home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
Text File | 1998-05-22 | 1.8 MB | 76,763 lines
Text Truncated. Only the first 1MB is shown below. Download the file for the complete contents. @Afghanistan 0 0$Kabul$3450$6917$1500000$ 1$Kandahar$3160$6579$191345$ # In earlier times, Afghanistan was known as Aryana and Khorasan. Its present-day name dates from its renewed independence in 1747. In that year, the Afghans drove off the last of the Persian rulers and founded their own state. In 1919 the Afghans ended British authority over their country with the third British-Afghan war. Afghanistan became a republic in 1973, abolishing the monarchy. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan was declared on 24th April 1978. At the end of May 1988, a National parliament was constituted, consisting of two chambers with a total of 316 representatives, each elected for a period of five years. The national state of emergency was lifted on 19 February 1989. A transitional government, the Seventh Alliance of resistance groups operating from Pakistan was elected in February 1989. # AFG Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran # 647500 647500 0 5529 China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km, Tajikistan 1,206 km, Turkmenistan 744 km, Uzbekistan 137 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers # mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest # Amu Darya 258 m Nowshak 7,485 m natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones # 12 0 46 3 39 30000 damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding # soil degradation; overgrazing; deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for fuel and building materials); desertification # Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation # landlocked # 23738085 43 5201585 5003503 54 6680687 6208463 3 341301 302546 4.48 42.72 17.78 19.90 1.05 1.04 1.08 1.13 1.06 146.70 46.34 46.89 45.76 6.07 Afghan(s) Afghan Pashtun 38%, Tajik 25%, Uzbek 6%, Hazara 19%, minor ethnic groups (Aimaks, Turkmen, Baloch, and others) # Sunni Muslim 84%, Shi'a Muslim 15%, other 1% # Pashtu 35%, Afghan Persian (Dari) 50%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism # age 15 and over can read and write # 31.50 47.20 15 Islamic State of Afghanistan Afghanistan Dowlat-e Eslami-ye Afghanestan Afghanestan transitional government Kabul 30 provinces (velayat, singular - velayat); Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamian, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghowr, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabol, Kandahar, Kapisa, Konar, Kondoz, Laghman, Lowgar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Oruzgan, Paktia, Paktika, Parvan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Vardak, Zabol note : there may be two new provinces of Nurestan (Nuristan) and Khowst # ? # Victory of the Muslim Nation, 28 April; Remembrance Day for Martyrs none # a new legal system has not been adopted but all factions tacitly agree they will follow Islamic law (Shari'a) # undetermined; previously males 15-50 years of age # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # non-functioning as of June 1993 # ? # ? # non-functioning as of March 1995, although there are local Shari'a (Islamic law) courts throughout the country # Taliban (Religious Students Movement), Mohammad OMAR; Supreme Defense Council of Afghanistan [comprised of Jumbesh-i-Melli Islami (National Islamic Movement), Abdul Rashid DOSTAM; Jamiat-i-Islami (Islamic Society), Burhanuddin RABBANI and Ahmad Shah MASOOD; and Hizbi Wahdat-Khalili faction (Islamic Unity Party), Abdul Karim KHALILI]; other smaller parties are Hizbi Islami-Gulbuddin (Islamic Party), Gulbuddin HIKMATYAR faction; Hizbi Islami-Khalis (Islamic Party), Yunis KHALIS faction; Ittihad-i-Islami Barai Azadi Afghanistan (Islamic Union for the Liberation of Afghanistan), Abdul Rasul SAYYAF; Harakat-Inqilab-i-Islami (Islamic Revolutionary Movement), Mohammad Nabi MOHAMMADI; Jabha-i-Najat-i-Milli Afghanistan (Afghanistan National Liberation Front), Sibghatullah MOJADDEDI; Mahaz-i-Milli-Islami (National Islamic Front), Sayed Ahamad GAILANI; Hizbi Wahdat-Akbari faction (Islamic Unity Party), Mohammad Akbar AKBARI; Harakat-i-Islami (Islamic Movement), Mohammed Asif MOHSENI # ? # AsDB, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO # three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a gold emblem centered on the three bands; the emblem features a temple-like structure with Islamic inscriptions above and below, encircled by a wreath on the left and right and by a bolder Islamic inscription above, all of which are encircled by two crossed scimitars # Afghanistan is an extremely poor, landlocked country, highly dependent on farming and livestock raising (sheep and goats). Economic considerations have played second fiddle to political and military upheavals during more than 17 years of war, including the nearly 10-year Soviet military occupation (which ended 15 February 1989). During the war one-third of the population fled the country, with Pakistan and Iran sheltering a combined peak of more than 6 million refugees. Now, only 750,000 registered Afghan refugees remain in Pakistan and about 1.2 million in Iran. Another 1 million have probably moved into and around urban areas within Afghanistan. Gross domestic product has fallen substantially over the past 17 years because of the loss of labor and capital and the disruption of trade and transport. Millions of people continue to suffer from insufficient food, clothing, housing, and medical care. Inflation remains a serious problem throughout the country, with one estimate putting the rate at 240% in Kabul in 1996. Numerical data are likely to be either unavailable or unreliable. # ? ? ? 56 15 29 240 7100000 agriculture and animal husbandry 67.8%, industry 10.2%, construction 6.3%, commerce 5.0%, services and other 10.7% (1980 est.) # 8 ? ? small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, and cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, oil, coal, copper # ? 0.37 670 35 wheat, fruits, nuts, karakul pelts; wool, mutton # 80 fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides and pelts, precious and semi-precious gems # FSU, Pakistan, Iran, Germany, India, UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czechoslovakia # 150 food and petroleum products; most consumer goods # FSU, Pakistan, Iran, Japan, Singapore, India, South Korea, Germany # 2300 ODA; about $56 million in UN aid plus additional bilateral aid and aid in kind (1996) # ? # 1 afghani (AF) = 100 puls # 17000 21 March - 20 March 31200 very limited telephone and telegraph service # satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) linked only to Iran and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) # 6 0 2 1800000 ? 100000 24.60 9.6 km 1.524-m gauge from Gushgy (Turkmenistan) to Towraghondi; 15 km 1,524-m gauge from Termiz (Uzbekistan) to Kheyrabad transshipment point on south bank of Amu Darya # # # # 21000 2,793 km # 18,207 km (1995 est.) # 1200 ? 0 180 Kheyrabad, Shir Khan # ? ? ? ? # 33 16 3 4 2 2 7 17 ? 3 12 ? ? 3 NA; note - the military does not exist on a national basis; some elements of the former Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard, Border Guard Forces, National Police Force (Sarandoi), and tribal militias still exist but are factionalized among the various groups # 22 years of age # 5813298 3118004 231250 ? ? some support from RABBANI and MASOOD to anti-government Islamic fighters in Tajikistan's civil war; support to Islamic militants worldwide by some factions; question over which group should hold Afghanistan's seat at the UN # world's second-largest illicit opium producer after Burma (1,230 metric tons in 1996 - down 2% from 1995) and a major source of hashish # @Albania 0 0$Tiranδ$4131$1982$300000$ # European tribes settled in Albania ca.1000 BC. Later the area alternated between Roman and Byzantine influences. After the middle-ages, the area fell under Turkish rule and became islamized. Independence was proclaimed on 28 November 1912. The republic was formed in 1920. The dictator Ahmed bey Zogu came to power in 1924 and ruled as King Zog I,1928-39, until Italy invaded. Communist partisans took over in 1944 and the People's Republic was declared in 1946. In 1968, following a "cultural revolution", all organized religion was officially banned. Enver Hoxha died in 1985 after being in power for 40 years. His successor was Ramiz Alia. The People's Assembly has one chamber with 250 members, elected by general election every four years. The real political power in Albania is in the hands of the Albanian Workers Party. First steps towards renewed democracy were taken in December 1990 with the legalization of political parties. # AL Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece and Serbia and Montenegro # 28750 27400 1350 720 Greece 282 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 151 km, Serbia and Montenegro 287 km (114 km with Serbia, 173 km with Montenegro) # 362 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # ? ? 12 mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter # mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast # Adriatic Sea 0 m Maja e Korabit 2,753 m petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, timber, nickel # 21 5 15 38 21 3410 destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern coast # deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Wetlands # none of the selected agreements # strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea) # 3299757 34 575087 534618 60 927791 1068922 6 80135 113204 0.90 21.96 7.54 -5.46 1.08 1.08 0.87 0.71 0.92 47.10 68.28 65.24 71.55 2.64 Albanian(s) Albanian Albanian 95%, Greeks 3%, other 2% (Vlachs, Gypsies, Serbs, and Bulgarians) (1989 est.) note: in 1989, other estimates of the Greek population ranged from 1% (official Albanian statistics) to 12% (from a Greek organization) # Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10% # Albanian (Tosk is the official dialect), Greek # age 9 and over can read and write # 72 80 63 Republic of Albania Albania Republika e Shqiperise Shqiperia emerging democracy Tirane 26 districts (rrethe, singular - rreth); Berat, Dibre, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Gramsh, Kolonje, Korce, Kruje, Kukes, Lezhe, Librazhd, Lushnje, Mat, Mirdite, Permet, Pogradec, Puke, Sarande, Shkoder, Skrapar, Tepelene, Tirane, Tropoje, Vlore note: some new administrative units may have been created # ? # Independence Day, 28 November (1912) an interim basic law was approved by the People's Assembly on 29 April 1991; a draft constitution was rejected by popular referendum in the fall of 1994 and a new draft is pending # has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # President of the Republic Sali BERISHA (since 9 April 1992) Prime Minister of the interim National Reconciliation Government Bashkim FINO (since 12 March 1997) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president # president elected by the People's Assembly for a five-year term; election last held NA 1992 (next to be held NA March 1997); prime minister appointed by the president # Sali BERISHA elected president; percent of People's Assembly vote - NA # unicameral People's Assembly or Kuvendi Popullor (140 seats; most members are elected by direct popular vote and some by proportional vote for four-year terms) # last held 26 May 1996 (next tentatively scheduled for 29 June 1997) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - DP 122, PS 10, RP 3, UHP 3, Balli Kombetar 2 # Supreme Court, chairman of the Supreme Court is elected by the People's Assembly # Albanian Socialist Party or PS (formerly the Albania Workers Party) [Fatos NANO, chairman]; Democratic Party or PD [Tritan SHEHU]; Albanian Republican Party or PR [Sabri GODO]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Skender GJINUSHI]; Democratic Alliance Party or DAP [Neritan CEKA, chairman]; Unity for Human Rights Party or PBDNJ [Vasil MELO, chairman]; Movement for Democracy Party or LDP [ruled by committee of Genc RULI, Alfred SERREQI, Dashimir SHEHI, Maksim KONOMI]; Balli Kombetar [Hysen SELFO] # ? # BSEC, CCC, CE, CEI, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NACC, OIC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIG, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # red with a black two-headed eagle in the center # An extremely poor country by European standards, Albania is making the difficult transition to a more open-market economy. The economy rebounded in 1993-95 after a severe depression accompanying the collapse of the previous centrally planned system in 1990 and 1991. However, a weakening of government resolve to maintain stabilization policies in the election year of 1996 contributed to renewal of inflationary pressures, spurred by the budget deficit which exceeded 12%. The collapse of financial pyramid schemes in early 1997 - which had attracted deposits from a substantial portion of Albania's adult population - triggered unrest in much of the south in early 1997. The economy continues to be buoyed by remittances of some 20% of the labor force which works abroad, mostly in Greece and Italy. These remittances supplement GDP and help offset the large foreign trade deficit. Most agricultural land was privatized in 1992, substantially improving peasant incomes. Overall economic performance is likely to be substantially worse in 1997; inflation will easily top 50% and GDP may drop by 5% or more. # 5 800 2640 56 21 23 17.40 1692000 agriculture (nearly all private) 49.5%, private sector 22.2%, state (nonfarm) sector 28.3% (including state-owned industry 7.8%); note - includes only those domestically employed # 13 624 996.00 food processing, textiles and clothing; lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower # 6 1.53 3860.00 1221 wide range of temperate-zone crops and livestock # 205 asphalt, metals and metallic ores, electricity, crude oil, vegetables, fruits, tobacco # Italy, US, Greece, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia # 680 machinery, consumer goods, grains # Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia # 500 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 lek (L) = 100 qintars # 150 calendar year 55000 obsolete wire system; no longer provides a telephone for every village; in 1992, following the fall of the communist government, peasants cut the wire to about 1,000 villages and used it to build fences # inadequate; international traffic carried by microwave radio relay from the Tirane exchange to Italy and Greece # 17 1 0 577000 9 300000 670 # 670 km 1.435-m gauge (1995) # # # 15500 4,650 km # 10,850 km (1995 est.) # 43 145 55 64 Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore # 8 39201 57938 ? # 11 5 2 3 1 2 ? 6 ? 1 ? 2 ? ? Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Interior Ministry Troops, Border Guards # 19 years of age # 738082 600403 31823 42000000 1.50 the Albanian Government supports protection of the rights of ethnic Albanians outside of its borders; Albanian majority in Kosovo seeks independence from Serbian Republic; Albanians in Macedonia claim discrimination in education, access to public-sector jobs and representation in government # increasingly active transshipment point for Southwest Asian opiates, hashish, and cannabis transiting the Balkan route and cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe; limited opium and cannabis production; ethnic Albanian narcotrafficking organizations active in Central and Eastern Europe # @Algeria 0 0$El-Djeza∩r$3670$313$2500000$ 1$Wahran$3569$-065$590818$ 1$Qacentina$3642$669$438717$ 1$Annaba$3683$776$310106$ 1$Batna$3556$625$182375$ # Algeria was under French occupation from 1830 until 1954. Algeria became independent in July 1962 after 8 years of armed struggle against the French. The Republic was declared on 25 September 1962. The constitution, which prescribed a presidential single-party system, dates from 1963. On 19 June 1965, a military coup transferred power to defense-minister Colonel Houari BomΘdienne and his Revolutionary Council. A new constitution, containing the principles of the Charta, was accepted in November. This maintains the single-party system. All citizens are entitled to vote from 19 years old. Legislative power lies with the national Peoples Congress, consisting of 261 members, elected by general election every 5 years. A new constitution was agreed by referendum at the end of February 1989. Algeria will in future be known as a Socialist Republic. # DZ Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia # 2381740 2381740 0 6343 Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km, Morocco 1,559 km, Niger 956 km, Tunisia 965 km, Western Sahara 42 km # 998 ? ? # ? 32 12 arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer # mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow, discontinuous coastal plain # Chott Melrhir -40 m Tahat 3,003 m petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc # 3 0 13 2 82 5550 mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mud slides # soil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming practices; desertification; dumping of raw sewage, petroleum refining wastes, and other industrial effluents is leading to the pollution of rivers and coastal waters; Mediterranean Sea, in particular, becoming polluted from oil wastes, soil erosion, and fertilizer runoff; inadequate supplies of potable water # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands # Nuclear Test Ban # second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan) # 29830370 39 5923391 5712088 57 8619009 8450774 4 525556 599552 2.18 28.01 5.76 -0.49 1.04 1.04 1.02 0.88 1.02 47.10 68.62 67.50 69.79 3.48 Algerian(s) Algerian Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1% # Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1% # Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects # age 15 and over can read and write # 61.60 73.90 49 Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria Algeria Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash Shabiyah Al Jaza'ir republic Algiers 48 provinces (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla, Ain Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa, El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M'Sila, Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset, Tebessa, Tiaret, Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen # ? # Anniversary of the Revolution, 1 November (1954) 19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976; revised 3 November 1988, 23 February 1989, and 28 November 1996; note - referendum approving the revisions of 28 November 1996 was signed into law 7 December 1996 # socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of various public officials, including several Supreme Court justices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Liamine ZEROUAL (appointed president 31 January 1994, elected Prime Minister Ahmed OUYAHIA (since 31 December 1995) # Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 16 November 1995 (next to be held NA 2000); prime minister appointed by the president # Liamine ZEROUAL elected president; percent of vote - Liamine ZEROUAL 61.3% # bicameral Parliament consists of the National People's Assembly or Al-Majlis Ech-Chaabi Al-Watani (380 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; suspended since 1992) and the Council of Nations (144 seats; one-third of the members appointed by the president, two-thirds elected by indirect vote; members serve six-year terms; created as a result of the constitutional revision of November 1996) # National People's Assembly - first-round held 26 December 1991; second round canceled by the military after President BENDJEDID resigned 11 January 1992, effectively suspending the assembly (next election scheduled for 5 June 1997) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - the fundamentalist FIS won 188 of the 231 seats contested in the first round of the 1991 elections # Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) # Islamic Salvation Front (FIS, outlawed April 1992), Ali BELHADJ, Dr. Abassi MADANI, Rabeh KEBIR (self-exile in Germany); National Liberation Front (FLN), Boualem BENHAMOUDA, secretary general; Socialist Forces Front (FFS), Hocine Ait AHMED, secretary general (self-exile in Switzerland); Movement of a Peaceful Society (Hamas), Mahfoud NAHNAH, chairman; Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD), Said SAADI, secretary general; Algerian Renewal Party (PRA), Noureddine BOUKROUH, chairman; Nahda Movement (Al Nahda), Abdallah DJABALLAH, president; Democratic National Rally (RND), Abdelkader BENSALAH, chairman; Movement for Democracy in Algeria (MDA), Ahmed Ben BELLA note : the government established a multiparty system in September 1989 and, as of 31 December 1990, over 50 legal parties existed; a new party law was enacted in March 1997 # ? # ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OPEC, OSCE (partner), UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white with a red, five-pointed star within a red crescent; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam (the state religion) # The hydrocarbons sector is the backbone of the economy, accounting for roughly 57% of government revenues, 25% of GDP, and almost all export earnings; Algeria has the fifth-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the second largest gas exporter; and it ranks fourteenth for oil reserves. Algiers' efforts to reform one of the most centrally planned economies in the Arab world began after the 1986 collapse of world oil prices plunged the country into a severe recession. In 1989, the government launched a comprehensive, IMF-supported program to achieve economic stabilization and to introduce market mechanisms into the economy. Despite substantial progress toward economic adjustment, in 1992 the reform drive stalled as Algiers became embroiled in political turmoil. In September 1993, a new government was formed, and one priority was the resumption and acceleration of the structural adjustment process. Buffeted by the slump in world oil prices and burdened with a heavy foreign debt, Algiers concluded a one-year standby arrangement with the IMF in April 1994. Following a Paris Club debt rescheduling in 1995, a robust harvest, and elevated oil prices, the economy experienced a strong recovery and key economic improvements. Recent and planned investments in developing hydrocarbon resources are likely to increase growth and export earnings. # 4 1570 46834 12 50 38 19.80 7800000 government 29.5%, agriculture 22%, construction and public works 16.2%, industry 13.6%, commerce and services 13.5%, transportation and communication 5.2% (1989) # 28 14300 17900.00 petroleum, light industries, natural gas, mining, electrical, petrochemical, food processing # ? 6.01 18700 583 wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits; sheep, cattle # 11000 petroleum and natural gas 97% # Italy 18.8%, US 14.8%, France 11.8%, Spain 8%, Germany 7.9% (1995 est.) # 10500 capital goods, food and beverages, consumer goods # France 29%, Spain 10.5%, Italy 8.2%, US 8%, Germany 5.6% (1995 est.) # 32000 ODA, $420 million (1996) # ? # 1 Algerian dinar (DA) = 100 centimes # 57.14 calendar year 862000 excellent service in north but sparse in south; domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations (20 additional domestic earth stations are planned) # 5 submarine cables; microwave radio relay to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; coaxial cable to Morocco and Tunisia; participant in Medarabtel; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat # 26 0 0 6000000 18 2000000 4772 # 3,616 km 1.435-m gauge (301 km electrified; 215 km double track) # 1,156 km 1.055-m gauge # # 102424 70,570 km (including 6,080 km of expressways) # 31,854 km (1995 est.) # ? 6612 298 2948 Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Beni Saf, Dellys, Djendjene, Ghazaouet, Jijel, Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda, Tenes # 78 925261 1094281 bulk 9, cargo 27, chemical tanker 7, liquefied gas tanker 11, oil tanker 5, roll-on/roll-off cargo 13, short-sea passenger 5, specialized tanker 1 (1996 est.) # 119 66 8 24 13 4 17 53 ? 3 19 31 ? 1 National Popular Army, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Air Defense, National Gendarmerie # 19 years of age # 7666961 4700502 337630 1300000000 2.70 part of southeastern region claimed by Libya; land boundary dispute with Tunisia settled in 1993 # ? # @American Samoa United States # # Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand # 199 199 0 ? ? # 116 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages 124 inches; rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation # five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island) # Pacific Ocean 0 m Lata 966 m pumice, pumicite # 5 10 0 70 15 ? typhoons common from December to March # limited natural fresh water resources; the water division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past few years to improve water catchments and pipelines # NA # NA # Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean # 61819 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 3.72 35.23 4.01 6 ? ? ? ? ? 18.78 72.91 71.03 74.85 4.16 American Samoan(s) American Samoan Samoan (Polynesian) 89%, Caucasian 2%, Tongan 4%, other 5% # Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant denominations and other 30% # Samoan (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English # age 15 and over can read and write # 97 98 97 Territory of American Samoa American Samoa ? ? unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by Pago Pago none (territory of the US) # ? # Territorial Flag Day, 17 April (1900) ratified 1966, in effect 1967 # NA # 18 years of age; universal # President of the US William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993) Governor Tauese P. SUNIA (since 3 January 1997) and Lieutenant Governor Togiola Tulafono (since 3 January 1997) # NA # governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 3 November 1996 (next to be held 7 November 2000) # Tauese P. SUNIA elected governor of American Samoa; percent of vote - Tauese P. SUNIA (Democrat) 51%, Peter REID (Independent) 49% # bicameral Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of the House of Representatives (21 seats - 20 of which are elected by popular vote and 1 is an appointed, nonvoting delegate from Swains Island; members serve two-year terms) and the Senate (18 seats; members are elected from local chiefs who serve four-year terms) # House of Representatives - last held 5 November 1996 (next to be held NA November 1998); Senate - last held 3 November 1996 (next to be held 7 November 2000) # House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA note: American Samoa elects one delegate to the US House of Representatives; elections last held 5 November 1996 (next to be held NA November 1998); results - Eni R. F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA reelected as delegate # High Court, chief justice and associate justices are appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior # NA # ? # ESCAP (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, SPC # blue with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the outer side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a staff and a war club # Economic activity is strongly linked to the US, with which American Samoa conducts the great bulk of its foreign trade. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary export. The tuna canneries and the government are by far the two largest employers. Other economic activities include a slowly developing tourist industry. Transfers from the US Government add substantially to American Samoa's economic well-being. According to one observer, attempts by the government to develop a larger and broader economy are restrained by Samoa's remote location, its limited transportation, and its devastating hurricanes. # ? 8100 501 ? ? ? ? 14400 government 33%, tuna canneries 34%, other 33% (1990) # 12 97 ? tuna canneries (largely dependent on foreign fishing vessels), handicrafts # ? 0.03 100 1743 bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples, papayas; dairy farming # 306 canned tuna 93% # US 99.6% # 360.30 materials for canneries 56%, food 8%, petroleum products 7%, machinery and parts 6% # US 62%, Japan 9%, NZ 7%, Australia 11%, Fiji 4%, other 7% # ? ODA, $NA # ? # 1 US dollar (US$) = 100 cents # ? 1 October - 30 September 9000 good telex, telegraph, facsimile and cellular phone services; domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) # 1 1 0 ? 1 8000 ? # # # # 350 150 km # 200 km # ? ? ? ? Aunu'u (new construction), Auasi, Faleosao, Ofu, Pago Pago, Ta'u # ? ? ? ? # 3 3 ? 1 ? ? 2 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Andorra 0 0$Andorra-La-Vella$4251$153$19000$ # Throughout the ages, Andorra has formed part of numerous imperia: Rome, the Visigoths, the Mores? In about 800AD, the part of Spain to the north of the Ebro was lost to France. This area, known as the Spanish Mark, was to form a Christian buffer-zone against the Islam to the south. Andorra came under control of the Bishop of Urgel. For the defense of Andorra, he enlisted the help of the Spanish nobleman Caboet. This task passed by inheritance to the French Count of Foix. Foix assumed that he had certain rights to Andorra and came into conflict with the bishop, eventually leading to the ParΘage of 1278, whereby double-sovereignty was arranged. The rights of the house of Foix passed through inheritance to the French throne. Up to the present day, this dual leadership is maintained. Internal legislation is carried out by the 'General Council of the Valleys', consisting of 28 members, 4 for each of the 7 districts, elected every 4 years. Women's suffrage dates from 1970. The Council nominates the Syndic Procureur GΘnΘral and his assistant; until 1982 they had full executive powers. In that year, however, the General Council nominated an Executive Council for the first time. # AND Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain # 450 450 0 125 France 60 km, Spain 65 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers # rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys # Riu Valira 840 m Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead # 2 0 56 22 20 ? snowslides, avalanches # deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion # none of the selected agreements # none of the selected agreements # landlocked # 64000 14 4788 4452 74 25291 21807 12 3903 3759 0.72 10.67 5.20 1.77 1.06 1.08 1.16 1.04 1.13 4.10 83.45 80.53 86.53 1.21 Andorran(s) Andorran Spanish 61%, Andorran 30%, French 6%, other 3% # Roman Catholic (predominant) # Catalan (official), French, Castilian # ? # ? ? ? Principality of Andorra Andorra Principat d'Andorra Andorra parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its heads Andorra la Vella 7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Les Escaldes, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria # ? # Mare de Deu de Meritxell, 8 September Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; adopted 14 March 1993 # based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # French Coprince Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995) and Spanish Episcopal Executive Council President Marc FORNE Molne (since 21 December 1994) # Executive Council designated by the executive council president # executive council president elected by the General Council and formally appointed by the coprinces; election last held 16 February 1997 (next to be held NA 2001) # Marc FORNE Molne elected executive council president; percent of General Council vote - NA # unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General de las Valls (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, 14 from a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of the 7 parishes; members serve four-year terms) # last held 16 February 1997 (next to be held February 2001) # percent of vote by party - UL 57%, AND 21%, IDN 7%, ND 7%, other 8%; seats by party - UL 16, AND 6, ND 2, IDN 2, UPO 2 # Supreme Court of Andorra at Perpignan (France) two civil judges appointed by the veguers, one appeals judge appointed by the coprinces alternately; Ecclesiastical Court of the Bishop of Seo de Urgel (Spain); Tribunal of the Courts or Tribunal des Cortes presided over by the two civil judges, one appeals judge, the veguers, and two members of the General Council # National Democratic Group or AND [Oscar RIBAS Reig and Jordi FARRAS]; Liberal Union or UL [Francesc CERQUEDA]; New Democracy or ND [Jaume BARTOMEU]; Andorran National Coalition or CNA [Antoni CERQUEDA]; National Democratic Initiative or IDN [Vincenc MATEU]; Liberal Party of Andorra (Partit Liberal d'Andorra) or PLA [Marc FORNE]; Unio Parroquial d'Ordino or UDO note : there are two other small parties # ? # CE, ECE, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, ITU, UN, UNESCO, WIPO, WToO # three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the coat of arms features a quartered shield; similar to the flags of Chad and Romania that do not have a national coat of arms in the center # Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy, accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 10 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage has recently eroded as the economies of neighboring France and Spain have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its "tax haven" status, also contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is limited by a scarcity of arable land, and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products. # ? 15000 960 ? ? ? ? ? ? # 0 138 177 tourism (particularly skiing), sheep, timber, tobacco, banking # ? 0.04 140 ? small quantities of tobacco, rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables; sheep raising # 47 electricity, tobacco products, furniture # France 49%, Spain 47% # 1000 consumer goods, food # France, Spain, US 4.2% # ? ? # ? # 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes; 1 peseta (Pta) = 100 centimos; the French and Spanish currencies are used # 5.42 calendar year 21258 modern system with microwave radio relay connections between exchanges # landline circuits to France and Spain # 1 0 0 10000 0 7000 ? # # # # 269 198 km # 71 km (1991 est.) # ? ? ? ? none # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Angola 0 0$Luanda$-883$1325$200000$ 1$Lobito$-1233$1360$150000$ # The Portuguese navigator Diego Cπo landed in the mouth of the Za∩re in 1483. The local tribes, including the Ngola, after whom the country was later named, were quickly converted to christianity. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 divided Africa, and Portugal received Cabinda in addition to Angola. Angola was officially declared independent in 1975. The civil war which ensued was dominated in 1976 by the MPLA. The first MPLA congress, in December 1977, reorganized the movement into a Marxist-Lenninist party, the MPLA-Partido Trabalho (MPLA-PT), or MPLA-Workers Party. Civil war has been the norm since then. A cease-fire lasted from 31 May 1991 until October 1992 when the insurgent National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) refused to accept its defeat in internationally monitored elections and fighting resumed throughout much of the countryside. The two sides signed another peace accord on 20 November 1994 and the cease-fire is generally holding, but military tensions persist and banditry is increasing. In order to bring armed insurgents under government control the peace accord of 20 November 1994 provided for the integration of former UNITA insurgents into the Angolan armed forces. Military integration began in June 1996 and a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation was installed in April 1997. Efforts which began in May 1997 to extend government into UNITA-occupied areas are proceeding slowly. The original 7,200-man UN peacekeeping force began a phased drawdown in late 1996. All UN peacekeepers are scheduled to depart by September 1997 but a small UN military observer force will probably remain in Angola through 1998. # ? Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo # 1246700 1246700 0 5198 Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,511 km of which 220 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda province, Republic of the Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zambia 1,110 km # 1600 ? ? # ? 200 20 semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April) # narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Morro de Moco 2,620 m petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, uranium # 2 0 23 43 32 750 locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau # the overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable to population pressures; desertification; deforestation of tropical rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water # Law of the Sea # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification # Cabinda is separated from rest of country by Congo (Kinshasa) # 10548847 45 2393009 2327186 52 2793038 2753624 3 131720 150270 3.06 44.11 17.24 3.69 1.05 1.03 1.01 0.88 1.02 135.70 47.32 45.12 49.64 6.27 Angolan(s) Angolan Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and Native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22% # indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (est.) # Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages # age 15 and over can read and write # 42 56 28 Republic of Angola Angola Republica de Angola Angola transitional government, nominally a multiparty democracy with a strong Luanda 18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo, Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire # ? # Independence Day, 11 November (1975) 11 November 1975; revised 7 January 1978, 11 August 1980, 6 March 1991, and 26 August 1992 # based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; recently modified to accommodate political pluralism and increased use of free markets # 18 years of age; universal # President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979) Prime Minister Fernando Jose de Franca Vieira Dias VAN DUNEM (since 8 June 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president # President DOS SANTOS originally elected without opposition under a one-party system and stood for reelection in Angola's first multiparty elections in 28-29 September 1992, the last elections to be held, (next to be held NA); prime minister appointed by the president and answerable to the Assembly # DOS SANTOS received 49.6% of the total vote, making a run-off election necessary between him and second-place Jonas SAVIMBI; the run-off was not held and SAVIMBI's National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) disputed the results of the first election; the civil war was resumed # unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (223 seats; members elected by proportional vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 29-30 September 1992 (next to be held NA) # percent of vote by party - MPLA 54%, UNITA 34%, others 12%; seats by party - NA # Supreme Court or Tribunal da Relacao, judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the president # Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola or MPLA [Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS], is the ruling party and has been in power since 1975; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola or UNITA [Jonas SAVIMBI], is the largest opposition party and engaged in years of armed resistance to the government # ? # ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC (observer), ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle) # Angola is an economy in disarray. Despite its abundant natural resources, output per capita is among the world's lowest. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for 80%-90% of the population but accounts for about 12% of GDP. Oil production and the supporting activities are vital to the economy, contributing about 50% to GDP. Notwithstanding the signing of a peace accord in November 1994, sporadic violence continues, millions of land mines remain, and many farmers are reluctant to return to their fields. As a result, much of the country's food must still be imported. To take advantage of its rich resources - notably gold, diamonds, extensive forests, Atlantic fisheries, arable land, and large oil deposits - Angola will need to observe the cease-fire, implement the peace agreement, and reform government policies. Despite the high inflation and political difficulties, total output grew an estimated 9% in 1996, largely due to increased oil production. # 9 340 3587 12 56 32 1700 2783000 agriculture 85%, industry 15% (1985 est.) # ? 928 2500 petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing; food processing; brewing; tobacco products; sugar; textiles; # ? 0.62 1820.00 171 bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc (tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest products; fish # 4000 crude oil 90%, diamonds, refined petroleum products, gas, coffee, sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton # US 70%, EU # 1700 capital equipment (machinery and electrical equipment), vehicles and spare parts; medicines, food, textiles and clothing; substantial military supplies # Portugal, Brazil, US, France, Spain # 12500 ODA, $451 million (1994) # ? # 1 new kwanza (NKz) = 100 lwei # 201994 calendar year 78000 limited system of wire, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 17 13 0 ? 6 50000 2952 # # 2,798 km 1.067-m gauge; 154 km 0.600-m gauge # # 72626 18,157 km # 54,469 km (1995 est.) # 1295 179 ? ? Ambriz, Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Malogo, Namibe, Porto Amboim, Soyo # 11 55255 86886 cargo 10, oil tanker 1 (1996 est.) # 144 67 3 9 11 4 40 77 1 4 24 48 ? ? Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Police Force # 18 years of age # 2412445 1213988 102712 1100000000 31 none # increasingly used as a transshipment point for cocaine and heroin destined for Western Europe and other African states # @Anguilla United Kingdom # # GB Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico # 91 91 0 ? ? # 61 ? ? # ? 200 3 tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds # flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone # Caribbean Sea 0 m Crocus Hill 65 m salt, fish, lobster # ? ? ? ? 100 ? frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October) # supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system # NA # NA # ? # 10785 28 1527 1483 65 3563 3407 7 351 454 3.36 17.43 5.47 21.60 1.04 1.03 1.05 0.77 1.02 21.60 77.02 74.07 80.08 2.01 Anguillan(s) Anguillan black # Anglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, Baptist 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, other 12% # English (official) # age 12 and over can read and write # 95 95 95 none Anguilla ? ? dependent territory of the UK The Valley none (dependent territory of the UK) # ? # Anguilla Day, 30 May Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990 # based on English common law # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952); represented by Chief Minister Hubert HUGHES (since 16 March 1994) # Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the elected members of the House of Assembly # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor appointed by the queen; chief minister appointed by the governor from among the members of the House of Assembly # ? # unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats total, 7 elected by direct popular vote; members serve five-year terms) # last held 16 March 1994 (next to be held March 1999) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ANA 2, AUP 2, ADP 2, independent 1 # High Court, judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court # Anguilla National Alliance or ANA [Osbourne FLEMING]; Anguilla United Party or AUP [Hubert HUGHES]; Anguilla Democratic Party or ADP [Victor BANKS] # ? # Caricom (observer), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS (associate), ECLAC (associate) # blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design on a white background with blue wavy water below # Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on high-class tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Output growth had averaged about 7% in recent years, mainly as a result of a boom in tourism thanks to economic expansion in North America and the UK. The economy, and especially the tourism sector, suffered a setback in late 1995 due to the effects of Hurricane Luis in September. Agricultural output had only just begun to recover from a drought in 1994 when Luis hit. Anguillan officials have put substantial effort into developing the offshore financing sector. A comprehensive package of financial services legislation was enacted in late 1994. In the medium term, prospects for the economy will depend on the tourism sector and, therefore, on continuing income growth in the industrialized nations. # -4.30 1500 16 ? ? ? 1.60 4400 commerce 36%, services 29%, construction 18%, transportation and utilities 10%, manufacturing 3%, agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining 4% # 7 13.50 17.60 tourism, boat building, offshore financial services # ? ? ? ? pigeon peas, corn, sweet potatoes; sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, poultry; fishing (including lobster) # 1.30 lobster and salt # NA # 39.80 NA # NA # 8.50 ? # ? # 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents # 2.70 1 April - 31 March 890 modern internal telephone system # microwave radio relay to island of Saint Martin (Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles) # 3 1 0 2000 1 ? ? # # # # 105 65 km # 40 km (1992 est.) # ? ? ? ? Blowing Point, Road Bay # ? ? ? ? # 2 2 ? ? ? 1 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Antarctica 0 # Antarctic Treaty Summary: The Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica. Administration is carried out through consultative member meetings - the 18th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was in Japan in April 1993. Currently, there are 42 treaty member nations: 26 consultative and 16 acceding. Consultative (voting) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 19 nonclaimant nations. The US and some other nations that have made no claims have reserved the right to do so. The US does not recognize the claims of others. The year in parentheses indicates when an acceding nation was voted to full consultative (voting) status, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory. Claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1983), China (1985), Ecuador (1990), Finland (1989), Germany (1981), India (1983), Italy (1987), Japan, South Korea (1989), Netherlands (1990), Peru (1989), Poland (1977), South Africa, Spain (1988), Sweden (1988), Uruguay (1985), the US, and Russia. Acceding (nonvoting) members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Bulgaria (1978), Canada (1988), Colombia (1988), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1993), Denmark (1965), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Papua New Guinea (1981), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1993), Switzerland (1990), and Ukraine (1992). Article 1: area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose Article 2: freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue Article 3: free exchange of information and personnel in cooperation with the UN and other international agencies Article 4: does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force Article 5: prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes Article 6: includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south Article 7: treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all activities and of the introduction of military personnel must be given Article 8: allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states Article 9: frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations Article 10: treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty Article 11: disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ Articles 12, 13, 14: deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations # continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle # 14000000 14000000 ? ? ? # 17968 ? ? # ? ? ? severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below freezing # about 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock, with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges up to about 5,000 meters; ice-free coastal areas include parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves along about half of the coastline, and floating ice shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent # Indian Ocean 0 m Vinson Massif 5,140 m none presently exploited; iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small, uncommercial quantities # 0 0 0 0 100 0 katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak # in 1995 it was reported that the ozone shield, which protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation, had dwindled to the lowest level recorded over Antarctica since 1975 when measurements were first taken # none of the selected agreements # none of the selected agreements # the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent period; mostly uninhabitable # 0 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Antarctica ? ? Antarctic Treaty Summary - The Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December ? ? # ? # ? ? # US law, including certain criminal offenses by or against US nationals, such as murder, may apply to areas not under jurisdiction of other countries. Some US laws directly apply to Antarctica. For example, the Antarctic Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. section 2401 et seq., provides civil and criminal penalties # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # No economic activity at present except for fishing off the coast and small-scale tourism, both based abroad. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? NA # NA # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage # ? ? ? ? # 42 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctic Treaty Summary above); sections (some overlapping) claimed by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France (Adelie Land), New Zealand (Ross Dependency), Norway (Queen Maud Land), and UK; the US and most other nations do not recognize the territorial claims of other nations and have made no claims themselves (the US reserves the right to do so); no formal claims have been made in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west # ? # @Antigua and Barbuda 0 # # Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico # 440 440 0 ? ? # 153 24 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin # 200 ? 12 tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation # mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands with some higher volcanic areas # Caribbean Sea 0 m Boggy Peak 402 m negligible; pleasant climate fosters tourism # 18 0 9 11 62 ? hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts # water management - a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quickly # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling # Desertification # ? # 63739 26 8514 8221 68 21499 21891 6 1571 2043 0.44 17.27 5.98 -6.95 1.05 1.04 0.98 0.77 0.98 22 70.93 68.58 73.40 1.76 Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s) Antiguan, Barbudan black, British, Portuguese, Lebanese, Syrian # Anglican (predominant), other Protestant sects, some Roman Catholic # English (official), local dialects # age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling # 89 90 88 none Antigua and Barbuda ? ? parliamentary democracy Saint John's 6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip # ? # Independence Day, 1 November (1981) 1 November 1981 # based on English common law # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Prime Minister Lester Bryant BIRD (since 8 March 1994) # Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor general chosen by the queen on the advice of the prime minister; prime minister appointed by the governor general # ? # bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (17-member body appointed by the governor general) and the House of Representatives (17 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve 5-year terms) # House of Representatives - last held 8 March 1994 (next to be held NA 1999) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ALP 11, UPP 5, independent 1 # Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia), one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the Court of Summary Jurisdiction # Antigua Labor Party or ALP [Lester Bryant BIRD]; United Progressive Party or UPP [Baldwin SPENCER], a coalition of three opposition political parties - the United National Democratic Party or UNDP; the Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement or ACLM; and the Progressive Labor Movement or PLM # ? # ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTrO # red with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white with a yellow rising sun in the black band # Tourism continues to be by far the dominant activity in the economy but the combined share in GDP of transport and communications, trade, and public utilities has increased markedly in recent years. Tourism's direct contribution to output in 1994 was about 20%. In addition, increased tourist arrivals helped spur growth in the construction and transport sectors. The dual island nation's agricultural production is mainly directed to the domestic market; the sector is constrained by the limited water supply and labor shortages that reflect the pull of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on income growth in the industrialized world, especially in the US, which accounts for about half of all tourist arrivals. # 4.70 ? ? 3.50 19.30 77.20 4 30000 commerce and services 82%, agriculture 11%, industry 7% (1983) # 5 134 135.40 tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances) # ? 0.05 ? ? cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock # 45 petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%, food and live animals 4%, machinery and transport equipment 17% # OECS 26%, Barbados 15%, Guyana 4%, Trinidad and Tobago 2%, US 0.3% # 350.80 food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oil # US 27%, UK 16%, Canada 4%, OECS 3%, other 50% # 435 ? # ? # 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents # 2.70 1 April - 31 March 6700 good automatic telephone system # 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Saba (Netherlands Antilles) and Guadeloupe # 4 2 2 ? 2 28000 77 # # 64 km 0.760-m gauge; 13 km 0.610-m gauge (used almost exclusively for handling sugarcane) # # 245 NA km # NA km # ? ? ? ? Saint John's # 419 1965180 2637644 bulk 9, cargo 285, chemical tanker 6, combination bulk 1, container 83, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 11, roll-on/roll-off cargo 19 # 3 3 ? 1 ? ? 2 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force (includes the Coast Guard) # ? # ? ? ? 1400000 1 none # considered a long-time but relatively minor transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe and recent transshipment point for heroin from Europe to the US; potentially more significant as a drug money-laundering center # @Arctic Ocean 0 # # body of water mostly north of the Arctic Circle # 14056000 ? ? ? ? # 45389 ? ? # ? ? ? polar climate characterized by persistent cold and relatively narrow annual temperature ranges; winters characterized by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snow # central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar icepack that averages about 3 meters in thickness, although pressure ridges may be three times that size; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly straight line movement from the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark Strait (between Greenland and Iceland); the icepack is surrounded by open seas during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter and extends to the encircling land masses; the ocean floor is about 50% continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the remainder a central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera, Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonsov Ridge) # Fram Basin -4,665 m sea level 0 m sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales) # ? ? ? ? ? ? ice islands occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; permafrost in islands; virtually icelocked from October to June; ships subject to superstructure icing from October to May # endangered marine species include walruses and whales; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage # none of the selected agreements # none of the selected agreements # major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western Russia, floating research stations operated by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean; snow cover lasts about 10 months # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # no submarine cables # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US) # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? some maritime disputes (see littoral states); Svalbard is the focus of a maritime boundary dispute between Norway and Russia # ? # @Argentina 0 0$Buenos Aires$-3449$-5858$7950000$ 1$Cordoba$-3142$-6417$1116000$ 1$Rosario$-3300$-6067$1096000$ 1$Mendoza$-3283$-6886$728000$ 1$La Plata$-3486$-5792$644000$ 1$Tucuman$-2678$-6525$626000$ 1$Mar Del Plata$-3802$-5758$523000$ 1$Santa Fe$-3164$-6072$338000$ 3$Aconcagua$-3265$-7000$6959$ # Argentina was discovered in 1515/1516 by the Spaniard Solis. It became part of the newly created viceroyalty of Rφo de la Plata in 1776.Independence was proclaimed in 1816. A confederation of provinces, under the leadership of Juan Manuel de Rosas, evolved from 1825 to 1850. From 1880 until 1916, the country was ruled by a coalition of conservative groups that elected the presidents. The Radical Party took over until 1930, when a military coup returned the country to conservative rule. The elected dictatorship of Juan Per∙n lasted from 1945 until 1955 when another period of instability ensued. Per∙n again became president in 1973, to be succeeded, on his death in July 1974, by his widow, Marφa Estela Martφnez de Per∙n. She was deposed in 1976 by another military coup, resulting in a succession of generals as leaders of the country. Between 1975 and 1979, it is estimated that some 15,000 people disappeared in the military struggle against "subversion". Argentina's claim of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands led to their invasion in 1982. A British expeditionary force removed them from the islands in June of the same year. As a direct result of this defeat, a more democratic approach to government was initiated, resulting in elections at the end of October 1983, when Alfonsφn was chosen as the new president. # RA Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay # 2766890 2736690 30200 9665 Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km # 4989 24 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin # 200 ? 12 mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest # rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border # Salinas Chicas -40 m Cerro Aconcagua 6,962 m fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium # 9 1 52 19 19 17000 San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the Pampas and northeast; heavy flooding # erosion results from inadequate flood controls and improper land use practices; irrigated soil degradation; desertification; air pollution in Buenos Aires and other major cities; water pollution in urban areas; rivers becoming polluted due to increased pesticide and fertilizer use # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands # Desertification, Marine Life Conservation # second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between South Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage) # 35797985 28 5042521 4855874 62 11133884 11155104 10 1499538 2111064 1.30 20.01 7.68 0.67 1.05 1.04 1 0.71 0.98 19.60 74.31 70.67 78.12 2.69 Argentine(s) Argentine white 85%, mestizo, Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups 15% # nominally Roman Catholic 90% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 6% # Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French # age 15 and over can read and write # 96.20 96.20 96.20 Argentine Republic Argentina Republica Argentina Argentina republic Buenos Aires 23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Buenos Aires; Catamarca; Chaco; Chubut; Cordoba; Corrientes; Distrito Federal*; Entre Rios; Formosa; Jujuy; La Pampa; La Rioja; Mendoza; Misiones; Neuquen; Rio Negro; Salta; San Juan; San Luis; Santa Cruz; Santa Fe; Santiago del Estero; Tierra del Fuego, Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur; Tucuman note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica # ? # Revolution Day, 25 May (1810) 1 May 1853; revised August 1994 # mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Carlos Saul MENEM (since 8 July 1989); Vice President Carlos President Carlos Saul MENEM (since 8 July 1989); Vice President Carlos RUCKAUF (since 8 July 1995); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet appointed by the president # president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 14 May 1995 (next to be held May 1999) # Carlos Saul MENEM reelected president; percent of vote - NA # bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate (72 seats; three members appointed by each of the provincial legislatures, one-third of the members appointed every three years to a 9-year term) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats; one-half of the members elected every two years to four-year terms) # Senate - last held NA May 1995 (next to be held NA 1998); Chamber of Deputies - last held 14 May 1995; (next to be held NA October 1997) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PJ 38, others 34; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PJ 132, UCR 68, Frepaso 26, other 31 # Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), the nine Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president with approval of the Senate # Justicialist Party or PJ [Carlos Saul MENEM] (Peronist umbrella political organization); Radical Civic Union or UCR [Rodolfo TERRAGNO] (moderately left-of-center party); Union of the Democratic Center or UCD (conservative party); Dignity and Independence Political Party or MODIN [Aldo RICO] (right-wing party); Front for a Country in Solidarity or Frepaso (a four party coalition) [leader Carlos ALVAREZ]; several provincial parties # ? # AfDB, AG (observer), Australia Group, BCIE, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G- 6, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MINURSO, MTCR, NSG (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMOP, UNPREDEP, UNTAES, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face known as the Sun of May # Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Nevertheless, following decades of mismanagement and statist policies, the economy in the late 1980s was plagued with huge external debts and recurring bouts of hyperinflation. Elected in 1989, in the depths of recession, President MENEM has implemented a comprehensive economic restructuring program that shows signs of putting Argentina on a path of stable, sustainable growth. Argentina's currency has traded at par with the US dollar since April 1991, and inflation has fallen to its lowest level in 50 years. Argentines have responded to price stability by repatriating capital and investing in domestic industry. Growth averaged more than 8% between 1991 and 1994, then fell to 4.6% in 1995, largely in reaction to the Mexican peso crisis. The economy grew at 4.4% in 1996, with the strongest growth occurring in the second half of the year. Unemployment increased slightly - to over 17% - and Buenos Aires was forced to renegotiate fiscal targets with the IMF. Although the economy is expected to grow by at least 5% in 1997, unemployment and fiscal concerns will continue to challenge the MENEM administration. # 4.40 8410 301061 7 29 64 0.10 14500000 agriculture 12%, industry 31%, services 57% (1985 est.) # 17.30 50300.00 51700 food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel # 5 20.21 67369 1606 wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets; livestock # 23800 meat, wheat, corn, oilseed, manufactures, fuels # Brazil 26.1%, US 8.5%, Chile 7.0%, Netherlands 5.7%, Italy 3.5% (1995) # 23700 machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, transport equipment, agricultural products # Brazil 20.8%, US 20.7%, Italy 6.3%, Germany 6.2%, France 5.2% (1995) # 95000 ? # ? # 1 nuevo peso argentino = 100 centavos # 1.00 calendar year 4600000 microwave radio relay and a domestic satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 171 0 13 22300000 231 7165000 37910 24,124 km 1.676-m gauge (142 km electrified) # 2,765 km 1.435-m gauge # 11,021 km 1.000-m gauge (26 km electrified) # # 216100 61,589 km (including 600 km of expressways) # 154,511 km (1995 est.) # 11000 4090 2900 9918 Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Comodoro Rivadavia, Concepcion del Uruguay, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Necochea, Rio Gallegos, Rosario, Santa Fe, Ushuaia # 36 263266 385211 cargo 11, chemical tanker 1, container 2, oil tanker 14, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 6, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 (1996 est.) # 1202 598 5 25 55 44 469 604 1 2 59 542 ? ? Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic, Argentine Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Argentine Naval Prefecture (Coast Guard only), National Aeronautical Police Force # 20 years of age # 8932491 7244682 321345 4600000000 1.60 short section of the boundary with Chile is indefinite; claims British-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas); claims British-administered South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; territorial claim in Antarctica # increasing use as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for Europe and the US # @Armenia 0 0$Erevan$4017$4433$1133$ # # ARM Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey # 29800 28400 1400 1254 Azerbaijan-proper 566 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? highland continental, hot summers, cold winters # high Armenian Plateau with mountains; little forest land; fast flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley # Debed River 400 m Aragats Lerr 4,095 m small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, alumina # 17 3 24 15 41 2870 occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts # soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; energy blockade, the result of conflict with Azerbaijan, has led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the draining of Sevana Lich, a result of its use as a source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of Metsamor nuclear power plant without adequate (IAEA-recommended) safety and backup systems # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban, Wetlands # Desertification # landlocked # 3433629 27 476375 456723 65 1088103 1134649 8 115135 162644 -0.33 13.59 8.60 -8.32 1.05 1.04 0.96 0.71 0.96 40.40 66.90 62.69 71.32 1.71 Armenian(s) Armenian Armenian 93%, Azeri 3%, Russian 2%, other (mostly Yezidi Kurds) 2% (1989) # Armenian Orthodox 94% # Armenian 96%, Russian 2%, other 2% # age 15 and over can read and write # 99 99 98 Republic of Armenia Armenia Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun Hayastan republic Yerevan 10 provinces (marzer, singular - marz) and 1 city* (k'aghak'ner, singular - k'aghak'); Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, Geghark'unik', Kotayk', Lorri, Shirak, Syunik', Tavush, Vayots' Dzor, Yerevan* # ? # Referendum Day, 21 September adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995 # based on civil law system # 18 years of age; universal # President Levon Akopovich TER-PETROSSIAN (since NA October 1991); note Prime Minister Robert KOCHARIAN (since 20 March 1997) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 22 September 1996 (next to be held NA September 2001); prime minister appointed by the president # Levon Akopovich TER-PETROSSIAN elected president; percent of vote - Levon Akopovich TER-PETROSSIAN 52%, Vazgen MANUKYAN 41% # unicameral National Assembly or Azgayin Zhoghov (190 seats; members serve five-year terms) # last held 5 July 1995 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Bloc 159 (ANM 63, DLP-Hanrapetutyun Bloc 6, Republic Party 4, CDU 3, Intellectual Armenia 3, Social Democratic Party 2, independents 78), SWM 8, ACP 7, NDU 5, NSDU 3, DLP 1, ARF 1, other 4, vacant 2 # Supreme Court; Constitutional Court # Republic Bloc (Hanrapetoutioun): Armenian National Movement or ANM [Husik LAZARIAN, chairman]; Democratic Liberal Party [Orthosis GYONJIAN, chairman]; Republican Party [Ashot NAVARSARDIAN, chairman]; Christian Democratic Union or CDU [Azat ARSHAKIAN, chairman]; Intellectual Armenia [H. TOKMAJIAN]; Social Democratic (Hnchakian) Party [Yeghia NAJARIAN] # ? # BSEC, CCC, CE (guest), CIS, EBRD, ECE, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NACC, NAM (observer), OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) # three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and gold # Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia had developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine building tools, textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics in exchange for raw materials and energy. Since the implosion of the USSR in December 1991, Armenia has switched to small-scale agriculture away from the large agroindustrial complexes of the Soviet area. The privatization of industry has been at a much slower pace. Armenia is a food importer and its mineral deposits (gold, bauxite) are small. The ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of Nagorno-Karabakh and the embargoes imposed by Azerbaijan and Turkey contributed to a severe economic decline in the early 1990s. By 1994, however, the Armenian Government had launched an ambitious IMF-sponsored economic program that has resulted in positive growth rates in 1995 and 1996. Armenia also managed to slash inflation and to privatize most small and medium-sized enterprises. The chronic energy shortages Armenia suffered in recent years has been partially offset by the energy supplied by one of its nuclear power plants at Metsamor, which in 1996 supplied about 40% of the country's energy needs, according to the Armenian Government. Moreover, Armenia is expanding its energy imports from Iran. # 4 620 2129 35 35 30 5.70 1600000 industry and construction 23%, agriculture 38%, services 37%, other 2% # 7.40 ? ? much of industry is shut down; metal-cutting machine tools, forging-pressing machines, electric motors, tires, knitted wear, hosiery, shoes, silk fabric, washing machines, chemicals, trucks, watches, instruments, microelectronics # 1 2.77 6300 1462 fruit (especially grapes), vegetables; vineyards near Yerevan are famous for brandy and other liqueurs; minor livestock sector # 273 gold and jewelry, aluminum, transport equipment, electrical equipment, scrap metal # Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, Georgia # 830 grain, other foods, fuel, other energy # Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, Georgia, US, EU # 850 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 dram = 100 luma (introduced new currency in November 1993) # 443 calendar year 650000 NA # international connections to other former Soviet republics are by landline or microwave radio relay and to other countries by satellite and by leased connection through the Moscow international gateway switch; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat # 10 3 ? ? 1 ? 825 825 km 1.520-m gauge (1992) # # # # 7720 7,496 km # 224 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? 900 none # ? ? ? ? # 11 5 2 ? 1 2 1 6 ? ? 2 3 ? ? Army, Air Force, Air Defense Force, Security Forces (internal and border troops) # 18 years of age # 907579 722715 30942 75000000 ? Armenia supports ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in the longstanding, separatist conflict against the Azerbaijani Government; traditional demands on former Armenian lands in Turkey have subsided # illicit cultivator of cannabis mostly for domestic consumption; used as a transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe and the US # @Aruba Netherlands 0$Oranjestad$1250$-6997$20000$ # # NL Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela # 193 193 0 ? ? # 68.50 ? ? # ? ? 12 tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation # flat with a few hills; scant vegetation # Caribbean Sea 0 m Mount Jamanota 188 m negligible; white sandy beaches # 11 ? ? ? 89 ? lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt # NA # NA # NA # ? # 68031 22 7814 7127 69 22544 24656 9 2433 3457 0.39 14.20 6.32 -3.97 1.05 1.10 0.91 0.70 0.93 8.10 76.80 73.11 80.68 1.81 Aruban(s) Aruban mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80% # Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish # Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish # ? # ? ? ? none Aruba ? ? part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs Oranjestad none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) # ? # Flag Day, 18 March 1 January 1986 # based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence # 18 years of age; universal # Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard of the Netherlands (since 30 April Prime Minister Jan (Henny) H. EMAN (since 29 July 1994) and Deputy Prime Minister Glenbert F. CROES # Council of Ministers elected by the Staten # the queen is a constitutional monarch; governor general appointed for a six-year term by the queen; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by the Staten for a four-year term; election last held 29 July 1994 (next to be held by July 1998) # Jan (Henny) H. EMAN elected prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA; Glenbert F. CROES elected deputy prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA # unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by direct popular vote and serve four-year terms) # last held 29 July 1994 (next to be held by NA July 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AVP 10, MEP 9, OLA 2 # Joint High Court of Justice # Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson ODUBER]; Aruban People's Party or AVP [Jan (Henny) H. EMAN]; National Democratic Action or ADN [Pedro Charro KELLY]; New Patriotic Party or PPN [Eddy WERLEMEN]; Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA [Benny NISBET]; Aruban Democratic Party or PDA [Leo BERLINSKI]; Democratic Action '86 or AD '86 [Arturo ODUBER]; Aruban Liberal Party or OLA [Glenbert CROES] note: governing coalition includes the AVP and OLA # ? # ECLAC (associate), Interpol, IOC, UNESCO (associate), WCL, WToO (associate) # blue with two narrow horizontal yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner # Tourism is the mainstay of the Aruban economy, although offshore banking and oil refining and storage are also important. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Construction has boomed, with hotel capacity five times the 1985 level. In addition, the reopening of the country's oil refinery in 1993, a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings, has further spurred growth. Aruba's small labor force and less than 1% unemployment rate have led to a large number of unfilled job vacancies despite sharp rises in wage rates in recent years. # 5 12000 816 ? ? ? 3.50 ? most employment is in the tourist industry (1996) # 0.50 145 185 tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining # ? ? ? ? aloes; livestock; fishing # 1300 mostly refined petroleum products # US 64%, EU # 1800.00 food, consumer goods, manufactures, petroleum products, crude oil for refining and reexport # US 8%, EU # 669 ? # ? # 1 Aruban florin (Af.) = 100 cents # 1.79 calendar year 22922 more than adequate # 1 submarine cable to Sint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles); extensive interisland microwave radio relay links # 4 4 0 ? 1 19000 ? # # # # ? NA km # NA km # ? ? ? ? Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas # 4 7274 10130 bulk 1, cargo 3 (1996 est.) # 2 2 ? 1 ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # drug money-laundering center and transit point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe; added to the US list of major drug producing or drug transit countries in December 1996 # @Ashmore and Cartier Islands 0 # # Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia # 5 5 0 ? ? # 74.10 12 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # ? 200 3 tropical # low with sand and coral # Indian Ocean 0 m unnamed location 3 m fish # 0 0 0 0 100 0 surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards # NA # NA # NA # Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983 # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands Ashmore and Cartier Islands ? ? territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Ministry for none; administered from Canberra, Australia none (territory of Australia) # ? # ? ? # relevant laws of the Northern Territory of Australia # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of Australia is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Atlantic Ocean 0 # # body of water between Africa, Europe, Antarctica, and the Western Hemisphere # 82217000 ? ? ? ? # 111866 ? ? # ? ? ? tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December, but are most frequent from August to November # surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and Baltic Sea from October to June; clockwise warm water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the northern Atlantic, counterclockwise warm water gyre in the southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin # Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 m sea level 0 m oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stones # ? ? ? ? ? ? icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; icebergs from Antarctica occur in the extreme southern Atlantic Ocean; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from October to May and extreme southern Atlantic from May to October; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to September # endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles, and whales; drift net fishing is hastening the decline of fish stocks and contributing to international disputes; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea # none of the selected agreements # none of the selected agreements # major choke points include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # The Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world's most heavily trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the exploitation of natural resources, e.g., fishing, the dredging of aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and natural gas (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea). # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # numerous submarine cables with most between continental Europe and the UK, between North America and the UK, and in the Mediterranean; numerous direct links across Atlantic via satellite networks # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal (Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria), Oslo (Norway), Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden) # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? some maritime disputes (see littoral states) # ? # @Australia 0 0$Canberra$-3525$14914$303000$ 1$Perth$-3195$11583$1161000$ 1$Brisbane$-2742$15290$1273000$ 1$Adela∩de$-3492$13853$1037000$ 1$Sydney$-3388$15117$3633000$ 1$Newcastle$-3292$15177$425000$ 1$Melbourne$-3775$14497$3043000$ 1$Hobart$-4283$14735$181200$ 1$Darwin$-1247$13083$76000$ # Recent archaeological discoveries show that two separate migrations of biologically and culturally different peoples took place into Australia via New Guinea more than 30,000 years ago. One group reached Tasmania via a land-bridge, while the second group settled in western Australia. This latter group formed the ancestors of the Aborigines who remain today as the remnants of the original inhabitants of Australia. The first European to set foot on Australia was the Amsterdammer Willem Jansz in 1605, when he landed on the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula. Tasman circumnavigated Australia in 1642-43 and, in doing so, discovered Tasmania and New Zealand. After a final voyage by Tasman in 1644, Australia was considered too inhospitable to merit the distance involved. In 1769, James Cook explored the east coast of Australia, thereby discovering the more attractive area around what is now Sidney. Before leaving Australia, Cook claimed the east-coast area for Britain and named it New South Wales. The loss by the British of their American colonies led to their exploitation of Australia. The first penal settlement dates from 1788. Free colonists started arriving in 1793 and increased during the following century. Australia remained in use as a penal colony until 1868. In total, more than 160,000 convicts were sent there. On 1 January 1901 the Commonwealth of Australia became official as a state within the British realm. # AUS Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean # 7686850 7617930 68920 ? ? # 25760 24 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin # 200 ? 