186 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 1.10 2002 est. 187 Panama 1.10 2001 est. 188 Dominica 1.00 2001 est. 189 Sierra Leone 1.00 2002 est. 190 Saudi Arabia 1.00 2002 est. 191 Niue 1.00 1995 192 Maldives 1.00 2002 est. 193 Libya 1.00 2001 est. 194 Liechtenstein 1.00 2001 195 Micronesia, Federated States of 1.00 2002 est. 196 Syria 0.90 2002 est. 197 Lithuania 0.80 2002 est. 198 Czech Republic 0.60 2002 est. 199 Thailand 0.60 2002 est. 200 Bahrain 0.50 2002 est. 201 Seychelles 0.50 2002 est. 202 Switzerland 0.50 2002 est. 203 Antigua and Barbuda 0.40 2000 est. 204 Netherlands Antilles 0.40 2002 est. 205 Peru 0.20 2002 est. 206 Uganda 0.10 2002 est. 207 Guam 0.00 1999 est. 208 Taiwan -0.20 2002 est. 209 Singapore -0.40 2002 est. 210 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -0.40 2001 est. 211 Oman -0.50 2002 est. 212 Barbados -0.60 2002 est. 213 New Caledonia -0.60 2000 est. 214 China -0.80 2002 est. 215 Japan -0.90 2002 est. 216 Ukraine -1.20 2002 est. 217 Brunei -2.00 2002 est. 218 Macau -2.60 2002 est. 219 Nauru -3.60 1993

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2095

Rank Country Labor force Date of Information

1 China 744,000,000 2001 est. 2 India 406,000,000 1999 3 United States 141,800,000 2001 4 Indonesia 99,000,000 1999 5 Brazil 79,000,000 1999 est. 6 Russia 71,800,000 2002 est. 7 Japan 67,700,000 December 2001 8 Nigeria 66,000,000 1999 est. 9 Bangladesh 64,100,000 1998 10 Germany 41,900,000 2001 11 Pakistan 40,400,000 2000 12 Mexico 39,800,000 2000 13 Vietnam 38,200,000 1998 est. 14 Philippines 33,700,000 2002 15 Thailand 33,400,000 2001 est. 16 United Kingdom 29,700,000 2001 17 France 26,600,000 2001 est. 18 Turkey 23,800,000 2001 3rd quarter 19 Burma 23,700,000 1999 est. 20 Italy 23,600,000 2001 est. 21 Ukraine 22,800,000 yearend 1997 22 Korea, South 22,000,000 2001 23 Iran 21,000,000 1998 24 Egypt 20,600,000 2001 est. 25 Colombia 18,300,000 1999 est. 26 Poland 17,600,000 2000 est. 27 Spain 17,100,000 2001 28 South Africa 17,000,000 29 Canada 16,400,000 2001 est. 30 Argentina 15,000,000 1999 31 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 14,510,000 1993 est. 32 Tanzania 13,495,000 33 Uganda 12,000,000 2001 est. 34 Uzbekistan 11,900,000 1998 est. 35 Morocco 11,000,000 1999 36 Sudan 11,000,000 1996 est. 37 Afghanistan 10,000,000 2000 est. 38 Taiwan 10,000,000 2003 39 Nepal 10,000,000 1996 est. 40 Kenya 10,000,000 2001 est. 41 Malaysia 9,900,000 2001 est. 42 Romania 9,900,000 1999 est. 43 Venezuela 9,900,000 1999 44 Korea, North 9,600,000 45 Algeria 9,400,000 2001 est. 46 Australia 9,200,000 37256 47 Mozambique 9,200,000 2000 est. 48 Ghana 9,000,000 2000 est. 49 Kazakhstan 8,400,000 1999 50 Peru 7,500,000 2000 est. 51 Madagascar 7,300,000 2000 52 Netherlands 7,200,000 2000 53 Saudi Arabia 7,000,000 54 Sri Lanka 6,600,000 1998 55 Iraq 6,500,000 2002 est. 56 Cambodia 6,000,000 1998 est. 57 Chile 5,900,000 2000 est. 58 Zimbabwe 5,800,000 2000 est. 59 Czech Republic 5,203,000 1999 est. 60 Syria 5,200,000 2000 est. 61 Portugal 5,100,000 2000 62 Angola 5,000,000 1997 est. 63 Burkina Faso 5,000,000 2002 64 Belarus 4,800,000 2000 65 Rwanda 4,600,000 2000 66 Malawi 4,500,000 2001 est. 67 Belgium 4,440,000 2001 68 Sweden 4,400,000 2000 est. 69 Greece 4,370,000 2002 est. 70 Austria 4,300,000 2001 71 Cuba 4,300,000 2000 est. 72 Zambia 4,290,000 2000 73 Guatemala 4,200,000 1999 est. 74 Hungary 4,200,000 1997 75 Switzerland 4,000,000 2001 76 Mali 3,930,000 2001 est. 77 Bulgaria 3,830,000 2000 est. 78 Azerbaijan 3,700,000 2001 79 Ecuador 3,700,000 80 Somalia 3,700,000 81 Burundi 3,700,000 2000 82 Haiti 3,600,000 1995 83 Hong Kong 3,520,000 2001 est. 84 Tajikistan 3,187,000 2000 85 Guinea 3,000,000 1999 86 Serbia and Montenegro 3,000,000 2001 est. 87 Slovakia 3,000,000 1999 88 Denmark 2,856,000 2000 est. 89 Kyrgyzstan 2,700,000 2000 90 Tunisia 2,690,000 2001 est. 91 Finland 2,600,000 2000 est. 92 Bolivia 2,500,000 93 Israel 2,500,000 2002 est. 94 Laos 2,400,000 1999 95 Norway 2,400,000 2000 est. 96 El Salvador 2,350,000 1999 97 Turkmenistan 2,340,000 1996 98 Honduras 2,300,000 1997 est. 99 Papua New Guinea 2,300,000 1999 100 Singapore 2,190,000 2000 101 Georgia 2,100,000 2001 est. 102 Paraguay 2,000,000 2000 est. 103 New Zealand 1,920,000 2001 est. 104 Costa Rica 1,900,000 1999 105 Ireland 1,800,000 2001 106 Togo 1,740,000 1996 107 Croatia 1,700,000 2001 108 Nicaragua 1,700,000 1999 109 Moldova 1,700,000 1998 110 United Arab Emirates 1,600,000 2000 est. 111 Lebanon 1,500,000 2001 est. 112 Libya 1,500,000 2000 est. 113 Lithuania 1,500,000 2001 est. 114 Armenia 1,400,000 2001 115 Mongolia 1,400,000 2001 116 Sierra Leone 1,369,000 1981 est. 117 Jordan 1,360,000 2002 118 Kuwait 1,300,000 1998 est. 119 Puerto Rico 1,300,000 2000 120 Albania 1,283,000 2000 est. 121 Uruguay 1,200,000 2001 122 Jamaica 1,130,000 1998 123 Latvia 1,100,000 2001 est. 124 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 1,100,000 2000 est. 125 Panama 1,100,000 2000 est. 126 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,026,000 127 Oman 920,000 2002 est. 128 Slovenia 857,400 129 Lesotho 838,000 130 Mauritania 786,000 2001 131 Namibia 725,000 2000 132 Estonia 608,600 2001 est. 133 Gabon 600,000 134 Trinidad and Tobago 564,000 2000 135 Mauritius 514,000 1995 136 Guinea-Bissau 480,000 137 Guyana 418,000 2001 est. 138 Gambia, The 400,000 139 Swaziland 383,200 2000 140 Reunion 309,900 2000 141 Bahrain 295,000 1998 est. 142 Djibouti 282,000 143 Qatar 280,122 1997 est. 144 Botswana 264,000 2000 145 Luxembourg 262,300 2000 146 Macau 214,000 2002 147 Martinique 165,900 1998 148 Malta 160,000 2002 est. 149 Iceland 159,000 2000 150 Bahamas, The 156,000 1999 151 Comoros 144,500 1996 est. 152 Brunei 143,400 1999 est. 153 Fiji 137,000 1999 154 Barbados 128,500 2001 est. 155 Guadeloupe 125,900 1997 156 Suriname 100,000 157 Belize 90,000 158 Samoa 90,000 2000 est. 159 Netherlands Antilles 89,000 160 Maldives 88,000 2000 161 New Caledonia 79,395 162 French Polynesia 70,000 1996 163 Niger 70,000 164 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 67,000 1984 est. 165 Guam 60,000 2000 est. 166 French Guiana 58,800 1997 167 Jersey 57,050 1996 168 Virgin Islands 49,000 2002 est. 169 Mayotte 48,800 2000 170 Saint Lucia 43,800 171 Grenada 42,300 1996 172 Aruba 41,501 1997 est. 173 Bermuda 37,472 2000 174 Man, Isle of 36,610 1998 175 Tonga 33,908 1996 176 Andorra 33,000 2001 est. 177 Guernsey 31,322 2000 178 Seychelles 30,900 1996 179 Monaco 30,540 January 1994 180 Antigua and Barbuda 30,000 181 Liechtenstein 29,000 37256 182 Marshall Islands 28,698 183 Solomon Islands 26,842 184 Dominica 25,000 185 Greenland 24,500 1999 est. 186 Faroe Islands 24,250 October 2000 187 Cayman Islands 19,820 1995 188 San Marino 18,500 1999 189 Saint Kitts and Nevis 18,172 June 1995 190 Gibraltar 14,800 191 American Samoa 14,000 1996 192 Western Sahara 12,000 193 Palau 9,845 2000 194 Cook Islands 8,000 1996 195 Kiribati 7,870 196 Tuvalu 7,000 2001 est. 197 Anguilla 6,049 2001 198 Northern Mariana Islands 6,006 199 British Virgin Islands 4,911 1980 200 Turks and Caicos Islands 4,848 1990 est. 201 Montserrat 4,521 202 Saint Helena 3,500 1998 est. 203 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 3,261 1999 204 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 1,100 205 Pitcairn Islands 12 1997

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2102

Rank Country Life expectancy at birth(years) Date of Information

1 Andorra 83.49 2003 est. 2 Macau 81.87 2003 est. 3 San Marino 81.43 2003 est. 4 Japan 80.93 2003 est. 5 Singapore 80.42 2003 est. 6 Australia 80.13 2003 est. 7 Guernsey 80.04 2003 est. 8 Switzerland 79.99 2003 est. 9 Sweden 79.97 2003 est. 10 Hong Kong 79.93 2003 est. 11 Canada 79.83 2003 est. 12 Iceland 79.80 2003 est. 13 Cayman Islands 79.67 2003 est. 14 Italy 79.40 2003 est. 15 Gibraltar 79.38 2003 est. 16 France 79.28 2003 est. 17 Monaco 79.27 2003 est. 18 Liechtenstein 79.25 2003 est. 19 Spain 79.23 2003 est. 20 Norway 79.09 2003 est. 21 Israel 79.02 2003 est. 22 Jersey 78.93 2003 est. 23 Faroe Islands 78.90 2003 est. 24 Greece 78.89 2003 est. 25 Aruba 78.83 2003 est. 26 Netherlands 78.74 2003 est. 27 Martinique 78.72 2003 est. 28 Virgin Islands 78.59 2003 est. 29 Malta 78.43 2003 est. 30 Germany 78.42 2003 est. 31 Montserrat 78.36 2003 est. 32 New Zealand 78.32 2003 est. 33 Belgium 78.29 2003 est. 34 Guam 78.27 2003 est. 35 Austria 78.17 2003 est. 36 United Kingdom 78.16 2003 est. 37 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 78.11 2003 est. 38 Man, Isle of 77.98 2003 est. 39 Finland 77.92 2003 est. 40 Jordan 77.88 2003 est. 41 Luxembourg 77.66 2003 est. 42 Guadeloupe 77.53 2003 est. 43 Bermuda 77.41 2003 est. 44 Saint Helena 77.38 2003 est. 45 Ireland 77.35 2003 est. 46 Cyprus 77.27 2003 est. 47 Puerto Rico 77.26 2003 est. 48 United States 77.14 2003 est. 49 Denmark 77.10 2003 est. 50 Taiwan 76.87 2003 est. 51 Cuba 76.80 2003 est. 52 Anguilla 76.70 2003 est. 53 French Guiana 76.69 2003 est. 54 Kuwait 76.65 2003 est. 55 Costa Rica 76.43 2003 est. 56 Chile 76.35 2003 est. 57 Portugal 76.35 2003 est. 58 Northern Mariana Islands 76.16 2003 est. 59 Libya 76.07 2003 est. 60 British Virgin Islands 76.06 2003 est. 61 Uruguay 75.87 2003 est. 62 Jamaica 75.85 2003 est. 63 American Samoa 75.75 2003 est. 64 Slovenia 75.51 2003 est. 65 Argentina 75.48 2003 est. 66 French Polynesia 75.45 2003 est. 67 Netherlands Antilles 75.38 2003 est. 68 Korea, South 75.36 2003 est. 69 Czech Republic 75.18 2003 est. 70 United Arab Emirates 74.75 2003 est. 71 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 74.49 2003 est. 72 Slovakia 74.43 2003 est. 73 Paraguay 74.40 2003 est. 74 Tunisia 74.40 2003 est. 75 Croatia 74.37 2003 est. 76 Brunei 74.30 2003 est. 77 Dominica 74.12 2003 est. 78 Turks and Caicos Islands 74.00 2003 est. 79 Serbia and Montenegro 73.97 2003 est. 80 Poland 73.91 2003 est. 81 Venezuela 73.81 2003 est. 82 Bahrain 73.72 2003 est. 83 New Caledonia 73.52 2003 est. 84 Reunion 73.43 2003 est. 85 Qatar 73.14 2003 est. 86 Saint Lucia 73.08 2003 est. 87 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 73.08 2003 est. 88 West Bank 72.68 2003 est. 89 Sri Lanka 72.62 2003 est. 90 Oman 72.58 2003 est. 91 Albania 72.37 2003 est. 92 Panama 72.32 2003 est. 93 Mexico 72.30 2003 est. 94 Bosnia and Herzegovina 72.29 2003 est. 95 China 72.22 2003 est. 96 Hungary 72.17 2003 est. 97 Solomon Islands 72.10 2003 est. 98 Lebanon 72.07 2003 est. 99 Ecuador 71.89 2003 est. 100 Barbados 71.84 2003 est. 101 Bulgaria 71.80 2003 est. 102 Turkey 71.80 2003 est. 103 Mauritius 71.80 2003 est. 104 Malaysia 71.67 2003 est. 105 Saint Kitts and Nevis 71.57 2003 est. 106 Gaza Strip 71.40 2003 est. 107 Antigua and Barbuda 71.31 2003 est. 108 Seychelles 71.25 2003 est. 109 Thailand 71.24 2003 est. 110 Colombia 71.14 2003 est. 111 Brazil 71.13 2003 est. 112 Peru 70.88 2003 est. 113 Korea, North 70.79 2003 est. 114 El Salvador 70.62 2003 est. 115 Romania 70.62 2003 est. 116 Algeria 70.54 2003 est. 117 Egypt 70.41 2003 est. 118 Estonia 70.31 2003 est. 119 Samoa 70.11 2003 est. 120 Vietnam 70.05 2003 est. 121 Morocco 70.04 2003 est. 122 Cape Verde 69.83 2003 est. 123 Nicaragua 69.68 2003 est. 124 Lithuania 69.60 2003 est. 125 Trinidad and Tobago 69.59 2003 est. 126 Palau 69.50 2003 est. 127 Marshall Islands 69.39 2003 est. 128 Syria 69.39 2003 est. 129 Iran 69.35 2003 est. 130 Latvia 69.31 2003 est. 131 Philippines 69.29 2003 est. 132 Suriname 69.23 2003 est. 133 Micronesia, Federated States of 69.13 2003 est. 134 Greenland 69.00 2003 est. 135 Indonesia 68.94 2003 est. 136 Fiji 68.88 2003 est. 137 Tonga 68.88 2003 est. 138 Saudi Arabia 68.73 2003 est. 139 Belarus 68.43 2003 est. 140 Dominican Republic 67.96 2003 est. 141 Iraq 67.81 2003 est. 142 Russia 67.66 2003 est. 143 Belize 67.36 2003 est. 144 Tuvalu 67.32 2003 est. 145 Armenia 66.68 2003 est. 146 Honduras 66.65 2003 est. 147 Ukraine 66.50 2003 est. 148 Sao Tome and Principe 66.28 2003 est. 149 Bahamas, The 65.71 2003 est. 150 Guatemala 65.23 2003 est. 151 East Timor 65.20 2003 est. 152 Moldova 64.88 2003 est. 153 Bolivia 64.78 2003 est. 154 Georgia 64.76 2003 est. 155 Grenada 64.52 2003 est. 156 Tajikistan 64.37 2003 est. 157 Papua New Guinea 64.19 2003 est. 158 Uzbekistan 64.00 2003 est. 159 World 63.95 2003 est. 160 Mongolia 63.81 2003 est. 161 Kyrgyzstan 63.66 2003 est. 162 India 63.62 2003 est. 163 Kazakhstan 63.48 2003 est. 164 Maldives 63.30 2003 est. 165 Azerbaijan 63.16 2003 est. 166 Guyana 63.09 2003 est. 167 Pakistan 62.20 2003 est. 168 Nauru 61.95 2003 est. 169 Vanuatu 61.71 2003 est. 170 Bangladesh 61.33 2003 est. 171 Turkmenistan 61.19 2003 est. 172 Comoros 61.18 2003 est. 173 Yemen 60.97 2003 est. 174 Kiribati 60.93 2003 est. 175 Mayotte 60.60 2003 est. 176 Nepal 59.00 2003 est. 177 Cambodia 57.92 2003 est. 178 Sudan 57.73 2003 est. 179 Gabon 57.12 2003 est. 180 Ghana 56.53 2003 est. 181 Senegal 56.37 2003 est. 182 Madagascar 56.14 2003 est. 183 Burma 55.79 2003 est. 184 Equatorial Guinea 54.75 2003 est. 185 Gambia, The 54.38 2003 est. 186 Laos 54.30 2003 est. 187 Bhutan 53.58 2003 est. 188 Togo 53.43 2003 est. 189 Eritrea 53.18 2003 est. 190 Mauritania 51.93 2003 est. 191 Haiti 51.61 2003 est. 192 Benin 51.08 2003 est. 193 Nigeria 51.01 2003 est. 194 Congo, Republic of the 50.02 2003 est. 195 Guinea 49.54 2003 est. 196 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 48.93 2003 est. 197 Chad 48.51 2003 est. 198 Liberia 48.15 2003 est. 199 Cameroon 48.05 2003 est. 200 Somalia 47.34 2003 est. 201 Afghanistan 46.97 2003 est. 202 Guinea-Bissau 46.97 2003 est. 203 South Africa 46.56 2003 est. 204 Mali 45.43 2003 est. 205 Kenya 45.22 2003 est. 206 Uganda 44.88 2003 est. 207 Tanzania 44.56 2003 est. 208 Burkina Faso 44.46 2003 est. 209 Burundi 43.20 2003 est. 210 Djibouti 43.13 2003 est. 211 Sierra Leone 42.84 2003 est. 212 Namibia 42.77 2003 est. 213 Cote d'Ivoire 42.65 2003 est. 214 Niger 42.21 2003 est. 215 Central African Republic 41.71 2003 est. 216 Ethiopia 41.24 2003 est. 217 Swaziland 39.47 2003 est. 218 Rwanda 39.33 2003 est. 219 Zimbabwe 39.01 2003 est. 220 Malawi 37.98 2003 est. 221 Angola 36.96 2003 est. 222 Lesotho 36.94 2003 est. 223 Zambia 35.25 2003 est. 224 Botswana 32.26 2003 est. 225 Mozambique 31.30 2003 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2119

Rank Country Population Date of Information

1 World 6,302,309,691 July 2003 est. 2 China 1,286,975,468 July 2003 est. 3 India 1,049,700,118 July 2003 est. 4 United States 290,342,554 July 2003 est. 5 Indonesia 234,893,453 July 2003 est. 6 Brazil 182,032,604 July 2003 est. 7 Pakistan 150,694,740 July 2003 est. 8 Russia 144,526,278 July 2003 est. 9 Bangladesh 138,448,210 July 2003 est. 10 Nigeria 133,881,703 July 2003 est. 11 Japan 127,214,499 July 2003 est. 12 Mexico 104,907,991 July 2003 est. 13 Philippines 84,619,974 July 2003 est. 14 Germany 82,398,326 July 2003 est. 15 Vietnam 81,624,716 July 2003 est. 16 Egypt 74,718,797 July 2003 est. 17 Iran 68,278,826 July 2003 est. 18 Turkey 68,109,469 July 2003 est. 19 Ethiopia 66,557,553 July 2003 est. 20 Thailand 64,265,276 July 2003 est. 21 France 60,180,529 July 2003 est. 22 United Kingdom 60,094,648 July 2003 est. 23 Italy 57,998,353 July 2003 est. 24 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 56,625,039 July 2003 est. 25 Korea, South 48,289,037 July 2003 est. 26 Ukraine 48,055,439 July 2003 est. 27 South Africa 42,768,678 July 2003 est. 28 Burma 42,510,537 July 2003 est. 29 Colombia 41,662,073 July 2003 est. 30 Spain 40,217,413 July 2003 est. 31 Argentina 38,740,807 July 2003 est. 32 Poland 38,622,660 July 2003 est. 33 Sudan 38,114,160 July 2003 est. 34 Tanzania 35,922,454 July 2003 est. 35 Algeria 32,818,500 July 2003 est. 36 Canada 32,207,113 July 2003 est. 37 Morocco 31,689,265 July 2003 est. 38 Kenya 31,639,091 July 2003 est. 39 Afghanistan 28,717,213 July 2003 est. 40 Peru 28,409,897 July 2003 est. 41 Nepal 26,469,569 July 2003 est. 42 Uzbekistan 25,981,647 July 2003 est. 43 Uganda 25,632,794 July 2003 est. 44 Iraq 24,683,313 July 2003 est. 45 Venezuela 24,654,694 July 2003 est. 46 Saudi Arabia 24,293,844 July 2003 est. 47 Malaysia 23,092,940 July 2003 est. 48 Taiwan 22,603,001 July 2003 est. 49 Korea, North 22,466,481 July 2003 est. 50 Romania 22,271,839 July 2003 est. 51 Ghana 20,467,747 July 2003 est. 52 Sri Lanka 19,742,439 July 2003 est. 53 Australia 19,731,984 July 2003 est. 54 Yemen 19,349,881 July 2003 est. 55 Syria 17,585,540 July 2003 est. 56 Mozambique 17,479,266 July 2003 est. 57 Madagascar 16,979,744 July 2003 est. 58 Cote d'Ivoire 16,962,491 July 2003 est. 59 Kazakhstan 16,763,795 July 2003 est. 60 Netherlands 16,150,511 July 2003 est. 61 Cameroon 15,746,179 July 2003 est. 62 Chile 15,665,216 July 2003 est. 63 Guatemala 13,909,384 July 2003 est. 64 Ecuador 13,710,234 July 2003 est. 65 Burkina Faso 13,228,460 July 2003 est. 66 Cambodia 13,124,764 July 2003 est. 67 Zimbabwe 12,576,742 July 2003 est. 68 Malawi 11,651,239 July 2003 est. 69 Mali 11,626,219 July 2003 est. 70 Cuba 11,263,429 July 2003 est. 71 Niger 11,058,590 July 2003 est. 72 Angola 10,766,471 July 2003 est. 73 Greece 10,665,989 July 2003 est. 74 Serbia and Montenegro 10,655,774 July 2003 est. 75 Senegal 10,580,307 July 2003 est. 76 Belarus 10,322,151 July 2003 est. 77 Zambia 10,307,333 July 2003 est. 78 Belgium 10,289,088 July 2003 est. 79 Czech Republic 10,249,216 July 2003 est. 80 Portugal 10,102,022 July 2003 est. 81 Hungary 10,045,407 July 2003 est. 82 Tunisia 9,924,742 July 2003 est. 83 Chad 9,253,493 July 2003 est. 84 Guinea 9,030,220 July 2003 est. 85 Sweden 8,878,085 July 2003 est. 86 Dominican Republic 8,715,602 July 2003 est. 87 Bolivia 8,586,443 July 2003 est. 88 Austria 8,188,207 July 2003 est. 89 Somalia 8,025,190 July 2003 est. 90 Azerbaijan 7,830,764 July 2003 est. 91 Rwanda 7,810,056 July 2003 est. 92 Bulgaria 7,537,929 July 2003 est. 93 Haiti 7,527,817 July 2003 est. 94 Hong Kong 7,394,170 July 2003 est. 95 Switzerland 7,318,638 July 2003 est. 96 Benin 7,041,490 July 2003 est. 97 Tajikistan 6,863,752 July 2003 est. 98 Honduras 6,669,789 July 2003 est. 99 El Salvador 6,470,379 July 2003 est. 100 Israel 6,116,533 July 2003 est. 101 Burundi 6,096,156 July 2003 est. 102 Paraguay 6,036,900 July 2003 est. 103 Laos 5,921,545 July 2003 est. 104 Sierra Leone 5,732,681 July 2003 est. 105 Libya 5,499,074 July 2003 est. 106 Jordan 5,460,265 July 2003 est. 107 Slovakia 5,430,033 July 2003 est. 108 Togo 5,429,299 July 2003 est. 109 Denmark 5,384,384 July 2003 est. 110 Papua New Guinea 5,295,816 July 2003 est. 111 Finland 5,190,785 July 2003 est. 112 Nicaragua 5,128,517 July 2003 est. 113 Georgia 4,934,413 July 2003 est. 114 Kyrgyzstan 4,892,808 July 2003 est. 115 Turkmenistan 4,775,544 July 2003 est. 116 Singapore 4,608,595 July 2003 est. 117 Norway 4,546,123 July 2003 est. 118 Moldova 4,439,502 July 2003 est. 119 Croatia 4,422,248 July 2003 est. 120 Eritrea 4,362,254 July 2003 est. 121 Bosnia and Herzegovina 3,989,018 July 2003 est. 122 New Zealand 3,951,307 July 2003 est. 123 Ireland 3,924,140 July 2003 est. 124 Costa Rica 3,896,092 July 2003 est. 125 Puerto Rico 3,885,877 July 2003 est. 126 Lebanon 3,727,703 July 2003 est. 127 Central African Republic 3,683,538 July 2003 est. 128 Lithuania 3,592,561 July 2003 est. 129 Albania 3,582,205 July 2003 est. 130 Uruguay 3,413,329 July 2003 est. 131 Armenia 3,326,448 July 2003 est. 132 Liberia 3,317,176 July 2003 est. 133 Panama 2,960,784 July 2003 est. 134 Congo, Republic of the 2,954,258 July 2003 est. 135 Mauritania 2,912,584 July 2003 est. 136 Oman 2,807,125 July 2003 est. 137 Mongolia 2,712,315 July 2003 est. 138 Jamaica 2,695,867 July 2003 est. 139 United Arab Emirates 2,484,818 July 2003 est. 140 Latvia 2,348,784 July 2003 est. 141 West Bank 2,237,194 July 2003 est. 142 Kuwait 2,183,161 July 2003 est. 143 Bhutan 2,139,549 July 2003 est. 144 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 2,063,122 July 2003 est. 145 Slovenia 1,935,677 July 2003 est. 146 Namibia 1,927,447 July 2003 est. 147 Lesotho 1,861,959 July 2003 est. 148 Botswana 1,573,267 July 2003 est. 149 Gambia, The 1,501,050 July 2003 est. 150 Estonia 1,408,556 July 2003 est. 151 Guinea-Bissau 1,360,827 July 2003 est. 152 Gabon 1,321,560 July 2003 est. 153 Gaza Strip 1,274,868 July 2003 est. 154 Mauritius 1,210,447 July 2003 est. 155 Swaziland 1,161,219 July 2003 est. 156 Trinidad and Tobago 1,104,209 July 2003 est. 157 East Timor 997,853 July 2003 est. 158 Fiji 868,531 July 2003 est. 159 Qatar 817,052 July 2003 est. 160 Cyprus 771,657 July 2003 est. 161 Reunion 755,171 July 2003 est. 162 Guyana 702,100 July 2003 est. 163 Bahrain 667,238 July 2003 est. 164 Comoros 632,948 July 2003 est. 165 Equatorial Guinea 510,473 July 2003 est. 166 Solomon Islands 509,190 July 2003 est. 167 Macau 469,903 July 2003 est. 168 Djibouti 457,130 July 2003 est. 169 Luxembourg 454,157 July 2003 est. 170 Guadeloupe 440,189 July 2003 est. 171 Suriname 435,449 July 2003 est. 172 Martinique 425,966 July 2003 est. 173 Cape Verde 412,137 July 2003 est. 174 Malta 400,420 July 2003 est. 175 Brunei 358,098 July 2003 est. 176 Maldives 329,684 July 2003 est. 177 Bahamas, The 297,477 July 2003 est. 178 Iceland 280,798 July 2003 est. 179 Barbados 277,264 July 2003 est. 180 Belize 266,440 July 2003 est. 181 French Polynesia 262,125 July 2003 est. 182 Western Sahara 261,794 July 2003 est. 183 Netherlands Antilles 216,226 July 2003 est. 184 New Caledonia 210,798 July 2003 est. 185 Vanuatu 199,414 July 2003 est. 186 French Guiana 186,917 July 2003 est. 187 Mayotte 178,437 July 2003 est. 188 Samoa 178,173 July 2003 est. 189 Sao Tome and Principe 175,883 July 2003 est. 190 Guam 163,941 July 2003 est. 191 Saint Lucia 162,157 July 2003 est. 192 Virgin Islands 124,778 July 2003 est. 193 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 116,812 July 2003 est. 194 Micronesia, Federated States of 108,143 July 2003 est. 195 Tonga 108,141 July 2003 est. 196 Kiribati 98,549 July 2003 est. 197 Jersey 90,156 July 2003 est. 198 Grenada 89,258 July 2003 est. 199 Seychelles 80,469 July 2003 est. 200 Northern Mariana Islands 80,006 July 2003 est. 201 Man, Isle of 74,261 July 2003 est. 202 Aruba 70,844 July 2003 est. 203 American Samoa 70,260 July 2003 est. 204 Dominica 69,655 July 2003 est. 205 Andorra 69,150 July 2003 est. 206 Antigua and Barbuda 67,897 July 2003 est. 207 Guernsey 64,818 July 2003 est. 208 Bermuda 64,482 July 2003 est. 209 Marshall Islands 56,429 July 2003 est. 210 Greenland 56,385 July 2003 est. 211 Faroe Islands 46,345 July 2003 est. 212 Cayman Islands 41,934 July 2003 est. 213 Saint Kitts and Nevis 38,763 July 2003 est. 214 Liechtenstein 33,145 July 2003 est. 215 Monaco 32,130 July 2003 est. 216 San Marino 28,119 July 2003 est. 217 Gibraltar 27,776 July 2003 est. 218 British Virgin Islands 21,730 July 2003 est. 219 Cook Islands 21,008 July 2003 est. 220 Palau 19,717 July 2003 est. 221 Turks and Caicos Islands 19,350 July 2003 est. 222 Wallis and Futuna 15,734 July 2003 est. 223 Anguilla 12,738 July 2003 est. 224 Nauru 12,570 July 2003 est. 225 Tuvalu 11,305 July 2003 est. 226 Montserrat 8,995 July 2003 est. 227 Saint Helena 7,367 July 2003 est. 228 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 6,976 July 2003 est. 229 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2,967 July 2003 est. 230 Svalbard 2,811 July 2003 est. 231 Niue 2,145 July 2003 est. 232 Norfolk Island 1,853 July 2003 est. 233 Tokelau 1,418 July 2003 est. 234 Holy See (Vatican City) 911 July 2003 est. 235 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 630 July 2003 est. 236 Christmas Island 433 July 2003 est. 237 Pitcairn Islands 47 July 2003 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2121