12 generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north # mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast # Lake Eyre -15 m Mount Kosciusko 2,229 m bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum # 6 0 54 19 21 21070 cyclones along the coast; severe droughts # soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural fresh water resources # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # Desertification # world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; regular, tropical, invigorating, sea breeze known as "the Doctor" occurs along the west coast in the summer # 18438824 22 2018363 1921252 66 6188476 6041173 12 987092 1282468 0.96 13.73 6.89 2.71 1.05 1.05 1.02 0.77 0.99 5.40 79.64 76.69 82.74 1.83 Australian(s) Australian Caucasian 95%, Asian 4%, aboriginal and other 1% # Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3% # English, native languages # age 15 and over can read and write # 100 100 100 Commonwealth of Australia Australia ? ? federal parliamentary state Canberra 6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia # Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island # Australia Day, 26 January (1788) 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901 # based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Prime Minister John Winston HOWARD (since 11 March 1996); Deputy Prime Minister Timothy Andrew FISCHER (since 11 March 1996) # Cabinet selected from among the members of Federal Parliament by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor general appointed by the queen; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general for a three-year term # ? # bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76 seats - 12 from each of the six states and two from each of the two territories; one-half of the members elected every three years by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives (148 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve three-year terms; no state can have fewer than five representatives) # Senate - last held 2 March 1996 (next to be held NA 1999); House of Representatives - last held 2 March 1996 (next to be held NA 1999) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Liberal-National 37, Labor 29, Australian Democrats 8, Greens 1, independent 1; note - subsequent to the election, there has been a change in the distribution of seats; the new distribution is as follows - Liberal-National 37, Labor 28, Australian Democrats 7, Greens 2, independents 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Liberal-National 94, Labor 49, independent 5 # High Court, the Chief Justice and six other justices are appointed by the governor general # government : coalition of Liberal Party, John Winston HOWARD, and National Party, Timothy Andrew FISCHER opposition: Australian Labor Party, Kim BEAZLEY; Australian Democratic Party, Cheryl KERNOT; Green Party, Bob BROWN # ? # AG (observer), ANZUS, APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G- 8, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OECD, PCA, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC # blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant; the remaining half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars # Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP above the levels in highly industrialized West European countries. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Commodities account for about 60% of the value of total exports, so that a downturn in world commodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government is pushing for increased exports of manufactured goods, but competition in international markets continues to be severe. Australia has suffered from the low growth and high unemployment characterizing the OECD countries in the early 1990s, but the economy has expanded at reasonably steady rates in recent years. In addition to high unemployment, short-term economic problems include a balancing of output growth and inflationary pressures and the stimulation of exports to offset rising imports. # 3.60 20300 374308 3.10 27.70 69.20 3.10 8400000 finance and services 34%, public and community services 23%, wholesale and retail trade 20%, manufacturing and industry 17%, agriculture 6% (1987 est.) # 8.50 95690 95150.00 mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel # 1.20 38.83 173000 8278 wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry # 59500 coal, gold, meat, wool, alumina, iron ore, wheat, machinery and transport equipment # Japan 24%, South Korea 8%, NZ 7%, US 7%, UK, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong (1994/95) # 59700 machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and petroleum products # US 22%, Japan 17%, UK 6%, China 5%, NZ 5% (1994/95) # 134000 ? # ODA, $1.25 billion (FY95/96) # 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents # 1.28 1 July - 30 June 8700000 domestic satellite system # submarine cables to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean), 2 Inmarsat (Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions) # 258 67 0 ? 134 9200000 38563 6,083 km 1.600-m gauge # 16,752 km 1.435-m gauge # 15,728 km 1.067-m gauge # # 895030 345,482 km (including 1,330 km of expressways) # 549,548 km (1995 est.) # 8368 2500 500 5600 Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport, Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart (Tasmania), Launceton (Tasmania), Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville # 69 2282084 3326092 bulk 30, cargo 4, chemical tanker 3, combination bulk 1, container 5, liquefied gas tanker 4, oil tanker 14, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7, short-sea passenger 1 (1996 est.) # 443 275 9 13 106 116 31 168 ? ? 22 146 ? ? Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force # 17 years of age # 4863007 4200090 127508 7900000000 1.90 territorial claim in Antarctica (Australian Antarctic Territory) # Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate # @Austria 0 0$Wien$4820$1636$1533000$ 1$Graz$4707$1546$232000$ 3$Gross Glockner$4708$1267$3797$ # Traces of human habitation date back about 24,000 years. The Austrian alps were a centre of Celtic culture c.800 BC. The area was conquered by the Romans in the first century BC. It became part of Charlemagne's empire in 788 AD. From 1282 Austria became a major European power under the House of Hapsburg. Austrian dominance of Germany ended in 1866. In 1867 a dual monarchy was formed with Hungary. The Austrian empire was destroyed by the First World War. It bacame a republic in 1919; was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1938 until 1945, when the republic was re-established. Allied occupation continued until 1955 when full independence and neutrality were restored. # A Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia # 83850 82730 1120 2564 Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 37 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330 km, Switzerland 164 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain in lowlands and snow in mountains; cool summers with occasional showers # in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping # Neusiedler See 115 m Grossglockner 3,797 m iron ore, oil, timber, magnesite, lead, coal, lignite, copper, hydropower # 17 1 24 39 19 40 NA # some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern Europe # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Tropical Timber 94 # landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere # 8132505 17 717989 681897 68 2777525 2703296 15 464802 786996 -0.02 10.17 10.05 -0.34 1.05 1.05 1.03 0.59 0.95 5.20 77.15 73.96 80.51 1.37 Austrian(s) Austrian German 99.4%, Croatian 0.3%, Slovene 0.2%, other 0.1% # Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 6%, other 9% # German # age 15 and over can read and write # 99 ? ? Republic of Austria Austria Republik Oesterreich Oesterreich federal republic Vienna 9 states (Bundeslaender, singular - Bundesland); Burgenland, Kaernten, Niederoesterreich, Oberoesterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg, Wien # ? # National Day, 26 October (1955) 1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1 May 1945) # civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of legislative acts by the Constitutional Court; separate administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal; compulsory for presidential elections # President Thomas KLESTIL (since 8 July 1992) Chancellor Viktor KLIMA (since 28 January 1997); Vice Chancellor Wolfgang SCHUESSEL (since 22 April 1995) # Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor # president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; presidential election last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held NA 1998); chancellor chosen by the president from the majority party in the National Council; vice chancellor chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor # Thomas KLESTIL elected president; percent of vote, second ballot - Thomas KLESTIL 57%, Rudolf STREICHER 43% # bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung consists of Federal Council or Bundesrat (63 members; members represent each of the provinces on the basis of population, but with each province having at least three representatives) and the National Council or Nationalrat (183 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) # National Council - last held 17 December 1995 (next to be held Fall 1999) # National Council - percent of vote by party - SPOe 38.3%, OeVP 28.3%, FPOe 22.1%, Greens 4.6%, LF 5.3%, other 1.4%; seats by party - SPOe 71, OeVP 53, FPOe 40, Greens 9, LF 10 # Supreme Judicial Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Administrative Court or Verwaltungsgerichtshof; Constitutional Court or Verfassungsgerichtshof # Social Democratic Party of Austria or SPOe [Viktor KLIMA, chairman]; Austrian People's Party or OeVP [Wolfgang SCHUESSEL, chairman]; Freedom Movement or FPOe (formerly the Freedom Party of Austria or FPOe [Joerg HAIDER, chairman]; Communist Party or KPOe [Walter SILBERMAYER, chairman]; The Greens [Madeleine PETROVIC]; Liberal Forum or LF [Heide SCHMIDT] # ? # AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC (observer), NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU (observer), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red # Austria has a well-developed market economy with a sizable - but falling - proportion of nationalized industry, an extensive social safety net, and a high standard of living. Austria's economy is closely integrated with Germany and other EU members - Austria joined the EU on 1 January 1995. Since the early 1980s, the Austrian economy has experienced stable growth. EU membership has had a positive impact on foreign investment and has helped to lower inflation. In April 1996, the government passed a two-year austerity budget - including cuts in social allowances, a freeze on civil servants' wages, and new energy and capital gains taxes - designed to bring the economy in line with the Maastricht criteria for membership in the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). EMU convergence has become a top priority for Austria. Despite Austria's generally favorable prospects, the economy faces a number of medium-term challenges; for example, fiscal tightening is constraining expected growth, and unemployment is expected to increase. # 1.10 28370 230719 3 27 70 1.80 3648000 services 56.4%, industry and crafts 35.4%, agriculture and forestry 8.1% # 6.20 61200 71000 food, iron and steel, machines, textiles, chemicals, electrical, paper and pulp, tourism, mining, motor vehicles # 0.60 17.43 56500 5960 grains, fruit, potatoes, sugar beets; cattle, pigs, poultry; sawn wood # 55500 machinery and equipment, iron and steel, lumber, textiles, paper products, chemicals # EU 64.8% (Germany 38.1%, Italy 8.1%), Eastern Europe 11.8%, Japan 1.6%, US 3.5% (1994) # 65800 petroleum, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals, textiles and clothing, pharmaceuticals # EU 68.4% (Germany 40%, Italy 8.8%), Eastern Europe 6.55%, Japan 4.3%, US 4.4% (1994) # 30200 ? # ODA, $544 million (1993) # 1 Austrian schilling (AS) = 100 groschen # 11.30 calendar year 3470000 highly developed and efficient # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 2 Eutelsat # 6 21 0 ? 47 2418584 5624 # 5,269 km 1.435-m gauge (3,263 km electrified) # 355 km 1.000-m and 0.760-m gauge (86 km electrified) (1995) # # 200000 200,000 km (including 1,596 km of expressways) # 0 km (1995 est.) # 446 554 171 2611 Linz, Vienna # 28 84623 116682 bulk 1, cargo 22, combination bulk 2, container 1, refrigerated cargo 2 (1996 est.) # 55 51 1 5 1 3 41 4 ? ? ? 4 ? 1 Army (includes Flying Division) # 19 years of age # 2107905 1754823 46298 2100000000 1 none # transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and South American cocaine destined for Western Europe # @Azerbaijan 0 0$Baku$4043$4975$1087000$ # Azerbaijan continues to be plagued by an unresolved nine-year-old conflict with Armenian separatists over its Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Karabakh Armenians have declared independence and seized almost 20% of the country's territory, creating almost 1 million Azerbaijani refugees in the process. Both sides have generally observed a Russian-mediated cease-fire in place since May 1994, and support the OSCE-mediated peace process, now entering its fifth year. Nevertheless, Baku and Xankandi (Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh region) remain far apart on most substantive issues from the placement and composition of a peacekeeping force to the enclave's ultimate political status, and prospects for a negotiated settlement remain dim. # ASE Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia # 86600 86100 500 2013 Armenia (with Azerbaijan-proper) 566 km, Armenia (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-proper) 432 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? dry, semiarid steppe # large, flat Kur-Araz Lowland (much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag (Karabakh) Upland in west; Baku lies on Abseron (Apsheron) Peninsula that juts into Caspian Sea # Caspian Sea -28 m Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, alumina # 18 5 25 11 41 10000 droughts; some lowland areas threatened by rising levels of the Caspian Sea # local scientists consider the Abseron (Apsheron) Peninsula (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, water, and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of DDT as a pesticide and also from toxic defoliants used in the production of cotton # Climate Change, Ozone Layer Protection # Biodiversity # landlocked # 7797476 33 1302759 1247868 61 2315272 2446087 6 186699 298791 0.78 22.89 9.32 -5.75 1.05 1.04 0.95 0.62 0.95 80.70 63.52 59.27 67.99 2.77 Azerbaijani(s) Azerbaijani Azeri 90%, Dagestani Peoples 3.2%, Russian 2.5%, Armenian 2.3%, other 2% (1995 est.) note: almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh region # Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox 2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.) # Azeri 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, other 6% (1995 est.) # age 15 and over can read and write # 97 99 96 Azerbaijani Republic Azerbaijan Azarbaycan Respublikasi none republic Baku (Baki) 59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities* (saharlar; sahar - singular), 1 autonomous republic** (muxtar respublika); Abseron Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas Rayonu, Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, AliBayramli Sahari*, Astara Rayonu, Baki Sahari*, Balakan Rayonu, Barda Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu, Cabrayil Rayonu, Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fuzuli Rayonu, Gadabay Rayonu, Ganca Sahari*, Goranboy Rayonu, Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu, Imisli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu, Lacin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu, Lankaran Sahari*, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu, Mingacevir Sahari*, Naftalan Sahari*, Naxcivan Muxtar Respublikasi**, Neftcala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax Rayonu, Qazax Rayonu, Qobustan Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu, Qusar Rayonu, Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Saki Sahari*, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Sumqayit Sahari*, Susa Rayonu, Susa Sahari*, Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xankandi Sahari*, Xanlar Rayonu, Xizi Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimli Rayonu, Yevlax Rayonu, Yevlax Sahari*, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala Rayonu, Zardab Rayonu # ? # Independence Day, 28 May adopted 12 November 1995 # based on civil law system # 18 years of age; universal # President Heydar ALIYEV (since 18 June 1993) Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since NA November 1996); First Deputy Prime Ministers Abbas ABBASOV (since NA), Samed SADYKOV (since NA), Vahid AKHMEDOV (since NA), Elchin EFENDIYEV (since NA) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly # president elected by popular vote to a five-year term; election last held 3 October 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); prime minister and first deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly # Heydar ALIYEV elected president; percent of vote - Heydar ALIYEV 97% # unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats; members serve five-year terms) # last held 12 and 26 November 1995 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA # Supreme Court # Azerbaijan Popular Front or APF [Ebulfez ELCIBEY, chairman]; Musavat Party [Isa GAMBAR, chairman]; National Independence Party [Etibar MAMEDOV, chairman]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Araz ALIZADE, chairman]; Communist Party [Ramiz AKHMEDOV, chairman]; People's Freedom Party [Yunus OGUZ, chairman]; Independent Social Democratic Party [Arif YUNUSOV and Leila YUNOSOVA, cochairmen]; New Azerbaijan Party [Heydar ALIYEV, chairman]; Boz Gurd Party [Iskander HAMIDOV, chairman]; Azerbaijan Democratic Independence Party [Qabil HUSEYNLI, chairman]; Islamic Party of Azerbaijan [Ali Akram, chairman]; Ana Veten Party [Fazail AGAMALIYEV]; Azerbaijan Democratic Party [Sardar Jalaloglu MAMEDOV]; Azerbaijan Democratic Party of Proprietors or DPOP [Makhmud MAMEDOV]; Azerbaijan Patriotic Solidarity Party [Sabir RUSTAMHANLI]; Azerbaijan Republic Reform Party [Fuad ASADOV]; Communist Party of Azerbaijan (unregistered) [Sayad SAYADOV]; Equality of the Peoples Party [Faukhraddin AYDAYEV]; Independent Azerbaijan Party [Nizami SULEYMANOV]; Labor Party of Azerbaijan [Sabutai HAJIYEV]; Liberal-Democratic Party of Azerbaijan [Lyudmila NIKOLAYEVNA]; National Enlightenment Party [Hajy Osman EFENDIYEV]; National Liberation Party [Panak SHAKHSEVEV]; Peasant Party [Firuz MUSTAFAYEV]; Radical Party of Azerbaijan [Malik SHARIFOV]; United Azerbaijan Party [Kerrar ABILOV]; Vetan Adzhagy Party [Zakir TAGIYEV] # ? # BSEC, CCC, CE (guest), CIS, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NACC, NAM (observer), OIC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer) # three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in red band # Azerbaijan is less developed industrially than either Armenia or Georgia, the other Transcaucasian states. It resembles the Central Asian states in its majority nominally Muslim population, high structural unemployment, and low standard of living. The economy's most prominent products are oil, cotton, and gas. Production from the Caspian oil and gas field has been in decline for several years, but the November 1994 ratification of the $7.5 billion oil deal with a consortium of Western companies should generate the funds needed to spur future industrial development. Azerbaijan shares all the formidable problems of the ex-Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its considerable energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. Baku has only recently begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. A major short-term obstacle to economic progress, including stepped up foreign investment, is the continuing conflict with Armenia over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics is declining in importance while trade is building up with the nations of Europe, Turkey, Iran and the UAE. # 1.20 480 3743 26 30 44 20 2789000 agriculture and forestry 32%, industry and construction 26%, other 42% (1990) # 1.10 565 682 petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore, cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles # -8 5.24 16630 2200 cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats # 700 oil and gas, chemicals, oilfield equipment, textiles, cotton # CIS, European countries, Turkey # 900 machinery and parts, consumer durables, foodstuffs, textiles # CIS, European countries, Turkey # 100 ODA, $14 million (1993) # ? # 1 manat = 100 gopik # 4230 calendar year 710000 telephone service is of poor quality and inadequate; a joint venture to establish a cellular telephone system in the Baku area is operational # cable and microwave radio relay connections to former Soviet republics; connection through Moscow international gateway switch to other countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat and 1 Intersputnik (Intelsat provides service to Turkey and through Turkey to 200 more countries; Intersputnik provides direct service to New York) # ? ? ? ? 2 ? 2125 2,125 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (1993) # # # # 57770 54,188 km # 3,582 km (1995 est.) # ? 1130 630 1240 Baku (Baki) # ? ? ? ? # 69 29 2 6 17 3 1 40 ? ? ? 7 33 ? Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guards # 18 years of age # 1982747 1596087 69524 ? ? Armenia supports ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in the longstanding, separatist conflict against the Azerbaijani Government; Caspian Sea boundaries are not yet determined among Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan # limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; limited government eradication program; transshipment point for opiates to Western Europe # @Bahamas 0 0$Nassau$2508$-7733$171000 # Discovered by Columbus in 1492, Bahamas became a British colony in the 17th century. Politically, Bahamians have had considerable control over their affairs since Captain Rogers gathered the islands' first assembly in 1729. Constitutional advances in 1964 and 1969 brought the country to the verge of complete self-government. In 1969, the name of Commonwealth of the Bahama Islands was adopted, and on July 10, 1973, on independence, the official form became the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. # BS Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida # 13940 10070 3870 ? ? # 3542 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation (measured from the archipelagic straight baselines) # 200 ? 12 tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream # long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Alvernia 63 m salt, aragonite, timber # 1 0 0 32 67 ? hurricanes and other tropical storms that cause extensive flood and wind damage # coral reef decay # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain # 275941 28 39280 38755 66 89483 93479 6 6209 8735 1.41 21.47 5.45 -1.88 1.02 1.01 0.96 0.71 0.96 19.60 73.75 70.36 77.20 2.36 Bahamian(s) Bahamian black 85%, white 15% # Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2% # English, Creole (among Haitian immigrants) # age 15 and over can read and write but definition of literacy not available # 98.20 98.50 98 Commonwealth of The Bahamas The Bahamas ? ? commonwealth Nassau 21 districts; Acklins and Crooked Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Exuma, Freeport, Fresh Creek, Governor's Harbour, Green Turtle Cay, Harbour Island, High Rock, Inagua, Kemps Bay, Long Island, Marsh Harbour, Mayaguana, New Providence, Nicholls Town and Berry Islands, Ragged Island, Rock Sound, Sandy Point, San Salvador and Rum Cay # ? # National Day, 10 July (1973) 10 July 1973 # based on English common law # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Prime Minister Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM (since 19 August 1992) and Deputy Prime Minister Frank WATSON (since December 1994) # Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the prime minister's recommendation # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor general appointed by the queen; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general # ? # bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16-member body appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the prime minister and the opposition leader for a five-year term) and the House of Assembly (40 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 14 March 1997 (next to be held by March 2002) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FNM 34, PLP 6 # Supreme Court # Progressive Liberal Party or PLP [Perry CHRISTIE]; Free National Movement or FNM [Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM] # ? # ACP, C, Caricom, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) # three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side # The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone accounts for more than 50% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs 40% of the archipelago's labor force. A slowdown in the expansion of the tourism sector - especially stopover travel from Europe - led to a reduction in the country's GDP growth rate in 1995, down to an estimated 2% from 3.5% in 1994. The construction sector benefited from hotel rehabilitation and the government's ongoing housing development program. Earnings from exports of vegetable and citrus production have been decreasing since 1993 but were expected to increase in 1996 due to storm damage to crops in Florida. Overall growth prospects in the short run will depend heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector and continued income growth in the US, which accounts for the majority of tourist visits. # 2 11820 3262 3 6 91 2.10 136900 government 30%, tourism 40%, business services 10%, agriculture 5% (1995 est.) # 15 665 725 tourism, banking, cement, oil refining and transshipment, salt production, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral-welded steel pipe # ? 0.27 874 2717 citrus, vegetables; poultry # 267.50 pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish, refined petroleum products # US 24%, Spain 14%, UK 7%, Norway 7%, France 6%, Italy 5% (1995 est.) # 1170 foodstuffs, manufactured goods, crude oil, vehicles, electronics # US 29%, Finland 10%, Iran 10%, Denmark 8% # 393 ? # ? # 1 Bahamian dollar (B$) = 100 cents # 1 1 July - 30 June 119000 totally automatic system; highly developed # tropospheric scatter and submarine cable to Florida; 3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 3 2 0 200000 1 60000 ? # # # # 2450 1,406 km # 1,044 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Freeport, Matthew Town, Nassau # 988 23690478 37428826 bulk 176, cargo 205, chemical tanker 41, combination bulk 7, combination ore/oil 23, container 56, liquefied gas tanker 21, oil tanker 184, passenger 47, refrigerated cargo 150, roll-on/roll-off cargo 53, short-sea passenger 11, vehicle carrier 14 # 54 47 2 1 15 12 17 7 ? ? ? 7 ? ? Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), Royal Bahamas Police Force # ? # ? ? ? 20000000 3.80 none # transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for US and Europe; banking industry vulnerable to money-laundering # @Bahrain 0 0$Manama$2617$5050$138000$ # An independent Arab state, Bahrain had a special treaty with the United Kingdom, which was responsible for the conduct of its foreign affairs and defense, from 1861 until full independence in 1971. A new constitution came into effect on 6 December 1973. The National Congress foreseen in this constitution was dissolved in 1975, when all political parties were also banned. Bahrain is now a monarchy (emirate) with a Cabinet nominated by the Emir himself. There are 10 administrative units and sub-units. Bahrain has been inhabited since prehistoric times and Bahrain Island is possibly the site of the legendary Dilmun, an ancient centre of trade described in writings dating from 2000BC. The archipelago was also mentioned by Persian, Greek and Roman geographers and historians. The area was conquered in the 7th century by the Muslims and has remained Arab and Muslim since then., though it was ruled by the Portuguese from 1521 to 1602 and by the Persians from 1602 to 1783. Since 1783 it has been ruled by sheikhs of the Al Khalifah family. # BRN Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia # 620 620 0 ? ? # 161 24 extending to boundaries to be determined # ? ? 12 arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers # mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment # Persian Gulf 0 m Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish # 1 1 6 0 92 10 periodic droughts; dust storms # desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations; no natural fresh water resources so that groundwater and sea water are the only sources for all water needs # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection # none of the selected agreements # close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf which much of Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean # 603318 31 94330 91532 66 240496 160662 3 8375 7923 2.18 23.01 3.27 2.07 1.03 1.03 1.50 1.06 1.32 16.40 74.63 72.10 77.24 3.04 Bahraini(s) Bahraini Bahraini 63%, Asian 13%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%, other 6% # Shi'a Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim 25% # Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu # age 15 and over can read and write # 85.20 89.10 79.40 State of Bahrain Bahrain Dawlat al Bahrayn Al Bahrayn traditional monarchy Manama 12 municipalities (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa'wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah note : all municipalities administered from Manama # ? # Independence Day, 16 December (1971) 26 May 1973, effective 6 December 1973 # based on Islamic law and English common law # none # Amir ISA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 2 November 1961); Heir Apparent Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 19 January 1970) # Cabinet appointed by the amir # none; the amir is a traditional Arab monarch; prime minister appointed by the amir # ? # unicameral National Assembly was dissolved 26 August 1975 and legislative powers were assumed by the Cabinet; appointed Advisory Council established 16 December 1992 # ? # ? # High Civil Appeals Court # political parties prohibited # ? # ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO # red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side # In Bahrain, petroleum production and processing account for about 60% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. Economic conditions have fluctuated with the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, for example, during and following the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. A large share of exports consists of petroleum products made from imported crude. Construction proceeds on several major industrial projects. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of both oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems. # 3 7830 4724 1 38 61 0 140000 industry and commerce 85%, agriculture 5%, services 5%, government 3% (1982) # 15 1490 1670 petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing; tourism # 3.40 1.05 4280.00 7102 fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish # 4200 petroleum and petroleum products 61%, aluminum 7% # India 22%, Japan 12%, Saudi Arabia 6%, US 6%, UAE 5% (1995) # 3500 nonoil 63%, crude oil 37% # Saudi Arabia 40%, US 13%, UK 7%, Japan 5%, Switzerland 5% (1995) # 3200.00 ? # ? # 1 Bahraini dinar (BD) = 1,000 fils # 0.38 calendar year 73552 NA # tropospheric scatter to Qatar and UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat # 2 3 0 320000 2 270000 ? # # # # 2740 2,159 km # 581 km (1992 est.) # ? 56 16 32 Manama, Mina' Salman, Sitrah # 6 117060 194061 bulk 1, cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, oil tanker 1 (1996 est.) # 3 2 2 ? 1 ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? 1 Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Internal Security Forces # 15 years of age # 216444 119781 ? 256000000 6.40 territorial dispute with Qatar over the Hawar Islands; maritime boundary with Qatar # ? # @Baker Island United States # # Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia # 1.40 1.40 0 ? ? # 4.80 ? ? # 200 ? 12 equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun # low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef # Pacific Ocean 0 m unnamed location 8 m guano (deposits worked until 1891) # 0 0 0 0 100 0 the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard # no natural fresh water resources # NA # NA # treeless, sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Baker Island ? ? unincorporated territory of the US; administered by the Fish and Wildlife none; administered from Washington, DC ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of the US is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one boat landing area along the middle of the west coast # ? ? ? ? # 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Bangladesh 0 0$Dhaka$2372$9043$6105000$ 1$Chittagong$2232$9192$2040000$ 1$Khulna$2250$8957$877000$ 1$Rajshah$2436$8865$517000$ # Formerly East Pakistan, in the delta of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. It was founded in December 1971 following the Bengali revolt, with Indian armed assistance, against Pakistan. This revolt began when talks between leaders of West and East Pakistan reached a stalemate on 25 March 1971. East Pakistan declared itself as independent Bangladesh the following day. # BD Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India # 144000 133910 10090 4246 Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km # 580 18 up to the outer limits of the continental margin # 200 ? 12 tropical; cool, dry winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); cool, rainy monsoon (June to October) # mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast # Indian Ocean 0 m Reng Tlang 957 m natural gas, arable land, timber # 73 2 5 15 5 31000 droughts, cyclones; much of the country routinely flooded during the summer monsoon season # many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; limited access to potable water; water-borne diseases prevalent; water pollution especially of fishing areas results from the use of commercial pesticides; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation; deforestation; severe overpopulation # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # Law of the Sea # ? # 125340261 38 24397316 23417919 59 37758378 35715343 3 2204445 1846860 1.82 29.80 10.90 -0.73 1.05 1.04 1.06 1.19 1.06 100 56.26 56.35 56.16 3.45 Bangladeshi(s) Bangladesh Bengali 98%, Biharis 250,000, tribals less than 1 million # Muslim 88.3%, Hindu 10.5%, other 1.2% # Bangla (official), English # age 15 and over can read and write # 38.10 49.40 26.10 People's Republic of Bangladesh Bangladesh ? ? republic Dhaka 4 divisions; Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi note: there may be two new divisions named Barisal and Sylhet # ? # Independence Day, 26 March (1971) 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended many times # based on English common law # 18 years of age; universal # President Shahabuddin AHMED (since 9 October 1996); note - the president's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina WAJED (since 23 June 1996) # Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president # president elected by National Parliament for a five-year term; election last held 24 July 1996 (next to be held by NA October 2001); following legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most seats is usually appointed prime minister by the president # Shahabuddin AHMED elected president without opposition; percent of National Parliament vote - NA # unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad (330 seats; 300 elected by popular vote from single territorial constituencies, 30 seats reserved for women; members serve five-year terms) # last held 12 June 1996 (next to be held NA 2001) # percent of vote by party - AL 33.87%, BNP 30.87%; seats by party - AL 178, BNP 113, JP 33, JI 3, other 2, election still to be held 1; note - the elections of 12 June 1996 brought to power an Awami League government for the first time in twenty-one years; held under a neutral, caretaker administration, the elections were characterized by a peaceful, orderly process and massive voter turnout, ending a bitter two-year impasse between the former BNP and opposition parties that had paralyzed National Parliament and led to widespread street violence # Supreme Court, the Chief Justices and other judges are appointed by the president # Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda ZIAur RAHMAN; Awami League (AL), Sheikh Hasina WAJED; Jatiyo Party (JP), Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD; Jamaat-E-Islami (JI), Motiur Rahman NIZAMI; Bangladesh Communist Party (BCP), Saifuddin Ahmed MANIK # ? # AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMIH, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNOMIL, UNPREDEP, UNTAES, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; green is the traditional color of Islam # Despite sustained domestic and international efforts to improve economic and demographic prospects, Bangladesh remains one of the world's poorest, most densely populated, and least developed nations. Annual GDP growth has averaged over 4% in recent years from a low base. Its economy is largely agricultural, with the cultivation of rice the single most important activity in the economy. Major impediments to growth include frequent cyclones and floods, the inefficiency of state-owned enterprises, a rapidly growing labor force that cannot be absorbed by agriculture, delays in exploiting energy resources (natural gas), inadequate power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Frequent strikes that crippled the economy in 1995 and early 1996 subsided after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina WAJED's Awami League government assumed power in mid-1996, allowing a return to normal economic activity. The current government has made some headway improving the climate for foreign investors and liberalizing the capital markets; for example, it has negotiated with foreign firms for oil and gas exploration, better countrywide distribution of cooking gas, and the construction of natural gas pipelines and power plants. Progress on other economic reforms has been halting because of opposition from the bureaucracy, public sector unions, and other vested interest groups. # 4.70 260 32588 31 18 51 4 50100000 agriculture 65%, services 21%, industry and mining 14% (1989) # 35.90 4100 6000 jute manufacturing, cotton textiles, food processing, steel, fertilizer # 5.70 2.98 10010.00 76 rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes; beef, milk, poultry # 3900 garments, jute and jute goods, leather, frozen fish and seafood # Western Europe 42%, US 30%, Hong Kong 4%, Japan 3% (FY95/96 est.) # 6800 capital goods, textiles, food, petroleum products # India 21%, China 10%, Western Europe 8%, Hong Kong 7%, Singapore 6% (FY95/96 est.) # 17100.00 $1.585 billion (FY95/96) # ? # 1 taka (Tk) = 100 poiska # 42.45 1 July - 30 June 249800 poor domestic telephone service # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); international radiotelephone communications and landline service to neighboring countries # 9 6 0 ? 11 350000 2892 978 km 1.676-m gauge # # 1,914 km 1.000-m gauge (1992) # # 168513 15,672 km # 152,841 km (1995 est.) # 5150 ? ? 1220 Chittagong, Dhaka, Chalna Port (Mongla) # 41 323057 464090 bulk 3, cargo 32, oil tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2 (1996 est.) # 15 14 1 2 4 1 6 1 1 ? ? ? ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces (includes Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Armed Police Reserve, Village Defense Parties, National Cadet Corps) # ? # 32797816 19406790 ? 481000000 1.70 a portion of the boundary with India in dispute; Bangladesh and India signed a treaty 12 December 1996 to share water from the Ganges # transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countries # @Barbados 0 $0$Bridgetown$1310$-5958$92401$ # Remains indicate that there was once a considerable population of Arawak indians on the island of Barbados. In 1518 the Spanish landed to seek slaves for their colony of Hispanola and by the mid-16th century no more indians remained. English colonists landed in the early 17th century and started tobacco and sugar-plantations, bringing in slaves from West Africa for labour. Slavery was abolished in 1834. Barbados became an independent state within the British Commonwealth on 30 November 1963, with the British monarch as chief of state, represented by a governor-general. # BDS Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela # 430 430 0 ? ? # 97 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; rainy season (June to October) # relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Hillaby 336 m petroleum, fish, natural gas # 37 0 5 12 46 ? infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides # pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers # Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling # Biodiversity # easternmost Caribbean island # 258756 24 31025 30197 66 83977 87208 10 10002 16347 0.12 15.35 8.25 -5.87 1.03 1.03 0.96 0.61 0.94 17.80 74.60 71.84 77.43 1.88 Barbadian(s) Barbadian black 80%, white 4%, other 16% # Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, unknown 3%, other 9% (1980) # English # age 15 and over has ever attended school # 97.40 98 96.80 none Barbados ? ? parliamentary democracy Bridgetown 11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas note: the city of Bridgetown may be given parish status # ? # Independence Day, 30 November (1966) 30 November 1966 # English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Prime Minister Owen Seymour ARTHUR (since 6 September 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Billie MILLER (since 6 September 1994) # Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor general appointed by the queen; prime minister appointed by the governor general # ? # bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21-member body appointed by the governor general) and the House of Assembly (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) # House of Assembly - last held 6 September 1994 (next to be held by January 1999) # House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - BLP 19, DLP 8, NDP 1 # Supreme Court of Judicature, judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for the Judicial and Legal Service # Democratic Labor Party or DLP [David THOMPSON]; Barbados Labor Party or BLP [Owen ARTHUR]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Richard HAYNES] # ? # ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO # three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident) # Historically, the Barbadian economy had been dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but in recent years the production has diversified into manufacturing and tourism. The start of the Port Charles Marina project in Speightstown helped the tourism industry continue to expand in 1996. The industry generated $331.8 million by the end of June and was expected to double by the end of the year. Prime Minister Owen ARTHUR called for "prudent" financial management to ensure that economic growth would continue. As part of his plan, the Prime Minister introduced a controversial Value Added Tax (VAT) in an effort to reform the tax administration process. The VAT will be administered at 15% for most industries and 7% for the tourism industry. The government has also continued its efforts to promote regional integration initiatives, to reduce the unacceptably high unemployment rate, and to encourage direct foreign investment. # 3.50 6710 1736 6.40 39.30 54.30 1.80 126000 services and government 41%, commerce 15%, manufacturing and construction 18%, transportation, storage, communications, and financial institutions 8%, agriculture 6%, utilities 2% (1992 est.) # 16.20 550 710 tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export # 7.70 0.15 644 2208 sugarcane, vegetables, cotton # 235 sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and beverages, chemicals, electrical components, clothing # US 13%, UK 10%, Trinidad and Tobago 9%, Windward Islands 8% # 763 consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction materials, chemicals, fuel, electrical components # US 36%, UK 11%, Trinidad and Tobago 11%, Japan 3% # 359 ? # ? # 1 Barbadian dollar (Bds$) = 100 cents # 2.01 1 April - 31 March 87343 island wide automatic telephone system # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia # 3 2 0 ? 2 69350 ? # # # # 1610 1,542 km # 68 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Bridgetown # 51 453828 684470 bulk 16, cargo 27, combination bulk 4, oil tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 1 (1996 est.) # 1 1 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Royal Barbados Defense Force (includes Ground Forces and Coast Guard), Royal Barbados Police Force # ? # 71547 49446 ? ? ? none # one of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics bound for the US and Europe # @Bassas da India 0 # # Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique # 0.20 0.20 0 ? ? # 35.20 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical # a volcanic rock 2.4 meters high # Indian Ocean 0 m unnamed location 3 m none # 0 0 0 0 100 0 maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones # NA # NA # NA # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Bassas da India ? ? possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, none; administered by France from Reunion ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of France is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? claimed by Madagascar # ? # @Belarus 0 0$Minsk$5386$2750$1589000$ # # BEL Eastern Europe, east of Poland # 207600 207600 0 3098 Latvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 605 km, Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime # generally flat and contains much marshland # Nyoman River 90 m Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m forests, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas # 29 1 15 34 21 1000 NA # soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Biodiversity, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # Climate Change, Law of the Sea # landlocked # 10412219 21 1092760 1047992 66 3346111 3547352 13 452267 925737 -0.01 9.75 13.23 3.38 1.05 1.04 0.94 0.49 0.89 13.90 68.40 62.48 74.61 1.35 Belarusian(s) Belarusian Byelorussian 77.9%, Russian 13.2%, Polish 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.9%, other 1.9% # Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 20% (1997 est.) # Byelorussian, Russian, other # age 15 and over can read and write # 98 99 97 Republic of Belarus Belarus Respublika Byelarus' none republic Minsk 6 voblastsi (singular - voblasts') and one municipality* (harady, singular - horad); Brestskaya (Brest), Homyel'skaya (Homyel'), Horad Minsk*, Hrodzyenskaya (Hrodna), Mahilyowskaya (Mahilyow), Minskaya, Vitsyebskaya (Vitsyebsk) note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) # ? # Independence Day, 3 July (1990); note - date set by referendum of November referendum of 27 November 1996 (declared illegitimate by the international community) adopted a new constitution massing power in the hands of the president; signed into law on 28 November 1996 # based on civil law system # 18 years of age; universal # President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20 July 1994) Prime Minister Sergey LING (acting since NA November 1996, confirmed NA February 1997); First Deputy Prime Minister Pyotr PROKOPOVICH (since NA); Deputy Prime Ministers Vladimir GARKUN (since NA), Valeriy KOKAREV (since NA), Vladimir RUSAKEVICH (since NA), Vasyl DALGALYOV (since NA) # Council of Ministers # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 24 June and 10 July 1994 (next to be held NA 2001 because of the additional two years provided by the November 1996 referendum); prime minister appointed by the president # Aleksandr LUKASHENKO elected president; percent of vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 85%, Vyacheslav KEBICH 15% note: first presidential elections took place in June-July 1994 # bicameral Parliament established by the 28 November Constitution consists of the Council of the Republic (64 seats; the president appoints 8 and each oblast plus the Minsk city government elect 8) and the Chamber of Representatives (110 seats; note - present members came from the defunct Supreme Soviet) # last held May and November-December 1995 (two rounds, each with a run-off; next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - KPB 42, Agrarian 33, CAB 9, Party of People's Concord 8, UPNAZ 2, SDPB 2, BPR 1, Green Party 1, Republican Party of Labor and Justice 1, BSP 1, NFB 1, Social and Sports Party 1, Ecological Party 1, independents 95, vacant 62; note - after the November 1996 referendum, seats for the Chamber of Representatives were filled by former Supreme Soviet members as follows: PKB 24, Agrarian 14, Party of Peoples Concord 5, LDPB 1, UPNAZ 1, Green World Party 1, Belarusian Social Sports Party 1, Ecological Party 1, Republican Party of Labor and Justice 1, independents 60; 58 of the 64 seats in the Council of the Republic have been appointed/elected # Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the president; Constitutional Court, half of the judges appointed by the president and half appointed by the Chamber of Representatives # Belarusian Communist Party or KPB [Yefrem SOKOLOV and Viktor CHIKIN, chairmen]; Agrarian Party [Aleksandr PAVLOV, chairman]; Civic Accord Bloc (United Civic Party) or CAB [Stanislav BOGDANKEVICH, chairman]; Party of People's Concord [Leonid SECHKO, chairman]; Party of All-Belarusian Unity and Concord or UPNAZ [Dmitriy BULAKOV, chairman]; Belarusian Social-Democrat Hramada or SDBP [Nikolai STATKEVICH, chairman]; Belarusian Patriotic Movement (Belarusian Patriotic Party) or BPR [Anatol BARANKEVICH]; Green Party of Belarus [Nikolai KARTASH, chairman]; Republican Party of Labor and Justice [Anatol NETYLKIN, chairman]; Belarus Peasants or BSP [Yevgeniy LUGIN, chairman]; Belarusian Popular Front or NFB [Levon BARSHEVSKIY, acting chairman]; Belarusian Social Sports Party [Aleksandr ALEKSANDROVICH, chairman]; Ecological Party [Liudmila YELIZAROVA, chairman]; National Democratic Party of Belarus or NDPB [Viktor NAUMENKO, chairman]; United Democratic Party of Belarus or ADPB [Aleksandr DOBROVOLSKIY]; Belarusian Socialist Party or SPB [Vyacheslav KUZNETSOV]; Slavic Assembly or SAB [Nikolai SYARECHEV]; Liberal-Democratic Party or LDPB [Sergei GAIDUKEVICH, chairman]; Belarusian Christian-Democratic Unity or BKDZ [Petr SILKO]; Polish Democratic Union or PDZ [Konstantin TARASEVICH]; Party of Beer Lovers [Yuriy GONCHAR]; Party of Communists Belarusian or PKB [Sergei KALYAKIN and Vasiliy NOVIKOV, chairmen]; Belarusian Labor Party or BPP [Aleksandr BUKHVOSTOV] # ? # BIS, CCC, CEI, CIS, EBRD, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Inmarsat, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NACC, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) # red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe of white on the hoist side bears in red the Belarusian national ornament # At the time of independence in late 1991, Belarus was one of the most developed of the former Soviet states, inheriting a modern - by Soviet standards - machine building sector and robust agricultural sector. However, the breakup of the Soviet Union and its traditional trade ties in December 1991, as well as the government's failure to embrace market reforms, has resulted in a sharp economic decline. Privatization is virtually nonexistent and the system of state orders and distribution persists. Although President LUKASHENKO pronounces his 1995 macro stabilization policies a success - annual inflation dropped from 2,220% in 1994 to 244% in 1995 - the IMF has criticized his exchange rate policies and suspended Minsk's $300 million standby program in November 1995. The overvalued ruble has especially hurt Belarusian exporters, most of which now operate at a loss. In addition, the January 1995 Customs Union agreement with Russia - which required Minsk to adjust its foreign trade practices to mirror Moscow's - has resulted in higher import tariffs for Belarusian consumers; tariffs rose from 5%-20% to 20%-40%. In general, as of the beginning of 1997, Belarus has badly lagged in moving away from the old centrally planned policies of the former USSR. # 3 2170 22595 21 49 30 33 4731000 industry and construction 36%, agriculture and forestry 19%, services 45% (1995) # 3.10 ? ? tractors, metal-cutting machine tools, off-highway dump trucks up to 110-metric-ton load capacity, wheel-type earth movers for construction and mining, eight-wheel-drive, high-flotation trucks with cargo capacity of 25 metric tons for use in tundra and roadless areas, equipment for animal husbandry and livestock feeding, motorcycles, television sets, chemical fibers, fertilizer, linen fabric, wool fabric, radios, refrigerators, other consumer goods # 3.20 7.21 23700 2553 grain, potatoes, vegetables; meat, milk # 5200 machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs # Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Germany # 6800 fuel, natural gas, industrial raw materials, textiles, sugar # Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Germany # 2000 ODA, $186 million (1993) # ? # Belarusian ruble (BR) # 16613 calendar year 1849000 the new NMT-450 analog cellular system is now operating in Minsk # international traffic is carried by the Moscow international gateway switch and also by satellite; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (through Canada) and 1 Eutelsat (through the UK) # 35 18 0 3170000 2 3500000 5488 5,488 km 1.520-m gauge (873 km electrified) (1993) # # # # 51547 50,825 km # 722 km (1995 est.) # ? 1470 ? 1980 Mazyr # ? ? ? ? # 118 36 2 18 5 9 11 82 1 6 4 ? 62 ? Army, Air Force, Air Defense Force, Interior Ministry Troops, Border Guards # 18 years of age # 2659236 2083696 77496 ? ? treaty with Lithuania defining the border awaits demarcation # limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to Russia and Western Europe # @Belgium 0 0$Bruxelles$5085$435$960000$ 1$Antwerpen$5122$442$465000$ 1$Gent$5107$369$230000$ 1$Charleroi$5040$444$206000$ 1$LiΦge$5064$558$196000$ # Belgium is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries of Europe. The area formed a part of the United Netherlands from 1815 to 1830. It became independent in 1831 as a hereditary, representative and constitutional monarchy. Ancient Latin and German heritages meet, but fail to mix, in Belgium. Apart from a small German-speaking population in the east, the country is divided between the Dutch-speaking Flemings in the north and the French-speaking Walloons in the south. The various political entities which preceded Belgium have left a heritage rich with both cultural and historical associations, with medieval university cities, small village communities, and traditions in the arts. Belgium has been the scene of major European conflicts, including Waterloo, and the two World Wars. Today it is the most heavily industrialized nation in europe. # B Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands # 30510 30230 280 1385 France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km # 64 ? median line with neighbors # ? 68 12 temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy # flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast # North Sea 0 m Signal de Botrange 694 m coal, natural gas # 24 1 20 21 34 10 flooding is a threat in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes # Meuse River, a major source of drinking water, polluted from steel production wastes; other rivers polluted by animal wastes and fertilizers; industrial air pollution contributes to acid rain in neighboring countries # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Law of the Sea # crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels which is the seat of both the EU and NATO # 10165059 17 911881 868361 66 3385319 3318940 17 681432 999126 0.11 10.43 10.41 1.08 1.05 1.05 1.02 0.68 0.96 6.40 77.19 73.95 80.59 1.50 Belgian(s) Belgian Fleming 55%, Walloon 33%, mixed or other 12% # Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25% # Flemish 56%, French 32%, German 1%, legally bilingual 11% # age 15 and over can read and write # 99 ? ? Kingdom of Belgium Belgium Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie Belgique/Belgie federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch Brussels 9 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Flemish: provincien, singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-Vlaanderen note: constitutional reforms passed by Parliament in 1993 theoretically increased the number of provinces to 10 by splitting the province of Brabant into two new provinces, Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant, but this has not been confirmed by the US Government # ? # National Day, 21 July (ascension of King LEOPOLD to the throne in 1831) 7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a constitutional package creating a federal state # civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993) Prime Minister Jean-Luc DEHAENE (since 6 March 1992) # Council of Ministers appointed by the king and approved by Parliament # none; the king is a constitutional monarch; prime minister appointed by the king and then approved by Parliament # ? # bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Flemish, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members are directly elected, 31 will be indirectly elected at a later date; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Flemish, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members are directly elected by proportional representation to serve four-year terms) # Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held 21 May 1995 (next to be held by the end of 1999) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CVP 7, SP 6, VLD 6, VU 2, AGALEV 1, VB 3, PS 5, PRL 5, PSC 3, ECOLO 2; note - before the 1995 elections, there were 184 seats; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - CVP 17.2%, PS 11.9%, SP 12.6%, VLD 13.1%, PRL 10.3%, PSC 7.7%, VB 7.8%, VU 4.7%, ECOLO 4.0%, AGALEV 4.4%, FN 2.3%; seats by party - CVP 29, PS 21, SP 20, VLD 21, PRL 18, PSC 12, VB 11, VU 5, ECOLO 6, AGALEV 5, FN 2; note - before the 1995 elections, there were 212 seats note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments each with its own legislative assembly; for other acronyms of the listed parties see Political parties and leaders # Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie in Flemish, Cour de Cassation in French, judges are appointed for life by the Belgian monarch # Flemish Christian Democrats or CVP (Christian People's Party) [Marc VAN PEEL, president]; Francophone Christian Democrats or PSC (Social Christian Party) [Gerard DEPREZ, president]; Flemish Socialist Party or SP [Louis TOBBACK, president]; Francophone Socialist Party or PS [Philippe BUSQUIN, president]; Flemish Liberal Democrats or VLD [Herman DE CROO, president]; Francophone Liberal Reformation Party or PRL [Louis MICHEL, president]; Francophone Democratic Front or FDF [Olivier MAINGAIN, president]; Volksunie or VU [Bert ANCIAUX, president]; Vlaams Blok or VB; National Front or FN [Frank VANHECKE, president]; AGALEV (Flemish Greens) [no president]; ECOLO (Francophone Greens) [no president]; other minor parties # ? # ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNMOP, UNPREDEP, UNRWA, UNTAES, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France # This highly developed private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging reinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Two-thirds of its trade is with other EU countries. The economy grew at a strong 4% annual pace during the period 1988-90, slowed to 1% in 1991-92, dropped by 1.5% in 1993, recovered with moderate 2.3% growth in 1994 and 1995, and fell off again to 1.4% in 1996, with continued substantial unemployment. Belgium's public debt has risen to 140% of GDP, and the government is trying to control its expenditures to bring the figure more into line with other industrialized countries. # 1.40 26250 266833 2 28 70 2.10 4126000.00 services 69.7%, industry 27.7%, agriculture 2.6% (1992) # 14 ? ? engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal # 3.40 13.59 74400 6823 sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk # 108000 iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleum products # EU 67.2% (Germany 19%), US 5.8%, former Communist countries 1.4% (1994) # 140000 fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffs # EU 68% (Germany 22.1%), US 8.8%, former Communist countries 0.8% (1994) # 31300.00 ? # ODA, $808 million (1993) # 1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimes # 33.07 calendar year 5691000 nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network # 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat # 3 39 0 100000 32 3315662 3396 # 3,396 km 1.435-m gauge (1995) # # # 142563 142,563 km (including 1,667 km of expressways) # 0 km (1995 est.) # 2043 161 1167 3300 Antwerp (one of the world's busiest ports), Brugge, Gent, Hasselt, Liege, Mons, Namur, Oostende, Zeebrugge # 25 102363 152951 bulk 1, cargo 7, chemical tanker 4, combination bulk 2, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 10 (1996 est.) # 42 39 6 9 2 1 21 3 ? ? ? 3 ? 1 Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie # 19 years of age # 2559951 2122673 63005 4600000000 1.70 none # source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe # @Belize 0 0$Belmopan$1750$-8883$4350$ # Formerly British Honduras, Belize became independent in 1981 and held its first general elections in December 1984. These brought to an end the long rule of the People's United Party under George Cadle Prince, who had served as head of government since 1961. The opposition United Democratic Party led by Manuel Esquivel won 21 of 28 seats in the House of representatives. Belize remains a member of the Commonwealth with the British monarch as head of state, represented by the governor-general. The latter selects the 8 members of the second house of the parliament, the Senate. Together with Guatemala and the east of Mexico, Belize formed part of the Mayan empire which was at its peak between 200-900BC. English woodcutters established the first European settlement in 1638. Attempts by the Spanish, who ruled over the neighbouring regions, to dislodge the English failed. The border between Guatemala and British Honduras was agreed in 1859, but this failed to end the border conflicts. British troops were sent to Belize in 1975 and 1977 to protect the country from invasion by Guatemala. # BZ Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico # 22960 22800 160 516 Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km # 386 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February) # flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south # Caribbean Sea 0 m Victoria Peak 1,160 m arable land potential, timber, fish # 2 1 2 92 3 20 frequent, devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding (especially in south) # deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ship Pollution, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # national capital moved 80 km inland from Belize City to Belmopan because of hurricanes; only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean # 224663 43 48921 47057 54 61133 59466 3 3965 4121 2.42 31.91 5.61 -2.12 1.05 1.04 1.03 0.96 1.03 33.20 68.75 66.80 70.81 3.99 Belizean(s) Belizean mestizo 44%, Creole 30%, Maya 11%, Garifuna 7%, other 8% # Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other 2%), none 2%, other 6% (1980) # English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib) # age 14 and over has ever attended school # 70.30 70.30 70.30 none Belize ? ? parliamentary democracy Belmopan 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo # ? # Independence Day, 21 September (1981) 21 September 1981 # English law # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Prime Minister Manuel ESQUIVEL (since July 1993); Deputy Prime Minister Dean BARROW (since NA July 1993) # Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor general appointed by the queen; prime minister appointed by the governor general # ? # bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (8 members; members are appointed for five-year terms, five on the advice of the prime minister, two on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and one after consultation with the Belize Advisory Council - this council serves as an independent body to advise the governor general with respect to difficult decisions such as granting pardons, commutations, stays of execution, the removal of justices of appeal who appear to be incompetent, etc.) and the National Assembly (29 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) # National Assembly - last held 30 June 1993 (next to be held no later than September 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PUP 13, UDP 15, NABR 1 # Supreme Court, the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on advice of the prime minister # People's United Party or PUP [Said MUSA]; United Democratic Party or UDP [Manuel ESQUIVEL, Dean BARROW]; National Alliance for Belizean Rights or NABR [Philip GOLDSON] # ? # ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTrO # blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland # The small, essentially private enterprise economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction assuming increasing importance. Agriculture accounts for about 20% of GDP and provides 75% of export earnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hard currency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting in efforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversification program. # 3 2740 616 20 27 53 6.40 51500 agriculture 30%, services 16%, government 15.4%, commerce 11.2%, manufacturing 10.3% # 15 140 180 garment production, food processing, tourism, construction # 3.70 0.03 ? ? bananas, coca, citrus, sugarcane; lumber; fish, cultured shrimp # 204 sugar, citrus fruits, bananas, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood # US 38%, UK, other EU (1994) # 264 machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals # US 53%, UK, other EU, Mexico (1994) # 192 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents # 2 1 April - 31 March 29000 trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 6 8 1 ? 2 27048 ? # # # # 2770 521 km # 2,249 km (1995 est.) # 825 ? ? ? Belize City, Big Creek, Corozol, Punta Gorda # 166 1592846 1087555 bulk 17, cargo 117, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk 1, container 6, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 13, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 4, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 1 (1996 est.) # 35 25 ? 1 1 9 24 10 ? ? ? ? ? ? Belize Defense Force (includes Army, Navy, Air Force, and Volunteer Guard), Belize National Police # 18 years of age # 54163 32176 2471 8100000 ? border with Guatemala in dispute; talks to resolve the dispute are ongoing # transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; minor money-laundering center # @Benin 0 0$Cotonou$633$242$650000$ # Benin is a unitary single-party peoples republic with one legislative house (National Revolutionary Assembly) with 196 seats. Since the 17th century the country was known as the Kingdom of Dahomey. Formerly a part of French West Africa, it became independent as the Republic of Dahomey on 1 August 1960. The present name was given on 1 December 1975 when the military government adopted a Marxist-Leninist constitution and Benin became a people's republic. # RPB Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Nigeria and Togo # 112620 110620 2000 1989 Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km # 121 ? ? # ? ? 200 tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north # mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Tanekas 641 m small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber # 13 4 4 31 48 100 hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter # recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # Law of the Sea # no natural harbors # 5902178 48 1420335 1411160 50 1401360 1530626 2 60704 77993 3.31 46.28 13.14 0 1.03 1.01 0.92 0.78 0.96 102.70 53.15 51.15 55.21 6.56 Beninese (singular and plural) Beninese African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500 # indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15% # French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north) # age 15 and over can read and write # 37 48.70 25.80 Republic of Benin Benin Republique du Benin Benin republic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped Marxism-Leninism Porto-Novo 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou # ? # National Day, 1 August (1990) 2 December 1990 # based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996); note - the president President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; Prime Minister Adrien HOUNGBEDJI (since 9 April 1996) acts as assistant to the president; a prime minister is not provided for in the constitution but was appointed by President KEREKOU with the permission of the constitutional court # Council of Ministers headed by the prime minister; all are appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 18 March 1996 (next to be held March 2001) # Mathieu KEREKOU elected president; percent of vote - Mathieu KEREKOU 52.49%, Nicephore SOGLO 47.51% # unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 28 March 1995 (next to be held NA 1999) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RB 20, PRD 19, FARD-ALAFIA 10, PSD 7, NCC 3, RDL-VIVOTEN 3, Communist Party 2, Alliance Chameleon 1, RDP 1, other 17 # Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle, Supreme Court or Cour Supreme, High Court of Justice # Alliance of the National Party for Democracy and Development or PNDD and the Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Pascal Chabi KAO]; Action for Renewal and Development or FARD-ALAFIA [Mathieu KEREKOU]; Alliance of the Social Democratic Party or PSD and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress or UNSP [Bruno AMOUSSOU]; Alliance Chameleon; Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP [Adekpedjon AKINDES]; Alliance for Social Democracy or ASD [Robert DOSSOU]; Assembly of Liberal Democrats for National Reconstruction or RDL [Severin ADJOVI]; Communist Party of Benin, [Pascal FATONDJI, First Secretary]; Our Common Cause or NCC [Albert TEVOEDJRE]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP; The Renaissance Party of Benin or RB [Nicephore SOGLO] note: as of February 1996, more than 80 political parties were officially recognized # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side # The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output, which had averaged a sound 4% in 1990-95, rose to 5.5% in 1996. Rapid population growth offset much of this growth in output. Inflation jumped to 55% in 1994 (compared to 3% in 1993) following the 50% currency devaluation in January 1994, but has subsided gradually over the past two years, with 14.5% inflation in 1995 and a target of 4.5% inflation in 1996. Commercial and transport activities, which make up a large part of GDP, are extremely vulnerable to developments in Nigeria as evidenced by decreased reexport trade in 1994 due to a severe contraction in Nigerian demand. Support by the Paris Club and official bilateral creditors has eased the external debt situation in recent years. The government, still burdened with money-losing state enterprises and a bloated civil service, has been gradually implementing a World Bank supported structural adjustment program since 1991. # 5.50 360 2125 36.80 12.60 50.60 14.50 ? ? # ? 272 375 textiles, cigarettes; beverages, food; construction materials, petroleum # ? 0.03 10 45 corn, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, rice, cotton, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, livestock # 300 cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa # Brazil 18%, Portugal 14%, Morocco, Libya, France # 380 foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods, capital goods, light consumer goods # France 27%, Thailand 9%, China, Hong Kong # 1600.00 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes # 541.69 calendar year 16200 fair system of open wire and microwave radio relay # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); submarine cable # 2 2 0 ? 2 20000 578 # # 578 km 1.000-m gauge (1995 est.) # # 8460 2,656 km # 5,804 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Cotonou, Porto-Novo # ? ? ? ? # 5 2 ? 2 1 2 ? 3 ? ? ? ? ? ? Armed Forces (includes Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie # 18 years of age # 1261059 645660 64028 33000000 3.20 none # transshipment point for narcotics associated with Nigerian trafficking organizations and most commonly destined for Western Europe and the US # @Bermuda 0 0$Hamilton$3231$-6475$2000$ # # GB North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina (US) # 50 50 0 ? ? # 103 ? ? # ? 200 12 subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter # low hills separated by fertile depressions # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Town Hill 76 m limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism # ? ? ? 20 80 ? hurricanes (June to November) # asbestos disposal; water pollution # NA # NA # consists of about 360 small coral islands with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some reclaimed land was leased by US Government from 1941 to 1995 # 62569 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 0.75 14.92 7.30 -0.13 ? ? ? ? ? 13.16 75.03 73.36 76.97 1.79 Bermudian(s) Bermudian black 61%, white and other 39% # Anglican 28%, Roman Catholic 15%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 12%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Methodist 5%, other 34% (1991) # English # age 15 and over can read and write # 98 98 99 none Bermuda ? ? dependent territory of the UK Hamilton 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint Georges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick # ? # Bermuda Day, 24 May 8 June 1968 # English law # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Premier Pamela GORDON (since 25 March 1997); Deputy Premier Jerome DILL (since 1 September 1995) # Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor appointed by the queen; premier appointed by the governor # ? # bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (an 11-member body appointed by the governor) and the House of Assembly (40 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 5 October 1993 (next to be held by NA October 1998) # percent of vote by party - UBP 50%, PLP 46%, independents 4%; seats by party - UBP 22, PLP 18 # Supreme Court # United Bermuda Party or UBP [Pamela GORDON]; Progressive Labor Party or PLP [Jennifer SMITH]; National Liberal Party or NLP [Charles JEFFERS] # ? # Caricom (observer), CCC, ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC # red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag # Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing financial services for international firms and luxury tourist facilities for 200,000 visitors annually. The tourist industry attracts 91% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. International business contributes over 60% of Bermuda's economic output; a failed independence vote in late 1995 can be partially attributed to Bermudian's fear of scaring away foreign firms. # 2.40 28000 1752 ? ? ? 2.50 34133 clerical 23%, services 23%, laborers 17%, professional and technical 16%, administrative and managerial 12%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2% (1995) # 0 406.20 405.90 tourism, finance, insurance, structural concrete products, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing # ? 0.14 527.53 7856 bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products # 54 semitropical produce, light manufactures, reexports of pharmaceuticals # Netherlands 50%, Brazil 13%, Canada 6% (1996) # 550 miscellaneous manufactured articles, machinery and transport equipment, food and live animals, chemicals # US 73%, UK 5%, Canada 5% (1995 est.) # ? ? # ? # 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents # 1 1 April - 31 March 54000 modern, fully automatic telephone system # 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 5 3 0 78000 3 57000 ? # # # # 225 225 km # 0 km (1997 est.) # ? ? ? ? Hamilton, Saint George # 76 3416667 5163435 bulk 9, cargo 1, container 15, liquefied gas tanker 14, oil tanker 16, refrigerated cargo 12, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4, short-sea passenger 2, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 1, livestock carrier 1 # 1 1 ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Bhutan 0 0$Thimbu$2745$8955$48000$ # The creation of the entity now known as Bhutan is credited to Mgawang Mangyal, a Tibetan Drukpa-lama, who entered the region in 1616 and died in 1651. He ended, at least for some time, the various conflicts between the local rulers of the western provinces. After 1639 Mangyal was given the title of Shabdung, the uppermost religious and worldly leader. The theocratic system he developed continued until 1907. In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was made hereditary king, being recognized by the British as the sole ruler of Bhutan. The present king, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, is the fourth in this line of hereditary rulers. The Treaty of Punakha in 1910 gave British-India power of control over Bhutan's external relations. With Indian independence in 1947 this control passed to India. Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy in 1969 when the king delegated part of his previously absolute power to the council of ministers and the Tsogdu, or parliament. The Tsogdu has 150 members, 45 of whom are reserved for civil-servants, ministers, royal advisers and lamas. The remaining 105 members are chosen by general election. # BHT Southern Asia, between China and India # 47000 47000 0 1075 China 470 km, India 605 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas # mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna # Dangme Chu 97 m Khula Kangri I 7,553 m timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide # 2 0 6 66 26 340 violent storms coming down from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season # soil erosion; limited access to potable water # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban # Law of the Sea # landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes # 1865191 40 387721 359857 56 536797 507551 4 37249 36016 2.30 37.91 14.94 0 1.05 1.08 1.06 1.03 1.06 114 51.88 52.37 51.37 5.27 Bhutanese (singular and plural) Bhutanese Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15% # Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% # Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects # age 15 and over can read and write # 42.20 56.20 28.10 Kingdom of Bhutan Bhutan ? ? monarchy; special treaty relationship with India Thimphu 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang # ? # National Day, 17 December (1907) (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary no written constitution or bill of rights # based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # each family has one vote in village-level elections # King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972); note - the king is King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972); note - the king is both the chief of state and head of government # Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) appointed by the king note: there is also a Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by the king # none; the king is a hereditary monarch # ? # unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105 elected from village constituencies, 12 represent religious bodies, and 33 are designated by the king to represent government and other secular interests; members serve three-year terms) # last held NA (next to be held NA) # NA # the Supreme Court of Appeal is the king; High Court, judges appointed by the king # no legal parties # ? # AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, Intelsat, IOC, ITU, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO # divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side # The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about 40% of GDP. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links. The industrial sector is small and technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources; however, the government limits the number of tourists to 4,000 per year to minimize foreign influence. The Bhutanese Government has made some progress in expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare, but growth continues to be constrained by the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. Growth picked up in 1995 and the country's balance of payments remained strong with comfortable reserves. The cautious fiscal stance planned for FY95/96 suggests continued economic stability in 1996. However, excessive controls and uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. # 6.90 400 746 42 31 27 8.60 ? agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2% # ? 52 150 cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide # 7.60 0.35 1670 79 rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs # 70.90 cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, electricity (to India), precious stones, spices # India 94%, Bangladesh # 113.60 fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics, rice # India 77%, Japan, UK, Germany, US # 141 $NA # ? # 1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note - Indian currency is also legal tender # 35.87 1 July - 30 June 4620 domestic telephone service is very poor with very few telephones in use # international telephone and telegraph service is by landline through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990) # 1 1 0 23000 0 200 ? # # # # 2210 0 km # 2,210 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? none # ? ? ? ? # 2 1 ? ? 