Rank Country Railways(km) Date of Information

1 World 1,122,650 2 United States 194,731 2000 3 Russia 87,157 2002 4 China 71,600 2002 5 India 63,518 2002 6 Canada 49,422 2002 7 Germany 45,514 2002 8 Australia 41,588 2002 9 Argentina 34,463 2002 10 France 32,682 2002 11 Brazil 31,543 2002 12 Poland 23,420 2002 13 Japan 23,168 2002 14 Ukraine 22,473 2002 15 South Africa 22,298 2002 16 Mexico 19,510 2002 17 Italy 19,493 2002 18 United Kingdom 16,893 2002 19 Spain 14,189 2002 20 Kazakhstan 13,601 2002 21 Sweden 11,481 2002 22 Romania 11,385 2002 23 Czech Republic 9,462 2002 24 Turkey 8,607 2002 25 Pakistan 8,163 2002 26 Hungary 7,875 2002 27 Iran 7,201 2002 28 Chile 6,585 2002 29 Indonesia 6,458 2002 30 Austria 6,024 2002 31 Sudan 5,978 2002 32 Finland 5,850 2002 33 Belarus 5,523 2002 34 Korea, North 5,214 2002 35 Egypt 5,105 2002 36 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4,772 2002 37 Switzerland 4,511 2002 38 Bulgaria 4,294 2002 39 Norway 4,178 2002 40 Thailand 4,071 2002 41 Serbia and Montenegro 4,059 2002 42 Algeria 3,973 2002 43 Burma 3,955 2002 44 Uzbekistan 3,950 2002 45 New Zealand 3,898 2002 46 Tanzania 3,690 2002 47 Slovakia 3,668 2002 48 Nigeria 3,557 2002 49 Bolivia 3,519 2002 50 Belgium 3,471 2002 51 Cuba 3,442 2002 52 Ireland 3,312 2002 53 Colombia 3,304 2002 54 Denmark 3,164 2002 55 Vietnam 3,142 2002 56 Korea, South 3,125 2002 57 Mozambique 3,123 2002 58 Zimbabwe 3,077 2002 59 Portugal 2,850 2002 60 Netherlands 2,808 2002 61 Kenya 2,778 2002 62 Angola 2,761 2002 63 Syria 2,743 2002 64 Bangladesh 2,706 2002 65 Greece 2,571 2002 66 Turkmenistan 2,440 2002 67 Malaysia 2,418 2002 68 Namibia 2,382 2002 69 Latvia 2,347 2002 70 Croatia 2,296 2002 71 Zambia 2,173 2002 72 Tunisia 2,152 2002 73 Azerbaijan 2,122 2002 74 Uruguay 2,073 2002 75 Lithuania 1,998 2002 76 Iraq 1,963 2003 77 Morocco 1,907 2002 78 Peru 1,829 2002 79 Georgia 1,612 2002 80 Sri Lanka 1,508 2002 81 Dominican Republic 1,503 2002 82 Saudi Arabia 1,392 2002 83 Moldova 1,300 2002 84 Uganda 1,241 2002 85 Slovenia 1,201 2002 86 Guinea 1,115 2002 87 Taiwan 1,108 2002 88 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,021 2002 89 Cameroon 1,008 2002 90 Estonia 968 2002 91 Ecuador 966 2002 92 Ghana 953 2002 93 Costa Rica 950 2002 94 Senegal 906 2002 95 Philippines 897 2002 96 Congo, Republic of the 894 2002 97 Botswana 888 2002 98 Guatemala 886 2002 99 Armenia 852 2002 100 Gabon 814 2002 101 Malawi 797 2002 102 Madagascar 732 2002 103 Mali 729 2002 104 Honduras 699 2002 105 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 699 2002 106 Venezuela 682 2002 107 Ethiopia 681 2002 108 Cote d'Ivoire 660 2002 109 Israel 640 2002 110 Burkina Faso 622 2002 111 Cambodia 602 2002 112 Fiji 597 2002 113 Benin 578 2002 114 Togo 525 2002 115 Jordan 505 2002 116 Liberia 490 2002 117 Tajikistan 482 2002 118 Albania 447 2002 119 Paraguay 441 2002 120 Kyrgyzstan 420 2002 121 Lebanon 401 2002 122 Panama 355 2002 123 Eritrea 306 2002 124 Swaziland 301 2002 125 El Salvador 283 2002 126 Luxembourg 274 2002 127 Jamaica 272 2002 128 Guyana 187 2001 est. 129 Suriname 166 2001 130 Djibouti 100 2002 131 Puerto Rico 96 2002 132 Sierra Leone 84 2001 133 Antigua and Barbuda 77 2001 est. 134 Man, Isle of 60 2002 135 Nepal 59 2002 136 Saint Kitts and Nevis 50 2002 137 Haiti 40 2001 est. 138 Singapore 39 139 Hong Kong 34 2001 140 Afghanistan 25 2001 141 Liechtenstein 19 2002 142 Brunei 13 2001 est. 143 Nicaragua 6 2002 144 Nauru 5 2001 145 Lesotho 3 1995 146 Monaco 2 2002 147 Holy See (Vatican City) 1 2001 est. 148 Equatorial Guinea 0

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2127

Rank Country Total fertility rate(children born/woman) Date of Information

1 Somalia 6.98 2003 est. 2 Niger 6.91 2003 est. 3 Yemen 6.82 2003 est. 4 Uganda 6.72 2003 est. 5 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6.69 2003 est. 6 Mali 6.66 2003 est. 7 Chad 6.44 2003 est. 8 Angola 6.38 2003 est. 9 Burkina Faso 6.34 2003 est. 10 Liberia 6.23 2003 est. 11 Gaza Strip 6.17 2003 est. 12 Saudi Arabia 6.15 2003 est. 13 Malawi 6.10 2003 est. 14 Mauritania 6.08 2003 est. 15 Mayotte 6.07 2003 est. 16 Benin 6.04 2003 est. 17 Burundi 5.99 2003 est. 18 Oman 5.94 2003 est. 19 Guinea 5.90 2003 est. 20 Sao Tome and Principe 5.88 2003 est. 21 Sierra Leone 5.86 2003 est. 22 Eritrea 5.74 2003 est. 23 Madagascar 5.73 2003 est. 24 Afghanistan 5.64 2003 est. 25 Rwanda 5.60 2003 est. 26 Djibouti 5.56 2003 est. 27 Ethiopia 5.55 2003 est. 28 Gambia, The 5.53 2003 est. 29 Cote d'Ivoire 5.51 2003 est. 30 Nigeria 5.40 2003 est. 31 Maldives 5.26 2003 est. 32 Zambia 5.25 2003 est. 33 Tanzania 5.24 2003 est. 34 Comoros 5.21 2003 est. 35 Sudan 5.10 2003 est. 36 Guinea-Bissau 5.07 2003 est. 37 Togo 4.97 2003 est. 38 Bhutan 4.94 2003 est. 39 Laos 4.94 2003 est. 40 Senegal 4.93 2003 est. 41 Mozambique 4.87 2003 est. 42 Haiti 4.86 2003 est. 43 Gabon 4.83 2003 est. 44 Equatorial Guinea 4.75 2003 est. 45 Namibia 4.71 2003 est. 46 Central African Republic 4.68 2003 est. 47 Guatemala 4.67 2003 est. 48 West Bank 4.65 2003 est. 49 Cameroon 4.63 2003 est. 50 Iraq 4.52 2003 est. 51 Nepal 4.39 2003 est. 52 Solomon Islands 4.34 2003 est. 53 Kiribati 4.28 2003 est. 54 Tajikistan 4.17 2003 est. 55 Papua New Guinea 4.13 2003 est. 56 Marshall Islands 4.12 2003 est. 57 Pakistan 4.10 2003 est. 58 Honduras 4.07 2003 est. 59 Paraguay 4.02 2003 est. 60 Swaziland 3.92 2003 est. 61 Belize 3.86 2003 est. 62 East Timor 3.79 2003 est. 63 Cape Verde 3.77 2003 est. 64 Syria 3.72 2003 est. 65 Zimbabwe 3.66 2003 est. 66 Congo, Republic of the 3.65 2003 est. 67 Guam 3.62 2003 est. 68 Cambodia 3.58 2003 est. 69 Lesotho 3.52 2003 est. 70 Micronesia, Federated States of 3.50 2003 est. 71 Turkmenistan 3.50 2003 est. 72 Libya 3.49 2003 est. 73 Kenya 3.47 2003 est. 74 Nauru 3.40 2003 est. 75 Ghana 3.32 2003 est. 76 American Samoa 3.30 2003 est. 77 Philippines 3.29 2003 est. 78 Botswana 3.27 2003 est. 79 El Salvador 3.25 2003 est. 80 Bolivia 3.23 2003 est. 81 Samoa 3.21 2003 est. 82 Bangladesh 3.17 2003 est. 83 Turks and Caicos Islands 3.15 2003 est. 84 Malaysia 3.13 2003 est. 85 Kyrgyzstan 3.12 2003 est. 86 French Guiana 3.09 2003 est. 87 United Arab Emirates 3.09 2003 est. 88 Kuwait 3.08 2003 est. 89 Tuvalu 3.05 2003 est. 90 Egypt 3.02 2003 est. 91 Qatar 3.02 2003 est. 92 Jordan 3.00 2003 est. 93 Nicaragua 3.00 2003 est. 94 Uzbekistan 3.00 2003 est. 95 Tonga 3.00 2003 est. 96 Ecuador 2.99 2003 est. 97 Vanuatu 2.98 2003 est. 98 Dominican Republic 2.92 2003 est. 99 India 2.91 2003 est. 100 Morocco 2.89 2003 est. 101 Fiji 2.81 2003 est. 102 Peru 2.81 2003 est. 103 Bahrain 2.71 2003 est. 104 World 2.65 2003 est. 105 Colombia 2.61 2003 est. 106 Algeria 2.55 2003 est. 107 Mexico 2.53 2003 est. 108 Panama 2.53 2003 est. 109 Reunion 2.53 2003 est. 110 Indonesia 2.50 2003 est. 111 Israel 2.50 2003 est. 112 Palau 2.47 2003 est. 113 Grenada 2.45 2003 est. 114 Greenland 2.43 2003 est. 115 Suriname 2.40 2003 est. 116 New Caledonia 2.39 2003 est. 117 Costa Rica 2.38 2003 est. 118 Brunei 2.37 2003 est. 119 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.37 2003 est. 120 Venezuela 2.36 2003 est. 121 Uruguay 2.35 2003 est. 122 Azerbaijan 2.34 2003 est. 123 Saint Lucia 2.29 2003 est. 124 Antigua and Barbuda 2.28 2003 est. 125 Mongolia 2.28 2003 est. 126 Argentina 2.28 2003 est. 127 Bahamas, The 2.25 2003 est. 128 Korea, North 2.25 2003 est. 129 Faroe Islands 2.24 2003 est. 130 South Africa 2.24 2003 est. 131 Vietnam 2.24 2003 est. 132 Albania 2.22 2003 est. 133 Virgin Islands 2.22 2003 est. 134 Kazakhstan 2.16 2003 est. 135 Burma 2.15 2003 est. 136 French Polynesia 2.14 2003 est. 137 Chile 2.09 2003 est. 138 Guyana 2.07 2003 est. 139 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2.07 2003 est. 140 United States 2.07 2003 est. 141 Netherlands Antilles 2.04 2003 est. 142 Turkey 2.03 2003 est. 143 Puerto Rico 2.02 2003 est. 144 Brazil 2.01 2003 est. 145 Jamaica 2.01 2003 est. 146 Dominica 1.99 2003 est. 147 Iran 1.99 2003 est. 148 Iceland 1.98 2003 est. 149 Lebanon 1.98 2003 est. 150 Mauritius 1.98 2003 est. 151 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1.95 2003 est. 152 Croatia 1.93 2003 est. 153 Guadeloupe 1.92 2003 est. 154 Cayman Islands 1.91 2003 est. 155 Malta 1.91 2003 est. 156 Thailand 1.91 2003 est. 157 Bermuda 1.90 2003 est. 158 Tunisia 1.90 2003 est. 159 Sri Lanka 1.90 2003 est. 160 Ireland 1.89 2003 est. 161 Cyprus 1.88 2003 est. 162 France 1.85 2003 est. 163 Montserrat 1.80 2003 est. 164 Norway 1.80 2003 est. 165 Aruba 1.79 2003 est. 166 New Zealand 1.79 2003 est. 167 Seychelles 1.79 2003 est. 168 Martinique 1.79 2003 est. 169 Trinidad and Tobago 1.78 2003 est. 170 Serbia and Montenegro 1.77 2003 est. 171 Australia 1.76 2003 est. 172 Monaco 1.76 2003 est. 173 Anguilla 1.76 2003 est. 174 Northern Mariana Islands 1.75 2003 est. 175 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 1.75 2003 est. 176 Moldova 1.74 2003 est. 177 Denmark 1.73 2003 est. 178 British Virgin Islands 1.72 2003 est. 179 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.71 2003 est. 180 China 1.70 2003 est. 181 Luxembourg 1.70 2003 est. 182 Finland 1.70 2003 est. 183 United Kingdom 1.66 2003 est. 184 Barbados 1.65 2003 est. 185 Netherlands 1.65 2003 est. 186 Man, Isle of 1.65 2003 est. 187 Gibraltar 1.65 2003 est. 188 Belgium 1.62 2003 est. 189 Canada 1.61 2003 est. 190 Cuba 1.61 2003 est. 191 Jersey 1.57 2003 est. 192 Taiwan 1.57 2003 est. 193 Armenia 1.56 2003 est. 194 Korea, South 1.56 2003 est. 195 Saint Helena 1.54 2003 est. 196 Sweden 1.54 2003 est. 197 Georgia 1.51 2003 est. 198 Liechtenstein 1.50 2003 est. 199 Portugal 1.49 2003 est. 200 Switzerland 1.48 2003 est. 201 Lithuania 1.43 2003 est. 202 Austria 1.41 2003 est. 203 Japan 1.38 2003 est. 204 Guernsey 1.37 2003 est. 205 Poland 1.37 2003 est. 206 Germany 1.37 2003 est. 207 Romania 1.36 2003 est. 208 Greece 1.35 2003 est. 209 Belarus 1.34 2003 est. 210 Ukraine 1.34 2003 est. 211 Russia 1.33 2003 est. 212 Hong Kong 1.32 2003 est. 213 Macau 1.32 2003 est. 214 San Marino 1.31 2003 est. 215 Andorra 1.27 2003 est. 216 Slovenia 1.27 2003 est. 217 Estonia 1.27 2003 est. 218 Italy 1.26 2003 est. 219 Spain 1.26 2003 est. 220 Hungary 1.25 2003 est. 221 Slovakia 1.25 2003 est. 222 Singapore 1.24 2003 est. 223 Latvia 1.20 2003 est. 224 Czech Republic 1.18 2003 est. 225 Bulgaria 1.13 2003 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2129

Rank Country Unemployment rate(%) Date of Information

1 Kiribati 70.00 1992 est. 2 Zimbabwe 70.00 2002 est. 3 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 60.00 2000 est. 4 Gaza Strip 50.00 2002 est. 5 Zambia 50.00 2000 est. 6 West Bank 50.00 2002 est. 7 East Timor 50.00 8 Senegal 48.00 2001 est. 9 Nepal 47.00 2001 est. 10 Lesotho 45.00 2002 11 Botswana 40.00 2001 est. 12 Bangladesh 40.00 2002 est. 13 Bosnia and Herzegovina 40.00 2002 est. 14 Kenya 40.00 2001 est. 15 Tajikistan 40.00 2002 est. 16 Mayotte 38.00 1999 17 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 37.00 2002 est. 18 South Africa 37.00 2001 est. 19 Reunion 36.00 1999 est. 20 Namibia 35.00 1998 21 Swaziland 34.00 2000 est. 22 Serbia and Montenegro 32.00 2002 est. 23 Algeria 31.00 2002 est. 24 Marshall Islands 30.90 1999 est. 25 Cameroon 30.00 2001 est. 26 Yemen 30.00 1995 est. 27 World 30.00 28 Equatorial Guinea 30.00 1998 est. 29 Libya 30.00 2001 30 Honduras 28.00 2002 est. 31 Nigeria 28.00 1992 est. 32 Guadeloupe 27.80 1998 33 Martinique 27.20 1998 34 Saudi Arabia 25.00 2002 35 Vietnam 25.00 1995 est. 36 Nicaragua 24.00 2002 est. 37 Dominica 23.00 2000 est. 38 French Guiana 22.00 2001 39 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 22.00 1997 est. 40 Croatia 21.70 2002 est. 41 Argentina 21.50 37377 42 Cape Verde 21.00 2000 est. 43 Mauritania 21.00 1999 est. 44 Mozambique 21.00 1997 est. 45 Gabon 21.00 1997 est. 46 Armenia 20.00 2001 est. 47 Syria 20.00 2002 est. 48 Mongolia 20.00 2000 49 Ghana 20.00 1997 est. 50 Comoros 20.00 1996 est. 51 Uruguay 19.40 2002 52 Morocco 19.00 2002 est. 53 New Caledonia 19.00 1996 54 Sudan 18.70 2002 est. 55 Paraguay 18.20 2002 est. 56 Poland 18.10 2002 57 Bulgaria 18.00 2002 est. 58 Lebanon 18.00 1997 est. 59 Colombia 17.40 2002 est. 60 Slovakia 17.20 2002 est. 61 Albania 17.00 2001 est. 62 Georgia 17.00 2001 est. 63 Venezuela 17.00 2002 est. 64 Suriname 17.00 2000 65 Saint Lucia 16.50 1997 est. 66 Iran 16.30 2003 est. 67 Azerbaijan 16.00 2003 est. 68 Micronesia, Federated States of 16.00 1999 est. 69 Panama 16.00 2002 est. 70 Jordan 16.00 2001 est. 71 Jamaica 15.40 2002 est. 72 Tunisia 15.40 2002 est. 73 Bahrain 15.00 1998 est. 74 Guam 15.00 2000 est. 75 Netherlands Antilles 15.00 1998 est. 76 Mali 14.60 2001 est. 77 Dominican Republic 14.50 2002 est. 78 Saint Helena 14.00 1998 est. 79 Tonga 13.30 1996 est. 80 Cook Islands 13.00 1996 81 Cote d'Ivoire 13.00 1998 82 Grenada 12.50 2000 83 Lithuania 12.50 2001 est. 84 Estonia 12.40 2001 85 Egypt 12.00 2001 est. 86 Puerto Rico 12.00 2002 87 French Polynesia 11.80 1994 88 Spain 11.30 2002 est. 89 Antigua and Barbuda 11.00 2001 est. 90 Slovenia 11.00 2002 est. 91 Trinidad and Tobago 10.80 2002 92 Turkey 10.80 2002 est. 93 Indonesia 10.60 2002 est. 94 Israel 10.40 2002 est. 95 Greece 10.30 2002 est. 96 Philippines 10.20 2002 97 Barbados 10.00 2001 est. 98 Uzbekistan 10.00 99 Turks and Caicos Islands 10.00 1997 est. 100 Greenland 10.00 2000 est. 101 El Salvador 10.00 2001 est. 102 Brunei 10.00 2001 est. 103 Czech Republic 9.80 2002 104 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 9.80 1997 105 Germany 9.80 2002 est. 106 Peru 9.40 2002 est. 107 Chile 9.20 2002 108 Belize 9.10 2002 109 France 9.10 2002 est. 110 Italy 9.10 2002 est. 111 India 8.80 2002 112 Kazakhstan 8.80 2002 est. 113 Mauritius 8.80 2002 est. 114 Finland 8.50 2002 est. 115 Romania 8.30 2002 116 Sri Lanka 8.00 2002 117 Central African Republic 8.00 2001 est. 118 Moldova 8.00 2002 est. 119 Russia 7.90 2002 120 Pakistan 7.80 2002 est. 121 Ecuador 7.70 2001 est. 122 Bolivia 7.60 2000 123 Fiji 7.60 1999 124 Latvia 7.60 2001 est. 125 Canada 7.60 2002 est. 126 Guatemala 7.50 1999 est. 127 Hong Kong 7.50 2002 est. 128 Belgium 7.20 2002 est. 129 Kyrgyzstan 7.20 1999 est. 130 Kuwait 7.00 2002 est. 131 Malta 7.00 2002 est. 132 Bahamas, The 6.90 2001 est. 133 Anguilla 6.70 2001 134 Brazil 6.40 2001 est. 135 Australia 6.30 2002 136 Macau 6.30 2002 137 Costa Rica 6.30 2002 est. 138 American Samoa 6.00 2000 139 Montserrat 6.00 1998 est. 140 Madagascar 5.90 1998 141 Hungary 5.80 2002 est. 142 United States 5.80 2002 143 Laos 5.70 1997 est. 144 Cyprus 5.60 2002 est. 145 Japan 5.40 2002 146 Mali 5.30 2001 est. 147 New Zealand 5.30 2002 est. 148 Taiwan 5.20 2002 est. 149 United Kingdom 5.20 2002 est. 150 Burma 5.10 2001 est. 151 Denmark 5.10 2002 152 Virgin Islands 4.90 March 1999 153 Austria 4.80 2002 est. 154 Portugal 4.70 2002 est. 155 Singapore 4.60 2002 est. 156 Bermuda 4.50 1993 157 Saint Kitts and Nevis 4.50 1997 158 Ireland 4.30 2002 est. 159 Cayman Islands 4.10 1997 160 Cuba 4.10 2001 est. 161 Luxembourg 4.10 2002 est. 162 Sweden 4.00 2002 est. 163 Norway 3.90 2002 est. 164 Malaysia 3.80 2002 est. 165 Ukraine 3.80 2002 166 Cyprus 3.30 2002 est. 167 Korea, South 3.10 2002 est. 168 Monaco 3.10 1998 169 Mexico 3.00 2002 170 Netherlands 3.00 2002 est. 171 British Virgin Islands 3.00 1995 172 Thailand 2.90 2002 est. 173 Cambodia 2.80 1999 est. 174 Iceland 2.80 2002 est. 175 Qatar 2.70 2001 176 San Marino 2.60 2001 177 Palau 2.30 2000 est. 178 Belarus 2.10 179 Gibraltar 2.00 2001 est. 180 Kiribati 2.00 1992 est. 181 Switzerland 1.90 2002 est. 182 Liechtenstein 1.30 37500 183 Faroe Islands 1.00 October 2000 184 Man, Isle of 0.70 March 2003 185 Jersey 0.70 1998 est. 186 Aruba 0.60 187 Guernsey 0.50 1999 est. 188 Andorra 0.00 189 Nauru 0.00

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2147

Rank Country Area(sq km) Date of Information

1 World 510,072,000 2 Pacific Ocean 155,557,000 3 Atlantic Ocean 76,762,000 4 Indian Ocean 68,556,000 5 Southern Ocean 20,327,000 6 Russia 17,075,200 7 Arctic Ocean 14,056,000 8 Antarctica 14,000,000 9 Canada 9,984,670 10 United States 9,629,091 11 China 9,596,960 12 Brazil 8,511,965 13 Australia 7,686,850 14 India 3,287,590 15 Argentina 2,766,890 16 Kazakhstan 2,717,300 17 Sudan 2,505,810 18 Algeria 2,381,740 19 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2,345,410 20 Greenland 2,166,086 21 Mexico 1,972,550 22 Saudi Arabia 1,960,582 23 Indonesia 1,919,440 24 Libya 1,759,540 25 Iran 1,648,000 26 Mongolia 1,565,000 27 Peru 1,285,220 28 Chad 1,284,000 29 Niger 1,267,000 30 Angola 1,246,700 31 Mali 1,240,000 32 South Africa 1,219,912 33 Colombia 1,138,910 34 Ethiopia 1,127,127 35 Bolivia 1,098,580 36 Mauritania 1,030,700 37 Egypt 1,001,450 38 Tanzania 945,087 39 Nigeria 923,768 40 Venezuela 912,050 41 Namibia 825,418 42 Pakistan 803,940 43 Mozambique 801,590 44 Turkey 780,580 45 Chile 756,950 46 Zambia 752,614 47 Burma 678,500 48 Afghanistan 647,500 49 Somalia 637,657 50 Central African Republic 622,984 51 Ukraine 603,700 52 Botswana 600,370 53 Madagascar 587,040 54 Kenya 582,650 55 France 547,030 56 Yemen 527,970 57 Thailand 514,000 58 Spain 504,782 59 Turkmenistan 488,100 60 Cameroon 475,440 61 Papua New Guinea 462,840 62 Sweden 449,964 63 Uzbekistan 447,400 64 Morocco 446,550 65 Iraq 437,072 66 Paraguay 406,750 67 Zimbabwe 390,580 68 Japan 377,835 69 Germany 357,021 70 Congo, Republic of the 342,000 71 Finland 337,030 72 Malaysia 329,750 73 Vietnam 329,560 74 Norway 324,220 75 Cote d'Ivoire 322,460 76 Poland 312,685 77 Italy 301,230 78 Philippines 300,000 79 Ecuador 283,560 80 Burkina Faso 274,200 81 New Zealand 268,680 82 Gabon 267,667 83 Western Sahara 266,000 84 Guinea 245,857 85 United Kingdom 244,820 86 Ghana 239,460 87 Romania 237,500 88 Laos 236,800 89 Uganda 236,040 90 Guyana 214,970 91 Oman 212,460 92 Belarus 207,600 93 Kyrgyzstan 198,500 94 Senegal 196,190 95 Syria 185,180 96 Cambodia 181,040 97 Uruguay 176,220 98 Tunisia 163,610 99 Suriname 163,270 100 Bangladesh 144,000 101 Tajikistan 143,100 102 Nepal 140,800 103 Greece 131,940 104 Nicaragua 129,494 105 Eritrea 121,320 106 Korea, North 120,540 107 Malawi 118,480 108 Benin 112,620 109 Honduras 112,090 110 Liberia 111,370 111 Bulgaria 110,910 112 Cuba 110,860 113 Guatemala 108,890 114 Iceland 103,000 115 Serbia and Montenegro 102,350 116 Korea, South 98,480 117 Hungary 93,030 118 Portugal 92,391 119 Jordan 92,300 120 French Guiana 91,000 121 Azerbaijan 86,600 122 Austria 83,858 123 United Arab Emirates 82,880 124 Czech Republic 78,866 125 Panama 78,200 126 Sierra Leone 71,740 127 Ireland 70,280 128 Georgia 69,700 129 Sri Lanka 65,610 130 Lithuania 65,200 131 Latvia 64,589 132 Svalbard 62,049 133 Togo 56,785 134 Croatia 56,542 135 Bosnia and Herzegovina 51,129 136 Costa Rica 51,100 137 Slovakia 48,845 138 Dominican Republic 48,730 139 Bhutan 47,000 140 Estonia 45,226 141 Denmark 43,094 142 Netherlands 41,526 143 Switzerland 41,290 144 Guinea-Bissau 36,120 145 Taiwan 35,980 146 Moldova 33,843 147 Belgium 30,510 148 Lesotho 30,355 149 Armenia 29,800 150 Albania 28,748 151 Solomon Islands 28,450 152 Equatorial Guinea 28,051 153 Burundi 27,830 154 Haiti 27,750 155 Rwanda 26,338 156 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 25,333 157 Djibouti 23,000 158 Belize 22,966 159 El Salvador 21,040 160 Israel 20,770 161 Slovenia 20,273 162 New Caledonia 19,060 163 Fiji 18,270 164 Kuwait 17,820 165 Swaziland 17,363 166 East Timor 15,007 167 Bahamas, The 13,940 168 Vanuatu 12,200 169 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 12,173 170 Qatar 11,437 171 Gambia, The 11,300 172 Jamaica 10,991 173 Lebanon 10,400 174 Cyprus 9,250 175 Puerto Rico 9,104 176 French Southern and Antarctic Lands 7,829 177 West Bank 5,860 178 Brunei 5,770 179 Trinidad and Tobago 5,128 180 French Polynesia 4,167 181 Cape Verde 4,033 182 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands 3,903 183 Samoa 2,944 184 Luxembourg 2,586 185 Reunion 2,517 186 Comoros 2,170 187 Mauritius 2,040 188 Guadeloupe 1,780 189 Faroe Islands 1,399 190 Martinique 1,100 191 Hong Kong 1,092 192 Sao Tome and Principe 1,001 193 Netherlands Antilles 960 194 Kiribati 811 195 Dominica 754 196 Tonga 748 197 Micronesia, Federated States of 702 198 Singapore 693 199 Bahrain 665 200 Saint Lucia 616 201 Man, Isle of 572 202 Guam 549 203 Northern Mariana Islands 477 204 Andorra 468 205 Palau 458 206 Seychelles 455 207 Antigua and Barbuda 443 208 Barbados 431 209 Turks and Caicos Islands 430 210 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 412 211 Saint Helena 410 212 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 389 213 Mayotte 374 214 Jan Mayen 373 215 Gaza Strip 360 216 Virgin Islands 352 217 Grenada 344 218 Malta 316 219 Maldives 300 220 Wallis and Futuna 274 221 Cayman Islands 262 222 Saint Kitts and Nevis 261 223 Niue 260 224 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 242 225 Cook Islands 240 226 American Samoa 199 227 Aruba 193 228 Marshall Islands 181 229 Liechtenstein 160 230 British Virgin Islands 153 231 Christmas Island 135 232 Jersey 116 233 Anguilla 102 234 Montserrat 102 235 Guernsey 78 236 San Marino 61 237 British Indian Ocean Territory 60 238 Bouvet Island 59 239 Bermuda 53 240 Pitcairn Islands 47 241 Norfolk Island 35 242 Europa Island 28 243 Tuvalu 26 244 Macau 25 245 Nauru 21 246 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 14 247 Palmyra Atoll 12 248 Tokelau 10 249 Gibraltar 7 250 Wake Island 7 251 Midway Islands 6 252 Clipperton Island 6 253 Navassa Island 5 254 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 5 255 Glorioso Islands 5 256 Spratly Islands 5 257 Jarvis Island 5 258 Juan de Nova Island 4 259 Coral Sea Islands 3 260 Johnston Atoll 3 261 Monaco 2 262 Howland Island 2 263 Baker Island 1 264 Kingman Reef 1 265 Tromelin Island 1 266 Holy See (Vatican City) 0 267 Bassas da India 0