1 1 ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, Militia # 18 years of age # 455556 243156 18290 ? ? none # ? # @Bolivia 0 0$La Paz$-1650$-6815$1189000$ 1$Sucre$-1908$-6825$146000$ 1$Santa Cruz$-1775$-6323$876000$ 1$Cochabamba$-1725$-6633$561000$ 3$Sajama$-1815$-6887$6520$ # The area was conquered by the Incas in the 15th century. In 1532 the Spanish in turn conquered the Incas and set up colonies, primarily around the silver mines of Potosi, and Bolivia (Altu Peru) became part of a large Peruvian region under Spanish control. At the start of the 19th century an independence movement was born among the white elite of Spanish descent. Sim∙n Bolivar played a major role in this movement. Bolivia became an independent republic in 1825. The constitution of 1948 (which has been more or less ignored since 1969) gives the right of presidential veto on all decisions which do not obtain a two-thirds majority in parliament. The various military juntas, however, have given themselves an even grater power by simply eliminating the parliament. This parliament (Congreso Nacional) consists of a Senate (27 seats) and a Chamber of Deputies (130 seats), chosen by general election. # BOL Central South America, southwest of Brazil # 1098580 1084390 14190 6743 Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid # rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin # Rio Paraguay 90 m Cerro Illimani 6,882 m tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber # 2 0 24 53 21 1750 cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion, as well as to physical activity by those unaccustomed to it from birth; flooding in the northeast (March-April) # the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification; loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used for drinking and irrigation # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection # landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru # 7669868 40 1543641 1511579 56 2081792 2184876 4 158409 189571 2.04 32.14 10.18 -1.56 1.05 1.02 0.95 0.84 0.97 65.70 60.34 57.46 63.38 4.18 Bolivian(s) Bolivian Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 25%-30%, white 5%-15% # Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) # Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official) # age 15 and over can read and write # 83.10 90.50 76 Republic of Bolivia Bolivia Republica de Bolivia Bolivia republic La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary) 9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija # ? # Independence Day, 6 August (1825) 2 February 1967; revised in August 1994 # based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age, universal and compulsory (married); 21 years of age, universal and compulsory (single) # President Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA Bustamente (since 6 August 1993); President Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA Bustamente (since 6 August 1993); Vice President Victor Hugo CARDENAS Conde (since 6 August 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet appointed by the president from a panel of candidates proposed by the Senate # president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 6 June 1993 (next to be held June 1997); Constitutional reforms extend presidential and vice presidential terms to 5 years beginning in 1997 # Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA elected president; percent of vote - Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA (MNR) 34%, Hugo BANZER Suarez (ADN/MIR alliance) 20%, Carlos PALENQUE Aviles (CONDEPA) 14%, Max FERNANDEZ Rojas (UCS) 13%, Antonio ARANIBAR Quiroga (MBL) 5%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA won a congressional runoff election on 4 August 1993 after forming a coalition with Max FERNANDEZ and Antonio ARANIBAR; FERNANDEZ died in a plane crash 26 November 1995 # bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (27 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (130 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # Chamber of Senators and Chamber of Deputies - last held 6 June 1993 (next to be held June 1997); Constitutional reforms extend congressional terms to 5 years beginning in 1997 # Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MNR 17, ADN 4, MIR 4, CONDEPA 1, UCS 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MNR 52, UCS 20, ADN 17, MIR 17, CONDEPA 13, MBL 7, ARBOL 1, ASD 1, EJE 1, PDC 1 # Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), judges appointed for a 10-year term by National Congress # Left Parties: Free Bolivia Movement or MBL [Antonio ARANIBAR]; Patriotic Axis of Convergence or EJE-P [Ramiro BARRANECHEA]; April 9 Revolutionary Vanguard or VR-9 [Carlos SERRATE]; Alternative of Democratic Socialism or ASD [Jerjes JUSTINIANO]; Revolutionary Front of the Left or FRI [Oscar ZAMORA]; Bolivian Communist Party or PCB [Marcos DOMIC]; United Left or IU [Marcos DOMIC]; Assembly for the Sovereignty of the People or ASP [Evo MORALES]; Front of National Salvation or FSN [Manual MORALES Davila]; Socialist Party One or PS-1; Bolivian Socialist Falange or FSB; Socialist Unzaguista Movement or MAS Center-Left Parties: Movement of the Revolutionary or MIR [Jaime PAZ ZAMORA]; Christian Democrat or PDC [Benjamin MIGUEL]; New Youth Force [Alfonso SAAVEDRA Bruno] Center Party: Nationalist Revolutionary Movement or MNR [Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA] # ? # AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band # With its long history of semifeudal social controls, dependence on volatile prices for its mineral exports, and bouts of hyperinflation, Bolivia has remained one of the poorest and least developed Latin American countries. However, Bolivia has experienced generally improving economic conditions since the PAZ Estenssoro administration (1985-89) introduced market-oriented policies which reduced inflation from 11,700% in 1985 to about 20% in 1988. PAZ Estenssoro was followed as president by Jaime PAZ Zamora (1989-93) who continued the free-market policies of his predecessor, despite opposition from his own party and from Bolivia's once powerful labor movement. By maintaining fiscal discipline, PAZ Zamora helped reduce inflation to 9.3% in 1993, while GDP grew by an annual average of 3.25% during his tenure. Inaugurated in August 1993, President SANCHEZ DE LOZADA has vowed to advance the market-oriented economic reforms he helped launch as PAZ Estenssoro's planning minister. His successes include the signing of a free trade agreement with Mexico and the Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur) as well as the privatization of the state airline, phone company, railroad, electric power company, and oil company. Furthermore, SANCHEZ DE LOZADA sponsored legislation creating private social security accounts for all adult Bolivians and capitalized these new accounts with the state's remaining 50% share in the privatized companies. # 3.90 930 7133 17 31 52 8 2300000 agriculture NA%, services and utilities NA%, manufacturing, mining and construction NA% # 18.80 3750 3750 mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing # 4 0.80 3020 334 coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber # 1100 metals 39%, natural gas 9%, soybeans 11%, jewelry 11%, wood 8% # US 26%, Argentina 17%, UK 15%, Peru 14% (1995) # 1400 capital goods 48%, chemicals 11%, petroleum 5%, food 5% (1993 est.) # US 18%, Brazil 15%, Japan 13%, Argentina 8% (1995) # 4300.00 ODA, $362 million (1993) # ? # 1 boliviano ($B) = 100 centavos # 5.17 calendar year 144300 microwave radio relay system being expanded # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 129 0 68 ? 43 500000 3691 # # 3,652 km 1.000-m gauge; 39 km 0.760-m gauge (13 km electrified) (1995) # # 55487 2,663 km (including 27 km of expressways) # 52,824 km (1995 est.) # 10000 1800 580 1495 none; however, Bolivia has free port privileges in the maritime ports of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay # 1 4214 6390 ? # 941 693 4 3 3 178 683 248 ? 2 68 ? ? ? Army (Ejercito Boliviano), Navy (Fuerza Naval Boliviana, includes Marines), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana), National Police Force (Policia Nacional de Bolivia) # 19 years of age # 1811952 1178259 80606 145000000 1.90 has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca water rights # world's third-largest cultivator of coca (after Peru and Colombia) with an estimated 48,100 hectares under cultivation in 1996, a one percent decrease in overall cultivation of coca over 1995 levels; Bolivia, however, is the second-largest producer of coca leaf; even so, voluntary and forced eradication programs resulted in leaf production dropping from 85,000 metric tons in 1995 to 75,100 tons in 1996; government considers all but 12,000 hectares illicit; intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia and Brazil to the US and other international drug markets; alternative crop program aims to reduce illicit coca cultivation # @Bosnia And Herzegovina 0 0$Sarajevo$4386$1843$300000$ # The Bosnian conflict began in the spring of 1992 when the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina held a referendum on independence and the Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosnia's Muslims and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement in Washington creating their joint Muslim/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A group of rebel Muslims, however, continues to battle government forces in the northwest enclave of Bihac. A Contact Group of countries, the US, UK, France, Germany, and Russia, continues to seek a resolution between the Federation and the Bosnian Serbs. In July of 1994 the Contact Group presented a plan to the warring parties that roughly equally divides the country between the two, while maintaining Bosnia in its current internationally recognized borders. The Federation agreed to the plan almost immediately, while the Bosnian Serbs rejected it. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the former Yugoslavia's three warring parties signed a peace agreement that brought to a halt over three years of interethnic civil strife in Bosnia and Herzegovina (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Agreement, signed by Bosnian President IZETBEGOVIC, Croatian President TUDJMAN, and Serbian President MILOSEVIC, divides Bosnia and Herzegovina roughly equally between the Muslim/Croat Federation and the Bosnian Serbs while maintaining Bosnia's currently recognized borders. An international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops began to enter Bosnia in late 1995 to implement and monitor the military aspects of the agreement and is scheduled to depart the country within one year. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission is to deter renewed hostilities. SFOR will remain in place until June 1998. A High Representative appointed by the UN Security Council is responsible for civilian implementation of the accord, including monitoring implementation, facilitating any difficulties arising in connection with civilian implementation, and coordinating activities of the civilian organizations and agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Bosnian conflict began in the spring of 1992 when the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina held a referendum on independence and the Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosnia's Muslims and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement in Washington creating their joint Muslim/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Federation, formed by the Muslims and Croats in March 1994, is one of two entities (the other being the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska) that comprise Bosnia and Herzegovina. # BOS Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia # 51233 51233 0 1459 Croatia 932 km, Serbia and Montenegro 527 km (312 km with Serbia, 215 km with Montenegro) # 20 ? ? # ? ? ? hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast # mountains and valleys # Adriatic Sea 0 m Maglic 2,386 m coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, forests, copper, chromium, lead, zinc # 14 5 20 39 22 20 frequent and destructive earthquakes # air pollution from metallurgical plants; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; widespread casualties, water shortages, and destruction of infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strife # Air Pollution, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # none of the selected agreements # within Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized borders, the country is divided into a joint Muslim-Croat Federation (about 51% of the territory) and a Serb Republic, The Republika Srpska [RS] (about 49% of the territory); the region called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and traditionally has been settled by an ethnic Croat majority # 3222584 18 301637 284694 70 1123477 1140604 12 145711 226461 5.09 8.29 13.88 56.51 1.07 1.06 0.98 0.64 0.95 37 59.42 54.58 64.59 1.09 Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s) Bosnian, Herzegovinian Serb 40%, Muslim 38%, Croat 22% (est.) # Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, other 10% # Serbo-Croatian (often called Bosnian) 99% # ? # ? ? ? none Bosnia and Herzegovina none Bosna i Hercegovina emerging democracy Sarajevo there are no first-order administrative divisions approved by the US Government, but it has been reported that the Muslim/Croat Federation is comprised of 10 cantons called by either number or name - Goradzde (5), Livno (10), Middle Bosnia (6), Neretva (7), Posavina (2), Sarajevo (9), Tuzla Podrinje (3), Una Sana (1), West Herzegovina (8), Zenica Doboj (4) # ? # Republika Srpska - "Republic Day", 9 January; Independence Day, 1 March; the Dayton Agreement, signed 14 December 1995, included a new constitution now in force # based on civil law system # 16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal # Chairman of the Presidency Alija IZETBEGOVIC (since 14 September 1996); Cochairman of the Council of Ministers Haris SILAJDZIC (since NA January 1997); Cochairman of the Council of Ministers Boro BOSIC (since NA January 1997) NA # Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairmen note: president of the Muslim-Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Vladimir SOLJIC (since March 1997); president of the Republika Srpska: Biljana PLAVSIC (since September 1996) # the three presidency members (one each Muslim, Croat, Serb) are elected by direct election (first election for a two-year term, thereafter for a four-year term); the president with the most votes becomes the chairman; election last held 14 September 1996 (next to be held September 1998); the cochairmen are nominated by the presidency # Alija IZETBEGOVIC elected chairman of the collective presidency with the highest number of votes; percent of vote - Alija IZETBEGOVIC received 80% of the Muslim vote to Haris SILAJDZIC's 14%; Kresimir ZUBAK received 88% of the Croat vote to Ivo KOMSIC's 11%; Momcilo KRAJISNIK received 68% of the Serb vote to Mladen IVANIC's 30% # bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina consists of the National House of Representatives or Vijece Opcina (42 seats - 14 Serb, 14 Croat, and 14 Muslim; members serve NA-year terms) and the House of Peoples or Vijece Gradanstvo (15 seats - 5 Muslim, 5 Croat, 5 Serb; members serve NA-year terms) # National House of Representatives - elections last held 14 September 1996 (next to be held NA); note - the House of Peoples are elected by the Muslim-Croat Federation's 140-seat House of Representatives (two-thirds) and the Bosnian Serb Republic's 83-seat National Assembly (one-third) # National House of Representatives: two-thirds chosen from the Muslim-Croat Federation: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SDA 16, HDZ-BiH 7, Joint List of Social Democrats 3, Party for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2; one-third chosen from the Bosnian Serb Republic: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SDS 9, SDA 3, Democratic Patriotic Front/Union for Peace and Progress 2 note: the Muslim-Croat Federation has a House of Representatives with 140 seats: seats by party - SDA 80, HDZ-BiH 33, Party for Bosnia and Herzegovina 11, Joint List of Social Democrats 10, other 6; the Republika Srpska has a National Assembly with 83 seats: seats by party - SDS 50, Democratic Patriotic Front/Union for Peace and Progress 10, Serb Radical Party 7, SDA 6, other 10 # Supreme Court; Constitutional Court # Party of Democratic Action or SDA [Alija IZETBEGOVIC]; Croatian Democratic Union of BiH or HDZ-BiH [Bozo RAJIC]; Serb Democratic Party or SDS [Alexander BUHA, acting president]; Party for Bosnia [Haris SILAJDZIC]; Joint List of Social Democrats; Democratic Patriotic Front/Union for Peace and Progress; Civic Democratic Party or GDS [Ibrahim SPAHIC]; Croatian Peasants' Party of BiH or HSS [Stanko STISKOVIC]; Independent Serbian Democratic Party or NSDS [Milorad DODIK]; Liberal Bosniak Organization or LBO [Muhamed FILIPOVIC]; Liberal Party or LS [Rasim KADIC, president]; Muslim-Bosniac Organization or MBO [Adil ZULFIKARPASIC]; Republican Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina [Stjepan KLJUIC]; Serb Civic Council or SGV [Mirko PEJANOVIC]; Serb Consultative Council [Ljubomir BERBEROVIC]; Social Democratic Party or SDP (formerly the Democratic Party of Socialists or DSS) [Zlatko LAGUMOZIJA, president]; Socialist Party of Republika Srpska [Zivko RADISIC]; Union of Social Democrats or SSDB [Selim BESLAGIC]; United Left of the Bosnian Serb Republic or ULRS [Mile IVOSEVIC]; Yugoslav United Left or JUL [CAREVIC]; Social Liberal Party [Miodrag ZIVANOVIC]; Serb Radical Party [Miodrag RAKIC]; Serb Patriotic Party [Slavko ZUPLJANIN]; Serb Homeland Party; Party of Serbian Unity; Republik Srpska Independent Social Democrats [Branko DOKIC, president]; Serb Party of Posavina and Krajina [Predrag LAZAREVIC]; National Democratic Union [Fikret ABDIC] note : 82 parties are registered for the September 1997 municipal elections # ? # CE (guest), CEI, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), OIC (observer), OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO # white with a large blue shield; the shield contains white fleurs-de-lis with a white diagonal band running from the upper hoist corner to the lower outer side # Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as the poorest republic in the old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture has been almost all in private hands, farms have been small and inefficient, and the republic traditionally has been a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly overstaffed, one reflection of the rigidities of communist central planning and management. TITO had pushed the development of military industries in the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share of Yugoslavia's defense plants. The bitter interethnic warfare in Bosnia caused production to plummet by perhaps 90% since 1990, unemployment to soar, and human misery to multiply. No reliable economic statistics for 1992-96 are available, although output almost certainly is well below $1,000 per head. In the Federation, unemployment remains in the 40%-50% range and inflation is low. By contrast, growth in the Republika Srpska in 1996 was flat and inflation surpassed 30%. The country receives substantial amounts of humanitarian aid from the international community. Wide regional differences in war damage and access to the outside world have resulted in substantial variations in living conditions among local areas. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 1026254 NA% # 70 ? ? steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, bauxite, vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances, oil refining; much of capacity damaged or shut down (1995) # ? 3.99 1870 475 wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables; livestock # 152 NA # NA # 1100 NA # NA # 3500 ODA, $600 million (1996 est.) # ? # 1 dinar = 100 para; Croatian kuna used in Croat-held area; old and new Serbian dinars used in Serb-held area; the deutsche mark (DM) has supplanted local currencies throughout Bosnia # ? calendar year 727000 NA # no satellite earth stations # 9 2 0 840000 6 1012094 1021 # 1,021 km 1.435-m gauge (1995); note - some segments need repair and/or reconstruction # # Kresimir ZUBAK (since 14 September 1996 - Croat) and Momcilo KRAJISNIK (since 14 September 1996 - Serb) # 21168 11,436 km # 9,732 km (1991 est.) # ? 174 ? 90 Bosanski Brod (access to Ploce, Croatia) # ? ? ? ? # 24 14 ? 3 3 1 7 10 ? ? 1 9 ? ? Army # 19 years of age # 865763 696202 23771 ? ? disputes with Serbia over Serbian populated areas # transit point for minor regional marijuana trafficking routes # @Botswana 0 0$Gaborone$-2472$2590$129000$ # Groups of the Tswana people arrived in the area during the seventeenth century, forcing the original inhabitants, the Bushmen, into the Kalahari desert. The first Europeans appeared at the beginning of the 19th century when christian missionary posts were set up. In 1885 the northern part of Bechuanaland (now Botswana) was made a British protectorate at the request of Tswana tribal chiefs. Botswana became an independent presidential republic within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966. The single legislative body, the National Assembly, has 38 seats, 34 of which are chosen by general election every five years. In addition there is a Council of Chiefs, with 15 members, who advise on tribal matters. # RB Southern Africa, north of South Africa # 600370 585370 15000 4013 Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? semiarid; warm winters and hot summers # predominately flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest # junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m Tsodilo Hill 1,489 m diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver # 1 0 46 47 6 20 periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility # overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # none of the selected agreements # landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country # 1500765 42 319920 312104 54 384533 428157 4 21949 34102 1.48 32.65 17.90 0 1.03 1.02 0.90 0.64 0.94 54.90 44.52 43.52 45.55 4.14 Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Batswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi 4%, white 1% # indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50% # English (official), Setswana # age 15 and over can read and write # 69.80 80.50 59.90 Republic of Botswana Botswana ? ? parliamentary republic Gaborone 10 districts and four town councils*; Central, Chobe, Francistown*, Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*, Ngamiland, North-East, Selebi-Phikwe*, South-East, Southern # ? # Independence Day, 30 September (1966) March 1965, effective 30 September 1966 # based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 21 years of age; universal # President Sir Ketumile MASIRE (since 13 July 1980); Vice President Festus President Sir Ketumile MASIRE (since 13 July 1980); Vice President Festus MOGAE (since 9 March 1992); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet appointed by the president # president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 15 October 1994 (next to be held NA October 1999); vice president appointed by the president # Sir Ketumile MASIRE elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA # bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a largely advisory 15-member body consisting of the chiefs of the eight principal tribes, four elected subchiefs, and three members selected by the other 12) and the National Assembly (44 seats, 40 members are directly elected by popular vote and 4 appointed by the majority party; members serve five-year terms) # National Assembly - elections last held 15 October 1994 (next to be held October 1999) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - BDP 27, BNF 13 # High Court; Court of Appeal # Botswana Democratic Party or BDP [Sir Ketumile MASIRE]; Botswana Freedom Party or BFP [leader NA]; Botswana National Front or BNF [Kenneth KOMA]; Botswana People's Party or BPP [Knight MARIPE]; Independence Freedom Party or IFP [Motsamai MPHO] # ? # ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center # Agriculture still provides a livelihood for more than 80% of the population but supplies only about 50% of food needs and accounts for only 4% of GDP. Subsistence farming and cattle raising predominate. The sector is plagued by erratic rainfall and poor soils. Substantial mineral deposits were found in the 1970s and the mining sector grew from 25% of GDP in 1980 to 33% in 1995. The unemployment rate remains a problem at 21%. On the plus side is the substantial positive trade balance. # 5 2940 4412 4 43 53 9.80 428000 220,000 formal sector employees, including 14,300 who are employed in various mines in South Africa; most others are engaged in cattle raising and subsistence agriculture (1992 est.) # 21 1800.00 1900.00 diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing # 4.60 0.20 950 747 sorghum, maize, millet, pulses, groundnuts (peanuts), beans, cowpeas, sunflower seed; livestock # 2100 diamonds 71%, copper and nickel 5%, meat 3% # Europe 81%, Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 14%, Zimbabwe 3% # 1500 foodstuffs, vehicles and transport equipment, textiles, petroleum products # Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 78%, Europe 8%, Zimbabwe 6% # 691 ODA, $189 million (1993) # ? # 1 pula (P) = 100 thebe # 3.64 1 April - 31 March 19109 small system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay links, and a few radiotelephone communication stations # microwave radio relay links to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) # 7 13 0 ? 0 13800 971 # # 971 km 1.067-m gauge (1995) # # 11800 1,676 km # 10,124 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? none # ? ? ? ? # 80 34 1 1 9 1 22 46 ? ? 3 43 ? ? Botswana Defense Force (includes Army and Air Wing), Botswana National Police # 18 years of age # 343929 180692 17632 199000000 5.20 quadripoint with Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement; dispute with Namibia over uninhabited Kasikili (Sidudu) Island in Linyanti (Chobe) River remained unresolved in January 1996 and the parties have agreed to refer the matter to the ICJ # ? # @Bouvet Island Norway # # N Southern Africa, island in the South Atlantic Ocean, south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) # 58 58 0 ? ? # 29.60 ? ? # ? ? 4 antarctic # volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 meters; coast is mostly inaccessible # Atlantic Ocean 0 m unnamed location 780 m none # 0 0 0 0 100 0 NA # NA # NA # NA # covered by glacial ice # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Bouvet Island ? ? territory of Norway ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of Norway is used # no economic activity; declared a nature reserve # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Brazil 0 0$Brasilia$-1578$-4792$1803000$ 1$Manaus$-310$-6000$1089000$ 1$Belem$-134$-4843$1190000$ 1$Maceio$-962$-3572$527000$ 1$Salvador de Bahia$-1257$-3850$2000000$ 1$Fortaleza$-375$-3858$1763000$ 1$SΓo Luis$-257$-4426$624000$ 1$JoΓo Pessoa$-710$-3495$440000$ 1$Recife$-806$-3495$1352000$ 1$Teresina$-515$-4277$533000$ 1$Natal$-578$-3522$578000$ 1$Aracaju$-1092$-3707$398000$ 1$Belo Horizonte$-1992$-4393$2339000$ 1$Rio de Janeiro$-2289$-4328$10217000$ 1$SΓo Paulo$-2356$-4665$15280000$ 1$Curitiba$-2542$-4925$600000$ 1$Porto Allegre$-3006$-5117$1371000$ 1$GoiΓnia$-1672$-4931$1038000$ 1$Campo Grande$-2042$-5467$435000$ # Brazil was discovered on 22 April 1500 by the Portuguese Pedro Cabral. It remained under Portuguese control until full independence was achieved in 1822. Economic and political problems led to a military coup in 1964. The country remained under military dictatorship until 1985. Since 1979 the Federative Republic of Brazil consists of 23 states, 1 federal district around the capital, Brasilia, and 4 federal territories. In recent years, Brazil has turned to agriculture to alleviate its economic problems. The need for ever more agricultural land has led to the destruction of vast areas of tropical rain forest. In the German version of The WorldStack, its author, Henk Hodiamont, quoted from a book by Jean-Pierre Dutilleux and pop-singer Sting, "The Fight for the Rainforest". Being unable to quote from the English version of the book, I offer this paraphrase of the German quote: The Amazone is dying. All over the world rainforests are dying. The jungle with its abundance of plant- and animal-life, with its innate and ancient cultures, is hanging in the balance: as is therefore also the hope for new medicines and perhaps even the health and well-being of our planet as a whole. Each minute of every day roughly 243,000 sq.metres of rainforest are lost: the size of New York's Central Park! In 1988 an area of jungle the size of Belgium was not only cut down, but irreversibly destroyed! It is not panick-mongering to say that the Amazone region could be turned into a desert with in a few decennia. Once there was a similar rainforest in Africa. Today we refer to this area as the Sahara? # BR Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean # 8511965 8456510 55455 14691 Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km # 7491 24 200 nm # 200 ? 12 mostly tropical, but temperate in south # mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Pico da Neblina 3,014 m bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber # 5 1 22 58 14 28000 recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south # deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers the existence of a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling # Desertification, Tropical Timber 94 # largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador # 164511366 30 25018597 24164894 65 53217683 54215461 5 3181539 4713192 1.10 20.43 9.42 0 1.05 1.04 0.98 0.68 0.98 53.40 61.42 56.78 66.30 2.29 Brazilian(s) Brazilian white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1% # Roman Catholic (nominal) 70% # Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French # age 15 and over can read and write # 83.30 83.30 83.20 Federative Republic of Brazil Brazil Republica Federativa do Brasil Brasil federal republic Brasilia 26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins # ? # Independence Day, 7 September (1822) 5 October 1988 # based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over 18 and under 70 years of age # President Fernando Henrique CARDOSO (since 1 January 1995); Vice President President Fernando Henrique CARDOSO (since 1 January 1995); Vice President Marco MACIEL (since 1 January 1995); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet appointed by the president # president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 3 October 1994 (next to be held NA October 1998) # Fernando Henrique CARDOSO elected president; percent of vote - Fernando Henrique CARDOSO 53%, Luis Inacio LULA da Silva 26%, Eneas CARNEIRO 7%, Orestes QUERCIA 4%, Leonel BRIZOLA 3%, Espiridiao AMIN 3%; note - second direct presidential election since 1960 # bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; three members from each state or federal district elected according to the principle of majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third elected after a four year period, two-thirds elected after the next four-year period ) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve four-year terms) # Federal Senate - last held 3 October 1994 for two-thirds of Senate (next to be held October 1998 for one-third of the Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held 3 October 1994 (next to be held October 1998) # Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - PMBD 28%, PFL 22%, PSDB 12%, PPR 7%, PDT 7%, PT 6%, PTB 6%, other 12%; seats by party - NA; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - PMDB 21%, PFL 18%, PDT 7%, PSDB 12%, PPR 10%, PTB 6%, PT 10%, other 16%; seats by party - NA note: party totals since the fall of 1994 have changed considerably due to extensive party-switching # Supreme Federal Tribunal, judges are appointed for life by the president and confirmed by the Senate # Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Paes DE ANDRADE, president]; Liberal Front Party or PFL [Jose JORGE, president]; Workers' Party or PT [Jose DIRCEU, president]; Brazilian Workers' Party or PTB [Rodrigues PALMA, president]; Democratic Labor Party or PDT [Leonel BRIZOLA, president]; Brazilian Progressive Party or PPB [Espiridiao AMIN, president]; Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Artur DA TAVOLA, president]; Popular Socialist Party or PPS [Roberto FREIRE, president]; Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB [Joao AMAZONAS, chairman]; Liberal Party or PL [Alvaro VALLE, president]; Progressive Reform Party or PPR [Esperido AMIN, president] # ? # AfDB, AG (observer), BIS (pending member), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MTCR, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNPREDEP, UNTAES, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each state and the Federal District) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress) # Possessing large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy outweighs that of all other South American countries and is expanding its presence in world markets. Prior to the institution of a stabilization plan - the Plano Real (Real Plan) - in mid-1994, stratospheric inflation rates had disrupted economic activity and discouraged foreign investment. Since then, tight monetary policy has brought inflation under control - consumer prices increased by only 10% in 1996 compared to more than 1,000% in 1994. At the same time, GDP growth slowed from 5.7% in 1994 to 2.9% in 1996 due to tighter credit. The steadily appreciating currency has also encouraged imports, contributing to a growing trade deficit, and depressed export growth. Brazil's more stable economy allowed it to weather the fallout in 1995 from the Mexican peso crisis relatively well, and record levels of foreign investment have since flowed in, helping to swell official foreign exchange reserves to $60 billion in 1996; stock markets reflected this increased investor confidence, gaining 53% in dollar terms. President CARDOSO remains committed to further reducing inflation in 1997 and putting Brazil on track for expanded economic growth, but he faces several key challenges. Fiscal reforms requiring constitutional amendments are stalled in the Brazilian legislature; in their absence, the government is continuing to run deficits and has limited room to relax its interest and exchange rate policies much if it wants to keep inflation under control. High interest rates have made servicing domestic debt dramatically more burdensome for both public and private sector entities, contributing to federal and state budget problems and a surge in bankruptcies. # 2.90 4360 717270 13 38 49 10 57000000 services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27% # 5.20 86000 90000 textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment # 3.50 59.04 268874 1572 coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus; beef # 47700 iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee, motor vehicle parts # EU 26%, Latin America 22%, US 23%, Argentina 11% (1995) # 53300.00 crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coal # EU 26%, US 24%, Argentina 11%, Japan 5% (1995) # 176000 ODA, $107 million (1993) # ? # 1 real (R$) = 100 centavos # 1.04 calendar year 14426673 extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 64 earth stations # 3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean Region East) # 1223 0 151 60000000 112 30000000 27418 5,730 km 1.600-m gauge # 194 km 1.440-m gauge # 20,958 km 1.000-m gauge; 13 km 0.760-m gauge # # 1939000 178,388 km # 1,760,612 km (1995 est.) # 50000 2000 3804 1095 Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Imbituba, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos, Vitoria # 193 4475748 7175061 bulk 42, cargo 26, chemical tanker 10, combination ore/oil 11, container 13, liquefied gas tanker 11, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 62, passenger-cargo 5, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 11 # 2871 1658 5 19 125 304 1205 1213 ? ? 67 1146 ? ? Brazilian Army, Brazilian Navy (includes Marines), Brazilian Air Force, Federal Police (paramilitary) # 18 years of age # 45876084 30843947 1756732 6736000000 1.10 short section of the boundary with Paraguay, just west of Salto das Sete Quedas (Guaira Falls) on the Rio Parana, has not been precisely delimited; two short sections of boundary with Uruguay are in dispute - Arroio Invernada (Arroyo de la Invernada) area of the Rio Quarai (Rio Cuareim) and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai and the Uruguay River # limited illicit producer of cannabis, minor coca cultivation in the Amazon region, mostly used for domestic consumption; government has a large-scale eradication program to control cannabis; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombian cocaine headed for the US and Europe # @British Indian Ocean Territory United Kingdom # # Southern Asia, archipelago in the Indian Ocean, about one-half the way from Africa to Indonesia # 60 60 0 ? ? # 698 ? ? # ? 200 3 tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds # flat and low (up to four meters in elevation) # Indian Ocean 0 m unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m coconuts, fish # ? ? ? ? 100 0 NA # NA # NA # NA # archipelago of 2,300 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? British Indian Ocean Territory none ? ? dependent territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident none ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952) Commissioner David Ross MACLENNAN (since NA 1994); Administrator Don CAIRNS (since NA); note - both reside in the UK # NA # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; commissioner and administrator appointed by the queen # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six blue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag # All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? NA # NA # 1 1 0 ? 1 ? ? # # # # 1 short stretch of paved road of NA km between port and airfield on Diego Garcia # NA km # ? ? ? ? Diego Garcia # ? ? ? ? # 1 ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? the island of Diego Garcia is claimed by Mauritius # ? # @British Virgin Islands United Kingdom # # GB Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico # 150 150 0 ? ? # 80 ? ? # ? 200 3 subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds # coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly # Caribbean Sea 0 m Mount Sage 521 m NEGL # 20 7 33 7 33 ? hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October) # limited natural fresh water resources (except for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the islands' water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchment) # NA # NA # strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico # 13368 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 1.32 20.13 6.03 -0.90 ? ? ? ? ? 18.99 72.83 70.99 74.80 2.25 British Virgin Islander(s) British Virgin Islander black 90%, white, Asian # Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic 6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981) # English (official) # age 15 and over can read and write # 97.80 ? ? none British Virgin Islands ? ? dependent territory of the UK Road Town none (dependent territory of the UK) # ? # Territory Day, 1 July 1 June 1977 # English law # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Chief Minister Ralph T. O'NEAL (since 15 May 1995; appointed after the death of former Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT) # Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of the Legislative Council # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor appointed by the queen; chief minister appointed by the governor from among the members of the Legislative Council # ? # unicameral Legislative Council (13 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, 1 member from each of 9 electoral districts, 4 at large members; members serve five-year terms) # last held 20 February 1995 (next to be held NA February 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - VIP 6, CCM 2, UP 2, independents 3 # Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court # United Party or UP [Conrad MADURO]; Virgin Islands Party or VIP [Ralph T. O'NEAL]; Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [E. Walwyln BREWLEY]; Independent People's Movement or IPM [Omar HODGE and Allen O'NEAL] # ? # Caricom (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate) # blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) # The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism, which generates an estimated 45% of the national income. In 1985, the government began offering offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and incorporation fees now generate substantial revenues. The adoption of a comprehensive insurance law in late 1994, which provides a blanket of confidentiality with regulated statutory gateways for investigation of criminal offenses, is expected to make the British Virgin Islands even more attractive to international business. Livestock raising is the most important agricultural activity; poor soils limit the islands' ability to meet domestic food requirements. Because of traditional close links with the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands have used the dollar as their currency since 1959. # 4 18000 241 3 14 83 2.50 4911 tourism NA% # 3 77.10 76.40 tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center # 4 ? ? ? fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish # 3.40 rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals; gravel, sand # Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US # 11.50 building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery # Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US # 4.50 ? # ? # 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents # ? 1 April - 31 March 6291 NA # submarine cable to Bermuda # 1 3 0 9000 1 4000 ? # # # # 113 NA km # NA km # ? ? ? ? Road Town # ? ? ? ? # 3 2 ? ? ? 1 1 1 ? ? ? 1 ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Brunei 0 0$Bandar$490$11500$60000$ # Brunei probably became a sultanate in the 14th century. It was a powerful state in the 16th century with authority over all of the island of Borneo as well as part of the Sulu Islands and the Philippines. It became a British protectorate in 1888 and gained internal self-government in 1971. Brunei became independent in 1984 with full sovereignty. The sultan has almost absolute power and heads a ministerial council. There is also a legislative council, with 21 members. Brunei is divided into 4 districts. (Brunei-Muara Belait-Tutong-Temburong) # BRU Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia # 5770 5270 500 381 Malaysia 381 km # 161 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; hot, humid, rainy # flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west # South China Sea 0 m Bukit Pagon 1,850 m petroleum, natural gas, timber # 1 1 1 85 12 10 typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are very rare # NA # Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia # 307616 33 52239 50025 63 101326 90941 4 7207 5878 2.50 25.20 5.13 4.89 1.06 1.04 1.11 1.23 1.10 23.80 71.54 70 73.16 3.37 Bruneian(s) Bruneian Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16% # Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs and other 15% (1981) # Malay (official), English, Chinese # age 15 and over can read and write # 88.20 92.60 83.40 Negara Brunei Darussalam Brunei ? ? constitutional sultanate Bandar Seri Begawan 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and Muara, Temburong, Tutong # ? # National Day, 23 February (1984) 29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984) # based on Islamic law # none # Sultan and Prime Minister His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Sultan and Prime Minister His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji HASSANAL Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (since 5 October 1967); note - the sultan is both the chief of state and head of government # Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by the sultan; deals with executive matters note: there is also a Religious Council (members appointed by the sultan) that advises on religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the sultan) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of Succession (members appointed by the sultan) that determines the succession to the throne if the need arises # none; the sultan is a traditional Islamic monarch # ? # unicameral Legislative Council or Majlis Masyuarat Megeri (a privy council that serves only in a consultative capacity; NA seats; members appointed by the sultan) # last held in March 1962 note: in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointive body by decree of the sultan; an elected Legislative Council is being considered as part of constitutional reform, but elections are unlikely for several years # ? # Supreme Court, chief justice and judges are sworn in by the sultan for three-year terms # Brunei United National Party (inactive), Anak HASANUDDIN, chairman; Brunei National Solidarity Party (the first legal political party and now banned), Mohamad HATTA bin Maji Zainal Abidin, secretary general; Brunei Peoples Party (banned), Sheik A. M. AZAHARI, leader; Brunei National Democratic Party or BNDP (deregistered), Haji Abdul LATIF bin Abdul Hamad, president # ? # APEC, ASEAN, C, CCC, ESCAP, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, Mekong Group, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO # yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands # This small, wealthy economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. It is almost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas, with revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for perhaps half of GDP. Per capita GDP is among the highest in the Third World, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes food and housing. The government is beginning to show progress on its basic policy of diversifying the economy away from oil and gas. Brunei's leaders are concerned that steadily increased integration in the world economy will undermine internal social cohesion. # 2 17000 5229 3 46 51 2.50 119000 government 48%, production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction 42%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 4%, other 6% (1986 est.) # 4.80 2500 2600 petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction # 2 0.34 1240 4003 rice, cassava (tapioca), bananas; water buffalo, pigs # 2700 crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products # Japan 50%, UK 19%, Thailand 10%, Singapore 9% (1994 est.) # 2000 machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals # Singapore 29%, UK 19%, US 13%, Malaysia 9%, Japan 5% (1994 est.) # 0 ? # ? # 1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 100 cents # 1.41 calendar year 76900 NA # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) # 4 4 0 115000 1 78000 13 # # 13 km 0.610-m gauge # # 1120 388 km # 732 km (1995) # 209 135 418 920 Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, Muara, Seria, Tutong # 7 348476 340635 ? # 2 1 1 ? ? 1 ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? 3 Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, Royal Brunei Police # 18 years of age # 85327 49466 3014 312000000 6.20 may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country; all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone that encompasses Louisa Reef, but has not publicly claimed the island # ? # @Bulgaria 0 0$Sofia$4267$2331$1107000$ 1$Plovdiv$4214$2473$340000$ 1$Varna$4322$2793$307000$ # The first Bulgarian Empire withstood the power of the Byzantine Empire from 681 to 1018 before becoming part of it from 1018 until 1186. The second Bulgarian Empire dates from 1187, but the country fell under Turkish control in 1396, a situation which continued for almost 500 years. Bulgaria became autonomous in 1878, though still officially formed part of the Turkish Empire. In 1908 Bulgaria declared itself to be an independent kingdom. The monarchy was abolished in 1946 after a referendum. The first constitution appeared in the following year. This was superseded in 1971, since when almost all power has been in hands of the 400-seat National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie) and the Bulgarian Communist Party has been the driving-force of the country. Free elections were held for the first time in June 1990. The CommunistParty, renamed the Bulgarian Socialist Party retained control. Bulgaria is divided into 28 districts (okrτzi) and 1161 municipal authorities (obstina). # BG Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey # 110910 110550 360 1808 Greece 494 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km (all with Serbia), Turkey 240 km # 354 24 ? # 200 ? 12 temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers # mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast # Black Sea 0 m Musala 2,925 m bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land # 37 2 16 35 10 12370 earthquakes, landslides # air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol # strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia # 8290988 17 720499 685258 67 2769288 2823431 16 558028 734484 -0.63 8.05 13.38 -0.94 1.06 1.05 0.98 0.76 0.95 13.20 71.65 68.06 75.44 1.14 Bulgarian(s) Bulgarian Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, other 0.6% # Bulgarian Orthodox 85%, Muslim 13%, Jewish 0.8%, Roman Catholic 0.5%, Uniate Catholic 0.2%, Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5% # Bulgarian, secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown # age 15 and over can read and write # 98 99 97 Republic of Bulgaria Bulgaria ? ? emerging democracy Sofia 9 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Burgas, Grad Sofiya, Khaskovo, Lovech, Montana, Plovdiv, Ruse, Sofiya, Varna # ? # Independence Day, 3 March (1878) adopted 12 July 1991 # based on civil law system with Soviet law influence; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # President Petar STOYANOV (since 22 January 1997); Vice President Todor Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) Ivan Kostov (since 19 May 1997); Deputy Prime Ministers Aleksandur BOZHKOV (since 12 February 1997 Evgeniy BAKURDZHIEV (since 21 May 1997), Veselin METODIEV (since 21 May 1997) # Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly # president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 27 October and 3 November 1996 (next to be held NA 2001); chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) appointed by the president # Petar STOYANOV elected president; percent of vote - Petar STOYANOV 59.73% # unicameral National Assembly or Narodno Sobranie (240 seats; members are popularly elected to serve four-year terms) # last held 19 April 1997 (next to be held NA 2001) # percent of vote by party - UDF 52%, BSP 22%, ANS 7%, Euro-left 5.5%, BBB 4.95%; seats by party - UDF 137, BSP 58, ANS 19, Euro-left 14, BBB 12 # Supreme Court, chairman appointed for a seven-year term by the president; Constitutional Court, 12 justices appointed or elected for a nine-year term # Bulgarian Socialist Party or BSP [Georgi PURVANOV, chairman]; Union of Democratic Forces or UDF (an alliance of pro-Democratic parties) [Ivan KOSTOV]; Euro-left [Alexander TOMOV]; Alliance for National Salvation or ANS (coalition led mainly by Movement for Rights and Freedoms or MRF [Ahmed DOGAN]); Bulgarian Business Bloc or BBB [George GANCHEV] # ? # ACCT, BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CEI, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIBH, UNMOT, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has been removed - it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat ears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberation from Nazi control) # One of the poorest countries of central Europe, Bulgaria has slowly continued the process of moving from its old command economy towards a market-oriented economy. Slow advancement on economic reforms pitched the economy into crisis in 1996, marked by a banking system in turmoil, a depreciating currency, inflation of 311% and contracting production and foreign trade. Foreign exchange reserves dwindled to extremely low levels ($518 million), while dramatically hiked interest rates added to the domestic debt burden and stifled growth. GDP fell by 10% in 1996, after experiencing 2.6% growth in 1995. Privatization of state-owned industries stagnated, although the first auction of a mass privatization program was undertaken in late 1996. Lagging progress on structural reforms led to postponement of IMF disbursements under a $580 million standby loan agreed to in July. In November 1996, the IMF proposed a currency board as Bulgaria's best chance to restore confidence in the lev, eliminate discretionary spending, and avoid hyperinflation. The government has pledged to sell some of the country's most attractive state assets to the highest foreign bidders in 1997. The Bulgarian economy is projected to have another year of negative growth (minus 5%), and inflation near 700% in 1997, assuming introduction of a currency board in July of 1997. # -10 1190 9866 12.60 35.70 51.70 311 3570000 industry 41%, agriculture 18%, other 41% (1992) # 12.50 3000 4100 machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals # -6.50 12.09 36070 4491 grain, oilseed, vegetables, fruits, tobacco; livestock # 4200 machinery and equipment 12.8%; agriculture and food 21.9%; textiles and apparel 14%; metals and ores 19.7%; chemicals 16.9%; minerals and fuels 9.3% (1995) # OECD 50.0% (EU 37.2%); CIS and Central and Eastern Europe 32.4%; Arab countries 5.8%; other 11.8% (1995) # 4100 fuels, minerals, and raw materials 30.1%; machinery and equipment 23.6%; textiles and apparel 11.6%; agricultural products 10.8%; metals and ores 6.8%; chemicals 12.3%; other 4.8% (1995) # OECD 45.5% (EU 38.1%); CIS and Central and Eastern European countries 41.1%; Arab countries 1.8%; other 11.6% (1995) # 9300 ? # ? # 1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki # 483.40 calendar year 2773293 extensive but antiquated transmission system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; telephone service is available in most villages # direct dialing to 36 countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region); Intelsat available through a Greek earth station # 20 15 0 ? 29 2100000 4292 # 4,047 km 1.435-m gauge (2,650 km electrified; 917 double track) # # 245 km 0.760-m gauge (1995) # 36777 33,798 km (including 314 km of expressways) # 2,979 km (1995 est.) # 470 193 525 1400 Burgas, Lom, Nesebur, Ruse, Varna, Vidin # 99 1063367 1596438 bulk 45, cargo 25, chemical tanker 4, container 2, oil tanker 12, passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6, short-sea passenger 1 # 355 116 1 17 10 10 88 239 ? 2 1 ? 226 ? Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Troops, Internal Troops # 19 years of age # 2052731 1711729 62908 418600000 2 none # major European transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and, to a lesser degree, South American cocaine for the European market; limited producer of precursor chemicals; significant producer of amphetamines, much of which are consumed in the Middle East # @Burkina 0 0$Ouagadougou$1233$-167$590000$ 1$Bobo-Dioulasso$1114$-422$300000$ # The Mossi tribe ruled the area from the 11th century until defeated by the Mali and Songhai empires. French control came in 1896. Formerly part of French West Africa, Upper Volta became independent on 5 August 1960. In 1984, the name was changed to Burkina Faso. The 1977 constitution, the functions of the legislative house (National Assembly with 57 seats) and all political parties have been suspended since 1980, following a military coup. Since the end of August 1985, all laws have been passed by decree. There are 30 provinces in Burkina Faso. # BF Western Africa, north of Ghana # 274200 273800 400 3192 Benin 306 km, Ghana 548 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers # mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeast # Black Volta River 200 m Tena Kourou 749 m manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony, copper, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silver # 13 0 22 50 15 200 recurring droughts # recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban # landlocked # 10891159 48 2636509 2602984 49 2515266 2799542 3 146267 190591 2.45 46.43 20.33 -1.58 1.03 1.01 0.90 0.77 0.95 116.60 42.29 42.45 42.12 6.72 Burkinabe (singular and plural) Burkinabe Mossi about 24%, Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani # indigenous beliefs 40%, Muslim 50%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10% # French (official), tribal languages belonging to Sudanic family, spoken by 90% of the population # age 15 and over can read and write # 19.20 29.50 9.20 none Burkina Faso ? ? parliamentary Ouagadougou 30 provinces; Bam, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houe, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komoe, Kossi, Kouritenga, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Naouri, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Yatenga, Zoundweogo # ? # Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983) 2 June 1991 # based on French civil law system and customary law # none # President Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987) Prime Minister Kadre' De'sire' OUE'DRAOGO (since 6 February 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister # president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held 1 December 1991 (next to be held NA 1998); prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the legislature # Blaise COMPAORE elected president with 90.4% percent of the votes of those who voted (the abstention rate was 74.7%) # unicameral Assembly of People's Deputies or Assemblee des Deputes Populaires (111 seats; members are popularly elected to serve five-year terms) # last held 11 May 1997 (next to be held NA 2002) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CDP 97, PDP 6, RDA 2, ADF 2; note - 4 contested seats are to be filled in special election on 19 June 1997 by order of the Supreme Court note: the current law also provides for a second consultative chamber, which has not been formally constituted # Supreme Court; Appeals Court # Organization for People's Democracy - Labor Movement or ODP-MT (ruling party at time of 1992 elections but was subsumed, with about a dozen smaller parties, into the powerful CDP in February 1996); African Democratic Assembly or RDA [Gerard Kango OUEDRAOGO]; Alliance for Democracy and Federation or ADF [Herman YAMEOGO]; Burkinabe Socialist Bloc or BSB [Earnest Nongma OUEDRAOGO, president]; Burkinabe Environmentalist Party or UVDB; Congress for Democracy and Progress or CDP [Din Salif SAWADAGO] (the strongest party in the 1997 legislative elections); Front for Social Forces or FFS [Fide'le KIENTEGA]; National Convention of Progressive Patriots-Social Democratic Party or CNPP-PSD [Moussa BOLY] (not prominent in 1997); Party for Democracy and Progress or PDP [Joseph KI-ZERBO]; Party for Progress and Social Development or PPDS; Party for African Independence or PAI # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia # One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked Burkina Faso has a high population density and a high population growth rate, few natural resources, and a fragile soil. Over 80% of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture which is highly vulnerable to variations in rainfall. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations. Following the African franc currency devaluation in January 1994 the government updated its development program in conjunction with international agencies, and exports and economic growth have increased. # 5.40 220 2396 31 25 44 7.80 ? agriculture 80%, industry 15%, commerce, services, and government 5% # ? 483 548 cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold # 1 0.12 320 28 peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, cotton, sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock # 298 cotton, gold, animal products # Cote d'Ivoire, France, Italy, Thailand # 500 machinery, food products, petroleum # Cote d'Ivoire, France, Togo, Nigeria # 1100 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes # 541.69 calendar year 21000 microwave radio relay, open wire, and radiotelephone communication stations # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 2 1 0 ? 2 49000 622 # # 622 km 1.000-m gauge (1995 est.) # # 12506 2,001 km # 10,505 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? none # ? ? ? ? # 22 10 1 1 3 9 8 12 ? ? ? ? ? ? Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police, People's Militia # ? # 2219544 1137882 ? 104000000 6.40 none # ? # @Burma 0 0$Rangoon$1678$9617$3000000$ 1$Mandalay$2195$9607$532000$ 1$Moulmein$1650$9767$220000$ # Settlers from Tibet in the 8th century formed the basis of what was later to become the Burmese people. From 1272 until the 16th century, the country formed part of the Chinese-Mongolian empire. The British made Burma part of the Indian empire in 1886. After numerous nationalist rebel lions, the Government of Burma Act of 1935 allowed for a level of internal self-government from 1937. The Japanese occupation led to independence in 1943. This independence was later ratified by the British and Burma left the Commonwealth with full independence on 1 January 1948. Political instability led to a military take-over by General U Ne Win in 1962. The military regime founded the Burmese Socialist Program Party (BSPP), the only legal party since 28 March 1962. The new single-party constitution was confirmed by referendum from 15 to 31 December 1973 and became official on 4 January 1974. This single-party people's republic has one legislative house, the People's Assembly, with 475 seats, elected every 4 years. First elections took place in January and February of 1974. New laws regarding political parties came into force in September 1988. Burma has 4 Divisions and 7 States. # BUR Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand # 678500 657740 20760 5876 Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km # 1930 24 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin # 200 ? 12 tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April) # central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands # Andaman Sea 0 m Hkakabo Razi 5,881 m petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas # 15 1 1 49 34 10680 destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts # deforestation; industrial pollution of air, soil, and water; inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 # none of the selected agreements # strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes # 46821943 37 8743108 8410224 59 13878541 13859783 4 873670 1056617 1.81 29.54 11.41 0 1.06 1.04 1 0.83 1.01 78.50 56.62 54.89 58.45 3.76 Burmese (singular and plural) Burmese Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian 2%, other 5% # Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist beliefs 1%, other 2% # Burmese, minority ethnic groups have their own languages # age 15 and over can read and write # 83.10 88.70 77.70 Union of Burma Burma Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw Myanma Naingngandaw military regime Rangoon (regime refers to the capital as Yangon) 7 divisions* (yin-mya, singular - yin) and 7 states (pyine-mya, singular - pyine); Chin State, Ayeyarwady*, Bago*, Kachin State, Kayin State, Kayah State, Magway*, Mandalay*, Mon State, Rakhine State, Sagaing*, Shan State, Tanintharyi*, Yangon* # ? # Independence Day, 4 January (1948) 3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); national convention started on 9 January 1993 to draft a new constitution; chapter headings and three of 15 sections have been approved # does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992); note - the prime minister is both the chief of state and head of government # State Law and Order Restoration Council; military junta which assumed power 18 September 1988 # none; the prime minister assumed power upon resignation of the former prime minister # ? # unicameral People's Assembly or Pyithu Hluttaw (485 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened # percent of vote by party - NLD 82%; seats by party - NLD 396, NUP 10, other 79 # limited; remnants of the British-era legal system in place, but there is no guarantee of a fair public trial; the judiciary is not independent of the executive # Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA, proregime), THAN AUNG, general secretary; National Unity Party (NUP, proregime), THA KYAW; National League for Democracy (NLD), AUNG SAN SUU KYI, general secretary; and eight minor legal parties # ? # AsDB, ASEAN (observer), CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, Mekong Group, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, all in white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions # Burma has a mixed economy with private activity dominant in agriculture, light industry, and transport, and with substantial state-controlled activity, mainly in energy, heavy industry, and the rice trade. Government policy in the last eight years, 1989-96, has aimed at revitalizing the economy after three decades of tight central planning. Thus, private activity has markedly increased; foreign investment has been encouraged, so far with moderate success; and efforts continue to increase the efficiency of state enterprises. Published estimates of Burma's foreign trade are greatly understated because of the volume of black-market trade. A major ongoing problem is the failure to achieve monetary and fiscal stability. Although Burma remains a poor Asian country, its rich resources furnish the potential for substantial long-term increases in income, exports, and living standards. # 7 900 42140 63 9 28 30 16007000.00 agriculture 65.2%, industry 14.3%, trade 10.1%, government 6.3%, other 4.1% (FY88/89 est.) # ? 5300 10000 agricultural processing; textiles and footwear; wood and wood products; copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer # 8.90 1.21 3370 73 paddy rice, corn, oilseed, sugarcane, pulses; hardwood # 1100 rice, pulses and beans, teak, rubber, hardwood # Singapore, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan # 2000 machinery, transport equipment, construction materials, food products, consumer goods # Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand # 5500 ODA, $61 million (1993) # ? # 1 kyat (K) = 100 pyas # 6.06 1 April - 31 March 122195 NA # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) # 2 1 0 ? 1 88000 3569 # # 3,569 km 1.000-m gauge (1995) # # 27600 3,340 km # 24,260 km (1995 est.) # 12800 1343 ? 330 Bassein, Bhamo, Chauk, Mandalay, Moulmein, Myitkyina, Rangoon, Akyab (Sittwe), Tavoy # 52 657498 901418 bulk 16, cargo 18, chemical tanker 5, container 2, oil tanker 5, passenger-cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 1, vehicle carrier 2 (1996 est.) # 73 54 2 2 13 9 28 19 ? ? 3 16 ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force # 18 years of age # 12037009 6434452 480893 135000000 ? none # world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,560 metric tons in 1996 - a 9% increase over 1995) and a minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of serious government commitment and resources continue to hinder the overall antidrug effort; growing role in the production of methamphetamines for regional consumption # @Burundi 0 0$Bujumbura$-327$2931$320000$ # The first inhabitants were the pygmy Twa. Bantu Hutus followed, but these were conquered in the 16th century by the Tutsi (Watutsi), who probably came from Ethiopia. From 1884 until 1885, Burundi was part of German East Africa. The area fell to Belgium in 1916 when it was occupied by troops from the Congo (now Za∩re). Belgium exercised successively a League of Nations mandate and a UN trusteeship over the then Ruanda-Urundi. Independence was granted in 1962, and in 1966 the monarchy was overthrown. A number of military coups have followed, the latest being in September 1987. In 1972-73 an unsuccessful Hutu rebellion caused the deaths of some 10,000 Tutsi and 150,000 Hutu. Renewed tribal conflicts between the Tutsi and Hutu left tens of thousands dead in 1988. In a number of waves since October 1993, hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled the ethnic violence between the Hutu and Tutsi factions in Burundi and crossed into Rwanda, Tanzania, and Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire; since October 1996, an estimated 92,000 Burundi Hutus who fled to Zaire have been forced to return to Burundi by Tutsi rebel forces in Zaire, leaving an estimated 35,000 still dispersed there; in Burundi, the ethnic violence between the Hutus and the Tutsis continued in 1996, causing an estimated additional 150,000 Burundi Hutus to flee to Tanzania, thus raising their numbers in that country to about 250,000 # RU Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo # 27830 25650 2180 974 Democratic Republic of the Congo 233 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,760 m); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees centigrade but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; wet seasons from February to May and September to November, and dry seasons from June to August and December to January # hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains # Lake Tanganyika 772 m Mount Heha 2,760 m nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited), vanadium # 44 9 36 3 8 140 flooding, landslides # soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation (little forested land remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel); habitat loss threatens wildlife populations # Endangered Species # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban # landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed # 6052614 47 1425071 1418957 50 1490426 1558362 3 63225 96573 2.11 42.33 15.12 -6.12 1.03 1 0.96 0.66 0.97 100.50 49 47.91 50.12 6.48 Burundian(s) Burundi Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%, Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000 # Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 32%, Muslim 1% # Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area) # age 15 and over can read and write # 35.30 49.30 22.50 Republic of Burundi Burundi Republika y'u Burundi Burundi republic Bujumbura 15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi # ? # Independence Day, 1 July (1962) 13 March 1992; provides for establishment of a plural political system # based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # NA years of age; universal adult # President Pierre BUYOYA (interim president since 27 September 1996) Prime Minister Pascal-Firmin NDIMIRA (since 31 July 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by prime minister # NA # ? # unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (81 seats; members are popularly elected on a proportional basis to serve five-year terms) # last held 29 June 1993 (next to be held NA 1998) # percent of vote by party - FRODEBU 71%, UPRONA 21.4%; seats by party - (81 total) FRODEBU 65, UPRONA 16; other parties won too small shares of the vote to win seats in the assembly # Supreme Court or Cour Supreme # Unity for National Progress or UPRONA [Charles MUKASI, president]; Burundi Democratic Front or FRODEBU [Jean MINANI, president]; Organization of the People of Burundi or RPB [Sylvestre SINDAYIGAYA]; Socialist Party of Burundi or PSB; People's Reconciliation Party or PRP [Mathias HITIMANA, leader]; opposition parties, legalized in March 1992, include Burundi African Alliance for the Salvation or ABASA, Rally for Democracy and Economic and Social Development or RADDES [Cyrille SIGEJEJE, chairman], and Party for National Redress or PARENA [Jean-Baptiste BAGAZA, leader] # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below) # Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economic development. The economy is predominately agricultural with roughly 90% of the population dependent on subsistence agriculture. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop, which accounts for 80% of foreign exchange earnings. The ability to pay for imports therefore rests largely on the vagaries of the climate and the international coffee market. As part of its economic reform agenda, launched in February 1991 with IMF and World Bank support, Burundi is trying to diversify its agricultural exports, attract foreign investment in industry, and modernize government budgetary practices. Since October 1993 the nation has suffered from massive ethnic-based violence which has resulted in the death of perhaps 100,000 persons and the displacement of a million others. Production continued to fall in 1996; foods, medicines, and electricity are in extremely short supply. An impoverished and disorganized government can hardly implement the needed reform programs. # -3.70 140 847 56 18 26 40 1900000 agriculture 93.0%, government 4.0%, industry and commerce 1.5%, services 1.5% (1983 est.) # ? 222 258 light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing # ? 0.06 105 18 coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); meat, milk, hides # 117 coffee 81%, tea, cotton, hides # EU 60%, US 7%, Asia 1% # 234 capital goods 26%, petroleum products, foodstuffs, consumer goods # EU 47%, Asia 25%, US 6% # 1100 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimes # 268.13 calendar year 7200 sparse system of open wire, radiotelephone communications, and low-capacity microwave radio relay # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) # 2 2 0 ? 1 4500 ? # # # # 14480 1,028 km # 13,452 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Bujumbura # ? ? ? ? # 3 1 1 ? ? 2 ? 2 ? ? ? ? ? ? Army (includes naval and air units), paramilitary Gendarmerie # 16 years of age # 1346737 700914 70013 25000000 2.60 none # ? # @Cambodia 0 0$Phnom Penh$1156$10492$1500000$ # Early kingdoms in the region date from the 1st century AD. These culminated with the Khmer Empire, flourishing from the 9th until the 13th centuries and including present-day Thailand, Kampuchea (Cambodia), Laos, and southern Vietnam. The surrounding areas were gradually lost to Siam and Vietnam, and Cambodia became part of French Indochina in 1887. Its independence as a monarchy was declared in 1949 and recognized by France in 1953. It became a republic in 1970. Civil war from 1970 until 1975 ended in victory for the the communists, the Khmer Rouge. The country was invaded by Vietnamese troops in 1978 and a new government established. The Khmer Rouge continues guerilla activities. # K Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand and Vietnam # 181040 176520 4520 2572 Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km # 443 24 200 nm # 200 ? 12 tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation # mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north # Gulf of Thailand 0 m Phnum Aoral 1,810 m timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential # 13 0 11 66 10 920 monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional droughts # logging activities throughout the country and strip mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand are resulting in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural fisheries); deforestation; soil erosion; in rural areas, a majority of the population does not have access to potable water # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Marine Life Conservation, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94 # Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping # a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and Tonle Sap # 11163861 45 2573135 2497776 52 2668089 3084009 3 144001 196851 2.72 42.63 15.39 0 1.05 1.03 0.86 0.73 0.93 106 50.25 48.79 51.79 5.81 Cambodian(s) Cambodian Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4% # Theravada Buddhism 95%, other 5% # Khmer (official), French # age 15 and over can read and write # 35 48 22 Kingdom of Cambodia Cambodia Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea Kampuchea multiparty liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchy established Phnom Penh 22 provinces (khett, singular and plural) and 1 municipality* (krong, singular and plural); Banteay Mean Cheay, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Keb*, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Otdar Mean Cheay, Phnum Penh, Pouthisat, Preah Seihanu (Sihanoukville), Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanah Kiri, Siem Reab, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev # ? # Independence Day, 9 November 1949 promulgated 21 September 1993 # currently being defined # 18 years of age; universal # King Norodom SIHANOUK (reinstated 24 September 1993) power shared between First Prime Minister Prince Norodom RANARIDDH (since NA 1993) and Second Prime Minister HUN SEN (since NA 1993) # Council of Ministers appointed by the king # none; the king is a constitutional monarch; prime ministers appointed by the king # ? # unicameral National Assembly (120 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 23 May 1993 (next to be held NA 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FUNCINPEC 58, CPP 51, BLDP 10, MOLINAKA 1 note : the May 1993 elections were for the Constituent Assembly which became the National Assembly after the new constitution was promulgated in September 1993 # Supreme Court provided for by the constitution has not yet been established and the future judicial system is yet to be defined by law # National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC), Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH; Cambodian Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party (CPP), CHEA SIM; Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP), SON SANN faction; Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party (BLDP), IENG MOULY faction; Democratic Kampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge), KHIEU SAMPHAN; Movement Pour La Liberation Nationale Khmere (MOLINAKA), PROM NEAKAREACH; Khmer Nation Party (KNP), SAM RAINSY # ? # ACCT, AsDB, ASEAN (observer), CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, Mekong Group, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width), and blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat outlined in black in the center of the red band # The Cambodian economy - virtually destroyed by decades of war - is slowly recovering. Government leaders are moving toward restoring fiscal and monetary discipline and have established good working relations with international financial institutions. Growth, starting from a low base, has been strong in 1991-96. Despite such positive developments, the reconstruction effort faces many tough challenges because of the persistence of internal political divisions and the related lack of confidence of foreign investors. Rural Cambodia, where 90% of about 9.5 million Khmer live, remains mired in poverty. The almost total lack of basic infrastructure in the countryside will hinder development and will contribute to a growing imbalance in growth between urban and rural areas over the near term. Moreover, the government's lack of experience in administering economic and technical assistance programs and rampant corruption among officials will slow the growth of critical public sector investment. The decline of inflation from the 1992 rate of more than 50% is one of the bright spots. # 7.40 300 3349 51 14 35 5 2750000 agriculture 80% (1996 est.) # ? 261 496 rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles # 7.90 0.10 180 17 rice, rubber, corn, vegetables # 464 timber, rubber, soybeans, sesame # Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia # 1400 cigarettes, construction materials, petroleum products, machinery, motor vehicles # Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia # 1900.00 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 new riel (CR) = 100 sen # 2723 calendar year 7000 NA # landline international service limited to Vietnam and other adjacent countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region) # 5 0 0 ? 5 70000 603 # # 603 km 1.000-m gauge # # 35769 2,683 km # 33,086 km (1995 est.) # 3700 ? ? ? Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville), Kampot, Krong Kaoh Kong, Phnom Penh # 27 187652 256929 bulk 4, cargo 20, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 (1996 est.) # 14 6 ? 2 2 2 ? 8 ? ? 1 7 ? 2 Khmer Royal Armed Forces (KRAF) - created in 1993 by the merger of the Cambodian People's Armed Forces and the two noncommunist resistance armies; note - the KRAF is also known as the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF); Resistance forces - National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge) # 18 years of age # 2418916 1348065 97361 160000000 ? offshore islands and sections of the boundary with Vietnam are in dispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not defined; parts of border with Thailand in dispute; maritime boundary with Thailand not clearly defined # transshipment country for Golden Triangle heroin en route to West; possibly becoming money-laundering center; high-level narcotics-related corruption reportedly involving government, military, and police; possible small-scale opium, heroin, and amphetamine production; large producer of cannabis for the international market # @Cameroon 0 0$YaoundΘ$385$1152$1000000$ 1$Douala$405$969$1500000$ 3$Cameroon$475$892$4097$ # Little is known of the early history of Cameroon. Its coast was visited in 1472 by the Portuguese navigator, Fernπo do P∙. The estuary of the river Wouri was named Rio dos Camaroφs, later adopted as the name of the whole of the country. Germany established the colony of Kamerun in 1884. In 1918 the area was divided: the western part became British and the eastern became French. French Cameroon became independent on 1 January 1960. Part of British Cameroon joined Nigeria in 1961, the other part joining Cameroon. Head of state and the government is the president, elected every 5 years. The president holds executive power and selects the prime-minister and the cabinet. Legislative power rests with the National Assembly of 120 seats, also elected every 5 years. Cameroon is divided into 7 provinces and 37 departments. # CAM Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria # 475440 469440 6000 4591 Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Republic of the Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 km # 402 ? ? # ? ? 