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2150

Rank Country Telephones - main lines in use Date of Information

1 United States 194,000,000 1997 2 China 135,000,000 2000 3 Japan 60,381,000 1997 4 Germany 50,900,000 March 2001 5 United Kingdom 34,878,000 1997 6 France 34,860,000 yearend 1998 7 Russia 30,000,000 1998 8 India 27,700,000 October 2000 9 Italy 25,000,000 1999 10 Korea, South 24,000,000 2000 11 Canada 20,802,900 1999 12 Turkey 19,500,000 1999 13 Spain 17,336,000 1999 14 Brazil 17,039,000 1997 15 Taiwan 12,490,000 September 2000 16 Mexico 12,332,000 2000 17 Australia 10,050,000 2000 18 Ukraine 9,450,000 April 1999 19 Netherlands 9,132,400 1999 20 Poland 8,070,000 1998 21 Argentina 7,500,000 1998 22 Philippines 6,980,000 2001 23 Iran 6,313,000 1997 24 Sweden 6,017,000 December 1998 25 Thailand 5,600,000 2000 26 Indonesia 5,588,310 1998 27 Colombia 5,433,565 December 1997 28 Greece 5,431,000 1997 29 Portugal 5,300,000 yearend 1998 30 South Africa 5,000,000 2001 31 Switzerland 4,820,000 1998 32 Denmark 4,785,000 1997 33 Belgium 4,769,000 1997 34 Malaysia 4,600,000 2000 35 Austria 4,000,000 2001 36 Egypt 3,971,500 December 1998 37 Saudi Arabia 3,900,000 2002 est. 38 Czech Republic 3,869,000 2000 39 Hong Kong 3,839,000 1999 40 Romania 3,777,000 1997 41 Bulgaria 3,186,731 2001 42 Hungary 3,095,000 1997 43 Pakistan 2,861,000 44 Finland 2,847,900 2001 45 Israel 2,800,000 1999 46 Norway 2,735,000 1998 47 Chile 2,603,000 1998 48 Venezuela 2,600,000 1998 49 Vietnam 2,600,000 2000 50 Belarus 2,313,000 1997 51 Algeria 2,300,000 1998 52 Serbia and Montenegro 2,017,000 1995 53 Uzbekistan 1,980,000 1999 54 Singapore 1,950,000 2000 55 Slovakia 1,934,558 1998 56 Kazakhstan 1,920,000 2001 57 New Zealand 1,920,000 2000 58 Peru 1,800,000 2000 59 Croatia 1,721,139 2000 60 Ireland 1,600,000 2002 61 Morocco 1,391,000 1998 62 Puerto Rico 1,322,000 1997 63 Syria 1,313,000 1997 64 Lithuania 1,142,000 2001 65 Ecuador 1,115,272 1999 66 Korea, North 1,100,000 1997 67 Uruguay 929,141 2001 68 United Arab Emirates 915,223 1998 69 Azerbaijan 865,000 2002 70 Latvia 734,693 2000 71 Slovenia 722,000 1997 72 Dominican Republic 709,000 1997 73 Lebanon 700,000 1999 74 Iraq 675,000 75 Guatemala 665,061 June 2000 76 Tunisia 654,000 1997 77 Moldova 627,000 1997 78 Georgia 620,000 1997 79 Armenia 600,000 2002 80 Rwanda 600,000 2002 81 Estonia 501,691 2000 82 Bangladesh 500,000 2000 83 Libya 500,000 1998 84 Nigeria 500,000 2000 est. 85 Sri Lanka 494,509 1998 86 Cuba 473,031 2000 87 Costa Rica 450,000 88 Kuwait 412,000 1997 89 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 408,000 1997 90 Cyprus 405,000 91 Jordan 403,000 1997 92 Sudan 400,000 2000 93 Panama 396,000 1997 94 El Salvador 380,000 1998 95 Tajikistan 363,000 1997 96 Turkmenistan 363,000 1997 97 Jamaica 353,000 1996 98 Kyrgyzstan 351,000 1997 99 Bolivia 327,600 1996 100 Luxembourg 314,700 1999 101 Kenya 310,000 2001 102 Bosnia and Herzegovina 303,000 1997 103 Yemen 291,359 1999 104 Paraguay 290,475 2001 105 Mauritius 280,900 2000 106 Reunion 268,500 1999 107 Cote d'Ivoire 263,700 2000 108 Trinidad and Tobago 252,000 1999 109 Burma 250,000 2000 110 Ghana 240,000 2001 111 Nepal 236,816 January 2000 112 Senegal 234,916 2001 113 Honduras 234,000 1997 114 Ethiopia 231,900 2000 115 Zimbabwe 212,000 1997 116 Oman 201,000 1997 117 Iceland 196,984 2001 118 Malta 187,000 1997 119 Macau 176,902 November 2001 120 Guadeloupe 171,000 1996 121 Martinique 170,000 1997 122 Bahrain 152,000 1997 123 Qatar 142,000 1997 124 Nicaragua 140,000 1996 125 Botswana 131,000 September 2001 126 Zambia 130,000 2002 127 Tanzania 127,000 1998 128 Albania 120,000 2001 129 Namibia 110,200 2000 130 Barbados 108,000 1997 131 Mongolia 104,100 1999 132 Bahamas, The 96,000 1997 133 Gaza Strip 95,729 1997 134 West Bank 95,729 1997 135 Cameroon 95,000 2001 136 Mozambique 90,000 2001 137 Guam 84,134 1998 138 Cyprus 83,162 139 Fiji 80,901 1999 140 Brunei 79,000 1996 141 Netherlands Antilles 76,000 1995 142 Angola 72,000 1998 143 Guyana 70,000 2000 144 Jersey 65,500 1997 145 Virgin Islands 65,000 1997 146 Suriname 64,000 1997 147 Papua New Guinea 61,152 1999 148 Cape Verde 60,935 2002 149 Haiti 60,000 1997 150 Madagascar 55,000 2000 151 Burkina Faso 53,200 2000 152 Bermuda 52,000 1997 153 French Polynesia 52,000 1997 154 Benin 51,000 2000 155 Man, Isle of 51,000 1999 156 French Guiana 47,000 1997 157 New Caledonia 47,000 1997 158 Malawi 45,000 2000 159 Mali 45,000 2000 160 Guernsey 44,000 1996 161 Gabon 39,000 1998 162 Swaziland 38,500 2001 163 Guinea 37,000 1998 164 Saint Lucia 37,000 1997 165 Aruba 33,000 1997 166 Andorra 32,946 December 1998 167 Gambia, The 31,900 2000 168 Monaco 31,027 1995 169 Belize 31,000 1997 170 Eritrea 30,000 2001 171 Afghanistan 29,000 172 Antigua and Barbuda 28,000 1996 173 Grenada 27,000 1997 174 Mauritania 26,500 2001 175 Greenland 25,617 yearend 1999 176 Laos 25,000 1997 177 Sierra Leone 25,000 2001 178 Togo 25,000 1997 179 Faroe Islands 24,851 1999 180 Lesotho 22,200 2000 181 Congo, Republic of the 22,000 1998 182 Cambodia 21,800 mid-1998 183 Northern Mariana Islands 21,000 1996 184 Maldives 21,000 1999 185 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 20,500 1998 186 Liechtenstein 20,072 2000 187 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 20,000 2000 188 Niger 20,000 2001 189 Seychelles 19,635 1997 190 Cayman Islands 19,000 1995 191 Dominica 19,000 1996 192 Gibraltar 19,000 1997 193 Burundi 18,000 2002 194 San Marino 18,000 1998 195 Saint Kitts and Nevis 17,000 1997 196 Somalia 15,000 2000 197 American Samoa 13,000 1997 198 Mayotte 12,000 1998 199 Micronesia, Federated States of 11,000 2001 200 Djibouti 10,000 2002 201 British Virgin Islands 10,000 1996 202 Guinea-Bissau 10,000 2001 203 Chad 9,700 1999 204 Central African Republic 9,500 2000 205 Samoa 8,183 1998 206 Solomon Islands 8,000 1997 207 Tonga 8,000 1996 208 Comoros 7,000 2000 209 Liberia 6,700 2000 210 Palau 6,700 2002 211 Bhutan 6,000 1997 212 Equatorial Guinea 6,000 1998 213 Vanuatu 5,500 1998 214 Cook Islands 5,000 1997 215 Anguilla 4,974 2000 216 Sao Tome and Principe 4,600 2000 217 Marshall Islands 4,186 2001 218 Montserrat 4,000 1997 219 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 4,000 1997 220 Kiribati 3,800 1999 221 Turks and Caicos Islands 3,000 1994 222 Nauru 2,000 1996 223 Saint Helena 2,000 1997 224 Wallis and Futuna 1,125 1994 225 Norfolk Island 1,087 1983 226 Tuvalu 1,000 1997 227 Niue 376 1991 228 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 287 1992 229 Pitcairn Islands 1 1997 230 Antarctica 0 2001

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2151

Rank Country Telephones - mobile cellular Date of Information

1 United States 69,209,000 1998 2 China 65,000,000 January 2001 3 Japan 63,880,000 2000 4 Germany 55,300,000 June 2001 5 United Kingdom 43,500,000 yearend 1998 6 Korea, South 28,000,000 September 2000 7 Italy 20,500,000 1999 8 Russia 19,000,000 January 2003 9 Turkey 17,100,000 2001 10 Taiwan 16,000,000 September 2000 11 Poland 13,000,000 2002 12 Philippines 11,350,000 2001 13 France 11,078,000 yearend 1998 14 Canada 8,751,300 1997 15 Australia 8,600,000 2000 16 Spain 8,394,000 1999 17 South Africa 7,060,000 2001 18 Austria 6,000,000 2001 19 Malaysia 5,000,000 2000 20 Brazil 4,400,000 1997 21 Czech Republic 4,346,000 2000 22 Netherlands 4,081,891 April 1999 23 Sweden 3,835,000 October 1998 24 Finland 3,728,600 2001 25 Hong Kong 3,700,000 December 1999 26 Thailand 3,100,000 2002 27 Portugal 3,074,194 1999 28 Argentina 3,000,000 December 1999 29 Ireland 3,000,000 2002 30 India 2,930,000 November 2000 31 Saudi Arabia 2,900,000 2002 est. 32 Singapore 2,740,000 2000 33 Israel 2,500,000 1999 34 New Zealand 2,200,000 2000 35 Norway 2,080,408 1998 36 Mexico 2,020,000 1998 37 Venezuela 2,000,000 1998 38 Switzerland 1,967,000 1999 39 Colombia 1,800,229 December 1998 40 Denmark 1,444,016 1997 41 Croatia 1,300,000 2001 42 Hungary 1,269,000 July 1999 43 Indonesia 1,070,000 1998 44 Bulgaria 1,054,000 2001 45 Slovenia 1,000,000 2000 46 United Arab Emirates 1,000,000 1999 47 Belgium 974,494 1997 48 Chile 944,225 1998 49 Greece 937,700 1997 50 Azerbaijan 800,000 2002 51 Slovakia 736,662 April 1999 52 Vietnam 730,155 2000 53 Estonia 711,000 yearend 2001 54 Guatemala 663,296 September 2000 55 Romania 645,500 1999 56 Lebanon 580,000 1999 57 Kenya 540,000 2001 58 Paraguay 510,000 2001 59 Peru 504,995 1998 60 Lithuania 500,000 2001 61 Cote d'Ivoire 450,000 2000 62 Latvia 401,263 2000 63 Kazakhstan 400,000 2001 64 Ecuador 384,000 1999 65 Egypt 380,000 1999 66 Senegal 373,965 2001 67 Uruguay 350,000 2001 68 Cameroon 300,000 2002 69 Mozambique 287,000 2002 70 Bangladesh 283,000 2000 71 Botswana 270,000 September 2001 72 Iran 265,000 August 1998 73 Albania 250,000 2001 74 Iceland 248,131 2001 75 Ukraine 236,000 1998 76 Sri Lanka 228,604 1999 77 Luxembourg 215,741 2000 78 Kuwait 210,000 1997 79 Nigeria 200,000 2001 80 Reunion 197,000 September 2000 81 Georgia 185,500 2000 82 Mauritius 180,000 2000 83 Puerto Rico 169,265 1996 84 Macau 158,251 November 2001 85 Pakistan 158,000 1998 86 Ghana 150,000 2001 87 Costa Rica 143,000 2000 88 Dominican Republic 130,149 1997 89 Uzbekistan 130,000 2003 90 Gabon 120,000 2000 91 Morocco 116,645 1998 92 Bolivia 116,000 1997 93 Zimbabwe 111,000 2001 94 Mongolia 110,000 2001 95 Zambia 90,000 2002 96 Serbia and Montenegro 87,000 1997 97 Namibia 82,000 2000 est. 98 Rwanda 81,000 2002 99 Cambodia 80,000 2000 100 Cyprus 70,000 101 Cyprus 68,000 102 Madagascar 63,100 2000 103 Oman 59,822 1997 104 Bahrain 58,543 1997 105 Benin 55,500 2000 106 Guam 55,000 1998 107 Jamaica 54,640 1996 108 Armenia 50,000 2002 109 Tunisia 50,000 1998 110 Malawi 49,000 2000 111 Swaziland 45,000 2001 112 Brunei 43,524 1996 113 Qatar 43,476 1997 114 El Salvador 40,163 1997 115 Mali 40,000 2001 116 Mauritania 35,000 2001 117 Algeria 33,500 1999 118 Yemen 32,042 2000 119 Burundi 30,000 2002 120 Sierra Leone 30,000 2001 121 Tanzania 30,000 1999 122 Cape Verde 28,119 2002 123 Angola 25,800 2000 124 Burkina Faso 25,200 2000 125 Lesotho 21,600 2000 126 Guinea 21,567 1998 127 Libya 20,000 1998 128 Sudan 20,000 2000 129 Ethiopia 17,800 2000 130 Malta 17,691 1997 131 Trinidad and Tobago 17,411 1997 132 Panama 17,000 1997 133 Seychelles 16,316 1999 134 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 15,000 2000 135 Martinique 15,000 1997 136 Honduras 14,427 1997 137 Andorra 14,117 December 1998 138 Netherlands Antilles 13,977 1996 139 New Caledonia 13,040 1998 140 Greenland 12,676 yearend 1999 141 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 12,362 1997 142 Guernsey 12,000 1997 143 Jordan 11,500 1995 144 Faroe Islands 10,761 1999 145 Bosnia and Herzegovina 9,000 1997 146 Uganda 9,000 1998 147 Burma 8,492 1997 148 Belarus 8,167 1997 149 Barbados 8,013 1997 150 Bermuda 7,980 1996 151 Nicaragua 7,911 1997 152 Sao Tome and Principe 6,942 1997 153 Niger 6,700 2002 154 Bahamas, The 6,152 1997 155 Guyana 6,100 2000 156 Gambia, The 5,624 2000 157 Chad 5,500 2000 158 French Polynesia 5,427 1997 159 Fiji 5,200 1997 160 Djibouti 5,000 2002 161 Laos 4,915 1997 162 Jersey 4,400 1997 163 Turkmenistan 4,300 1998 164 Suriname 4,090 1997 165 Aruba 3,402 1997 166 Congo, Republic of the 3,300 1998 167 Papua New Guinea 3,053 1996 168 Belize 3,023 1997 169 San Marino 3,010 1998 170 Togo 2,995 1997 171 Cuba 2,994 1997 172 American Samoa 2,550 1997 173 Cayman Islands 2,534 1995 174 Tajikistan 2,500 1997 175 Moldova 2,200 1997 176 Virgin Islands 2,000 1992 177 Anguilla 1,629 2000 178 Gibraltar 1,620 1997 179 Saint Lucia 1,600 1997 180 Samoa 1,545 February 1998 181 Antigua and Barbuda 1,300 1996 182 Maldives 1,290 1997 183 Northern Mariana Islands 1,200 1995 184 Palau 1,000 2002 185 Grenada 976 1997 186 Central African Republic 710 1998 187 Solomon Islands 658 1997 188 Marshall Islands 489 2001 189 Dominica 461 1996 190 Nauru 450 1994 191 Vanuatu 310 2000 192 Tonga 302 1996 193 Equatorial Guinea 300 1998 194 Saint Kitts and Nevis 205 1997 195 Montserrat 70 1994 196 Cook Islands 0 1994 197 Liberia 0 1998 198 Niue 0 1991 199 Guinea-Bissau 0 2001 200 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 1994 201 Tuvalu 0 1994 202 Western Sahara 0 1999 203 Wallis and Futuna 0 1994 204 Tokelau 0 2001 205 Saint Helena 0 1997 206 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 1994 207 Norfolk Island 0 1983 208 Mayotte 0 2000

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2153

Rank Country Internet users Date of Information

1 World 604,111,719 2 United States 165,750,000 2002 3 Japan 56,000,000 2002 4 China 45,800,000 2002 5 United Kingdom 34,300,000 2002 6 Germany 32,100,000 2002 7 Korea, South 25,600,000 2002 8 Italy 19,250,000 2001 9 Russia 18,000,000 2002 10 France 16,970,000 2002 11 Canada 16,840,000 2002 12 Brazil 13,980,000 2002 13 Taiwan 11,600,000 2001 14 Australia 10,630,000 2002 15 Netherlands 9,730,000 2002 16 Spain 7,890,000 2002 17 India 7,000,000 2002 18 Poland 6,400,000 2001 19 Sweden 6,020,000 2002 20 Malaysia 5,700,000 2002 21 Philippines 4,500,000 2002 22 Indonesia 4,400,000 2002 23 Portugal 4,400,000 2002 24 Hong Kong 4,350,000 2002 25 Argentina 3,880,000 2001 26 Switzerland 3,850,000 2002 27 Belgium 3,760,000 2002 28 Austria 3,700,000 2002 29 Mexico 3,500,000 2002 30 Denmark 3,370,000 2002 31 Chile 3,100,000 2002 32 South Africa 3,068,000 2002 33 Peru 3,000,000 2002 34 Czech Republic 2,690,000 2001 35 Finland 2,690,000 2002 36 Norway 2,680,000 2002 37 Turkey 2,500,000 2002 38 Singapore 2,310,000 2002 39 New Zealand 2,060,000 2002 40 Israel 1,940,000 2001 41 Saudi Arabia 1,453,000 2002 42 Greece 1,400,000 2002 43 Iran 1,326,000 2002 est. 44 Ireland 1,310,000 2002 45 Venezuela 1,300,000 2002 46 Hungary 1,200,000 2001 47 Thailand 1,200,000 2001 48 Pakistan 1,200,000 2000 49 Colombia 1,150,000 2002 50 Romania 1,000,000 2002 51 United Arab Emirates 900,000 2002 52 Ukraine 750,000 2001 53 Slovakia 700,000 2000 54 Egypt 600,000 2002 55 Puerto Rico 600,000 2002 56 Slovenia 600,000 2001 57 Bulgaria 585,000 2001 58 Kenya 500,000 2002 59 Croatia 480,000 2001 60 Estonia 429,700 2002 61 Belarus 422,000 2002 62 Morocco 400,000 2002 63 Vietnam 400,000 2002 64 Serbia and Montenegro 400,000 2001 65 Uruguay 400,000 2002 66 Tunisia 400,000 2002 67 Costa Rica 384,000 2002 68 Lithuania 341,000 2001 69 Ecuador 328,000 2002 70 Latvia 312,000 2001 71 Lebanon 300,000 2001 72 Tanzania 300,000 2002 73 Iceland 220,000 2002 74 Jordan 212,000 2002 75 Ghana 200,000 2002 76 Guatemala 200,000 2002 77 Kuwait 200,000 2002 78 Dominican Republic 186,000 2002 79 Algeria 180,000 2001 80 Mauritius 158,000 2002 81 Bangladesh 150,000 2002 82 Cyprus 150,000 2002 83 Bahrain 140,200 2002 84 Papua New Guinea 135,000 2001 85 Sri Lanka 121,500 2001 86 Cuba 120,000 2002 87 Oman 120,000 2002 88 Trinidad and Tobago 120,000 2002 89 Macau 101,000 2002 90 Jamaica 100,000 2002 91 Nigeria 100,000 2000 92 Zimbabwe 100,000 2002 93 Uzbekistan 100,000 2002 94 Senegal 100,000 2002 95 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 100,000 2001 96 Luxembourg 100,000 2001 97 Kazakhstan 100,000 2002 98 Guyana 95,000 2002 99 Bolivia 78,000 2000 100 Qatar 75,000 2001 101 Cote d'Ivoire 70,000 2002 102 Angola 60,000 2002 103 Gaza Strip 60,000 104 West Bank 60,000 105 Uganda 60,000 2002 106 Syria 60,000 2002 107 Nepal 60,000 2002 108 Malta 59,000 2002 109 Sudan 56,000 2002 110 Kyrgyzstan 51,600 2001 111 Togo 50,000 2002 112 Bosnia and Herzegovina 45,000 2002 113 Panama 45,000 2000 114 Cameroon 45,000 December 2001 115 Namibia 45,000 2002 116 El Salvador 40,000 2000 117 Honduras 40,000 2000 118 Mongolia 40,000 2002 119 Brunei 35,000 2002 120 Madagascar 35,000 2002 121 Malawi 35,000 2002 122 Botswana 33,000 2001 123 Armenia 30,000 2001 124 Haiti 30,000 2002 125 Mali 30,000 2002 126 Azerbaijan 25,000 2002 127 Zambia 25,000 2002 128 Burkina Faso 25,000 2002 129 Georgia 25,000 2002 130 Benin 25,000 2002 131 Bermuda 25,000 2000 132 Andorra 24,500 2001 133 Aruba 24,000 2002 134 New Caledonia 24,000 2001 135 Mozambique 22,500 2000 136 Ethiopia 20,000 2002 137 Nicaragua 20,000 2000 138 Paraguay 20,000 2000 139 Rwanda 20,000 2002 140 Sierra Leone 20,000 2001 141 Libya 20,000 2001 142 Greenland 20,000 2002 143 Belize 18,000 2002 144 Gabon 18,000 2002 145 Yemen 17,000 2002 146 Bahamas, The 16,900 2002 147 French Polynesia 16,000 2002 148 Fiji 15,000 2002 149 Moldova 15,000 2000 150 Guinea 15,000 2002 151 Suriname 14,500 2002 152 Iraq 12,500 2001 153 Albania 12,000 2001 154 Virgin Islands 12,000 2000 155 Niger 12,000 2002 156 Cape Verde 12,000 2002 157 Burma 10,000 2002 158 Reunion 10,000 2000 159 Laos 10,000 2002 160 Eritrea 10,000 2002 161 Cambodia 10,000 2002 162 Seychelles 9,000 2002 163 Sao Tome and Principe 9,000 2002 164 Solomon Islands 8,400 2002 165 Mauritania 7,500 2001 166 Swaziland 7,000 2002 167 Barbados 6,000 2000 168 Burundi 6,000 2002 169 Maldives 6,000 2001 170 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 6,000 2002 171 Grenada 5,200 2002 172 Antigua and Barbuda 5,000 2001 173 Gambia, The 5,000 2001 174 Guam 5,000 2000 175 Martinique 5,000 2000 176 Tajikistan 5,000 2002 177 Lesotho 5,000 2002 178 Chad 4,000 2002 179 Guinea-Bissau 4,000 2002 180 Guadeloupe 4,000 2000 181 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3,500 2001 182 Djibouti 3,300 2002 183 Faroe Islands 3,000 2000 184 Vanuatu 3,000 2000 185 Samoa 3,000 2002 186 Saint Lucia 3,000 2000 187 Bhutan 2,500 2002 188 Comoros 2,500 2002 189 Central African Republic 2,000 2002 190 Dominica 2,000 2000 191 Micronesia, Federated States of 2,000 2000 192 Netherlands Antilles 2,000 2000 193 Turkmenistan 2,000 2000 194 Saint Kitts and Nevis 2,000 2000 195 French Guiana 2,000 2000 196 Kiribati 1,000 2000 197 Tonga 1,000 2000 198 Anguilla 919 2000 199 Equatorial Guinea 900 2002 200 Marshall Islands 900 2002 201 Congo, Republic of the 500 2001 202 Liberia 500 2000 203 Somalia 200 2000

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2155

Rank Country HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate(%) Date of Information

1 Botswana 38.80 2001 est. 2 Zimbabwe 33.70 2001 est. 3 Swaziland 33.40 2001 est. 4 Lesotho 31.00 2001 est. 5 Namibia 22.50 2001 est. 6 Zambia 21.50 2001 est. 7 South Africa 20.10 2001 est. 8 Kenya 15.00 2001 est. 9 Malawi 15.00 2001 est. 10 Mozambique 13.00 2001 est. 11 Central African Republic 12.90 2001 est. 12 Cameroon 11.80 2001 est. 13 Djibouti 11.75 2001 est. 14 Cote d'Ivoire 9.70 2001 est. 15 Gabon 9.00 2001 est. 16 Liberia 9.00 2001 est. 17 Rwanda 8.90 2001 est. 18 Burundi 8.30 2001 est. 19 Tanzania 7.80 2001 est. 20 Congo, Republic of the 7.20 2001 est. 21 Sierra Leone 7.00 2001 est. 22 Burkina Faso 6.50 2001 est. 23 Ethiopia 6.40 2001 est. 24 Haiti 6.10 2001 est. 25 Togo 6.00 2001 est. 26 Nigeria 5.80 2001 est. 27 Angola 5.50 2001 est. 28 Uganda 5.00 2001 est. 29 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4.90 2001 est. 30 Niger 4.00 2001 est. 31 Benin 3.60 2001 est. 32 Chad 3.60 2001 est. 33 Bahamas, The 3.50 2001 est. 34 Equatorial Guinea 3.40 2001 est. 35 Ghana 3.00 2001 est. 36 Eritrea 2.80 2001 est. 37 Guinea-Bissau 2.80 2001 est. 38 Cambodia 2.70 2001 est. 39 Guyana 2.70 2001 est. 40 Sudan 2.60 2001 est. 41 Dominican Republic 2.50 2001 est. 42 Trinidad and Tobago 2.50 2001 est. 43 Belize 2.00 2001 est. 44 Burma 1.99 2001 est. 45 Mauritania 1.80 2001 est. 46 Thailand 1.80 2001 est. 47 Mali 1.70 2001 est. 48 Gambia, The 1.60 2001 est. 49 Honduras 1.60 2001 est. 50 Guinea 1.54 2001 est. 51 Panama 1.50 2001 est. 52 Barbados 1.20 2001 est. 53 Jamaica 1.20 2001 est. 54 Suriname 1.20 2001 est. 55 Estonia 1.00 2001 est. 56 Ukraine 1.00 2001 est. 57 Somalia 1.00 2001 est. 58 Guatemala 1.00 2001 est. 59 Russia 0.90 2001 est. 60 India 0.80 2001 est. 61 Argentina 0.70 2001 est. 62 Papua New Guinea 0.70 2001 est. 63 Brazil 0.70 2001 est. 64 Costa Rica 0.60 2001 est. 65 United States 0.60 2001 est. 66 El Salvador 0.60 2001 est. 67 Nepal 0.50 2001 est. 68 Senegal 0.50 2001 est. 69 Switzerland 0.50 2001 est. 70 Venezuela 0.50 2001 est. 71 Spain 0.50 2001 est. 72 Portugal 0.50 2001 est. 73 Colombia 0.40 2001 est. 74 Latvia 0.40 2001 est. 75 Malaysia 0.40 2001 est. 76 Peru 0.40 2001 est. 77 Italy 0.40 2001 est. 78 Bahrain 0.30 2001 est. 79 Vietnam 0.30 2001 est. 80 Uruguay 0.30 2001 est. 81 Mexico 0.30 2001 est. 82 Madagascar 0.30 2001 est. 83 Ecuador 0.30 2001 est. 84 Chile 0.30 2001 est. 85 Canada 0.30 2001 est. 86 France 0.30 2001 est. 87 Cyprus 0.30 2001 est. 88 Belarus 0.30 2001 est. 89 Armenia 0.20 2001 est. 90 Belgium 0.20 2001 est. 91 Serbia and Montenegro 0.20 2001 est. 92 Singapore 0.20 2001 est. 93 Nicaragua 0.20 2001 est. 94 Netherlands 0.20 2001 est. 95 Moldova 0.20 2001 est. 96 Libya 0.20 2001 est. 97 Luxembourg 0.20 2001 est. 98 Iceland 0.20 2001 est. 99 Greece 0.20 2001 est. 100 Denmark 0.20 2001 est. 101 Brunei 0.20 2001 est. 102 Austria 0.20 2001 est. 103 United Arab Emirates 0.18 2001 est. 104 Comoros 0.12 2001 est. 105 Kuwait 0.12 2001 est. 106 Paraguay 0.11 2001 est. 107 Algeria 0.10 2001 est. 108 Australia 0.10 2001 est. 109 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0.10 2001 est. 110 Bhutan 0.10 2001 est. 111 Cuba 0.10 2001 est. 112 Hong Kong 0.10 2001 est. 113 Germany 0.10 2001 est. 114 Georgia 0.10 2001 est. 115 Fiji 0.10 2001 est. 116 Finland 0.10 2001 est. 117 Czech Republic 0.10 2001 est. 118 Ireland 0.10 2001 est. 119 Egypt 0.10 2001 est. 120 China 0.10 2001 est. 121 Tajikistan 0.10 2001 est. 122 Sweden 0.10 2001 est. 123 Slovenia 0.10 2001 est. 124 Philippines 0.10 2001 est. 125 Romania 0.10 2001 est. 126 Poland 0.10 2001 est. 127 Pakistan 0.10 2001 est. 128 New Zealand 0.10 2001 est. 129 Morocco 0.10 2001 est. 130 Yemen 0.10 2001 est. 131 Uzbekistan 0.10 2001 est. 132 United Kingdom 0.10 2001 est. 133 Turkmenistan 0.10 2001 est. 134 Turkey 0.10 2001 est. 135 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 0.10 2001 est. 136 Mongolia 0.10 2001 est. 137 Slovakia 0.10 2001 est. 138 Lithuania 0.10 2001 est. 139 Laos 0.10 2001 est. 140 Kazakhstan 0.10 2001 est. 141 Korea, South 0.10 2001 est. 142 Kyrgyzstan 0.10 2001 est. 143 Norway 0.10 2001 est. 144 Maldives 0.10 2001 est. 145 Oman 0.10 2001 est. 146 Malta 0.10 2001 est. 147 Mauritius 0.10 2001 est. 148 Jordan 0.10 2001 est. 149 Japan 0.10 2001 est. 150 Iraq 0.10 2001 est. 151 Israel 0.10 2001 est. 152 Iran 0.10 2001 est. 153 Indonesia 0.10 2001 est. 154 Hungary 0.10 2001 est. 155 Croatia 0.10 2001 est. 156 Sri Lanka 0.10 2001 est. 157 Bulgaria 0.10 2001 est. 158 Bolivia 0.10 2001 est. 159 Bangladesh 0.10 2001 est. 160 Azerbaijan 0.10 2001 est. 161 Lebanon 0.09 2001 est. 162 Qatar 0.09 2001 est. 163 Tunisia 0.04 2001 est. 164 Cape Verde 0.04 165 Afghanistan 0.01 2001 est. 166 Syria 0.01 2001 est. 167 Saudi Arabia 0.01 2001 est. 168 Svalbard 0.00 2001

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2156

Rank Country HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS Date of Information

1 South Africa 5,000,000 2001 est. 2 India 3,970,000 2001 est. 3 Nigeria 3,500,000 2001 est. 4 Kenya 2,500,000 2001 est. 5 Zimbabwe 2,300,000 2001 est. 6 Ethiopia 2,100,000 2001 est. 7 Tanzania 1,500,000 2001 est. 8 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,300,000 2001 est. 9 Zambia 1,200,000 2001 est. 10 Mozambique 1,100,000 2001 est. 11 Cameroon 920,000 2001 est. 12 United States 900,000 2001 est. 13 China 850,000 2001 est. 14 Malawi 850,000 2001 est. 15 Cote d'Ivoire 770,000 2001 est. 16 Russia 700,000 2001 est. 17 Thailand 670,000 2001 est. 18 Brazil 610,000 2001 est. 19 Uganda 600,000 2001 est. 20 Burma 530,000 2001 est. 21 Rwanda 500,000 2001 est. 22 Sudan 450,000 2001 est. 23 Burkina Faso 440,000 2001 est. 24 Burundi 390,000 2001 est. 25 Ghana 360,000 2001 est. 26 Lesotho 360,000 2001 est. 27 Angola 350,000 2001 est. 28 Botswana 330,000 2001 est. 29 Central African Republic 250,000 2001 est. 30 Haiti 250,000 2001 est. 31 Ukraine 250,000 2001 est. 32 Namibia 230,000 2001 est. 33 Cambodia 170,000 2001 est. 34 Sierra Leone 170,000 2001 est. 35 Swaziland 170,000 2001 est. 36 Chad 150,000 2001 est. 37 Togo 150,000 2001 est. 38 Mexico 150,000 2001 est. 39 Colombia 140,000 2001 est. 40 Argentina 130,000 2001 est. 41 Vietnam 130,000 2001 est. 42 Spain 130,000 2001 est. 43 Dominican Republic 130,000 2001 est. 44 Liberia 125,000 2001 est. 45 Benin 120,000 2001 est. 46 Indonesia 120,000 2001 est. 47 Congo, Republic of the 110,000 2001 est. 48 Mali 110,000 2001 est. 49 France 100,000 2001 est. 50 Italy 100,000 2001 est. 51 Pakistan 78,000 2001 est. 52 Guatemala 67,000 2001 est. 53 Venezuela 62,000 1999 est. 54 Nepal 58,000 2001 est. 55 Honduras 57,000 2001 est. 56 Canada 55,000 2001 est. 57 Eritrea 55,000 2001 est. 58 Guinea 55,000 1999 est. 59 Peru 53,000 2001 est. 60 Somalia 43,000 2001 est. 61 Malaysia 42,000 2001 est. 62 Germany 41,000 2001 est. 63 Djibouti 37,000 2001 est. 64 United Kingdom 34,000 2001 est. 65 Portugal 27,000 2001 est. 66 Senegal 27,000 2001 est. 67 Panama 25,000 2001 est. 68 El Salvador 24,000 2001 est. 69 Gabon 23,000 1999 est. 70 Madagascar 22,000 2001 est. 71 Chile 20,000 2001 est. 72 Iran 20,000 2001 est. 73 Jamaica 20,000 2001 est. 74 Ecuador 20,000 2001 est. 75 Switzerland 19,000 2001 est. 76 Guyana 18,000 2001 est. 77 Netherlands 17,000 2001 est. 78 Trinidad and Tobago 17,000 2001 est. 79 Guinea-Bissau 17,000 2001 est. 80 Papua New Guinea 17,000 2001 est. 81 Belarus 15,000 2001 est. 82 Bangladesh 13,000 2001 est. 83 Morocco 13,000 2001 est. 84 Australia 12,000 2001 est. 85 Japan 12,000 2001 est. 86 Costa Rica 11,000 2001 est. 87 Serbia and Montenegro 10,000 2001 est. 88 Austria 9,900 2001 est. 89 Yemen 9,900 2001 est. 90 Philippines 9,400 2001 est. 91 Greece 8,800 2001 est. 92 Belgium 8,500 2001 est. 93 Gambia, The 8,400 2001 est. 94 Egypt 8,000 2001 est. 95 Estonia 7,700 2001 est. 96 Puerto Rico 7,397 97 Libya 7,000 2001 est. 98 Mauritania 6,600 1999 est. 99 Romania 6,500 2001 est. 100 Uruguay 6,300 2001 est. 101 Bahamas, The 6,200 2001 est. 102 Kazakhstan 6,000 2001 est. 103 Equatorial Guinea 5,900 2001 est. 104 Nicaragua 5,800 2001 est. 105 Moldova 5,500 2001 est. 106 Latvia 5,000 2001 est. 107 Sri Lanka 4,800 2001 est. 108 Bolivia 4,600 2001 est. 109 Korea, South 4,000 2001 est. 110 Denmark 3,800 2001 est. 111 Suriname 3,700 2001 est. 112 Singapore 3,400 2001 est. 113 Sweden 3,300 2001 est. 114 Cuba 3,200 2001 est. 115 Paraguay 3,000 1999 est. 116 Hungary 2,800 2001 est. 117 Hong Kong 2,600 2001 est. 118 Belize 2,500 2001 est. 119 Armenia 2,400 2001 est. 120 Israel 2,400 1999 est. 121 Ireland 2,400 2001 est. 122 Barbados 1,800 2001 est. 123 Norway 1,800 2001 est. 124 Azerbaijan 1,400 2001 est. 125 Laos 1,400 2001 est. 126 Lithuania 1,300 2001 est. 127 Oman 1,300 2001 est. 128 Finland 1,200 2001 est. 129 New Zealand 1,200 2001 est. 130 Bahrain 1,000 131 Iraq 1,000 132 Jordan 1,000 133 Cyprus 1,000 1999 est. 134 Georgia 900 2001 est. 135 Cape Verde 775 136 Uzbekistan 740 2001 est. 137 Mauritius 700 2001 est. 138 Czech Republic 500 2001 est. 139 Kyrgyzstan 500 2001 est. 140 Bulgaria 346 2001 est. 141 Fiji 300 2001 est. 142 Slovenia 280 2001 est. 143 Iceland 220 2001 est. 144 Croatia 200 2001 est. 145 Tajikistan 200 2001 est. 146 Bhutan 100 1999 est. 147 Turkmenistan 100 1999 est. 148 Maldives 100 2001 est. 149 Brunei 100 2001 est. 150 Slovakia 100 1999 est. 151 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 100 1999 est. 152 Mongolia 100 1999 est. 153 Greenland 100 154 Samoa 12 155 Svalbard 0 2001

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2157

Rank Country HIV/AIDS - deaths Date of Information

1 South Africa 360,000 2001 est. 2 India 310,000 2001 est. 3 Zimbabwe 200,000 2001 est. 4 Kenya 190,000 2001 est. 5 Nigeria 170,000 2001 est. 6 Ethiopia 160,000 2001 est. 7 Tanzania 140,000 2001 est. 8 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 120,000 2001 est. 9 Zambia 120,000 2001 est. 10 Uganda 84,000 2001 est. 11 Malawi 80,000 2001 est. 12 Cote d'Ivoire 75,000 2001 est. 13 Burma 65,000 2001 est. 14 Mozambique 60,000 2001 est. 15 Thailand 55,000 2001 est. 16 Cameroon 53,000 2001 est. 17 Rwanda 49,000 2001 est. 18 Burkina Faso 44,000 2001 est. 19 Burundi 40,000 2001 est. 20 China 30,000 2001 est. 21 Haiti 30,000 2001 est. 22 Ghana 28,000 2001 est. 23 Botswana 26,000 2001 est. 24 Lesotho 25,000 2001 est. 25 Angola 24,000 2001 est. 26 Sudan 23,000 2001 est. 27 Central African Republic 22,000 2001 est. 28 United States 15,000 2001 est. 29 Chad 14,000 2001 est. 30 Namibia 13,000 2001 est. 31 Cambodia 12,000 2001 est. 32 Swaziland 12,000 2001 est. 33 Togo 12,000 2001 est. 34 Congo, Republic of the 11,000 2001 est. 35 Mali 11,000 2001 est. 36 Sierra Leone 11,000 2001 est. 37 Ukraine 11,000 2001 est. 38 Guinea 9,000 2001 est. 39 Russia 9,000 2001 est. 40 Brazil 8,400 2001 est. 41 Benin 8,100 2001 est. 42 Dominican Republic 7,800 2001 est. 43 Vietnam 6,600 2001 est. 44 Niger 6,000 2001 est. 45 Colombia 5,600 2001 est. 46 Guatemala 5,200 2001 est. 47 Liberia 5,000 2001 est. 48 Indonesia 4,600 2001 est. 49 Pakistan 4,500 2001 est. 50 Mexico 4,200 2001 est. 51 Peru 3,900 2001 est. 52 Honduras 3,300 2001 est. 53 Gabon 3,000 2001 est. 54 Malaysia 2,500 2001 est. 55 Senegal 2,500 2001 est. 56 Nepal 2,400 2001 est. 57 Spain 2,300 2001 est. 58 El Salvador 2,100 2001 est. 59 Djibouti 2,000 2001 est. 60 Venezuela 2,000 2001 est. 61 Panama 1,900 2001 est. 62 Argentina 1,800 2001 est. 63 Ecuador 1,700 2001 est. 64 Guyana 1,300 2001 est. 65 Guinea-Bissau 1,200 2001 est. 66 Trinidad and Tobago 1,200 2001 est. 67 Italy 1,100 2001 est. 68 Belarus 1,000 2001 est. 69 Portugal 1,000 2001 est. 70 Jamaica 980 2001 est. 71 Costa Rica 890 2001 est. 72 Papua New Guinea 880 2001 est. 73 Madagascar 870 2001 est. 74 France 800 2001 est. 75 Philippines 720 2001 est. 76 Germany 660 2001 est. 77 Bangladesh 650 2001 est. 78 Bahamas, The 610 2001 est. 79 Mauritania 610 2001 est. 80 Canada 500 2001 est. 81 Uruguay 500 2001 est. 82 United Kingdom 460 2001 est. 83 Japan 430 2001 est. 84 Gambia, The 400 2001 est. 85 Nicaragua 400 2001 est. 86 Equatorial Guinea 370 2001 est. 87 Eritrea 350 2001 est. 88 Romania 350 2001 est. 89 Suriname 330 2001 est. 90 Belize 300 2001 est. 91 Moldova 300 2001 est. 92 Kazakhstan 300 2001 est. 93 Bolivia 290 2001 est. 94 Iran 290 2001 est. 95 Barbados 250 2001 est. 96 Sri Lanka 250 2001 est. 97 Cape Verde 225 98 Chile 220 2001 est. 99 Korea, South 220 2001 est. 100 Paraguay 220 2001 est. 101 Laos 150 2001 est. 102 Singapore 140 2001 est. 103 Cuba 120 2001 est. 104 Netherlands 110 2001 est. 105 Azerbaijan 100 2001 est. 106 Denmark 100 2001 est. 107 Estonia 100 2001 est. 108 Latvia 100 2001 est. 109 Kyrgyzstan 100 2001 est. 110 Israel 100 2001 est. 111 Iceland 100 2001 est. 112 Hungary 100 2001 est. 113 Hong Kong 100 2001 est. 114 Greece 100 2001 est. 115 Georgia 100 2001 est. 116 Finland 100 2001 est. 117 Serbia and Montenegro 100 2001 est. 118 Uzbekistan 100 2001 est. 119 Poland 100 2001 est. 120 New Zealand 100 2001 est. 121 Norway 100 2001 est. 122 Malta 100 2001 est. 123 Mauritius 100 2001 est. 124 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 100 2001 est. 125 Luxembourg 100 2001 est. 126 Slovakia 100 2001 est. 127 Lithuania 100 2001 est. 128 Turkmenistan 100 2001 est. 129 Tajikistan 100 2001 est. 130 Switzerland 100 2001 est. 131 Sweden 100 2001 est. 132 Slovenia 100 2001 est. 133 Ireland 100 2001 est. 134 Belgium 100 2001 est. 135 Austria 100 2001 est. 136 Bulgaria 100 2001 est. 137 Bosnia and Herzegovina 100 2001 est. 138 Australia 100 2001 est. 139 Armenia 100 2001 est. 140 Czech Republic 10 2001 est. 141 Croatia 10 2001 est. 142 Samoa 3 143 Svalbard 0 2001

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2173

Rank Country Oil - production(bbl/day) Date of Information

1 World 75,460,000 2001 est. 2 Saudi Arabia 8,711,000 2001 est. 3 United States 8,054,000 2001 est. 4 Russia 7,286,000 2001 est. 5 Iran 3,804,000 2001 est. 6 Mexico 3,590,000 2001 est. 7 Norway 3,408,000 2001 est. 8 China 3,300,000 2001 est. 9 Venezuela 3,080,000 2001 est. 10 Canada 2,738,000 2001 est. 11 United Arab Emirates 2,566,000 2001 est. 12 United Kingdom 2,541,000 2001 est. 13 Iraq 2,452,000 2001 est. 14 Nigeria 2,256,000 2001 est. 15 Kuwait 2,117,000 2001 est. 16 Brazil 1,561,000 2001 est. 17 Algeria 1,520,000 2001 est. 18 Indonesia 1,451,000 2001 est. 19 Libya 1,429,000 2001 est. 20 Oman 963,800 2001 est. 21 Qatar 864,200 2001 est. 22 Argentina 828,600 2001 est. 23 Egypt 816,900 2001 est. 24 Kazakhstan 798,200 2001 est. 25 Angola 742,400 2001 est. 26 India 732,400 2001 est. 27 Australia 731,000 2001 est. 28 Malaysia 729,200 2001 est. 29 Colombia 614,400 2001 est. 30 Syria 522,700 2001 est. 31 Yemen 438,500 2001 est. 32 Ecuador 421,200 2001 est. 33 Vietnam 356,700 2001 est. 34 Denmark 346,200 2001 est. 35 Azerbaijan 307,200 2001 est. 36 Gabon 301,300 2001 est. 37 Congo, Republic of the 275,000 2001 est. 38 Brunei 217,200 2001 est. 39 Sudan 209,100 2001 est. 40 South Africa 196,200 2001 est. 41 Equatorial Guinea 181,400 2001 est. 42 Thailand 173,800 2001 est. 43 Turkmenistan 162,500 2001 est. 44 Uzbekistan 142,700 2001 est. 45 Romania 127,500 2001 est. 46 Trinidad and Tobago 125,400 2001 est. 47 Peru 95,100 2001 est. 48 Ukraine 86,490 2001 est. 49 Germany 85,860 2001 est. 50 Italy 79,460 2001 est. 51 Cameroon 76,650 2001 est. 52 Tunisia 72,580 2001 est. 53 Papua New Guinea 67,500 2001 est. 54 Pakistan 62,870 2001 est. 55 Cuba 50,000 2001 est. 56 Turkey 48,000 2001 est. 57 Netherlands 46,200 2001 est. 58 Bolivia 44,340 2001 est. 59 Bahrain 43,000 2001 est. 60 New Zealand 42,160 2001 est. 61 Hungary 41,190 2001 est. 62 Belarus 37,000 2001 est. 63 France 34,920 2001 est. 64 Croatia 29,000 2001 est. 65 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 24,000 2001 est. 66 Guatemala 21,080 2001 est. 67 Austria 20,670 2001 est. 68 Japan 17,330 2001 est. 69 Poland 17,180 2001 est. 70 Serbia and Montenegro 15,000 2001 est. 71 Burma 14,170 2001 est. 72 Chile 13,640 2001 est. 73 Cote d'Ivoire 11,000 2001 est. 74 Suriname 10,000 2001 est. 75 Philippines 8,460 2001 est. 76 Czech Republic 7,419 2001 est. 77 Spain 7,099 2001 est. 78 Ghana 7,000 2001 est. 79 Greece 5,992 2001 est. 80 Albania 5,952 2001 est. 81 Estonia 5,100 2001 est. 82 Lithuania 4,594 2001 est. 83 Bangladesh 3,581 2001 est. 84 Georgia 2,000 2001 est. 85 Kyrgyzstan 2,000 2001 est. 86 Barbados 1,271 2001 est. 87 Taiwan 1,100 2001 est. 88 Slovakia 1,000 2001 est. 89 Benin 700 2001 est. 90 Bulgaria 603 2001 est. 91 Morocco 400 2001 est. 92 Tajikistan 250 2001 est. 93 Israel 80 2001 est. 94 Jordan 40 2001 est. 95 Slovenia 20 2001 est. 96 Aruba 0 2001 est. 97 American Samoa 0 2001 est. 98 Armenia 0 2001 est. 99 Bermuda 0 2001 est. 100 Bahamas, The 0 2001 est. 101 Solomon Islands 0 2001 est. 102 Zimbabwe 0 2001 est. 103 Zambia 0 2001 est. 104 Swaziland 0 2001 est. 105 Samoa 0 2001 est. 106 Western Sahara 0 2001 est. 107 Namibia 0 2001 est. 108 Virgin Islands 0 2001 est. 109 British Virgin Islands 0 2001 est. 110 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0 2001 est. 111 Uruguay 0 2001 est. 112 Burkina Faso 0 2001 est. 113 Uganda 0 2001 est. 114 Tanzania 0 2001 est. 115 Sao Tome and Principe 0 2001 est. 116 Togo 0 2001 est. 117 Tonga 0 2001 est. 118 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2001 est. 119 Switzerland 0 2001 est. 120 Sweden 0 2001 est. 121 Saint Lucia 0 2001 est. 122 Somalia 0 2001 est. 123 Singapore 0 2001 est. 124 Sierra Leone 0 2001 est. 125 Saint Helena 0 2001 est. 126 Senegal 0 2001 est. 127 Seychelles 0 2001 est. 128 Saint Kitts and Nevis 0 2001 est. 129 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 2001 est. 130 Rwanda 0 2001 est. 131 Puerto Rico 0 2001 est. 132 Reunion 0 2001 est. 133 Guinea-Bissau 0 2001 est. 134 Latvia 0 2001 est. 135 Lebanon 0 2001 est. 136 Laos 0 2001 est. 137 Korea, South 0 2001 est. 138 Kiribati 0 2001 est. 139 Korea, North 0 2001 est. 140 Kenya 0 2001 est. 141 Jamaica 0 2001 est. 142 Haiti 0 2001 est. 143 Portugal 0 2001 est. 144 Panama 0 2001 est. 145 Paraguay 0 2001 est. 146 Nicaragua 0 2001 est. 147 Netherlands Antilles 0 2001 est. 148 Nauru 0 2001 est. 149 Nepal 0 2001 est. 150 Mozambique 0 2001 est. 151 Maldives 0 2001 est. 152 Malta 0 2001 est. 153 Mauritania 0 2001 est. 154 Mauritius 0 2001 est. 155 Mali 0 2001 est. 156 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 0 2001 est. 157 Malawi 0 2001 est. 158 Montserrat 0 2001 est. 159 Vanuatu 0 2001 est. 160 Niger 0 2001 est. 161 Niue 0 2001 est. 162 New Caledonia 0 2001 est. 163 Mongolia 0 2001 est. 164 Moldova 0 2001 est. 165 Macau 0 2001 est. 166 Martinique 0 2001 est. 167 Madagascar 0 2001 est. 168 Luxembourg 0 2001 est. 169 Lesotho 0 2001 est. 170 Liberia 0 2001 est. 171 Guyana 0 2001 est. 172 Guinea 0 2001 est. 173 Guam 0 2001 est. 174 Guadeloupe 0 2001 est. 175 Greenland 0 2001 est. 176 Grenada 0 2001 est. 177 Gibraltar 0 2001 est. 178 Gambia, The 0 2001 est. 179 Iceland 0 2001 est. 180 Honduras 0 2001 est. 181 Hong Kong 0 2001 est. 182 French Polynesia 0 2001 est. 183 Faroe Islands 0 2001 est. 184 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0 2001 est. 185 Fiji 0 2001 est. 186 Finland 0 2001 est. 187 French Guiana 0 2001 est. 188 Ethiopia 0 2001 est. 189 El Salvador 0 2001 est. 190 Eritrea 0 2001 est. 191 Ireland 0 2001 est. 192 Dominican Republic 0 2001 est. 193 Dominica 0 2001 est. 194 Djibouti 0 2001 est. 195 Cyprus 0 2001 est. 196 Cook Islands 0 2001 est. 197 Cape Verde 0 2001 est. 198 Central African Republic 0 2001 est. 199 Costa Rica 0 2001 est. 200 Comoros 0 2001 est. 201 Cayman Islands 0 2001 est. 202 Sri Lanka 0 2001 est. 203 Chad 0 2001 est. 204 Cambodia 0 2001 est. 205 Burundi 0 2001 est. 206 Bhutan 0 2001 est. 207 Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 2001 est. 208 Belize 0 2001 est. 209 Belgium 0 2001 est. 210 Botswana 0 2001 est. 211 Antigua and Barbuda 0 2001 est. 212 Afghanistan 0 2001 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2174

Rank Country Oil - consumption(bbl/day) Date of Information

1 World 76,210,000 2001 est. 2 United States 19,650,000 2001 est. 3 Japan 5,290,000 2001 est. 4 China 4,975,000 2001 est. 5 Germany 2,813,000 2001 est. 6 Russia 2,595,000 2001 est. 7 Brazil 2,199,000 2001 est. 8 Korea, South 2,140,000 2001 est. 9 India 2,130,000 2001 est. 10 France 2,026,000 2001 est. 11 Italy 1,866,000 2001 est. 12 United Kingdom 1,710,000 2001 est. 13 Canada 1,703,000 2001 est. 14 Mexico 1,507,000 2001 est. 15 Spain 1,497,000 2001 est. 16 Saudi Arabia 1,452,000 2001 est. 17 Iran 1,277,000 2001 est. 18 Indonesia 1,045,000 2001 est. 19 Taiwan 988,000 2001 est. 20 Netherlands 895,300 2001 est. 21 Australia 796,500 2001 est. 22 Thailand 785,000 2001 est. 23 Singapore 700,000 2001 est. 24 Turkey 619,500 2001 est. 25 Belgium 595,100 2001 est. 26 Egypt 562,000 2001 est. 27 Venezuela 505,000 2001 est. 28 Argentina 486,000 2001 est. 29 Malaysia 472,000 2001 est. 30 Iraq 460,000 2001 est. 31 South Africa 460,000 2001 est. 32 Poland 424,100 2001 est. 33 Greece 405,700 2001 est. 34 Pakistan 365,000 2001 est. 35 Philippines 343,000 2001 est. 36 Portugal 339,800 2001 est. 37 Sweden 328,600 2001 est. 38 United Arab Emirates 310,000 2001 est. 39 Switzerland 290,400 2001 est. 40 Ukraine 290,000 2001 est. 41 Nigeria 275,000 2001 est. 42 Kuwait 273,000 2001 est. 43 Syria 265,000 2001 est. 44 Austria 262,400 2001 est. 45 Israel 260,000 2001 est. 46 Hong Kong 257,000 2001 est. 47 Colombia 252,000 2001 est. 48 Chile 241,000 2001 est. 49 Belarus 230,000 2001 est. 50 Denmark 218,000 2001 est. 51 Libya 216,000 2001 est. 52 Romania 215,000 2001 est. 53 Finland 211,400 2001 est. 54 Algeria 209,000 2001 est. 55 Kazakhstan 195,000 2001 est. 56 Puerto Rico 190,000 2001 est. 57 Vietnam 185,000 2001 est. 58 Czech Republic 175,700 2001 est. 59 Ireland 174,400 2001 est. 60 Norway 171,100 2001 est. 61 Morocco 167,000 2001 est. 62 Cuba 163,000 2001 est. 63 Peru 161,000 2001 est. 64 Uzbekistan 142,000 2001 est. 65 Hungary 140,700 2001 est. 66 Azerbaijan 140,000 2001 est. 67 New Zealand 132,700 2001 est. 68 Dominican Republic 129,000 2001 est. 69 Ecuador 129,000 2001 est. 70 Lebanon 107,000 2001 est. 71 Jordan 103,000 2001 est. 72 Bulgaria 94,000 2001 est. 73 Croatia 89,000 2001 est. 74 Tunisia 87,000 2001 est. 75 Korea, North 85,000 2001 est. 76 Slovakia 82,000 2001 est. 77 Sri Lanka 75,000 2001 est. 78 Yemen 74,000 2001 est. 79 Lithuania 72,000 2001 est. 80 Netherlands Antilles 72,000 2001 est. 81 Bangladesh 71,000 2001 est. 82 Jamaica 66,000 2001 est. 83 Virgin Islands 66,000 2001 est. 84 Serbia and Montenegro 64,000 2001 est. 85 Turkmenistan 63,000 2001 est. 86 Guatemala 61,000 2001 est. 87 Kenya 57,000 2001 est. 88 Slovenia 53,300 2001 est. 89 Oman 53,000 2001 est. 90 Panama 52,000 2001 est. 91 Luxembourg 50,650 2001 est. 92 Sudan 50,000 2001 est. 93 Bolivia 49,000 2001 est. 94 Cyprus 49,000 2001 est. 95 Latvia 44,000 2001 est. 96 Gibraltar 42,000 2001 est. 97 Uruguay 41,500 2001 est. 98 El Salvador 39,000 2001 est. 99 Burma 38,000 2001 est. 100 Ghana 38,000 2001 est. 101 Costa Rica 37,000 2001 est. 102 Cote d'Ivoire 32,000 2001 est. 103 Georgia 31,500 2001 est. 104 Angola 31,000 2001 est. 105 Senegal 31,000 2001 est. 106 Bahrain 31,000 2001 est. 107 Honduras 29,000 2001 est. 108 Qatar 29,000 2001 est. 109 Paraguay 25,000 2001 est. 110 Nicaragua 24,500 2001 est. 111 Estonia 24,000 2001 est. 112 Mauritania 24,000 2001 est. 113 Moldova 24,000 2001 est. 114 Trinidad and Tobago 24,000 2001 est. 115 Bahamas, The 23,000 2001 est. 116 Ethiopia 23,000 2001 est. 117 Zimbabwe 23,000 2001 est. 118 Albania 22,400 2001 est. 119 Cameroon 22,000 2001 est. 120 Mauritius 21,000 2001 est. 121 Bosnia and Herzegovina 20,000 2001 est. 122 Kyrgyzstan 20,000 2001 est. 123 Malta 20,000 2001 est. 124 Tajikistan 20,000 2001 est. 125 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of 20,000 2001 est. 126 Guam 20,000 2001 est. 127 Reunion 18,000 2001 est. 128 Tanzania 17,000 2001 est. 129 Iceland 16,300 2001 est. 130 Botswana 16,000 2001 est. 131 Nepal 16,000 2001 est. 132 Papua New Guinea 15,000 2001 est. 133 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 14,000 2001 est. 134 Martinique 13,500 2001 est. 135 Brunei 13,000 2001 est. 136 Namibia 13,000 2001 est. 137 Guadeloupe 13,000 2001 est. 138 Madagascar 13,000 2001 est. 139 Gabon 13,000 2001 est. 140 Benin 11,500 2001 est. 141 Djibouti 11,300 2001 est. 142 Guyana 11,000 2001 est. 143 Macau 11,000 2001 est. 144 Zambia 11,000 2001 est. 145 Haiti 11,000 2001 est. 146 Barbados 10,900 2001 est. 147 Suriname 10,000 2001 est. 148 Togo 10,000 2001 est. 149 Mongolia 8,750 2001 est. 150 Uganda 8,750 2001 est. 151 New Caledonia 8,750 2001 est. 152 Guinea 8,600 2001 est. 153 Mozambique 8,500 2001 est. 154 Burkina Faso 8,000 2001 est. 155 Aruba 6,500 2001 est. 156 French Guiana 6,500 2001 est. 157 Sierra Leone 6,500 2001 est. 158 Eritrea 6,000 2001 est. 159 Armenia 5,700 2001 est. 160 Fiji 5,700 2001 est. 161 Malawi 5,400 2001 est. 162 Rwanda 5,300 2001 est. 163 Belize 5,000 2001 est. 164 Congo, Republic of the 5,000 2001 est. 165 Niger 5,000 2001 est. 166 French Polynesia 4,750 2001 est. 167 Faroe Islands 4,500 2001 est. 168 Bermuda 4,000 2001 est. 169 Somalia 4,000 2001 est. 170 Mali 4,000 2001 est. 171 Seychelles 4,000 2001 est. 172 American Samoa 3,800 2001 est. 173 Greenland 3,700 2001 est. 174 Antigua and Barbuda 3,600 2001 est. 175 Cambodia 3,600 2001 est. 176 Afghanistan 3,500 2001 est. 177 Swaziland 3,500 2001 est. 178 Maldives 3,200 2001 est. 179 Liberia 3,100 2001 est. 180 Burundi 2,750 2001 est. 181 Laos 2,750 2001 est. 182 Guinea-Bissau 2,500 2001 est. 183 Cayman Islands 2,400 2001 est. 184 Saint Lucia 2,400 2001 est. 185 Central African Republic 2,400 2001 est. 186 Cape Verde 2,000 2001 est. 187 Equatorial Guinea 2,000 2001 est. 188 Gambia, The 1,900 2001 est. 189 Western Sahara 1,800 2001 est. 190 Chad 1,500 2001 est. 191 Lesotho 1,500 2001 192 Solomon Islands 1,250 2001 est. 193 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1,250 2001 est. 194 Bhutan 1,020 2001 est. 195 Grenada 1,000 2001 est. 196 Nauru 1,000 2001 est. 197 Samoa 1,000 2001 est. 198 Tonga 1,000 2001 est. 199 Saint Kitts and Nevis 710 2001 est. 200 Comoros 700 2001 est. 201 Sao Tome and Principe 700 2001 est. 202 Dominica 600 2001 est. 203 Vanuatu 600 2001 est. 204 Saint Pierre and Miquelon 600 2001 est. 205 Cook Islands 450 2001 est. 206 British Virgin Islands 420 2001 est. 207 Montserrat 400 2001 est. 208 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 200 2001 est. 209 Saint Helena 200 2001 est. 210 Kiribati 190 2001 est. 211 Niue 20 2001 est. 212 Turks and Caicos Islands 0 2001 est.