50 varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north # diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center, mountains in west, plains in north # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Fako 4,095 m petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower potential # 13 2 4 78 3 210 recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases # water-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 # Desertification, Nuclear Test Ban # sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa # 14677510 46 3387450 3356237 51 3712809 3736245 3 219975 264894 2.86 42.22 13.64 0 1.03 1.01 0.99 0.83 1 77.60 52.27 51.22 53.35 5.93 Cameroonian(s) Cameroonian Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1% # indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 33%, Muslim 16% # 24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official) # age 15 and over can read and write # 63.40 75 52.10 Republic of Cameroon Cameroon ? ? unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties Yaounde 10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Ouest # ? # National Day, 20 May (1972) 20 May 1972 # based on French civil law system, with common law influence; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 21 years of age; universal # President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982) Prime Minister Peter Mafany MUSONGA (since 19 September 1996) # Cabinet appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 11 October 1992 (next to be held NA October 1997); prime minister appointed by the president # President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote - Paul BIYA 40%, SDF candidate John FRU NDI 36%, UNDP candidate Bello Bouba MAIGARI 19%; note - election held amid widespread allegations of fraud # unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms; note - the president can either lengthen or shorten the term of the legislature) # last held 11 May 1997 (next to be held NA 2002) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CDPM 109, SDF 43, UNDP 13, UDC 5, UPC-K 1, MDR 1, MLJC I; note - 7 contested seats will be filled in an election at a time to be set by the Supreme Court # Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the president # Cameroon People's Democratic Movement or CPDM (government-controlled and the only party until legalization of opposition parties in 1990) [Paul BIYA, president] major opposition parties: Cameroonian Democratic Union or UDC [Adamou NDAM NJOYA]; Movement for the Defense of the Republic or MDR [Dakole DAISSALA, leader]; National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Maigari BELLO BOUBA, chairman]; Social Democratic Front or SDF [John FRU NDI, leader]; Union of Cameroonian Populations or UPC [Ndeh NTUMAZAH, leader] # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, C, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia # Because of its offshore oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as political instability, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. The development of the oil sector led to rapid economic growth between 1970 and 1985. Growth came to an abrupt halt in 1986, precipitated by steep declines in the prices of major exports: coffee, cocoa, and petroleum. Export earnings were cut by almost one-third, and inefficiencies in fiscal management were exposed. Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade and recapitalize the nation's banks. Political instability, following suspect elections in 1992, has limited the effectiveness of aid programs. Currently, Cameroon receives only minimal assistance from the IMF and the World Bank. Although the 50% devaluation of the currency of 12 January 1994 improved the potential for export growth, mismanagement remains and is the main barrier to economic improvement. The devaluation led to a spurt in inflation to 48% in 1994, but it moderated in 1995-96. Progress toward privatization of remaining state industry remains slow. # 3.40 610 8953 29 25 46 6 ? ? # ? 2230 2230 petroleum production and refining, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber # ? 0.63 2710 186 coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, root starches; livestock; timber # 1900.00 crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, aluminum, cocoa beans, coffee, cotton # EU (particularly France) about 50%, African countries # 1300 machines and electrical equipment, food, consumer goods, transport equipment, petroleum products # EU (France 42%, Germany), African countries, US 4% # 8200 ? # ? # 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes # 541.69 1 July - 30 June 36737 cable, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 11 11 0 2000000 1 ? 1104 # # 1,104 km 1.000-m gauge (1995 est.) # # 34300 4,288 km # 30,012 km (1995) # 2090 ? ? ? Bonaberi, Douala, Garoua, Kribi, Tiko # 2 24122 33509 ? # 44 22 2 4 3 1 12 22 ? ? 7 15 ? ? Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry), Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Presidential Guard # 18 years of age # 3211508 1623228 156208 102000000 ? demarcation of international boundaries in vicinity of Lake Chad, the lack of which led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaits ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; dispute with Nigeria over land and maritime boundaries in the vicinity of the Bakasi Peninsula has been referred to the International Court of Justice # ? # @Canada 0 0$Ottawa$4545$-7570$313000$ 1$Edmonton$5355$-11347$616000$ 1$Calgary$5100$-11417$710000$ 1$Vancouver$4922$-12310$1602000$ 1$Winnipeg$4989$-9717$647000$ 1$Halifax$4463$-6358$182000$ 1$Toronto$4370$-7942$2275000$ 1$QuΘbec$4686$-7122$167000$ 1$MontrΘal$4552$-7357$2921000$ # Vikings are believed to have reached the Atlantic coast of Canada centuries before it was sighted by the English seaman John Cabot, in 1497. The French declared New France a colony in 1663, after having established Quebec City (1608) and Montreal (1642). The British gained control of New France in 1763. The British North American (BNA) act of 1867 proclaimed the Dominion of Canada, consisting of Ontario, Quebec, and the former colonies of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The BNA act established a federal system of government, based on the British parliament and cabinet, under the crown. Canada was proclaimed a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire in December 1931. Canada severed its last legislative link with Britain in 1982 by obtaining the right to amend its constitution (the BNA). Head of state is the British monarch, represented by a governor-general. Legislative power lies with the bicameral parliament: the Senate with 104 seats nominated by the governor-general on a regional basis, and the House of Commons with 282 members, chosen by general election every 5 years. Canada consists of 10 provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan) each with a lieutenant-governor and legislative body, and 2 territories (Northwest Territory, Yukon Territory). # CDN Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean, north of the conterminous US # 9976140 9220970 755170 8893 US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska) # 243791 ? 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin # ? 200 12 varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north # mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Logan 5,950 m nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas # 5 0 3 54 38 7100 continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to development; cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and snow # air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting, coal-burning utilities, and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest productivity; ocean waters becoming contaminated due to agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry activities # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea # second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route; nearly 90% of the population is concentrated within 161 km of the US/Canada border # 30337334 20 3101968 2957927 68 10333085 10201996 12 1583643 2158715 1.13 12.40 7.23 6.10 1.05 1.05 1.01 0.73 0.98 5.70 78.96 75.61 82.48 1.66 Canadian(s) Canadian British Isles origin 40%, French origin 27%, other European 20%, Amerindian 1.5%, other, mostly Asian 11.5% # Roman Catholic 45%, United Church 12%, Anglican 8%, other 35% (1991) # English (official), French (official) # age 15 and over can read and write # 97 ? ? none Canada ? ? confederation with parliamentary democracy Ottawa 10 provinces and 2 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory* note: the Northwest Territories will be split in two as of April 1999; the eastern section will be renamed Nunavut, the west is as yet unnamed # ? # Canada Day, 1 July (1867) 17 April 1982 (Constitution Act); originally, the machinery of the government was set up in the British North America Act of 1867; charter of rights and unwritten customs # based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Prime Minister Jean CHRETIEN (since 4 November 1993) # Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister from among the members of his own party sitting in Parliament # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor general appointed by the queen on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons is automatically designated by the governor general to become prime minister # ? # bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (a body whose members are appointed to serve until reaching 75 years of age by the governor general and selected on the advice of the prime minister; its normal limit is 104 senators) and the House of Commons or Chambre des Communes (295 seats; note - number of seats will rise to 301 at the time of the next election; members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) # House of Commons - last held 25 October 1993 (next to be held by 3 November 1998) # percent of votes by party - Liberal Party 41%, Reform Party 19%, Tories 16%, Bloc Quebecois 14%, New Democratic Party 7%, other 3%; seats by party - Liberal Party 177, Bloc Quebecois 53, Reform Party 52, New Democratic Party 9, Progressive Conservative Party 2, independents 2 # Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the prime minister through the governor general # Liberal Party [Jean CHRETIEN]; Bloc Quebecois [Michel GAUTHIER (until March 1997)]; Reform Party [Preston MANNING]; New Democratic Party [Alexa MCDONOUGH]; Progressive Conservative Party [Jean CHAREST] # ? # ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CDB (non-regional), CE (observer), EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, ESA (cooperating state), FAO, G- 7, G- 8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMOP, UNPREDEP, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC # three vertical bands of red (hoist side), white (double width, square), and red with a red maple leaf centered in the white band # As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles the US in per capita output, market-oriented economic system, and pattern of production. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. Canada started the 1990s in recession, and real rates of growth have averaged only 1.1% so far this decade. Because of slower growth, Canada still faces high unemployment - especially in Quebec and the Maritime Provinces - and a large public sector debt. With its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant, however, Canada will enjoy better economic prospects in the future. The continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking areas is raising the possibility of a split in the confederation, making foreign investors somewhat edgy. # 1.40 19310 585814 3 31 66 1.40 15100000 services 74%, manufacturing 15%, agriculture 3%, construction 5%, other 3% (1994) # 9.70 94300 115200.00 processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products, petroleum and natural gas # 1.30 113.65 547900.00 16137 wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest products; commercial fisheries provide annual catch of 1.5 million metric tons, of which 75% is exported # 195400 newsprint, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, machinery, natural gas, aluminum, motor vehicles and parts; telecommunications equipment # US, Japan, UK, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, China # 169500 crude oil, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, durable consumer goods, electronic computers; telecommunications equipment and parts # US, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea # 253000.00 ? # ODA, $1.6 billion (1995) # 1 Canadian dollar (Can$) = 100 cents # 1.35 1 April - 31 March 15300000 domestic satellite system with about 300 earth stations # 5 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and 2 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) # 900 29 0 ? 70 11530000 70176 # 70,000 km 1.435-m gauge (63 km electrified) # 176 km 0.914-m gauge (1995) # # 1021000.00 358,371 km (including 19,000 km of expressways) # 662,629 km (1995 est.) # 3000 ? ? 74980 Becancour (Quebec), Churchill, Halifax, Montreal, New Westminister, Prince Rupert, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), Saint John's (Newfoundland), Seven Islands, Sydney, Three Rivers, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Vancouver, Windsor # 60 557941 775391 bulk 14, cargo 9, chemical tanker 4, oil tanker 15, passenger 2, passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 8, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 2 # 1139 816 17 15 138 229 417 323 ? ? 55 268 ? 17 Canadian Armed Forces (includes Land Forces Command or LC, Maritime Command or MC, Air Command or AC, Communications Command or CC, Training Command or TC), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) # 17 years of age # 8160914 7007901 208138 9000000000 1.60 maritime boundary disputes with the US (Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Machias Seal Island); Saint Pierre and Miquelon is focus of maritime boundary dispute between Canada and France; in 1992 an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone area of 12,348 sq km to settle the dispute # illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; growing role as a transit point for heroin and cocaine entering the US market # @Cape Verde 0 # Sources disagree about who discovered the Cape Verde islands. Candidates are the Portuguese Diego Gomes in 1445, and the Venetian Alvise Cadamosto in 1450 (the dates are also not agreed upon). Claimed by Portugal in 1460, the uninhabited islands became a Portuguese overseas territory in 1495. Cape Verde became a republic on 5 July 1975. The National people's Assembly has 56 members, chosen by general election every 5 years. The president is nominated for a 5-year term by this assembly, which also nominates the prime-minister. Cape Verde is divided into 14 regions. # CV Western Africa, group of Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal # 4030 4030 0 ? ? # 965 ? ? # 200 ? 12 temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and very erratic # steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Pico 2,829 m salt, basalt rock, pozzuolana (a siliceous volcanic ash used to produce hydraulic cement), limestone, kaolin, fish # 11 0 6 0 83 30 prolonged droughts; harmattan wind can obscure visibility; volcanically and seismically active # overgrazing of livestock and improper land use such as the cultivation of crops on steep slopes has led to soil erosion; demand for wood used as fuel has resulted in deforestation; desertification; environmental damage has threatened several species of birds and reptiles; overfishing # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban # none of the selected agreements # strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site # 393943 46 91409 89810 48 87868 100948 6 9594 14214 1.54 35.45 7.30 -12.73 1.03 1.02 0.87 0.68 0.92 49.60 70.04 66.76 73.42 5.20 Cape Verdean(s) Cape Verdean Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1% # Roman Catholicism fused with indigenous beliefs # Portuguese, Crioulo, a blend of Portuguese and West African words # age 15 and over can read and write # 71.60 81.40 63.80 Republic of Cape Verde Cape Verde Republica de Cabo Verde Cabo Verde republic Praia 14 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Fogo, Maio, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal # ? # Independence Day, 5 July (1975) new constitution came into force 25 September 1992 # NA # 18 years of age; universal # President Antonio MASCARENHAS Monteiro (since 22 March 1991) Prime Minister Carlos Alberto Wahnon de Carvalho VEIGA (since 13 January 1991) # Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister from among the members of the People's National Assembly # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 18 February 1996 (next to be held NA February 2001); prime minister nominated by the People's National Assembly and appointed by the president # Antonio MASCARENHAS Monteiro elected president; percent of vote - Antonio MASCARENHAS Monteiro (independent) 80.1% # unicameral People's National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (72 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 17 December 1995 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - MPD 59%, PAICV 28%, PCD 6%; seats by party - MPD 50, PAICV 21, PCD 1 # Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Supremo Tribunal de Justia # Movement for Democracy or MPD [Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA, founder and chairman]; African Party for Independence of Cape Verde or PAICV [Pedro Verona Rodrigues PIRES, chairman]; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD; Social Democratic Party or PSD [leader NA] # ? # ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) # three horizontal bands of light blue (top, double width), white (with a horizontal red stripe in the middle third), and light blue; a circle of 10 yellow five-pointed stars is centered on the hoist end of the red stripe and extends into the upper and lower blue bands # Cape Verde's low per capita GDP reflects a poor natural resource base, serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought, and a high birthrate. The economy is service oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for almost 70% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of agriculture in GNP is only 14%, of which fishing accounts for 4%. About 90% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by remittances from emigrants and foreign aid, which form important supplements to GDP. Economic reforms, launched by the new democratic government in 1991, are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Prospects for 1997 depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, remittances, and the momentum of the government's development program. # 4.70 1090 429 14 17 69 7.80 ? ? # ? 253.70 276 fish processing, salt mining, garments, ship repair, food and beverages # ? 0.02 15 39 bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee, peanuts; fish # 10 fish, bananas, fuels, basic manufactures # Netherlands, Portugal 50%, Angola, Spain, Singapore, UK # 211.80 foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial products, transport equipment, fuels # Portugal 45%, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Brazil, France, Cote d'Ivoire # 170 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100 centavos # 84.77 calendar year 1740 interisland microwave radio relay system # 2 coaxial submarine cables; HF radiotelephone to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 1 6 0 ? 1 7000 ? # # # # 1100 858 km # 242 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Mindelo, Praia, Tarrafal # 3 4032 5966 cargo 2, chemical tanker 1 (1996 est.) # 6 6 1 ? ? 5 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP; includes Army and Navy), Security Service # ? # 78622 44870 ? 3400000 ? none # increasingly used as a transshipment point for illicit drugs moving from Latin America and Africa destined for Western Europe # @Cayman Islands United Kingdom # Three coral islands (Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac) in the Carribean Sea, 240km northwest of Jamaica. A dependancy of Jamaica until 1962, now a British crown colony. Discovered by Columbus in 1503. # GB Caribbean, island group in Caribbean Sea, nearly one-half of the way from Cuba to Honduras # 260 260 0 ? ? # 160 ? ? # ? 200 12 tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) # low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs # Caribbean Sea 0 m The Bluff 43 m fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism # 0 0 8 23 69 ? hurricanes (July to November) # no natural fresh water resources, drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchment # NA # NA # important location between Cuba and Central America # 36153 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 4.25 14.24 4.98 33.20 ? ? ? ? ? 8.40 77.10 75.37 78.81 1.37 Caymanian(s) Caymanian mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20% # United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominations # English # age 15 and over has ever attended school # 98 98 98 none Cayman Islands ? ? dependent territory of the UK George Town 8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western # ? # Constitution Day (first Monday in July) 1959, revised 1972 and 1992 # British common law and local statutes # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952) Governor and President of the Executive Council John OWEN (since 15 September 1995) # Executive Council (three members appointed by the governor, four members elected by the Legislative Assembly) # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; the governor is appointed by the queen # ? # unicameral Legislative Assembly (18 seats, 3 official members and 15 elected by popular vote; members serve four-year terms) # last held 20 November 1996 (next to be held NA November 2000) # percent of vote - NA; seats - National Team coalition 9, independents 6 # Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal # no formal political parties # ? # Caricom (observer), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC # blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield with three stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS # With no direct taxation, the Islands are a thriving offshore financial center; 28,000 foreign companies do business with the 600 registered banks and trust companies; banking assets exceed $500 billion. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded one million visitors in 1995 and again in 1996. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world. # 4.50 29160 1054 1.40 3.20 95.40 2.50 8061 service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, finance and investment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979) # 7 141.50 160.70 tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture # ? 0.07 ? 7487 vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming # 10 turtle products, manufactured consumer goods # mostly US # 329 foodstuffs, manufactured goods # US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Japan # 15 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Caymanian dollar (CI$) = 100 cents # 0.83 1 April - 31 March 21584 NA # 1 submarine coaxial cable; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 2 1 0 28200 1 6000 ? # # # # 406 304 km # 102 km # ? ? ? ? Cayman Brac, George Town # 42 736004 1153058 bulk 5, cargo 10, chemical tanker 2, container 4, oil tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 11, roll-on/roll-off cargo 5, vehicle carrier 1 # 3 2 ? ? 2 1 ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF) # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # vulnerable to drug money-laundering and drug transshipment # @Central African Republic 0 0$Bangui$439$1858$455000$ # Little is known of the early history of this landlocked country. The slave trade flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries and a large part of the native population fled. The region was almost empty when the Sudanese Banda and Baya tribes arrived in the 19th century. French control was asserted in the late 19th century, when the colony of Ubangi-Shari was established. The territory was expanded in 1908 to include Chad, and was called French Equatorial Africa. Internal self-government was achieved in 1957 and the name Central African Republic was adopted. Full independence came in 1960. Pres. Jean-Bedel Bokassa seized power in a 1965 coup. He proclaimed himself emperor in 1977. His cruel rule ended in a French-assisted bloodless coup in 1979. The deteriorating political and economic situation led to a further coup in 1981. The Central African Republic is divided into 14 prefectures. # RCA Central Africa, north of Democratic Republic of the Congo # 622980 622980 0 5203 Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers # vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest # Oubangui River 335 m Mount Gaou 1,420 m diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil # 3 0 5 75 17 ? hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are common # tap water is not potable; poaching has diminished its reputation as one of the last great wildlife refuges; desertification; deforestation # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # Law of the Sea # landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa # 3342051 44 738623 731163 52 858386 894695 4 54848 64336 2.01 39.52 17.94 -1.50 1.03 1.01 0.96 0.85 0.98 110.20 45.24 44.40 46.12 5.35 Central African(s) Central African Baya 34%, Banda 27%, Sara 10%, Mandjia 21%, Mboum 4%, M'Baka 4%, Europeans 6,500 (including 3,600 French) # indigenous beliefs 24%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%, other 11% # French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), Arabic, Hunsa, Swahili # age 15 and over can read and write # 60 68.50 52.40 Central African Republic none Republique Centrafricaine none republic; Bangui 14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto, Haute-Sangha, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui, Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, Vakaga # ? # National Day, 1 December (1958) (proclamation of the republic) passed by referendum 29 December 1994; adopted 7 January 1995 # based on French law # 21 years of age; universal # President Ange PATASSE (since 22 October 1993) Prime Minister Michel GBEZERA-BRIA (since January 1997) # Council of Ministers # president elected by popular vote for a 6-year term; election last held 19 September 1993 (next to be held October 1999); prime minister appointed by the president # Ange PATASSE elected president; percent of vote - PATASSE 52.45%, Abel GOUMBA 45.62% # unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (85 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 19 September 1993 (next to be held October 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MLPC 34, RDC 13, PLD 7, FPP 7, ADP 6, PSD 3, CN 3, MDREC 1, PRC 1, FC 1, MESAN 1, independents supporting David DACKO 6, independents 2 note: the National Assembly is advised by the Economic and Regional Council or Conseil Economique et Regional; when they sit together they are called the Congress or Congres # Supreme Court or Cour Supreme, judges appointed by the president; Constitutional Court, judges appointed by the president # Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP [Tchapka BREDE]; Central African Democratic Assembly or RDC [Andre KOLINGBA]; Central African Republican Party or PRC; Civic Forum or FC [Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA]; Democratic Movement for the Renaissance and Evolution of Central Africa or MDREC [Joseph BENDOUNGA]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLD [Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON]; Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC [the party of the president, Ange Felix PATASSE]; Movement for Democracy and Development or MDD [David DACKO]; National Convention or CN [David GALIAMBO]; Patriotic Front for Progress or FPP [Abel GOUMBA]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Enoch Derant LAKOUE]; Social Evolution Movement of Black Africa or MESAN [Prosper LAVODRAMA and Joseph NGBANGADIBO] # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC (observer), UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed star on the hoist side of the blue band # Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with more than 70% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry for nearly 54%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. The 50% devaluation of the currencies of 14 Francophone African nations on 12 January 1994 had mixed effects on the CAR's economy. Diamond, timber, coffee, and cotton exports increased, leading an estimated rise of GDP of 7% in 1994 and nearly 5% in 1995. Inflation, however, remains a problem. Moreover, ongoing violence between the government and rebel military and civilian groups over pay issues, living conditions, and opposition party political representation has destroyed many businesses in the capital, reducing tax revenues for the government, and delaying negotiations for an IMF financial aid agreement. # 4.80 310 1036 50 14 36 19.40 ? ? # ? 638 1900.00 diamond mining, sawmills, breweries, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles # ? 0.04 95 32 cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc (tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber # 181 diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco # France 16%, Belgium-Luxembourg 40.1%, Italy, Japan, US, Spain, Iran, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo # 176 food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, industrial products # France 37%, other EU countries, Japan 24%, Algeria, Cameroon, Namibia # 890 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes # 541.69 calendar year 16867 network consists principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 1 1 0 ? 1 7500 ? # # # # 23810 429 km # 23,381 km (1995 est.) # 800 ? ? ? Bangui, Nola # ? ? ? ? # 43 11 ? 1 2 21 8 32 ? 1 10 ? ? ? Central African Army (includes Republican Guard), Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Police Force # ? # 755441 393765 ? 30000000 2.30 none # ? # @Chad 0 0$N'Djamena$1217$1498$500000$ # Paleolithic and Neolithic cultures existed in Chad before the Sahara Desert was formed. Central and northern of Chad were under control of Islamic empires from the 9th century AD. French interest in the area began in 1860, but colonisation did not start until 1900, when the south was occupied. Chad was made a territory of French Equatorial Africa in 1910. It became independent in 1960. After enduring decades of civil warfare among ethnic groups as well as invasions by Libya, Chad got started toward a more stable state with the seizure of the government in early December 1990 by former northern guerrilla leader Idress DEBY. His transitional government eventually suppressed armed rebellion in all quarters of the country, settled the territorial dispute with Libya on terms favorable to Chad, produced a democratic constitution which was ratified by popular referendum in March 1996, held multiparty national presidential elections in June and July 1996 (DEBY won with 67% of the vote), and held multiparty elections to the National Assembly in January and February 1997, in which Idress DEBY's party, Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS, won a majority of the seats. # TCH Central Africa, south of Libya # 1284000 1259200 24800 5968 Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? tropical in south, desert in north # broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, lowlands in south # Djourab Depression 175 m Emi Koussi 3,415 m petroleum (unexploited but exploration under way), uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad) # 3 0 36 26 35 140 hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; locust plagues # inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution; desertification # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping # landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel # 7166023 44 1586873 1579086 53 1854645 1931519 3 94516 119384 2.67 43.85 17.15 0 1.04 1 0.96 0.79 0.97 118.70 47.88 45.49 50.37 5.79 Chadian(s) Chadian Muslims (Arabs, Toubou, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Kanembou, Baguirmi, Boulala, Zaghawa, and Maba), non-Muslims (Sara, Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye, Moundang, Moussei, Massa), nonindigenous 150,000 (of whom 1,000 are French) # Muslim 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs (mostly animism) 25% # French (official), Arabic (official), Sara and Sango (in south), more than 100 different languages and dialects # age 15 and over can read and write in French or Arabic # 48.10 62.10 34.70 Republic of Chad Chad Republique du Tchad Tchad republic N'Djamena 14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture); Batha, Biltine, Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Tandjile # ? # Independence Day, 11 August (1960) 31 March 1995, passed by referendum # based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY (since 4 December 1990) Prime Minister Djimasta KOIBLA (since 9 April 1995); appointed by the president # Council of State appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister # the constitution provides for the election of a president by direct popular vote to serve a term of five years; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the two candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second round of voting; last held 2 June and 11 July 1996 (next to be held NA 2001); the prime minister is appointed by the president # in the first round of voting none of the 15 candidates received the required 50% of the total vote; percent of vote, first round - Lt. Gen. Idress DEBY 47.8 %; percent of vote, second round - Lt. Gen. DEBY 69.1%, Wadal Abdelkader KAMOUGUE 30.9%; President DEBY reappointed Prime Minister Djimasta KOIBLA # unicameral National Assembly (125 seats; members serve four-year terms); replaces the Higher Transitional Council or the Conseil Superieur de Transition # National Assembly - last held in two rounds on 5 January and 23 February 1997, (next to be held NA 2001); in the first round of voting on 5 January 1997 some candidates won clear victories by receiving 50% or more of the vote; where that did not happen, the two highest scoring candidates stood for a second round of voting # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MPS 65, URD 29, UNDR 15, RDP 3, others 13 # Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Magistrate Courts # Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS [Maldom Bada ABBAS, chairman], originally in opposition but now the party in power and the party of the president; National Union for Development and Renewal or UNDR [Saleh KEBZABO, leader]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Lal Mahamat CHOUA, leader]; Union for Renewal and Democracy or URD [Gen. Wadal Abdelkader KAMOUGUE, leader]; note - in mid-1996 Chad had about 60 political parties, of which these are the most prominent in the new National Assembly # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flag of Andorra, which has a national coat of arms featuring a quartered shield centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France # Unfavorable climate, geographic remoteness, poor resource endowment, and lack of infrastructure make Chad one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. Its economy is hobbled by political turmoil, drought, and food shortages. Consequently the economy has shown little progress in recent years in overcoming a severe setback brought on by civil war in the late 1980s. About 85% of the work force is involved in subsistence farming and fishing. Cotton is the major cash crop, accounting for at least half of exports. Chad is highly dependent on foreign aid, especially food credits, given chronic food shortages in several regions. Of all the Francophone countries in Africa, Chad has benefited the least from the 50% devaluation of their currencies on 12 January 1994. Despite an increase in external financial aid and price increases for cotton - the primary source of foreign exchange - the corrupt and enfeebled government bureaucracy continues to postpone payment of public sector salaries and to dampen economic enterprise by neglecting payments to domestic suppliers. The devaluation resulted in stepped-up inflation of 41% in 1994; inflation fell to 9% in 1995 but it remains high compared with other Francophone countries. In one favorable development, Chad in December 1996 concluded an agreement with ESSO/Chad (EXXON) for drilling and extracting petroleum at Doba. Oil will be piped through Cameroon for export. # 2.60 160 1147 48 18 34 9 ? agriculture 85% (subsistence farming, herding, and fishing) # ? 136 222 cotton textiles, meat packing, beer brewing, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials # ? 0.04 70 14 cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels # 226 cotton, cattle, textiles, fish # Portugal 30%, Germany 18%, South Africa 16%, France 7% # 225 machinery and transportation equipment 39%, industrial goods 20%, petroleum products 13%, foodstuffs 9%; textiles; note - excludes military equipment # France 34%, Cameroon 24%, Nigeria 7%, US 6% # 875 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes # 541.69 calendar year 5000 fair system of radiotelephone communication stations # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 6 1 0 ? 1 7000 ? # # # # 32700 262 km # 32,438 km (1995 est.) # 2000 ? ? ? none # ? ? ? ? # 46 15 1 3 1 17 10 31 ? ? 14 ? ? ? Armed Forces (includes Ground Force, Air Force, and Gendarmerie), Republican Guard, Police # 20 years of age # 1603194 830777 65906 74000000 11.10 demarcation of international boundaries in the vicinity of Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria # ? # @Chile 0 0$Santiago$-3350$-7067$4545000$ 1$Concepci≤n$-3683$-7305$314000$ 1$Vinεa del Mar$-3300$-7158$316000$ 1$Valparaiso$-3308$-7167$276000$ # Before the Spanish conquest of 1536-40, northern Chile was under Inca rule. The Araucanian indians in the south resisted until the late 19th century. Independence from Spain was gained in 1810-18 and the republic was declared in 1818. Wars with Peru (1836-39) and Bolivia (1879-84) gained Chile mineral-rich land in the north. Social programs and nationalization of foreign-owned mining companies were begun in 1964 under the government of Eduardo Fei Montalva. The Allende government continued this policy from 1970. However, political and financial chaos, caused by poor planning and extremism, led a military junta to seize power on 11 September 1973. The two-house parliament was dissolved and political parties banned. A new constitution came into force on 11 March 1981 prescribing the gradual separation of the power of the military Junta and the Presidential office, and granting power to the military regime during an 8-year transition period. Constitutional reforms were voted for in 1989 which should ease the transition to full parliamentary democracy. Chile is divided into 13 regions (including the metropolitan region of Santiago), containing 25 provinces. # RCH Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean and South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru # 756950 748800 8150 6171 Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 km # 6435 24 200 nm # 200 ? 12 temperate; desert in north; cool and damp in south # low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east # Pacific Ocean 0 m Cerro Aconcagua 6,962 m copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum # 5 0 18 22 55 12650 severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis # air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity; soil erosion; desertification # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands # Desertification, Law of the Sea # strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Atacama Desert is one of world's driest regions # 14508158 28 2057633 2031588 65 4684158 4734170 7 416047 584562 1.18 17.53 5.68 0 1 1.01 0.99 0.71 0.97 13.20 74.73 71.50 77.95 2.17 Chilean(s) Chilean white and white-Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2% # Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish # Spanish # age 15 and over can read and write # 95.20 95.40 95 Republic of Chile Chile Republica de Chile Chile republic Santiago 13 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana, Tarapaca, Valparaiso note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica # ? # Independence Day, 18 September (1810) 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 30 July 1989 # based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codes influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # President Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle (since 11 March 1994); note - the President Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle (since 11 March 1994); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; election last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1999) # Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle elected president; percent of vote - Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle (PDC) 58%, Arturo ALESSANDRI 24.4%, other 17.6% # bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado (46 seats, 38 elected by popular vote; members serve eight-year terms - one half elected every four years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # Senate - last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1997); Chamber of Deputies - last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1997) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Coalition of Parties for Democracy 21 (PDC 13, PS 4, PPD 3, PR 1), Union for the Progress of Chile 15 (RN 11, UDI 3, UCC 1), right-wing independents 2; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - Coalition of Parties for Democracy 53.95% (PDC 27.16%, PS 12.01%, PPD 11.82%, PR 2.96%), Union for the Progress of Chile 30.57% (RN 15.25%, UDI 12.13%, UCC 3.19%); seats by party - Coalition of Parties for Democracy 70 (PDC 37, PPD 15, PR 2, PS 15, left-wing independent 1), Union for the Progress of Chile 47 (RN 30, UDI 15, UCC 2), right-wing independents 3; note - subsequent to the election, the Radical Party (PR) became the Radical Social Democratic Party (PRSD) # Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), judges are appointed by the president, the president of the Supreme Court is elected by the 17-member court # Coalition of Parties for Democracy or CPD consists mainly of: Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Enrique KRAUSS]; Socialist Party or PS [Camilo ESCALONA]; Party for Democracy or PPD [Sergio BITAR]; Radical Social Democratic Party or PRSD [Anselmo SULE]; Union for the Progress of Chile or UPP consists mainly of three parties: National Renewal or RN [Alberto ESPINA]; Independent Democratic Union or UDI [Jovino NOVOA]; Center Center Union or UCC [Francisco Javier ERRAZURIZ] # ? # APEC, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center; design was based on the US flag # Chile has a prosperous, essentially free market economy. Civilian governments - which took over from the military in March 1990 - have continued to reduce the government's role in the economy while shifting the emphasis of public spending toward social programs. Growth in real GDP averaged more than 6.5% in 1991-1996, and inflation is nearing a 40-year low. Chile's currency and foreign reserves also are strong, as sustained foreign capital inflows - driven in part by state privatizations - have more than offset occasional current account deficits and public debt buybacks. President FREI, who took office in March 1994, has placed improving Chile's education system and developing foreign export markets at the top of his economic agenda. Despite this progress, the Chilean economy remains largely dependent on a few sectors - particularly copper mining, fishing, and forestry. Success in meeting the government's goal of sustained annual economic growth of 5% depends largely on world prices for these commodities, continued foreign investor confidence, and the government's ability to maintain a conservative fiscal stance. In 1996, Chile became an associate member of Mercosur and concluded a Free Trade Agreement with Canada. # 6.50 4920 71380 8 33 59 6.70 5500000 services 38.3% (includes government 12%), industry and commerce 33.8%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 19.2%, mining 2.3%, construction 6.4% (1990) # 6.50 17000 17000 copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles # 4.80 5.96 27908 1662 wheat, corn, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, fruit; beef, poultry, wool; timber; 1991 fish catch of 6.6 million metric tons # 15200.00 copper 37%, other metals and minerals 8.2%, wood products 7.1%, fish and fishmeal 9.8%, fruits 8.4% (1994) # EU 25%, US 15%, Asia 34%, Latin America 20% (1995 est.) # 16500 capital goods 25.2%, spare parts 24.8%, raw materials 15.4%, petroleum 10%, foodstuffs 5.7% (1994) # EU 18%, US 25%, Asia 16%, Latin America 26% (1995 est.) # 22300 ODA, $50.3 million (1996 est.) # ? # 1 Chilean peso (Ch$) = 100 centavos # 423.79 calendar year 1500000 extensive microwave radio relay links; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 179 614 11 ? 11 2850000 6782 3,743 km 1.676-m gauge (1,653 km electrified) # # 116 km 1.067-m gauge; 2,923 km 1.000-m gauge (40 km electrified) (1995) # # 79750 11,006 km # 68,744 km (1995 est.) # 725 755 785 320 Antofagasta, Arica, Chanaral, Coquimbo, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, San Antonio, San Vicente, Talcahuano, Valparaiso # 38 520710 865867 bulk 11, cargo 8, chemical tanker 4, combination ore/oil 1, container 2, liquefied gas tanker 2, oil tanker 4, passenger 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3, vehicle carrier 2 (1996 est.) # 343 259 5 5 18 17 214 84 ? 3 10 71 ? ? Army of the Nation, National Navy (includes Naval Air, Coast Guard, and Marines), Air Force of the Nation, Carabineros of Chile (National Police), Investigations Police # 19 years of age # 3867676 2874235 125586 2800000000 3.50 short section of the southern boundary with Argentina is indefinite; Bolivia has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Bolivia over Rio Lauca water rights; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims # a minor transshipment country for cocaine destined for the US and Europe; booming economy has made it more attractive to traffickers seeking to launder drug profits # @China 0 0$Beijing$3992$11642$7000000$ 1$Shangha∩$3125$12150$7830000$ 1$Tianjin$3914$11720$5770000$ 1$Shenyang$4180$12345$4540000$ 1$Wuhan$3060$11428$3750000$ 1$Guangzhou$2310$11327$3580000$ 1$Chongqing$2965$10657$2980000$ 1$Harbin$4575$12668$2830000$ 1$Chengdu$4097$11789$2810000$ 1$Xian$3425$10886$2760000$ 1$Nanjing$3217$11883$2500000$ 1$Lhassa$2968$9117$70000$ # China has been inhabited since prehistoric times. By the Shang Dynasty (c.1500 BC-c.1000 BC) pictographic writing, similar to today's, was in use. A technologically and culturally advanced society developed and expanded over the next 3,000 years. By the 19th century, a period of relative stagnation had left China open to internal and external pressures. Large parts of the country fell under the control of foreign powers including Britain, Japan and Russia. The monarchy was abolished in 1911 and China became a republic in 1912. The People's Republic of China was proclaimed on 21 September 1949 with the Communists in control. In December of that same year, the Kuomintang government moved to Taiwan. On 25 October 1971, the Taiwan representation at the UN was ousted and the People's Republic took its place. Reforms of the central bureaucracy were started in 1982, but a seeming return towards democracy and freedom of speech was slowed in the summer of 1989 following the massacre of hundreds of demonstrators (mostly students) in Peking. China consists of 21 provinces, 5 autonomous regions (including Tibet), and 3 municipalities (Beijing-Peking, Shanghai, and Tianjin-Tientsin). # TJ Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam # 9596960 9326410 270550 22143.34 Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, Hong Kong 30 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia 4,673 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km # 14500 24 claim to shallow areas of East China Sea and Yellow Sea # ? ? 12 extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north # mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hills in east # Turpan Pendi -154 m Mount Everest 8,848 m coal, iron ore, petroleum, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, hydropower potential (world's largest) # 10 0 43 14 33 498720 frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and eastern coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes; droughts # air pollution from the overwhelming use of high-sulfur coal as a fuel, produces acid rain which is damaging forests; water shortages experienced throughout the country, particularly in urban areas; future growth in water usage threatens to outpace supplies; water pollution from industrial effluents; much of the population does not have access to potable water; less than 10% of sewage receives treatment; deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1949 to soil erosion and economic development; desertification; trade in endangered species # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # Desertification # world's fourth-largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US) # 1221591778 26 166319939 150125798 68 427340489 393914502 6 36201623 41689427 0.93 16.52 6.87 -0.34 1.11 1.11 1.07 0.87 1.06 37.90 69.98 68.61 71.50 1.81 Chinese (singular and plural) Chinese Han Chinese 91.9%, Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1% # Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism, Muslim 2%-3%, Christian 1% (est.) # Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages (see Ethnic divisions entry) # age 15 and over can read and write # 81.50 89.90 72.70 People's Republic of China China Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Zhong Guo Communist state Beijing 23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions* (zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 3 municipalities** (shi, singular and plural); Anhui, Beijing**, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi*, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol*, Ningxia*, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai**, Shanxi, Sichuan, Tianjin**, Xinjiang*, Xizang* (Tibet), Yunnan, Zhejiang note: China considers Taiwan its 23rd province # ? # National Day, 1 October (1949) most recent promulgated 4 December 1982 # a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law; rudimentary civil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal codes in effect since 1 January 1980; continuing efforts are being made to improve civil, administrative, criminal, and commercial law # 18 years of age; universal # President JIANG Zemin (since 27 March 1993) and Vice President RONG Premier LI Peng (acting premier since 24 November 1987, premier since 9 April 1988); Vice Premiers ZHU Rongji (since 8 April 1991), ZOU Jiahua (since 8 April 1991), QIAN Qichen (since 29 March 1993), LI Lanqing (29 March 1993), WU Bangguo (since 17 March 1995), and JIANG Chunyun (since 17 March 1995) # State Council appointed by the National People's Congress (NPC) # president and vice president elected by the National People's Congress for five-year terms; election last held 27 March 1993 (next to be held NA March 1998); premier and vice premiers nominated by the president, confirmed by the National People's Congress # JIANG Zemin elected by the Eighth National People's Congress; percent of National People's Congress vote - NA # unicameral National People's Congress or Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (2,977 seats; members indirectly elected at county or xian level to serve five-year terms) # last held NA March 1993 (next to be held NA March 1998) # percent of vote - NA; seats - NA # Supreme People's Court, judges appointed by the National People's Congress # Chinese Communist Party (CCP), JIANG Zemin, general secretary of the Central Committee; eight registered small parties controlled by CCP # ? # AfDB, APEC, AsDB, BIS (pending member), CCC, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), Mekong Group, MINURSO, NAM (observer), PCA, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner # Beginning in late 1978 the Chinese leadership has been trying to move the economy from a sluggish Soviet-style centrally planned economy to one that is more market-oriented but still within a rigid political framework of Communist Party control. To this end the authorities switched to a system of household responsibility in agriculture in place of the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scale enterprise in services and light manufacturing, and opened the economy to increased foreign trade and investment. The result has been a quadrupling of GDP since 1978. Agricultural output doubled in the 1980s, and industry also posted major gains, especially in coastal areas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan, where foreign investment helped spur output of both domestic and export goods. On the darker side, the leadership has often experienced in its hybrid system the worst results of socialism (bureaucracy, lassitude, corruption) and of capitalism (windfall gains and stepped-up inflation). Beijing thus has periodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals. In 1992-96 annual growth of GDP accelerated, particularly in the coastal areas - averaging more than 10% annually according to official figures. In late 1993 China's leadership approved additional long-term reforms aimed at giving still more play to market-oriented institutions and at strengthening the center's control over the financial system; state enterprises would continue to dominate many key industries in what was now termed "a socialist market economy." In 1995-96 inflation dropped sharply, reflecting tighter monetary policies and stronger measures to control food prices. At the same time, the government struggled to (a) collect revenues due from provinces, businesses, and individuals; (b) reduce corruption and other economic crimes; and (c) keep afloat the large state-owned enterprises, most of which had not participated in the vigorous expansion of the economy and many of which have been losing the ability to pay full wages and pensions. From 60 to 100 million surplus rural workers are adrift between the villages and the cities, many subsisting through part-time low-paying jobs. Popular resistance, changes in central policy, and loss of authority by rural cadres have weakened China's population control program, which is essential to maintaining growth in living standards. Another long-term threat to continued rapid economic growth is the deterioration in the environment, notably air pollution, soil erosion, and the steady fall of the water table especially in the north. China continues to lose arable land because of erosion and economic development; furthermore, the regime gives insufficient priority to agricultural research. The next few years will witness increasing tensions between a highly centralized political system and an increasingly decentralized economic system. Rapid economic growth likely will continue but at a declining rate. # 9.70 750 916194 20 49 31 10 614700000 agriculture and forestry 54%, industry and commerce 26%, construction and mining 7%, social services 6%, other 7% (1994) # 3 ? ? iron and steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles and apparel, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, consumer durables, food processing, autos, consumer electronics, telecommunications # 13 210 859000 684 rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, cotton, other fibers, oilseed; pork and other livestock products; fish # 151070 clothing, miscellaneous consumer goods, fabrics, footwear, toys, electrical machinery and switchgear (1995) # Hong Kong, Japan, US, South Korea, Germany, Singapore (1995) # 138830.00 plastics, fabrics, telecommunications equipment, electrical machinery and switchgear, transistors, other industrial machinery (1995) # Japan, US, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Germany, Russia (1995) # 92000 ODA, $1.977 billion (1993) # ? # 1 yuan (Y) = 10 jiao # 8.30 calendar year 20000000 telephone lines are being expanded to 100 million by 1996; interprovincial fiber-optic trunk lines and cellular telephone systems have been installed; a domestic satellite system with 55 earth stations is in place # satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (4 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region) and 1 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions); several international fiber-optic links to Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong # 274 ? 0 216500000 202 75000000 62500 # 58,900 km 1.435-m gauge (9,700 km electrified; 18,100 km double track) # 3,600 km 0.750-m gauge local industrial lines (1996 est.) # # 1117000 239,500 km # 877,500 km (1996 est.) # 138600 9700 1100 6200 Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Lianyungang, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shantou, Tianjin, Xiamen, Yantain, Zhanjiang # 1736 16749069 25196607 barge carrier 2, bulk 325, cargo 883, chemical tanker 16, combination bulk 11, container 109, liquefied gas tanker 9, multifunction large-load carrier 6, oil tanker 232, passenger 6, passenger-cargo 47, refrigerated cargo 24, roll-on/roll-off cargo 22, short-sea passenger 43, specialized tanker 1 # 206 192 18 65 90 13 6 14 ? ? 8 5 1 ? People's Liberation Army (PLA), which includes the Ground Forces, Navy (includes Marines and Naval Aviation), Air Force, Second Artillery Corps (the strategic missile force), People's Armed Police (internal security troops, nominally subordinate to Ministry of Public Security, but included by the Chinese as part of the "armed forces" and considered to be an adjunct to the PLA in wartime) # 18 years of age # 356848321 196780527 9872055 ? ? boundary with India in dispute; disputed sections of the boundary with Russia remain to be settled; boundary with Tajikistan in dispute; short section of the boundary with North Korea is indefinite; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; maritime boundary dispute with Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; claims Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai), as does Taiwan # major transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden Triangle; growing domestic drug abuse problem # @Christmas Island Australia # In the Indian Ocean, 360 km south of Java. Administered by Singapore from 1900 until 1958, now by Australia. # AUS Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia # 135 135 0 ? ? # 138.90 12 ? # ? 200 3 tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds # steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau # Indian Ocean 0 m Murray Hill 361 m phosphate # ? ? ? ? 100 ? the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard # NA # NA # NA # located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean # 743 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? -8.98 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Christmas Islander(s) Christmas Island Chinese 61%, Malay 25%, European 11%, other 3%, no indigenous population # Buddhist 55%, Christian 15%, Muslim 10%, other 20% (1991) # English # ? # ? ? ? Territory of Christmas Island Christmas Island ? ? territory of Australia The Settlement none (territory of Australia) # ? # NA Christmas Island Act of 1958 # under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian law # ? # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Administrator (vacant); Official Secretary Merrilyn CHILVERS (since NA) is serving as acting administrator # ? # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the queen and Australia # ? # unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve one-year terms) # last held NA December 1996 (next to be held NA December 1997) # percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9 # Supreme Court # none # ? # none # the flag of Australia is used # Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine. In 1990, the mine was reopened by private operators. Australian-based Casinos Austria International Ltd. built a $45 million casino on Christmas Island. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? tourism 400 people, mining 100 people # ? ? ? phosphate extraction (near depletion) # ? ? ? ? NA # ? phosphate # Australia, NZ # ? consumer goods # principally Australia # ? ? # ? # 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents # 1.27 1 July - 30 June ? NA # NA # 1 0 0 500 1 350 ? # # # # ? NA km # NA km # ? ? ? ? Flying Fish Cove # ? ? ? ? # 1 1 ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Clipperton Island France # # Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico # 7 7 0 ? ? # 11.10 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical, humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, rains May-October # coral atoll # Pacific Ocean 0 m Rocher Clipperton 29 m none # 0 0 0 0 100 0 subject to tornadoes # NA # NA # NA # reef about 8 km in circumference # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Clipperton Island none Ile Clipperton possession of France; administered by France from French Polynesia by ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of France is used # The only economic activity is a tuna fishing station. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0 # # Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia, about one-half of the way from Australia to Sri Lanka # 14 14 0 ? ? # 2.60 ? ? # ? 200 3 pleasant, modified by the southeast trade wind for about nine months of the year; moderate rainfall # flat, low-lying coral atolls # Indian Ocean 0 m unnamed location 5 m fish # ? ? ? ? 100 ? cyclones may occur in the early months of the year # fresh water resources are limited to rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs # NA # NA # two coral atolls thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation # 617 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 0.98 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Cocos Islander(s) Cocos Islander Europeans, Cocos Malays # Sunni Muslim 57%, Christian 22%, other 21% (1981 est.) # English, Malay # ? # ? ? ? Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands Cocos (Keeling) Islands ? ? territory of Australia West Island none (territory of Australia) # ? # NA Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 # based upon the laws of Australia and local laws # NA # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Administrator (acting) Jarl ANDERSSON (since NA) # NA # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the queen and Australia # ? # unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council (NA seats) # ? # ? # Supreme Court # none # ? # WMO # the flag of Australia is used # Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Copra and fresh coconuts are the major export earners. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must be imported from Australia. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? copra products and tourism # ? ? ? ? vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts # ? copra # Australia # ? foodstuffs # Australia # ? ? # ? # 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents # 1.28 1 July - 30 June ? NA # telephone, telex, and facsimile communications with Australia and elsewhere via satellite; 1 satellite earth station of NA type # 1 0 0 300 0 ? ? # # # # ? NA km # NA km # ? ? ? ? none; lagoon anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # 1 1 ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Colombia 0 0$Bogota$457$-7400$4819000$ 1$Medellin$625$-7558$1664000$ 1$Cali$345$-7652$1637000$ 1$Barranquilla$1100$-7483$1000000$ 1$Cartagena$1042$-7555$531000$ # Colombia was conquered by the Spanish in the early 16th century. Together with surrounding regions, under the name of New Grenada, it was ruled by them for 300 years. Simon Bolivar proclaimed the republic of Gran-Colombia (including Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama) in 1819. Ecuador and Venezuela broke away in 1829, followed by Panama in 1903. The president is both head of state and prime-minister. Legislative power rests with the Senate, 114 seats, and the House of Representatives, with 199. Members of both houses, and the president, are chosen by general election for a term of 4 years. Colombia is divided into 23 departments, 8 national territories, and the special district of Bogotß. # CO Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama # 1138910 1038700 100210 7408 Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 2,900 km, Venezuela 2,050 km # 3208 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # 200 ? 12 tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands # flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains # Pacific Ocean 0 m Nevado del Huila 5,750 m petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds # 4 1 39 48 8 5300 highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts # deforestation; soil damage from overuse of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions # Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping # only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea # 37418290 31 5959141 5816751 64 11756893 12146103 5 769724 969678 1.61 20.78 4.62 -0.10 1.03 1.02 0.97 0.79 0.98 24.70 73.14 70.28 76.09 2.31 Colombian(s) Colombian mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1% # Roman Catholic 95% # Spanish # age 15 and over can read and write # 91.30 91.20 91.40 Republic of Colombia Colombia Republica de Colombia Colombia republic; executive branch dominates government structure Bogota 32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santa Fe de Bogota*, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada # ? # Independence Day, 20 July (1810) 5 July 1991 # based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US procedures was enacted in 1992-93; judicial review of executive and legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # President Ernesto SAMPER Pizano (since 7 August 1994); note - the president President Ernesto SAMPER Pizano (since 7 August 1994); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet # president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 29 May 1994 (next to be held May 1998); vice president elected by popular vote for a four-year term in a new procedure that replaces the traditional designation of vice presidents by newly elected presidents # Ernesto SAMPER Pizano elected president; percent of vote - no candidate received more than 50% of the total vote, therefore, a run-off election to select a president from the two leading candidates was held 19 June 1994; percent of vote - Ernesto SAMPER Pizano (Liberal Party) 50.4%, Andres PASTRANA Arango (Conservative Party) 48.6%, blank votes 1%; Humberto de la CALLE Lombana elected vice president; percent of vote - NA # bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or Senado (102 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (161 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # Senate - last held 13 March 1994 (next to be held March 1998); House of Representatives - last held 13 March 1994 (next to be held March 1998) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Liberal Party 59, conservatives (includes PC, MSN, and NDF) 31, other 12; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Liberal Party 89, conservatives (includes PC, MSN, and NDF) 53, AD/M-19 2, other 17 # Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justical), highest court of criminal law, judges are selected from the nominees of the Higher Council of Justice for eight-year terms; Council of State, highest court of administrative law, judges are selected from the nominees of the Higher Council of Justice for eight-year terms; Constitutional Court, guards integrity and supremacy of the constitution, rules on constitutionality of laws, amendments to the constitution, and international treaties # Liberal Party or PL [Emilio LEBOLO Castellanos]; Conservative Party or PC [Fabio VALENCIA Cossio]; New Democratic Force or NDF [Andres PASTRANA Arango]; Democratic Alliance M-19 or AD/M-19 is a coalition of small leftist parties and dissident liberals and conservatives; Patriotic Union (UP) is a legal political party formed by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and Colombian Communist Party (PCC); National Salvation Movement or MSN [Dr. Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado] # ? # AG, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G- 3, G-11, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center # Boasting a diversified and stable economy, Colombia has enjoyed Latin America's most consistent record of growth over the last several decades. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has expanded every year for more than 25 years, and unlike many other Latin American countries, Colombia did not default on any of its official debts during the "lost decade" of the 1980s. Since 1990, when Bogota introduced a comprehensive reform program that opened the economy to foreign trade and investment, GDP growth has averaged more than 4% annually. Growth has been fueled in recent years by the rapid expansion of the oil sector, progress in the construction and financial service industries, and an influx of foreign capital. Direct foreign investment, especially in the oil industry, is rising at a rapid rate. In 1996, oil overtook coffee as Colombia's main export. Non-petroleum economic growth slowed, however, due mostly to high interest rates - the result of high government spending and a tight monetary policy - and a real appreciation of the exchange rate. Business confidence was also damaged by a political crisis stemming from allegations President SAMPER solicited contributions from drug traffickers during the 1994 campaign. The slowdown in the growth of labor-intensive industries such as manufacturing has caused unemployment to rise to 11.5% by the end of 1996 and interfered with President SAMPER'S plans to lower the country's poverty rate, which has remained at about 40% despite the expanding economy. # 2.10 2190 81946 20 27 53 21.60 12000000 services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990) # 11.50 27000 30000 textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds # 4.50 10.58 45361.00 963 coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp farming # 10300.00 petroleum, coffee, coal, bananas, fresh cut flowers # US 39%, EC 25.7%, Japan 2.9%, Venezuela 8.5% (1992) # 12400 industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products # US 36%, EC 18%, Brazil 4%, Venezuela 6.5%, Japan 8.7% (1992) # 16500 ODA, $30 million (1993) # ? # 1 Colombian peso (Col$) = 100 centavos # 1027.87 calendar year 1890000 nationwide microwave radio relay system; domestic satellite system with 11 earth stations # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 413 217 28 ? 33 5500000 3386 # 150 km 1.435-m gauge (connects Cerrejon coal mines to maritime port at Bahia Portete) # 3,236 km 0.914-m gauge (1830 km in use) (1995) # # 106600 12,685 km # 93,915 km (1995 est.) # 14300 3585 1350 830 Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Leticia, Puerto Bolivar, San Andres, Santa Marta, Tumaco, Turbo # 17 72388 97576 bulk 5, cargo 6, container 1, multi-function large load carrier 2, oil tanker 3 (1996 est.) # 913 606 2 9 32 36 527 307 ? 1 34 272 ? ? Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, includes Marines and Coast Guard), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana), National Police (Policia Nacional) # 18 years of age # 10285806 6909846 348802 2000000000 2.80 maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela; territorial dispute with Nicaragua over Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank # illicit producer of coca, opium poppies, and cannabis; about 50,900 hectares of coca under cultivation in 1995; the world's largest processor of coca derivatives into cocaine; supplier of cocaine to the US and other international drug markets; active aerial eradication program seeks to virtually eliminate coca and opium crops # @Comoros 0 0$Moroni$-1206$4432$60000$ # Comoros has had difficulty in achieving political stability, having endured 18 coups or attempted coups since receiving independence from France in 1975. # ? Southern Africa, group of islands in the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique # 2170 2170 0 ? ? # 340 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical marine; rainy season (November to May) # volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills # Indian Ocean 0 m Mount Kartala 2,360 m negligible # 35 10 7 18 30 ? cyclones and tsunamis possible during rainy season (December to April); Mount Kartala on Grand Comore is an active volcano # soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection # Desertification # important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel # 528893 42 112404 111936 55 142604 146382 3 7432 8135 3.09 40.75 9.82 0 1.03 1 0.97 0.91 0.98 87.40 59.88 57.52 62.32 5.54 Comoran(s) Comoran Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava # Sunni Muslim 86%, Roman Catholic 14% # Arabic (official), French (official), Comoran (a blend of Swahili and Arabic) # age 15 and over can read and write # 57.30 64.20 50.40 Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros Comoros Republique Federale Islamique des Comores Comores independent republic Moroni three islands; Grand Comore (Njazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Moheli (Mwali) note: there are also four municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and Mutsamudu # ? # Independence Day, 6 July (1975) 7 June 1992 # French and Muslim law in a new consolidated code # 18 years of age; universal # President Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim (since 16 March 1996) Prime Minister Ahmed ABDOU (since 27 December 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote to a five-year term; election last held 16 March 1996 (next to be held NA March 2001); prime minister appointed by the president # Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim elected president; share of vote - 64% # bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (15 seats; members selected by regional councils for six-year terms) and a Federal Assembly or Assemblee Federale (43 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 1 and 8 December 1996 (next to be held NA December 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RND 39, RND candidate running as independent 1, FNJ 3 # Supreme Court or Cour Supreme), two members are appointed by the president, two members are elected by the Federal Assembly, one by the Council of each island, and former presidents of the republic # Rassemblement National pour le Development or RND [Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim], party of the government; Front National pour la Justice or FNJ, Islamic party in opposition note: under a new constitution ratified in October 1996, a two party system was established; President Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim called for all parties to dissolve and join him in creating the RND; the Constitution stipulates that only parties that win six seats in the Federal Assembly (two from each island) are permitted to be in opposition, but if no party accomplishes that the second most successful party will be in opposition; in the elections of December 1996 the FNJ appeared to qualify as opposition # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AL, CCC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) # green with a white crescent in the center of the field, its points facing downward; there are four white five-pointed stars placed in a line between the points of the crescent; the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago - Mwali, Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mayotte (a territorial collectivity of France, but claimed by Comoros); the design, the most recent of several, is described in the constitution approved by referendum on 7 June 1992 # One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, is the leading sector of the economy. It contributes nearly 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. The government is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, to privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, to improve health services, to diversify exports, to promote tourism, and to reduce the high population growth rate. Continued foreign support is essential if the goal of 4% annual GDP growth is to be reached in the late 1990s. # -2.30 460 243 39 13 48 7.10 140000 agriculture 80%, government 3% # ? 83 92 tourism, perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, construction materials, soft drinks # -6.50 0.02 25 52 vanilla, cloves, perfume essences, copra, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca) # 11.20 vanilla, ylang-ylang, cloves, perfume oil, copra # France 54%, Germany 18%, US 18% # 40.90 rice and other foodstuffs, consumer goods; petroleum products, cement, transport equipment # France 60%, South Africa 10%, Kenya 5%, Singapore 4% # 189 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Comoran franc (CF) = 100 centimes # 406.27 calendar year 3770 HF radiotelephone communications and microwave radio relay # HF radiotelephone communications to Madagascar and Reunion # 2 1 0 ? 0 200 ? # # # # 875 669 km # 206 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Fomboni, Moroni, Mutsamudu # ? ? ? ? # 4 4 ? 1 ? 3 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Comoran Security Force # ? # 125378 74836 ? ? ? claims French-administered Mayotte # ? # @Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0 0$Kinshasa$-430$1530$3500000$ 1$Kananga$-588$2243$704000$ 1$Lubumbashi$-1168$2748$451000$ 1$Kisangani$058$2525$339000$ # Pygmies may have been the earliest inhabitants of Democratic republic of Congo, followed by Bantus. Portuguese explorers visited the country in the 15th century. The Congo Free State was established in 1885, with Leopold II of Belgium as absolute monarch. It became the Belgian Congo colony in 1908. Independence was gained as the Republic of Congo in 1960, followed by civil war until 1963. The country changed its name to the Republic of Zaire in 1971. Marshal MOBUTU was president from 24 November 1965 until forced into exile on 17 May 1997 when his government was overturned in a coup by Gen. Laurent-DESIRE KABILA, who immediately assumed sole governing authority # ZRE Central Africa, northeast of Angola # 2345410 2267600 77810 10271 Angola 2,511 km, Burundi 233 km, Central African Republic 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Rwanda 217 km, Sudan 628 km, Uganda 765 km, Zambia 1,930 km # 37 ? ? # ? ? 12 tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator - wet season April to October, dry season December to February; south of Equator - wet season November to March, dry season April to October # vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Margherita Peak (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m cobalt, copper, cadmium, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, germanium, uranium, radium, bauxite, iron ore, coal, hydropower potential # 3 0 7 77 13 100 periodic droughts in south; volcanic activity # poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; deforestation; refugees who arrived in mid-1994 were responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching in the eastern part of the country (most of those refugees were repatriated in November and December 1996) # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands # Desertification, Environmental Modification, Tropical Timber 94 # straddles Equator; very narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo river and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean; dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands # 47440362 48 11418713 11378403 49 11412269 11980993 3 541435 708549 2.34 47.66 16.61 -7.66 1.03 1 0.95 0.76 0.97 105.70 47.03 45.16 48.95 6.58 Congolese (singular and plural) Congolese or Congo over 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about 45% of the population # Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other syncretic sects and traditional beliefs 10% # French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba # age 15 and over can read and write in French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba # 77.30 86.60 67.70 Democratic Republic of the Congo none Republique Democratique du Congo none republic with a strong presidential system Kinshasa 10 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 town* (ville); Bandundu, Bas-Zaire, Equateur, Haut-Zaire, Kasai-Occidental, Kasai-Oriental, Kinshasa*, Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Shaba, Sud-Kivu # ? # Anniversary of the Regime (Second Republic), 24 November (1965) 24 June 1967, amended August 1974, revised 15 February 1978, amended April 1990; transitional constitution promulgated in April 1994; new draft constitution approved by Transitional Parliament in October 1996, subject to ratification by popular referendum scheduled for February 1997; draft constitution provides for multiparty elections by July 1997 # based on Belgian civil law system and tribal law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # Gen. Laurent-DESIRE KABILA (since 17 May 1997); note - the president Gen. Laurent-DESIRE KABILA (since 17 May 1997); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government # National Executive Council normally appointed by mutual agreement of the president and the prime minister; note - Gen. KABILA's cabinet was appointed by him and has no prime minister # president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held 29 July 1984 (next was to be held in May 1997); prime minister elected by the High Council of the Republic; note - the term of the former government expired in 1991, elections were not held, and MOBUTU continued in office until his government was militarily defeated by Gen. Laurent-DESIRE KABILA on 17 May 1997 # MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga reelected president in 1984 without opposition note: Marshal MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga was president from 24 November 1965 until forced into exile on 17 May 1997 when his government was overturned in a coup by Gen. Laurent-DESIRE KABILA, who immediately assumed sole governing authority # unicameral parliament consisting of the combined High Council of the Republic and the Parliament of the Transition (739 seats) # the country's first multi-party presidential and legislative elections had been scheduled for May 1997 but were not held; instead the MOBUTO government was overthrown and control of the governing apparatus was seized by Gen. Laurent-DESIRE KABILA # ? # Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) # sole legal party until January 1991 - Popular Movement of the Revolution or MPR; other parties include Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Etienne TSHISEKEDI wa Mulumba]; Democratic Social Christian Party or PDSC; Union of Federalists and Independent Republicans or UFER; Unified Lumumbast Party or PALU [Antoine GIZENGA]; Union of Independent Democrats or UDI [Leon KENGO wa Dondo] # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO # light blue with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center and a columnar arrangement of six small yellow five-pointed stars along the hoist side # The economy of Democratic Republic of the Congo has continued to disintegrate, although former Prime Minister KENGO had had some success in slowing the rate of economic decline. While meaningful economic figures are difficult to come by, the high rate of inflation, chronic large government deficits, and plunging mineral production have made it one of the world's poorest countries. Most formal transactions are conducted in hard currency as indigenous bank notes have lost almost all value, and a barter economy now flourishes in all but the largest cities. During the bitter civil strive of 1996-97 most individuals and families have hung on grimly through subsistence farming and petty trade. The new KABILA government will be hard pressed to meet its financial obligations to the IMF or to put in place the financial measures advocated by it. Improved political stability would boost the country's long-term potential to effectively exploit its vast mineral and agricultural resources. # -0.70 120 5693 59 15 26 542 14510000 agriculture 65%, industry 16%, services 19% (1991 est.) # ? 