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2175

Rank Country Oil - imports(bbl/day) Date of Information

1 Japan 5,449,000 2001 2 Germany 3,081,000 2001 3 Korea, South 2,965,000 2001 4 Netherlands 2,284,000 2001 5 France 2,281,000 2001 6 Italy 2,158,000 2001 7 Spain 1,582,000 2001 8 United Kingdom 1,418,000 2001 9 Canada 1,145,000 2001 10 Belgium 1,042,000 2001 11 Turkey 616,500 2001 12 Sweden 553,100 2001 13 Australia 530,800 2001 14 Greece 468,300 2001 15 Poland 413,700 2001 16 Mexico 374,700 2001 17 Portugal 357,300 2001 18 Finland 318,300 2001 19 Switzerland 289,500 2001 20 Austria 262,000 2001 21 Denmark 195,000 2001 22 Czech Republic 192,300 2001 23 Ireland 178,600 2001 24 Hungary 136,600 2001 25 New Zealand 119,700 2001 26 Norway 88,870 2001 27 Luxembourg 50,700 2001 28 Iceland 15,470 2001

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2176

Rank Country Oil - exports(bbl/day) Date of Information

1 Norway 3,466,000 2001 2 United Kingdom 2,205,000 2001 3 Canada 2,008,000 2001 4 Mexico 1,881,000 2001 5 Netherlands 1,418,000 2001 6 Korea, South 804,700 2001 7 Australia 523,400 2001 8 Italy 456,600 2001 9 Belgium 450,000 2001 10 France 409,600 2001 11 Germany 404,300 2001 12 Denmark 332,100 2001 13 Sweden 203,700 2001 14 Spain 135,100 2001 15 Finland 101,000 2001 16 Japan 93,360 2001 17 Greece 84,720 2001 18 Poland 53,000 2001 19 Hungary 47,180 2001 20 Turkey 46,110 2001 21 Austria 35,470 2001 22 New Zealand 30,220 2001 23 Portugal 28,830 2001 24 Ireland 27,450 2001 25 Czech Republic 26,670 2001 26 Switzerland 10,420 2001 27 Luxembourg 634 2001 28 Iceland 0 2001

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

======================================================================

Rank code: @2178

Rank Country Oil - proved reserves(bbl) Date of Information

1 World 1,025,000,000,000 37257 2 Saudi Arabia 261,700,000,000 37257 3 Iraq 113,800,000,000 37257 4 Kuwait 97,680,000,000 37257 5 Iran 94,390,000,000 37257 6 United Arab Emirates 80,310,000,000 37257 7 Venezuela 63,950,000,000 37257 8 Russia 51,220,000,000 37257 9 Libya 29,750,000,000 37257 10 Nigeria 27,000,000,000 37257 11 China 26,750,000,000 37257 12 Mexico 25,030,000,000 37257 13 United States 22,450,000,000 37257 14 Qatar 14,510,000,000 37257 15 Algeria 13,100,000,000 37257 16 Norway 9,859,000,000 37257 17 Brazil 8,507,000,000 37257 18 Indonesia 7,083,000,000 37257 19 Oman 5,703,000,000 37257 20 Angola 5,691,000,000 37257 21 Canada 5,112,000,000 37257 22 United Kingdom 4,741,000,000 37257 23 India 4,330,000,000 37257 24 Malaysia 3,729,000,000 37257 25 Australia 3,664,000,000 37257 26 Egypt 3,308,000,000 37257 27 Yemen 3,200,000,000 37257 28 Argentina 2,927,000,000 37257 29 Kazakhstan 2,709,000,000 37257 30 Gabon 2,450,000,000 37257 31 Syria 2,400,000,000 37257 32 Ecuador 2,358,000,000 37257 33 Colombia 1,800,000,000 37257 34 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 1,538,000,000 37257 35 Vietnam 1,400,000,000 37257 36 Brunei 1,255,000,000 37257 37 Denmark 1,230,000,000 37257 38 Romania 1,055,000,000 37257 39 Trinidad and Tobago 716,000,000 37257 40 Sudan 631,500,000 37257 41 Peru 614,700,000 37257 42 Azerbaijan 589,000,000 37257 43 Italy 586,600,000 37257 44 Equatorial Guinea 563,500,000 37257 45 Thailand 551,500,000 37257 46 Cuba 532,000,000 37257 47 Bolivia 458,800,000 37257 48 Tunisia 417,000,000 37257 49 Papua New Guinea 345,200,000 37257 50 Germany 327,300,000 37257 51 Pakistan 297,100,000 37257 52 Uzbekistan 297,000,000 37257 53 Turkey 288,400,000 37257 54 Turkmenistan 273,000,000 37257 55 Guatemala 263,000,000 37257 56 Cameroon 200,000,000 37257 57 Ukraine 197,500,000 37257 58 Albania 185,500,000 37257 59 Philippines 164,000,000 37257 60 France 144,300,000 37257 61 Burma 142,500,000 37257 62 Poland 116,400,000 37257 63 Hungary 110,700,000 37257 64 Croatia 93,600,000 37257 65 Congo, Republic of the 93,500,000 37257 66 New Zealand 89,620,000 37257 67 Netherlands 88,060,000 37257 68 Austria 85,690,000 37257 69 Chile 81,050,000 37257 70 Bahrain 62,280,000 37257 71 Cote d'Ivoire 50,000,000 37257 72 Serbia and Montenegro 38,750,000 37257 73 Suriname 37,000,000 37257 74 Japan 29,290,000 37257 75 Bangladesh 28,450,000 37257 76 Czech Republic 17,250,000 37257 77 Spain 10,500,000 37257 78 Ghana 8,255,000 37257 79 Bulgaria 8,100,000 37257 80 South Africa 7,840,000 37257 81 Greece 4,500,000 37257 82 Slovakia 4,500,000 37257 83 Benin 4,105,000 37257 84 Taiwan 2,000,000 37257 85 Israel 1,920,000 37257 86 Barbados 1,254,000 37257 87 Morocco 900,000 37257 88 Jordan 445,000 37257 89 Ethiopia 214,000 37257 90 Afghanistan 0 37257 91 Mozambique 0 37257 92 Tanzania 0 37257 93 Namibia 0 37257 94 Somalia 0 37257 95 Rwanda 0 37257 96 Ireland 0 37257 97 Madagascar 0 37257

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Rank code: @2179

Rank Country Natural gas - proved reserves(cu m) Date of Information

1 World 161,200,000,000,000 37257 2 Russia 47,860,000,000,000 37257 3 Iran 24,800,000,000,000 37257 4 Qatar 17,930,000,000,000 37257 5 Saudi Arabia 6,339,000,000,000 37257 6 United Arab Emirates 5,892,000,000,000 37257 7 United States 5,195,000,000,000 37257 8 Algeria 4,739,000,000,000 37257 9 Venezuela 4,202,000,000,000 37257 10 Nigeria 4,007,000,000,000 37257 11 Iraq 3,149,000,000,000 37257 12 Indonesia 2,549,000,000,000 37257 13 Australia 2,407,000,000,000 37257 14 Malaysia 2,230,000,000,000 37257 15 Norway 1,716,000,000,000 37257 16 Netherlands 1,693,000,000,000 37257 17 Canada 1,691,000,000,000 37257 18 Kuwait 1,548,000,000,000 37257 19 Turkmenistan 1,430,000,000,000 37257 20 Libya 1,321,000,000,000 37257 21 China 1,290,000,000,000 37257 22 Egypt 1,264,000,000,000 37257 23 Mexico 969,200,000,000 37257 24 Uzbekistan 937,300,000,000 37257 25 Kazakhstan 920,300,000,000 37257 26 Oman 846,400,000,000 37257 27 Argentina 768,000,000,000 37257 28 Bolivia 727,200,000,000 37257 29 United Kingdom 714,900,000,000 37257 30 Pakistan 695,600,000,000 37257 31 Trinidad and Tobago 610,600,000,000 37257 32 Ukraine 560,700,000,000 37257 33 India 542,400,000,000 37257 34 Yemen 480,000,000,000 37257 35 Papua New Guinea 385,500,000,000 37257 36 Thailand 368,200,000,000 37257 37 Brunei 315,000,000,000 37257 38 Burma 314,400,000,000 37257 39 Germany 298,300,000,000 37257 40 Peru 245,100,000,000 37257 41 Syria 240,700,000,000 37257 42 Brazil 221,700,000,000 37257 43 Italy 209,700,000,000 37257 44 Vietnam 192,600,000,000 37257 45 Poland 154,400,000,000 37257 46 Bangladesh 150,300,000,000 37257 47 Colombia 132,000,000,000 37257 48 Romania 111,100,000,000 37257 49 Ecuador 106,500,000,000 37257 50 Congo, Democratic Republic of the 104,800,000,000 37257 51 Philippines 104,600,000,000 37257 52 Sudan 99,110,000,000 37257 53 Denmark 81,980,000,000 37257 54 Angola 79,570,000,000 37257 55 Tunisia 77,160,000,000 37257 56 Equatorial Guinea 68,530,000,000 37257 57 Chile 67,780,000,000 37257 58 Gabon 66,470,000,000 37257 59 Mozambique 63,710,000,000 37257 60 Azerbaijan 62,300,000,000 37257 61 New Zealand 58,940,000,000 37257 62 Cameroon 55,220,000,000 37257 63 Hungary 50,450,000,000 37257 64 Afghanistan 49,980,000,000 37257 65 Bahrain 46,000,000,000 37257 66 Cuba 42,620,000,000 37257 67 Taiwan 38,230,000,000 37257 68 Croatia 34,360,000,000 37257 69 Namibia 31,150,000,000 37257 70 Rwanda 28,320,000,000 37257 71 Austria 24,900,000,000 37257 72 Serbia and Montenegro 24,070,000,000 37257 73 Israel 20,810,000,000 37257 74 Japan 20,020,000,000 37257 75 Cote d'Ivoire 14,870,000,000 37257 76 France 12,860,000,000 37257 77 Ethiopia 12,460,000,000 37257 78 Ghana 11,890,000,000 37257 79 Tanzania 11,330,000,000 37257 80 Ireland 9,911,000,000 37257 81 Turkey 8,685,000,000 37257 82 Slovakia 7,504,000,000 37257 83 Bulgaria 3,724,000,000 37257 84 Albania 3,316,000,000 37257 85 Jordan 3,256,000,000 37257 86 Czech Republic 3,057,000,000 37257 87 Somalia 2,832,000,000 37257 88 Guatemala 1,543,000,000 37257 89 Morocco 665,400,000 37257 90 Benin 608,800,000 37257 91 Congo, Republic of the 495,500,000 37257 92 Greece 254,900,000 37257 93 Spain 254,900,000 37257 94 Barbados 70,790,000 37257 95 South Africa 14,160,000 37257 96 Madagascar 0 37257 97 Suriname 0 37257

This file was last updated on 18 December, 2003

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Appendix A - Abbreviations

ABEDA: Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa

ACC: Arab Cooperation Council

ACCT: Agency for the French-Speaking Community

ACP Group: African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States

AfDB: African Development Bank

AFESD: Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development

Air Pollution: Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides: Protocol to the 1979 Convention on

Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Concerning the Control of

Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or Their Transboundary Fluxes

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants: Protocol to the 1979

Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent

Organic Pollutants

Air Pollution-Sulphur 85: Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long- Range Transboundary Air Pollution on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or Their Transboundary Fluxes by at Least 30%

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94: Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-

Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Further Reduction of Sulphur

Emissions

Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds: Protocol to the 1979

Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Concerning the

Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds or Their

Transboundary Fluxes

AL: Arab League

AMF: Arab Monetary Fund

AMU: Arab Maghreb Union

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol: Protocol on Environmental

Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources: Convention on the Conservation of

Antarctic Marine Living Resources

Antarctic Seals: Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals

ANZUS: Australia-New Zealand-United States Security Treaty

APEC: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Arabsat: Arab Satellite Communications Organization

ARF: ASEAN Regional Forum

AsDB: Asian Development Bank

ASEAN: Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Autodin: Automatic Digital Network

bbl/day: barrels per day

BCIE: Central American Bank for Economic Integration

BDEAC: Central African States Development Bank

Benelux: Benelux Economic Union

Biodiversity: Convention on Biological Diversity

BIS: Bank for International Settlements

BSEC: Black Sea Economic Cooperation Zone

C: Commonwealth

CACM: Central American Common Market

CAEU: Council of Arab Economic Unity

CAN: Andean Community of Nations

Caricom: Caribbean Community and Common Market

CB: citizen's band mobile radio communications

CBSS: Council of the Baltic Sea States

CCC: Customs Cooperation Council

CDB: Caribbean Development Bank

CE: Council of Europe

CEI: Central European Initiative

CEMA: Council for Mutual Economic Assistance; also known as CMEA or

Comecon

CEMAC: Monetary and Economic Community of Central Africa

CEPGL: Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries

CERN: European Organization for Nuclear Research

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

CIS: Commonwealth of Independent States

CITES: see Endangered Species

Climate Change: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol: Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change

COCOM: Coordinating Committee on Export Controls

COMESA: Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

Comsat: Communications Satellite Corporation

CP: Colombo Plan

CY: calendar year

DC: developed country

Desertification: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa

DSN: Defense Switched Network

DWT: deadweight ton

EADB: East African Development Bank

EAPC: Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council

EBRD: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

EC: European Community

ECA: Economic Commission for Africa

ECE: Economic Commission for Europe

ECLAC: Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

ECO: Economic Cooperation Organization

ECOSOC: Economic and Social Council

ECOWAS: Economic Community of West African States

ECS: European Coal and Steel Community

EEC: European Economic Community

EFTA: European Free Trade Association

EIB: European Investment Bank

EMU: Economic and Monetary Union

Endangered Species: Convention on the International Trade in

Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)

Entente: Council of the Entente

Environmental Modification: Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques

ESA: European Space Agency

ESCAP: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

ESCWA: Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

est.: estimate

EU: European Union

Euratom: European Atomic Energy Community

Eutelsat: European Telecommunications Satellite Organization

Ex-Im: Export-Import Bank of the United States

FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization

FAX: facsimile

f.o.b.: free on board

FLS: Front Line States

FRG: Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany); used for information dated before 3 October 1990 or CY91

FSU: former Soviet Union

FY: fiscal year

F.Y.R.O.M.: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

FZ: Franc Zone

G-2: Group of 2

G-3: Group of 3

G-5: Group of 5

G-6: Group of 6

G-7: Group of 7

G-8: Group of 8

G-9: Group of 9

G-10: Group of 10

G-11: Group of 11

G-15: Group of 15

G-24: Group of 24

G-77: Group of 77

GATT: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; now WTrO

GCC: Gulf Cooperation Council

GDP: gross domestic product

GDR: German Democratic Republic (East Germany); used for information dated before 3 October 1990 or CY91

GNP: gross national product

GRT: gross register ton

GUUAM: acronym for member states - Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan,

Azerbaijan, Moldova

GWP: gross world product

Habitat: United Nations Center for Human Settlements

Hazardous Wastes: Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary

Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal

HF: high-frequency

IADB: Inter-American Development Bank

IAEA: International Atomic Energy Agency

IBEC: International Bank for Economic Cooperation

IBRD: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World

Bank)

ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization

ICC: International Chamber of Commerce

ICCt: International Criminal Court

ICFTU: International Confederation of Free Trade Unions

ICJ: International Court of Justice (World Court)

ICRC: International Committee of the Red Cross

ICRM: International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

ICSID: International Center for Secretariat of Investment Disputes

ICTR: International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda

ICTY: International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia

IDA: International Development Association

IDB: Islamic Development Bank

IEA: International Energy Agency

IFAD: International Fund for Agricultural Development

IFC: International Finance Corporation

IFCTU: International Federation of Christian Trade Unions

IFRCS: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent

Societies

IGAD: Inter-Governmental Authority on Development

IGADD: Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development

IHO: International Hydrographic Organization

IIB: International Investment Bank

ILO: International Labor Organization

IMF: International Monetary Fund

IMO: International Maritime Organization

Inmarsat: International Mobile Satellite Organization

InOC: Indian Ocean Commission

INSTRAW: International Research and Training Institute for the

Advancement of Women

Intelsat: International Telecommunications Satellite Organization

Interpol: International Criminal Police Organization

Intersputnik: International Organization of Space Communications

IOC: International Olympic Committee

IOM: International Organization for Migration

ISO: International Organization for Standardization

ITU: International Telecommunication Union

kHz: kilohertz

km: kilometer

kW: kilowatt

kWh: kilowatt-hour

LAES: Latin American Economic System

LAIA: Latin American Integration Association

Law of the Sea: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS)

LDC: less developed country

LLDC: least developed country

London Convention: see Marine Dumping

LOS: see Law of the Sea

m: meter

Marecs: Maritime European Communications Satellite

Marine Dumping: Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by

Dumping Wastes and Other Matter

Marine Life Conservation: Convention on Fishing and Conservation of

Living Resources of the High Seas

MARPOL: see Ship Pollution

Medarabtel: Middle East Telecommunications Project of the

International Telecommunications Union

Mercosur: Southern Cone Common Market

MHz: megahertz

MIGA: Multilateral Investment Geographic Agency

MINURSO: United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara

MIPOHUH: United Nations Civilian Police Mission in Haiti

MONUC: United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

NA: not available

NAM: Nonaligned Movement

NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NC: Nordic Council

NEA: Nuclear Energy Agency

NEGL: negligible

NIB: Nordic Investment Bank

NIC: newly industrializing country

NIE: newly industrializing economy

NIS: new independent states

NM: nautical mile

NMT: Nordic Mobile Telephone

NSG: Nuclear Suppliers Group

Nuclear Test Ban: Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Tests in the

Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water

NZ: New Zealand

OAPEC: Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries

OAS: Organization of American States

OAU: Organization of African Unity

ODA: official development assistance

OECD: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

OECS: Organization of Eastern Caribbean States

OIC: Organization of the Islamic Conference

OOF: other official flows

OPANAL: Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin

America and the Caribbean

OPCW: Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

OPEC: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

OSCE: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Ozone Layer Protection: Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

PCA: Permanent Court of Arbitration

PDRY: People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South

Yemen]; used for information dated before 22 May 1990 or CY91

PFP: Partnership for Peace

Ramsar: see Wetlands

RG: Rio Group

SAARC: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

SACU: Southern African Customs Union

SADC: Southern African Development Community

SCO: Shanghai Cooperative Organization

SFRY: Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

SHF: super-high-frequency

Ship Pollution: Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International

Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 (MARPOL)

Sparteca: South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation

Agreement

SPC: South Pacific Commission

SPF: South Pacific Forum

sq km: square kilometer

sq mi: square mile

TAT: Trans-Atlantic Telephone

Tropical Timber 83: International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983

Tropical Timber 94: International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994

UAE: United Arab Emirates

UDEAC: Central African Customs and Economic Union

UHF: ultra-high-frequency

UK: United Kingdom

UN: United Nations

UNAMA: United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

UNAMSIL: United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone

UNCTAD: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

UNDCP: United Nations Drug Control Program

UNDOF: United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

UNDP: United Nations Development Program

UNEP: United Nations Environment Program

UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural

Organization

UNFICYP: United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus

UNFPA: United Nations Population Fund

UNHCR: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

UNHCRHR: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

UNICEF: United Nations Children's Fund

UNICRI: United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research

Institute

UNIDIR: United Nations Disarmament Research

UNIDO: United Nations Industrial Development Organization

UNIFIL: United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

UNIKOM: United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission

UNITAR: United Nations Institute for Training and Research

UNMEE: United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea

UNMIBH: United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina

UNMIK: United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo

UNMISET: United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor

UNMOGIP: United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan

UNMOP: United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka

UNMOT: United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan

UNMOVIC: United Nations Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection

Commission

UNOMIG: United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia

UNOMSIL: United Nations Mission of Observers in Sierra Leone

UNOPS: United Nations Office of Project Services

UNPREDEP: United Nations Preventive Deployment Force

UNRISD: United Nations Research Institute for Social Development

UNRWA: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

UNSC: United Nations Security Council

UNSSC: United Nations System Staff College

UNTAET: United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor

UNTSO: United Nations Truce Supervision Organization

UNU: United Nations University

UPU: Universal Postal Union

US: United States

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

USSR/EE: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics/Eastern Europe

VHF: very-high-frequency

VSAT: very small aperture terminal

WADB: West African Development Bank

WAEMU: West African Economic and Monetary Union

WCL: World Confederation of Labor

Wetlands: Convention on Wetlands of International Importance

Especially As Waterfowl Habitat

WEU: Western European Union

WFC: World Food Council

WFP: World Food Program

WFTU: World Federation of Trade Unions

Whaling: International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling

WHO: World Health Organization

WIPO: World Intellectual Property Organization

WMO: World Meteorological Organization

WP: Warsaw Pact

WTO: see WToO for World Tourism Organization or WTrO for World Trade

Organization

WToO: World Tourism Organization

WTrO: World Trade Organization

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

ZC: Zangger Committee

This page was last updated on 1 August, 2003

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Appendix B - International Organizations and Groups

advanced developing countries: another term for those less developed countries (LDCs) with particularly rapid industrial development; see newly industrializing economies (NIEs)

advanced economies: a term used by the International Monetary FUND (IMF) for the top group in its hierarchy of advanced economies, countries in transition, and developing countries; it includes the following 28 advanced economies: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, US; note - this group would presumably also cover the following seven smaller countries of Andorra, Bermuda, Faroe Islands, Holy See, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and San Marino which are included in the more comprehensive group of "developed countries"

African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group): established - 6 June 1975

aim - to manage their preferential economic and aid relationship with the EU

members - (77) Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados,

Belize, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde,

Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the

Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia,

Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana,

Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi,

Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Federated States of

Micronesia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Palau,

Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa,

Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe

African Development Bank (AfDB): note - also known as Banque Africaine de Developpement (BAD)

established - 4 August 1963

aim - to promote economic and social development

regional members - (53) Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina

Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,

Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote

d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon,

The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia,

Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe,

Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan,

Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

nonregional members - (24) Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada,

China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South

Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain,

Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

African Union (AU): note - replaces Organization of African Unity

(OAU)

established - 8 July 2001

aim - to achieve greater unity among African States; to defend states' integrity and independence; to accelerate political, social, and economic integration; to encourage international cooperation; to promote democratic principles and institutions

members - (52) Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi,

Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire,

Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The

Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar,

Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger,

Nigeria, Rwanda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Sao Tome and

Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa,

Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Agency for the French-Speaking Community (ACCT): note - formerly

Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation

established - 20 March 1970; name changed 1996

aim - to promote cultural and technical cooperation among French- speaking countries

members - (51) Albania, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso,

Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African

Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of

the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea,

France, French Community of Belgium, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,

Haiti, Laos, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Moldova, Monaco,

Morocco, New Brunswick (Canada), Niger, Quebec (Canada), Romania,

Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles,

Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, Vanuatu, Vietnam

observers - (4) Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia

Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL): note - acronym from Organismo para la Proscripcion de las Armas Nucleares en la America Latina y el Caribe (OPANAL)

established - 14 February 1967 under the Treaty of Tlatelolco; effective - 25 April 1969 on the 11th ratification of the treaty

aim - to encourage the peaceful uses of atomic energy and prohibit nuclear weapons

members - (33) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados,

Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana,

Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,

Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,

Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Andean Community of Nations (CAN): note - formerly known as the Andean

Group (AG), the Andean Parliament, and most recently as the Andean

Common Market (Ancom)

established - 26 May 1969; present name established 1 October 1992; effective - 16 October 1969

aim - to promote harmonious development through economic integration

members - (5) Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela

Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (ABEDA): note - also known as Banque Arabe de Developpement Economique en Afrique (BADEA)

established - 18 February 1974; effective - 16 September 1974

aim - to promote economic development

members - (17 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Palestine Liberation Organization; note - these are all the members of the Arab League excluding Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia, Yemen

Arab Cooperation Council (ACC): established - 16 February 1989

aim - to promote economic cooperation and integration, possibly leading to an Arab Common Market

members - (4) Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen; note - the ACC has remained inactive since the Gulf crisis

Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD): established - 16 May 1968

aim - to promote economic and social development

members - (20 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq (suspended 1993), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia (suspended 1993), Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Arab League (AL): note - also known as League of Arab States (LAS)

established - 22 March 1945

aim - to promote economic, social, political, and military cooperation

members - (21 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria,

Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon,

Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan,

Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Arab Maghreb Union (AMU): established - 17 February 1989

aim - to promote cooperation and integration among the Arab states of northern Africa

members - (5) Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia

Arab Monetary Fund (AMF): established - 27 April 1976; effective - 2

February 1977

aim - to promote Arab cooperation, development, and integration in monetary and economic affairs

members - (21 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria,

Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon,

Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan,

Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): established - 7 November 1989

aim - to promote trade and investment in the Pacific basin

members - (21) Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, NZ, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, US, Vietnam

observers - (3) Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, Pacific Islands Forum

Asian Development Bank (AsDB): established - 19 December 1966

aim - to promote regional economic cooperation

regional members - (44) Afghanistan, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh,

Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, East Timor, Fiji, Hong

Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, South Korea,

Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Federated

States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, NZ, Pakistan, Papua New

Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka,

Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan,

Vanuatu, Vietnam

nonregional members - (17) Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): established - 8 August 1967

aim - to encourage regional economic, social, and cultural cooperation among the non-Communist countries of Southeast Asia

members - (10) Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

associate member - (1) Papua New Guinea

dialogue partners - (12) Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, NZ, Russia, US, UNDP

ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): established - NA 1994

aim - to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues of common interest and concern

members - (10) Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

dialogue partners - (13) Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Mongolia, NZ, Papua New Guinea, Russia, US

Australia Group: established - NA 1984

aim - to consult on and coordinate export controls related to chemical and biological weapons

members - (34) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,

Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, European Commission, Finland,

France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South

Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,

Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

Australia-New Zealand-United States Security Treaty (ANZUS): established - 1 September 1951; effective - 29 April 1952

aim - to implement a trilateral mutual security agreement, although the US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986; Australia and the US continue to hold annual meetings

members - (3) Australia, NZ, US

Bank for International Settlements (BIS): established - 20 January 1930; effective - 17 March 1930

aim - to promote cooperation among central banks in international financial settlements

members - (50) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Estonia, European Central Bank, Finland, France, Germany,

Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan,

South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,

Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro, Singapore,

Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,

Turkey, UK, US

Benelux Economic Union (Benelux): note - acronym from Belgium,

Netherlands, and Luxembourg

established - 3 February 1958; effective - 1 November 1960

aim - to develop closer economic cooperation and integration

members - (3) Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands

Big Seven: note - membership is the same as the Group of 7

established - NA 1975

aim - to discuss and coordinate major economic policies

members - (7) Big Six (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK) plus the US