479 479 mining, mineral processing, consumer products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods and beverages), cement, diamonds # ? 2.83 5480 87 coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits; wood products # 1470 diamonds, copper, coffee, cobalt, crude oil # Belgium, US, France, Germany, Italy, UK, Japan, South Africa # 1250 consumer goods, foodstuffs, mining and other machinery, transport equipment, fuels # Belgium, South Africa, US, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK # 13800 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 zaire (Z) = 100 makuta # 83764 calendar year 34000 barely adequate wire and microwave radio relay service in and between urban areas; domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 10 4 0 3870000 18 55000 5138 # # 3,987 km 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified); 125 km 1.000-m gauge; 1,026 km 0.600-m gauge # # 145000 2,500 km # 142,500 km (1993 est.) # 15000 ? 390 ? Banana, Boma, Bukavu, Bumba, Goma, Kalemie, Kindu, Kinshasa, Kisangani, Matadi, Mbandaka # ? ? ? ? # 216 104 4 3 15 2 80 112 ? ? 18 94 ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, paramilitary Civil Guard, Special Presidential Division # ? # 10232612 5213941 ? 46000000 1.50 Democratic Republic of the Congo-Tanzania-Zambia tripoint in Lake Tanganyika may no longer be indefinite since it has been informally reported that the indefinite section of the Democratic Republic of the Congo-Zambia boundary has been settled; long section with Republic of the Congo along the Congo river is indefinite (no division of the river or its islands has been made) # illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for domestic consumption # @Congo, Republic of the 0 0$Brazzaville$-423$1523$600000$ # Diego Cam, a Portuguese explorer, visited the Congo estuary in 1482. Slave-trading flourished along the coast in the 16th century. The French gradually became more influential in the area, and in 1885 they established control of the land to the west of the Congo and Oubangi. Congo became part of French Equatorial Africa in 1910. France granted internal self-rule in 1958, and independence was gained on 15 August 1960. In 1996 the Central African Republic experienced three mutinies by dissident elements of the armed forces which demanded back pay as well as political and military reforms; continuing violence in 1997 between the government and rebel military and civilian groups over pay issues, living conditions, and lack of opposition party representation in the government has destroyed many businesses in the capital, reducing tax revenues and exacerbating the government's problems in meeting expenses # RPC Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon # 342000 341500 500 5504 Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Gabon 1,903 km # 169 ? ? # ? ? 200 tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); constantly high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator # coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Berongou 903 m petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, natural gas # 0 0 29 62 9 10 seasonal flooding # air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable; deforestation # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 # Desertification, Law of the Sea # about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe Noire, or along the railroad between them # 2583198 43 557996 552022 54 677313 707569 3 35573 52725 2.15 38.79 17.30 0 1.03 1.01 0.96 0.68 0.97 106.10 45.73 44.24 47.27 5.06 Congolese (singular and plural) Congolese or Congo Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans 8,500 (mostly French) # Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2% # French (official), African languages (Lingala and Kikongo are the most widely used) # age 15 and over can read and write # 74.90 83.10 67.20 Republic of the Congo none Republique du Congo none republic Brazzaville 9 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha # ? # Congolese National Day, 15 August (1960) new constitution approved by referendum March 1992 # based on French civil law system and customary law # 18 years of age; universal # President Pascal LISSOUBA (since August 1992) Prime Minister David Charles GANAO (since 2 September 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 16 August 1992 (next was to be held 27 July 1997 but armed clashes between political parties in early July seemed likely to delay it); prime minister appointed by the president # Pascal LISSOUBA elected president; percent of vote - Pascal LISSOUBA 61% # bicameral Parliament consists of the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (125 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Senate (60 seats; members are elected by local and regional councils to serve six-year terms) # National Assembly - last held 3 October 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); Senate - last held November 1996 (next to be held NA 2002) # National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UPADS 64, URD/PCT 58, others 3; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UPADS 23, MCDDI 14, RDD 8, RDPS 5, PCT 2, others 8 # Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) # the most important of the many political parties are Congolese Labor Party or PCT [Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, president]; Association for Democracy and Development or RDD [Joachim Yhombi OPANGO, president]; Association for Democracy and Social Progress or RDPS [Jean-Pierre Thystere TCHICAYA, president]; Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development or MCDDI [Bernard KOLELAS, leader]; Pan-African Union for Social Development or UPADS [Pascal LISSOUBA, leader]; Union of Democratic Forces or UFD [David Charles GANAO, leader]; Union for Democratic Renewal or URD; Union for Development and Social Progress or UDPS [Jean-Michael BOKAMBA-YANGOUMA, leader] # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO # divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia # The economy is a mixture of village agriculture and handicrafts, an industrial sector based largely on oil, support services, and a government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing about 90% of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil revenues enabled the government to finance large-scale development projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. Subsequently, falling oil prices cut GDP growth by half. Moreover, the government has mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil earnings, contributing to the government's shortage of revenues. The 12 January 1994 devaluation of Franc Zone currencies by 50% resulted in inflation of 61% in 1994 but inflation has subsided since. Recent efforts to implement economic reforms have begun to show progress; the government and the IMF signed an aid agreement in mid-1996. # 0.90 620 1602 11.40 35.20 53.40 3 ? ? # ? 870 970 petroleum extraction, cement kilning, lumbering, brewing, sugar milling, palm oil, soap, cigarette making # ? 0.17 440 223 cassava (tapioca) accounts for 90% of food output, sugar, rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa; forest products # 952 crude oil 90%, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds # Belgium-Luxembourg 24.3%, Taiwan 20.2%, US 14.9%, Italy 14.8% (1995 est.) # 559 intermediate manufactures, capital equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs, petroleum products # France 31.2%, Netherlands 24.6%, Italy 11.4%, US 6.9% (1995 est.) # 5300 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes # 541.69 calendar year 18000 primary network consists of microwave radio relay and coaxial cable # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 4 1 0 ? 4 8500 795 # # 795 km 1.067-m gauge (1995 est.) # # 12760 1,238 km # 11,522 km (1995 est.) # 1120 25 ? ? Brazzaville, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo, Pointe-Noire # 1 2218 4100 ? # 34 13 1 ? 3 14 9 21 ? ? 7 ? ? ? Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force, National Police # 20 years of age # 601771 306757 26081 110000000 3.80 long segment of boundary with Democratic Republic of the Congo along the Congo River is indefinite (no division of the river or its islands has been made) # ? # @Cook Islands New Zealand # A group of islands in the SW Pacific, 2816 km to 3782 km northeast of New Zealand. They are widely scattered, extending from latitude 8░ to 23░ S and from longitude 156░ to 167░ W. Consists of two island groups, the Lower Cooks and the Northern Cooks. First sighted by Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendana in 1595 # NZ Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand # 240 240 0 ? ? # 120 ? 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin # 200 ? 12 tropical; moderated by trade winds # low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south # Pacific Ocean 0 m Te Manga 652 m NEGL # 9 13 ? ? 78 ? typhoons (November to March) # NA # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea # NA # ? # 19776 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 1.08 22.70 5.20 -6.65 ? ? ? ? ? 24.70 71.14 69.20 73.10 3.22 Cook Islander(s) Cook Islander Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and non-European 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9% # Christian (majority of populace are members of the Cook Islands Christian Church) # English (official), Maori # ? # ? ? ? none Cook Islands ? ? free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible Avarua none # ? # Constitution Day, 4 August 4 August 1965 # based on New Zealand law and English common law # NA years of age; universal adult # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey A. HENRY (since 1 February 1989); Deputy Prime Minister Inatio AKARURU (since 1 February 1989) # Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; the queen's representative is appointed by the queen; the New Zealand high commissioner is appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most seats usually becomes prime minister # ? # unicameral Parliament (25 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 6 March 1994 (next to be held by NA 1999) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Cook Islands Party 20, Democratic Party 3, Democratic Alliance Party 2 note: the House of Arikis (chiefs) advises on traditional matters, but has no legislative powers # High Court # Cook Islands Party, Geoffrey HENRY; Democratic Party, Sir Thomas DAVIS; Democratic Alliance Party, Norman GEORGE # ? # AsDB, ESCAP (associate), FAO, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), IOC, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO, WMO # blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag # Like other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Manufacturing activities are limited to a fruit-processing plant and several clothing factories. Trade deficits are made up for by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, largely from New Zealand. In 1996, the government declared bankruptcy, citing a $120 million public debt. Efforts to exploit tourism potential and expanding the mining and fishing industries have not been enough to adequately deal with the financial crisis. In an effort to stem further erosion of the tenuous economic situation, the government slashed public service salaries by 50%, condensed the number of government ministries from 52 to 22, reduced the number of civil servants by more than half, began selling government assets, and closed all overseas diplomatic posts except for the one in New Zealand. # ? ? ? 17 6 77 5.80 6601 agriculture 29%, government 27%, services 25%, industry 15%, other 4% (1981) # ? ? ? fruit processing, tourism # ? 0.01 20 ? copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, bananas, yams, taro, coffee # 3.90 copra, fresh and canned citrus fruit, clothing, coffee, fish # NZ 80%, Japan, Hong Kong # 67 foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber # NZ 49%, Italy, Australia # 160 ODA, $1.275 million from Australia (FY96/97 est.); $5.4 million in budget support and $3.2 million in project and training aid from New Zealand, the country's largest source of aid (FY95/96) # ? # 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents # 1.42 1 April - 31 March 4180 the individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) # 1 1 1 13000 1 3500 ? # # # # 187 35 km # 152 km (1980 est.) # ? ? ? ? Avarua, Avatiu # 1 1464 2181 ? # 7 1 ? ? 1 3 ? 6 ? ? 3 ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Coral Sea Islands Australia # # Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia # 3 3 0 ? ? # 3095 ? ? # ? 200 3 tropical # sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays) # Pacific Ocean 0 m unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m NEGL # 0 0 0 0 100 0 occasional, tropical cyclones # no permanent fresh water resources # NA # NA # important nesting area for birds and turtles # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? Coral Sea Islands Territory Coral Sea Islands ? ? territory of Australia; administered by the Ministry for Sport, Territories, none; administered from Canberra, Australia ? # ? # ? ? # the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of Australia is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Costa Rica 0 0$San JosΘ$998$-8407$893000$ # Guaymi indians inhabited Costa Rica when Columbus 'discovered' it in 1502. Spanish colonization began in 1561. Independence was gained in 1821. Until then the population had remained small, but the expansion of the coffee-market from 1840 put an end to Costa Rica's isolation and immigration grew steadily. The stagnation of the coffee-export in the early 20th century, and the increase in population led to mass unemployment and social unrest. This culminated in the civil war of 1948-49. Since then, however, there has been little violent social conflict and free political institutions have been preserved. Despite being a largely agricultural country, Costa Rica maintains a relatively high standard of living and social services. The parliament has one legislative house with 57 seats. Neither the President nor the members of parliament can hold office for more than four successive years. The country is divided into 7 provinces, 80 cantons, and 329 districts. # CR Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama # 51100 50660 440 639 Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km # 1290 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November) # coastal plains separated by rugged mountains # Pacific Ocean 0 m Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m hydropower potential # 6 5 46 31 12 1200 occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season; active volcanoes # deforestation, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching; soil erosion # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # Desertification, Marine Life Conservation # ? # 3534174 34 617256 587566 61 1090414 1065273 5 80304 93361 2 23.35 4.15 0.82 1.05 1.05 1.02 0.86 1.02 13.30 75.82 73.41 78.36 2.85 Costa Rican(s) Costa Rican white (including mestizo) 96%, black 2%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1% # Roman Catholic 95% # Spanish (official), English spoken around Puerto Limon # age 15 and over can read and write # 94.80 94.70 95 Republic of Costa Rica Costa Rica Republica de Costa Rica Costa Rica democratic republic San Jose 7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose # ? # Independence Day, 15 September (1821) 9 November 1949 # based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # President Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (since 8 May 1994); First Vice President President Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (since 8 May 1994); First Vice President Rodrigo OREAMUNO Blanco (since 8 May 1994), Second Vice President Rebeca GRYNSPAN Mayufis (since 8 May 1994); note - president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet selected by the president # president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 6 February 1994 (next to be held NA February 1998) # Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen elected president; percent of vote - Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (PLN) 49.7%, Miquel Angel RODRIGUEZ (PUSC) 47.5% # unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (57 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 6 February 1994 (next to be held NA February 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PLN 28, PUSC 25, minority parties 4 # Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), justices are elected for eight-year terms by the Legislative Assembly # National Liberation Party or PLN [Rolando ARAYA]; Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC [Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier]; National Integration Party or PIN [Walter MUNOZ]; National Agrarian Party or PAN; People's Party of Costa Rica or PPC [Lenin CHACON Vargas]; Agricultural Union Party or PUAC [Juan Guillermo BRENES Castillo]; Democratic Force Party or FD [Isaac Felipe AZOFEIFA Bolanos]; People United [Humberto VARGAS Carbonell]; Patriotic Front Party; New Democratic Party or PDN [Rodrigo GUTIERREZ)] # ? # AG (observer), BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white disk on the hoist side of the red band # Costa Rica's basically stable and progressive economy depends especially on tourism and the export of bananas, coffee, and other agricultural products. Poverty has been substantially reduced over the past 15 years, and a strong social safety net has been put in place. Recent trends, however, have been disappointing. Economic growth slipped from 4.3% in 1994 to 2.5% in 1995, and to 0.9% in 1996. Inflation rose to 22.5% in 1995 from 13.5% in 1994, then dropped back to 13.9% in 1996. Unemployment appears moderate at little more than 5% but substantial underemployment continues. Furthermore, substantial government deficits have undermined efforts to maintain the quality of social # -0.90 2640 9330 18 24 ? 13.90 868300 industry and commerce 35.1%, government and services 33%, agriculture 27%, other 4.9% (1985 est.) # 5.50 1100 1340 food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products # 10.50 1.11 5138 1330 coffee, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber (depletion of forest resources has resulted in declining timber output) # 3820 coffee, bananas, textiles, sugar # US, Germany, Italy, Guatemala, El Salvador, Netherlands, UK, France # 3857.00 raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum # US, Japan, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Germany # 3200.00 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Costa Rican colon (C) = 100 centimos # 219.29 calendar year 281042 NA # connected to Central American Microwave System; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 71 0 13 ? 18 340000 950 # # 950 km 1.067-m gauge (260 km electrified) # # 35600 5,945 km # 29,655 km (1995 est.) # 730 ? 176 ? Caldera, Golfito, Moin, Puerto Limon, Puerto Quepos, Puntarenas # ? ? ? ? # 143 115 ? 2 1 16 96 28 ? ? ? 28 ? ? Coast Guard, Air Section, Ministry of Public Security Force (Fuerza Publica) note - during 1996, the Ministry of Public Security reorganized and eliminated the Civil Guard, Rural Assistance Guard, and Frontier Guards as separate entities; they are now under the Ministry and operate on a geographic command basis performing ground security, law enforcement, counternarcotics, and national security (border patrol) functions; the Constitution prohibits armed forces # 18 years of age # 940666 631426 34422 55000000 2 none # transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South America; illicit production of cannabis on small, scattered plots # @Cote d'Ivoire 0 0$Abidjan$543$-397$2500000$ 1$Yamoussoukro$690$-550$110000$ 1$BouakΘ$767$-503$330000$ # Little is known of the early history of this part of Africa. The coast was charted in the 15th century by the Portuguese and a flourishing slave trade soon developed. French missionaries founded a mission at AssiniΘ in 1687. French influence increased during the 19th century. In 1893 the Ivory Coast became a French colony, becoming part of French West Africa in 1904. It became an independent republic in 1960. The 1960 constitution was modified in 1971, 1975 and 1980. FΘlix Houphouet-Boigny was elected president in 1960 and was re-elected for a sixth term of five years in 1985. Executive power is in his hands: he appoints all ministers, who are responsible only to him; he is commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Legislative power lies with the 147 member National Assembly. The country officially changed its name from Ivory Coast to C⌠te d'Ivoire in October 1985. The Ivory Coast is divided into 34 departments. # CI Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia # 322460 318000 4460 3110 Burkina Faso 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km, Liberia 716 km, Mali 532 km # 515 ? 200 nm # 200 ? 12 tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October) # mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest # Gulf of Guinea 0 m Mont Nimba 1,752 m petroleum, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper # 8 4 41 22 25 680 coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during the rainy season torrential flooding is possible # deforestation (most of the country's forests - once the largest in West Africa - have been cleared by the timber industry); water pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # Desertification # ? # 14986218 47 3537190 3496749 51 3927687 3700468 2 165544 158580 2.35 42.43 17.11 -1.85 1.03 1.01 1.06 1.04 1.04 99.70 44.81 43.63 46.03 6.06 Ivorian(s) Ivorian Baoule 23%, Bete 18%, Senoufou 15%, Malinke 11%, Agni, foreign Africans (mostly Burkinabe and Malians, about 3 million), non-Africans 130,000 to 330,000 (French 30,000 and Lebanese 100,000 to 300,000) # indigenous 25%, Muslim 60%, Christian 12% # French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken # age 15 and over can read and write # 40.10 49.90 30 Republic of Cote d'Ivoire Cote d'Ivoire Republique de Cote d'Ivoire Cote d'Ivoire republic; multiparty presidential regime established 1960 Yamoussoukro 50 departments (departements, singular - departement); Abengourou, Abidjan, Aboisso, Adzope, Agboville, Agnibilekrou, Bangolo, Beoumi, Biankouma, Bondoukou, Bongouanou, Bouafle, Bouake, Bouna, Boundiali, Dabakala, Daloa, Danane, Daoukro, Dimbokro, Divo, Duekoue, Ferkessedougou, Gagnoa, Grand-Lahou, Guiglo, Issia, Katiola, Korhogo, Lakota, Man, Mankono, Mbahiakro, Odienne, Oume, Sakassou, San-Pedro, Sassandra, Seguela, Sinfra, Soubre, Tabou, Tanda, Tingrela, Tiassale, Touba, Toumodi, Vavoua, Yamoussoukro, Zuenoula # ? # National Day, 7 August 3 November 1960; has been amended numerous times, last time November 1990 # based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 21 years of age; universal # President Henri Konan BEDIE (since 7 December 1993); note - succeeded Prime Minister Daniel Kablan DUNCAN (since 10 December 1993) # Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 22 October 1995 (next to be held October 2000); prime minister appointed by the president # Henri Konan BEDIE elected president; percent of vote - Henri Konan BEDIE 96% # unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (175 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) # elections last held 27 November 1995 (next to be held November 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDCI 150, RDR 13, FPI 12 # Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) # Democratic Party of the Cote d'Ivoire or PDCI [Henri Konan BEDIE]; Rally of the Republicans or RDR [Djeny KOBINA]; Ivorian Popular Front or FPI [Laurent GBAGBO]; Ivorian Worker's Party or PIT [Francis WODIE]; Ivorian Socialist Party or PSI [Morifere BAMBA]; over 20 smaller parties # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and green; similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white, and red; design was based on the flag of France # Cote d'Ivoire is among the world's largest producers and exporters of coffee, cocoa beans, and palm-kernel oil. Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for coffee and cocoa and to weather conditions. Despite attempts by the government to diversify the economy, it is still largely dependent on agriculture and related activities, which engage roughly 85% of the population. After several years of lagging performance, the Ivorian economy began a comeback in 1994, due to improved prices for cocoa and coffee, growth in nontraditional primary exports such as pineapples and rubber, limited trade and banking liberalization, offshore oil and gas discoveries, and generous external financing and debt rescheduling by multilateral lenders and France. The 50% devaluation of Franc Zone currencies on 12 January 1994 caused a one-time jump in the inflation rate to 32% for 1994, but this rate fell to 8% by 1996, in part as the economy adjusted to the devaluation. Moreover, government adherence to donor-mandated reforms led to a jump in growth rates - 6.5% in GDP in 1996. # 6.50 620 9291 31 20 49 8 ? ? # ? 1900.00 3400 foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining, automobile assembly, textiles, fertilizer, construction materials, electricity # 9 1.17 1860.00 118 coffee, cocoa beans, bananas, palm kernels, corn, rice, manioc (tapioca), sweet potatoes, sugar; cotton, rubber; timber # 3700 cocoa 36%, coffee 22%; tropical woods 4%, petroleum, cotton, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, cotton, fish # France 18%, Germany 11%, Italy 8%, Burkina Faso, Mali, US, UK, Netherlands # 2400 food, consumer goods; capital goods, fuel, transport equipment # France 32%, Nigeria 20%, US 6.7%, Germany, Italy, Ghana # 16700 ODA, $552 million (1993) # ? # 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes # 541.69 calendar year 87700 open-wire lines and microwave radio relay # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); 2 coaxial submarine cables # 71 0 13 ? 18 810000 660 # # 660 km 1.000-meter gauge; 25 km double track (1995 est.) # # 46331 3,579 km # 42,752 km (1984 est.) # 980 ? ? ? Abidjan, Aboisso, Dabou, San-Pedro # 1 1200 2181 ? # 34 17 1 2 4 11 10 17 ? ? 6 ? ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Gendarmerie, Presidential Guard # 18 years of age # 3478429 1811508 164364 140000000 1.40 none # illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for local consumption; minor transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin to Europe and occasionally to the US # @Croatia 0 0$Zagreb$4580$1597$930000$ # # HV Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia # 56538 56410 128 2197 Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km, Serbia and Montenegro 266 km (241 km with Serbia; 25 km with Montenego), Slovenia 670 km # 5790 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # ? ? 12 Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast # geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coast, coastline, and islands # Adriatic Sea 0 m Dinara 1,830 m oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt # 21 2 20 38 19 30 frequent and destructive earthquakes # air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid rain is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; widespread casualties and destruction of infrastructure in border areas affected by civil strife # Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification # controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits # 4664710 18 417181 395430 68 1590334 1593470 14 253201 415094 0.17 10.63 11.20 2.27 1.07 1.06 1 0.61 0.94 8.20 73.49 70.16 77.03 1.56 Croat(s) Croatian Croat 78%, Serb 12%, Muslim 0.9%, Hungarian 0.5%, Slovenian 0.5%, others 8.1% (1991) # Catholic 76.5%, Orthodox 11.1%, Slavic Muslim 1.2%, Protestant 0.4%, others and unknown 10.8% # Serbo-Croatian 96%, other 4% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czechoslovak, and German) # age 15 and over can read and write # 97 99 95 Republic of Croatia Croatia Republika Hrvatska Hrvatska presidential/parliamentary democracy Zagreb 21 counties (zupanijas, zupanija - singular): Bjelovar-Bilogora, City of Zagreb, Dubrovnik-Neretva, Istra, Karlovac, Koprivnica-Krizevci, Krapina-Zagorje, Lika-Senj, Medimurje, Osijek-Baranja, Pozega-Slavonija, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Sibenik, Sisak-Moslavina, Slavonski Brod-Posavina, Split-Dalmatia, Varazdin, Virovitica-Podravina, Vukovar-Srijem, Zadar-Knin, Zagreb # ? # Statehood Day, 30 May (1990) adopted on 22 December 1990 # based on civil law system # 18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed) # President Franjo TUDJMAN (since 30 May 1990) Prime Minister Zlatko MATESA (since NA November 1995); Deputy Prime Ministers Mate GRANIC (since 8 September 1992), Ivica KOSTOVIC (since 14 October 1993), Jure RADIC (since NA October 1994), Borislav SKEGRO (since 3 April 1993), and Ljerka MINTAS-HODAK (since November 1995) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 4 August 1992 (next to be held 15 June 1997); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president # President Franjo TUDJMAN reelected; percent of vote - Franjo TUDJMAN 56%, Dobroslav PARAGA 5% # bicameral Assembly or Sabor consists of the House of Districts or Zupanijski Dom (68 seats - 63 directly elected by popular vote, 5 presidentially appointed; members serve four-year terms) and House of Representatives or the Zastupnicki Dom (127 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # House of Districts - last held 13 April 1997 (next to be held NA 2001); House of Representatives - last held 29 October 1995 (next to be held NA 1999) # House of Districts - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - HDZ 42, HDZ/HSS 11, HSS 2, IDS 2, SDP/PGS/HNS 2, SDP/HNS 2, HSLS/HSS/HNS 1, HSLS 1; note - in some districts certain parties ran as coalitions, while in others they ran alone; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - HDZ 45.23%, HSS/IDS/HNS/HKDU/SBHS 18.26%, HSLS 11.55%, SDP 8.93%, HSP 5.01%; seats by party - HDZ 75, HSLS 12, HSS 10, SDP 10, IDS 4, HSP 4, HNS 2, SNS 2, HND 1, ASH 1, HKDU 1, SBHS 1, independents 4 # Supreme Court, judges appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial Council of the Republic, which is elected by the House of Representatives; Constitutional Court, judges appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial Council of the Republic, which is elected by the House of Representatives # Croatian Democratic Union or HDZ [Franjo TUDJMAN, president]; Croatian Democratic Independents or HND [Stjepan MESIC, president]; Croatian Social Liberal Party or HSLS [Vlado GOTOVAC, president]; Social Democratic Party of Croatia or SDP [Ivica RACAN]; Croatian Party of Rights or HSP [Ante DAPIC]; Croatian Peasants' Party or HSS [Zlatko TOMCIC]; Croatian People's Party or HNS [Radimir CACIC, president]; Serbian National Party or SNS [Milan DJUKIC]; Action of the Social Democrats of Croatia or ASH [Silvija DEGEN]; Croatian Christian Democratic Union or HKDU [Marko VASELICA, president]; Istrian Democratic Assembly or IDS [Ivan JACKOVIC]; Slanvonsko-Baranja Croatian Party or SBHS; Primorje Gorski Kotar Alliance # ? # CCC, CE, CEI, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # red, white, and blue horizontal bands with Croatian coat of arms (red and white checkered) # Before the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the Republic of Croatia, after Slovenia, was the most prosperous and industrialized area, with a per capita output perhaps one-third above the Yugoslav average. Croatia faces considerable economic problems stemming from: the legacy of longtime communist mismanagement of the economy; damage during the internecine fighting to bridges, factories, power lines, buildings, and houses; the large refugee population, both Croatian and Bosnian; and the disruption of economic ties. Western aid and investment, especially in the tourist and oil industries, would help restore the economy. The government has been successful in some reform efforts - partially macroeconomic stabilization policies - and it has normalized relations with its creditors. Yet it still is struggling with privatization of large state enterprises and with bank reform. The draft 1997 budget boosts expenditures on the repair and upgrading of infrastructure. In 1996, the substantial trade deficit was partially offset by increased earnings from tourism. # 4 3830 17866 11 30 59 4 1444000 industry and mining 31.1%, agriculture 4.3%, government 19.1% (including education and health), other 45.5% (1993) # 13 3860.00 3720.00 chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal, electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum, paper, wood products, construction materials, textiles, shipbuilding, petroleum and petroleum refining, food and beverages; tourism # 0 3.59 8030.00 2208 wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflower seed, alfalfa, clover, olives, citrus, grapes, vegetables; livestock breeding, dairy farming # 4600 machinery and transport equipment 13.6%, miscellaneous manufactures 27.6%, chemicals 14.2%, food and live animals 12.2%, raw materials 6.1%, fuels and lubricants 9.4%, beverages and tobacco 2.7% (1993) # Germany 22%, Italy 21%, Slovenia 18% (1994) # 7600.00 machinery and transport equipment 23.1%, fuels and lubricants 8.8%, food and live animals 9.0%, chemicals 14.2%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 16.0%, raw materials 3.5%, beverages and tobacco 1.4% (1993) # Germany 21%, Italy 19%, Slovenia 10% (1994) # 3150 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Croatian kuna (HRK) = 100 lipas # 5.68 calendar year 1216000 NA # no satellite earth stations # 14 8 0 1100000 12 1520000 1907 # 1,907 km 1.435-m gauge (769 km electrified) # # # 26929 21,947 km (including 302 km of expressways) # 4,982 km (1995 est.) # 785 670 20 310 Dubrovnik, Omisalj, Ploce, Pula, Rijeka, Sibenik, Split, Zadar # 56 449619 645328 bulk 7, cargo 29, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk 1, container 4, multi-function large load carrier 3, oil tanker 1, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3, short-sea passenger 4 # 68 60 2 6 2 3 47 8 ? ? 1 7 ? 2 Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Guard, Home Guard # 19 years of age # 1190814 946063 35464 1560000000 10 Eastern Slavonia, which was held by ethnic Serbs during the ethnic conflict, is currently being overseen by the UN Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia; reintegration of Eastern Slavonia into Croatia will occur in 1997; Croatia and Italy have not resolved a bilateral issue dating from WWII over property and ethnic minority rights; maritime border dispute with Slovenia over direct access to the sea in the Adriatic; the border issue is currently under negotiation; Serbia and Montenegro is disputing Croatia's claim to the Prevlaka Peninsula in southern Croatia because it controls the entrance to Kotor Bay in Montenegro; Prevlaka is currently under observation by the UN military observer mission in Prevlaka (UNMOP) # transit point along the Balkan route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western Europe; a minor transit point for maritime shipments of South American cocaine bound for Western Europe # @Cuba 0 0$La Habana$2314$-8236$2096000$ 1$Santiago de Cuba$2000$-7582$405000$ # Cuba was visited by Colombus in 1492. The indigenous indians died out after Spanish conquest in 1511. Cuba remained Spanish until 1898, when it was captured by the Americans in the short-lived Spanish-American war. Limited independence was gained in 1902, with a president as head of government. In 1952, former president Fulgencio Batista took control and established an increasingly corrupt dictatorship. Fidel Castro, together with Che Guevara, organized guerrilla activities from 1956. Castro seized power in February 1959. A series of reforms followed, including the limiting of land-ownership and the nationalization of banks and industries, many of which were US-owned. Relations with the US became worse leading to a US-imposed trade embargo, and the failed attempt to invade and overthrow the regime in 1961 (Bay of Pigs). Cuba was forced to turn to the Soviet Union as a trading partner, which also provided financial and military assistance to Cuba. Cuba gradually became more and more isolated within Latin America. Since 1976, Castro, as well as being the leader of the government, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and Communist Part chairman, is also president. Legislative power lies with the National Assembly, with 500 members. Cuba is divided into 14 provinces and 169 municipal assemblies. # C Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Florida # 110860 110860 0 29 US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 29 km # 3735 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October) # mostly flat to rolling plains with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast # Caribbean Sea 0 m Pico Turquino 2,005 m cobalt, nickel, iron ore, copper, manganese, salt, timber, silica, petroleum # 24 7 27 24 18 9100 the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to October (in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other year); droughts are common # pollution of Havana Bay; overhunting threatens wildlife populations; deforestation # Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Marine Life Conservation # largest country in Caribbean # 10999041 22 1255844 1190860 69 3770154 3753094 9 483858 545231 0.42 13.21 7.42 -1.54 1.06 1.05 1 0.89 1 8.90 75.20 72.83 77.71 1.54 Cuban(s) Cuban mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1% # nominally Roman Catholic 85% prior to CASTRO assuming power; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented # Spanish # age 15 and over can read and write # 95.70 96.20 95.30 Republic of Cuba Cuba Republica de Cuba Cuba Communist state Havana 14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio, Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara # ? # Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953); Liberation Day, 1 January (1959) 24 February 1976 # based on Spanish and American law, with large elements of Communist legal theory; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 16 years of age; universal # President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister from February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished; president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the Council of State, appointed by the National Assembly note: there is also a Council of State whose members are elected by the National Assembly # president and vice president elected by the National Assembly; election last held 15 March 1993 (next to be held NA) # Fidel CASTRO Ruz elected president; percent of legislative vote - NA; Raul CASTRO Ruz elected vice president; percent of legislative vote - NA # unicameral National Assembly of People's Power or Asemblea Nacional del Poder Popular (589 seats, elected directly from slates approved by special candidacy commissions; members serve five-year terms) # last held 24 February 1993 (next to be held NA 1998) # percent of vote - NA; seats - NA # People's Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo Popular), president, vice president, and other judges are elected by the National Assembly # only party - Cuban Communist Party or PCC [Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first secretary] # ? # CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since 1962), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # five equal horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom) alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the hoist side bears a white five-pointed star in the center # The state plays the primary role in the economy and controls practically all foreign trade. The government has undertaken several reforms in recent years to stem excess liquidity, increase labor incentives, and alleviate serious shortages of food, consumer goods, and services. The liberalized agricultural markets introduced in October 1994, at which state and private farmers sell above-quota production at unrestricted prices, have broadened legal consumption alternatives and reduced black market prices. Government efforts to lower subsidies to unprofitable enterprises and to shrink the money supply caused the peso's black market value to move from a peak of 120 to the dollar in the summer of 1994 to a low of 18-20 to the dollar in late September before climbing to 20-21 at the end of 1996. New taxes helped drive down the number of legally registered self-employed workers from 208,000 in January 1996 to 180,000 by December. Havana announced in 1995 that GDP declined by 35% during 1989-1993, the result of lost Soviet aid and domestic inefficiencies. The drop in GDP apparently halted in 1994, when Cuba reported a 0.7% growth. Government officials claimed that GDP increased by 2.5% in 1995 and 7.8% in 1996. Export earnings rose an estimated 40% in 1996 to $2.1 billion, largely on the strength of increased sugar shipments to Russia and higher nickel production through a joint venture with a Canadian firm. With the economic recovery, imports rose for the second straight year, growing by an estimated 26% to $3.5 billion. Living standards for the average Cuban, however, have not improved significantly. # 7.80 600 6599 7 31 62 ? 4710000 services and government 30%, industry 22%, agriculture 20%, commerce 11%, construction 10%, transportation and communications 7% (June 1990) # ? ? ? sugar, petroleum, food, tobacco, textiles, chemicals, paper and wood products, metals (particularly nickel), cement, fertilizers, consumer goods, agricultural machinery # 6 4.08 11189 822 sugarcane, tobacco, citrus, coffee, rice, potatoes and other tubers, beans; livestock # 2100 sugar, nickel, tobacco, shellfish, medical products, citrus, coffee # Canada 23%, Russia 21% China 7% (1996 est.) # 3500 petroleum, food, machinery, chemicals # Russia 14%, Spain 13%, Mexico 11% (1996 est.) # 10500 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Cuban peso (Cu$) = 100 centavos # 1 calendar year 229000 NA # satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) # 150 5 1 2140000 58 2500000 4677 # 4,677 km 1.435-m gauge (132 km electrified) # # # 27100 15,122 km # 11,978 km (1995 est.) # 240 ? ? ? Cienfuegos, Havana, Manzanillo, Mariel, Matanzas, Nuevitas, Santiago de Cuba # 22 113092 162029 cargo 11, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 6 # 162 130 7 7 14 10 92 32 ? ? 1 31 ? ? Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) includes ground forces, Revolutionary Navy (MGR), Air and Air Defense Force (DAAFAR), Territorial Troops Militia (MTT), and Youth Labor Army (EJT); Border Guards (TGF), which are controlled by the Interior Ministry # 17 years of age # 3053716 1896023 61934 ? 4 US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased to US and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease # lesser transshipment point for cocaine bound for the US # @Cyprus 0 0$Nicosie$3520$3336$120000$ # Greek colonists arrived in 1200 BC. Cyprus was under Roman rule from 58 BC until 395 AD. It belonged to the Byzantine Empire from then until 1191. A feudal monarchy was then established until 1489, when Cyprus was occupied by the Venetians. The Turks held control from 1571 until ceding the island to Britain in 1878. It was made a British colony in 1925 and became an independent republic in 1960. The island was virtually partitioned in 1974 following a Greek-supported coup and invasion by Turkey. The northern part of the island declared itself to be the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983, but has not been recognized internationally. The constitution foresees a president, chosen by general election for a 5-year term. The vice-president must be a Turkish-Cypriot. Together they choose a cabinet of 7 Greek- and 3 Turkish-Cypriots. Legislative power rests with the elected House of Representatives, with 35 Greek- and 15 Turkish-Cypriots. Cyprus is divided into 6 districts. # CY Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey # 9250 9240 10 ? ? # 648 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # ? ? 12 temperate, Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters # central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast # Mediterranean Sea 0 m Olympus 1,952 m copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment # 12 5 0 13 70 390 moderate earthquake activity # water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall; sea water intrusion to island's largest aquifier); water pollution from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of wildlife habitats from urbanization # Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling # Climate Change # ? # 752808 25 96924 91833 65 244821 241580 10 33858 43792 1.08 15.04 7.58 3.34 1.05 1.06 1.01 0.77 1 8.20 76.54 74.38 78.81 2.17 Cypriot(s) Cypriot Greek 78% (99.5% of the Greeks live in the Greek area; 0.5% of the Greeks live in the Turkish area), Turkish 18% (1.3% of the Turks live in the Greek area; 98.7% of the Turks live in the Turkish area), other 4% (99.2% of the other ethnic groups live in the Greek area; 0.8% of the other ethnic groups live in the Turkish area) # Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian Apostolic, and other 4% # Greek, Turkish, English # age 15 and over can read and write # 94 98 91 Republic of Cyprus Cyprus ? ? republic Nicosia 6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos; note - Turkish area administrative divisions include Kyrenia, all but a small part of Famagusta, and small parts of Nicosia and Larnaca # ? # Independence Day, 1 October 16 August 1960; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised constitution to govern the island and to better relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently; in 1975 Turkish Cypriots created their own constitution and governing bodies within the "Turkish Federated State of Cyprus," which was renamed the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in 1983; a new constitution for the Turkish area passed by referendum on 5 May 1985 # based on common law, with civil law modifications # 18 years of age; universal # President Glafcos CLERIDES (since 28 February 1993); note - the president President Glafcos CLERIDES (since 28 February 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the 1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot # Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and vice president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 14 February 1993 (next to be held NA February 1998) # Glafcos CLERIDES elected president; percent of vote - Glafcos CLERIDES 50.3%, Yeoryios VASSILIOU 49.7% note: Rauf R. DENKTASH has been "president" of the Turkish area since 13 February 1975 (president elected by popular vote for a five-year term); elections last held 15 and 22 April 1995 (next to be held NA April 2000); results - Rauf R. DENKTASH 62.5%, Dervis EROGLU 37.5%; Dervis EROGLU has been "prime minister" of the Turkish area since 16 August 1996; there is a Council of Ministers (cabinet) in the Turkish area # unicameral - Greek area: House of Representatives or Vouli Antiprosopon (80 seats of which only 56 assigned to the Greek Cypriots are filled; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); Turkish area: Assembly of the Republic or Cumhuriyet Meclisi (50 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # Greek area: last held 26 May 1996 (next to be held May 2001); Turkish area: last held 12 December 1993 (next to be held December 1998) # Greek area: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - DISY 34.5%, AKEL (Communist) 33.0%, DIKO 16.4%, EDEK 8.1%, KED 3.7%, others 4.1%; seats by party - DISY 20, AKEL (Communist) 19, DIKO 10, EDEK 5, KED 2; Turkish area: Assembly of the Republic - percent of vote by party - UBP 29.9%, DP 29.2%, CTP 24.2% TKP 13.3%, others 3.4%; seats by party - UBP (conservative) 17, DP 15, CTP 13, TKP 5 # Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the Supreme Council of Judicature # Greek area: Progressive Party of the Working People or AKEL (Communist Party) [Dimitrios CHRISTOFIAS]; Democratic Rally or DISY [Ioannis MATSIS]; Democratic Party or DIKO [Spyros KYPRIANOU]; United Democratic Union of Cyprus or EDEK [Vassos LYSSARIDIS]; Liberal Party or KP [Nikolaos ROLANDIS]; Free Democrats Movement or KED [Yeoryios VASSILIOU]; New Horizons [Nikolaos KOUTSOU, secretary general]; Ecologists [Yeoryios PERDHIKIS]; Turkish area: National Unity Party or UBP [Dervis EROGLU]; Communal Liberation Party or TKP [Mustafa AKINCI]; Republican Turkish Party or CTP [Mehmet ALI TALAT]; Free Democratic Party or HDP [Ismet KOTAK]; Nationalist Justice Party or MAP [Zorlu TORE]; Unity and Sovereignty Party or BEP [Arif Salih KIRDAG]; Democratic Party or DP [Serdar DENKTASH]; the HDP, MAP, and VP merged under the label National Struggle Unity Party (MMBP) to compete in the 12 December 1993 legislative election # ? # C, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities # The Greek Cypriot economy is small and prosperous, but highly susceptible to external shocks. Industry contributes 23% to GDP and employs 25% of the labor force, while the service sector contributes 72% to GDP and employs 62% of the labor force. Erratic growth rates in the 1990s reflect the economy's vulnerability to swings in tourist arrivals (caused by fluctuations in political and economic conditions in Western Europe and the Middle East) and the need for structural changes in the economy. One bright spot has been the low rate of inflation. In 1996 Cyprus fully satisfied all the Maastricht convergence criteria. The Turkish Cypriot economy has less than one-third the per capita GDP of the south. Because it is recognized only by Turkey, it has had much difficulty arranging foreign financing, and foreign firms have hesitated to invest there. The economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture and government service, which together employ about half of the work force. Moreover, the small, vulnerable economy has suffered because the Turkish lira is legal tender. To compensate for the economy's weakness, Turkey provides direct and indirect aid to nearly every sector. In January 1997, Turkey signed a $250 million economic cooperation accord with the Turkish Cypriot area to support tourism, education, and industry. # 3.40 11588 8724 ? ? ? 3.30 376200 services 63%, industry 22%, agriculture 15% (1995) # 2.60 3000 3600.00 food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metal products, tourism, wood products # -2.50 0.69 2500 3380 potatoes, citrus, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, vegetables # 1500 citrus, potatoes, grapes, wine, cement, textiles, clothing and shoes # Russia 17%, UK 11%, Greece 6%, Germany 5%, Turkey 3% # 4300.00 consumer goods, minerals, chemicals,petroleum and lubricants, food and feed grains, machinery # US 16%, UK 11%, Italy 9%, Germany 7%, Greece 7%, Japan 6%, Turkey 5% # 1800.00 ? # ? # 1 Cypriot pound (úC) = 100 cents; 1 Turkish lira (TL) = 100 kurus # 1 calendar year 447000 open wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay # tropospheric scatter; 3 coaxial and 5 fiber-optic submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat # 6 42 1 630000 10 390000 ? # # # # 12500 7151 km; Turkish area: 1,370 km # 5349 km # ? ? ? ? Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Vasilikos Bay # 1520 24234821 40170562 bulk 486, cargo 562, chemical tanker 26, combination bulk 50, combination ore/oil 19, container 119, liquefied gas tanker 3, oil tanker 142, passenger 7, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 50, roll-on/roll-off cargo 32, short-sea passenger 17, specialized tanker 4, vehicle carrier 2 # 15 14 ? 8 ? 3 3 1 ? ? ? 1 ? 4 Greek area - Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG; includes air and naval elements); Hellenic Forces Regiment on Cyprus (ELDYK); Greek Cypriot Police;, Turkish area - Turkish Cypriot Security Force (TCSF), Turkish Forces Regiment on Cyprus (KTKA), Turkish mainland army units # 18 years of age # 192593 132412 6038 405000000 5.40 1974 hostilities divided the island into two de facto autonomous areas, a Greek area controlled by the Cypriot Government (59% of the island's land area) and a Turkish-Cypriot area (37% of the island), that are separated by a UN buffer zone (4% of the island); there are two UK sovereign base areas within the Greek Cypriot portion of the island # transit point for heroin and hashish via air routes and container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon and Turkey; some cocaine transits as well # @Czech Republic 0 0$Praha$5008$1442$1214000$ 1$Olomouc$4963$1720$110000$ # Czechoslovakia is made up of Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia. These were part of the Great Moravian Empire in the early Middle Ages. Following the collapse of the empire, Slovakia was overrun by the Magyars, while Bohemia and Moravia became part of the Holy Roman Empire, and later the Habsburg Empire of Austro-Hungary. Czechoslovakia was formed after the defeat of Austro-Hungary in 1918. It was occupied by Germany from 1939 until 1945, when it was liberated by the Soviet Union. It became a people's republic under communist control in 1948. Attempts to liberalize the country by Alexander Dubcek in 1968 resulted in its invasion by Warsaw Pact troops. Attempts at political and economic reform were renewed in 1988. Attempts at political and economic reform were renewed in 1988. These led to the collapse of the communist regime in 1989. In June 1990, free elections were held for the 300-strong Federal Parliament. Czechoslovakia consists of 2 federal republics, the Czech Socialist republic, and the Slovak Socialist Republic, and a total of 12 regions. # CR Central Europe, southeast of Germany # 78703 78645 58 1881 Austria 362 km, Germany 646 km, Poland 658 km, Slovakia 215 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters # Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains, hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east consists of very hilly country # Elbe River 115 m Snezka 1,602 m hard coal, soft coal, kaolin, clay, graphite # 41 2 11 34 12 240 NA # air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid rain damaging forests # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol # landlocked; strategically located astride some of oldest and most significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is a traditional military corridor between the North European Plain and the Danube in central Europe # 10298324 18 930874 886444 69 3542900 3539351 13 535049 863706 -0.13 8.84 11.02 0.93 1.05 1.05 1 0.62 0.95 6.90 73.86 70.49 77.42 1.17 Czech(s) Czech Czech 94.4%, Slovak 3%, Polish 0.6%, German 0.5%, Gypsy 0.3%, Hungarian 0.2%, other 1% # atheist 39.8%, Roman Catholic 39.2%, Protestant 4.6%, Orthodox 3%, other 13.4% # Czech, Slovak # age NA and over can read and write # 99 ? ? Czech Republic Czech Republic Ceska Republika Ceska Republika parliamentary democracy Prague 8 regions (kraje, kraj - singular); Jihocesky, Jihomoravsky, Praha, Severocesky, Severomoravsky, Stredocesky, Vychodocesky, Zapadocesky # ? # National Liberation Day, 8 May; Founding of the Republic, 28 October ratified 16 December 1992; effective 1 January 1993 # civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to bring it in line with Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory # 18 years of age; universal # President Vaclav HAVEL (since 26 January 1993) Prime Minister Vaclav KLAUS (since NA June 1992); Deputy Prime Ministers Ivan KOCARNIK (since NA June 1992), Josef LUX (since NA June 1992), Josef ZIELENIEC (since NA June 1992) # Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister # president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; election last held 26 January 1993 (next to be held NA January 1998); prime minister appointed by the president # Vaclav HAVEL elected president; percent of parliamentary vote - NA # bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate (81 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve staggered two-, four-, and six-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Snemovna Poslancu (200 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # Senate - last held 15-16 and 22-23 November 1996 (next to be held NA November 1998 - to replace/re-elect 20 senators serving two-year terms); Chamber of Deputies - last held 31 May-1 June 1996 (next to be held NA May 2000) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - governing coalition (ODS 32, KDU-CSL 13, ODA 7), opposition (CSSD 25, KCSM 2, DEU 1, independent 1); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - governing coalition (ODS 68, KDU-CSL 18, ODA 13), opposition (CSSD 61, KCSM 22, SPR-RSC 18) # Supreme Court, chairman and deputy chairmen are appointed by the president; Constitutional Court, chairman and deputy chairmen are appointed by the president # governing coalition : Civic Democratic Party or ODS [Vaclav KLAUS, chairman]; Civic Democratic Alliance or ODA [Michael ZANTOVSKY, chairman]; Christian Democratic Union-Czech People's Party or KDU-CSL [Josef LUX, chairman] opposition: Czech Social Democrats or CSSD - left opposition [Milos ZEMAN, chairman]; Communist Party or KSCM - left opposition [Miroslav GREBENICEK, chairman]; Assembly for the Republic or SPR-RSC - extreme right radical [Miroslav SLADEK, chairman]; Democratic Union or DEU [Ratibor MAJZLIK, chairman] # ? # Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE (guest), CEI, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NACC, NSG, OECD, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMOP, UNOMIG, UNPREDEP, UNTAES, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side (almost identical to the flag of the former Czechoslovakia) # Western observers view the Czech Republic as one of the most politically and economically stable post-Communist states. Its key macroeconomic indicators are, in the aggregate, the best in the region, and public opinion polls show strong support for reform. The country emerged from recession in 1994 with 2.6% growth and reached about 5% growth in both 1995 and 1996 while keeping a balanced budget and reorienting exports to the EU. Inflation and unemployment of 8.7% and 3.3% respectively in 1996 are among the lowest in the region. Prague's mass privatization program, including its innovative distribution of ownership shares to Czech citizens via "coupon vouchers," has made the most rapid progress in Eastern Europe. About 80% of the economy is in private hands or is partially privatized. The Czech Republic appears to be the East European frontrunner in economic integration with the West; for example, in 1996 it began to strengthen its bankruptcy law and to improve the transparency of stock market operations. It was the first post-Communist member of the OECD and is expected to be in the next group of new EU members. Its solid economic performance has led Standard and Poor's to upgrade the country's sovereign credit rating to "A" and has attracted over $6.7 billion in direct foreign investment to Czech industry between 1990 and September 1996 - one quarter from the US. Prague's biggest macroeconomic concerns now are mounting trade and current account deficits. In addition, the Czech economy still faces transition problems. The government continues to exert too much direct and indirect influence on the privatized economy, and the management of privatized firms sometimes is ineffective. Insufficient regulation and lack of public information in the capital markets and the banking system, combined with a shortage of experienced financial analysts, limit the ability to distribute new credit efficiently. The judicial system also has trouble speedily processing bankruptcy cases. Prague has promised to overhaul its bankruptcy law and improve stock market and bank operations, but it will take years to ensure compliance. Prague forecasts a balanced budget, 4.5% GDP growth, 3.3% unemployment and 7.5% to 8% inflation for 1997. # 5 4620 47578 4 43 53 8.70 5107000 industry 33.1%, agriculture 6.9%, construction 9.1%, transport and communications 7.2%, services 43.7% (1994) # 3.30 18400 18400 fuels, ferrous metallurgy, machinery and equipment, coal, motor vehicles, glass, armaments # 6.40 13.85 55380 4712 grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle, poultry; forest products # 21900.00 manufactured goods 32.4%, machinery and transport equipment 26.3%, chemicals 10.4%, raw materials and fuel 11.3% (1995) # EU 55.1%, Eastern Europe, excluding Slovakia, and CIS countries 16.9%, Slovakia 16.2%, developing countries 6.6%, EFTA 1.8% (1995) # 27800 machinery and transport equipment 35.6%, manufactured goods 17.9%, chemicals 13.2%, raw materials and fuels 14.4% (1994) # EU 56.4%, Eastern Europe, excluding Slovakia, and CIS countries 15.7%, Slovakia 13.1%, developing countries 6.0%, EFTA 2.5% (1995) # 17100.00 ODA, $27 million (1993) # ? # 1 koruna (Kc) = 100 haleru # 27.52 calendar year 3349539 NA # satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Atlantic and Indian Ocean Regions) # ? ? ? ? ? ? 9441 # 9,345 km 1.435-m standard gauge (2641 km electrified at three voltages) # 96 km two narrow gauges (1995) # # 124770 16,719 km (including 414 km of expressways) # 108,051 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? 5400 Decin, Prague, Usti nad Labem # 4 80117 134890 bulk 3, cargo 1 (1996 est.) # 116 29 2 9 13 32 5 87 1 3 10 ? 41 ? Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Civil Defense, Railroad Units # 18 years of age # 2715759 2068143 84516 1220000000 2.20 Liechtenstein claims restitution for 1,600 sq km of Czech territory confiscated from its royal family in 1918; the Czech Republic insists that restitution does not go back before February 1948, when the communists seized power; individual Sudeten German claims for restitution of property confiscated in connection with their expulsion after World War II; unresolved property issues with Slovakia over redistribution of property of the former Czechoslovak federal government # transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish and Latin American cocaine to Western Europe; domestic consumption - especially of locally produced synthetic drugs - on the rise # @Denmark 0 0$K°benhavn$5568$1257$1339000$ 1$Arhus$5614$1018$267000$ # Although a fishing and trading place has been at the site of Copenhagen since ancient times, the founding of the city is attributed to Bishop Absalon (1128-1201). Vikings, many from Denmark, visited most of the west European coast, sometimes on plundering raids and sometimes to settle. Under Knoete the Great (994-1035) the Kingdom of Denmark consisted of Denmark, Norway, and England. A second period of expansion led to the union of Kalmar (1397), when Sweden, Norway, parts of Finland, the Faeroes, Greenland, and Iceland belonged to Denmark. The country remained a major power in northern Europe until the 17th century, when it lost its lands in southern Sweden. Norway separated in 1815, followed by Schleswig Holstein in 1864. A 63% vote in favour of Denmark becoming a member of the EC was the result of a referendum held in 1972. Membership commenced on 1 January 1973. Denmark has been a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary state since 1849. The present constitution dates from 1953. Legislative power is in the hands of the monarch and the single-house parliament, or Folketing, with 179 seats (175 from mainland Denmark and 2 each from the Faeroe Islands and Greenland) The country is divided into 14 counties and two cities (Copenhagen and Frederiksberg). # DK Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany # 43094 42394 700 68 Germany 68 km # 7314 4 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # 200 ? 3 temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers # low and flat to gently rolling plains # Lammefjord -7 m Ejer Bavnehoj 173 m petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, stone, gravel and sand # 60 0 5 10 25 4350 flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes # air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and pesticides # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea # controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in Copenhagen # 5305048 18 487731 463444 67 1801904 1754435 15 330143 467391 0.59 12.78 11.22 4.32 1.05 1.05 1.03 0.71 0.98 5.20 76.10 73.44 78.90 1.75 Dane(s) Danish Scandinavian, Eskimo, Faroese, German # Evangelical Lutheran 91%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 2%, other 7% (1988) # Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Eskimo dialect), German (small minority) # age 15 and over can read and write # 99 ? ? Kingdom of Denmark Denmark Kongeriget Danmark Danmark constitutional monarchy Copenhagen metropolitan Denmark - 14 counties (amter, singular - amt) and 1 city* (stad); Arhus, Bornholms, Frederiksborg, Fyns, Kobenhavns, Nordjyllands, Ribe, Ringkobing, Roskilde, Sonderjyllands, Staden Kobenhavn*, Storstroms, Vejle, Vestsjaellands, Viborg note : there is one other city, Fredericksberg, mentioned by some sources, but the US government has not recognized it as a first-order administrative division; see separate entries for the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which are part of the Danish realm and self-governing administrative divisions # ? # Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940) 1849 was the original constitution; there was a major overhaul 5 June 1953, allowing for a unicameral legislature and a female chief of state # civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal # Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince Prime Minister Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN (since 25 January 1993) # Cabinet appointed by the queen # none; the queen is a constitutional monarch; prime minister appointed by the queen # ? # unicameral Parliament or Folketing (179 seats; members are elected on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) # last held 21 September 1994 (next to be held not later than September 1998) # percent of vote by party - Social Democrats 34.6%, Liberals 23.3%, Conservatives 15.0%, Socialist People's Party 7.3%, Progress Party 6.4%, Social Liberals 4.6%, Unity List 3.1%, Center Democrats 2.8%, Christian People's Party 1.8%; seats by party - Social Democrats 63, Liberals 44, Conservatives 28, Socialist People's Party 13, Progress Party 11, Social Liberals 8, Unity List 6, Center Democrats 5, independent 1; note - Progress Party split up in spring of 1995: Progress Party retained 7 seats, Danish People's Party 4 seats # Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the monarch for life # Social Democratic Party [Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN]; Conservative Party [Hans ENGELL]; Liberal Party [Uffe ELLEMANN-JENSEN]; Socialist People's Party [Holger K. NIELSEN]; Progress Party [Kirsten JAKOBSEN]; Center Democratic Party [Mimi JAKOBSEN]; Social Liberal Party [Marianne JELVED]; Unity Party [none]; Danish People's Party [Pia KJAERSGAARD] # ? # AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMOGIP, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNPREDEP, UNTAES, UNTSO, UPU, WEU (observer), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC # red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side, and that design element of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden # This thoroughly modern market economy features high-tech agriculture, up-to-date small-scale and corporate industry, extensive government welfare measures, comfortable living standards, and high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark is a net exporter of food. The center-left coalition government will concentrate on reducing the persistently high unemployment rate and the budget deficit as well as following the previous government's policies of maintaining low inflation and a current account surplus. The coalition also vows to maintain a stable currency. The coalition has lowered marginal income taxes while maintaining overall tax revenues; boosted industrial competitiveness through labor market and tax reforms and increased research and development funds; and improved welfare services for the neediest while cutting paperwork and delays. Prime Minister RASMUSSEN's reforms focus on adapting Denmark to the criteria for European integration by 1999; Copenhagen has won from the European Union (EU) the right to opt out of the European Monetary Union (EMU). Denmark is, in fact, one of the few EU countries likely to fit into the EMU on time. # 2 31920 169337 4 27 69 2.10 2895950 private services 40%, government services 30%, manufacturing and mining 19%, construction 6%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 5% (1995) # 8.20 62100.00 66400 food processing, machinery and equipment, textiles and clothing, chemical products, electronics, construction, furniture, and other wood products, shipbuilding # 3.40 9.46 34600 6411 grain, potatoes, rape, sugar beets; meat, dairy products; fish # 47600 machinery and instruments 25%, meat and meat products, fuels, dairy products, ships, fish, chemicals # Germany 22.5%, Sweden 9.7%, UK 7.9%, Norway 5.9%, France 5.4%, Netherlands 4.4%, US 4.0% (1995) # 42400 machinery and equipment, petroleum 25%, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, textiles, paper # Germany 21.7%, Sweden 11.7%, Netherlands 7.0%, UK 6.6%, France 5.2%, Norway 4.9%, US 4.7%, Japan 3.5%, FSU 1.7% (1995) # 44000 ? # ODA, $1.34 billion (1993) # 1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 oere # 6.12 calendar year 4025000.00 buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay form trunk network, four cellular radio communications systems # 18 submarine optical fiber cables linking Denmark with Norway, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, UK, Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Canada; satellite earth stations - 6 Intelsat; 10 Eutelsat; 1 Orion; 1 Inmarsat (Blaavand-Atlantic-East); note - the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share the Danish earth station and the Eik, Norway, station for world-wide Inmarsat access # 2 3 0 ? 50 3000000 2848 # 2,848 km 1.435-m gauge (326 km electrified; 760 km double track) (1995) # # # 71420 71,420 km (including 830 km of expressways) # 0 km (1995 est.) # 417 110 578 700 Alborg, Arhus, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Fredericia, Grenaa, Koge, Odense, Struer # 328 5180729 7400870 bulk 15, cargo 114, chemical tanker 20, container 68, liquefied gas tanker 25, livestock carrier 6, oil tanker 29, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 16, roll-on/roll-off cargo 24, short-sea passenger 9, specialized tanker 1 # 109 102 2 7 3 13 77 7 ? ? 1 6 ? ? Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air Force, Home Guard # 20 years of age # 1333279 1146099 33532 2900000000 1.60 Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Iceland, Ireland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area) # ? # @Djibouti 0 0$Djibouti$1160$4315$250000$ # The first french settlements in Djibouti date from the 1850's. France gained control of the area around the port of Obock in 1862 by purchasing it from the Afars. Control was expanded throughout the rest of the century. Djibouti became a French overseas area in 1967, its old name of French Somaliland being replaced by Afar and Issa. Rivalry between the Afars (ethnically related to Ethiopians) and Issas (related to Somalis) led to armed conflicts in 1976. In May 1977, a referendum was held in which a 98% vote in favour of independence from France was returned. Djibouti became the last French colony on the African continent to gain independence, on 27 June 1977, when it became a presidential republic. It has a single legislative house, the National Assembly, with 65 seats (33 for Issas, 30 for Afars, and 2 for Arabs). The country is divided into 5 'cercles', or districts. # ? Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia # 22000 21980 20 508 Eritrea 113 km, Ethiopia 337 km, Somalia 58 km # 314 24 ? # 200 ? 12 desert; torrid, dry # coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains # Asal -155 m Mousa Alli 2,028 m geothermal areas # ? ? 9 0 91 ? earthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods # inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ship Pollution # Desertification # strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia; mostly wasteland # 434116 43 92920 92584 55 125547 112140 2 5624 5301 1.51 42.16 14.98 -12.09 1.03 1 1.12 1.06 1.07 104.60 50.61 48.65 52.63 6.01 Djiboutian(s) Djiboutian Somali 60%, Afar 35%, French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian 5% # Muslim 94%, Christian 6% # French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar # age 15 and over can read and write # 46.20 60.30 32.70 Republic of Djibouti Djibouti ? ? republic Djibouti 5 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); 'Ali Sabih, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjoura # ? # Independence Day, 27 June (1977) multiparty constitution approved in referendum 4 September 1992 # based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and Islamic law # NA years of age; universal adult # President HASSAN GOULED Aptidon (since 24 June 1977) Prime Minister BARKAT Gourad Hamadou (since 30 September 1978) # Council of Ministers responsible to the president # president elected by popular vote to a six-year term; election last held 7 May 1993 (next to be held NA 1999) # President HASSAN GOULED reelected; percent of vote - NA # unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (65 seats; members are elected to serve five-year terms) # last held 18 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1997) # percent of vote - NA; seats - RPP 65; note - RPP (the ruling party) dominated # Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) # ruling party : People's Progress Assembly or RPP [Hassan GOULED Aptidon] # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTrO # two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a red five-pointed star in the center # The economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in northeast Africa. Two-thirds of the inhabitants live in the capital city, the remainder being mostly nomadic herders. Scanty rainfall limits crop production to fruits and vegetables, and most food must be imported. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling center. It has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance (an important supplement to GDP) to help support its balance of payments and to finance development projects. An unemployment rate of 40% to 50% continues to be a major problem. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% over the last six years because of recession, civil war, and a high population growth rate (including immigrants and refugees). Faced with a multitude of economic difficulties, the government has fallen in arrears on long term external debt and has been struggling to meet the stipulations of foreign aid donors. # -3.10 830 360 3 21 76 4.90 282000 agriculture 75%, industry 11%, services 14% (1991 est.) # 40 150 181 limited to a few small-scale enterprises, such as dairy products and mineral-water bottling # ? 0.12 200 577 fruits, vegetables; goats, sheep, camels # 184 hides and skins, coffee (in transit) (1995) # Somalia 42%, Ethiopia 35%, Yemen 7% (1995 est.) # 384 foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products (1995) # Thailand 15%, France 13%, Ethiopia 8%, Saudi Arabia 6% (1995 est.) # 267 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Djiboutian franc (DF) = 100 centimes # 177.72 calendar year 7200 microwave radio relay network # submarine cable to Jiddah, Suez, Sicily, Marseilles, Colombo, and Singapore; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; MEDARABTEL regional microwave radio relay telephone network # 2 2 0 ? 1 17000 97 # # 97 km 1.000-m gauge # Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Mohamed Jama ELABE]; Democratic National Party or PND [ADEN Robleh Awaleh] # 2890 364 km # 2,526 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Djibouti # 1 1369 3030 ? # 11 4 1 1 3 4 2 7 ? ? ? ? ? ? Djibouti National Army (includes Navy and Air Force), National Security Force (Force Nationale de Securite), National Police Force # ? # 103569 60751 ? 26000000 ? none # ? # @Dominica 0 $0$Roseau$1530$-6140$20755$ # Dominica is the Latin name for Sunday, the day on which this island was discovered by Columbus in November, 1493. The island was awarded to Great Britain after the Seven Years War (1763). It became a crown colony in 1898 and formed part of the Leeward Islands until 31 December 1939. It was subsequently part of the Windward Islands until 31 December 1959. Self government was granted in 1967 and on 1 March of that year Dominica became a member of the West Indian Associated States. Full independence was achieved on 3 November 1978. Dominica was devastated by Hurricane David on 30 August 1979, when the banana plantations were destroyed. The economic consequen ces helped lead to two attempted coups in 1980 and 1981. Dominica is a multiparty republic with one legislative house (the House of Assembly) of 31 seats. The 31 seats are filled by 21 elected representatives, 9 senators, and the president. Executive power is in the hands of the president who is selected every 5 years by the House of Assembly; a maximum of two terms can be served. Each of Dominica's 10 parishes is named after a saint: St. Andrew, St. David, St. George, St. John, St. Joseph, St. Luke, St. Mark, St. Patrick, St. Paul, St. Peter. # WD Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago # 750 750 0 ? ? # 148 24 ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall # rugged mountains of volcanic origin # Caribbean Sea 0 m Morne Diablatins 1,447 m timber # 9 13 3 67 8 ? flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months # NA # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # ? # 66633 28 9287 9115 63 21364 20617 9 2569 3681 -1.26 17.72 6.24 -24.04 1.05 1.02 1.04 0.70 0.99 9.30 77.60 74.74 80.60 1.92 Dominican(s) Dominican black, Carib Amerindian # Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%), none 2%, unknown 1%, other 5% # English (official), French patois # age 15 and over has ever attended school # 94 94 94 Commonwealth of Dominica Dominica ? ? parliamentary democracy Roseau 10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter # ? # Independence Day, 3 November (1978) 3 November 1978 # based on English common law # 18 years of age; universal # President Crispin Anselm SORHAINDO (since 25 October 1993) Prime Minister Edison C. JAMES (since 12 June 1995) # Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister # president elected by the House of Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 4 October 1993 (next to be held NA October 1998); prime minister appointed by the president # Crispin Anselm SORHAINDO elected president; percent of legislative vote - NA # unicameral House of Assembly (30 seats, 9 appointed senators, 21 elected by popular vote representatives; members serve five-year terms) # last held 12 June 1995; byelections held 13 August 1996 (next to be held by October 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UWP 12, DLP 5, DFP 4 # Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (located in Santa Lucia), one of the six judges must reside in Dominica and preside over the Court of Summary Jurisdiction # Dominica Freedom Party or DFP [Charles SAVERIN]; Dominica Labor Party or DLP [Rosie DOUGLAS]; United Workers Party or UWP [Edison JAMES] # ? # ACCT, ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTrO # green with a centered cross of three equal bands - the vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white - the horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a sisserou parrot encircled by 10 green five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes) # The economy is dependent on agriculture and thus is highly vulnerable to climatic conditions, notably tropical storms. Agriculture, primarily bananas, accounts for 26% of GDP and employs 40% of the labor force. Development of the tourist industry remains difficult because of the rugged coastline, lack of beaches, and the lack of an international airport. Hurricane Luis devastated the country's banana crop in September 1995; tropical storms had wiped out one-quarter of the crop in 1994 as well. The government is attempting to develop an offshore financial industry in order to diversify the island's production base. # 1.70 2600 173 26 ? ? 1.20 25000 agriculture 40%, industry and commerce 32%, services 28% (1984) # 15 80 95.80 soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoes # -10 0.01 52 479 bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, coconuts; forestry and fisheries potential not exploited # 40 bananas 70%, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges # UK 55%, Caricom countries, Italy, US # 122 manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicals # US 25%, Caricom, UK, Japan, Canada # 110 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents # 2.70 1 July - 30 June 14613 fully automatic network # microwave radio relay and SHF radiotelephone links to Martinique and Guadeloupe; VHF and UHF radiotelephone links to Saint Lucia # 3 2 0 45000 1 5200 ? # # # # 765 385 km # 380 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Portsmouth, Roseau # ? ? ? ? # 2 2 ? ? ? 1 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (includes Special Service Unit, Coast Guard) # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe; minor cannabis producer # @Dominican Republic 0 0$Santo Domingo$1857$-6990$1410000$ # Columbus landed on the island of Hispaniola in 1496 when it was already inhabited by Carib and Arawak indians. The city of Santo Domingo was founded in 1496 and is the oldest European settlement in the hemisphere. In 1844 the island was divided into the independent state of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Despite a democratic constitution, the Dominican Republic was ruled by a series of dictators. The US marines occupied the country from 1916 to 1924 in order to keep the peace between rival political interests. A constitutionally elected government was installed in 1924. In 1930, General Rafael Trujillo was elected president. Although the economy flourished under his rule, his brutality and corruption led to his assassination in 1961. Political unrest in the subsequent years forced a second intervention by US marines in 1965. 