Big Six: note - not to be confused with the Group of 6

established - NA 1967

aim - to foster economic cooperation

members - (6) Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK

Black Sea Economic Cooperation Zone (BSEC): established - 25 June 1992

aim - to enhance regional stability through economic cooperation

members - (11) Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine

observers - (9) Austria, Egypt, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Tunisia

Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom): established - 4 July 1973; effective - 1 August 1973

aim - to promote economic integration and development, especially among the less developed countries

members - (15) Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname,

Trinidad and Tobago

associate members - (4) Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

observers - (8) Aruba, Bermuda, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Venezuela

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB): established - 18 October 1969; effective - 26 January 1970

aim - to promote economic development and cooperation

regional members - (20) Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas,

Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Colombia,

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and

Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Venezuela

nonregional members - (5) Canada, China, Germany, Italy, UK

Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC): see Monetary and

Economic Community of Central Africa (CEMAC)

Central African States Development Bank (BDEAC): note - acronym from

Banque de Developpement des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale

established - 3 December 1975

aim - to provide loans for economic development

members - (11) African Development Bank (AfDB), Cameroon, Central African States Bank (BEAC), Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Germany, Kuwait

Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE): note - acronym from Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economico

established - 13 December 1960 signature of Articles of Agreement; 31 May 1961 began operations

aim - to promote economic integration and development

members - (5) Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua

nonregional members - (4) Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Taiwan

Central American Common Market (CACM): established - 13 December 1960, collapsed in 1969, reinstated in 1991

aim - to promote establishment of a Central American Common Market

members - (5) Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua; note - Panama, although not a member, pursues full regional cooperation

Central European Initiative (CEI): note - evolved from the

Quadrilateral Initiative and the Hexagonal Initiative

established - 11 November 1989 as the Quadrilateral Initiative, 27 July 1991 became the Hexagonal Initiative, NA July 1992 present name adopted

aim - to form an economic and political cooperation group for the region between the Adriatic and the Baltic Seas

members - (17) Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, The Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine

centrally planned economies : a term applied mainly to the traditionally Communist states that looked to the former USSR for leadership; most are now evolving toward more democratic and market- oriented systems; also known formerly as the Second World or as the Communist countries; through the 1980s, this group included Albania, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, GDR, Hungary, North Korea, Laos, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, USSR, Vietnam

Colombo Plan (CP): established - NA May 1950 proposal was adopted; 1

July 1951 commenced full operations

aim - to promote economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific

members - (25) Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma,

Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Laos,

Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, NZ, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines,

Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, US, Vietnam

provisional member - (1) Mongolia

Commonwealth (C): note - also known as Commonwealth of Nations

established - 31 December 1931

aim - to foster multinational cooperation and assistance, as a voluntary association that evolved from the British Empire

members - (54) Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Bangladesh,

Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica,

Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya,

Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, NZ, Nigeria, Pakistan (suspended), Papua

New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon

Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad

and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, UK, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe (suspended)

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): established - 8 December 1991; effective - 21 December 1991

aim - to coordinate intercommonwealth relations and to provide a mechanism for the orderly dissolution of the USSR

members - (12) Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Communist countries: traditionally the Marxist-Leninist states with authoritarian governments and command economies based on the Soviet model; most of the original and the successor states are no longer Communist; see centrally planned economies

Coordinating Committee on Export Controls (COCOM): established in 1949 to control the export of strategic products and technical data from member countries to proscribed destinations; members were Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, UK, US; abolished 31 March 1994; COCOM members established a new organization, the Wassenaar Arrangement, with expanded membership on 12 July 1996 which focuses on nonproliferation export controls as opposed to East- West control of advanced technology

Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CEMA): note - also known as

CMEA or Comecon

established 25 January 1949 to promote the development of socialist economies and abolished 1 January 1991; members included Afghanistan (observer), Albania (had not participated since 1961 break with USSR), Angola (observer), Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia (observer), GDR, Hungary, Laos (observer), Mongolia, Mozambique (observer), Nicaragua (observer), Poland, Romania, USSR, Vietnam, Yemen (observer), Yugoslavia (associate)

Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU): established - 3 June 1957; effective - 30 May 1964

aim - to promote economic integration among Arab nations

members - (10 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Somalia, Syria, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Council of Europe (CE): established - 5 May 1949; effective - 3 August 1949

aim - to promote increased unity and quality of life in Europe

members - (44) Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium,

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary,

Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands,

Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia,

Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK

guests - (1) Serbia and Montenegro

observers - (6) Canada, Holy See, Israel, Japan, Mexico, US

Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS): established - 6 March 1992

aim - to promote cooperation among the Baltic Sea states in the areas of aid to new democratic institutions, economic development, humanitarian aid, energy and the environment, cultural programs and education, and transportation and communication

members - (12) Denmark, Estonia, EC, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden

Council of the Entente (Entente): established - 29 May 1959

aim - to promote economic, social, and political coordination

members - (5) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Niger, Togo

countries in transition: a term used by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the middle group in its hierarchy of advanced economies, countries in transition, and developing countries; recently published IMF statistics include the following 28 countries in transition: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan; note - this group is identical to the group traditionally referred to as the "former USSR/Eastern Europe" except for the addition of Mongolia

Customs Cooperation Council (CCC): note - see World Customs

Organization (WCO)

developed countries (DCs): the top group in the hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); includes the market-oriented economies of the mainly democratic nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Bermuda, Israel, South Africa, and the European ministates; also known as the First World, high-income countries, the North, industrial countries; generally have a per capita GDP in excess of $10,000 although four OECD countries and South Africa have figures well under $10,000 and two of the excluded OPEC countries have figures of more than $10,000; the 34 DCs are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US; note - similar to the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) term "advanced economies" which adds Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan but drops Malta, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey

developing countries: a term used by the International Monetary Fund

(IMF) for the bottom group in its hierarchy of advanced economies,

countries in transition, and developing countries; recently published

IMF statistics include the following 126 developing countries:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba,

The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan,

Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,

Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the

Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,

Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-

Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica,

Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia,

Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall

Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia,

Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua,

Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,

Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi

Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia,

South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania,

Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Uganda,

Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe; note -

this category would presumably also cover the following 46 other

countries that are traditionally included in the more comprehensive

group of "less developed countries": American Samoa, Anguilla, British

Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos

Islands, Cook Islands, Cuba, Eritrea, Falkland Islands, French Guiana,

French Polynesia, Gaza Strip, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada,

Guadeloupe, Guam, Guernsey, Jersey, North Korea, Macau, Isle of Man,

Martinique, Mayotte, Montserrat, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk

Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico,

Reunion, Saint Helena, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Tokelau, Tonga, Turks

and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West

Bank, Western Sahara

East African Development Bank (EADB): established - 6 June 1967; effective - 1 December 1967

aim - to promote economic development

members - (3) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945

aim - to coordinate the economic and social work of the UN; includes five regional commissions (Economic Commission for Africa, Economic Commission for Europe, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia) and nine functional commissions (Commission for Social Development, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Commission on the Status of Women, Commission on Population and Development, Statistical Commission, Commission on Science and Technology for Development, Commission on Sustainable Development, and Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice)

members - (54) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL): note - acronym from Communaute Economique des Pays des Grands Lacs

established - 20 September 1976

aim - to promote regional economic cooperation and integration

members - (3) Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS): established - 28

May 1975

aim - to promote regional economic cooperation

members - (15) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO): established - 27-29 January 1985

aim - to promote regional cooperation in trade, transportation, communications, tourism, cultural affairs, and economic development

members - (10) Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

associate member - (1) "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus"

Economic and Monetary Union (EMU): note - an integral part of the

European Union; also known as the European Economic and Monetary Union

proposed - 1-2 December 1969 at summit conference of heads of government; signed - 7 February 1992 - Maastricht Treaty

aim - to promote a single market by creating a single currency, the euro; timetable - 2 May 1998: European exchange rates fixed for 1 January 1999; 1 January 1999: all banks and stock exchanges begin using euros; 1 January 2002: the euro goes into circulation; 1 July 2002 local currencies no longer accepted

members - (12) Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain; note - Denmark, Sweden, and UK decided not to join

Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC): note - began as the North

Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC); an extension of NATO

established - 8 November 1991; effective - 20 December 1991

aim - to discuss cooperation on mutual political and security issues

members - (46) Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium,

Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,

France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,

Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK, US,

Uzbekistan

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD): established - 8-9 January 1990 (proposals made); 15 April 1991 (bank inaugurated)

aim - to facilitate the transition of seven centrally planned economies in Europe (Bulgaria, former Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, former USSR, and former Yugoslavia) to market economies by committing 60% of its loans to privatization

members - (62) Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan,

Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia,

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, EU, European Investment Bank

(EIB), Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary,

Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea,

Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia,

Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia,

Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,

Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK, US, Uzbekistan

European Community (or European Communities, EC): was established 8 April 1965 to integrate the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), the European Coal and Steel Community (ESC), the European Economic Community (EEC or Common Market), and to establish a completely integrated common market and an eventual federation of Europe; merged into the European Union (EU) on 7 February 1992; member states at the time of merger were Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK

European Free Trade Association (EFTA): established - 4 January 1960; effective - 3 May 1960

aim - to promote expansion of free trade

members - (4) Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland

European Investment Bank (EIB): established - 25 March 1957; effective - 1 January 1958

aim - to promote economic development of the EU and its predecessors, the EEC and the EC

members - (15) Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN): note - acronym retained from the predecessor organization Conseil Europeenne pour la Recherche Nucleaire

established - 1 July 1953; effective - 29 September 1954

aim - to foster nuclear research for peaceful purposes only

members - (20) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK

observers - (7) European Commission, Israel, Japan, Russia, Turkey, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), US

European Space Agency (ESA): established - 31 May 1975

aim - to promote peaceful cooperation in space research and technology

members - (15) Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK

cooperating state - (1) Canada

European Union (EU): note - evolved from the European Community (EC)

established - 7 February 1992; effective - 1 November 1993

aim - to coordinate policy among the 15 members in three fields: economics, building on the European Economic Community's (EEC) efforts to establish a common market and eventually a common currency to be called the 'euro', which superseded the EU's accounting unit, the ECU; defense, within the concept of a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP); and justice and home affairs, including immigration, drugs, terrorism, and improved living and working conditions

members - (15) Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK

membership applicants - (13) Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey

First World: another term for countries with advanced, industrialized economies; this term is fading from use; see developed countries (DCs)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): established - 16 October 1945

aim - to raise living standards and increase availability of agricultural products; a UN specialized agency

members - (184) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan,

Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina

Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central

African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic

Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EC, Fiji, Finland,

France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada,

Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary,

Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea,

Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,

Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda,

Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,

Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia

and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon

Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,

Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand,

Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,

Uganda, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam,

Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

former Soviet Union (FSU): former term often used to identify as a group the successor nations to the Soviet Union or USSR; this group of 15 countries consists of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE): the middle group in the hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); these countries are in political and economic transition and may well be grouped differently in the near future; this group of 27 countries consists of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia; this group is identical to the IMF group "countries in transition" except for the IMF's inclusion of Mongolia

Four Dragons: the four small Asian less developed countries (LDCs) that have experienced unusually rapid economic growth; also known as the Four Tigers; this group consists of Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan; these countries are included in the IMF's "advanced economies" group

Franc Zone (FZ): note - also known as Conference des Ministres des

Finances des Pays de la Zone Franc

established - NA 1964

aim - to form a monetary union among countries whose currencies are linked to the French franc

members - (15) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo; note - France's three overseas territories, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna, use the Comptoires Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF)

Front Line States (FLS): established to achieve black majority rule in

South Africa; has since gone out of existence; members included Angola,

Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT): see the World Trade

Organization (WTrO)

Group of 2 (G-2): informal term that came into use about 1986; to facilitate bilateral economic cooperation between the two most powerful economic giants; members were Japan, US

Group of 3 (G-3): established - NA September 1990

aim - mechanism for policy coordination

members - (3) Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela

Group of 5 (G-5): established - 22 September 1985

aim - to coordinate the economic policies of five major noncommunist economic powers

members - (5) France, Germany, Japan, UK, US

Group of 6 (G-6): note - also known as Groupe des Six Sur le

Desarmement; not to be confused with the Big Six

established - 22 May 1984

aim - to achieve nuclear disarmament

members - (6) Argentina, Greece, India, Mexico, Sweden, Tanzania

Group of 7 (G-7): note - membership is the same as the Big Seven

established - 22 September 1985

aim - to facilitate economic cooperation among the seven major noncommunist economic powers

members - (7) Group of 5 (France, Germany, Japan, UK, US) plus Canada and Italy

Group of 8 (G-8): established - NA October 1975

aim - to facilitate economic cooperation among the developed countries (DCs) that participated in the Conference on International Economic Cooperation (CIEC), held in several sessions between NA December 1975 and 3 June 1977

members - (9) Canada, EU (as one member), France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK, US

Group of 9 (G-9): established - NA

aim - to discuss matters of mutual interest on an informal basis

members - (9) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Sweden

Group of 10 (G-10): note - also known as the Paris Club; includes the wealthiest members of the IMF who provide most of the money to be loaned and act as the informal steering committee; name persists in spite of the addition of Switzerland on NA April 1984

established - NA October 1962

aim - to coordinate credit policy

members - (11) Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

nonstate participants - (4) BIS, EU, IMF, OECD

Group of 11 (G-11): note - also known as the Cartagena Group; established in 21-22 June 1984, in Cartagena, Colombia; aim was to provide a forum for largest debtor nations in Latin America; members were Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Group of 15 (G-15): note - byproduct of the Nonaligned Movement

established - NA September 1989

aim - to promote economic cooperation among developing nations; to act as the main political organ for the Nonaligned Movement

members - (19) Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Group of 24 (G-24): established - 1 August 1989

aim - to promote the interests of developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America within the IMF

members - (24) Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Democratic

Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana,

Guatemala, India, Iran, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru,

Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago,

Venezuela

Group of 77 (G-77): established - 15 June1964; NA October 1967 first ministerial meeting

aim - to promote economic cooperation among developing countries; name persists in spite of increased membership

members - (133 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan,

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Bahrain,

Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of

the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,

Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala,

Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran,

Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,

Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Federated States of

Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua,

Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome

and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri

Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,

Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, UAE,

Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Palestine Liberation Organization

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): note - also known as the Cooperation

Council for the Arab States of the Gulf

established - 25 May 1981

aim - to promote regional cooperation in economic, social, political, and military affairs

members - (6) Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE

GUUAM: note - acronym standing for the member countries, Georgia,

Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova

established - 7 June 2001

aim - commits the countries to cooperation and assistance in social and economic development, the strengthening and broadening of trade and economic relations, and the development and effective use of transport and communications, highways, and related infrastructure crossing the boundaries of the member states

members - (5) Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

high-income countries: another term for the industrialized countries with high per capita GDPs; see developed countries (DCs)

Indian Ocean Commission (InOC): established - 21 December 1982

aim - to organize and promote regional cooperation in all sectors, especially economic

members - (5) Comoros, France (for Reunion), Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles

industrial countries: another term for the developed countries; see developed countries (DCs)

Inter-American Development Bank (IADB): note - also known as Banco

Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID)

established - 8 April 1959; effective - 30 December 1959

aim - to promote economic and social development in Latin America

members - (46) Argentina, Austria, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium,

Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia,

Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France,

Germany, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,

Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and

Tobago, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela

Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD): note - formerly known as Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD)

established - 15-16 January 1986 as the Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development; revitalized - 21 March 1996 as the Inter- Governmental Authority on Development

aim - to promote a social, economic, and scientific community among its members

members - (7) Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): established - 26 October 1956; effective - 29 July 1957

aim - to promote peaceful uses of atomic energy

members - (135) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina,

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium,

Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria,

Burkina Faso, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African

Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia,

Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Guatemala, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia,

Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall

Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Namibia, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan,

Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,

Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone,

Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia,

Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela,

Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe; note - Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, and

Seychelles membership has been approved; membership will take effect

once legal instruments have been deposited

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): note - also known as the World Bank

established - 22 July 1944; effective - 27 December 1945

aim - to provide economic development loans; a UN specialized agency

members - (184) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,

Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the

Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador,

Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia,

Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,

Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,

Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland,

Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati,

South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho,

Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,

Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of

Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal,

Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,

Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,

Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint

Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome

and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia,

South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden,

Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga,

Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine,

UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,

Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC): established - NA 1919

aim - to promote free trade and private enterprise and to represent business interests at national and international levels

members - (84 national committees) Algeria, Argentina, Australia,

Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon,

Canada, Caribbean, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Georgia,

Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,

Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Kuwait,

Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia

and Montenegro, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri

Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,

Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): established - 7

December 1944; effective - 4 April 1947

aim - to promote international cooperation in civil aviation; a UN specialized agency

members - (188) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua

and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,

Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the

Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt,

El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji,

Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras,

Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy,

Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South

Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia,

Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,

Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of

Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia,

Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman,

Palau, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San

Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and

Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia,

Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania,

Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,

Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,

Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): established - 17

February 1863

aim - to provide humanitarian aid in wartime

members - (25 individuals) all Swiss nationals

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU): established

- NA December 1949

aim - to promote the trade union movement

members - (231 affiliated organizations in the following 149 countries

plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Albania, Algeria, Angola,

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda,

Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde,

Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of

the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia,

Falkland Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gabon, The

Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland,

India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania,

Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique,

Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Rwanda,

Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri

Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania,

Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,

UK, US, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Palestine

Liberation Organization

International Court of Justice (ICJ): note - also known as the World

Court

established - 3 February 1946 superseded Permanent Court of International Justice

aim - primary judicial organ of the UN

members - (15 judges) elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council to represent all principal legal systems

International Criminal Court (ICCt): established - 11 April 2002

aim - to hold all individuals and countries accountable to international laws of conduct; to specify international standards of conduct; to provide an important mechanism for implementing these standards; to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice

members - (89) Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin,

Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia,

Canada, Central African Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia,

Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,

East Timor, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia,

Germany, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,

Jordan, South Korea, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Marshall

Islands, Mauritius, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, NZ, Niger,

Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania,

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia

and Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain,

Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda,

UK, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia

signatory states - (54) Algeria, Angola, Armenia, The Bahamas, Bahrain,

Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile,

Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Czech Republic,

Dominican Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, Georgia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,

Guyana, Haiti, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan,

Liberia, Lithuania, Madagascar, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco,

Mozambique, Oman, Philippines, Russia, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and

Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Ukraine,

UAE, US, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zimbabwe

International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol): established -

NA September 1923 set up as the International Criminal Police

Commission; 13 June 1956 constitution modified and present name adopted

aim - to promote international cooperation among police authorities in fighting crime

members - (181) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua

and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan,

The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei,

Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia,

Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa

Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El

Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland,

France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada,

Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary,

Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan,

Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,

Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles,

NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua

New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar,

Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand,

Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine,

UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,

Zimbabwe

subbureaus - (14) American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin

Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Guam, Hong Kong, Macau, Montserrat,

Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin

Islands

International Development Association (IDA): established - 26 January 1960; effective - 24 September 1960

aim - to provide economic loans for low-income countries; UN specialized agency and IBRD affiliate

members - (164)

Part I - (27 developed countries) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK, US

Part II - (137 less developed countries) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Energy Agency (IEA): established - 15 November 1974

aim - to promote cooperation on energy matters, especially emergency oil sharing and relations between oil consumers and oil producers; established by the OECD

members - (26) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy,

Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal,

Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

(IFRCS): note - formerly known as League of Red Cross and Red Crescent

Societies (LORCS)

established - 5 May 1919

aim - to organize, coordinate, and direct international relief actions; to promote humanitarian activities; to represent and encourage the development of National Societies; to bring help to victims of armed conflicts, refugees, and displaced people; to reduce the vulnerability of people through development programs

members - (179) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua

and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei,

Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia,

Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-

Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,

Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati,

North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia,

Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,

Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda,

Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,

Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia

and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,

Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,

Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan,

Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

associate members - (7 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Comoros, Cook Islands, Eritrea, Israel, Kazakhstan, Federated States of Micronesia, Tuvalu, Palestine Liberation Organization

International Finance Corporation (IFC): established - 25 May 1955; effective - 24 July 1956

aim - to support private enterprise in international economic development; a UN specialized agency and IBRD affiliate

members - (175) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria,

Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde,

Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The

Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,

Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,

Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique,

Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway,

Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and

Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia,

Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand,

Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,

Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela,

Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD): established -

NA November 1974

aim - to promote agricultural development; a UN specialized agency

members - (162)

Category I - (23 industrialized aid contributors) Australia, Austria,

Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland,

Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal,

Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

Category II - (12 petroleum-exporting aid contributors) Algeria, Gabon,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,

UAE, Venezuela

Category III - (127 aid recipients) Afghanistan, Albania, Angola,

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh,

Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia,

Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook

Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada,

Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India,

Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea,

Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, The Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,

Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Panama,

Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Saint

Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa,

Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,

Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Uruguay, Vietnam,

Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO): note - name changed from International Hydrographic Bureau on 22 September 1970

established - NA June 1919; effective - NA June 1921

aim - to train hydrographic surveyors and nautical cartographers to achieve standardization in nautical charts and electronic chart displays; to provide advice on nautical cartography and hydrography; to develop the sciences in the field of hydrography and techniques used for descriptive oceanography

members - (70) Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh,

Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China (including Hong Kong and Macau),

Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,

Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland,

France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,

Italy, Jamaica, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Malaysia, Monaco,

Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,

Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia

and Montenegro, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname,

Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,

Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela

membership pending - (3) Bulgaria, Mauritania, Qatar

International Labor Organization (ILO): established - 28 June 1919 set up as part of Treaty of Versailles; 11 April 1919 became operative; 14 December 1946 affiliated with the UN

aim - to deal with world labor issues; a UN specialized agency

members - (175) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria,

Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde,

Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France,

Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala,

Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,

India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,

Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan,

Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg,

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,

Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,

Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,

Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and

the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri

Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,

Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Maritime Organization (IMO): note - name changed from Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) on 22 May 1982

established - 6 March 1948 set up as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization; effective - 17 March 1958

aim - to deal with international maritime affairs; a UN specialized agency

members - (162) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain,

Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic

Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The

Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon,

Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall

Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia,

Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua,

Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,

Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saint

Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa,

San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and

Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia,

Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga,

Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UAE, UK,

US, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen

associate members - (3) Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Macau

International Monetary Fund (IMF): established - 22 July 1944; effective - 27 December 1945

aim - to promote world monetary stability and economic development; a UN specialized agency

members - (184) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,

Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the

Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador,

Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia,

Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,

Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,

Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland,

Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati,

South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho,

Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,

Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of

Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal,

Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,

Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,

Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint

Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome

and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia,

South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden,

Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga,

Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine,

UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,

Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Olympic Committee (IOC): established - 23 June 1894

aim - to promote the Olympic ideals and administer the Olympic games: 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece; 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy; 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China; 2010 Winter Olympics in British Colombia, Canada

National Olympic Committees - (198 and the Palestine Liberation

Organization) Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola

(suspended), Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia,

Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,

Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei,

Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of

the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba,

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,

Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia,

Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-

Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,

Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar,

Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,

Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles,

NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama,

Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto

Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint

Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome

and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia,

South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden,

Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,

Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda,

Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam,

Virgin Islands, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation

Organization

International Organization for Migration (IOM): note - established as

Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants

from Europe; renamed Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration

(ICEM) on 15 November 1952; renamed Intergovernmental Committee for

Migration (ICM) in November 1980; current name adopted 14 November 1989

established - 5 December 1951

aim - to facilitate orderly international emigration and immigration

members - (98) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,

Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia,

Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, The Gambia,

Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti,

Honduras, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nicaragua,

Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,

Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra

Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden,

Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine,

UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

observers - (33) Afghanistan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Brazil, Burundi, China, Cuba, Estonia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Holy See,

India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Libya, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Malta, Mauritania, Moldova, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, NZ,

Papua New Guinea, Russia, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia,

Spain, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Vietnam

International Organization for Standardization (ISO): established - NA

February 1947

aim - to promote the development of international standards with a view to facilitating international exchange of goods and services and to developing cooperation in the sphere of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity

members - (94 national standards organizations) Algeria, Argentina,

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium,

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile,

China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France,

Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya,

North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Libya, Luxembourg, The Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico,

Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia

and Montenegro, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri

Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and

Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,

Venezuela, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

correspondent members - (34) Albania, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahrain,

Bolivia, Brunei, Cameroon, Estonia, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan,

Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Moldova,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Oman, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, Sudan,

Swaziland, Turkmenistan, Yemen

subscriber members - (12) Antigua and Barbuda, Burundi, Cambodia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Mali, Niger

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRM): established

- NA 1928

aim - to promote worldwide humanitarian aid through the International

Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in wartime, and International

Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS; formerly

League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies or LORCS) in peacetime

National Societies - (176 countries); note - same as membership for

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

(IFRCS)

International Telecommunication Union (ITU): established - 17 May 1865 set up as the International Telegraph Union; 9 December 1932 adopted present name

effective - 1 January 1934; affiliated with the UN - 15 November 1947

aim - to deal with world telecommunications issues; a UN specialized agency

members - (189) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua

and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,

Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the

Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia,

Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,

Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy

See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland,

Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati,

North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,

Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,

Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda,

Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao

Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon

Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,

Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand,

Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,

Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu,

Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Islamic Development Bank (IDB): established - 15 December 1973 by declaration of intent; effective - 12 August 1974

aim - to promote Islamic economic aid and social development

members - (53 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan,

Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei,

Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt,

Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Oman, Pakistan,

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname,

Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, UAE,

Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Latin American Economic System (LAES): note - also known as Sistema

Economico Latinoamericana (SELA)

established - 17 October 1975

aim - to promote economic and social development through regional cooperation

members - (28) Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia,

Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica,

Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and

Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Latin American Integration Association (LAIA): note - also known as

Asociacion Latinoamericana de Integracion (ALADI)

established - 12 August 1980; effective - 18 March 1981

aim - to promote freer regional trade

members - (12) Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

observers - (23) China, Commission of the European Communities,

Corporacion Andina de Fomento, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El

Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Inter-American Development Bank, Inter-

American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, Italy, Latin America

Economic System, Nicaragua, Organization of American States, Panama,

Pan-American Health Organization, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain,

Switzerland, United Nations Development Program, United Nations

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

least developed countries (LLDCs): that subgroup of the less developed countries (LDCs) initially identified by the UN General Assembly in 1971 as having no significant economic growth, per capita GDPs normally less than $1,000, and low literacy rates; also known as the undeveloped countries; the 42 LLDCs are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Yemen

less developed countries (LDCs): the bottom group in the hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); mainly countries and dependent areas with low levels of output, living standards, and technology; per capita GDPs are generally below $5,000 and often less than $1,500; however, the group also includes a number of countries with high per capita incomes, areas of advanced technology, and rapid rates of growth; includes the advanced developing countries, developing countries, Four Dragons (Four Tigers), least developed countries (LLDCs), low-income countries, middle-income countries, newly industrializing economies (NIEs), the South, Third World, underdeveloped countries, undeveloped countries; the 172 LDCs are: Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, The Gambia, Gaza Strip, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jersey, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Isle of Man, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Palau, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, UAE, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe; note - similar to the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) term "developing countries" which adds Malta, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey but omits in its recently published statistics American Samoa, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Cuba, Eritrea, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gaza Strip, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guernsey, Jersey, North Korea, Macau, Isle of Man, Martinique, Mayotte, Montserrat, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saint Helena, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Tokelau, Tonga, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank, Western Sahara

low-income countries: another term for those less developed countries with below-average per capita GDPs; see less developed countries (LDCs)

middle-income countries: another term for those less developed countries with above-average per capita GDPs; see less developed countries (LDCs)

Monetary and Economic Community of Central Africa (CEMAC): note - was formerly the Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC)

established - 8 December 1964; effective - 1 January 1966

aim - to promote the establishment of a Central African Common Market

members - (6) Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

Near Abroad: Russian term for the 14 non-Russian successor states of the USSR, in which 25 million ethnic Russians live and in which Moscow has expressed a strong national security interest; the 14 countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

new independent states (NIS): a term referring to all those countries of the FSU except the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)

newly industrializing countries (NICs): former term for the newly industrializing economies; see newly industrializing economies (NIEs)

newly industrializing economies (NIEs): that subgroup of the less developed countries (LDCs) that has experienced particularly rapid industrialization of their economies; formerly known as the newly industrializing countries (NICs); also known as advanced developing countries; usually includes the Four Dragons (Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan), and Brazil

Nonaligned Movement (NAM): established - 1-6 September 1961

aim - to establish political and military cooperation apart from the traditional East or West blocs

members - (114 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan,

Algeria, Angola, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,

Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma,

Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic,

Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon,

The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana,

Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, North

Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar,

Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius,

Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines,

Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan,

Uganda, UAE, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,

Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation Organization

observers - (13) Armenia, Belarus, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominica, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Paraguay, Ukraine, Uruguay

guests - (28) Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria,

Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Ireland,

Italy, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal,

Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

Nordic Council (NC): established - 16 March 1952; effective - 12

February 1953

aim - to promote regional economic, cultural, and environmental cooperation

members - (5) Denmark (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), Finland (including Aland Islands), Iceland, Norway, Sweden

observers - (3) the Sami (Lapp) local parliaments of Finland, Norway, and Sweden

Nordic Investment Bank (NIB): established - 4 December 1975; effective - 1 June 1976

aim - to promote economic cooperation and development

members - (5) Denmark (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), Finland (including Aland Islands), Iceland, Norway, Sweden

North: a popular term for the rich industrialized countries generally located in the northern portion of the Northern Hemisphere; the counterpart of the South; see developed countries (DCs)

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): established - 4 April 1949

aim - to promote mutual defense and cooperation

members - (19) Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, UK, US

Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA): note - also known as OECD Nuclear Energy

Agency

established - 1 February 1958

aim - to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy; associated with OECD

members - (28) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,

Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway,

Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG): note - also known as the London

Suppliers Group or the London Group

established - NA 1974; effective - NA 1975

aim - to establish guidelines for exports of nuclear materials, processing equipment for uranium enrichment, and technical information to countries of proliferation concern and regions of conflict and instability

members - (40) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil,

Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France,

Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South

Korea, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal,

Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US

observer - (1) European Commission (a policy-planning body for the EU)