5 South American countries also sent forces to complete this Inter-American peace force, which left the country in September 1966 after elections the previous June. The present constitution dates from 1966. There are two legislative houses, the Senate with 27 seats, and the Chamber of Deputies with 91 seats. Members of both houses are elected for terms of four years by general election. Executive power is in the hands of the president, also elected for four years, who is also chief of police and armed forces. The country is divided into 26 provinces and one national district (Distriro Nacional), each of which returns a member to the Senate. # DOM Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti # 48730 48380 350 275 Haiti 275 km # 1288 24 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin # 200 ? 6 tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall # rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed # Lago Enriquillo -46 m Pico Duarte 3,175 m nickel, bauxite, gold, silver # 21 9 43 12 15 2300 occasional hurricanes (July to October) # water shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation # Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # Climate Change, Law of the Sea # shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic, western one-third is Haiti) # 7868731 36 1423626 1371309 60 2404042 2334119 4 160270 175365 1.65 26.87 5.81 -4.60 1.05 1.04 1.03 0.91 1.03 46 69.39 67.21 71.69 3.10 Dominican(s) Dominican white 16%, black 11%, mixed 73% # Roman Catholic 95% # Spanish # age 15 and over can read and write # 82.10 82 82.20 Dominican Republic none Republica Dominicana none republic Santo Domingo 29 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 district* (distrito); Azua, Baoruco, Barahona, Dajabon, Distrito Nacional*, Duarte, Elias Pina, El Seibo, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Salcedo, Samana, Sanchez Ramirez, San Cristobal, San Juan, San Pedro de Macoris, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Valverde # ? # Independence Day, 27 February (1844) 28 November 1966 # based on French civil codes # 18 years of age, universal and compulsory; married persons regardless of age # President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16 August 1996); Vice President President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16 August 1996); Vice President Jaime David FERNANDEZ Mirabal (since 16 August 1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet nominated by the president # president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year term; election last held 16 May 1996; runoff election held 30 June 1996 (next to be held 16 May 2000) # President FERNANDEZ elected to his first term; percent of vote - Leonel FERNANDEZ (PLD) 51.25%, Jose Francisco PENA Gomez (PRD) 48.75% # bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado (30 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # Senate - last held 30 May 1994 (next to be held NA May 1998); Chamber of Deputies - last held 16 May 1994 (next to be held NA May 1998) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRSC 15, PLD 1, PRD 14; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PLD 13, PRSC 50, PRD 57 # Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), judges are elected by a Council made up of legislative and executive members with the president presiding # major parties: Social Christian Reformist Party or PRSC [Joaquin BALAGUER Ricardo]; Dominican Liberation Party or PLD [Lidio CADET]; Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD [Jose Franciso PENA Gomez]; Independent Revolutionary Party or PRI # ? # ACP, Caricom (observer), ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM (guest), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # a centered white cross that extends to the edges, divides the flag into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red, the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a small coat of arms is at the center of the cross # Economic reforms launched in late 1994 contributed to exchange rate stabilization, reduced inflation, and strong GDP growth in 1995-96. In 1996, there was increased mineral and petroleum exploration, and a new investment law that allows for repatriation of capital dividends has drawn more investment to the island. Upon coming to power in August 1996, President FERNANDEZ nevertheless inherited a trouble-ridden economy hampered by a pressured peso, a large external debt, nearly bankrupt state-owned enterprises, and a manufacturing sector hindered by daily power outages. In December, FERNANDEZ presented a bold economic reform package - including such reforms as the devaluation of the peso, income tax cuts, a 50% increase in sales taxes, reduced import tariffs, and increased gasoline prices - in an attempt to create a market-oriented economy that can compete internationally. The legislature, however, has been slow to act on several of the economic measures. # 7.30 1570 12354 13 32 55 12.50 2450000 agriculture 50%, services and government 32%, industry 18% (1991 est.) # 30 1800.00 2200 tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco # 6.30 2.45 6506 613 sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, meat, eggs # 3100 ferronickel, sugar, gold, coffee, cocoa # US 45%, EU 34%, Canada, Japan, Puerto Rico (1995) # 5300 foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals # US 44%, EU 16%, Venezuela 11%, Netherlands Antilles, Mexico, Japan (1995) # 3600.00 ODA, $21 million (1993) # ? # 1 Dominican peso (RD$) = 100 centavos # 14.21 calendar year 190000 relatively efficient system based on islandwide microwave radio relay network # 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 120 0 6 ? 18 728000 757 # 375 km 1.435-m gauge (Central Romana Railroad) # 142 km 0.762-m gauge (Dominica Government Railway); 240 km operated by sugar companies in various gauges (0.558-m, 0.762-m, 1.067-m gauges) (1995) # # 12300 6,064 km # 6,236 km (1995 est.) # ? 96 8 ? Barahona, La Romana, Puerto Plata, San Pedro de Macoris, Santo Domingo # 1 1587 1165 ? # 31 26 2 2 4 3 15 5 ? ? 1 4 ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police # 18 years of age # 2081709 1310534 79860 116000000 1.40 none # transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US through Puerto Rico # @Ecuador 0 0$Quito$-025$-7850$1281000$ 1$Guayaquil$-223$-7996$1764000$ 3$Chimborazo$-127$-7880$6310$ # The region was inhabited by small, dispersed tribes of Indians, before being subjugated by the Incas in 1487. The Spanish arrived in 1531 and within 30 years had conquered Quito and its surrounding area, making it into a colonial empire. The Spanish were defeated by liberation forces in 1822, near Quito. Ecuador then became part of the Great Colombia Republic (together with Venezuela and Colombia), but seceded in 1830 to declare itself the Republic of Ecuador. Ruled by civilian and military dictatorships since 1968, a peaceful transfer of power from the military junta to a democratic civilian government took place in 1979. Economic decline has resulted from the reduction in petroleum exports since 1982. Ecuador and Peru have long disputed the area of the Amazon Valley, often resulting in skirmishes. The single legislative house (National Chamber of Representatives) has 69 seats. Executive power lies with the president, elected for a term of four years. Ecuador is divided into 20 provinces. The Archipelago de Col∙n, better known as the Galapagos Islands, form part of Ecuador, and lie some 1000km to the west. # EC Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru # 283560 276840 6720 2010 Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km # 2237 ? claims continental shelf between mainland and Galapagos Islands # ? ? 200 tropical along coast becoming cooler inland # coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente) # Pacific Ocean 0 m Chimborazo 6,267 m petroleum, fish, timber # 6 5 18 56 15 5560 frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity; periodic droughts # deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil production wastes # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world # 12105124 37 2252260 2174004 59 3529606 3619002 4 248105 282147 1.93 24.04 5.28 0.58 1.05 1.04 0.98 0.88 0.99 33.40 71.44 68.83 74.17 2.87 Ecuadorian(s) Ecuadorian mestizo (mixed Amerindian and Spanish) 55%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish 10%, black 10% # Roman Catholic 95% # Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua) # age 15 and over can read and write # 90.10 92 88.20 Republic of Ecuador Ecuador Republica del Ecuador Ecuador republic Quito 21 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo, Pastaza, Pichincha, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe # ? # Independence Day, 10 August (1809) (independence of Quito) 10 August 1979 # based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal, compulsory for literate persons ages 18-65, optional for other eligible voters # President Fabian ALARCON Rivera (since 11 February 1997); Vice President President Fabian ALARCON Rivera (since 11 February 1997); Vice President Rosalia ARTEAGA Serrano de Cordova (since 10 August 1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government note : in an unusual, out of cycle change in executive power, Congress on 11 February 1997 elected then Congress President ALARCON to be Interim President until August 1998 after ousting former President BUCARAM because of "mental incapacity;" ARTEAGA remained vice president # Cabinet appointed by the president # president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 19 May 1996; runoff election held 7 July 1996; note - because of the February 1997 unusual change in executive power, the next presidential elections will take place in 1998 # runoff election; percent of vote - Abdala BUCARAM Ortiz 54%, Jaime NEBOT 46%; note - in February 1997, Congress elected ALARCON to be Interim President until August 1998, with 57 of 82 Congressmen voting in favor of him # unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (82 seats; 12 members are popularly elected at large nationally to serve four-year terms; 70 members are popularly elected by province for two-year terms) # last held 19 May 1996 (next to be held 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PSC 27, PRE 19, DP 12, P-NP 8, ID 4, FRA 3, MPD 2, PCE 2, CFP 1, independents and other 4; note - defections by members of congress are commonplace, resulting in frequent changes in the numbers of seats held by the various parties # Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), judges are elected by Congress # Center-Right parties: Social Christian Party or PSC [Jaime NEBOT Saadi, president]; Ecuadorian Conservative Party or PCE [Freddy BRAVO] Center-Left parties: Democratic Left or ID [Rodrigo BORJA Cevallos, leader]; Popular Democracy or DP [Jamil MAHUAD, leader]; Radical Alfarista Front or FRA [Fabian ALARCON, director] Populist parties: Roldosist Party or PRE [Abdala BUCARAM Ortiz, director]; Concentration of Popular Forces or CFP [Averroes BUCARAM, leader]; Popular Revolutionary Action or APRE [Frank VARGAS Passos, leader]; Pachakutik-New Country or P-NP [Freddy EHLERS] Far-Left parties: Popular Democratic Movement or MPD [Juan Jose CASTELLO, leader] # ? # AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag; similar to the flag of Colombia that is shorter and does not bear a coat of arms # Ecuador has substantial oil resources and rich agricultural areas. As an exporter of primary products such as oil, bananas, and shrimp, fluctuations in world market prices can have a substantial domestic impact. Growth has been uneven in recent years as the government has repeatedly initiated ill-conceived fiscal stabilization measures. The populist government of Abdala BUCARAM Ortiz proposed a major currency reform in 1996, but popular discontent with new austerity measures and rampant official corruption undermined his government's position. Congress replaced BUCARAM with Fabian ALARCON in February 1997. ALARCON has adopted a minimalist economic program that puts off major decisions until the next elected government takes office in August 1998. Ecuador has joined the Word Trade Organization in 1996, but has failed to comply with many of its accession commitments. Growth slowed to 2.0% in 1996, due to a lack of investment caused by political uncertainty and high domestic interest rates. # 2 1530 18521 13 38 49 26 3400000 agriculture 29%, manufacturing 18%, commerce 15%, services and other activities 38% (1990) # 8.50 3600.00 3600.00 petroleum, food processing, textiles, metal work, paper products, wood products, chemicals, plastics, fishing, lumber # 3.30 2.75 9270 600 bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc, plantains, sugarcane; cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy products; balsa wood; fish, shrimp # 4900.00 petroleum 37%, bananas 20%, shrimp 13%, cocoa 2%, coffee 3% # US 39%, Latin America 25%, EU countries 22%, Asia 12% # 3700 transport equipment, consumer goods, vehicles, machinery, chemicals # US 32%, EU 19%, Latin America 35%, Asia 11% # 12600 ODA, $153 million (1993) # ? # 1 sucre (S/) = 100 centavos # 3674.90 calendar year 586300 facilities generally inadequate and unreliable # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 272 0 39 ? 33 940000 965 # # 965 km 1.067-m gauge # # 43106 7,932 km # 35,174 km (1995 est.) # 1500 800 1358 ? Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, La Libertad, Manta, Puerto Bolivar, San Lorenzo # 20 117401 179142 container 2, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 14, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 1 (1996 est.) # 179 143 2 6 11 13 111 36 ? ? 3 33 ? 1 Army (Ejercito Ecuatoriano), Navy (Armada Ecuatoriana, includes Marines), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana), National Police # 20 years of age # 3077812 2079537 125185 390200000 2.10 three sections of the boundary with Peru are in dispute # significant transit country for derivatives of coca originating in Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru; minor illicit producer of coca; importer of precursor chemicals used in production of illicit narcotics; important money-laundering hub # @Egypt 0 0$Cairo$3002$3122$9790000$ 1$Alexandrie$3100$3000$2926000$ 1$Guizeh$3000$3117$3725000$ 1$Suez$2999$3255$327000$ # The union of Upper and Lower Egypt by the Menes in 3100 BC is traditionally seen as the beginning of Egyptian history. In 525 BC Egypt was conquered by the Persian Cambyses. Persian rule came to an end in 332 BC when Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great. After three centuries, Roman rule took over, but after 395 AD, Egypt was administered from Constantinople and flourished as a center of Christianity until overrun by Muslims in the 7th century AD. Egypt became politically and culturally important again for a brief period from 1250 to 1517 under the Mamluks. This importance diminished under the Ottoman Turks (1517-1798). France occupied Egypt from 1798-1805. In 1882 Egypt became a British protectorate and in 1922 a constitutional monarchy. In 1952, Farouk, who had been king since 1937, was forced to abdicate, and the following year saw the complete independence of Egypt. The constitution of 1971 was amended in 1980 to base the legal system on Islamic law and to declare Egypt to be a "socialist-democratic state". The country is divided into 25 provinces or "muhafazats". # ET Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip # 1001450 995450 6000 2689 Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 255 km, Libya 1,150 km, Sudan 1,273 km # 2450 24 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # 200 ? 12 desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters # vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta # Qattara Depression -133 m Mount Catherine 2,629 m petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc # 2 0 0 0 98 32460 periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes, flash floods, landslides, volcanic activity; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring; dust storms, sandstorms # agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands; increasing soil salinization below Aswan High Dam; desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides, raw sewage, and industrial effluents; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Nile which is the only perennial water source; rapid growth in population overstraining natural resources # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, shortest sea link between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; size, and juxtaposition to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics # 64824466 36 12080281 11556970 60 19616790 19228163 4 1050540 1291722 1.89 27.82 8.56 -0.35 1.05 1.04 1.02 0.81 1.02 71 61.75 59.80 63.80 3.50 Egyptian(s) Egyptian Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 1% # Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94% (official estimate), Coptic Christian and other 6% (official estimate) # Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes # age 15 and over can read and write # 51.40 63.60 38.80 Arab Republic of Egypt Egypt Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah none republic Cairo 26 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ad Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar, Al Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah, Al Isma'iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah, Al Minya, Al Qahirah, Al Qalyubiyah, Al Wadi al Jadid, Ash Sharqiyah, As Suways, Aswan, Asyut, Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa'id, Dumyat, Janub Sina', Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal Sina', Suhaj # ? # Anniversary of the Revolution, 23 July (1952) 11 September 1971 # based on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes; judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14 October 1981) Prime Minister Kamal Ahmed El-GANZOURI (since 4 January 1996) # Cabinet appointed by the president # president nominated by the People's Assembly for a six-year term, the nomination must then be validated by a national, popular referendum; national referendum last held 4 October 1993 (next to be held NA October 1999); prime minister appointed by the president # national referendum validated President MUBARAK's nomination by the People's Assembly to a third term # bicameral system consists of the People's Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (454 seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms) and the Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura - which functions only in a consultative role (264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the president; members serve NA-year terms) # People's Assembly - last held 29 November 1995 (next to be held NA 2000); Advisory Council - last held 7 June 1995 (next to be held NA) # People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NDP 72%, independents 25%, opposition 3%; seats by party - NDP 317, independents 114, NWP 6, NPUG 5, Nasserist Arab Democratic Party 1, Liberals 1; Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - NDP 99%, independents 1%; seats by party - NA # Supreme Constitutional Court # National Democratic Party (NDP), President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK, leader, is the dominant party; legal opposition parties are as follows: New Wafd Party (NWP), Fu'ad SIRAJ AL-DIN; Socialist Labor Party (SLP), Ibrahim SHUKRI; National Progressive Unionist Grouping (NPUG), Khalid Muhi al-DIN; Socialist Liberal Party, Mustafa Kamal MURAD; Democratic Unionist Party, Mohammed 'Abd-al-Mun'im TURK; Umma Party, Ahmad al-SABAHI; Misr al-Fatah Party (Young Egypt Party), leader NA; Nasserist Arab Democratic Party, Dia' al-din DAWUD; Democratic Peoples' Party, Anwar AFIFI; The Greens Party, Kamal KIRAH; Social Justice Party, Muhammad 'ABDAL-'AL note: formation of political parties must be approved by government # ? # ABEDA, ACC, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AG (observer), AL, AMF, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CCC, EBRD, ECA, ESCWA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMOP, UNOMIG, UNOMIL, UNPREDEP, UNRWA, UNTAES, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with the national emblem (a shield superimposed on a golden eagle facing the hoist side above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band; also similar to the flag of Syria that has two green stars and to the flag of Iraq, which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white band # By the end of the 1980s Egypt - hit by the collapse of the world oil market and servicing a foreign debt totaling about $50 billion - faced crises in virtually all economic sectors. Problems of low productivity and poor economic management were compounded by the adverse social effects of large population growth rates, high inflation, and massive urban overcrowding. In the face of these pressures, in 1991, Egypt undertook wide-ranging macroeconomic stabilization and structural reform measures. This reform effort has been supported by three successive IMF arrangements, the last of which was concluded in October 1996. Egypt's reform efforts - and its participation in the Gulf war coalition - also led to massive debt relief under the Paris Club arrangements. Egypt's foreign debt fell to about $31 billion at yearend 1996. Although the pace of reform has been uneven and slower than envisaged under the IMF programs, substantial progress has been made in improving macroeconomic performance - budget deficits have been slashed while foreign reserves in 1996 were at an all-time high - and in moving toward a more decentralized, market-oriented economy. Egypt was able to capitalize on its progress during the third Middle East/North Africa economic conference which it hosted in November 1996. Egypt's President MUBARAK told reporters that Egypt had concluded deals worth $10 billion in investment during the conference, 20 times the country's estimated total direct foreign investment for the 1995/96 fiscal year. According to press reports, Egypt and foreign investors agreed on nine megaprojects, including the export of liquefied natural gas from Egypt to Turkey, estimated at $2 billion to $4 billion. Egypt has a broad-based inventory of geographic, human, and physical assets which in a liberalized market environment could spur rapid, sustainable growth into the next century. But rapid population growth continues to cast a shadow over economic prospects. # 4.90 1090 70659 16 34 50 7.30 17400000 agriculture 40%, services, including government 38%, industry 22% (1990 est.) # 9.40 17400 18800 textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, petroleum, construction, cement, metals # ? 13.04 47890 723 cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats; annual fish catch about 140,000 metric tons # 4600 crude oil and petroleum products, cotton yarn, raw cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals # EU, US, Japan # 13800 machinery and equipment, foods, fertilizers, wood products, durable consumer goods, capital goods # US, EU, Japan # 31000 ODA, $1.713 billion (1993) # ? # 1 Egyptian pound (úE) = 100 piasters # 3.40 1 July - 30 June 2200000 principal centers at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta are connected by coaxial cable and microwave radio relay # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat; 5 coaxial submarine cables; tropospheric scatter to Sudan; microwave radio relay to Israel; participant in Medarabtel # 39 6 0 ? 41 5000000 4751 # 4,751 km 1,435-m gauge (42 km electrified; 951 km double track) # # # 50000 15,000 km # 35,000 km (1990 est.) # 3500 1171 596 460 Alexandria, Al Ghardaqah, Aswan, Asyut, Bur Safajah, Damietta, Marsa Matruh, Port Said, Suez # 156 1151960 1771863 bulk 21, cargo 65, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 14, passenger 35, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 16, short-sea passenger 3 (1996 est.) # 81 73 11 34 16 2 10 8 ? 2 2 4 ? 2 Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Command # 20 years of age # 16942953 10987037 672197 3280000000 8.20 administrative boundary with Sudan does not coincide with international boundary creating the "Hala'ib Triangle," a barren area of 20,580 sq km # a transit point for Southwest Asian and Southeast Asian heroin and opium moving to Europe and the US; popular transit stop for Nigerian couriers; large domestic consumption of hashish from Lebanon and Syria # @El Salvador 0 0$San Salvador$1367$-8917$1179000$ 1$Santa Ana$1398$-8957$239000$ # The central American isthmus was conquered by Spanish conquistadores in 1524. Within 25 years, the area that was to become El Salvador formed a permanent Spanish settlement. As San Salvador, independence from Spain was gained in 1821 with the forming of the Central American Federation. In 1839, San Salvador became the independent republic El Salvador. A peasants rebellion in 1932 was brutally suppressed by general Maximiliano Hernandez Martinez. Since then, El Salvador has been ruled by a series of military regimes. A military coup overthrew the Romero government in 1979, but the ruling military-civilian junta failed to quell the civil war. To date, more than 50,000 deaths have resulted. Presidential elections were held in 1984 (in the midst of the civil war), when Jose Napoleon Duarte won 54% of the vote. El Salvador was hit by a major earthquake on 10 October 1986, killing some 1,500 people and making tens of thousands homeless. El Salvador is divided into 14 departments. # ES Middle America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Honduras # 21040 20720 320 545 Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 km # 307 ? ? # ? ? 200 tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April) # mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau # Pacific Ocean 0 m Cerro El Pital 2,730 m hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum # 27 8 29 5 31 1200 known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes very destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity # deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # Law of the Sea # smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline on Caribbean Sea # 5661827 38 1084198 1038248 57 1538609 1709756 5 133038 157978 1.60 27.22 6.44 -4.81 1.05 1.04 0.90 0.84 0.95 30.30 69.27 65.89 72.81 3.13 Salvadoran(s) Salvadoran mestizo 94%, Amerindian 5%, white 1% # Roman Catholic 75% # Spanish, Nahua (among some Amerindians) # age 15 and over can read and write # 71.50 73.50 69.80 Republic of El Salvador El Salvador Republica de El Salvador El Salvador republic San Salvador 14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Ahuachapan, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union, Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Vicente, Sonsonate, Usulutan # ? # Independence Day, 15 September (1821) 20 December 1983 # based on civil and Roman law, with traces of common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal # President Armando CALDERON Sol (since 1 June 1994); Vice President Enrique President Armando CALDERON Sol (since 1 June 1994); Vice President Enrique BORGO Bustamante (since 1 June 1994); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Council of Ministers # president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 20 March 1994, with a run-off election held 24 April 1994 (next to be held NA March 1999) # Armando CALDERON Sol elected president; percent of vote - Armando CALDERON SOL (ARENA) 49.03%, Ruben ZAMORA Rivas (CD/FMLN/MNR) 24.09%, Fidel CHAVEZ Mena (PDC) 16.39%, other 10.49%; because no candidate received a majority, a run-off election was held and the results were as follows - Armando CALDERON SOL (ARENA) 68.35%, Ruben ZAMORA Rivas (CD/FMLN/MNR) 31.65% # unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (84 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve three-year terms) # last held 16 March 1997 (next to be held NA March 2000) # percent of vote by party - ARENA 35.4%, FMLN 34.3%, PCN 8.1%, PDC 7.9%, CD 3.8%, PRSC 3.4%, PLD 3.2%, MU 2.1%, PD 1.0%, other 0.8%; seats by party - ARENA 28, FMLN 27, PCN 11, PDC 9, PRSC 3, CD 2, PLD 2, MU 1, PD 1 # Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), judges are selected by the Legislative Assembly # National Republican Alliance or ARENA [Gloria SALGUERO Gross, president]; Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front or FMLN [Salvador SANCHEZ Ceren (aka Leonel GONZALEZ), general coordinator]; Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Ronal UMANA, secretary general]; National Conciliation Party or PCN [Ciro CRUZ Zepeda, secretary general]; Democratic Convergence or CD [Ruben ZAMORA, secretary general]; Unity Movement Party or MU [Jorge MARTINEZ Menendez, president]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLD [Kirio Waldo SALGADO, founder]; Democratic Party or PD (breakaway from FMLN) [Joaquin VILLALOBOS, founder, Ana Guadalupe MARTINEZ, leader]; Social Christian Renovation Party or PRSC (breakaway from PDC) [Abraham RODRIGUEZ, founder] # ? # BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), MINURSO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band - it features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band # El Salvador possesses a fast-growing entrepreneurial economy in which 90% of economic activity is in private hands, with growth averaging 5% since 1990. Yet, because the 1980s were a decade of civil war and stagnation, per capita GDP has not regained the level of the late 1970s. The rebound in the 1990s stems from the government program, in conjunction with the IMF, of privatization, deregulation, and fiscal stabilization. The economy now is oriented more toward manufacturing and services compared with agriculture. The sizable trade deficits are in the main covered by remittances from the large number of Salvadorans abroad. # 3 1750 9908 14 27 59 7.40 2200000 agriculture 40%, commerce 16%, manufacturing 15%, government 13%, financial services 9%, transportation 6%, other 1% # 7.60 1750 1820.00 food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals # 7.60 0.90 3320 580 coffee, sugarcane, corn, rice, beans, oilseed, cotton, sorghum; beef, dairy products; shrimp # 1800.00 coffee, sugarcane; shrimp; textiles, chemicals # US, Guatemala, Germany, Costa Rica, Honduras # 3200.00 raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods # US, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, Japan # 2540.00 ODA, $763 million (1996) # ? # 1 Salvadoran colon (C) = 100 centavos # 1 calendar year 300000 nationwide microwave radio relay system # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System # 18 80 2 1000000 11 600000 602 # # 602 km 0.914-m gauge # # 12320 1,712 km (including 110 km of expressways) # 10,608 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Acajutla, Puerto Cutuco, La Libertad, La Union, Puerto El Triunfo # ? ? ? ? # 72 52 1 ? 1 2 48 20 ? ? ? 20 ? 1 Army, Navy, Air Force # 18 years of age # 1330498 844314 64530 101000000 0.90 land boundary dispute with Honduras mostly resolved by 11 September 1992 International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision; with respect to the maritime boundary in the Golfo de Fonseca, ICJ referred to an earlier agreement in this century and advised that some tripartite resolution among El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua likely would be required # transshipment point for cocaine; marijuana produced for local consumption # @Equatorial Guinea 0 0$Malabo$375$883$30000$ # # ? Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Cameroon and Gabon # 28050 28050 0 539 Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 km # 296 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; always hot, humid # coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are volcanic # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Malabo 3,008 m timber, petroleum, small unexploited deposits of gold, manganese, uranium # 5 4 4 46 41 ? violent windstorms # tap water is not potable; desertification # Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution # Desertification, Law of the Sea # insular and continental regions rather widely separated # 442516 43 95636 95090 53 111801 123257 4 7407 9325 2.57 39.33 13.67 0 1.03 1.01 0.91 0.79 0.94 95.70 53.46 51.20 55.80 5.11 Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s) Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean Bioko (primarily Bubi, some Fernandinos), Rio Muni (primarily Fang), Europeans less than 1,000, mostly Spanish # nominally Christian and predominantly Roman Catholic, pagan practices # Spanish (official), pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, Ibo # age 15 and over can read and write # 78.50 89.60 68.10 Republic of Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial Guinea Ecuatorial republic in transition to multiparty democracy Malabo 7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-Nzas # ? # Independence Day, 12 October (1968) new constitution 17 November 1991 # partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal custom # NA years of age; universal adult # President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August Prime Minister Serafin Seriche DOUGAN (since April 1996); Vice Prime Minister Francisco Javier Ndongo MBENGONO (since April 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote to a seven-year term; election last held 25 February 1996 (next to be held NA February 2003) # President OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected without opposition; percent of popular vote - NA # unicameral House of Peoples Representatives or Camara de Representantes del Pueblo (80 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 21 November 1993 (next to be held November 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDGE 68, CSD 6, UDS 5, CLD 1 # Supreme Tribunal # ruling party: Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea or PDGE [Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO] opposition parties: Convergence for Social Democracy or CSD [Santiago Obama Ndong, president]; Democratic Social Union or UDS [Camelo MODU, general secretary]; Liberal Democratic Convention or CLD [Alfonso Nsue MIFUMU, president]; Liberal Party or PL [Santos PASCUAL]; National Democratic Union or UDENA [Jose MECHEBA Ikaka, president]; Party of the Social Democratic Coalition or PCSD [Buenaventura Moswi M'Asumu, general coordinater]; Party of Progress or PP [Severo MOTO Nsa, president]; Popular Action of Equatorial Guinea or APGE [Casiano Masi Edu]; Popular Union or UP [Juan BITUI, president]; Party for Progress of Equatorial Guinea or PPGE [Severo Moto NSA, president]; Progressive Democratic Alliance or ADP [Antonio-Ebang Mbele Abang, president]; Social Democratic and Popular Convergence or CSDP [Secundino Oyono Agueng Ada, general secretary]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Benjamin-Gabriel Balingha Balinga Alene, general secretary]; Socialist Party of Equatorial Guinea or PSGE [Tomas MICHEBE Fernandez, general secretary] # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice) # Farming, forestry, and fishing account for about half of GDP. Subsistence farming predominates. Although pre-independence Equatorial Guinea counted on cocoa production for hard currency earnings, the deterioration of the rural economy under successive brutal regimes has diminished potential for agriculture-led growth. A number of aid programs sponsored by the World Bank and the IMF have been cut off since 1993 because of the government's gross corruption and mismanagement. Businesses, for the most part, are owned by government officials and their family members. Undeveloped natural resources include titanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. Oil exploration, taking place under concessions offered to US, French, and Spanish firms, has been moderately successful and has contributed to Equatorial Guinea's strong growth rates in the early 1990s. The country responded favorably to the devaluation of the CFA franc in January 1994. # 11.20 510 226 50 14 36 10.90 ? ? # ? 27 34.10 fishing, sawmilling # 7.40 0.02 ? ? coffee, cocoa, rice, yams, cassava (tapioca), bananas, palm oil nuts, manioc; livestock; timber # 83.50 timber, petroleum, cocoa # US 34%, Japan 16%, Spain 15%, China 12%, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria # 52.30 petroleum, food, beverages, clothing, machinery # Spain 51%, Cameroon 21%, France 6%, US 4% # 252 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes # 541.69 1 April - 31 March 2000 NA # international communications from Bata and Malabo to African and European countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) # 2 0 0 ? 1 4000 0 # # # # 2820 0 km # 2,820 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Bata, Luba, Malabo # 3 7997 7105 cargo 1, passenger 1, passenger-cargo 1 (1996 est.) # 3 3 ? 1 1 ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force, Rapid Intervention Force, National Police # ? # 95788 48696 ? 2500000 ? maritime boundary dispute with Gabon because of disputed sovereignty over islands in Corisco Bay # ? # @Eritrea 0 $0$Asmara$1532$3893$374000$ # on 29 May 1991, ISAIAS Afworke, secretary general of the Peoples' Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), which then served as the country's legislative body, announced the formation of the Provisional Government in Eritrea (PGE) in preparation for the 23-25 April 1993 referendum on independence for the Autonomous Region of Eritrea; the referendum resulted in a landslide vote for independence which was proclaimed on 27 April 1993 # ? Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan # 121320 121320 0 1630 Djibouti 113 km, Ethiopia 912 km, Sudan 605 km # 2234 ? ? # ? ? ? hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually); semiarid in western hills and lowlands; rainfall heaviest during June-September except on coastal desert # dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending highlands, descending on the east to a coastal desert plain, on the northwest to hilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling plains # Kobar Sink -75 m Soira 3,013 m gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, probably oil (petroleum geologists are prospecting for it), fish # 12 1 48 20 19 280 frequent droughts # deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing; loss of infrastructure from civil warfare # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species # none of the selected agreements # strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest shipping lanes; Eritrea retained the entire coastline of Ethiopia along the Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopia on 27 April 1993 # 3589687 43 781169 770497 54 963542 966083 3 55811 52585 6.35 43.96 15.26 34.82 1.03 1.01 1 1.06 1.01 117.20 50.61 48.85 52.42 6.47 Eritrean(s) Eritrean ethnic Tigrinya 50%, Tigre and Kunama 40%, Afar 4%, Saho (Red Sea coast dwellers) 3% # Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant # Afar, Amharic, Arabic, Italian, Tigre and Kunama, Tigrinya, minor tribal languages # ? # ? ? ? State of Eritrea Eritrea Hagere Ertra Ertra transitional government Asmara (formerly Asmera) 8 provinces (singular - awraja); Akele Guzay, Barka, Denkel, Hamasen, Sahil, Semhar, Senhit, Seraye note: in May 1995 the National Assembly adopted a resolution stating that the administrative structure of Eritrea, which had been established by former colonial powers, would consist of only six provinces when the new constitution, then being drafted, would go into effect sometime in 1998; the new provinces, which have not been recommended by the US Board on Geographic Names for recognition by the US government, pending acceptable definition of the boundaries, are: Anseba, Debub, Debubawi, Gash-Barka, Maakel, and Semanawi Keyih Bahri # ? # National Day (independence from Ethiopia), 24 May (1993) transitional "constitution" decreed 19 May 1993; the promulgation of a draft constitution is expected in 1998 # NA # NA; note - the transitional constitution of 19 May 1993 did not provide rules for suffrage, but it seems likely that the final version of the constitution, to be promulgated some time in 1998, will follow the example set in the referendum of 1993 and extend suffrage to all persons 18 years of age or older # President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993); note - the president is President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # State Council is the collective executive authority note: the president is head of the State Council and National Assembly # president elected by the National Assembly; election last held 8 June 1993 (next to be held NA 1997) # ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95% # unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; term limits not established pending new constitution) # 75 members of the PFDJ Central Committee (the old Central Committee of the EPLF) and 75 directly elected members serve as the country's legislative body until country-wide elections are held in 1997 # ? # Judiciary # People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ, the only party recognized by the government [ISAIAS Afworki, PETROS Solomon] # ? # ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO # red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is centered on the hoist side of the red triangle # With independence from Ethiopia on 27 April 1993, Eritrea faced the bitter economic problems of a small, desperately poor African country. Most of the population must continue to depend on subsistence farming. Domestic output (GDP) is substantially augmented by worker remittances from abroad. Government revenues come from custom duties and income and sales taxes. Road construction is a top domestic priority. Shortages persist in housing, education, and health care. Eritrea has inherited the entire coastline of Ethiopia and has long-term prospects for revenues from the development of offshore oil, offshore fishing, and tourism. Ethiopia is largely dependent on Eritrean ports for its foreign commerce. # 3.90 165 592 19 18 63 8 ? ? # ? 214 397 food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles # ? 0.07 ? ? sorghum, lentils, vegetables, maize, cotton, tobacco, coffee, sisal (for making rope); livestock (including goats); fish # 81 livestock, sorghum, textiles # Ethiopia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UK, US, Yemen # 404 processed goods, machinery, petroleum products # Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Italy, United Arab Emirates # 162 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 birr (Br) = 100 cents; at present, Ethiopian currency used; note - new Eritrean currency, the nakfa, to be circulated in 1997 # 1 calendar year ? very inadequate; about 4 telephones per 100 families, most of which are in Asmara; government is seeking international tenders to improve the system # NA # ? ? 0 ? 1 ? 307 # # 307 km 0.950-m gauge (1995 est.) # # 3930 841 km # 3,089 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Assab (Aseb), Massawa (Mits'iwa) # 1 11573 13593 ? # 14 4 1 1 4 4 2 10 1 1 ? ? ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force # ? # ? ? ? 40000000 ? a dispute with Yemen over sovereignty of the Hanish Islands in the southern Red Sea has been submitted to arbitration under the auspices of the ICJ # ? # @Estonia 0 0$Tallinn$5937$2480$497000$ # # EW Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia # 45226 43211 2015 633 Latvia 339 km, Russia 294 km # 3794 ? ? # ? ? 12 maritime, wet, moderate winters, cool summers # marshy, lowlands # Baltic Sea 0 m Suur Munamagi 318 m shale oil (kukersite), peat, phosphorite, amber, cambrian blue clay # 27 0 7 48 18 110 flooding occurs frequently in the spring # air heavily polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products, chemicals at former Soviet military bases; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas are heavily affected by organic waste; coastal sea water is polluted in many locations # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ship Pollution, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # none of the selected agreements # ? # 1436558 19 141814 136895 67 460067 495935 14 65302 136545 -1.14 9.04 14.08 -6.40 1.05 1.04 0.93 0.48 0.87 14.10 68.38 62.39 74.67 1.29 Estonian(s) Estonian Estonian 64.2%, Russian 28.7%, Ukrainian 2.7%, Byelorussian 1.5%, Finn 1%, other 1.9% (1995) # Evangelical Lutheran, others include Baptist, Methodist, 7th Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Word of Life, 7th Day Baptist, Judaism # Estonian (official), Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian, other # age 15 and over can read and write # 100 100 100 Republic of Estonia Estonia Eesti Vabariik Eesti republic Tallinn 15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond): Harju maakond (Tallinn), Hiiu maakond (Kardla), Ida-Viru maakond (Johvi), Jarva maakond (Paide), Jogeva maakond (Jogeva), Laane maakond (Haapsalu), Laane-Viru maakond (Rakvere), Parnu maakond (Parnu), Polva maakond (Polva), Rapla maakond (Rapla), Saare maakond (Kuessaare), Tartu maakond (Tartu), Valga maakond (Valga), Viljandi maakond (Viljandi), Voru maakond (Voru) note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) # ? # Independence Day, 24 February (1918) adopted 28 June 1992 # based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts # 18 years of age; universal # President Lennart MERI (since 21 October 1992) Prime Minister Tiit VAHI (acting since NA March 1995; confirmed 17 April 1995) # Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament # president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; if he or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus members of local governments) elects the president, choosing between the two candidates with the largest percentage of votes; election last held August-September 1996 (next to be held fall 2001); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament # Lennart MERI elected president by an electoral assembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock between MERI and RUUTEL; percent of electoral assembly vote - Lennert MERI 61%, Arnold RUUTEL 39% # unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 5 March 1995 (next to be held NA 1999) # percent of vote by party - KMU 32.22%, RE 16.18%, K 14.17%, Pro Patria and ERSP 7.85%, M 5.98%, Our Home is Estonia and Right-Wingers 5.0%; seats by party - KMU 41, RE 19, K 16, Pro Patria 8, Our Home is Estonia 6, M 6, Right-Wingers 5 # National Court # Coalition Party and Rural Union or KMU [Tiit VAHI, chairman] made up of 4 parties: Coalition Party, Country People's Party/Farmer's Assembly, Rural Union, and Pensioners' and Families' League; Reform Party-Liberals or RE [Siim KALLAS, chairman]; Center Party or K [Edgar SAVISAAR, chairman]; Union of Pro Patria or Fatherland League (Isamaa) [Toivo JURGENSON, chairman]; National Independence Party or ERSP [Kelam TUNNE, chairman]; Our Home is Estonia made up of 2 parties: United Peoples Party and the Russian People's Party of Estonia; United Peoples Party [Viktor ANDREJEV, chairman]; Russian Party of Estonia [Nikolai MASPANOV, chairman]; Moderates or M made up of 2 parties: Social Democratic Party and Rural Center Party; Social Democratic Party [Eiki NESTOR, chairman]; Rural Center Party [Vambo KAAL, chairman]; Right-Wingers [Ulo NUGIS, chairman]; Republican Conservative [Vootele HANSEN]; Development/Progressive Party [Andra VEIDEMANN, chairwoman], note - party was created by defectors from Center Party in late spring 1996, now holds 6 or 7 seats in Parliament # ? # BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NACC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) # pre-1940 flag restored by Supreme Soviet in May 1990 - three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white # Estonia continues to experience strong economic growth after its economy bottomed out in 1993. Bolstered by a widespread national desire to reintegrate into Western Europe, Estonia has adhered to disciplined fiscal and financial policies and has led the FSU countries in pursuing economic reform. Monthly inflation has been held to 2% in 1995-96. Following four years of decline, Estonia's GDP grew at 3% in 1995 and 1996. Despite these positive economic indicators, the current account deficit is widening. The resident IMF representative in Estonia has been worried since early 1996 about a rising public sector deficit boosted by local government spending. Small- and medium-scale privatization is essentially complete, and large-scale privatization is progressing gradually. In 1996, Estonia's national airline was privatized; in 1997 Estonia plans to privatize large infrastructure, i.e., Eesti Energia, Tallinn Port, Estonian Telecom, and Oil Shale. Estonia has successfully reoriented its trade toward the West, two-thirds of exports now going to Western markets. Estonia's free trade policies were the cornerstone of its negotiations with the European Union, and led to the signing of an association agreement in June 1995. Estonia was the only Baltic state not to have a transition period imposed by the EU prior to its implementation of a free trade agreement. # 3 3040 4367 10 37 53 23 750000 industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 20%, other 38% (1990) # 5 620 582 oil shale, shipbuilding, phosphates, electric motors, excavators, cement, furniture, clothing, textiles, paper, shoes, apparel # 3 3.29 8600.00 4005 potatoes, fruits, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish # 2000 textiles 16%, food products 16%, machinery and equipment 16%, metals 9% (1995) # Finland, Russia, Sweden, Germany, Latvia (1995) # 3100 machinery and equipment 29%, foodstuffs 14%, minerals 13%, textiles 13%, metals 12% (1995) # Finland, Russia, Sweden, Germany (1995) # 270 ODA, $147 million (1993) # ? # 1 Estonian kroon (EEK) = 100 cents (introduced in August 1992) # 12.60 calendar year 400000 substantial investment has been made in cellular systems which are operational throughout Estonia # international traffic is carried to the other former Soviet republics by landline or microwave radio relay and to other countries partly by leased connection to the Moscow international gateway switch and partly by a new Tallinn-Helsinki fiber-optic, submarine cable which gives Estonia access to international circuits everywhere; access to the international packet-switched digital network via Helsinki # ? ? ? 710000 4 600000 1018 1,018 km 1.520-m gauge (132 km electrified) (1995) # # # # 14992 8,096 km (including 65 km of expressways) # 6,896 km (1995 est.) # 500 ? ? 420 Haapsalu, Narva, Paldiski, Parnu, Tallinn # 55 364492 478441 bulk 7, cargo 31, container 4, oil tanker 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6, short-sea passenger 4 (1996 est.) # 22 10 ? 7 2 3 5 12 ? 1 ? 4 ? ? Ground Forces, Navy/Coast Guard, Air and Air Defense Force (not officially sanctioned), Maritime Border Guard, Volunteer Defense League (Kaitseliit), Security Forces (internal and border troops) # 18 years of age # 353616 277489 10396 35000000 1.50 Estonian and Russian negotiators reached a technical border agreement in December 1996, which Estonia is prepared to sign and ratify in January 1997; Estonia had claimed over 2,000 sq km territory in the Narva and Pechory regions in Russia - based on boundary established under the 1920 Peace Treaty of Tartu # transshipment point for opiates and cannabis from Southwest Asia and the Caucasus, and cocaine from Latin America to Western Europe and Scandinavia # @Ethiopia 0 0$Addis-Abeba$903$3870$1500000$ 3$Elgon$113$3455$4321$ # A former monarchy, ruled by an emperor with almost total power, said to be descended from King Solomon, where political parties were banned. Attempts to colonize the country by foreign powers failed: only in 1935 was Italy able to occupy the country (until 1941). The last emperor, Haile Selassi (crowned 1930), was dethroned in the military coup of September 1974. In December 1974, Ethiopia was declared a socialist state and the monarchy was abolished the following March. The country was ruled by Lieutenant-Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam. Rebellions occurred in various provinces in 1975, and war broke out between government forces and Eritrean guerillas of the ELF (Eritrean Liberation Front) and the EPLF (Eritrean People's Liberation Front). Continued conflicts and long periods of drought brought famine to many parts of Ethiopia throughout the latter half of the 1970's and the 1980's. A new Marxist-Leninist government came to power in early 1987. On 10 September 1987 the Ethiopia was declared a People's Democratic Republic. On 28 May 1991 the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) toppled the authoritarian government of MENGISTU Haile-Mariam and took control in Addis Ababa; a new constitution was promulgated in December 1994 and national and regional popular elections were held in May and June 1995. # ETH Eastern Africa, west of Somalia # 1127127 1119683 7444 5311 Djibouti 337 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 830 km, Somalia 1,626 km, Sudan 1,606 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation # high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift Valley # Denakil -125 m Ras Dashen Terara 4,620 m small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash # 12 1 40 25 22 1900 geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts # deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection # Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban # landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 27 April 1993 # 58732577 46 13492323 13444656 51 15167806 15020499 3 745554 861739 2.67 45.59 17.56 -1.32 1.03 1 1.01 0.86 1 121.50 46.62 45.48 47.80 6.94 Ethiopian(s) Ethiopian Oromo 40%, Amhara and Tigrean 32%, Sidamo 9%, Shankella 6%, Somali 6%, Afar 4%, Gurage 2%, other 1% # Muslim 45%-50%, Ethiopian Orthodox 35%-40%, animist 12%, other 3%-8% # Amharic (official), Tigrinya, Orominga, Guaraginga, Somali, Arabic, English (major foreign language taught in schools) # age 15 and over can read and write # 35.50 45.50 25.30 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ethiopia YeItyop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik YeItyop'iya federal republic Addis Ababa 9 ethnically-based administrative regions (astedader akababiwach, singular - astedader akababi) and 1 federal capital*: Addis Ababa*; Afar; Amhara; Benshangul/Gumaz; Gambela; Harar; Oromia; Somali; Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples; Tigray # ? # National Day, 28 May (1991) (defeat of Mengistu regime) new constitution promulgated in December 1994 # NA # 18 years of age; universal # President NEGASSO Gidada (since 22 August 1995) Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since NA August 1995) # Council of Ministers as provided in the December 1994 constitution; ministers are selected by the prime minister and approved by the Council of People's Representatives # president elected by the Council of People's Representatives for a six-year term; election last held June 1995 (next to be held NA 2001); prime minister designated by the party in power following legislative elections # NEGASSO Gidada elected president; percent of vote by the Council of People's Representatives - NA # bicameral Parliament consists of the Council of the Federation or upper chamber (117 seats; members are chosen by state assemblies to serve five-year terms) and the Council of People's Representatives or lower chamber (548 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote from single-member districts to serve five-year terms); note - the upper chamber represents the ethnic interests of the regional governments # regional and national popular elections were held in May and June 1995 (next to be held NA 2000) and the Federal Parliamentary Assembly assumed legislative power on 21 August 1995 # percent of vote - NA; seats - NA; note - EPRDF won nearly all seats # Supreme Court, judges are elected by the national legislature # Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front or EPRDF [MELES Zenawi] # ? # ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) # three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the three bands; Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the colors of her flag were so often adopted by other African countries upon independence that they became known as the pan-African colors # Ethiopia continues to face difficult economic problems as one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Its economy is based on agriculture, which accounts for more than half of GDP, 90% of exports, and 80% of total employment; coffee generates 60% of export earnings. The agricultural sector suffers from frequent periods of drought, poor cultivation practices, and deterioration of internal security conditions. The manufacturing sector is heavily dependent on inputs from the agricultural sector. Over 90% of large-scale industry, but less than 10% of agriculture, is state-run. The government is considering selling off a portion of state-owned plants and is implementing reform measures that are gradually liberalizing the economy. A major medium-term problem is the improvement of roads, water supply, and other parts of an infrastructure badly neglected during years of civil strife. # 7.70 110 6461 57 10 33 10 18000000 agriculture and animal husbandry 80%, government and services 12%, industry and construction 8% (1985) # ? 1000 1480 food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metals processing, cement # ? 0.63 1270.00 23 cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseed, sugarcane, potatoes, other vegetables; hides, cattle, sheep, goats # 423 coffee, leather products, gold (1995) # Germany 18%, Japan 13%, Djibouti 10%, Saudi Arabia 8% (1993) # 1150 food and live animals, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals (1995) # Saudi Arabia 13.3%, Italy 11.6%, US 10.2%, Germany 9.1%, Japan (1993) # 4300.00 ODA, $367 million (FY95/96) # ? # 1 birr (Br) = 100 cents # 1 8 July - 7 July 100000 open wire and microwave radio relay # open wire to Sudan and Djibouti; microwave radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean) # 4 0 0 9900000 1 100000 681 # # 681 km 1.000-m gauge # # 28360 4,254 km # 24,106 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? none; Ethiopia is landlocked but by agreement with Eritrea may use the ports of Assab and Massawa # 12 60081 84686 cargo 7, oil tanker 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3 (1996 est.) # 59 13 2 3 1 1 6 46 2 5 8 31 ? ? Ground Forces, Air Force, Police # 18 years of age # 13257668 6889800 605030 110000000 ? most of the southern half of the boundary with Somalia is a Provisional Administrative Line; territorial dispute with Somalia over the Ogaden # transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and Southeast Asia and destined for Europe and North America as well as cocaine destined for markets in southern Africa; cultivates qat (chat) for local use and regional export # @Europa Island France # # Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from southern Madagascar to southern Mozambique # 28 28 0 ? ? # 22.20 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical # NA # Indian Ocean 0 m unnamed location 24 m negligible # ? ? ? ? ? 0 NA # NA # NA # NA # wildlife sanctuary # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Europa Island none Ile Europa possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, none; administered by France from Reunion ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of France is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 1 ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # 1 ? ? ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? claimed by Madagascar # ? # @Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) United Kingdom # # Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina # 12170 12170 0 ? ? # 1288 ? 200 nm # ? 200 12 cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate # rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Usborne 705 m fish, wildlife # 0 0 99 0 1 ? strong winds persist throughout the year # NA # NA # NA # deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season # 2432 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 2.43 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Falkland Islander(s) Falkland Island British # primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist # English # ? # ? ? ? Colony of the Falkland Islands Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) ? ? dependent territory of the UK Stanley none (dependent territory of the UK) # ? # Liberation Day, 14 June (1982) 3 October 1985 # English common law # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952) Governor Richard RALPH (since 29 January 1996) # Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative Council, two ex-officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), and the governor # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor appointed by the queen # ? # unicameral Legislative Council (10 seats, 8 elected; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held NA October 1993 (next was to be held NA October 1998) # percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 8 # Supreme Court, chief justice is non-resident # NA # ? # ICFTU # blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT # The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, which directly or indirectly employs most of the work force. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. Rich stocks of fish in the surrounding waters are not presently exploited by the islanders. So far, efforts to establish a domestic fishing industry have been unsuccessful. The economy has diversified since 1987, when the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year and support the island's health, education, and welfare system. To encourage tourism, the Falkland Islands Development Corporation has built three lodges for visitors attracted by the abundant wildlife and trout fishing. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day. An agreement between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. # ? 12500 30 ? ? ? ? 1100 agriculture 95% (mostly sheepherding) # ? 53.40 53.10 wool and fish processing # ? ? ? ? fodder and vegetable crops; sheep farming, small dairy herds # 7.60 wool, hides, meat # UK, Netherlands, Japan (1992) # 24.70 food, clothing, timber, and machinery # UK, Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), Japan (1992) # ? ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Falkland pound (úF) = 100 pence # 0.60 1 April - 31 March 1180 government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other countries # ? ? ? 1000 1 ? ? # # # # 510 30 km # 480 km # ? ? ? ? Stanley # ? ? ? ? # 5 5 ? 1 ? ? 4 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? British Forces Falkland Islands (includes Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines), Police Force # ? # ? ? ? ? ? administered by the UK, claimed by Argentina # ? # @Faroe Islands Denmark 0$Th≤rshavn$6206$-688$16000$ # # DK Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the north Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to Norway # 1399 1399 0 ? ? # 1117 ? ? # ? 200 3 mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy # rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Slaettaratindur 882 m fish, whales # 6 0 0 0 94 0 NA # NA # NA # NA # archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands # 39873 25 4960 4812 60 12913 11117 15 2708 3363 -6.36 11.46 9.05 -38.75 1.05 1.03 1.16 0.80 1.07 10.70 78.37 75.41 81.32 2.37 Faroese (singular and plural) Faroese Scandinavian # Evangelical Lutheran # Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish # ? # ? ? ? none Faroe Islands none Foroyar part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division Torshavn none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark) # ? # Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940) 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution) # Danish # 18 years of age; universal # Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by Prime Minister Edmund JOENSEN (since 15 September 1994) # Landsstyri elected by the Faroese Parliament # the queen is a constitutional monarch; high commissioner appointed by the queen; following legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most seats is usually elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held NA 1994 (next to be held NA 1998) # Edmund JOENSEN elected prime minister; percent of parliamentary vote - 23.4% # unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (32 seats; members are elected on a proportional basis from the seven constituencies to serve four-year terms) # last held 7 July 1994 (next to be held by NA July 1998) # percent of vote by party - Unionist Party 23.4%, People's Party 16.0%, Social Democrats 15.4%, Republicans 13.7%, Workers' Party 9.5%, Christian People 6.3%, Center Party 5.8%, Home Rule Party 5.6%; seats by party - Unionist Party 8, People's Party 6, Social Democrats 5, Republicans 4, Workers' Party 3, Christian People 2, Center Party 2, Home Rule Party 2 note: election of 2 seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on 21 September 1994 (next to be held by September 1998); results - percent of vote by party - Unionist Party 22.5%, People's Party 21.7%; seats by party - Unionist Party 1, People's Party 1 # none # Social Democratic Party [Joannes EIDESGAARD]; Workers' Party [Alis JACOBSEN]; Home Rule Party [Helena Dam A NEYSTABO]; Unionist Party [Edmund JOENSEN]; Republican Party [Heini O. HEINESEN]; Center Party [Tordur NICLASEN]; Christian People's Party [Niels Pauli DANIELSEN]; People's Party [Arnfinn KALLSBERG] # ? # none # white with a red cross outlined in blue that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) # The Faroese economy in 1995 and 1996 saw a noticeable upturn after several years of decline brought on by a drop in fish catches and declining prices and by over-spending by the Faroese Home Rule Government (FHRG). In the early 1990s, property values plummeted, and the FHRG had to bail out and merge the two largest Faroese banks. Fishing is now improving; wage costs are increasing; the FHRG's budget is almost in balance; and the large foreign debt has come down significantly. Nevertheless, the total dependence on fishing makes the Faroese economy extremely vulnerable, and the reduction in the foreign debt is at the cost of low investment. Oil finds close to the Faroese area give hope for deposits in the immediate Faroese area, which may lay the basis for an eventual economic rebound. Aided by a substantial annual subsidy from Denmark, the Faroese have a standard of living comparable to the Danes and other Scandinavians. # 6 12000 478 20 16 64 2.80 20345 largely engaged in fishing, manufacturing, transportation, and commerce # 11 467 468 fishing, shipbuilding, construction, handicrafts # ? 0.09 175.40 4043 milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon farming; fish # 362 fish and fish products 92%, animal feedstuffs, transport equipment (ships) # Denmark 22.2%, UK 25.8%, Germany 9.7%, France 8.3%, Norway 6.2%, US 2.0% # 0.00 machinery and transport equipment 17.0%, consumer goods 33%, raw materials and semi-manufactures 26.9%, fuels 11.4%, fish and salt 6.7% # Denmark 34.5%, Norway 15.9%, UK 8.4% Germany 7.8%, Sweden 5.8%, US 1.5% # 767 ? # ? # 1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 oere # 6.12 calendar year 26000 digitalization to be completed in 1998 # satellite earth stations - 1 Orion; 1 optical fiber submarine cable linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland # 1 1 0 11800 1 11600 ? # # # # 458 450 km # 8 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Torshavn, Klaksvik, Tvoroyri, Runavik, Fuglafjordhur # 6 18979 14531 cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1, short-sea passenger 1 (1996 est.) # 1 1 ? ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? no organized native military forces; only a small Police Force and Coast Guard are maintained # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Fiji 0 0$Suva$-1814$17842$80000$ # It is assumed that the first inhabitants of the hundreds of islands that make up the archipelago arrived about 3500 years ago via Indonesia and New Guinea. (The actual number of islands is difficult to determine; sources range in estimate from 322 to more than 500! It is, however, agreed that 106 of these are inhabited.) The first sighting of the islands by a westerner was in 1643, by Abel Tasman. Captain Bligh landed there in 1789 after the mutiny on the Bounty, and charted the area. Fiji became a British colony in 1874. Fiji became an independent parliamentary democracy in 1970. In 1987, the government was ousted by a military coup. Order was restored, but a second coup was staged by Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka in September of that same year, and in October he declared Fiji a republic. The Fijian parliament has two houses: the Senate with 22 seats, and the House of Representatives with 52 seats. The country is divided into 4 divisions and 14 provinces. # FJI Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand # 18270 18270 0 ? ? # 1129 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim added # 200 ? 12 tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation # mostly mountains of volcanic origin # Pacific Ocean 0 m Tomanivi 1,324 m timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential # 10 4 10 65 11 10 cyclonic storms can occur from November to January # deforestation; soil erosion # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # includes 332 islands of which approximately 110 are inhabited # 792441 35 140685 135044 62 246128 246001 3 11620 12963 1.28 23.12 6.30 -4.07 1.05 1.04 1 0.90 1.01 17 66 63.66 68.46 2.78 Fijian(s) Fijian Fijian 49%, Indian 46%, European, other Pacific Islanders, overseas Chinese, and other 5% # Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%, other 2% # English (official), Fijian, Hindustani # age 15 and over can read and write # 91.60 93.80 89.30 Republic of Fiji Fiji ? ? republic Suva 4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, Western # ? # Independence Day, 10 October (1970) 10 October 1970 (suspended 1 October 1987); a new constitution was proposed on 23 September 1988 and promulgated on 25 July 1990; the 1990 constitution is under review; the review is scheduled to be completed by 1997 # based on British system # 21 years of age; universal # President Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA (acting president since 15 December Prime Minister Sitiveni RABUKA (since 2 June 1992) # Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament and is responsible to Parliament note : there is also a Presidential Council that advises the president on matters of national importance and a Great Council of Chiefs which consists of the highest ranking members of the traditional chiefly system # president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term; prime minister appointed by the president # Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA elected president; percent of Great Council of Chiefs vote - NA # bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (34 seats; 24 reserved for ethnic Fijians, 9 for Indians and others, and 1 for the island of Rotuma; members appointed by the president to serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives (70 seats; 37 reserved for ethnic Fijians, 27 for ethnic Indians, and 6 for independents and others; members elected by popular vote on a communal basis to serve five-year terms) # House of Representatives - last held 18-25 February 1994 (next to be held NA 1999) # House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SVT 31, NFP 20, FLP 7, FAP 5, GVP 4, independents 2, ANC 1 # Supreme Court # Fijian Political Party (SVT - primarily Fijian), leader Maj. Gen. Sitivini RABUKA; National Federation Party (NFP; primarily Indian), Jai Ram REDDY; Fijian Nationalist Party (FNP), Sakeasi BUTADROKA; Fiji Labor Party (FLP), Mahendra CHAUDHRY; General Voters Party (GVP), Leo SMITH; Fiji Conservative Party (FCP), leader NA; Conservative Party of Fiji (CPF), leader NA; Fiji Indian Liberal Party, leader NA; Fiji Indian Congress Party, leader NA; Fiji Independent Labor (Muslim), leader NA; Four Corners Party, leader NA; Fijian Association Party (FAP), Josevata KAMIKAMICA; General Electors' Association, leader NA note: in early 1995, ethnic Fijian members of the All National Congress (ANC) merged with the Fijian Association (FA); the remaining members of the ANC have renamed their party the General Electors' Association # ? # ACP, AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, PCA, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNTAES, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO # light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered by the cross of Saint George featuring stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove # Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies, though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports and tourism are the major sources of foreign exchange. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity. Roughly 250,000 tourists visit each year. Political uncertainty and drought, however, contribute to substantial fluctuations in earnings from tourism and sugar and to the emigration of skilled workers. In 1992, growth was approximately 3%, based on growth in tourism and a lessening of labor-management disputes in the sugar and gold-mining sectors. In 1993, the government's budgeted growth rate of 3% was not achieved because of a decline in non-sugar agricultural output and damage from Cyclone Kina. Growth in 1994 of 5% was largely attributable to increased tourism and expansion in the manufacturing sector. # 5 2400 1902 21 18 61 3 235000 subsistence agriculture 67%, wage earners 18%, salary earners 15% (1987) # 6 540.65 742.65 sugar, tourism, copra, gold, silver, clothing, lumber, small cottage industries # 2.90 0.20 510.00 660 sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish catch 13,796 tons (1991) # 607 sugar 32%, clothing, gold, processed fish, lumber # EU 26%, Australia 15%, other Pacific island countries 11%, Japan 6% # 864 machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, food, consumer goods, chemicals # Australia 30%, NZ 17%, Japan 13%, EU 6%, US 6% # 333.80 ODA, $14.35 million from Australia (FY96/97 est.); $3.5 million from New Zealand (FY95/96) # ? # 1 Fijian dollar (F$) = 100 cents # 1.40 calendar year 60017 NA # access to important cable link between US and Canada and NZ and Australia; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) # 7 1 0 ? 0 12000 597 # # 597 km 0.610-m gauge (1995) # # 3370 1,655 km # 1,715 km (1995 est.) # 203 ? ? ? Labasa, Lautoka, Levuka, Savusavu, Suva # 6 17800 18034 chemical tanker 2, oil tanker 1, passenger 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2 (1996 est.) # 21 18 1 ? 1 1 15 3 ? ? ? 3 ? ? Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF; includes army, navy, and a small air wing) # 18 years of age # 210048 115766 8986 32000000 5 none # ? # @Finland 0 0$Helsinki$6025$2505$1020000$ # Finland became an autonomous grand duchy of the Russian Empire in 1809, after having been part of Sweden since 1154. Finland declared its independence on 6 December 1917 and became a republic in 1919. Finland has one legislative house, the Eduskunta, with 200 seats. There are 12 provinces, each with its own governor. # SF Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia # 337030 305470 31560 2628 Norway 729 km, Sweden 586 km, Russia 1,313 km # 1126 6 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # ? 12 12 cold temperate; potentially subarctic, but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes # mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hills # Baltic Sea 0 m Haltiatunturi 1,328 m timber, copper, zinc, iron ore, silver # 8 ? 0 76 16 640 NA # air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94 # long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital on European continent; population concentrated on small southwestern coastal plain # 5137269 19 493427 473166 67 1729996 1694111 14 280231 466338 0.26 11.75 9.62 0.48 1.04 1.04 1.02 0.60 0.95 3.80 76.97 73.41 80.68 1.78 Finn(s) Finnish Finn 93%, Swede 6%, Lapp 0.11%, Gypsy 0.12%, Tatar 0.02% # Evangelical Lutheran 89%, Greek Orthodox 1%, none 9%, other 1% # Finnish 93.5% (official), Swedish 6.3% (official), small Lapp- and Russian-speaking minorities # age 15 and over can read and write # 100 ? ? Republic of Finland Finland Suomen Tasavalta Suomi republic Helsinki 12 provinces (laanit, singular - laani); Ahvenanmaa, Hame, Keski-Suomi, Kuopio, Kymi, Lappi, Mikkeli, Oulu, Pohjois-Karjala, Turku ja Pori, Uusimaa, Vaasa # ? # Independence Day, 6 December (1917) 17 July 1919 # civil law system based on Swedish law; Supreme Court may request legislation interpreting or modifying laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal # President Martti AHTISAARI (since 1 March 1994) Prime Minister Paavo LIPPONEN (since 13 April 1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Sauli NIINISTO (since 13 April 1995) # Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the president, responsible to Parliament # president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; election last held 31 January-6 February 1994 (next to be held NA January 2000); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president # Martti AHTISAARI elected president; percent of vote - Martti AHTISAARI 54%, Elisabeth REHN 46% # unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year terms) # last held 19 March 1995 (next to be held NA March 1999) # percent of vote by party - Social Democratic Party 28.3%, Center Party 19.9%, National Coalition (Conservative) Party 17.9%, Leftist Alliance (Communist) 11.2%, Swedish People's Party 5.1%, Green League 6.5%, Ecology Party 0.3%, Rural 1.3%, Finnish Christian League 3.0%, Liberal People's Party 0.6%, Young Finns 2.8%; seats by party - Social Democratic Party 63, Center Party 44, National Coalition (Conservative) Party 39, Leftist Alliance (Communist) 22, Swedish People's Party 11, Green League 9, Ecology Party 1, Rural 1, Finnish Christian League 7, Young Finns 2, Aaland Islands 1 # Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus, judges appointed by the president # government coalition : Social Democratic Party [Paavo LIPPONEN]; National Coalition (conservative) Party [Sauli NIINISTO]; Leftist Alliance (Communist) People's Democratic League and Democratic Alternative [Claes ANDERSSON]; Swedish People's Party [(Johan) Ole NORRBACK]; Green League [Pekka HAAVISTO] # ? # AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC (observer), NAM (guest), NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMOGIP, UNMOP, UNPREDEP, UNTAES, UNTSO, UPU, WEU (observer), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # white with a blue cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) # Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market economy, with per capita output equaling that of the UK, France and Italy. Its key economic sector is manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, and engineering industries. Trade is important, with the export of goods representing about 30% of GDP. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export earner, provides a secondary occupation for the rural population. The economy has come back from the recession of 1990-92, which had been caused by economic overheating, depressed foreign markets, and the dismantling of the barter system between Finland and the former Soviet Union under which Soviet oil and gas had been exchanged for Finnish manufactured goods. The Finns voted in an October 1994 referendum to enter the EU, and Finland officially joined the Union on 1 January 1995. Attempts to cut the unacceptably high rate of unemployment and increasing integration with Western Europe will dominate the economic picture over the next few years. # 2.50 20740 106547 7 37 56 0.70 2533000 public services 30.4%, industry 20.9%, commerce 15.0%, finance, insurance, and business services 10.2%, agriculture and forestry 8.6%, transport and communications 7.7%, construction 7.2% # 16.60 25900 35000 metal products, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, copper refining, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing # 7.40 14.14 60500 12373 cereals, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; annual fish catch about 160,000 metric tons # 29700 paper and pulp, machinery, chemicals, metals, timber # EU 46.5% (Germany 13.4%, UK 10.3%), Sweden 11%, US 7.2%, Japan 2.1%, FSU 8.6% (1994) # 23200.00 foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics, fodder grains # EU 44% (Germany 15%, UK 8.3%), Sweden 10.4%, US 7.6%, Japan 6.5%, FSU 10.3 (1994) # 30000 ? # ODA, $355 million (1993) # 1 markka (FMk) or Finmark = 100 pennia # 4.78 calendar year 2500000 cable and microwave radio relay # 1 submarine cable; satellite earth stations - access to Intelsat transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth station, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean Regions); note - Finland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) # 6 105 0 4980000 235 1920000 5895 5,895 km 1.524-m gauge (1,993 km electrified; 480 km double- or more-track) (1995) # # # Center Party [Esko AHO]; Finnish Christian League [Toimi KANKAANNIEMI]; Rural Party [Raimo VISTBACKA]; Liberal People's Party [Tuulikki UKKOLA]; Greens Ecological Party or EPV; Young Finns [Risto PENTTILA] # 77722 48,965 km (including 394 km of expressways) # 28,757 km (1995 est.) # 6675 ? ? 580 Hamina, Helsinki, Kokkola, Kotka, Loviisa, Oulu, Pori, Rauma, Turku, Uusikaupunki, Varkaus # 94 1066918 1091309 bulk 8, cargo 22, chemical tanker 5, oil tanker 12, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 31, short-sea passenger 12, vehicle carrier 1 (1996 est.) # 156 151 3 23 13 21 91 5 ? ? ? 5 ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force, Frontier Guard (includes Sea Guard) # 17 years of age # 1298576 1068503 32985 1900000000 1.60 none # minor transshipment point for Latin American cocaine for the West European market # @France 0 0$Paris$4883$233$9318000$ 1$Lyon$4577$483$1262000$ 1$Marseille$4330$536$1230000$ 1$Lille$5064$305$959000$ 1$Bordeaux$4486$-050$696000$ 1$Toulouse$4362$145$650000$ 1$Nice$4370$723$516000$ 1$Nantes$4720$-156$496000$ 1$Toulon$4315$592$437000$ 1$Grenoble$4519$569$404000$ 1$Strasbourg$4858$775$388000$ 1$Rouen$4944$107$380000$ 1$Valenciennes$5033$357$338000$ 1$Nancy$4869$619$329000$ 1$Lens$5043$283$323000$ 1$Saint-Etienne$4545$440$313000$ 1$Tours$4742$067$282000$ 1$BΘthune$5050$264$261000$ 1$Clermont-Ferrand$4578$308$254000$ 1$Le Havre$4951$011$254000$ 1$Rennes$4812$-168$205000$ 1$Montpellier$4362$387$195000$ 1$Metz$4914$617$193000$ 1$Reims$4925$400$183610$ 1$Brest$4840$-448$172000$ 1$Dijon$4733$500$151000$ 1$Limoges$4583$125$147000$ 1$Amiens$4990$227$135000$ 1$Caen$4917$-037$122794$ 1$Versailles$4880$0213$95240$ 1$Saint-Priest-En-Jarez$4548$438$6500$ 3$Mont Blanc$4586$679$4807$ 3$Monte Cinto$4238$893$2710$ # Celtic Gaul was conquered by Julius Caesar 58-51 BC. Romans ruled for 500 years. Under Charlemagne, Frankish rule extended over much of Europe. France emerged as a kingdom after his death. The French Revolution (1789-93) overthrew the monarchy, establishing the First Republic. Napoleon created the First Empire (1804-15). This was succeeded by a monarchy (1814-48), the Second Republic (1848-52), the Second Empire (1852-70), the Third Republic (1871-1946), the Fourth Republic (1946-58), and the Fifth Republic (1958-present). The new constitution of 1958 extended the powers of the president and at the same time limited those of the parliament. The president is directly elected for a period of seven years and selects the prime-minister and other ministers, who answer to parliament. Parliament consists of two legislative houses: the Senate, whose 304 members are indirectly elected for a term of 9 years by local councils, and the National Assembly, with 491 members, chosen through general election. France has 22 administrative regions, divided into 96 departments. In addition, there are 6 overseas departments: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion, and St. Pierre and Miquelon. All except Mayotte are represented in the French parliament. France also possesses 5 overseas territories: French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Kerguelen Archipelago, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna Islands. These are administered by a General Council and a governor is appointed for each territory. # F Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain # 547030 545630 1400 2892.40 Andorra 60 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km, Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km, Switzerland 573 km # 3427 24 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # 200 ? 12 generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean # mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east # Rhone River delta -2 m Mont Blanc 4,807 m coal, iron ore, bauxite, fish, timber, zinc, potash # 33 2 20 27 18 16300 flooding # some forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes, agricultural runoff # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Desertification # largest West European nation; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral # 58609285 19 5712739 5449139 65 19178683 19126672 16 3687216 5454836 0.35 11.98 9.08 0.63 1.05 1.05 1 0.68 0.95 5.80 78.38 74.44 82.53 1.66 Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women) French Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese, Basque minorities # Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim (North African workers) 1%, unaffiliated 6% # French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish) # age 15 and over can read and write # 99 99 99 French Republic France Republique Francaise France republic Paris 22 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine, Auvergne, Basse-Normandie, Bourgogne, Bretagne, Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Corse, Franche-Comte, Haute-Normandie, Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin, Lorraine, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la Loire, Picardie, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Rhone-Alpes note: metropolitan France is divided into 22 regions (including the "territorial collectivity" of Corse or Corsica) and is subdivided into 96 departments; see separate entries for the overseas departments (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion) and the overseas territorial collectivities (Mayotte, Saint Pierre and Miquelon) # Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, New Caledonia, Tromelin Island, Wallis and Futuna # National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) 28 September 1958, amended concerning election of president in 1962, amended to comply with provisions of EC Maastricht Treaty in 1992; amended to tighten immigration laws 1993 # civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts # 18 years of age; universal # President Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995) Prime Minister Lionel JOSPIN (since 3 June 1997) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the suggestion of the prime minister # president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held 23 April and 7 May 1995 (next to be held by May 2002); prime minister appointed by the president # Jacques CHIRAC elected president; percent of vote, second ballot - Jacques CHIRAC 52.64%, Lionel JOSPIN 47.36% # bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (321 seats - 296 for metropolitan France, 13 for overseas departments and territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; members are indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve nine-year terms; elected by thirds every three years) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (577 seats; members are elected under a single-member majoritarian system to serve five-year terms) # Senate - last held 24 September 1995 (next to be held September 1998); National Assembly - last held 25 May-1 June 1997 (next to be held NA May 2002) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RPR 94, UDF 127, PS 75, PCF 15, other 10; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PS 245, RPR 140, UDF 109, PCF 37, PRS 13, Ecologists 8, MDC 7, LDI-MPF 1, FN 1, various left 9, various right 7 # Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation, judges are appointed by the president from nominations of the High Council of the Judiciary # Rally for the Republic or RPR [Alain JUPPE, president]; Union for French Democracy or UDF (coalition of PR, FD, RAD, PPDF) [Francois LEOTARD]; Republican Party or PR [Francois LEOTARD]; Democratic Force or FD [Francois BAYROU]; Socialist Party or PS [Lionel JOSPIN]; Radical Party or RRRS [Andre ROSSINOT, Aymeri de MONTESQUIEU]; Communist Party or PCF [Robert HUE]; National Front or FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; The Greens [Dominique VOYNET]; Generation Ecology or GE [Brice LALONDE]; Citizens Movement or MDC [Jean Pierre CHEVENEMENT]; National Center of Independents and Peasants or CNIP [Jean-Antoine GIANSILY]; Radical Socialist Party or PRS; Movement for France or LDI-MPF # ? # ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, CCC, CDB (non-regional), CE, CERN, EBRD, ECA (associate), ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, EU, FAO, FZ, G- 5, G- 7, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIH, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red; known as the French Tricouleur (Tricolor); the design and colors are similar to a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Ireland, Cote d'Ivoire, and Luxembourg; the official flag for all French dependent areas # One of the four West European trillion-dollar economies, the French economy features considerable state control over its capitalistic market system. In running important industrial segments (railways, airlines, electricity, telecommunications), administering an exceptionally generous social welfare system, and staffing an enormous bureaucracy, the state spends about 55% of GDP. France has substantial agricultural resources and a diversified modern industrial sector. Large tracts of fertile land, the application of modern technology, and subsidies have combined to make it the leading agricultural producer in Western Europe. Largely self-sufficient in agricultural products, France is a major exporter of wheat and dairy products. The industrial sector generates about one-quarter of GDP, and the growing services sector has become crucial to the economy. Following stagnation and recession in 1991-93, French GDP expanded 2.4% in 1994 and in 1995 but at only 1.3% in 1996. Persistently high unemployment still poses a major problem for the government, as will the need to cut back on government spending to keep the economy internationally competitive and enable France to qualify for European Economic and Monetary Union, slated to introduce a common European currency in January 1999. The government also has laid plans to sell off much of its stake in the telecommunications and defense industries in 1997 as part of its bid to make domestic companies more competitive with foreign rivals. However, the socialist victory at the polls in June 1997 casts doubt on France's future policy toward economic union and privatization of domestic economic activity. # 1.30 26230 1537322 2.40 26.50 71.10 1.70 25500000 services 69%, industry 26%, agriculture 5% (1995) # 12.70 250000 300000 steel, machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics, mining, textiles, food processing, tourism # 0.60 102.94 492700 6278 wheat, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; beef, dairy products; fish catch of 850,000 metric tons ranks among world's top 20 countries and is all used domestically # 275000 machinery and transportation equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, agricultural products, iron and steel products, textiles and clothing # Germany 17%, Italy 9%, UK 9%, Spain 8%, Belgium-Luxembourg 8%, US 6%, Netherlands 4.5%, Japan 2%, Russia 0.7% (1996) # 255500.00 crude oil, machinery and equipment, agricultural products, chemicals, iron and steel products # Germany 17%, Italy 10%, US 8%, Belgium-Luxembourg 8%, UK 8%, Spain 7%, Netherlands 5%, Japan 3%, Russia 1.5% (1996) # 117600 ? # ODA, $7.915 billion (1993) # 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes # 5.42 calendar year 35000000 extensive cable and microwave radio relay; extensive introduction of fiber-optic cable; domestic satellite system # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (with total of 5 antennas - 2 for Indian Ocean and 3 for Atlantic Ocean), NA Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean Region); HF radiotelephone communications with more than 20 countries # 41 800 0 49000000 846 29300000 34123 # 33,524 km 1.435-m gauge; 32,275 km are operated by French National Railways (SNCF); 13,741 km of SNCF routes are electrified and 12,132 km are double- or multiple-tracked # 599 km 1.000-m gauge # # 1512700 812,700 km (including 9,140 km of expressways) # 700,000 km (1995 est.) # 14932 3059 4487 24746 Bordeaux, Boulogne, Cherbourg, Dijon, Dunkerque, La Pallice, Le Havre, Lyon, Marseille, Mullhouse, Nantes, Paris, Rouen, Saint Nazaire, Saint Malo, Strasbourg # 52 1038151 1441498 bulk 5, cargo 3, chemical tanker 4, combination bulk 1, container 7, liquefied gas tanker 3, multi-function large load carrier 1, oil tanker 13, passenger 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 5, short-sea passenger 7, specialized tanker 1 # 460 382 13 26 91 73 179 78 ? ? 3 75 ? 3 Army (includes Marines), Navy (includes Naval Air), Air Force (includes Air Defense, National Gendarmerie # 18 years of age # 14800821 12315337 394362 47700000000 2.50 Madagascar claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island; Comoros claims Mayotte; Mauritius claims Tromelin Island; Seychelles claims Tromelin Island; Suriname claims part of French Guiana; territorial claim in Antarctica (Adelie Land); Saint Pierre and Miquelon is focus of maritime boundary dispute between Canada and France; in 1992 an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone area of 12,348 sq km to settle the dispute; claims Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia # transshipment point for and consumer of South American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin # @French Guiana France 0$Cayenne$493$-5233$55000$ # Original inhabitants included Arawak and Galibi indians. The first Spanish explorers arrived around 1500, followed by the French, who founded the town of Cayenne about 1634. It became a French territory in 1667 following the Peace of Breda. Slaves were imported to work on the sugar plantations. After the abolishment of slavery in 1848, Asian workers were recruited. Guiana sends one senator and one deputy to the French parliament. It is administered by a prefect and has a Council General of 16 elected members. # F Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname # 91000 89150 1850 1183 Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km # 378 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation # low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Bellevue de l'Inini 851 m bauxite, timber, gold (widely scattered), cinnabar, kaolin, fish # 0 0 0 83 17 20 high frequency of heavy showers and severe thunderstorms; flooding # NA # NA # NA # mostly an unsettled wilderness # 156946 32 25267 24146 63 54051 45489 5 4014 3979 3.62 24.19 4.56 16.57 1.05 1.05 1.19 1.01 1.13 14 76.06 72.84 79.45 3.38 French Guianese (singular and plural) French Guianese black or mulatto 66%, white 12%, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian 12%, other 10% # Roman Catholic # French # age 15 and over can read and write # 83 84 82 Department of Guiana French Guiana DΘpartement de la Guyane Guyane overseas department of France Cayenne none (overseas department of France) # ? # National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) # French legal system # 18 years of age; universal # President of France Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995), represented President of the General Council Stephan PHINERA (since NA March 1994) # NA # representative of the French Government appointed by the president of France on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; presidents of the General and Regional Councils are appointed by the members of those councils, who vote on party lines # ? # unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and a unicameral Regional Council or Conseil Regional (31 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) # General Council - last held NA March 1994 (next to be held NA 2000); Regional Council - last held 22 March 1992 (next to be held NA 1998) # General Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PSG 8, FDP 4, RPR 1, other left 2, other right 2, other 2; Regional Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PSG 16, FDG 10, RPR 2, independents 3 note: one seat was elected to the French Senate on 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA September 1998); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FDG 1; 2 seats were elected to the French National Assembly on 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held 25 May-1 June 1997 - special election); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RPR 1, independent (left) 1 # Court of Appeals or Cour d'Appel (highest local court based in Martinique with jurisdiction over Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana) # Guianese Socialist Party or PSG [Leone MICHOTTE]; Socialist Party or PS [Jean BART] (may be a subset of PSG); Nationalist Popular Party of Guyana (Parti Nationaliste Populaire Guiana) or PNPG [Jose DORCY]; Union of Social Democrats (Union des Socialistes Democates) or USD [Leon BERTRAND] (umbrella group of RPR and UDF); Rally for the Republic or RPR [Leon BERTRAND]; Union for French Democracy or UDF [R. CHOW-CHINE]; Guyana Democratic Front or FDG [Georges OTHILY]; Walwari Committee [Christine TAUBIRA-DELANON]; Action Democrate Guiana or ADG [Andre LECANTE]; Forces de Progres or FDP # ? # FZ, WCL, WFTU # the flag of France is used # The economy is tied closely to that of France through subsidies and imports. Besides the French space center at Kourou, fishing and forestry are the most important economic activities, with exports of fish and fish products (mostly shrimp) accounting for more than 60% of total revenue in 1992. The large reserves of tropical hardwoods, not fully exploited, support an expanding sawmill industry that provides sawn logs for export. Cultivation of crops is limited to the coastal area, where the population is largely concentrated. French Guiana is heavily dependent on imports of food and energy. Unemployment is a serious problem, particularly among younger workers. # ? 9000 1413 ? ? ? 2.50 46300 services, government, and commerce 60.6%, industry 21.2%, agriculture 18.2% (1980) # 24.10 180 350 construction, shrimp processing, forestry products, rum, gold mining # ? 0.23 185 ? rice, corn, manioc, cocoa, vegetables, bananas, sugar; cattle, pigs, poultry # 80 shrimp, timber, rum, rosewood essence # France 52%, Spain 15%, US 5% (1992) # 610 food (grains, processed meat), other consumer goods, producer goods, petroleum # France 77%, Germany 11%, US 5% (1992) # 1200 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes # 5.42 calendar year 31000 fair open wire and microwave radio relay system # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 5 7 0 79000 9 22000 ? # # # # 1817 727 km # 1,090 km (1995 est.) # 460 ? ? ? Cayenne, Degrad des Cannes, Saint-Laurent du Maroni # ? ? ? ? # 10 7 1 ? ? 2 4 3 ? ? ? 3 ? ? French Forces, Gendarmerie # ? # 44799 29033 ? ? ? Suriname claims area between Riviere Litani and Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa) # small amount of marijuana grown for local consumption; minor transshipment point to Europe # @French Polynesia France 0$Papeete$-1753$-14957$95000$ # # F Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from South America to Australia # 4167 3660 507 ? ? # 2525 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical, but moderate # mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs # Pacific Ocean 0 m Mount Orohena 2,241 m timber, fish, cobalt # 1 6 5 31 57 ? occasional cyclonic storms in January # NA # NA # NA # includes five archipelagoes; Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru # 233488 34 39958 38492 62 75450 69441 4 5063 5084 1.89 23.27 4.95 0.59 1.05 1.04 1.09 1 1.07 13.70 72.17 69.81 74.65 2.77 French Polynesian(s) French Polynesian Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4% # Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 16% # French (official), Tahitian (official) # age 14 and over can read and write, but definition of literacy not available # 98 98 98 Territory of French Polynesia French Polynesia Territoire de la Polynesie Francaise Polynesie Francaise overseas territory of France since 1946 Papeete none (overseas territory of France); but there are 5 archipelagic divisions named Archipel des Marquises, Archipel des Tuamotu, Archipel des Tubuai, Iles du Vent, and Iles Sous-le-Vent note: Clipperton Island is administered by France from French Polynesia # ? # National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) # based on French system # 18 years of age; universal # President of France Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995), represented President of the Territorial Government of French Polynesia Gaston FLOSSE (since 4 April 1991); President of the Territorial Assembly Tinomana EBB (since NA) # Council of Ministers; president submits a list of members of the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve as ministers # high commissioner appointed by the president of France on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Government and the president of the Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the assembly # ? # unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (41 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 12 May 1996 (next to be held NA March 2001) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - People's Rally for the Republic (Gaullist) 22, Polynesian Liberation Front 10, New Fatherland Party 5, other 4 note : one seat was elected to the French Senate on 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA September 1998); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; two seats were elected to the French National Assembly on 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held 25 May-1 June 1997 - special election); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - People's Rally for the Republic (Gaullist) 2 # Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court of the First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Administrative Law or Tribunal Administratif # People's Rally for the Republic (Tahoeraa Huiraatira) [Gaston FLOSSE]; Polynesian Union Party (includes Te Tiarama and Here Ai'a Party) [Jean JUVENTIN]; Polynesian Liberation Front (Tavini Huiraatira) [Oscar TEMARU]; New Fatherland Party (Ai'a Api) [Emile VERNAUDON]; Independent Party (Ia Mana Te Nunaa) [Jacques DROLLET]; Te Aratia Ote Nunaa [Tinomana EBB]; Haere i Mua [Alexandre LEONTIEFF]; other small parties # ? # ESCAP (associate), FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WMO # two narrow red horizontal bands encase a wide white band; centered on the white band is a disk with blue and white wave pattern on the lower half and gold and white ray pattern on the upper half; a stylized red, blue and white ship rides on the wave pattern; the French flag is used for official occasions # Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence economy to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the tourist industry. Tourism accounts for about 20% of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. The territory will continue to benefit from a five-year (1994-98) development agreement with France aimed principally at creating new jobs. # ? 7600 1775 4 18 78 1.50 118744 agriculture 13%, industry 19%, services 68% (1992 est.) # 15 713 1360 tourism, pearls, agricultural processing, handicrafts # ? ? 320 1409 coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits; poultry, beef, dairy products # 245 cultured pearls 53.8%, coconut products, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, shark meat (1992) # France 33%, US 8.5% (1994) # 967 fuels, foodstuffs, equipment # France 44.7%, US 13.9% (1994) # ? ODA, $NA # ? # 1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes # 98.48 calendar year 33200 NA # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) # 5 2 0 116000 6 35000 ? # # # # 792 792 km (1995 est.) # ? # ? ? ? ? Mataura, Papeete, Rikitea, Uturoa # 4 32127 53710 chemical tanker 1, passenger-cargo 2, refrigerated cargo 1 (1996 est.) # 41 35 2 ? 5 13 15 6 ? ? ? 6 ? ? French Forces (includes Army, Navy, Air Force), Gendarmerie # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @French Southern and Antarctic Lands 0 # # South of Africa, islands in the southern Indian Ocean, about equidistant between Africa, Antarctica, and Australia; note - French Southern and Antarctic Lands includes Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet, and Iles Kerguelen in the southern Indian Ocean, along with the French-claimed sector of Antarctica, "Adelie Land"; the US does not recognize the French claim to "Adelie Land" # 7781 7781 0 ? ? # 1232 ? ? # 200 ? 12 antarctic # volcanic # Indian Ocean 0 m Mont Ross on Kerguelen 1,850 m fish, crayfish # 0 0 0 0 100 0 Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are extinct volcanoes # NA # NA # NA # remote location in the southern Indian Ocean # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands French Southern and Antarctic Lands Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises overseas territory of France since 1955; administered by a high commissioner none; administered from Paris, France none (overseas territory of France), but there are 3 districts named Ile Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, and Iles Saint-Paul et Amsterdam; plus "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of France is used # Economic activity is limited to servicing meteorological and geophysical research stations and French and other fishing fleets. The fish catches landed on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and Reunion. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 73 ? # ? 24.50 ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? NA # NA # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? bulk 4, cargo 7, chemical tanker 7, container 11, liquefied gas tanker 5, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 22, refrigerated cargo 4, roll-on/roll-off cargo 11, specialized tanker 1 # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica is not recognized by the US # ? # @Gabon 0 0$Libreville$050$942$300000$ # Little is known of the ancient history or inhabitants of Gabon. The first European to sight the Gabonese coast was probably the Portuguese captain, Lopo Gonτalves, in 1470. Intensive slave trading decimated the indigenous population. In the second half of the 19th century, France established control over the region and Gabon became successively a French colony, part of French Congo, and a separate colony within French Equatorial Africa. Gabon became independent on 17 August 1960. It has been a single-party state since March 1968. Government development programs, foreign investment, and abundant natural resources have made Gabon one of the most prosperous African nations. Executive power lies with the president, chosen by general election for a 7-year term. The National Assembly has 84 elected and 9 nominated members, all belonging to the Parti DΘmocratique Gabonais (PDG). Gabon is divided into 9 provinces, consisting of 37 prefectures. A governor, nominated by the president, is head of each province. # G Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea # 267670 257670 10000 2551 Cameroon 298 km, Republic of the Congo 1,903 km, Equatorial Guinea 350 km # 885 24 ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; always hot, humid # narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mont Iboundji 1,575 m petroleum, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore # 1 1 18 77 3 40 NA # deforestation; poaching # Desertification, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea # ? # 1190159 34 199730 199369 61 368086 359086 5 31475 32413 1.47 28.11 13.39 0 1.03 1 1.02 0.97 1.01 87.80 56.05 53.13 50.06 3.85 Gabonese (singular and plural) Gabonese Bantu tribes including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Eshira, Bapounou, Bateke), other Africans and Europeans 154,000, including 6,000 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality # Christian 55%-75%, Muslim less than 1%, animist # French (official), Fang, Myene, Bateke, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi # age 15 and over can read and write # 63.20 73.70 53.30 Gabonese Republic Gabon Republique Gabonaise Gabon republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized Libreville 9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie, Nyanga, Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem # ? # Independence Day, 17 August (1960) (Gabon granted full independence adopted 14 March 1991 # based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; compulsory ICJ jurisdiction not accepted # 21 years of age; universal # President El Hadj Omar BONGO (since 2 December 1967) Prime Minister Paulin OBAME Nguema (since 9 December 1994) # Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 5 December 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); prime minister appointed by the president # President Omar BONGO reelected; percent of vote - Omar BONGO 51% # bicameral legislature consists of a Senate (91 seats) and a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (120 seats); members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms # National Assembly - last held in December 1996 (next to be held in December 2001); Senate - last held 12 January 1997 (next to be held in January 2002) # National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDG 100, Morena-Bucherons/RNB 8, PUP 3, CLR 3, FAR 1, UPG 1, USG 2, PGP 2; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDG 51, RNB 17, PGP 4, ADERA 3, RDP 1, others 15 note: the provision of the constitution for the establishment of a senate was implemented in the 12 January 1997 elections # Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consisting of three chambers - Judicial, Administrative, and Accounts; Constitutional Court; Courts of Appeal (2); Court of State Security; County Courts # Action Forum for Renewal or FAR [Leon MBOU-YEMBI, secretary general]; Circle of Liberal Reformers or CLR [General Jean Boniface ASSELE]; Gabonese Democratic Party or PDG, former sole party [Simplice Guedet MANZELA, secretary general]; Gabonese Party for Progress or PGP [Pierre-Louis AGONDJO-OKAWE, president]; Gabonese People's Union or UPG [Pierre MAMBOUNDOU]; Gabonese Socialist Union or USG [Dr. Serge Mba BEKALE]; National Recovery Movement - Lumberjacks or Morena-Bucherons/RNB [Fr. Paul M'BA-ABESSOLE]; People's Unity Party or PUP [Louis Gaston MAYILA]; ADERA # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue # Notwithstanding its serious ongoing economic problems, Gabon enjoys a per capita income three times that of most nations of sub-Saharan Africa. Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for 50% of GDP. Real GDP growth has been feeble since 1991 and Gabon continues to face fluctuating prices for its oil, timber, manganese, and uranium exports. Despite an abundance of natural wealth and a manageable rate of population growth, the economy is hobbled by poor fiscal management. In 1992, the fiscal deficit widened to 2.4% of GDP, and Gabon failed to settle arrears on its bilateral debt, leading to a cancellation of rescheduling agreements with official and private creditors. Devaluation of its Francophone currency by 50% on 12 January 1994 sparked a one-time inflationary surge, to 35%; the rate dropped to 6% in 1996. The IMF provided a one-year standby arrangement in 1994-95 and a three-year Enhanced Financing Facility (EFF) at near commercial rates beginning in late 1995. Those agreements mandate progress in privatization and fiscal discipline. France provided additional financial support in January 1997 after Gabon had met IMF targets for mid-1996. # 2.60 3980 4737 8.20 44.70 47.10 6.20 ? agriculture 65%, industry and commerce, services # 10 1300 1600.00 food and beverage; textile; lumbering and plywood; cement; petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, uranium, and gold mining; chemicals; ship repair # ? 0.30 930 744 cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil; rubber; okoume (a tropical softwood); cattle; small fishing operations (provide a catch of about 30,000 metric tons) # 2700 crude oil 78%, timber 14%, manganese 4%, uranium # US 59%, France 12%, Japan 4%, China 5%, Spain, Germany # 700 machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, petroleum products, construction materials # France 39%, Cote d'Ivoire 13%, US 6%, Netherlands 5%, Japan # 3900 ? # ? # 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes # 541.69 calendar year 22000 adequate system of cable, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, radiotelephone communication stations, and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations # satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 6 6 0 250000 3 40000 649 # 649 km 1.435-m gauge; single track (1994) # # # 7633 626 km (including 23 km of expressways) # 7,007 km (1995 est.) # 1600 270 14 ? Cape Lopez, Kango, Lambarene, Libreville, Mayumba, Owendo, Port-Gentil # 3 37003 60663 ? # 54 31 1 1 7 1 21 23 ? ? 10 13 ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force, Republican Guard (charged with protecting the president and other senior officials), National Gendarmerie, National Police # 20 years of age # 275520 140777 11293 154000000 2.40 maritime boundary dispute with Equatorial Guinea because of disputed sovereignty over islands in Corisco Bay # ? # @Gambia 0 0$Banjul$1347$-1667$50000$ # The tribes of Gambia were once part of the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to visit in 1455. Gambia became a British colony in 1888, though much power was allowed to remain in the hands of tribal chiefs. The first political parties appeared in the 1950's, with a reduction of the power of the chiefs in favour of the ordinary citizen as a major objective. Gambia became independent on 18 February 1965. Republic status within the Commonwealth was achieved in April 1970. It remains one of the few functioning democracies in Africa. A treaty with Senegal, dating from February 1982, foresees a confederation of the two countries under the name of Senegambia, each country retaining its sovereignty. Executive power lies with the president, who nominates his vice-president and ministers. He is elected for a five-year term. Elections take place simultaneously for 35 of the 49 seats of the House of representatives. 5 seats are reserved for tribal chiefs, 8 for nominated members and one for the attorney-general. Gambia is divided into 35 districts, each led by a chief. These form part of 6 regional councils, made up of the chiefs and elected members. # WAG Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal # 11300 10000 1300 740 Senegal 740 km # 80 18 not specified # ? 200 12 tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May) # flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills # Atlantic Ocean 0 m unnamed location 53 m fish # 18 0 9 28 45 150 rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years # deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa # 1248085 46 286422 285379 51 318699 324264 3 17723 15598 3.48 43.86 13.29 4.23 1.03 1 0.98 1.14 1 78.80 53.43 51.16 55.76 5.98 Gambian(s) Gambian African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-Gambian 1% # Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, indigenous beliefs 1% # English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars # age 15 and over can read and write # 38.60 52.80 24.90 Republic of The Gambia The Gambia ? ? republic under multiparty democratic rule Banjul 5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Lower River, MacCarthy Island, North Bank, Upper River, Western # ? # Independence Day, 18 February (1965) 24 April 1970; suspended July 1994; rewritten and published in March 1996; approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; rewritten and reestablished in January 1997 # based on a composite of English common law, Koranic law, and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal # President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 12 October 1996); Vice President President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); Vice President Isaton Njie SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet is appointed by the president # the president is elected by popular vote to a five-year term; the number of terms is not restricted; election last held 26 September 1996 (next to be held NA 2001) # percent of vote - President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 55.5%, Ousinou DARBOE 35.8% # unicameral National Assembly; 49 seats (45 elected, 4 appointed by the president) # last popular election held 2 January 1997 (next to be held NA) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APRC 33, UDP 7, NRP 2, PDOIS 1, independents 2 # Supreme Court # Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC [Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH]; National Reconciliation Party or NRP [Hamat N. K. BAH]; People's Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism or PDOIS [Sidia JATTA]; United Democratic Party or UDP [Ousainou DARBOE]; note - in August 1996 the government banned the following from participation in the elections of 1996: People's Progressive Party or PPP [former President Dawda K. JAWARA (in exile)], and two opposition parties - the National Convention Party or NCP [former vice president Sheriff DIBBA (in exile)] and the Gambian People's Party or GPP [Hassan Musa CAMARA] # ? # ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green # The Gambia has no important mineral or other natural resources and has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. Reexport trade normally constitutes a major segment of economic activity, but the 50% devaluation of the CFA franc in January 1994 made Senegalese goods more competitive and hurt the reexport trade. The Gambia has benefited from a rebound in tourism in 1996 after its decline in response to the military's takeover in July 1994. Short-run economic progress remains highly dependent on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid and on government willingness to reduce intervention in market processes. # 2 350 437 27 15 58 7 400000 agriculture 75.0%, industry, commerce, and services 18.9%, government 6.1% # ? 88.60 98.20 processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism; beverages; agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking; clothing # ? 0.03 65 74 peanuts, millet, sorghum, rice, corn, cassava (tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats; forest and fishing resources not fully exploited # 127 peanuts and peanut products 70%, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels # Japan, Senegal, Hong Kong, France, Switzerland, UK, Indonesia # 201 foodstuffs, manufactures, raw materials, fuel, machinery and transport equipment # China, Cote d'Ivoire, France, UK, Germany # 419 bilateral $36.1 million; multilateral $34.7 million (1994) # ? # 1 dalasi (D) = 100 butut # 9.88 1 July - 30 June 11000 adequate network of microwave radio relay and open wire # microwave radio relay links to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 3 2 0 180000 ? ? ? # # # # 2640 932 km # 1,708 km (1995 est.) # 400 ? ? ? Banjul # ? ? ? ? # 1 1 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Army, Navy, National Police # ? # 276923 139531 ? 14000000 3.80 short section of boundary with Senegal is indefinite # ? # @Georgia 0 0$Tbilissi$4172$4481$1500000$ # Beset by ethnic and civil strife since independence in 1991, Georgia began to stabilize in 1994. Separatist conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have been dormant since spring 1994, although political settlements remain elusive. Russian peacekeepers are deployed in both regions and a UN Observer Mission is operating in Abkhazia. As a result of these conflicts, Georgia still has about 250,000 internally displaced people. In 1995, Georgia adopted a new constitution and conducted generally free and fair nationwide presidential and parliamentary elections. In 1996, the government focused its attention to implementing an ambitious economic reform program and professionalizing its parliament. Violence and organized crime were sharply curtailed in 1995 and 1996, but corruption remains rife. # SAK Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia # 69700 69700 0 1461 Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km, Turkey 252 km # 310 ? ? # ? ? ? warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast # largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhida Lowland opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood plains, foothills of Kolkhida Lowland # Black Sea 0 m Mt'a Mqinvartsveri (Gora Kazbek) 5,048 m forests, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper, minor coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for important tea and citrus growth # 9 4 25 34 28 4000 NA # air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi; heavy pollution of Mtkvari River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil pollution from toxic chemicals # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution # Desertification # ? # 5160042 22 581370 558390 66 1640361 1766319 12 231698 381904 -1.09 11.82 13.88 -8.83 1.05 1.04 0.93 0.61 0.91 50.10 64.96 61.59 68.49 1.56 Georgian(s) Georgian Georgian 70.1%, Armenian 8.1%, Russian 6.3%, Azeri 5.7%, Ossetian 3%, Abkhaz 1.8%, other 5% # Christian Orthodox 75% (Georgian Orthodox 65%, Russian Orthodox 10%), Muslim 11%, Armenian Apostolic 8%, unknown 6% # Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, other 7% # age 15 and over can read and write # 99 100 98 none Georgia none Sak'art'velo republic T'bilisi 53 rayons (raionebi, singular - raioni), 9 cities* (k'alak'ebi, singular - k'alak'i), and 2 autonomous republics** (avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom respublika); Abashis, Abkhazia (Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri Respublika)** (Sokhumi), Adigenis, Ajaria (Acharis Avtonomiuri Respublika)** (Bat'umi), Akhalgoris, Akhalk'alak'is, Akhalts'ikhis, Akhmetis, Ambrolauris, Aspindzis, Baghdat'is, Bolnisis, Borjomis, Chiat'ura*, Ch'khorotsqus, Ch'okhatauris, Dedop'listsqaros, Dmanisis, Dushet'is, Gardabanis, Gori*, Goris, Gurjaanis, Javis, K'arelis, Kaspis, Kharagaulis, Khashuris, Khobis, Khonis, K'ut'aisi*, Lagodekhis, Lanch'khut'is, Lentekhis, Marneulis, Martvilis, Mestiis, Mts'khet'is, Ninotsmindis, Onis, Ozurget'is, P'ot'i*, Qazbegis, Qvarlis, Rust'avi*, Sach'kheris, Sagarejos, Samtrediis, Senakis, Sighnaghis, T'bilisi*, T'elavis, T'erjolis, T'et'ritsqaros, T'ianet'is, Tqibuli*, Ts'ageris, Tsalenjikhis, Tsalkis, Tsqaltubo*, Vanis, Zestap'onis, Zugdidi*, Zugdidis note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) # ? # Independence Day, 26 May (1991) adopted 17 October 1995 # based on civil law system # 18 years of age; universal # President Eduard Amvrosiyevich SHEVARDNADZE (previously elected chairman President Eduard Amvrosiyevich SHEVARDNADZE (previously elected chairman of the Government Council 10 March 1992, Council has since been disbanded; previously elected chairman of Parliament 11 October 1992; elected president 5 November 1995); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet of Ministers # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 5 November 1995 (next to be held NA April 2001) # Eduard SHEVARDNADZE elected president; percent of vote - Eduard SHEVARDNADZE 74% # unicameral Supreme Council or Umaghiesi Sabcho (235 seats; members are elected to serve five-year terms) # last held 5 November 1995 (next to be held NA November 2000) # percent of vote by party - CUG 24%, NDP 8%, All Georgia Revival Union 7%, all other parties received less than 5% each; seats by party - NA # Supreme Court # Citizens Union of Georgia or CUG [Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, Zurab ZHVANIA, general secretary]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Irina SARISHVILI-CHANTARIA]; United Republican Party, umbrella organization for parties including the GPF and the Charter 1991 Party [Notar NATADZE, chairman]; Georgian Popular Front or GPF [Nodar NATADZE, chairman]; Charter 1991 Party [Tedo PAATASHVILI]; Georgian Social Democratic Party or GSDP [Guram MUCHAIDZE, secretary general]; All Georgia Union for Revival [Alsan ABASHIDZE]; Christian Democratic Union or CDU [Irakli SHENGELAYA]; Democratic Georgia Union or DGU [Avtandil MARGIANI]; National Independence Party or NIP [Irakliy TSERETELI, chairman]; Georgian Monarchists' Party or GMP [Temur ZHORZHOLIANI]; Greens Party; Agrarian Party of Georgia or APG [Roin LIPARTELIANI]; United Communist Party of Georgia or UCP [Panteleimon GIORGADZE, chairman] # ? # BSEC, CCC, CE (guest), CIS, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NACC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # maroon field with small rectangle in upper hoist side corner; rectangle divided horizontally with black on top, white below # Georgia's economy has traditionally revolved around Black Sea tourism; cultivation of citrus fruits, tea, and grapes; mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small industrial sector producing wine, metals, machinery, chemicals, and textiles. The country imports the bulk of its energy needs, including natural gas and oil products. Its only sizable internal energy resource is hydropower. Despite the severe damage the economy has suffered due to civil strife, Georgia, with the help of the IMF and World Bank, has made substantial economic gains in 1995-96, pushing GDP growth and slashing inflation. Georgia had been suffering from acute energy shortages, although energy deliveries improved in 1996. Georgia is pinning its hopes for long-term recovery on the development of an international transportation corridor through the key Black Sea ports of P'ot'i and Bat'umi. The decision in 1996 to construct an early Caspian oil pipeline through Georgia underscores the viability of such a corridor and may spur greater western investment in the economy. A growing trade deficit and political uncertainties cloud the short-term economic picture. # 11 850 4386 70.40 10.20 19.40 13.30 2200000 industry and construction 31%, agriculture and forestry 25%, other 44% (1990) # 21 ? ? steel, aircraft, machine tools, foundry equipment, electric locomotives, tower cranes, electric welding equipment, machinery for food preparation and meat packing, electric motors, process control equipment, trucks, tractors, textiles, shoes, chemicals, wood products, wine # 7.70 4.56 7100 1095 citrus, grapes, tea, vegetables, potatoes; small livestock sector # 356 citrus fruits, tea, wine, other agricultural products; diverse types of machinery; ferrous and nonferrous metals; textiles; chemicals; fuel re-exports # Russia, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria (1996) # 647 fuel, grain and other foods, machinery and parts, transport equipment # Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan (1996); note - EU and US send humanitarian food shipments # 1600.00 ODA, $28 million (1993) # ? # lari introduced September 1995 replacing the coupon # 1 calendar year 672000 NA # landline to CIS members and Turkey; satellite earth station - 1 Eutelsat; leased connections with other countries via the Moscow international gateway switch; international electronic mail and telex service available # ? ? ? ? 3 ? 1583 1,583 km 1.520-m gauge (1993) # # # # 21000 NA km # NA km # ? 370 ? 440 Bat'umi, P'ot'i, Sokhumi # 15 183202 292021 bulk 4, cargo 3, oil tanker 8 (1996 est.) # 28 14 1 7 4 1 1 14 1 1 1 5 6 ? Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Forces, National Guard, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops) # 18 years of age # 1288694 1020609 40799 ? ? none # limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for domestic consumption; used as transshipment point for opiates to Western Europe # @Germany 0 0$Berlin$5253$1340$3410000$ 1$Hamburg$5353$998$1626000$ 1$Mⁿnchen$4815$1158$1207000$ 1$K÷ln$5093$697$946000$ 1$Frankfurt$5011$866$635000$ 1$Essen$5147$698$624000$ 1$Dortmund$5153$747$594000$ 1$Dⁿsseldorf$5125$677$570000$ 1$Stuttgart$4877$917$571000$ 1$Bremen$5307$878$544000$ 1$Duisburg$5144$669$532000$ 1$Leipzig$5133$1233$530000$ 1$Hannover$5239$972$506000$ 1$Dresden$5103$1375$501000$ 1$Nⁿrnberg$4943$1108$486000$ 1$Bochum$5147$719$393000$ 1$Wⁿppertal$5125$715$378000$ 1$Bielefeld$5203$852$315000$ 1$Mannheim$4947$848$306000$ 1$Chemnitz$5083$1292$302000$ 1$Magdeburg$5215$1161$290000$ 1$Bonn$5072$710$283000$ 1$Gelsenkirchen$5150$708$288000$ 1$Karlsruhe$4905$839$267000$ 1$Rostock$5410$1215$254000$ 1$Wiesbaden$5011$828$254000$ 1$Brunswick$5228$1047$254000$ 1$Kiel$5433$1014$241000$ 1$Aachen$5078$607$234000$ # The German Empire was founded in 1871. The Weimarer Republic, set up after the First World War (1914-1918), lasted from 1919 until 1933. The National-Socialists under the leadership of Adolf Hitler then came to power, creating the Third Reich and unchaining the Second World War (1939-1945). The Federal Republic of Germany, also called West Germany, was formed in 1949 from the American, British, and French occupied zones of the former Third Reich. The German Democratic Republic, or East Germany, was formed from that part of the Third Reich occupied by Soviet Russia. The dismantling of the Berlin Wall at the end of 1989 inaugurated a period of rapid reconciliation between the two Germanies, which were reunited as the Federal Republic on 3 October 1990. The Federal Republic is divided into 12 states (LΣnder) and 3 city-states. Parliament consists of two legislative houses, the 656-seat Bundestag or Federal Diet, and the 45-seat Bundesrat or Federal Council, representing the states. The head of state, the President, is elected jointly by the two houses for a period of 5 years. The first all-German elections since 1935 were held in December 1990. # D Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark # 356910 349520 7390 3621 Austria 784 km, Belgium 167 km, Czech Republic 646 km, Denmark 68 km, France 451 km, Luxembourg 138 km, Netherlands 577 km, Poland 456 km, Switzerland 334 km # 2389 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # 200 ? 12 temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm, tropical foehn wind; high relative humidity # lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south # Freepsum Lake -2 m Zugspitze 2,962 m iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper, natural gas, salt, nickel # 33 1 15 31 20 4750 NA # emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries and lead emissions from vehicle exhausts (the result of continued use of leaded fuels) contribute to air pollution; acid rain, resulting from sulfur dioxide emissions, is damaging forests; heavy pollution in the Baltic Sea from raw sewage and industrial effluents from rivers in eastern Germany; hazardous waste disposal # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94 # strategic location on North European Plain and along the entrance to the Baltic Sea # 82071765 16 6652245 6315479 68 28649361 27498980 16 4772547 8183153 0 8.98 10.82 1.87 1.06 1.05 1.04 0.58 0.95 5.30 76.81 73.64 80.16 1.24 German(s) German German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, Italians 0.7%, Greeks 0.4%, Poles 0.4%, other 4.6% (made up largely of people fleeing the war in the former Yugoslavia) # Protestant 38%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 1.7%, unaffiliated or other 26.3% # German # age 15 and over can read and write # 99 ? ? Federal Republic of Germany Germany Bundesrepublik Deutschland Deutschland federal republic Berlin 16 states (laender, singular - land); Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bayern, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thueringen # ? # German Unity Day (Day of Unity), 3 October (1990) 23 May 1949, known as Basic Law; became constitution of the united German people 3 October 1990 # civil law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Roman HERZOG (since 1 July 1994) Chancellor Dr. Helmut KOHL (since 4 October 1982) # Cabinet appointed by the president upon the proposal of the chancellor # president elected by the Federal Convention including members of the Federal Assembly and an equal number of members elected by the Land Parliaments for a five-year term; election last held 23 May 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); chancellor elected by an absolute majority of the Federal Assembly for a four-year term; election last held 16 October 1994 (next to be held NA 1998) # Roman HERZOG elected president; percent of Federal Convention vote - NA; Dr. Helmut KOHL reelected chancellor; percent of Federal Assembly - NA # bicameral chamber (no official name for the two chambers as a whole) consists of the Federal Assembly or Bundestag (656 seats usually, but 672 for the 1994 term; elected by direct popular vote under a system combining direct and proportional representation; a party must win 5% of the national vote or three direct mandates to gain representation; members serve four-year terms) and the Federal Council or Bundesrat (68 votes; state governments are directly represented by votes; each has 3 to 6 votes depending on population and are required to vote as a block) # Federal Assembly - last held 16 October 1994 (next to be held by NA 1998); Federal Council - last held NA ( next to be held NA) # Federal Assembly - percent of vote by party - CDU 34.2%, SPD 36.4%, Alliance 90/Greens 7.3%, CSU 7.3%, FDP 6.9%, PDS 4.4%, Republicans 1.9%; seats by party - CDU 244, SPD 252, Alliance 90/Greens 49, CSU 50, FDP 47, PDS 30; Federal Council - current composition - votes by party - SPD-led states 41, CDU-led states 27 # Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht, half the judges are elected by the Bundestag and half by the Bundesrat # Christian Democratic Union or CDU [Helmut KOHL, chairman]; Christian Social Union or CSU [Theo WAIGEL, chairman]; Free Democratic Party or FDP [Wolfgang GERHARDT, chairman]; Social Democratic Party or SPD [Oskar LAFONTAINE, chairman]; Alliance '90/Greens [Gunda ROESTEL, Juergen TRITTIN, cochairpersons]; Party of Democratic Socialism or PDS [Lothar BISKY, chairman]; Republikaner [Rolf SCHLIERER, chairman]; National Democratic Party or NPD [Ellen-Doris SCHERER]; Communist Party or DKP [Rolf PRIEMER and Heinz STEHR, cochairpersons] # ? # AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CDB (non-regional), CE, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 5, G- 7, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNOMIG, UPU, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold # Germany, the world's third-most powerful economy, is gearing up for the European Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. One key economic priority is meeting the Maastricht criteria for entry into EMU, a goal complicated by record unemployment and stagnating growth. The government has implemented an austerity budget in its attempt to get the deficit down to 3% of GDP as required by Maastricht, but further cuts probably will be necessary and there is little consensus among the parties or elites about next steps toward that end. In recent years business and political leaders have become increasingly concerned about Germany's apparent decline in attractiveness as a business location. They cite the increasing preference of German companies to locate new manufacturing facilities - long the strength of the postwar economy - in foreign countries, including the US, rather than in Germany, so they can be closer to their markets and avoid Germany's high taxes and labor costs. At the same time, Germany faces its own unique problem of bringing its eastern area up to scratch after 45 years of communist rule. Despite substantial progress toward economic integration, the eastern states will continue to rely on the annual subsidy of approximately $100 billion from the western part into the next century. Assistance from the west helped the east to average nearly 8% annual economic growth in 1992-95, even though the overall German economy had averaged less than 2% growth; growth in the east, however, tumbled to 2% in 1996, with unemployment a particularly severe problem. # 1.40 28910 2372695 1.10 34.50 64.40 1.50 38700000 industry 41%, agriculture 3%, services 56% (1995) # 10.80 755000 832100 western: among world's largest and technologically advanced producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, # 1.30 109.73 529100 5727 western: potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbage; cattle, # 501300 manufactures 88.2% (including machines and machine tools, chemicals, motor vehicles, iron and steel products), agricultural products 5.0%, raw materials 2.3%, fuels 1.0%, other 3.5% (1995) # EU 57.7% (France 11.7%, UK 8.1%, Italy 7.6%, Netherlands 7.5%, Belgium-Luxembourg 6.5%, Austria 5.5%), Eastern Europe 8.0%, other West European countries 7.5%, US 7.3%, NICs 5.6%, Japan 2.5%, OPEC 2.2%, China 1.4% (1996 est. for first 10 months) # 430700 manufactures 74.2%, agricultural products 9.9%, fuels 6.4%, raw materials 5.9%, other 3.6% (1995) # EU 55.5% (France 10.8%, Netherlands 8.6%, Italy 8.4%, Belgium-Luxembourg 6.6%, UK 6.4%, Austria 3.9%), Eastern Europe 8.7%, other West European countries 7.2%, US 6.8%, Japan 5.3%, NICs 5.3%, China 2.4%, OPEC 1.7%, other 7.1% (1995) # ? ? # ODA, $9 billion (1996 est.) # 1 deutsche mark (DM) = 100 pfennige # 1.60 calendar year 44000000 the region which was formerly West Germany is served by an extensive system of automatic telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available and includes roaming service to many foreign countries; since the reunification of Germany, the telephone system of the eastern region has been upgraded and enjoys many of the advantages of the national system # satellite earth stations - 14 Intelsat (12 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), 2 Intersputnik (1 Atlantic Ocean region and 1 Indian Ocean region); 6 submarine cable connections; 2 HF radiotelephone communication centers; tropospheric scatter links # 80 470 0 70000000 246 44800000 43966 # 43,531 km 1.435-m; 40,355 km are owned by Deutsche Bahn AG (DB); 17,015 km of the DB system are electrified and 16,941 km are double- or more-tracked # 389 km 1.000-m gauge (DB operates 146 km of 1.000-m gauge); 7 km 0.900-m gauge; 39 km 0.750-m gauge # # 639800 504,800 km (including 11,013 km of expressways) # 135,000 km all-weather, graveled (1993 est.) # 0 3644 3946 97564 Berlin, Bonn, Brake, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Cologne, Dresden, Duisburg, Emden, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Kiel, Lubeck, Magdeburg, Mannheim, Rostock, Stuttgart # 450 5402437 6649382 cargo 184, chemical tanker 15, combination bulk 3, combination ore/oil 1, container 195, liquefied gas tanker 8, multifunction large-load carrier 6, oil tanker 12, passenger 4, railcar carrier 2, refrigerated cargo 4, roll-on/roll-off cargo 8, short-sea passenger 8 (1996 est.) # 613 544 13 63 69 51 348 69 2 5 7 55 ? 65 Army, Navy (includes Naval Air Arm), Air Force, Medical Corps, Border Police, Coast Guard # 18 years of age # 20918653 17939494 450147 42800000000 1.50 none # source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for and consumer of Southwest Asian heroin and hashish, Latin American cocaine, and European-produced synthetic drugs # @Ghana 0 0$Accra$558$-010$1500000$ 1$Kumasi$675$-158$500000$ # Having found gold here in 1471, the Portuguese named this part of Africa the Gold Coast. The name Ghana is that of an African empire along the Niger River, far to the north-west of present-day Ghana, between 400 and 1240 AD. After having been under British rule for 113 years, Ghana gained independence and adopted its new name on March 6 1957. In 1960 it attained republic status within the Commonwealth. Independent Ghana became a symbol of freedom for black Africa. In the 1960's and 70's, however, a series of repressive civil and military governments led to economic stagnation. Since the coup of 1981, executive and legislative powers lie with the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), which rules by decree. There are 10 regions in Ghana, divided into 64 smaller administrative units. # GH Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo # 238540 230020 8520 2093 Burkina Faso 548 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo 877 km # 539 24 200 nm # 200 ? 12 tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north # mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Afadjato 880 m gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber # 12 7 22 35 24 60 dry, dusty, harmattan winds occur from January to March; droughts # recent drought in north severely affecting agricultural activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling # Desertification, Marine Life Conservation # Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake; northeasterly harmattan wind (January to March) # 18100703 43 3928741 3891591 54 4775610 4939664 3 268579 296518 2.21 33.88 10.89 -0.92 1.03 1.01 0.97 0.91 0.98 78.90 56.49 54.47 58.57 4.43 Ghanaian(s) Ghanaian black African 99.8% (major tribes - Akan 44%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga 8%), European and other 0.2% # indigenous beliefs 38%, Muslim 30%, Christian 24%, other 8% # English (official), African languages (including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga) # age 15 and over can read and write # 64.50 75.90 53.50 Republic of Ghana Ghana ? ? constitutional democracy Accra 10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western # ? # Independence Day, 6 March (1957) new constitution approved 28 April 1992 # based on English common law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Jerry John RAWLINGS (since 3 November 1992); note - the president President Jerry John RAWLINGS (since 3 November 1992); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Council of Ministers; president nominates members subject to approval by the Parliament # president and vice president elected by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 7 December 1996 (next to be held NA 2000) # Jerry John RAWLINGS elected president; percent of vote - Rawlings 58.8% # unicameral Parliament (200 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 7 December 1996 (next to be held NA December 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDC 126, NPP 65, PCP 5, PNC 1, to be determined 3 # Supreme Court # National Democratic Congress or NDC [Dr. Huudu YAHAYA]; New Patriotic Party or NPP [Peter Ala ADJETY]; People's Heritage Party or PHP [Alex ERSKINE]; National Convention Party or NCP [Sarpong Kuman Kuman]; Every Ghanian Living Everywhere or EGLE [Ashang OKINE]; Peoples Convention Party or PCP [P. K. DONKOS-AYIFL, acting chairman]; Peoples National Convention or PNC [Edward MAHAMA] # ? # ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMOP, UNPREDEP, UNTAES, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band # Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana has twice the per capita output of the poorer countries in West Africa. Even so, Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and technical assistance. Ghana has made steady progress in liberalizing its economy since 1983. Overall growth continued at a rate of approximately 5% in 1995 and 1996, due largely to increased gold, timber, and cocoa production - major sources of foreign exchange. The economy, however, continues to revolve around subsistence agriculture, which accounts for almost half of GDP and employs 55% of the work force, mainly small landholders. In 1995-96, Ghana has made mixed progress under a three-year structural adjustment program in cooperation with the IMF. On the minus side, public sector wage increases, regional peacekeeping commitments, and the containment of internal unrest in the underdeveloped north have led to continued inflationary deficit financing, depreciation of the cedi, and rising public discontent with Ghana's austerity program. # 5 360 6516 46 16 38 36 3700000 agriculture and fishing 54.7%, industry 18.7%, sales and clerical 15.2%, professional 3.7%, services, transportation, and communications 7.7% # 10 1050 1200 mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum, food processing # 3.30 1.19 6100 304 cocoa, rice, coffee, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shea nuts, bananas; timber # 1430.00 gold 39%, cocoa 31%, timber 6%, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore, and diamonds (1994 est.) # UK, Germany, US, Togo, Netherlands, Japan # 1840.00 capital equipment, petroleum, consumer goods, foods, intermediate goods # UK, Nigeria, US, Germany, Japan, Netherlands # 5200 ODA, $472 million (1993) # ? # 1 new cedi (C) = 100 pesewas # 1718.31 calendar year 70000 primarily microwave radio relay # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 4 1 0 ? 4 250000 953 # # 953 km 1.067-m gauge (32 km double track) (1995 est.) # # 37561 9,353 km (including 21 km of expressways) # 28,208 km (1995 est.) # 168 ? ? ? Takoradi, Tema # 4 28900 37240 cargo 2, refrigerated cargo 2 (1996 est.) # 12 8 ? 3 1 2 2 4 ? ? 1 3 ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force, Palace Guard, Civil Defense # 18 years of age # 4254386 2365286 178560 30000000 0.80 none # illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and South American cocaine destined for Europe and the US # @Gibraltar United Kingdom # The Rock of Gibraltar, a limestone promontory at the tip of southern Spain. Settled by Moors in 711; taken by Spain in 1462; ceded to Britain in 1713; a British crown colony (1830-1969); still politically associated with Britain # GB Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Spain # 6.50 6.50 0 1.20 Spain 1.2 km # 12 ? ? # ? ? 3 Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers # a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar # Mediterranean Sea 0 m Rock of Gibraltar 426 m NEGL # ? ? ? ? 100 ? NA # limited natural freshwater resources, so large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rain water # NA # NA # strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea # 28913 20 3121 2725 66 10771 8278 14 1629 2389 0.48 13.45 8.78 0.14 1.05 1.14 1.30 0.68 1.16 6.80 78.01 74.70 81.47 2.23 Gibraltarian(s) Gibraltar Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, Spanish # Roman Catholic 74%, Protestant 11% (Church of England 8%, other 3%), Muslim 8%, Jewish 2%, none or other 5% (1981) # English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian # NA # 95 ? ? none Gibraltar ? ? dependent territory of the UK Gibraltar none (dependent territory of the UK) # ? # Commonwealth Day (second Monday of March) 30 May 1969 # English law # 18 years of age; universal, plus other UK subjects resident six months or more # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed from among the elected members of the House of Assembly by the governor in consultation with the chief minister # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor appointed by the queen; chief minister appointed by the governor # ? # unicameral House of Assembly (18 seats, 15 elected; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 16 May 1996 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - SD 53%, SL 42%, NP 3%; seats by party - SD 8, SL 7 # Supreme Court; Court of Appeal # Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or SL [Joe BOSSANO]; Gibraltar Labor Party/Association for the Advancement of Civil Rights or GCL/AACR [Adolfo CANEPA]; Gibraltar Social Democrats or SD [Peter CARUANA]; Gibraltar National Party or NP [Joe GARCIA] # ? # Interpol (subbureau) # two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band # Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference center. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 11% to the local economy. The financial sector accounts for 15% of GDP; tourism, shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. Because more than 70% of the economy is in the public sector, changes in government spending have a major impact on the level of employment. # ? 15000 434 ? ? ? ? 14800 services 60%, industry 40%, agriculture NEGL # ? 111.60 115.60 tourism, banking and finance, construction, commerce; support to large UK naval and air bases; tobacco, mineral waters, beer, canned fish # ? 0.03 90 ? none # 57 (principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods 41%, other 8% # UK, Morocco, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, US, FRG # 708 fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs # UK, Spain, Japan, Netherlands # 318 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Gibraltar pound (úG) = 100 pence # 0.60 1 July - 30 June 19356 automatic exchange facilities # radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 1 6 0 ? 4 ? ? # # # # 49.90 49.9 km # 0 km # ? ? ? ? Gibraltar # 19 356676 633152 bulk 1, cargo 1, chemical tanker 2, container 1, oil tanker 14 (1996 est.) # 1 1 ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force # ? # ? ? ? ? ? source of friction between Spain and the UK # ? # @Glorioso Islands France # # Southern Africa, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Madagascar # 5 5 0 ? ? # 35.20 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical # NA # Indian Ocean 0 m unnamed location 12 m guano, coconuts # ? ? ? ? 100 0 periodic cyclones # NA # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Glorioso Islands none Iles Glorieuses possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of France is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 1 ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # 1 ? ? ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? claimed by Madagascar # ? # @Greece 0 0$Athina$3797$2377$3096000$ 1$Thessalonφki$4064$2300$977000$ 1$Irßklion$3533$2514$263000$ 1$Lßrissa$3964$2242$269000$ # The oldest inhabitants of Greece lived in the Stone Age. The first important centre of culture developed on Crete between 1700 and 1400 BC. By the 5th century BC, Greece had reached the height of its glory and power. It fell under Roman rule in the 2nd century BC. In the 4th century AD, it became part of the Byzantine empire. With the fall of Constantinople to the Turks, Greece became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Greece won its war of independence with Turkey (1821-29), and declared itself a kingdom in 1832. In 1924 it became a republic, but the monarchy was restored in 1935. George II, King of the Hellenes, was recalled to the throne following a plebiscite after World War II. The monarchy remained until 21 April 1967, when Col. George Papadopoulos staged a military takeover. Greece was proclaimed a republic after a referendum in December 1977. It became the 10th member of the European Community on 1 January 1981. Head of state is the president, elected for a term of 5 years by parliament. He names the prime-minister and the cabinet. The parliament consists of a single house, the Greek Chamber of Deputies, which has no fewer than 200 and no more than 300 seats. Members are chosen by general election every four years. Greece is divided into 51 prefectures (Nomoi). # GR Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey # 131940 130800 1140 1210 Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 228 km # 13676 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # ? ? 6 temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers # mostly mountains with ranges extending into sea as peninsulas or chains of islands # Mediterranean Sea 0 m Mount Olympus 2,917 m bauxite, lignite, magnesite, petroleum, marble # 19 8 41 20 12 13140 severe earthquakes # air pollution; water pollution # Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands # Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Desertification, Tropical Timber 94 # strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an archipelago of about 2,000 islands # 10616055 17 905146 845929 67 3583854 3565882 16 759648 955596 0.44 9.75 9.32 3.95 1.07 1.07 1 0.80 0.98 7.40 78.17 75.64 80.89 1.33 Greek(s) Greek Greek 98%, other 2% note: the Greek Government states there are no ethnic divisions in Greece # Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7% # Greek (official), English, French # age 15 and over can read and write # 95 98 93 Hellenic Republic Greece Elliniki Dhimokratia Ellas parliamentary republic; monarchy rejected by referendum 8 December 1974 Athens 51 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos)and 1 autonomous region*; Ayion Oros* (Mt. Athos), Aitolia kai Akarnania, Akhaia, Argolis, Arkadhia, Arta, Attiki, Dhodhekanisos, Drama, Evritania, Evros, Evvoia, Florina, Fokis, Fthiotis, Grevena, Ilia, Imathia, Ioannina, Iraklion, Kardhitsa, Kastoria, Kavala, Kefallinia, Kerkira, Khalkidhiki, Khania, Khios, Kikladhes, Kilkis, Korinthia, Kozani, Lakonia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lesvos, Levkas, Magnisia, Messinia, Pella, Pieria, Preveza, Rethimni, Rodhopi, Samos, Serrai, Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakinthos # ? # Independence Day, 25 March (1821) (proclamation of the war of independence) 11 June 1975 # based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil, criminal, and administrative courts # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # President Konstandinos (Kostis) STEPHANOPOULOS (since 10 March 1995) Prime Minister Konstandinos SIMITIS (since 19 January 1996) # Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister # president elected by Chamber of Deputies for a five-year term; election last held 10 March 1995 (next to be held by NA March 2000); prime minister appointed by the president # Konstandinos STEPHANOPOULOS elected president; percent of Chamber of Deputies vote - NA # unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) # elections last held 22 September 1996 (next to be held by NA September 2000) # percent of vote by party - PASOK 41.5%, ND 38.1%, KKE 5.6%, Coalition of the Left and Progress 5.1%, DIKKI 4.4%, Political Spring 2.9%; seats by party - PASOK 162, ND 108, KKE 11, Coalition of the Left and Progress 10, DIKKI 9 # Supreme Judicial Court, judges appointed for life by the president after consultation with a judicial council; Special Supreme Tribunal, judges appointed for life by the president after consultation with a judicial council # New Democracy or ND (conservative) [Konstandinos KARAMANLIS]; Panhellenic Socialist Movement or PASOK [Konstandinos SIMITIS]; Communist Party or KKE [Aleka PAPARIGA]; Political Spring [Andonios SAMARAS]; Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) [Nikolaos KONSTANDOPOULOS]; Democratic Social Movement or DIKKI [Dhimitrios TSOVOLAS]; Rainbow Coalition [Pavlos VOSKOPOULOS] # ? # Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EU, FAO, G- 6, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNOMIG, UPU, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; there is a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white cross; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of the country # Greece has a mixed capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for roughly half of GDP. Tourism is a major source of foreign exchange, and agriculture is self-sufficient, except for meat, dairy products, and animal feedstuffs. Macroeconomic problems include mediocre GDP growth, the huge public sector, substantial budget deficits, and 10% unemployment. The government's hard drachma policy and public sector wage restraint are largely responsible for the downward trend in inflation, now at the lowest level in 22 years. Investment is likely to be the primary engine for economic growth in 1997. Athens continues to rely heavily on EU aid, which currently amounts to about 4% of GDP. Despite widespread protests from unions and farmers, Prime Minister SIMITIS presented a tough 1997 budget to help bring Greece closer to meeting the EU criteria for participating in economic and monetary union. SIMITIS faces strong opposition to further privatization and further austerity. Plans to increase defense spending could undermine SIMITIS's goal to curb government expenditures. # 2.20 11420 121235 11 25 64 8.60 4210000 services 52%, agriculture 23%, industry 25% (1995) # 10 33000 45000 tourism; food and tobacco processing, textiles; chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum # 1.80 8.61 41500 3466 wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; meat, dairy products # 5900 manufactured goods 53%, foodstuffs 34%, fuels 5% (1994) # EU 60% (Germany 22%, Italy 14%, France 6%, UK 6%), US 3% (1995) # 20300.00 manufactured goods 72%, foodstuffs 15%, fuels 10% (1994) # EU 70% (Italy 18%, Germany 16%, France 8%, UK 6%) US 4% (1995) # 34200.00 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 drachma (Dr) = 100 lepta # 251.55 calendar year 5571293 microwave radio relay, open wire, and submarine cable # tropospheric scatter; 8 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean Region) # 29 17 0 ? 361 2300000 2474 # 1,565 km 1.435-m gauge (36 km electrified; 100 km double track) # 887 km 1.000-m gauge; 22 km 0.750-m gauge (a rack type railway for steep grades) # # 116440 106,775 km (including 420 km of expressways) # 9,665 km (1995 est.) # 80 26 547 ? Alexandroupolis, Elevsis, Iraklion (Crete), Kavala, Kerkira, Khalkis, Igoumenitsa, Lavrion, Patrai, Piraievs (Piraeus), Thessaloniki, Volos # 984 27571920 49674832 bulk 433, cargo 85, chemical tanker 22, combination bulk 16, combination ore/oil 18, container 39, liquefied gas tanker 4, multi-function large load carrier 1, oil tanker 239, passenger 15, passenger-cargo 2, refrigerated cargo 6, roll-on/roll-off cargo 18, short-sea passenger 82, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 1 # 78 75 5 15 16 18 21 3 ? ? ? 3 ? 1 Hellenic Army, Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Air Force, National Guard, Police # 21 years of age # 2677826 2050740 80102 4900000000 4.60 complex maritime, air, and territorial disputes with Turkey in Aegean Sea; Cyprus question with Turkey; dispute with The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia over name; in September 1995, Skopje and Athens signed an interim accord resolving their dispute over symbols and certain constitutional provisions; Athens also lifted its economic embargo on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia # a gateway to Europe for traffickers smuggling cannabis and heroin from the Middle East and Southwest Asia to the West and precursor chemicals to the East; some South American cocaine transits or is consumed in Greece # @Greenland 0 0$GodthΣb$6417$-5167$15000$ # The largest island in the world, lying mostly in the Arctic Circle off the NE coast of North America. Integral part of Denmark from 1953 to 1979 when it was granted internal autonomy whilst remaining a part of the kingdom of Denmark with two representatives in the Danish parliament or "Folketing". # DK Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada # 2175600 2175600 ? ? ? # 44087 ? ? # ? 200 3 arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters # flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Gunnbjorn 3,700 m zinc, lead, iron ore, coal, molybdenum, gold, platinum, uranium, fish, seals, whales # 0 0 1 0 99 ? continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island # protection of the arctic environment; preservation of their traditional way of life, including whaling; note - Greenland participates actively in Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) # Whaling (extended through Denmark) # NA # dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast # 58768 27 7843 7711 68 21931 18237 5 1393 1653 0.94 16.39 6.99 0 1 1.02 1.20 0.84 1.13 22.60 68.84 64.62 73.08 2.19 Greenlander(s) Greenlandic Greenlander 87% (Eskimos and Greenland-born whites), Danish and others 13% # Evangelical Lutheran # Eskimo dialects, Danish, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect) # ? # ? ? ? none Greenland none Kalaallit Nunaat part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division Nuuk (Godthab) 3 districts (landsdele); Nordgronland, Ostgronland, Vestgronland # ? # Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940) 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution) # Danish # 18 years of age; universal # Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by Prime Minister Gunnar MARTENS (since NA 1995) # Landsstyre is formed from the Parliament on the basis of the strength of parties # the queen is a constitutional monarch; high commissioner appointed by the queen; prime minister is elected by the Parliament; election last held NA 1991 (next to be held NA) # Gunnar MARTENS elected prime minister; percent of parliamentary vote - NA # unicameral Parliament or Landsting (31 seats; members are elected on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) # last held on 4 March 1995 (next to be held by 5 March 1999) # percent of vote by party - Siumut 38.4%, Inuit Ataqatigiit 20.3%, Atassut Party 30.1%; seats by party - Siumut 12, Atassut Party 10, Inuit Ataqatigiit 6, conservative splinter grouping 2, independent 1 note: 2 representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or Folketing on 21 September 1994 (next to be held by NA September 1998); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Liberals 1, Social Democrats 1; Greenlandic representatives are affiliated with Danish political parties # High Court or Landsret # two-party ruling coalition; Siumut (Forward Party, a moderate socialist party that advocates more distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy from Denmark) [Lars Emil JOHANSEN, chairman]; Inuit Ataqatigiit or IA (Eskimo Brotherhood, a Marxist-Leninist party that favors complete independence from Denmark rather than home rule) [Josef MOTZFELDT]; Atassut Party (Solidarity, a more conservative party that favors continuing close relations with Denmark) [Daniel SKIFTE]; Akulliit Party [Bjarne KREUTZMANN]; Issituup (Polar Party) [Nicolai HEINRICH] # ? # ? # two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a large disk slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of the disk is red, the bottom half is white # Greenland suffered negative economic growth in the early 1990s, but since 1993 the economy has improved. Nonetheless, prospects for substantial economic growth in the near future are poor. The Greenland Home Rule Government (GHRG) has pursued a light fiscal policy since the late 1980s which has helped create surpluses in the public budget and low inflation. Since 1990, Greenland has registered a foreign trade deficit following the closure of the last remaining lead and zinc mine in 1989. Greenland today is critically dependent on fishing and fish exports; the shrimp fishery is by far the largest income earner. Despite resumption of several interesting hydrocarbon and minerals exploration activities, it will take several years before production can materialize. Tourism is the only sector offering any near term potential and even this is limited due to a short season and high costs. The public sector, including publicly owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in Greenland's economy. About half the government revenues come from grants from the Danish Government, an important supplement of GDP. # ? 17000 999 ? ? ? 1.80 24500 ? # 10.50 706 697 fish processing (mainly shrimp), handicrafts, furs, small shipyards # ? 0.09 274.40 2691 forage crops, small garden vegetables; sheep, fish # 363.40 fish and fish products 95% # Denmark 89%, Japan 5%, UK 5% # 421 machinery and transport equipment 25%, manufactured goods 18%, food and live animals 11%, petroleum products 6% # Denmark 7.5%, Iceland 3.8%, Japan 3.3%, Norway 3.1%, US 2.4%, Germany 2.4%, Sweden 1.8% # 243 ? # ? # 1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 oere # 6.12 calendar year 19600 microwave radio relay # 2 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # ? ? ? 23000 0 12000 ? # # # # 150 60 km # 90 km # ? ? ? ? Kangerluarsoruseq, Kangerlussuaq, Nanortalik, Narsarsuaq, Nuuk (Godthaab), Saamiut, Sisimiut # 1 2162 610 ? # 8 5 1 1 1 1 1 3 ? ? 2 1 ? ? ? # 16 years of age # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Grenada 0 # Grenada was first sighted by Columbus in 1498. The French were the first Europeans to settle, in 1650, when they purchased the island from the Carib indians. It was alternately held by the British and the French until 1783, when it was allocated to the British under the treaty of Versailles. Grenada became an associated Commonwealth state with internal self-government in March 1967. Full independence was gained on 7 February 1974. It is the smallest independent nation in the western hemisphere. A military coup in October 1983 led to a US invasion of the island on the 25th of that month. The US forces left in June 1985. Elections in 1984 were a victory for Herbert Blaize. The head of state is the British monarch, represented by a governor-general. Legislative power lies with the two houses of the parliament: the Senate, with 13 seats, and the House of Representatives, with 15. # WG Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago # 340 340 0 ? ? # 121 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds # volcanic in origin with central mountains # Caribbean Sea 0 m Mount Saint Catherine 840 m timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors # 15 18 3 9 55 ? lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November # NA # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada # 95537 43 21051 20335 52 26473 23181 5 2090 2407 0.66 28.61 5.53 -16.50 1.02 1.04 1.14 0.87 1.08 11.60 71.13 68.58 73.72 3.71 Grenadian(s) Grenadian black # Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant sects 33.2% # English (official), French patois # age 15 and over can read and write # 98 98 98 none Grenada ? ? parliamentary democracy Saint George's 6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petit Martinique*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick # ? # Independence Day, 7 February (1974) 19 December 1973 # based on English common law # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Prime Minister Keith MITCHELL (since 22 June 1995) # Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor general appointed by the queen; prime minister appointed by the governor general from among the members of the House of Assembly # ? # bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 13-member body, 10 appointed by the government and three by the leader of the opposition) and the House of Representatives (15 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held on 20 June 1995 (next to be held by NA October 2000) # House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NNP 8, NDC 5, GULP 2 # West Indies Associate States Supreme Court, an associate judge resides in Grenada # National Democratic Congress or NDC [George BRIZAN]; Grenada United Labor Party or GULP [Sir Eric GAIRY]; The National Party or TNP [Ben JONES]; New National Party or NNP [Keith MITCHELL]; Maurice Bishop Patriotic Movement or MBPM [Terrence MARRYSHOW]; The Democratic Labor Party or DLP [Francis ALEXIS] # ? # ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WToO, WTrO # a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side) with a red border around the flag; there are seven yellow five-pointed stars with three centered in the top red border, three centered in the bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars represent the seven administrative divisions # The agriculturally based economy was hurt in 1996 by the emergence of the pink mealy bug which destroyed much of the cocoa harvest. Bananas, a major foreign exchange earner, also suffered due to falling prices, low production, and poor quality. Tourism, the leading foreign exchange earner, continued to do well, as did manufacturing. Construction boomed in 1996 due to concessions for low and middle income mortgages. The government introduced a 5% tax on electricity and telephones and doubled the general consumption tax, which caused a small rise in the inflation rate. The tourist industry faces stiff competition over the next few years. # 3 2500 239 10.20 40.30 49.50 2.60 36000 services 31%, agriculture 24%, construction 8%, manufacturing 5%, other 32% (1985) # 20 75.70 126.70 food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction # 1.80 0.02 88 794 bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops, sugarcane, corn, vegetables # 24 bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, mace # Caricom 32.3%, UK 20%, US 13%, Netherlands 8.8% (1991) # 128 food 25%, manufactured goods 22%, machinery 20%, chemicals 10%, fuel 6% (1989) # US 31.2%, Caricom 23.6%, UK 13.8%, Japan 7.1% (1991) # 97 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents # 2.70 calendar year 5650 interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links # new SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad # 1 0 0 80000 1 30000 ? # # # # 1020 624 km # 396 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Grenville, Saint George's # ? ? ? ? # 3 3 ? 1 1 ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Royal Grenada Police Force, Coast Guard # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # small-scale cannabis cultivation; lesser transshipment point for marijuana and cocaine to US # @Guadeloupe France 0$Basse-Terre$1600$-6172$30000$ # In the East Caribbean, in the Leeward Islands, formed by the islands of Basse Terre and Grande Terre and their five dependencies. # F Caribbean, islands in the eastern Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico # 1780 1706 74 10.20 Netherlands Antilles (Sint Maarten) 10.2 km # 306 ? ? # 200 ? 12 subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity # Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin # Caribbean Sea 0 m Soufriere 1,467 m cultivable land, beaches and climate that foster tourism # 14 4 14 39 29 30 hurricanes (June to October); La Soufriere is an active volcano # NA # NA # NA # ? # 411823 25 52974 51051 66 134686 137828 9 14948 20336 1.13 17.09 5.60 -0.16 1.05 1.04 0.98 0.74 0.97 9 77.60 74.57 80.77 1.86 Guadeloupian(s) Guadeloupe black or mulatto 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5% # Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 4%, Protestant sects 1% # French (official) 99%, Creole patois # age 15 and over can read and write # 90 90 90 Department of Guadeloupe Guadeloupe Departement de la Guadeloupe Guadeloupe overseas department of France Basse-Terre none (overseas department of France) # ? # National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) # French legal system # 18 years of age; universal # President of France Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995), represented President of the General Council Dominique LARIFLA (since NA); President of the Regional Council Lucette MICHAUX-CHEVRY (since 22 March 1992) # NA # prefect appointed by the president of France on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the General and Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils # NA # unicameral General Council or Conseil General (43 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the unicameral Regional Council or Conseil Regional(41 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) # General Council - last held 22 March 1992 (next to be held by NA 1996); Regional Council - last held 31 January 1994 (next to be held 16 March 1998) # General Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FRUI.G 13, RPR/DUD 13, PPDG 8, FGPS 3, PCG 3, UPLG 1, PSG 1, independent 1; Regional Council - percent of vote by party - RPR/FGPS-dissidents 48.30%, FGPS 17.09%, FRUI.G 7.44%, PPDG 8.90%, UPLG 7.75% PCG 6.05%; seats by party - RPR/FGPS-dissidents 22, FGPS/FRUI.G 9, PPDG 5, PCG 3, UPLG 2 note : Guadeloupe elects two representatives to the French Senate; elections last held in September 1995 (next to be held NA September 2004); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPDG 1, FGPS 1; Guadeloupe elects four representatives to the French National Assembly; elections last held on 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held 25 May-1 June 1997 - special election); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FGPS 2, RPR 1, PCG 1 # Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel with jurisdiction over Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Martinique # Rally for the Republic or RPR [Daniel BEAUBRUN]; Communist Party of Guadeloupe or PCG [Christian Medard CELESTE]; Socialist Party or FGPS [Georges LOUISOR]; Popular Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or UPLG [Claude MAKOUKE]; FGPS Dissidents or FRUI.G [Dominique LARIFLA]; Union for French Democracy or UDF [Marcel ESDRAS]; Progressive Democratic Party or PPDG [Henri BANGOU] # ? # FZ, WCL, WFTU # three horizontal bands, a narrow green band (top), a wide red band, and a narrow green band; the green bands are separated from the red band by two narrow white stripes; a five-pointed gold star is centered in the red band toward the hoist side; the flag of France is used for official occasions # The economy depends on agriculture, tourism, light industry, and services. It is also dependent upon France for large subsidies and imports. Tourism is a key industry, with most tourists from the US. In addition, an increasingly large number of cruise ships visit the islands. The traditionally important sugarcane crop is slowly being replaced by other crops, such as bananas (which now supply about 50% of export earnings), eggplant, and flowers. Other vegetables and root crops are cultivated for local consumption, although Guadeloupe is still dependent on imported food, which comes mainly from France. Light industry consists mostly of sugar and rum production. Most manufactured goods and fuel are imported. Unemployment is especially high among the young. # ? 8600 3542 6 9 85 3.70 128000 agriculture 15%, industry 20%, services 65% (1993) # 31.30 300 460 construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourism # ? ? 950 ? bananas, sugarcane, tropical fruits and vegetables; cattle, pigs, goats # 145 bananas, sugar, rum # France 70%, Martinique 17% (1991) # 1600.00 foodstuffs, fuels, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods, construction materials # France 60%, EC, US, Japan (1991) # ? ODA, $NA # ? # 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes # 5.42 calendar year 64916 NA # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Martinique # 2 8 0 100000 9 150000 ? # # # # 2082 1,742 km # 340 km (1985 est.) # ? ? ? ? Basse-Terre, Gustavia (on St. Barthelemy), Marigot, Pointe-a-Pitre # ? ? ? ? # 9 9 1 ? ? 2 6 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? French Forces, Gendarmerie # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Guam United States # Guam is the largest of the Mariana Islands. Originally named the Ladrones (thieves) in 1521 by Magellan, they were colonized in 1668 by Spanish missionaries. They renamed the the Mariana Islands in honour of Maria Anna, queen of Spain. Spain ceded Guam to the US, but sold the other islands to Germany. Guam is a self-governing organized unincorporated US territory. There is a governor and a 21-member legislature, elected every two years. The residents are American citizens, but do not vote in presidential elections. # USA Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines # 541.30 541.30 0 ? ? # 125.50 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to June, rainy season from July to December; little seasonal temperature variation # volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water) with steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low-rising hills in center, mountains in south # Pacific Ocean 0 m Mount Lamlam 406 m fishing (largely undeveloped), tourism (especially from Japan) # 11 11 15 18 45 ? frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare, but potentially very destructive typhoons (especially in August) # NA # NA # NA # largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean # 160595 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 2.50 23.35 3.86 3 ? ? ? ? ? 15.17 74.29 72.42 76.13 2.16 Guamanian(s) Guamanian Chamorro 47%, Filipino 25%, white 10%, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other 18% # Roman Catholic 98%, other 2% # English, Chamorro, Japanese # age 15 and over can read and write # 99 99 99 Territory of Guam Guam ? ? organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations Agana none (territory of the US) # ? # Guam Discovery Day (first Monday in March) (1521); Liberation Day, 21 Organic Act of 1 August 1950 # modeled on US; federal laws apply # 18 years of age; universal; US citizens, but do not vote in US presidential elections # President of the US William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Governor Carl GUTIERREZ (since 8 November 1994) and Lieutenant Governor Madeleine BORDALLO (since 8 November 1994) # executive departments; heads appointed by the governor with the consent of the Guam legislature # governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote and serve four-year terms; election last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1998) # Carl GUTIERREZ elected governor of Guam; percent of vote - Carl GUTIERREZ (Democrat) 54.6%, Tommy TANAKA (Republican) NA% # unicameral Legislature (21 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms) # last held 5 November 1996 (next to be held NA November 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican 11, Democratic 10 note: Guam elects one delegate to the US House of Representatives; elections last held 5 November 1996 (next to be held NA November 1998); results - Robert UNDERWOOD was reelected as delegate; percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democrat 1 # Federal District Court, judge is appointed by the president; Territorial Superior Court, judges appointed for eight-year terms by the governor # Republican Party (controls the legislature); Democratic Party (party of the Governor) # ? # ESCAP (associate), IOC, SPC # territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse containing a beach scene, outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; US flag is the national flag # The economy depends mainly on US military spending and on revenue generated by the tourism industry. Over the past 20 years, the tourist industry has grown rapidly, creating a construction boom for new hotels and the expansion of older ones. More than one million tourists visit Guam each year. Most food and industrial goods are imported, with about 75% from the US. Guam faces the problem of building up the civilian economic sector to offset the impact of military downsizing. # ? ? ? ? ? ? 4 46930 federal and territorial government 40%, private 60% (trade 18%, services 15.6%, construction 13.8%, other 12.6%) (1990) # 2 525 395 US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services, concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles # ? 0.30 750 4566 fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef # 34 mostly transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction materials, fish, food and beverage products # US 25%, former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands 63%, other 12% # 493.00 petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods # US 23%, Japan 19%, other 58% # ? although Guam receives no foreign aid, it does receive large transfer payments from the general revenues of the US Federal Treasury into which Guamanians pay no income or excise taxes; under the provisions of a special law of Congress, the Guamanian Treasury, rather than the US Treasury, receives federal income taxes paid by military and civilian Federal employees stationed in Guam # ? # 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents # ? 1 October - 30 September 74317 NA # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); submarine cables to US and Japan # 3 3 0 ? 3 75000 ? # # # # 674 NA km # NA km # ? ? ? ? Apra Harbor # ? ? ? ? # 4 4 2 1 ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Guatemala 0 0$Guatemala$1464$-9052$1095000$ # The Mayan Empire flourished in Guatemala a thousand years before it became a Spanish colony in 1524. In 1821, Guatemala became part of Mexico and in 1839 an independent republic. Over a century of violence and political suppression followed, the one dictatorship following the other. Since 1945, the country has seen a swing toward socialism, an armed revolt, renewed social reform, a military coup, and, in 1986, a return to civilian rule. In February 1976, a series of earthquakes left 23,000 dead, 77,000 injured and 1,200,000 homeless. Executive power is with the president, chosen for a single four-year term. Legislative power lies with the single-chamber parliament, the National Congress, whose 100 members are chosen every four years by general election. The country is divided into 22 departments (departamentos), which are subdivided into local councils (municipios). # GCA Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Honduras and Belize and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico # 108890 108430 460 1687 Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km # 400 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # 200 ? 12 tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands # mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten) # Pacific Ocean 0 m Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle # 12 5 24 54 5 1250 numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast subject to hurricanes and other tropical storms # deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution # Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea # no natural harbors on west coast # 11685695 43 2571885 2465902 53 3117718 3121276 4 192334 216580 2.73 36.45 7.13 -2.04 1.05 1.04 1 0.89 1.01 49.20 65.64 63.02 68.39 4.89 Guatemalan(s) Guatemalan Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) 56%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 44% # Roman Catholic, Protestant, traditional Mayan # Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi) # age 15 and over can read and write # 55.60 62.50 48.60 Republic of Guatemala Guatemala Republica de Guatemala Guatemala republic Guatemala 22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa # ? # Independence Day, 15 September (1821) 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986 # civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Alvaro Enrique ARZU Irigoyen (since 14 January 1996); Vice President Alvaro Enrique ARZU Irigoyen (since 14 January 1996); Vice President Luis Alberto FLORES Asturias (since 14 January 1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Council of Ministers named by the president # president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 12 November 1995; runoff held 7 January 1996 (next to be held NA November 2000) # Alvaro Enrique ARZU Irigoyen elected president; percent of vote - Alvaro Enrique ARZU Irigoyen (PAN) 51.2%, Jorge PORTILLO Cabrera (FRG) 48.8% # unicameral Congress of the Republic or Congreso de la Republica (80 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held on 12 November 1995 to select 80 new congressmen (next to be held in November 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PAN 43, FRG 21, FDNG 6, DCG 4, UCN 3, UD 2, MLN 1 note: on 11 November 1993 the congress approved a procedure that reduced its number from 116 seats to 80; the procedure provided for a special election in mid-1994 to elect an interim congress of 80 members to serve until replaced in the November 1995 general election; the plan was approved in a general referendum in January 1994 and the special election was held on 14 August 1994 # Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia); additionally the Court of Constitutionality is presided over by the President of the Supreme Court, judges are elected for a five-year term by Congress # National Centrist Union or UCN [Juan AYERDI Aguilar]; Christian Democratic Party or DCG [Alfonso CABRERA Hidalgo]; National Advancement Party or PAN [Alvaro ARZU Irigoyen]; National Liberation Movement or MLN [Mario SANDOVAL Alarcon]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Sergio FLORES Cruz]; Revolutionary Party or PR [Carlos CHAVARRIA Perez]; Guatemalan Republican Front or FRG [Efrain RIOS Montt]; Democratic Union or UD [Jose CHEA Urruela]; New Guatemalan Democratic Front or FDNG [Rafael ARRIAGA Martinez] # ? # BCIE, CACM, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles and a pair of crossed swords and framed by a wreath # The economy is based on family and corporate agriculture, which accounts for 25% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and supplies two-thirds of exports. Manufacturing and construction, predominantly in private hands, account for about 20% of GDP and 18% of the labor force. In both 1990 and 1991, the economy grew by 3%, the fourth and fifth consecutive years of mild growth. In 1992 growth picked up to almost 5% as government policies favoring competition and foreign trade and investment took stronger hold. In 1993-94, despite political unrest, this momentum continued, foreign investment held up, and annual growth averaged 4%. Strong international prices for Guatemala's traditional commodity exports featured 4.9% growth in 1995; growth receded to 3% in 1996. Given the markedly uneven distribution of land and income, the government faces major obstacles in its program of economic modernization and the reduction of poverty. # 3 1470 17178 25 20 55 10.90 3100000 agriculture 58%, services 14%, manufacturing 14%, commerce 7%, construction 4%, transport 2.6%, utilities 0.3%, mining 0.1% (1995) # 4.90 1250 1350 sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism # ? 0.97 3229 255 sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens # 1810 coffee, sugar, bananas, cardamom, beef # US 30%, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Germany, Honduras # 3110 fuel and petroleum products, machinery, grain, fertilizers, motor vehicles # US 44%, Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, Germany # 3100 ODA, $274 million (1994) # ? # 1 quetzal (Q) = 100 centavos # 6.05 calendar year 210000 NA # connected to Central American Microwave System; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 91 0 15 400000 25 475000 884 # # 884 km 0.914-m gauge (single track) # # 12795 3,519 km (including 135 km of expressways) # 9,276 km (1995 est.) # 260 275 ? ? Champerico, Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, San Jose, Santo Tomas de Castilla # ? ? ? ? # 446 318 ? 2 2 5 309 128 ? 1 8 119 ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force # 18 years of age # 2741575 1791136 129408 128300000.00 0.80 border with Belize in dispute; talks to resolve the dispute are ongoing # transit country for cocaine shipments; illicit producer of opium poppy and cannabis for the international drug trade; the government has an active eradication program for cannabis and opium poppy # @Guernsey United Kingdom # # Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France # 194 194 0 ? ? # 50 ? ? # ? 12 3 temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast # mostly level with low hills in southwest # Atlantic Ocean 0 m unnamed location on Sark 114 m cropland # ? ? ? ? ? ? NA # NA # NA # NA # large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port # 63731 18 5703 5584 67 20883 21702 15 3959 5900 1.28 13.54 9.65 8.94 1.04 1.02 0.96 0.67 0.92 8.90 78.38 75.44 81.43 1.62 Channel Islander(s) Channel Islander UK and Norman-French descent # Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist # English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts # ? # ? ? ? Bailiwick of Guernsey Guernsey ? ? British crown dependency Saint Peter Port none (British crown dependency) # ? # Liberation Day, 9 May (1945) unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice # English law and local statute; justice is administered by the Royal Court # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952) Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Vice-Admiral Sir John COWARD (since NA 1994) and Bailiff Mr. Graham Martyn DOREY (since February 1992) # Advisory and Finance Committee (other committees) appointed by the Assembly of the States # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; lieutenant governor appointed by the queen; bailiff appointed by the queen # ? # unicameral Assembly of the States (60 seats, 33 popularly elected; members serve six-year terms) # last held 20 April 1994 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents # Royal Court # none; all independents # ? # none # white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extending to the edges of the flag # Financial services account for about 55% of total income. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Bank profits (1992) registered a record 26% growth. Fund management and insurance are the two other major income generators. # ? ? ? ? ? ? 7 ? ? # 3 257.90 235.80 tourism, banking # ? ? ? ? tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables, fruit; Guernsey cattle # ? tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables # UK (regarded as internal trade) # ? coal, gasoline, and oil # UK (regarded as internal trade) # ? ? # ? # 1 Guernsey (úG) pound = 100 pence # 0.60 calendar year 41850 NA # 1 submarine cable # 1 1 0 ? 1 ? ? # # # # ? NA km # NA km # ? ? ? ? Saint Peter Port, Saint Sampson # ? ? ? ? # 2 2 ? ? ? 1 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Guinea 0 0$Conakry$955$-1367$1100000$ # Formerly part of the ancient West African empires Ghana, Mali, and Songhay, Guinea was visited by the Portuguese in 1446, but escaped the slave-trade because it was considered too unhealthy a region. Following the annexation of part of its north coast by France, in 1849, Fouta Djallon (part of Guinea) became a French protectorate in 1881. In 1885, French Guinea became part of French West Africa. Guinea became a fully independent republic on 2 October 1958. The military took control of the government in a bloodless coup in March 1984. The constitution of 1958 was suspended by the ComitΘ Militaire de Redressement National (CMRN). Guinea is divided into 33 districts. # RG Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone # 245860 245860 0 3399 Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Liberia 563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km # 320 ? ? # 200 ? 12 generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds # generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mont Nimba 1,752 m bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish # 2 0 22 59 17 930 hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season # deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing, overpopulation in forest region # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # Desertification # ? # 7405375 44 1625046 1632953 53 1928853 2019180 3 83165 116178 1.10 41.95 18.23 -12.69 1.03 1 0.96 0.72 0.96 131.50 45.54 43.15 47.99 5.66 Guinean(s) Guinean Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller tribes 10% # Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7% # French (official), each tribe has its own language # age 15 and over can read and write # 35.90 49.90 21.90 Republic of Guinea Guinea Republique de Guinee Guinee republic Conakry 33 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture) and 1 national capital* (capitale d'etat); Beyla, Boffa, Boke, Conakry*, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Dubreka, Faranah, Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane, Kindia, Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma, Lola, Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri, Telimele, Tougue, Yomou note: the 33 prefectures may have been subsumed by four new first-order administrative divisions called administrative regions (regions administrative, singular - region administrative) named Guinee-Forestiere, Guinee-Maritime, Haute-Guinee, and Moyenne-Guinee # ? # Anniversary of the Second Republic, 3 April (1984) 23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale) # based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree; legal codes currently being revised; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Lansana CONTE (head of military government since 5 April 1984, Prime Minister Sidia TOURE (since July 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast to be elected president; election last held 19 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1998); the prime minister was appointed by President CONTE # Lansana CONTE' elected president; percent of vote - Lansana CONTE' (PUP) 51.7%, Alpha CONDE' (RPG) 19.55%, Mamadou Boye BA' (UNR) 13.37%, Siradiou DIALLO (PRP) 11.86%; note - the country's first-ever multi-party elections for president # unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale Populaire (114 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 11 June 1995 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PUP 71, RPG 19, PRP 9, UNR 9, UPG 2, PDG 1, UNP 1, PDG/RDA 1, other 1 # Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel # political parties were legalized on 1 April 1992; of the more than 40 with legal status, the following won seats in the legislature in the 11 June 1995 elections pro-government : Party for Unity and Progress or PUP [Gen. Lansana CONTE'] # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Rwanda, which has a large black letter R centered in the yellow band # Although possessing major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural resources, Guinea remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The agricultural sector employs 80% of the work force. Guinea possesses over 25% of the world's bauxite reserves and is the second largest bauxite producer. The mining sector accounted for about 75% of exports in 1995. Long run improvements in government fiscal arrangements, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if the country is to move out of poverty. Except in the mining industry, foreign investment remains minimal. # 6 560 4147 24 31 45 5.10 2400000 agriculture 80.0%, industry and commerce 11.0%, services 5.4%, civil service 3.6% # ? 519 947 bauxite, gold, diamonds; alumina refining; light manufacturing and agricultural processing industries # 3.20 0.11 300 40 rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca), bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber # 725 bauxite, alumina, diamonds, gold, coffee, fish, agricultural products # Belgium-Luxembourg 27%, US 15%, Ireland 10%, Spain 10% (1994) # 775 petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment, textiles, grain and other foodstuffs # France 20%, Cote d'Ivoire 16%, US 7%, Belgium-Luxembourg 7%, Hong Kong 6%, Germany 4% (1994) # 3000 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Guinean franc (FG) = 100 centimes # 1004 calendar year 18000 microwave radio relay and radiotelephone communication # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 3 1 0 257000 1 65000 1086 # 279 km 1.435-m gauge # 807 km 1.000-m gauge (includes 662 km in common carrier service from Kankan to Conakry) # Rally for the Guinean People or RPG [Alpha CONDE]; Union for a New Republic or UNR [Mamadou Boye BA']; Party for Renewal and Progress or PRP [Siradiou DIALLO]; Union for Progress of Guinea or UPG [Sec.-Gen. Jean-Marie DORE]; Democratic Party of Guinea or PDG-AST [Ahmed Sekou TOURE]; National Union for the Prosperity of Guinea or UNPG [Lt.Col. Facine TOURE]; Democratic Party of Guinea - African Democratic Rally or PDG - RDA [El Hadj Ismael Mohamed Gassim GUSHEIN] # 30270 4,964 km # 25,306 km (1995 est.) # 1295 ? ? ? Boke, Conakry, Kamsar # ? ? ? ? # 14 6 1 1 3 4 1 8 ? ? 4 ? ? ? Army, Navy (acts primarily as a coast guard), Air Force, Republican Guard, Presidential Guard, paramilitary National Gendarmerie, National Police Force (Surete National) # ? # 1684999 850053 ? 50000000 1.60 none # ? # @Guinea-Bissau 0 # # Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal # 36120 28000 8120 724 Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km # 350 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds # mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east # Atlantic Ocean 0 m unnamed location in the northeast corner of the country 300 m fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, unexploited deposits of petroleum # 11 1 38 38 12 17 hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires # deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Wetlands # none of the selected agreements # ? # 1178584 43 251873 250950 54 304116 338489 3 15771 17385 2.33 39.17 15.85 0 1.03 1 0.90 0.91 0.94 113.70 48.71 47.05 50.42 5.26 Guinea-Bissauan(s) Guinea-Bissauan African 99% (Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%), European and mulatto less than 1% # indigenous beliefs 65%, Muslim 30%, Christian 5% # Portuguese (official), Criolo, African languages # age 15 and over can read and write # 54.90 68 42.50 Republic of Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau Republica de Guine-Bissau Guine-Bissau republic, multiparty since mid-1991, formerly highly centralized Bissau 9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali # ? # Independence Day, 10 September (1974) 16 May 1984, amended 4 May 1991 (currently undergoing revision to liberalize popular participation in the government) # NA # 15 years of age; universal # President Joao Bernardo VIEIRA (initially assumed power 14 November Prime Minister Manuel da Costa SATURNINO (since 5 November 1994) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held NA August 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); prime minister appointed by the president # Joao Bernardo VIEIRA elected president; percent of vote - Joao Bernardo VIEIRA 52%, Kumba YALLA 48% # unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (100 seats; members are popularly elected to serve five-year terms) # last held 3 July and 7 August 1994 (next to be held NA 1999) # percent of vote by party - PAIGC 46.0%, RGB-MB 19.2%, PRS 10.3%, UM 12.8%, FLING 2.5%, PCD 5.3%, PUSD 2.9%, FCG 0.2%, others 0.8%; seats by party - PAIGC 62, RGB 19, PRS 12, UM 6, FLING 1 # none; there is a Ministry of Justice in the Council of Ministers # African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde or PAIGC [President Joao Bernardo VIEIRA, leader]; Front for the Liberation and Independence of Guinea or FLING [Francois Kankoila MENDY]; Guinea-Bissau Resistance-Bah Fatah Movement or RGB-MB [Domingos FERNANDES Gomes]; Guinea Civic Forum or FCG [Antonieta Rosa GOMES]; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Vi'tor MANDINGA]; Social Renovation Party or PRS [Koumba YALLA, leader]; Union for Change Coalition or UM [Joao da COSTA, Pres.]; United Social Democratic Party or PUSD [Vi'tor Sau'de MARIA] # ? # ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia # Guinea-Bissau ranks among the poorest countries in the world. Farming and fishing are the main economic activities. Cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, and fish are the primary exports. Exploitation of known mineral deposits is unlikely at present because of a weak infrastructure and the high cost of development. Although Guinea-Bissau won an IMF Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility in 1996, recent political instability and overspending have undermined the progress of economic reform and delayed disbursements of donor aid. # 4 ? ? 44 8 48 45.40 ? ? # ? ? ? agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks # ? 0.02 30 29 rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; fishing and forest potential not fully exploited # 33 cashews 95%, fish, peanuts, palm kernels, sawn lumber (1994) # Spain 35%, India 30%, Thailand 10%, Italy 10% (1995) # 52.40 foodstuffs, transport equipment, petroleum products, machinery and equipment (1994) # Thailand 27%, Portugal 23%, Japan 6%, Cote d'Ivoire 7% (1995) # 816 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Guinea-Bissauan peso (PG) = 100 centavos # 33910 calendar year 3000 combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, and radiotelephone communications # NA # 2 3 0 40000 1 ? ? # # # # 4350 444 km # 3,906 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Bissau # ? ? ? ? # 16 12 1 ? 2 1 8 4 ? ? ? 4 ? ? People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP; includes Army, Navy, and Air Force), paramilitary force # ? # 268000 152948 ? 9000000 4.50 none # ? # @Guyana 0 0$Georgetown$683$-5819$180000$ # Guyana became a Dutch possession in the 17th century. The Dutch West India company established settlements between 1616 and 1621. Sovereignty passed to Britain in 1815. Guyana became independent on 26 May 1966. Venezuela claims the western half of the country, and the border with Suriname is also disputed. Theoretically, Guyana is a single-chamber parliamentary democracy. In reality, all power is in the hands of Forbes Burnham and the People's National Congress (PNC) party. Guyana is divided into 10 regions. # GUY Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela # 214970 196850 18120 2462 Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km # 459 ? 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin # ? 200 12 tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to mid-August, mid-November to mid-January) # mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Roraima 2,835 m bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish # 2 0 6 84 8 1300 flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons # water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals; deforestation # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Whaling # Tropical Timber 94 # ? # 706116 32 115120 110741 63 225199 222793 5 14563 17700 -0.78 18.71 10.02 -16.55 1.05 1.04 1.01 0.82 1.01 51.40 59.27 56.93 61.74 2.16 Guyanese (singular and plural) Guyanese East Indian 51%, black and mixed 43%, Amerindian 4%, white and Chinese 2% # Christian 57%, Hindu 33%, Muslim 9%, other 1% # English, Amerindian dialects # age 15 and over has ever attended school # 98.10 98.60 97.50 Co-operative Republic of Guyana Guyana ? ? republic Georgetown 10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica, East Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Mahaica-Berbice, Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Demerara-Berbice, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo # ? # Republic Day, 23 February (1970) 6 October 1980 # based on English common law with certain admixtures of Roman-Dutch law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # Executive President Samuel HINDS (since March 1997); replaced Cheddi Prime Minister Janet JAGAN (since March 1997); filled vacancy created when Samuel HINDS ascended to office of Executive President following death of Cheddi JAGAN, March 1997 # Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the legislature # president elected by the majority party in the National Assembly after legislative elections, which must be held within five years; legislative elections last held 5 October 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); prime minister appointed by the president # ? # unicameral National Assembly (65 seats, 53 popularly elected; members serve five-year terms) # last held on 5 October 1992 (next to be held by October 1997) # percent of vote by party - PPP 53.4%, PNC 42.3%, WPA 2%, TUF 1.2%; seats by party - PPP 36, PNC 26, WPA 2, TUF 1 # Supreme Court of Judicature # People's Progressive Party (PPP), People's National Congress (PNC), Hugh Desmond HOYTE; For a Good and Green Guyana (GGG), Hamilton GREEN; Working People's Alliance (WPA), Rupert ROOPNARINE; Democratic Labor Movement (DLM), Paul TENNASSEE; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Llewellyn JOHN; National Democratic Front (NDF), Joseph BACCHUS; The United Force (TUF), Manzoor NADIR; United Republican Party (URP), Leslie RAMSAMMY; National Republican Party (NRP), Robert GANGADEEN; Guyana Labor Party (GLP); Guyana Democratic Party (GDP), Asgar ALLY; Guyanese Organized for Liberty and Democracy Party (GOLD), Anthony MEKDECI # ? # ACP, C, Caricom, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO # green with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposed on a long yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow white border between the yellow and the green # In 1996, Guyana, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, posted its fifth straight year of economic growth of 5% or better, with the advance led by gold and bauxite mining and by sugar. Favorable growth factors have included expansion in the key agricultural and mining sectors, a more favorable atmosphere for business initiative, a more realistic exchange rate, a moderate inflation rate, and the continued support of international organizations. Serious underlying economic problems will continue. Electric power has been in short supply and constitutes a major barrier to future gains in national output. The government must persist in efforts to manage its sizable external debt and extend its privatization program. # 7.90 710 501 49 28 33 4.50 ? ? # 12 209 303 bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, fishing (shrimp), textiles, gold mining # 5.60 0.16 318 301 sugar, rice, wheat, vegetable oils; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; development potential exists for fishing and forestry # 565 sugar, gold, bauxite/alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses # Canada 33%, US 24%, UK 22% (1994 est.) # 589 manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food # US 29%, Trinidad and Tobago 17%, Netherlands Antilles 17%, UK 11%, (1994 est.) # 1500 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Guyanese dollar (G$) = 100 cents # 140.30 calendar year 33000 microwave radio relay network for trunk lines # tropospheric scatter to Trinidad; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 4 3 1 398000 11 32000 88 # 40 km 1.435-m gauge (dedicated to ore transport) # 48 km 0.914-m gauge (dedicated to ore transport) # # 7820 571 km # 7,249 km (1995 est.) # 6000 ? ? ? Bartica, Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam, Parika # 1 1317 2558 ? # 47 36 ? ? 3 1 32 11 ? ? 2 9 ? ? Guyana Defense Force (GDF; includes Ground Forces, Coast Guard, and Air Corps), Guyana People's Militia (GPM), Guyana National Service (GNS) # ? # 198350 150105 ? 7000000 1.70 all of the area west of the Essequibo River claimed by Venezuela; Suriname claims area between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Kutari Rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne) # transshipment point for narcotics from South America - primarily Venezuela - to the US and Europe; producer of cannabis # @Haiti 0 0$Port-au-Prince$1855$-7233$1500000$ # Haiti was visited by Columbus in 1492. It became a French colony in 1677. Following a rebellion led by the former slave Toussaint L'Ouverture, Haiti became independent in 1804. The country was under US occupation from 1915 until 1934. Attempts at establishing a democracy were interrupted by a period of dictatorship during the Second World War, and then defeated by the election in 1957 of Franτois Duvalier ('Papa Doc') as president. He was named president for life in 1964, and upon his death in 1971, was succeeded by his son, Jean-Claude. Baby Doc, as he is known, fled the country in 1986. Control was seized in 1988 by General Henri Namphy, after charges of fraud during elections held the previous January. Haiti is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. Haiti is divided into 9 departments, 26 provinces and one federal district. # RH Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the Dominican Republic # 27750 27560 190 275 Dominican Republic 275 km # 1771 24 to depth of exploitation # 200 ? 12 tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds # mostly rough and mountainous # Caribbean Sea 0 m Chaine de la Selle 2,680 m bauxite # 20 13 18 5 44 750 lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes; periodic droughts # extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land is being cleared for agriculture and use as fuel); soil erosion; inadequate supplies of potable water # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation # Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban # shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic) # 6611407 43 1451550 1409056 53 1668670 1811957 4 134366 135808 1.39 33.12 15.25 -4.01 1.05 1.03 0.92 0.99 0.97 102.40 49.49 47.45 51.63 4.76 Haitian(s) Haitian black 95%, mulatto plus white 5% # Roman Catholic 80% (of which an overwhelming majority also practice Voodoo), Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3% (1982) # French (official) 10%, Creole # age 15 and over can read and write # 45 48 42.20 Republic of Haiti Haiti Republique d'Haiti Haiti republic Port-au-Prince 9 departments, (departements, singular - departement); Artibonite, Centre, Grand'Anse, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Est # ? # Independence Day, 1 January (1804) approved March 1987, suspended June 1988, most articles reinstated March 1989; in October 1991, government claimed to be observing the constitution; return to constitutional rule, October 1994 # based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Rene Garcia PREVAL (since 7 February 1996) Prime Minister Rosny SMARTH (since March 1996) # Cabinet; chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 17 December 1995 (next to be held by December 2000); prime minister appointed by the president # Rene Garcia PREVAL elected president; percent of vote - Rene Garcia PREVAL 88%, Leon JEUNE 2.5%, Victor BENOIT 2.3% # bicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale consists of the Senate (27 seats; members serve six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber of Deputies (83 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # Senate - last held 25 June 1995 with reruns on 13 August and runoffs on 17 September (election held for nine seats 6 April 1997; runoffs to be held 25 May 1997 were postponed); Chamber of Deputies - last held 25 June 1995 with reruns on 13 August and runoffs on 17 September (next to be held NA 1999; byelections for two vacant seats were held 6 April 1997; runoffs to be held 25 May 1997 were postponed) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lavalas Platform 17, FNDC 6, National Alliance for Democracy and Progress 2, RDNP 1, independent 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lavalas Platform 67, FNCD 2, CONACOM 1, PANPRA 1, MRN 2, MKN 1, PROP 1, UPD 2, independents 4, vacant 2 # Court of Appeal (Cour de Cassation) # National Front for Change and Democracy (FNCD), Evans PAUL and Turneb DELPE; National Cooperative Action Movement (MKN), Volvick Remy JOSEPH; National Congress of Democratic Movements (CONACOM), Victor BENOIT; Movement for the Installation of Democracy in Haiti (MIDH), Marc BAZIN; National Progressive Revolutionary Party (PANPRA), Serge GILLES; National Patriotic Movement of November 28 (MNP-28), Dejean BELIZAIRE; National Agricultural and Industrial Party (PAIN), Louis DEJOIE; Movement for National Reconstruction (MRN), Rene THEODORE; Haitian Christian Democratic Party (PDCH), Fritz PIERRE; Assembly of Progressive National Democrats (RDNP), Leslie MANIGAT; National Labor Party (PNT), Remy ZAMOR; Mobilization for National Development (MDN), Hubert DE RONCERAY; Democratic Movement for the Liberation of Haiti (MODELH), Francois LATORTUE; Popular Organizations Gathering Power (PROP), Simon JEAN-POIX; Movement for the Organization of the Country (MOP), Gesner COMEAU and Jean MOLIERE; Democratic Unity Confederation (KID), Evans PAUL; National Lavalas Political Organization (OPL), Gerard PIERRE-CHARLES; Open the Gate Party (PLB), Renaud BERNARDIN; Haitian National Democratic Progressive Party (PNDPH), Turneb DELPE; Union of Patriotic Democrats (UPD), Rockefeller GUERRE; Cooperative Action for Economic Liberation (KLE), Leon JEUNE; Generation 2004, Claude ROUMAIN; Alliance for the Liberation and Advancement of Haiti (ALAH), Reynold GEORGES; Lavalas Political Platform or PPL (an alliance of OPL and MOP) [Renaud BERNARDIN]; Haitian Democratic Party (PADEMH), Clark PARENT; National Rally of Democratic Forces (RANFO), Jean Nazaire THIDE, Marino ETIENNE; National Alliance for Democracy and Progress # ? # ACCT, ACP, Caricom (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a centered white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength) # About 75% of the population lives in abject poverty. Nearly 70% of all Haitians depend on the agriculture sector, which consists mainly of small-scale subsistence farming and employs about two-thirds of the economically active work force. The country has experienced little or no job creation since President PREVAL took office in February 1996. Failure to reach agreements with international sponsors have denied Haiti badly needed budget and development assistance. Meeting aid conditions in 1997 will be especially challenging in the face of mounting popular criticism of reforms. # 2 300 1983 34.80 23 42.20 18 2300000 agriculture 66%, services 25%, industry 9% # 60 240 250 sugar refining, flour milling, textiles, cement, tourism, light assembly industries based on imported parts # 2.50 0.22 379 33 coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum; wood # 123.00 light manufactures 65%, coffee 19%, other agriculture 8%, other 8% # US 73.5%, EU 19.4% (1995) # 666 machines and manufactures 34%, food and beverages 22%, petroleum products 14%, chemicals 10%, fats and oils 9% # US 65.0%, EU 13.9% (1995) # 827 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 gourde (G) = 100 centimes # 1 1 October - 30 September 50000 NA # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 33 0 2 320000 4 32000 40 # # 40 km 0.760-m gauge # # 4080 987 km # 3,093 km (1995 est.) # 100 ? ? ? Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, Jacmel, Jeremie, Cayes, Miragoane, Port-au-Prince, Port-de-Paix, Saint-Marc # ? ? ? ? # 11 7 ? 2 1 4 4 4 ? ? ? ? ? ? Haitian National Police (PNH) # 18 years of age # 1430855 774835 71003 ? ? claims US-administered Navassa Island # transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana en route to the US and Europe # @Heard Island and McDonald Islands 0 # # Southern Africa, islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica # 412 412 0 ? ? # 101.90 ? ? # ? 200 3 antarctic # Heard Island - bleak and mountainous, with a quiescent volcano; McDonald Islands - small and rocky # Indian Ocean 0 m Big Ben 2,745 m none # 0 0 0 0 100 0 Heard Island is dominated by a dormant volcano called Big Ben # NA # NA # NA # primarily used for research stations # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands Heard Island and McDonald Islands ? ? territory of Australia; administered by the Ministry for Sport, Territories, none; administered from Canberra, Australia ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of Australia is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Holy See (Vatican City) 0 # # Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy) # 0.44 0.44 0 3.20 Italy 3.2 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to mid-May) with hot, dry summers (May to September) # low hill # unnamed location 19 m unnamed location 75 m none # 0 0 0 0 100 0 NA # NA # none of the selected agreements # Air Pollution, Environmental Modification # urban; landlocked; enclave of Rome, Italy; world's smallest state; outside the Vatican City, 13 buildings in Rome and Castel Gandolfo (the pope's summer residence) enjoy extraterritorial rights # 850 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 1.15 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? none none Italians, Swiss # Roman Catholic # Italian, Latin, various other languages # ? # ? ? ? The Holy See (State of the Vatican City) Holy See (Vatican City) Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano) Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano) monarchical-sacerdotal state Vatican City ? # ? # Installation Day of the Pope, 22 October (1978) (John Paul II) Apostolic Constitution of 1967 (effective 1 March 1968) # NA # limited to cardinals less than 80 years old # Pope JOHN PAUL II (Karol WOJTYLA; since 16 October 1978) Secretary of State Archbishop Angelo Cardinal SODANO (since NA 1991) # Pontifical Commission appointed by Pope # pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals; election last held 16 October 1978 (next to be held after the death of the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope # Karol WOJTYLA elected pope # unicameral Pontifical Commission # ? # ? # none; normally handled by Italy # none # ? # IAEA, ICFTU, Intelsat, IOM (observer), ITU, OAS (observer), OSCE, UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, UPU, WIPO, WToO (observer) # two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the papal miter centered in the white band # This unique, noncommercial economy is supported financially by contributions (known as Peter's Pence) from Roman Catholics throughout the world, the sale of postage stamps and tourist mementos, fees for admission to museums, and the sale of publications. The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to, or somewhat better than, those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and 3,000 lay workers who live outside the Vatican # ? 175.50 175 printing and production of a small amount of mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities # ? 0.01 ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # 1 Vatican lira (VLit) = 100 centesimi # 1568.10 calendar year 2000 tied into Italian system # uses Italian system # 3 4 0 ? 0 ? 862 # # 862 meters 1.435-m gauge # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Honduras 0 0$Tegucigalpa$1408$-8723$700000$ # Once the site of a flourishing Mayan civilization, Honduras was 'discovered' by Columbus in 1502. He gave the land its name (Honduras=Depths). It was a Spanish colony until independence in 1821. It then formed part of the Federation of Central America until it declared itself a republic in 1838. The army held power for most of the period from 1963-82. In that year, a civilian government was again elected. Legislative power lies with the 82-member National Congress. Elections are held every four years. Executive power is with the president. Honduras is divided into 18 departments. # HCA Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Nicaragua # 112090 111890 200 1520 Guatemala 256 km, El Salvador 342 km, Nicaragua 922 km # 820 24 natural extension of territory or to 200 nm # 200 ? 12 subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains # mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains # Caribbean Sea 0 m Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, antimony, coal, fish # 15 3 14 54 14 740 frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; damaging hurricanes and floods along Caribbean coast # urban population expanding; deforestation results from logging and the clearing of land for agricultural purposes; further land degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled development and improper land use practices such as farming of marginal lands; mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa (the country's largest source of freshwater) with heavy metals as well as several rivers and streams # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # Desertification # ? # 5751384 42 1237549 1194598 54 1549400 1574075 4 93695 102067 2.55 32.63 5.66 -1.50 1.05 1.04 0.98 0.92 1 40.20 68.81 66.38 71.37 4.26 Honduran(s) Honduran mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%, black 2%, white 1% # Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant minority # Spanish, Amerindian dialects # age 15 and over can read and write # 72.70 72.60 72.70 Republic of Honduras Honduras Republica de Honduras Honduras republic Tegucigalpa 18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) plus probable Central District (Tegucigalpa); Atlantida, Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso, Francisco Morazan, Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro # ? # Independence Day, 15 September (1821) 11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982 # rooted in Roman and Spanish civil law; some influence of English common law; accepts ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # President Carlos Roberto REINA Idiaquez (since 27 January 1994); First President Carlos Roberto REINA Idiaquez (since 27 January 1994) First Vice President General (Ret.) Walter LOPEZ; Second Vice President Juan DE LA CRUZ Avelar; Third Vice President Guadeloupe JEREZANO; note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet # president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 28 November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1997) # Carlos Roberto REINA Idiaquez elected president; percent of vote - Carlos Roberto REINA Idiaquez (PLH) 53%, Oswaldo RAMOS Soto (PNH) 41%, other 6% # unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (128 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held on 27 November 1993 (next to be held November 1997) # percent of vote by party - PNH 53%, PLH 41%, PDCH 1.0%, PINU-SD 2.5%, other 2.5%; seats by party - PLH 71, PNH 55, PINU-SD 2 # Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justica), judges are elected for four-year terms by the National Assembly # Liberal Party (PLH), Carlos FLORES Facusse, president; National Party of Honduras (PNH), Oswaldo RAMOS Soto, president; National Innovation and Unity Party (PINU), Olban VALLADARES, president; Christian Democratic Party (PDCH), Efrain DIAZ Arrivillaga, president # ? # BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), MINURSO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with five blue five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band; the stars represent the members of the former Federal Republic of Central America - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which features a triangle encircled by the word REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom, centered in the white band # Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Agriculture employs nearly two-thirds of the labor force and produces two-thirds of exports. Productivity remains low. Manufacturing, mining, and construction account for 30 % of GDP and generate 20% of exports. Basic problems include rapid population growth, high underemployment, inflation, a lack of basic services, a large and inefficient public sector, and the dependence of the export sector mostly on coffee and bananas, which are subject to sharp price fluctuations. # 3 650 3738 28 30 42 25.40 1300000 agriculture 62%, services 20%, manufacturing 9%, construction 3%, other 6% (1985) # 15 655 850 sugar, coffee, textiles, clothing, wood products # 10 0.61 2742 361 bananas, coffee, citrus; beef; timber; shrimp; # 2401 bananas, coffee, shrimp, lobster, minerals, meat, lumber # US 65%, Germany 7%, Japan 7%, Spain 3%, Belgium 2% # 3133 machinery and transport equipment, industrial raw materials, chemical products, manufactured goods, fuel and oil, foodstuffs # US 50%, Guatemala 5%, Japan 5%, Mexico 3%, El Salvador 3% # 4600 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 lempira (L) = 100 centavos # 1 calendar year 105000 NA # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System # 176 0 7 2115000 28 400000 595 # # 190 km 1.067-m gauge; 128 km 1.057-m gauge; 277 km 0.914-m gauge # # 15100 3,050 km # 12,050 km (1995 est.) # 465 ? ? ? La Ceiba, Puerto Castilla, Puerto Cortes, San Lorenzo, Tela, Puerto Lempira # 251 714755 1066043 bulk 28, cargo 153, chemical tanker 3, combination bulk 1, container 5, liquefied gas tanker 1, livestock carrier 3, oil tanker 21, passenger 1, passenger-cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 22, roll-on/roll-off cargo 8, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 1 # 107 88 ? 3 2 5 78 19 ? ? ? 19 ? ? Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force, Public Security Forces (FUSEP) # 18 years of age # 1370116 816054 66304 42500000 1.50 land boundary dispute with El Salvador mostly resolved by 11 September 1992 International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision; with respect to the maritime boundary in the Golfo de Fonseca, ICJ referred to an earlier agreement in this century and advised that some tripartite resolution among El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua likely would be required; maritime boundary dispute with Nicaragua # transshipment point for drugs and narcotics; illicit producer of cannabis, cultivated on small plots and used principally for local consumption # @Hong Kong 0 0$2228$11422$2100000$Victoria # On the coast of south China, consisting of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, Stonecutters Island, the New Territories (mainland), and over 230 islets. From the Chinese Xianggang, "Pleasantly Smelling Straits". A British Crown Colony; Hong Kong Island leased by China to Britain in 1842; the New Territories in 1898 for 99 years. # GB Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China # 1092 1042 50 30 China 30 km # 733 ? ? # ? ? 3 tropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall # hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north # South China Sea 0 m Tai Mo Shan 958 m outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar # 6 1 1 22 70 20 occasional typhoons # air and water pollution from rapid urbanization # NA # NA # more than 200 islands # 6547189 19 629981 584807 71 2319009 2348794 10 299503 365095 2.59 12.72 5.79 18.94 1.07 1.08 0.99 0.82 0.98 5.30 78.71 75.98 81.62 1.33 Chinese Chinese Chinese 95%, other 5% # eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10% # Chinese (Cantonese), English # age 15 and over has ever attended school # 92.20 96 88.20 none Hong Kong ? ? dependent territory of the UK; note - scheduled to revert to China on Victoria none (dependent territory of the UK) # ? # Liberation Day, 29 August (1945) the Letters Patent together with the Royal Instructions form the written constitution of Hong Kong; new Basic Law approved in March 1990 in preparation for scheduled reversion to China on 1 July 1997 # based on English common law # direct election 18 years of age; universal for permanent residents living in the territory of Hong Kong for the past seven years; indirect election limited to about 100,000 professionals of electoral college and functional constituencies # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952) Governor and President of the Executive Council Christopher Francis PATTEN (since 9 July 1992); Chief Secretary Anson CHAN Fang On-Sang (since 29 November 1993) # Executive Council appointed by the governor # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor appointed by the queen # ? # unicameral Legislative Council (60 seats; 30 indirectly elected by functional constituencies, 20 elected by popular vote, and 10 elected by election committee; members serve four-year terms); note - the Legislative Council will be replaced by a provisional legislature on 1 July 1997 # indirect and direct elections last held 17 September 1995; note - elections for the first post-reversion Legislative Council are scheduled to be held in 1998 # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 21, Liberal Party 10, Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong 6, other parties and independents 23; note - subsequent to the election, there has been a change in the distribution of seats; the new distribution is as follows - Democratic Party 19, Liberal Party 10, Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong 6, other parties and independents 25 # Supreme Court # Democratic Party, Martin LEE, chairman; Liberal Party, Allen LEE, chairman; Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong, TSANG Yuk-shing, chairman; Hong Kong Democratic Foundation, Dr. Patrick SHIU Kin-ying, chairman # ? # APEC, AsDB, BIS (pending member), CCC, ESCAP (associate), ICFTU, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ISO (correspondent), WCL, WMO, WTrO # blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with the Hong Kong coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a shield (bearing two junks below a crown) held by a lion (representing the UK) and a dragon (representing China) with another lion above the shield and a banner bearing the words HONG KONG below the shield # Hong Kong has a bustling free market economy with few tariffs or nontariff barriers. Natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must be imported. Manufacturing and construction account for about 18% of GDP. Goods and services exports account for about 50% of GDP. Real GDP growth averaged a remarkable 8% in 1987-88, slowed to 3.0% in 1989-90, and picked up to 4.2% in 1991, 5.0% in 1992, 5.2% in 1993, 5.5% in 1994, 4.8% in 1995, and 4.7% in 1996. A shortage of labor continues to put upward pressure on prices and the cost of living. Prospects for 1997 remain bright so long as major trading partners continue to be reasonably prosperous and so long as investors feel China will support free market practices after the takeover on 1 July 1997. # 4.70 18650 122105 0.20 18.40 81.40 6.50 3251000 wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels 34.4%, services 19.8%, manufacturing 14.2%, financing, insurance, and real estate 12.4%, transport and communications 5.1%, construction 2.1%, other 12% (1994) # 3.10 19000 14100.00 textiles, clothing, tourism, electronics, plastics, toys, watches, clocks # -2.60 10.32 25140 3716 fresh vegetables; poultry # 197200 clothing, textiles, yarn and fabric, footwear, electrical appliances, watches and clocks, toys # China 33%, US 22%, Japan 6%, Germany 4%, UK 3%, Singapore 3% (1995) # 217200 foodstuffs, transport equipment, raw materials, semimanufactures, petroleum; a large share is reexported # China 36%, Japan 15%, Taiwan 9%, US 8%, Singapore 5%, South Korea 5% (1995) # 0.00 ? # ? # 1 Hong Kong dollar (HK$) = 100 cents # 0 1 April - 31 March 3310000 microwave radio relay links and extensive fiber-optic network # satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Pacific Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); coaxial cable to Guangzhou, China; access to 5 international submarine cables providing connections to ASEAN member nations, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Middle East, and Western Europe # 6 6 0 3000000 4 1750000 34 # 34 km 1.435-m gauge (1996 est.) # # # 1717 1,717 km # 0 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Hong Kong # 221 7908237 13580012 bulk 124, cargo 31, combination bulk 4, combination ore/oil 2, container 38, liquefied gas tanker 2, multifunction large load carrier 2, oil tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 3 # 2 2 1 ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 1 Headquarters of British Forces, Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force, Royal Hong Kong Police Force # 18 years of age # 1884488 1427567 46601 207000000 0.20 none # a hub for Southeast Asian heroin trade; transshipment and money-laundering center; increasing indigenous amphetamine abuse # @Howland Island United States # # Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia # 1.60 1.60 0 ? ? # 6.40 ? ? # 200 ? 12 equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun # low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef; depressed central area # Pacific Ocean 0 m unnamed location 3 m guano (deposits worked until late 1800s) # 0 0 0 5 95 0 the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard # no natural fresh water resources # NA # NA # almost totally covered with grasses, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs; small area of trees in the center; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife; feral cats # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Howland Island ? ? unincorporated territory of the US; administered by the Fish and Wildlife none; administered from Washington, DC ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of the US is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one boat landing area along the middle of the west coast # ? ? ? ? # 1937 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Hungary 0 0$Budapest$4748$1908$2000000$ 1$Debrecen$4756$2169$216000$ # Tribes from the east, mainly Magyars, overran the earliest settlers in the 9th century AD. These were unified under Saint Stephen, the first Hungarian king, at the start of the 11th century. Invading Turks were defeated with the aid of Austria, who dominated the country from the end of the 17th century until autonomy was gained in 1867 with the establishment of the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary. After defeat in 1918, Hungary lost territory to Romania, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia, and became a republic. It passed under communist control in 1949. A popular uprising in 1956 was suppressed by Soviet troops. Since 1968 there has been a move away from a central planning system to a market-based economy. The National Assembly is a single-chamber parliament with 352 members. 21 members are chosen as the Presidential Council, which acts as a collective head of state. Real power, however, rests with the only legal party, the Hungarian Workers Party, whose organization matches that of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union. Hungary is divided into 19 counties (MegyΘk) and 5 cities with county status. # H Central Europe, northwest of Romania # 93030 92340 690 2009 Austria 366 km, Croatia 329 km, Romania 443 km, Serbia and Montenegro 151 km (all with Serbia), Slovakia 515 km, Slovenia 102 km, Ukraine 103 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers # mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on the Slovakian border # Tisza River 78 m Kekes 1,014 m bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils # 51 2 13 19 15 2060 ? # an early-1996 government study identified 179 areas that suffer from air pollution, 54 areas with polluted soil, and 32 areas with polluted underground water; the study estimated clean-up costs at $350 million, but the 1996 government budget allocated only about $7 million for this purpose # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea # landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and Mediterranean basin # 10232404 18 924864 881728 68 3419485 3541823 14 549091 915413 -0.25 10.73 13.67 0.47 1.05 1.05 0.96 0.60 0.92 10 70.48 66.06 75.13 1.47 Hungarian(s) Hungarian Hungarian 89.9%, Gypsy 4%, German 2.6%, Serb 2%, Slovak 0.8%, Romanian 0.7% # Roman Catholic 67.5%, Calvinist 20%, Lutheran 5%, atheist and other 7.5% # Hungarian 98.2%, other 1.8% # age 15 and over can read and write # 99 99 98 Republic of Hungary Hungary Magyar Koztarsasag Magyarorszag republic Budapest 19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 20 urban counties* (singular - megyei varos), and 1 capital city** (fovaros); Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Bekescsaba*, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Budapest**, Csongrad, Debrecen*, Dunaujvaros*, Eger*, Fejer, Gyor*, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Hodmezovasarhely*, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Kaposvar*, Kecskemet*, Komarom-Esztergom, Miskolc*, Nagykanizsa*, Nograd, Nyiregyhaza*, Pecs*, Pest, Somogy, Sopron*, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Szeged*, Szekesfehervar*, Szolnok*, Szombathely*, Tatabanya*, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Veszprem*, Zala, Zalaegerszeg* # ? # St. Stephen's Day (National Day), 20 August (commemorates the coronation 18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949, revised 19 April 1972; 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and also established the principle of parliamentary oversight # in process of revision, moving toward rule of law based on Western model # 18 years of age; universal # President Arpad GONCZ (since 3 August 1990; previously interim president Prime Minister Gyula HORN (since 15 July 1994) # Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president # president elected by the National Assembly for a four-year term; election last held 19 June 1995 (next to be held NA 1999); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president # Arpad GONCZ elected president; a total of 335 votes were cast by the National Assembly, Arpad GONCZ received 259; Gyula HORN elected prime minister; percent of legislative vote NA # unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (386 seats; members are elected by popular vote under a system of proportional and direct representation to serve four-year terms) # last held on 8 and 29 May 1994 (next to be held May 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MSzP 209, SzDSz 70, MDF 37, FKgP 26, KDNP 22, FiDeSz 20, other 2 # Constitutional Court, judges are elected by the National Assembly # Hungarian Democratic Forum or MDF [Sandor LEZSAK, chairman]; Independent Smallholders or FKgP [Jozsef TORGYAN, president]; Hungarian Socialist Party or MSzP [Gyula HORN, president]; Christian Democratic People's Party or KDNP [Gyorgy GICZY, president]; Federation of Young Democrats or FiDeSz [Viktor ORBAN, chairman]; Alliance of Free Democrats or SzDSz [Gabor KUNCZE, chairman]; Hungarian Democratic People's Party or MDNP [Ivan SZABO, chairman] note: the Hungarian Socialist (Communist) Workers' Party or MSzMP renounced Communism and became the Hungarian Socialist Party or MSzP in October 1989; there is still a small MMP (Communist Party); the MDNP was formed in March 1996 by breakaway members of the Hungarian Democratic Forum # ? # Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNOMIG, UNU, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green # Hungary probably had the most Western-oriented economy in East Europe before the transition to a market system began in 1990, and Budapest made good progress in the initial years of transition. The reform process slowed in 1993-94, however, in part because of the May 1994 elections and the resulting change in government. By 1994 the privatization of state firms had ground to a halt, while both the budget and current account deficits soared to unsustainable levels - about 8% and 10% of GDP, respectively. The situation improved sharply in 1995: an austerity program introduced in March reduced both deficits; and a renewed privatization effort later in the year resulted in more than $3 billion worth of sales of state firms to foreign investors - money used mostly to reduce Hungary's large foreign debt. Real GDP increased 2.9% in 1994 - following several years of steep decline - and about 1.5% in 1995 and only 0.5% in 1996. Unemployment reached 14% in early 1993 before gradually falling back to 11% in 1996. Inflation has oscillated; it reached 40% in mid-1991, dropped to 17% in early 1994, jumped back to 31% by mid-1995, and settled at 20% in 1996. Prospects for 1997 and 1998 are good compared with the situation earlier. Most forecasters expect 2% to 3% GDP growth in 1997 and slightly higher growth in 1998. Inflation and unemployment are edging down. With the government still committed to reform, both the budget and current account deficits are at IMF target levels - about 4% of GDP. Budapest also is making good progress in restructuring the pension, health, tax, education, and other systems as part of the effort to decrease the role of government. This dramatic shift in economic policy was rewarded in 1996 by the IMF, which finally signed the standby agreement Budapest had sought, and by the OECD, which welcomed Hungary as a member. # 0.50 4180 42771 7.30 31.90 60.80 20 6200000 services 58.7%, industry 34.7%, agriculture 6.6 (1996 est.) # 11 10200.00 11000 mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods, textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles # 2 6.98 31630 3200 wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets; pigs, cattle, poultry, dairy products # 14200 raw materials 39.5%, consumer goods 25.0%, agriculture and food products 21.8%, machinery and equipment 11.3%, fuels and electricity 2.4% (1995) # EU 63.3% (Germany 28.8%, Austria 10.0%), Eastern Europe 19.7%, Russia 10.7% (1995) # 16800 raw materials 42.3%, consumer goods 20.9%, machinery and equipment 20.1%, fuels and electricity 10.8%, agricultural and food products 5.9% (1995) # EU 61.6% (Germany 23.6%, Austria 11.9%), Eastern Europe 22.2%, Russia 14.7% (1995) # 27500 ODA, $136 million (1993) # ? # 1 forint (Ft) = 100 filler # 166.10 calendar year 2160000 microwave radio relay # satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) # 32 15 0 6000000 41 4380000 7619 35 km 1.524-m gauge # 7,408 km 1.435-m gauge (2,216 km electrified; 1,236 km double track) # 176 km 0.760-m gauge (1995) # # 158633 69,957 km (including 378 km of expressways) # 88,676 km (1995 est.) # 1622 1204 ? 4387 Budapest, Dunaujvaros # 11 51076 67498 ? # 78 14 2 7 4 14 1 64 ? 7 9 ? 34 ? Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guard, Territorial Defense # 18 years of age # 2631781 2099109 78828 550000000 1.50 Gabcikovo Dam dispute with Slovakia # major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and cannabis and transit point for South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; limited producer of precursor chemicals, particularly for amphetamines and methamphetamines # @Iceland 0 0$Reykjavφk$6413$-2193$115000$ # Irish monks settled on the island of Iceland in the 8th century. The first Norse colonists arrived towards the end of the 9th century. Iceland was a republic from 930 until 1262, when it joined with Norway. It came under Danish rule when the Danish king ascended the Norwegian throne in 1381. In 1918, Iceland became an independent kingdom. On 17 June 1944, it was proclaimed an independent republic. Legislative power rests with the Althing, the world's oldest surviving parliament. It has 60 members, elected for 4 years. These are divided into an Upper House, of 20 members, and a Lower House of 40. Executive power lies with the president and the cabinet, made up of the prime-minister and other ministers appointed by the president. Iceland is divided into 7 districts and 23 counties. # IS Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the UK # 103000 100250 2750 ? ? # 4988 ? 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin # 200 ? 12 temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers # mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast deeply indented by bays and fiords # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Hvannadalshnukur 2,119 m fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite # 0 0 23 1 76 ? earthquakes and volcanic activity # water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment # Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands # Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation # strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European country; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe # 269697 24 32931 31390 64 87993 86107 12 14107 17169 0.47 15.35 6.93 -3.73 1.06 1.05 1.02 0.82 1 5.30 78.73 76.68 80.90 2.05 Icelander(s) Icelandic homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norwegians and Celts # Evangelical Lutheran 96%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, none 1% (1988) # Icelandic # age 15 and over can read and write # 100 ? ? Republic of Iceland Iceland Lyoveldio Island Island constitutional republic Reykjavik 23 counties (syslar, singular - sysla) and 14 independent towns* (kaupstadhir, singular - kaupstadhur); Akranes*, Akureyri*, Arnessysla, Austur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Austur-Hunavatnssysla, Austur-Skaftafellssysla, Borgarfjardharsysla, Dalasysla, Eyjafjardharsysla, Gullbringusysla, Hafnarfjordhur*, Husavik*, Isafjordhur*, Keflavik*, Kjosarsysla, Kopavogur*, Myrasysla, Neskaupstadhur*, Nordhur-Isafjardharsysla, Nordhur-Mulasys-la, Nordhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Olafsfjordhur*, Rangarvallasysla, Reykjavik*, Saudharkrokur*, Seydhisfjordhur*, Siglufjordhur*, Skagafjardharsysla, Snaefellsnes-og Hnappadalssysla, Strandasysla, Sudhur-Mulasysla, Sudhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Vesttmannaeyjar*, Vestur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Vestur-Hunavatnssysla, Vestur-Isafjardharsysla, Vestur-Skaftafellssysla # ? # Anniversary of the Establishment of the Republic, 17 June (1944) 16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944 # civil law system based on Danish law; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1 August 1996) Prime Minister David ODDSSON (since 30 April 1991) # Cabinet appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 29 June 1996 (next to be held NA June 2000); prime minister appointed by the president # Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON elected president; percent of vote - 41.4% # unicameral Parliament or Althing (63 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held on 8 April 1995 (next to be held by April 1999) # percent of vote by party - Independence Party 37.1%, Progressive Party 23.3%, Social Democratic Party 11.4%, Socialists 14.3%, People's Movement 7.2%, Women's Party 4.9%; seats by party - Independence 25, Progressive 15, Social Democratic 7, Socialists 9, People's Movement 4, Women's Party 3 # Supreme Court or Haestirettur, justices are appointed for life by the president # Independence Party (conservative) or IP [David ODDSSON]; Progressive Party (liberal) or PP [Halldor ASGRIMSSON]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Sighvatur BJORGVINSSON]; People's Alliance (left socialist) or PA [Margret FRIMANNSDOTTIR]; Women's Party or WL [Kristin ASTGEIRSDOTTIR]; People's Movement (centrist); National Awakening (People's Revival Party) or PR [Johanna SIGURDARDOTTIR] # ? # Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNU, UPU, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO # blue with a red cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) # Iceland's Scandinavian-type economy is basically capitalistic, yet with an extensive welfare system, low unemployment, and remarkably even distribution of income. The economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 75% of export earnings and employs 12% of the work force. In the absence of other natural resources - except energy - Iceland's economy is vulnerable to changing world fish prices. The economy remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to drops in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. The center-right government plans to continue its policies of reducing the budget and current account deficits, limiting foreign borrowing, containing inflation, revising agricultural and fishing policies, diversifying the economy, and privatizing state-owned industries. The government remains opposed to EU membership, primarily because of Icelanders' concern about losing control over their fishing resources. # 3.30 26770 7220 9.60 22.10 68.30 2.50 145000 commerce, transportation, and services 60.0%, manufacturing 12.5%, fishing and fish processing 11.8%, construction 10.8%, agriculture 4.0%, other 0.9% (1990) # 5 1900.00 2100 fish processing; aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production, geothermal power; tourism # 1.75 1.10 5000 17181 potatoes, turnips; cattle, sheep; fish catch of about 1.1 million metric tons in 1992 # 1670 fish and fish products 75%, animal products, aluminum, ferrosilicon, diatomite # UK 19%, Germany 14%, US 12%, Japan 11%, Denmark 8%, France 7% (1995) # 1620.00 machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs, textiles # Germany 11%, Norway 10%, UK 10%, Denmark 9%, US 8%, Sweden 7% (1995) # 2500 ? # ? # 1 Icelandic krona (IKr) = 100 aurar # 68.33 calendar year 143600 the trunk network consists of coaxial and fiber-optic cables and microwave radio relay links # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean Regions); note - Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden) # 5 147 0 91500 202 96100 ? # # # # 12378 3,070 km # 9,308 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Akureyri, Hornafjordur, Isafjordhur, Keflavik, Raufarhofn, Reykjavik, Seydhisfjordhur, Straumsvik, Vestmannaeyjar # 4 17041 21531 chemical tanker 1, container 1, oil tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1 (1996 est.) # 84 60 1 ? 4 5 50 24 ? ? 3 21 ? ? no regular armed forces; Police, Coast Guard; note - Iceland's defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik # ? # 70833 62601 ? ? ? Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Ireland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area) # ? # @India 0 0$New Delhi$2880$7733$294000$ 1$Delhi$2864$7728$8375000$ 1$Calcutta$2260$8840$10916000$ 1$Bombay$1892$7283$12571000$ 1$Madras$1308$8030$5361000$ 1$Bangalore$1298$7767$4086000$ 1$Hyderabad$1717$7848$3297000$ 1