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): established - 14 December 1960; effective - 30 September 1961

aim - to promote economic cooperation and development

members - (30) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,

Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, NZ, Norway,

Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

special member - (1) EU

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE): note - formerly the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) established 3 July 1975

established - 1 January 1995

aim - to foster the implementation of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law; to act as an instrument of early warning, conflict prevention, and crisis management; and to serve as a framework for conventional arms control and confidence building measures

members - (55) Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus,

Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany,

Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands,

Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia and

Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan,

Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK, US, Uzbekistan

partners for cooperation - (9) Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, Thailand, Tunisia

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW): established - 29 April 1997

aim - to enforce the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction; to provide a forum for consultation and cooperation among the signatories of the Convention

members - (148) Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,

Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin,

Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria,

Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cook

Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,

Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia,

Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Holy See, Hungary,

Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,

Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia,

Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova,

Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,

Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,

Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,

Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and

Montenegro, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa,

Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland,

Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,

Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

signatory states - (25) Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sierra Leone; note - states have signed but not ratified the convention

Organization of African Unity (OAU): established 25 May 1963; to

promote unity and cooperation among African states; members were

Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic

Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti,

Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana,

Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar,

Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger,

Nigeria, Rwanda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Sao Tome and

Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa,

Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe;

ended 8 July 2001 with the establishment of the African Union

Organization of American States (OAS): established - 14 April 1890 as the International Union of American Republics; 30 April 1948 adopted present charter; effective - 13 December 1951

aim - to promote regional peace and security as well as economic and social development

members - (35) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba (excluded from formal participation since 1962), Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, US, Uruguay, Venezuela

observers - (56) Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan,

Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, EU, Finland,

France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, India,

Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Latvia,

Lebanon, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland,

Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro,

Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia,

Turkey, Ukraine, UK, Yemen

Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC): established - 9 January 1968

aim - to promote cooperation in the petroleum industry

members - (11) Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE

Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS): established - 18 June 1981; effective - 4 July 1981

aim - to promote political, economic, and defense cooperation

members - (7) Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

associate members - (2) Anguilla, British Virgin Islands

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC): established - 14

September 1960

aim - to coordinate petroleum policies

members - (11) Algeria, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Venezuela

Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC): established - 22-25

September 1969

aim - to promote Islamic solidarity in economic, social, cultural, and political affairs

members - (56 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan,

Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei,

Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt,

Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran,

Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman,

Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan,

Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,

Uganda, UAE, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

observers - (10) Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, ECA, LAS, Moro National Liberation Front, NAM, OAU, Thailand, Turkish Muslim Community of Kibris, UN

Pacific Community: note - formerly known as the South Pacific

Commission (SPC)

established - 6 February 1947; effective - 29 July 1948

aim - to promote regional cooperation in economic and social matters

members - (27) American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, France,

French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of

Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, NZ, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands,

Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands,

Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, UK, US, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna

Pacific Island Forum : note - formerly known as South Pacific Forum

(SPF)

established - 5 August 1971

aim - to promote regional cooperation in political matters

members - (16) Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, NZ, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

observer - (1) New Caledonia

Paris Club: established - 1956

aim - to provide a forum for debtor countries to negotiate rescheduling of debt service payments or loans extended by governments or official agencies of participating countries; to help restore normal trade and project finance to debtor countries

members - (19) Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

Partnership for Peace (PFP): established - 10-11 January 1994

aim - to expand and intensify political and military cooperation throughout Europe, increase stability, diminish threats to peace, and build relationships by promoting the spirit of practical cooperation and commitment to democratic principles that underpin NATO; program under the auspices of NATO

members - (30) Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus,

Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Hungary,

Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, The Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia,

Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine,

Uzbekistan

Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA): established - 29 July 1899

aim - to facilitate the settlement of international disputes

members - (97) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium,

Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,

Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic,

Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany,

Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, South Korea,

Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius,

Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan,

Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi

Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia,

South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden,

Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay,

Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Rio Group (RG): note - formerly known as Grupo de los Ocho, established NA December 1986; composed of the Contadora Group and the Lima Group

established - NA 1988

aim - to consult on regional Latin American issues

members - (19) Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Second World: another term for the traditionally Marxist-Leninist states of the USSR and Eastern Europe, with authoritarian governments and command economies based on the Soviet model; the term is fading from use; see centrally planned economies

Shanghai Cooperative Organization (SCO): established - 15 June 2001

aim - to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism; to safeguard regional security through mutual trust, disarmament, and cooperative security; and to increase cooperation in political, trade, economic, scientific and technological, cultural, and educational fields

members - (6) China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

socialist countries: in general, countries in which the government owns and plans the use of the major factors of production; note - the term is sometimes used incorrectly as a synonym for Communist countries

South: a popular term for the poorer, less industrialized countries generally located south of the developed countries; the counterpart of the North; see less developed countries (LDCs)

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC): established - 8 December 1985

aim - to promote economic, social, and cultural cooperation

members - (7) Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

South Pacific Forum (SPF): note - see Pacific Island Forum

South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement

(Sparteca): established - NA 1981

aim - to redress unequal trade relationships of Australia and New Zealand with small island economies in the Pacific region

members - (16) Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, NZ, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Southern African Customs Union (SACU): established - 11 December 1969

aim - to promote free trade and cooperation in customs matters

members - (5) Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland

Southern African Development Community (SADC): note - evolved from the

Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC)

established - 17 August 1992

aim - to promote regional economic development and integration

members - (14) Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur) or Southern Common Market: note - also known as Mercado Comun del Cono Sur (Mercosur)

established - 26 March 1991

aim - to increase regional economic cooperation

members - (4) Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

associate member - (2) Bolivia, Chile

Third World: another term for the less developed countries; the term is obsolescent; see less developed countries (LDCs)

underdeveloped countries: refers to those less developed countries with the potential for above-average economic growth; see less developed countries (LDCs)

undeveloped countries: refers to those extremely poor less developed countries (LDCs) with little prospect for economic growth; see least developed countries (LLDCs)

United Nations (UN): established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24

October 1945

aim - to maintain international peace and security and to promote cooperation involving economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems

constituent organizations - the UN is composed of six principal organs and numerous subordinate agencies and bodies as follows:

1) Secretariat

2) General Assembly: Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS,

International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of

Women (INSTRAW), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for

Human Rights, United Nations Center for Human Settlements (Habitat),

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Conference on

Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Development Program

(UNDP), United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP), United Nations

Environment Program (UNEP), United Nations High Commissioner for Human

Rights (UNHCHR), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR),

United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), United

Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), United Nations

Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), United

Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Office of Project

Services (UNOPS), United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine

Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), United Nations Research Institute

for Social Development (UNRISD), United Nations System Staff College

(UNSSC), and United Nations University (UNU), World Food Program (WFP)

3) Security Council: International Criminal Tribunal for the Former

Yugoslavia (ICTY), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR),

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (ANAMA), United

Nations Compensation Commission, United Nations Disengagement Observer

Force (UNDOF), United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo

(UNMIK), United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), United

Nations Iraq/Kuwait Boundary Demarcation Commission, United Nations

Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM), United Nations Military

Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), United Nations Mission

for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), United Nations Mission

in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone

(UNAMSIL), United Nations Monitoring and Verification Commission

(UNMOVIC), United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), United

Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

(MONUC), United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), United

Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), and United

Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)

4) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): Commission for Social

Development, Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice,

Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Narcotics Drugs, Commission

on Population and Development, Commission on Science and Technology for

Development, Commission on Sustainable Development, Commission on the

Status of Women, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the

Pacific (ESCAP), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

(ESCWA), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic Commission for

Europe (ECE), Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

(ECLAC), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO),

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Bank for

Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Center for

Secretariat of Investment Disputes (ICSID), International Civil

Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Development Association

(IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Fund for

Agricultural Development (IFAD), International Labor Organization

(ILO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International

Monetary Fund (IMF), International Telecommunication Union (ITU),

Multilateral Investment Geographic Agency (MIGA), Statistical

Commission, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Forum on Forests, United Nations

Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Universal Postal Union

(UPU), World Health Organization (WHO), World Intellectual Property

Organization (WIPO), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), World

Tourism Organization (WToO), and World Trade Organization (WTrO)

5) Trusteeship Council (inactive; no trusteeships at this time)

6) International Court of Justice (ICJ)

UN members - (191) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola,

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,

Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,

Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,

Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba,

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican

Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,

Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia,

Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-

Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,

Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan,

Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,

Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar,

Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,

Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,

Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua

New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar,

Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe,

Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,

Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa,

Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland,

Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and

Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE,

UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,

Zambia, Zimbabwe; note - all UN members are represented in the General

Assembly

observers - (1 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Holy See, Palestine Liberation Organization

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): note - acronym retained from the predecessor organization, UN International Children's Emergency Fund

established - 11 December 1946

aim - to help establish child health and welfare services

members - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Civilian Police Mission in Haiti (MIPONUH): established

28 November 1997; to support the professionalization of the Haitian

National Police; established by UN Security Council; members were

Argentina, Benin, Canada, France, India, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo,

Tunisia, US; mission ended March 2000

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): established - 30 December 1964

aim - to promote international trade

members - (191) all UN members plus Holy See

United Nations Development Program (UNDP): established - 22 November 1965

aim - to provide technical assistance to stimulate economic and social development

members (executive board) - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF): established - 31

May 1974

aim - to observe the 1973 Arab-Israeli cease-fire; established by the UN Security Council

members - (6) Austria, Canada, Japan, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization

(UNESCO): established - 16 November 1945; effective - 4 November 1946

aim - to promote cooperation in education, science, and culture

members - (188) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua

and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,

Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia,

Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook

Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia,

Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,

Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,

Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland,

Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati,

North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,

Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated

States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique,

Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria,

Niue, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia,

Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,

Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,

Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,

Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

associate members - (6) Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Macau, Netherlands Antilles, Tokelau

United Nations Environment Program (UNEP): established - 15 December 1972

aim - to promote international cooperation on all environmental matters

members - (58) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations General Assembly: established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945

aim - to function as the primary deliberative organ of the UN

members - (191) all UN members are represented in the General Assembly

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): established - 3

December 1949; effective - 1 January 1951

aim - to ensure the humanitarian treatment of refugees and find permanent solutions to refugee problems

members (executive committee) - (61) Algeria, Argentina, Australia,

Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, Ecuador,

Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Holy See, Hungary,

India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands,

NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Russia,

Serbia and Montenegro, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden,

Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UK, US,

Venezuela

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO): established - 17 November 1966; effective - 1 January 1967

aim - UN specialized agency that promotes industrial development especially among the members

members - (169) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina,

Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh,

Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of

the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji,

Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras,

Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,

Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar,

Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,

Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands,

NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua

New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar,

Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia,

Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,

Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand,

Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,

Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela,

Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR): established - 11 December 1963 adoption of the resolution establishing the Institute; effective - 24 March 1965

aim - to help the UN become more effective through training and research

members (Board of Trustees) - (21) Austria, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Ghana, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US; note - the UN Secretary General can appoint up to 30 members

United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK): established - 10 June 1999

aim - to promote the establishment of substantial autonomy and self- government in Kosovo; to perform basic civilian administrative functions; to support the reconstruction of key infrastructure and humanitarian and disaster relief

members - (48) Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia,

Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Fiji, Finland,

France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland,

Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Malawi, Malaysia, Nepal,

NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia,

Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine UK, US,

Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL): established - 19

March 1978

aim - to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and assist in reestablishing Lebanese authority in southern Lebanon; established by the UN Security Council

members - (8) Fiji, France, Ghana, India, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Ukraine

United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM): established - 9 April 1991

aim - to observe and monitor the demilitarized zone established between Iraq and Kuwait; established by the UN Security Council

members - (32) Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, China, Denmark, Fiji,

Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia,

Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Romania,

Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, UK, US, Uruguay,

Venezuela

United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP): established - 24 January 1949

aim - to observe the 1949 India-Pakistan cease-fire; established by the UN Security Council

members - (9) Belgium, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Uruguay

United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO): established - 29 April 1991

aim - to supervise the cease-fire and conduct a referendum in Western Sahara; established by the UN Security Council

members - (24) Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, El

Salvador, France, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland,

Italy, Kenya, South Korea, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland,

Portugal, Russia, US, Uruguay

United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH): established - 21 December 1995

aim - to establish an International Police Task Force (IPTF) to implement the Dayton Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina

members - (47) Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile,

China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France,

Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland,

Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Netherlands,

Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Spain,

Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US,

Vanuatu

United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE): established - 31 July 2000

aim - to monitor the cessation of hostilities

members - (44) Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Benin, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Finland, France, The Gambia, Ghana, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy,

Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway,

Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, South

Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Ukraine, US,

Uruguay, Zambia

United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL): established - 22

October 1999

aim - to cooperate with the Government of Sierra Leone and the other parties to the Peace Agreement in the implementation of the agreement; to monitor the military and security situation in Sierra Leone; to monitor the disarmament and demobilization of combatants and members of the Civil Defense Forces (CFD); to assist in monitoring respect for international humanitarian law

members - (31) Bangladesh, Bolivia, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Egypt, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea,

Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mali, Nepal, NZ,

Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand,

Ukraine, UK, Uruguay, Zambia

United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP): established - 1 February 1996

aim - to monitor the demilitarization of the Prevlaka peninsula in southern Croatia

members - (22) Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya,

Nepal, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Switzerland,

Ukraine

United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT): established 16 December 1994; to monitor and investigate violations of the cease- fire of 17 September 1994 between Tajikistan and the Tajik opposition and to assist in the political negotiation process; established by the UN Security Council; members were Austria, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ghana, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Nigeria, Poland, Ukraine, Uruguay; mission ended May 2000

United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET): established - 17 May 2002

aim - to provide assistance to structures critical to political stability; to provide law enforcement and public security and to assist in the development of law enforcement agencies; to contribute to external security

members - (29) Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Denmark, Egypt,

Fiji, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Malaysia, Mozambique,

Nepal, NZ, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Serbia and

Montenegro, Singapore, Slovakia, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, US, Uruguay

United Nations Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC): note - formerly known as United Nations Special Commission for the Elimination of Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction (UNSCOM)

established - NA December 1999

aim - to identify, account for, and eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and the capacity to produce them

commissioners - (15) Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Senegal, Ukraine, UK, US

United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG): established - 24

August 1993

aim - to verify compliance with the cease-fire agreement, to monitor weapons exclusion zone, and to supervise CIS peacekeeping force for Abkhazia; established by the UN Security Council

members - (22) Albania, Austria, Bangladesh, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, South

Korea, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US,

Uruguay

United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the

Congo (MONUC): established - 30 November 1999

aim - to establish contacts with the signatories to the cease-fire agreement and to plan for the observation of the cease-fire and disengagement of forces

members - (51) Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia,

Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Egypt, France, Ghana, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Ireland,

Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Poland,

Portugal, Romania, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,

Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, Uruguay, Zambia

United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP): established - 4 March 1964

aim - to serve as a peacekeeping force between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus; established by the UN Security Council

members - (9) Argentina, Austria, Canada, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, South Korea, Slovakia, UK

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): note - acronym retained from predecessor organization UN Fund for Population Activities

established - NA July 1967

aim - to assist both developed and developing countries to deal with their population problems

members (executive board ) - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP): established 31 March 1995; to monitor border activity in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; members were Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Nepal, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, US; mandate ended 25 March 1999

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the

Near East (UNRWA): established - 8 December 1949

aim - to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees

members (advisory commission) - (10) Belgium, Egypt, France, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, UK, US

United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD): established - NA 1963

aim - to conduct research into the problems of economic development during different phases of economic growth

members - no country members, but a Board of Directors consisting of a chairman appointed by the UN secretary general and 11 individual members

United Nations Secretariat: established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24

October 1945

aim - to serve as the primary administrative organ of the UN; a Secretary General is appointed for a five-year term by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council

members - the UN Secretary General and staff

United Nations Security Council (UNSC): established - 26 June 1945; effective - 24 October 1945

aim - to maintain international peace and security

permanent members - (5) China, France, Russia, UK, US

nonpermanent members - (10) elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly; Angola (2003-04), Bulgaria (2002-03), Cameroon (2002- 03), Chile (2003-04), Germany (2003-04), Guinea (2002-03), Mexico (2002-03), Pakistan (2003-04), Spain (2003-04), Syria (2002-03)

United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET): established 25 October 1999 to provide security throughout the territory of East Timor; to establish an effective administration; to ensure the coordination and delivery of humanitarian assistance; to support capacity-building for self-government; 28 members including Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Fiji, Ireland, Jordan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mozambique, Nepal, NZ, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, UK, US, Uruguay

United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO): established -

NA June 1948

aim - to supervise the 1948 Arab-Israeli cease-fire; currently supports timely deployment of reinforcements to other peacekeeping operations in the region as needed; initially established by the UN Security Council

members - (23) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile,

China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Nepal,

Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden,

Switzerland, US

United Nations Trusteeship Council: established on 26 June 1945, effective on 24 October 1945, to supervise the administration of the 11 UN trust territories; members were China, France, Russia, UK, US; it formally suspended operations 1 November 1995 after the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau) became the Republic of Palau, a constitutional government in free association with the US; the Trusteeship Council was not dissolved

United Nations University (UNU): established - 3 December 1973

aim - to conduct research in development, welfare, and human survival and to train scholars

members - (24 members of UNU Council and the Rector are appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Director General of UNESCO)

Universal Postal Union (UPU): established - 9 October 1874, affiliated with the UN 15 November 1947; effective - 1 July 1948

aim - to promote international postal cooperation; a UN specialized agency

members - (187) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,

Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the

Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia,

Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,

Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy

See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland,

Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati,

North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco,

Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,

Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and

the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri

Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US,

Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,

Zimbabwe

Warsaw Pact (WP): established 14 May 1955 to promote mutual defense; members met 1 July 1991 to dissolve the alliance; member states at the time of dissolution were Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the USSR; earlier members included GDR and Albania

West African Development Bank (WADB): note - also known as Banque

Ouest-Africaine de Developpement (BOAD); is a financial institution of

WAEMU

established - 14 November 1973

aim - to promote regional economic development and integration

regional members - (9) Central Bank of West African States, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo

international/nonregional members - (5) African Development Bank, Belgium, European Investment Bank, France, Germany

West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU): note - also known as

Union Economique et Monetaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA)

established - 1 August 1994

aim - to increase competitiveness of members' economic markets; to create a common market

members - (8) Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo

Western European Union (WEU): established - 23 October 1954; effective - 6 May 1955

aim - to provide mutual defense and to move toward political unification

members - (10) Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK

associate members - (6) Czech Republic, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Turkey

associate partners - (7) Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia

observers - (5) Austria, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Sweden

World Bank Group: includes International Bank for Reconstruction and

Development (IBRD), International Development Association (IDA), and

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

World Confederation of Labor (WCL): established - 19 June 1920 as the

International Federation of Christian Trade Unions (IFCTU), renamed 4

October 1968

aim - to promote the trade union movement

members - (102 national organizations) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Aruba, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil,

Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic,

Chad, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of

the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, French

Guiana, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran,

Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Liberia, Liechtenstein,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,

Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Malta, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius,

Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua,

Niger, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal,

Puerto Rico, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro,

Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,

Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago,

Ukraine, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

World Customs Organization (WCO): note - began as the Customs

Cooperation Council (CCC)

established - 15 December 1950

aim - to promote international cooperation in customs matters

members - (161) Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia,

Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh,

Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana,

Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,

Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the

Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji,

Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, The Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives,

Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,

Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa,

Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,

Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU): established - 3 October 1945

aim - to promote the trade union movement

members - (125 and the Palestine Liberation Organization) Afghanistan,

Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,

Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Benin,

Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Canada, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of

the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea,

Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, The Gambia, Ghana,

Greece, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,

Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan,

Jordan, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali,

Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, New Caledonia, NZ,

Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Romania, Russia,

Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Solomon

Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Syria,

Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,

Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu,

Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation Organization

World Food Program (WFP): established - 24 November 1961

aim - to provide food aid in support of economic development or disaster relief; an ECOSOC organization

members - (36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

World Health Organization (WHO): established - 22 July 1946; effective - 7 April 1948

aim - to deal with health matters worldwide; a UN specialized agency

members - (192) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua

and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,

Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the

Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East

Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,

Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia,

Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,

Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,

Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan,

Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,

Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,

Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri

Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US,

Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,

Zimbabwe

associate members - (2) Puerto Rico, Tokelau

observers - (2) Holy See, Liechtenstein

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): established - 14 July 1967; effective - 26 April 1970

aim - to furnish protection for literary, artistic, and scientific works; a UN specialized agency

members - (179) Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan,

Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria,

Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde,

Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic

Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The

Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,

India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,

Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,

Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,

Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania,

Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique,

Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway,

Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San

Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and

Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia,

Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland,

Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga,

Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine,

UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,

Zimbabwe

World Meteorological Organization (WMO): established - 11 October 1947; effective - 4 April 1951

aim - to sponsor meteorological cooperation; a UN specialized agency

members - (185) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British

Caribbean Territories, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,

Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,

Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia,

Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gabon, The Gambia,

Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,

Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,

Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan,

Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia,

Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, The

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States

of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia,

Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, NZ, Nicaragua,

Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri

Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

World Tourism Organization (WToO): established - 2 January 1975

aim - to promote tourism as a means of contributing to economic development, international understanding, and peace

members - (140) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola,

Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin,

Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina

Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central

African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of

the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia,

Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, France,

Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea,

South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, The Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives,

Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia,

Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,

Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Sao Tome and

Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,

Sudan, Swaziland, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,

Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,

Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

associate members - (7) Aruba, Flanders, Hong Kong, Macau, Madeira Islands, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico

observers - (2) Holy See, Palestine Liberation Organization

World Trade Organization (WTrO): note - succeeded General Agreement on

Tariff and Trade (GATT)

established - 15 April 1994; effective - 1 January 1995

aim - to provide a forum to resolve trade conflicts between members and to carry on negotiations with the goal of further lowering and/or eliminating tariffs and other trade barriers

members - (145) Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium,

Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina

Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad,

Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of

the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The

Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland,

India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives,

Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria,

Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra

Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa,

Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,

UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe

observers - (31) Algeria, Andorra, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Holy See, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Nepal, Russia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tonga, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen; note - must start accession negotiations within five years of becoming observers

Zangger Committee (ZC): established - early 1970s

aim - to establish guidelines for the export control provisions of the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT)

members - (35) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,

Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,

Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg,

Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia,

Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK, US

This page was last updated on 1 August, 2003

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Appendix C - Selected International Environmental Agreements

Air Pollution

see Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides

see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or Their Transboundary Fluxes

Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Air Pollution-Sulphur 85

see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or Their Transboundary Fluxes by at least 30%

Air Pollution-Sulphur 94

see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions

Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

see Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds or Their Transboundary Fluxes

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol

see Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

Antarctic Treaty

opened for signature - 1 December 1959

entered into force - 23 June 1961

objective - to ensure that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes only (such as international cooperation in scientific research); to defer the question of territorial claims asserted by some nations and not recognized by others; to provide an international forum for management of the region; applies to land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees South latitude

parties - (45) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil,

Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala,

Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Netherlands,

NZ, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia,

South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US,

Uruguay, Venezuela

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous

Wastes and Their Disposal

note - abbreviated as Hazardous Wastes

opened for signature - 22 March 1989

entered into force - 5 May 1992

objective - to reduce transboundary movements of wastes subject to the Convention to a minimum consistent with the environmentally sound and efficient management of such wastes; to minimize the amount and toxicity of wastes generated and ensure their environmentally sound management as closely as possible to the source of generation; and to assist LDCs in environmentally sound management of the hazardous and other wastes they generate

parties - (149) Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin,

Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina

Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU,

Finland, France, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala,

Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,

Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea,

Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,

Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania,

Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,

Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,

Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles,

Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden,

Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,

Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,

Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (3) Afghanistan, Haiti, US

Biodiversity

see Convention on Biological Diversity

Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals

note - abbreviated as Antarctic Seals

opened for signature - 1 June 1972

entered into force - 11 March 1978

objective - to promote and achieve the protection, scientific study, and rational use of Antarctic seals, and to maintain a satisfactory balance within the ecological system of Antarctica

parties - (16) Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Russia, South Africa, UK, US

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (1) NZ

Convention on Biological Diversity

note - abbreviated as Biodiversity

opened for signature - 5 June 1992

entered into force - 29 December 1993

objective - to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity

parties - (182) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan,

Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,

Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,

Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,

Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The

Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan,

Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,

Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova,

Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,

Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,

Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San

Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South

Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden,

Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and

Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK,

Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,

Zimbabwe

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (6) Afghanistan, Kuwait, Serbia and Montenegro, Thailand, Tuvalu, US

Climate Change

see United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

see Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High

Seas

note - abbreviated as Marine Life Conservation

opened for signature - 29 April 1958

entered into force - 20 March 1966

objective - to solve through international cooperation the problems involved in the conservation of living resources of the high seas, considering that because of the development of modern technology some of these resources are in danger of being overexploited

parties - (37) Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina

Faso, Cambodia, Colombia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Finland,

France, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Senegal, Serbia and

Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain,

Switzerland, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, UK, US,

Venezuela

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (21) Afghanistan,

Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ghana, Iceland,

Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Liberia, Nepal, NZ,

Pakistan, Panama, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uruguay

Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution

opened for signature - 13 November 1979

entered into force - 16 March 1983

objective - to protect the human environment against air pollution and to gradually reduce and prevent air pollution, including long-range transboundary air pollution

parties - (48) Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece,

Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,

Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,

Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia,

Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK, US

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (2) Holy See, San Marino

Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

note - abbreviated as Antarctic-Marine Living Resources

opened for signature - 5 May 1980

entered into force - 7 April 1982

objective - to safeguard the environment and protect the integrity of the ecosystem of the seas surrounding Antarctica, and to conserve Antarctic marine living resources

parties - (31) Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada,

Chile, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, South

Korea, Namibia, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russia, South

Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Vanuatu

Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild

Flora and Fauna (CITES)

note - abbreviated as Endangered Species

opened for signature - 3 March 1973

entered into force - 1 July 1975

objective - to protect certain endangered species from overexploitation by means of a system of import/export permits

parties - (156) Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados,

Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei,

Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France,

Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala,

Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan,

Kenya, South Korea, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar,

Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova,

Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa,

Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,

Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam,

Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (3) Ireland, Kuwait, Lesotho

Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and

Other Matter (London Convention)

note - abbreviated as Marine Dumping

opened for signature - 29 December 1972

entered into force - 30 August 1975

objective - to control pollution of the sea by dumping and to encourage regional agreements supplementary to the Convention

parties - (78) Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia,

Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde,

Chile, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt,

Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras,

Hong Kong (associate member), Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy,

Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Libya,

Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands, NZ,

Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saint Lucia, Serbia and Montenegro,

Seychelles, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname,

Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Tunisia, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Vanuatu

Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of

Environmental Modification Techniques

note - abbreviated as Environmental Modification

opened for signature - 10 December 1976

entered into force - 5 October 1978

objective - to prohibit the military or other hostile use of environmental modification techniques in order to further world peace and trust among nations

parties - (66) Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Brazil,

Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Guatemala, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, North Korea, South

Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Malawi, Mauritius, Mongolia, Netherlands, NZ,

Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Romania, Russia,

Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe,

Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland,

Tajikistan, Tunisia, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam,

Yemen

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (17) Bolivia,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Holy See, Iceland, Iran,

Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Morocco, Nicaragua, Portugal,

Sierra Leone, Syria, Turkey, Uganda

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as

Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar)

note - abbreviated as Wetlands

opened for signature - 2 February 1971

entered into force - 21 December 1975

objective - to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value

parties - (125) Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,

Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus,

Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana,

Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the

Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon,

The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-

Bissau, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland,

Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Latvia,

Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia,

Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Panama,

Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal,

Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone,

Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden,

Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,

Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia

Desertification

see United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa

Endangered Species

see Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)

Environmental Modification

see Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques

Hazardous Wastes

see Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal

International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling

note - abbreviated as Whaling

opened for signature - 2 December 1946

entered into force - 10 November 1948

objective - to protect all species of whales from overhunting; to establish a system of international regulation for the whale fisheries to ensure proper conservation and development of whale stocks; and to safeguard for future generations the great natural resources represented by whale stocks

parties - (42) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria,

Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominica, Finland, France,

Germany, Grenada, Guinea, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, South

Korea, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Oman, Panama,

Peru, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Senegal, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, UK, US

International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983

note - abbreviated as Tropical Timber 83

opened for signature - 18 November 1983

entered into force - 1 April 1985; this agreement expired when the International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994, went into force

objective - to provide an effective framework for cooperation between tropical timber producers and consumers and to encourage the development of national policies aimed at sustainable utilization and conservation of tropical forests and their genetic resources

parties - (54) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma,

Cameroon, Canada, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, EU,

Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Honduras,

India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Liberia,

Luxembourg, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, US, Venezuela

International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994

note - abbreviated as Tropical Timber 94

opened for signature - 26 January 1994

entered into force - 1 January 1997

objective - to ensure that by the year 2000 exports of tropical timber originate from sustainably managed sources; to establish a fund to assist tropical timber producers in obtaining the resources necessary to reach this objective

parties - (58) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, China, Colombia,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire,

Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany,

Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy,

Japan, South Korea, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands,

NZ, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Portugal,

Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and

Tobago, UK, US, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela

Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change

note - abbreviated as Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

opened for signature - 16 March 1998, but not yet in force

objective - to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing the national programs of developed countries aimed at this goal and by establishing percentage reduction targets for the developed countries

parties - (49) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,

Bangladesh, Barbados, Bolivia, Burundi, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji,

The Gambia, Georgia, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Jamaica, Jordan,

Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico,

Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Niue,

Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, Senegal, Trinidad

and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (57) Australia,

Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica,

Croatia, Cuba, Egypt, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,

Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea,

Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mali, Marshall

Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, NZ, Niger, Norway, Papua New Guinea,

Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain,

Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, UK, US, Vietnam, Zambia

Law of the Sea

see United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS)

Marine Dumping

see Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention)

Marine Life Conservation

see Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High Seas

Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

note - abbreviated as Ozone Layer Protection

opened for signature - 16 September 1987

entered into force - 1 January 1989

objective - to protect the ozone layer by controlling emissions of substances that deplete it

parties - (183) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin,

Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria,

Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde,

Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros,

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia,

Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana,

Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland,

Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati,

North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,

Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia

and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,

Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,

Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,

Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Nuclear Test Ban

see Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water

Ozone Layer Protection

see Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the

Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 (MARPOL)

note - abbreviated as Ship Pollution

opened for signature - 17 February 1978

entered into force - 2 October 1983

objective - to preserve the marine environment through the complete elimination of pollution by oil and other harmful substances and the minimization of accidental discharge of such substances

parties - (119) Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burma, Cambodia, Canada,

Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic,

Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, The

Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras,

Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Latvia, Lebanon,

Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall

Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands,

NZ, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis,

Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe,

Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden,

Switzerland, Syria, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,

Tuvalu, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam

Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty

note - abbreviated as Antarctic-Environmental Protocol

opened for signature - 4 October 1991

entered into force - 14 January 1998

objective - to provide for comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems; applies to the area covered by the Antarctic Treaty

consultative parties - (27) Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil,

Bulgaria, Chile, China, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, India,

Italy, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Peru, Poland,

Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, UK, US, Uruguay

non consultative parties - (16) Austria, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air

Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or

Their Transboundary Fluxes

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides

opened for signature - 31 October 1988

entered into force - 14 February 1991

objective - to provide for the control or reduction of nitrogen oxides and their transboundary fluxes

parties - (28) Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,

Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands,

Norway, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK, US

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (1) Poland

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air

Pollution Concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic

Compounds or Their Transboundary Fluxes

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

opened for signature - 18 November 1991

entered into force - 29 September 1997

objective - to provide for the control and reduction of emissions of volatile organic compounds in order to reduce their transboundary fluxes so as to protect human health and the environment from adverse effects

parties - (21) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein,

Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, UK

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (6) Canada, EU, Greece, Portugal, Ukraine, US

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air

Pollution on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Sulphur 94

opened for signature - 14 June 1994

entered into force - 5 August 1998

objective - to provide for a further reduction in sulfur emissions or transboundary fluxes

parties - (23) Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic,

Denmark, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,

Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia,

Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (5) Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Ukraine

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air

Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

opened for signature - 24 June 1998, but not yet in force

objective - to provide for the control and reduction of emissions of persistent organic pollutants in order to reduce their transboundary fluxes so as to protect human health and the environment from adverse effects

parties - (8) Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (28) Armenia,

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, EU, Finland, France,

Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,

Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia,

Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine, UK, US

Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air

Pollution on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or Their Transboundary

Fluxes by at Least 30%

note - abbreviated as Air Pollution-Sulphur 85

opened for signature - 8 July 1985

entered into force - 2 September 1987

objective - to provide for a 30% reduction in sulfur emissions or transboundary fluxes by 1993

parties - (22) Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy,

Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Slovakia,

Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine

Ship Pollution

see Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 (MARPOL)

Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water

note - abbreviated as Nuclear Test Ban

opened for signature - 5 August 1963

entered into force - 10 October 1963

objective - to obtain an agreement on general and complete disarmament under strict international control in accordance with the objectives of the United Nations; to put an end to the armaments race and eliminate incentives for the production and testing of all kinds of weapons, including nuclear weapons

parties - (113) Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia,

Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan,

Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma,

Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Democratic

Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El

Salvador, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea,

Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi,

Malaysia, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal,

Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, San

Marino, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,

Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tonga,

Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UK, US, Venezuela, Zambia

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (17) Algeria,

Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chile, Ethiopia, Haiti, Libya, Mali,

Pakistan, Paraguay, Portugal, Somalia, Tanzania, Uruguay, Vietnam,

Yemen

Tropical Timber 83

see International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983

Tropical Timber 94

see International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS)

note - abbreviated as Law of the Sea

opened for signature - 10 December 1982

entered into force - 16 November 1994

objective - to set up a comprehensive new legal regime for the sea and oceans; to include rules concerning environmental standards as well as enforcement provisions dealing with pollution of the marine environment

parties - (137) Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,

Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana,

Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burma, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chile, China,

Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti,

Dominica, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon,

The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala,

Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South

Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic

of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall

Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia,

Monaco, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint

Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa,

Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon

Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,

Sweden, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda,

Ukraine, UK, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (33) Afghanistan,

Belarus, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Central

African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Republic of the Congo, Denmark,

Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Hungary, Iran, North Korea,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Morocco, Niger, Niue,

Qatar, Rwanda, Swaziland, Switzerland, Thailand, Tuvalu, UAE

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries

Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in

Africa

note - abbreviated as Desertification

opened for signature - 14 October 1994

entered into force - 26 December 1996

objective - to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through national action programs that incorporate long-term strategies supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements

parties - (178) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma,

Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African

Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of

the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The

Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,

Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,

Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova,

Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal,

Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway, Oman,

Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint

Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome

and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,

Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain,

Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Thailand, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

note - abbreviated as Climate Change

opened for signature - 9 May 1992

entered into force - 21 March 1994

objective - to achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a low enough level to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system

parties - (186) Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan,

Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina

Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central

African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic

Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, EU, Fiji, Finland,

France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada,

Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary,

Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea,

Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya,

Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,

Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of

Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia,

Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norway,

Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint

Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa,

San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and

Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia,

Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,

Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand,

Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu,

Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela,

Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

countries that have signed, but not yet ratified - (2) Afghanistan, Liberia

Wetlands

see Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially As Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar)

Whaling

see International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling

This page was last updated on 1 August, 2003

=====================================================================

Appendix D - Cross-Reference List of Country Data Codes

FIPS 10-4: Countries, Dependencies, Areas of Special Sovereignty, and Their Principal Administrative Divisions (FIPS PUB 10-4) is maintained by the Office of the Geographer and Global Issues (Department of State) and published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Department of Commerce). FIPS 10-4 codes are intended for general use throughout the US Government, especially in activities associated with the mission of the Department of State and national defense programs.

ISO 3166:Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries (ISO 3166) is prepared by the International Organization for Standardization. ISO 3166 includes two- and three-character alphabetic codes and three-digit numeric codes that may be needed for activities involving exchange of data with international organizations that have adopted that standard. Except for the numeric codes, ISO 3166 codes have been adopted in the US as FIPS 104-1: American National Standard Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries, Dependencies, and Areas of Special Sovereignty for Information Interchange.

Internet: The Internet country code is the two-letter digraph maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the ISO 3166 Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).

Appendix D - Cross-Reference List of Country Data Codes

Entity FIPS 10-4 —- ISO 3166 — Internet Comment

Afghanistan AF AF AFG 004 .af

Albania AL AL ALB 008 .al

Algeria AG DZ DZA 012 .dz

American Samoa AQ AS ASM 016 .as

Andorra AN AD AND 020 .ad

Angola AO AO AGO 024 .ao

Anguilla AV AI AIA 660 .ai

Antarctica AY AQ ATA 010 .aq

ISO defines as the territory south of 60 degrees south latitude

Antigua and Barbuda AC AG ATG 028 .ag

Argentina AR AR ARG 032 .ar

Armenia AM AM ARM 051 .am

Aruba AA AW ABW 533 .aw

Ashmore and

Cartier Islands AT - - - -

ISO includes with Australia

Australia AS AU AUS 036 .au

ISO includes Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Coral Sea Islands

Austria AU AT AUT 040 .at

Azerbaijan AJ AZ AZE 031 .az

Bahamas, The BF BS BHS 044 .bs

Bahrain BA BH BHR 048 .bh

Baker Island FQ - - - -

ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Bangladesh BG BD BGD 050 .bd

Barbados BB BB BRB 052 .bb

Bassas da India BS - - - -

ISO includes with the Miscellaneous (French) Indian Ocean Islands

Belarus BO BY BLR 112 .by

Belgium BE BE BEL 056 .be

Belize BH BZ BLZ 084 .bz

Benin BN BJ BEN 204 .bj

Bermuda BD BM BMU 060 .bm

Bhutan BT BT BTN 064 .bt

Bolivia BL BO BOL 068 .bo

Bosnia and

Herzegovina BK BA BIH 070 .ba

Botswana BC BW BWA 072 .bw

Bouvet Island BV BV BVT 074 .bv

Brazil BR BR BRA 076 .br

British Indian

Ocean Territory IO IO IOT 086 .io

British Virgin

Islands VI VG VGB 092 .vg

Brunei BX BN BRN 096 .bn

Bulgaria BU BG BGR 100 .bg

Burkina Faso UV BF BFA 854 .bf

Burma BM MM MMR 104 .mm

ISO uses the name Myanmar

Burundi BY BI BDI 108 .bi

Cambodia CB KH KHM 116 .kh

Cameroon CM CM CMR 120 .cm

Canada CA CA CAN 124 .ca

Cape Verde CV CV CPV 132 .cv

Cayman Islands CJ KY CYM 136 .ky

Central African

Republic CT CF CAF 140 .cf

Chad CD TD TCD 148 .td

Chile CI CL CHL 152 .cl

China CH CN CHN 156 .cn

see also Taiwan

Christmas Island KT CX CXR 162 .cx

Clipperton Island IP - - - -

ISO includes with French Polynesia

Cocos (Keeling)

Islands CK CC CCK 166 .cc

Colombia CO CO COL 170 .co

Comoros CN KM COM 174 .km

Congo, Democratic

Republic of the CG ZR ZAR 180 .cd

formerly Zaire

Congo,

Republic of the CF CG COG 178 .cg

Cook Islands CW CK COK 184 .ck

Coral Sea Islands CR - - - -

ISO includes with Australia

Costa Rica CS CR CRI 188 .cr

Cote d'Ivoire IV CI CIV 384 .ci

Croatia HR HR HRV 191 .hr

Cuba CU CU CUB 192 .cu

Cyprus CY CY CYP 196 .cy

Czech Republic EZ CZ CZE 203 .cz

Denmark DA DK DNK 208 .dk

Djibouti DJ DJ DJI 262 .dj

Dominica DO DM DMA 212 .dm

Dominican Republic DR DO DOM 214 .do

East Timor TT TP TLS 626 .tp

Ecuador EC EC ECU 218 .ec

Egypt EG EG EGY 818 .eg

El Salvador ES SV SLV 222 .sv

Equatorial Guinea EK GQ GNQ 226 .gq

Eritrea ER ER ERI 232 .er

Estonia EN EE EST 233 .ee

Ethiopia ET ET ETH 231 .et

Europa Island EU - - - -

ISO includes with the Miscellaneous (French) Indian Ocean Islands

Falkland Islands

(Islas Malvinas) FA FK FLK 238 .fk

Faroe Islands FO FO FRO 234 .fo

Fiji FJ FJ FJI 242 .fj

Finland FI FI FIN 246 .fi

France FR FR FRA 250 .fr

France,

Metropolitan - FX FXX 249 .fx

ISO limits to the European part of France, excluding French

Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands,

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion, Saint

Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna

French Guiana FG GF GUF 254 .gf

French Polynesia FP PF PYF 258 .pf

ISO includes Clipperton Island

French Southern

and Antarctic

Lands FS TF ATF 260 .tf

FIPS 10-4 does not include the French-claimed portion of

Antarctica (Terre Adelie)

Gabon GB GA GAB 266 .ga

Gambia, The GA GM GMB 270 .gm

Gaza Strip GZ - - - -

Georgia GG GE GEO 268 .ge

Germany GM DE DEU 276 .de

Ghana GH GH GHA 288 .gh

Gibraltar GI GI GIB 292 .gi

Glorioso Islands GO - - - -

ISO includes with the Miscellaneous (French) Indian Ocean Islands

Greece GR GR GRC 300 .gr

Greenland GL GL GRL 304 .gl

Grenada GJ GD GRD 308 .gd

Guadeloupe GP GP GLP 312 .gp

Guam GQ GU GUM 316 .gu

Guatemala GT GT GTM 320 .gt

Guernsey GK - - - .gg

ISO includes with the UK

Guinea GV GN GIN 324 .gn

Guinea-Bissau PU GW GNB 624 .gw

Guyana GY GY GUY 328 .gy

Haiti HA HT HTI 332 .ht

Heard Island and

McDonald Islands HM HM HMD 334 .hm

Holy See

(Vatican City) VT VA VAT 336 .va

Honduras HO HN HND 340 .hn

Hong Kong HK HK HKG 344 .hk

Howland Island HQ - - - -

ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Hungary HU HU HUN 348 .hu

Iceland IC IS ISL 352 .is

India IN IN IND 356 .in

Indonesia ID ID IDN 360 .id

Iran IR IR IRN 364 .ir

Iraq IZ IQ IRQ 368 .iq

Ireland EI IE IRL 372 .ie

Israel IS IL ISR 376 .il

Italy IT IT ITA 380 .it

Jamaica JM JM JAM 388 .jm

Jan Mayen JN - - - -

ISO includes with Svalbard

Japan JA JP JPN 392 .jp

Jarvis Island DQ - - - -

ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Jersey JE - - - .je

ISO includes with the UK

Johnston Atoll JQ - - - -

ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Jordan JO JO JOR 400 .jo

Juan de Nova Island JU - - - -

ISO includes with the Miscellaneous (French) Indian Ocean Islands

Kazakhstan KZ KZ KAZ 398 .kz

Kenya KE KE KEN 404 .ke

Kingman Reef KQ - - - -

ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Kiribati KR KI KIR 296 .ki

Korea, North KN KP PRK 408 .kp

Korea, South KS KR KOR 410 .kr

Kuwait KU KW KWT 414 .kw

Kyrgyzstan KG KG KGZ 417 .kg

Laos LA LA LAO 418 .la

Latvia LG LV LVA 428 .lv

Lebanon LE LB LBN 422 .lb

Lesotho LT LS LSO 426 .ls

Liberia LI LR LBR 430 .lr

Libya LY LY LBY 434 .ly

Liechtenstein LS LI LIE 438 .li

Lithuania LH LT LTU 440 .lt

Luxembourg LU LU LUX 442 .lu

Macau MC MO MAC 446 .mo

Macedonia, The

Republic of MK MK MKD 807 .mk

Madagascar MA MG MDG 450 .mg

Malawi MI MW MWI 454 .mw

Malaysia MY MY MYS 458 .my

Maldives MV MV MDV 462 .mv

Mali ML ML MLI 466 .ml

Malta MT MT MLT 470 .mt

Man, Isle of IM - - - .im

ISO includes with the UK

Marshall Islands RM MH MHL 584 .mh

Martinique MB MQ MTQ 474 .mq

Mauritania MR MR MRT 478 .mr

Mauritius MP MU MUS 480 .mu

Mayotte MF YT MYT 175 .yt

Mexico MX MX MEX 484 .mx

Micronesia,

Federated

States of FM FM FSM 583 .fm

Midway Islands MQ - - - -

ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Miscellaneous

(French) Indian

Ocean Islands - - - - -

ISO includes Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands,

Juan de Nova Island, Tromelin Island

Moldova MD MD MDA 498 .md

Monaco MN MC MCO 492 .mc

Mongolia MG MN MNG 496 .mn

Montserrat MH MS MSR 500 .ms

Morocco MO MA MAR 504 .ma

Mozambique MZ MZ MOZ 508 .mz

Myanmar - - - - -

see Burma

Namibia WA NA NAM 516 .na

Nauru NR NR NRU 520 .nr

Navassa Island BQ - - - -

Nepal NP NP NPL 524 .np

Netherlands NL NL NLD 528 .nl

Netherlands

Antilles NT AN ANT 530 .an

New Caledonia NC NC NCL 540 .nc

New Zealand NZ NZ NZL 554 .nz

Nicaragua NU NI NIC 558 .ni

Niger NG NE NER 562 .ne

Nigeria NI NG NGA 566 .ng

Niue NE NU NIU 570 .nu

Norfolk Island NF NF NFK 574 .nf

Northern Mariana

Islands CQ MP MNP 580 .mp

Norway NO NO NOR 578 .no

Oman MU OM OMN 512 .om

Pakistan PK PK PAK 586 .pk

Palau PS PW PLW 585 .pw

Palmyra Atoll LQ - - - -

ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Panama PM PA PAN 591 .pa

Papua New Guinea PP PG PNG 598 .pg

Paracel Islands PF - - - -

Paraguay PA PY PRY 600 .py

Peru PE PE PER 604 .pe

Philippines RP PH PHL 608 .ph

Pitcairn Islands PC PN PCN 612 .pn

Poland PL PL POL 616 .pl

Portugal PO PT PRT 620 .pt

Puerto Rico RQ PR PRI 630 .pr

Qatar QA QA QAT 634 .qa

Reunion RE RE REU 638 .re

Romania RO RO ROM 642 .ro

Russia RS RU RUS 643 .ru

Rwanda RW RW RWA 646 .rw

Saint Helena SH SH SHN 654 .sh

Saint Kitts

and Nevis SC KN KNA 659 .kn

Saint Lucia ST LC LCA 662 .lc

Saint Pierre

and Miquelon SB PM SPM 666 .pm

Saint Vincent and

the Grenadines VC VC VCT 670 .vc

Samoa WS WS WSM 882 .ws

San Marino SM SM SMR 674 .sm

Sao Tome and

Principe TP ST STP 678 .st

Saudi Arabia SA SA SAU 682 .sa

Senegal SG SN SEN 686 .sn

Serbia and

Montenegro YI YU YUG 891 .yu

Seychelles SE SC SYC 690 .sc

Sierra Leone SL SL SLE 694 .sl

Singapore SN SG SGP 702 .sg

Slovakia LO SK SVK 703 .sk

Slovenia SI SI SVN 705 .si

Solomon Islands BP SB SLB 090 .sb

Somalia SO SO SOM 706 .so

South Africa SF ZA ZAF 710 .za

South Georgia and

the Islands SX GS SGS 239 .gs

Spain SP ES ESP 724 .es

Spratly Islands PG - - - -

Sri Lanka CE LK LKA 144 .lk

Sudan SU SD SDN 736 .sd

Suriname NS SR SUR 740 .sr

Svalbard SV SJ SJM 744 .sj

ISO includes Jan Mayen

Swaziland WZ SZ SWZ 748 .sz

Sweden SW SE SWE 752 .se

Switzerland SZ CH CHE 756 .ch

Syria SY SY SYR 760 .sy

Taiwan TW TW TWN 158 .tw

Tajikistan TI TJ TJK 762 .tj

Tanzania TZ TZ TZA 834 .tz

Thailand TH TH THA 764 .th

Togo TO TG TGO 768 .tg

Tokelau TL TK TKL 772 .tk

Tonga TN TO TON 776 .to

Trinidad and Tobago TD TT TTO 780 .tt

Tromelin Island TE - - - -

ISO includes with the Miscellaneous Islands

Tunisia TS TN TUN 788 .tn

Turkey TU TR TUR 792 .tr

Turkmenistan TX TM TKM 795 .tm

Turks and

Caicos Islands TK TC TCA 796 .tc

Tuvalu TV TV TUV 798 .tv

Uganda UG UG UGA 800 .ug

Ukraine UP UA UKR 804 .ua

United Arab

Emirates AE AE ARE 784 .ae

United Kingdom UK GB GBR 826 .uk

ISO includes Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey

United States US US USA 840 .us

United States

Minor Outlying

Islands - UM UMI 581 .um

ISO includes Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island,

Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Palmyra Atoll,

Wake Island

Uruguay UY UY URY 858 .uy

Uzbekistan UZ UZ UZB 860 .uz

Vanuatu NH VU VUT 548 .vu

Venezuela VE VE VEN 862 .ve

Vietnam VM VN VNM 704 .vn

Virgin Islands VQ VI VIR 850 .vi

Virgin Islands (UK) - - - - .vg

see British Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands (US) - - - - .vi

see Virgin Islands

Wake Island WQ - - - -

ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands

Wallis and Futuna WF WF WLF 876 .wf

West Bank WE - - - -

Western Sahara WI EH ESH 732 .eh

Western Samoa - - - - .ws

see Samoa

World - - - - - the Factbook uses the W data code from DIAM 65-18 Geopolitical Data Elements and Related Features, Data Standard No. 3, December 1994, published by the Defense Intelligence Agency

Yemen YM YE YEM 887 .ye Zaire - - - - - see Democratic Republic of the Congo

Zambia ZA ZM ZWB 894 .zm

Zimbabwe ZI ZW ZWE 716 .zw

This page was last updated on 1 August, 2003

=====================================================================

Appendix E - Cross-Reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes

IHO 23-4th: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, Draft 4th Edition 1986, published by the International Hydrographic Bureau of the International Hydrographic Organization

IHO 23-3rd: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, 3rd

Edition 1953, published by the International Hydrographic Organization

ACIC M 49-1: Chart of Limits of Seas and Oceans, revised January 1958,

published by the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC),

United States Air Force; note - ACIC is now part of the National

Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA)

DIAM 65-18: Geopolitical Data Elements and Related Features, Data Standard No. 4, Defense Intelligence Agency Manual 65-18, December 1994, published by the Defense Intelligence Agency

The US Government has not yet adopted a standard for hydrographic codes similar to the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 10-4 country codes. The names and limits of the following oceans and seas are not always directly comparable because of differences in the customers, needs, and requirements of the individual organizations. Even the number of principal water bodies varies from organization to organization. Factbook users, for example, find the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean entries useful, but none of the following standards include those oceans in their entirety. Nor is there any provision for combining codes or overcodes to aggregate water bodies. The recently delimited Southern Ocean is not included.

Principal Oceans and Seas of the World

With Hydrographic Codes by Institution

IHO 23-4th IHO 23-3rd* ACIC M 49-1 DIAM 65-18

Arctic Ocean 9 17 A 5A

Atlantic Ocean - - - -

North Atlantic Ocean 1 23 B 1A

South Atlantic Ocean 4 32 C 2A

Baltic Sea 2 1 B26 7B

Indian Ocean 5 45 F 6A

Mediterranean Sea 3.1 28 B11 -

Eastern Mediterranean 3.1.2 28 B - 8E

Western Mediterranean 3.1.1 28 A - 8W

Pacific Ocean - - - -

North Pacific Ocean 7 57 D 3A

South Pacific Ocean 8 61 E 4A

South China and Eastern

Archipelagic Seas 6 49, 48 D18 plus 3U plus

others others

*The letters after the numbers are subdivisions, not footnotes.

This page was last updated on 1 August, 2003

=====================================================================

Appendix F - Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names

Name Entry in The World Latitude Longitude

Factbook (deg min) (deg min)

Abidjan (capital) Cote d'Ivoire 5 19 N 4 02 W

Abkhazia (region) Georgia 43 00 N 41 00 E

Abu Dhabi (capital) United Arab Emirates 24 28 N 54 22 E

Abu Musa (island) Iran 25 52 N 55 03 E

Abuja (capital) Nigeria 9 12 N 7 11 E

Abyssinia (former name Ethiopia 8 00 N 38 00 E

for Ethiopia)

Acapulco (city) Mexico 16 51 N 99 55 W

Accra (capital) Ghana 5 33 N 0 13 W

Adamstown (capital) Pitcairn Islands 25 04 S 130 05 W

Addis Ababa (capital) Ethiopia 9 02 N 38 42 E

Adelie Land (claimed by Antarctica 66 30 S 139 00 E

France; also Terre

Adelie)

Aden (city) Yemen 12 46 N 45 01 E

Aden, Gulf of Indian Ocean 12 30 N 48 00 E

Admiralty Island United States 57 44 N 134 20 W

(Alaska)

Admiralty Islands Papua New Guinea 2 10 S 147 00 E

Adriatic Sea Atlantic Ocean 42 30 N 16 00 E

Adygey (region) Russia 44 30 N 40 10 E

Aegean Islands Greece 38 00 N 25 00 E

Aegean Sea Atlantic Ocean 38 30 N 25 00 E

Afars and Issas, French Djibouti 11 30 N 43 00 E

Territory of the (or

FTAI; former name for

Djibouti)

Afghanestan (local name Afghanistan 33 00 N 65 00 E

for Afghanistan)

Agalega Islands Mauritius 10 25 S 56 40 E

Agana (city; former name Guam 13 28 N 144 45 E

for Hagatna)

Ajaccio (city) France (Corsica) 41 55 N 8 44 E

Ajaria (region) Georgia 41 45 N 42 10 E

Akmola (city; former name Kazakhstan 51 10 N 71 30 E

for Astana)

Aksai Chin (region) China (de facto), 35 00 N 79 00 E

India (claimed)

Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah Saudi Arabia 25 00 N 45 00 E

(local name for Saudi

Arabia)

Al Bahrayn (local name Bahrain 26 00 N 50 33 E

for Bahrain)

Al Imarat al Arabiyah al United Arab Emirates 24 00 N 54 00 E

Muttahidah (local name

for the United Arab

Emirates)

Al Iraq (local name for Iraq 33 00 N 44 00 E

Iraq)

Al Jaza'ir (local name Algeria 28 00 N 3 00 E

for Algeria)

Al Kuwayt (local name for Kuwait 29 30 N 45 45 E

Kuwait)

Al Maghrib (local name Morocco 32 00 N 5 00 W

for Morocco)

Al Urdun (local name for Jordan 31 00 N 36 00 E

Jordan)

Al Yaman (local name for Yemen 15 00 N 48 00 E

Yemen)

Aland Islands Finland 60 15 N 20 00 E

Alaska (state) United States 65 00 N 153 00 W

Alaska, Gulf of Pacific Ocean 58 00 N 145 00 W

Alboran Sea Atlantic Ocean 36 00 N 2 30 W

Aldabra Islands (Groupe Seychelles 9 25 S 46 22 E

d'Aldabra)

Alderney (island) Guernsey 49 43 N 2 12 W

Aleutian Islands United States 52 00 N 176 00 W

(Alaska)

Alexander Archipelago United States 57 00 N 134 00 W

(island group) (Alaska)

Alexander Island Antarctica 71 00 S 70 00 W

Alexandretta (region; Turkey 36 34 N 36 08 E

former name for

Iskenderun)

Alexandria (city) Egypt 31 12 N 29 54 E

Algiers (capital) Algeria 36 47 N 2 03 E

Alhucemas, Penon de Spain 35 13 N 3 53 W

(island group)

Alma-Ata (city; former Kazakhstan 43 15 N 76 57 E

name for Almaty)

Almaty (former capital) Kazakhstan 43 15 N 76 57 E

Alofi (capital) Niue 19 01 S 169 55 W

Alphonse Island Seychelles 7 01 S 52 45 E

Alsace (region) France 48 30 N 7 20 E

Amami Strait Pacific Ocean 28 40 N 129 30 E

Amindivi Islands (former India 11 30 N 72 30 E

name for Laccadive

Islands)

Amirante Isles (island Seychelles 6 00 S 53 10 E

group; also Les

Amirantes)

Amman (capital) Jordan 31 57 N 35 56 E

Amsterdam (capital) Netherlands 52 23 N 4 54 E

Amsterdam Island (Ile French Southern and 37 52 S 77 32 E

Amsterdam) Antarctic Lands

Amundsen Sea Southern Ocean 72 30 S 112 00 W

Amur River China, Russia 52 56 N 141 10 E

Amurskiy Liman (strait) Pacific Ocean 53 00 N 141 30 E

Anadyrskiy Zaliv (gulf) Pacific Ocean 64 00 N 177 00 E

Anatolia (region) Turkey 39 00 N 35 00 E

Andaman Islands India 12 00 N 92 45 E

Andaman Sea Indian Ocean 10 00 N 95 00 E

Andorra la Vella Andorra 42 30 N 1 30 E

(capital)

Andros (island) Greece 37 45 N 24 42 E

Andros Island The Bahamas 24 26 N 77 57 W

Anegada Passage Atlantic Ocean 18 30 N 63 40 W

Angkor Wat (ruins) Cambodia 13 26 N 103 50 E

Anglo-Egyptian Sudan Sudan 15 00 N 30 00 E

(former name for Sudan)

Anjouan (island) Comoros 12 15 S 44 25 E

Ankara (capital) Turkey 39 56 N 32 52 E

Annobon (island) Equatorial Guinea 1 25 S 5 36 E

Antananarivo (capital) Madagascar 18 52 S 47 30 E

Antigua (island) Antigua and Barbuda 14 34 N 90 44 W

Antipodes Islands New Zealand 49 41 S 178 43 E

Antwerp (city) Belgium 51 13 N 4 25 E

Aomen (local Chinese Macau 22 10 N 113 33 E

short-form name for

Macau)

Aozou Strip (region) Chad 22 00 N 18 00 E

Apia (capital) Samoa 13 50 S 171 45W

Aqaba, Gulf of Indian Ocean 29 00 N 34 30 E

Arab, Shatt al (river) Iran, Iraq 29 57 N 48 34 E

Arabian Sea Indian Ocean 15 00 N 65 00 E

Arafura Sea Pacific Ocean 9 00 S 133 00 E

Aral Sea Kazakhstan, 45 00 N 60 00 E

Uzbekistan

Argun River China, Russia 53 20 N 121 28 E

Aru Sea Pacific Ocean 6 15 S 135 00 E

Ascension Island Saint Helena 7 57 S 14 22 W

Ashgabat (capital) Turkmenistan 37 57 N 58 23 E

Ashkhabad (see Ashgabat) Turkmenistan 37 57 N 58 23 E

Asmara (capital) Eritrea 15 20 N 38 53 E

Asmera (see Asmara) Eritrea 15 20 N 38 53 E

As-Sudan (local name for Sudan 15 00 N 30 00 E

Sudan)

Assumption Island Seychelles 9 46 S 46 34 E

Astana (capital; formerly Kazakhstan 51 10 N 71 30 E

Akmola)

Asuncion (capital) Paraguay 25 16 S 57 40 W

Asuncion Island Northern Mariana 19 40 N 145 24 E

Islands

Atacama (desert) Chile 23 00 S 70 10 W

Atacama (region) Chile 24 30 S 69 15 W

Athens (capital) Greece 37 59 N 23 44 E

Attu Island United States 52 55 N 172 57 E

Auckland Islands New Zealand 51 00 S 166 30 E

Australes, Iles (island French Polynesia 23 20 S 151 00 W

group; also Iles Tubuai)

Avarua (capital) Cook Islands 21 12 S 159 46 W

Axel Heiberg Island Canada 79 30 N 90 00 W

Azad Kashmir (region) Pakistan 34 30 N 74 00 E

Azarbaycan (local name Azerbaijan 40 30 N 47 30 E

for Azerbaijan)

Azerbaidzhan (local name Azerbaijan 40 30 N 47 30 E

for Azerbaijan)

Azores (islands) Portugal 38 30 N 28 00 W

Azov, Sea of Atlantic Ocean 49 00 N 36 00 E

This page was last updated on 1 August, 2003

=====================================================================

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Table of Contents

THE CIA WORLD FACTBOOK 2003

CONTENTS

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

Z

@2001 GDP

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE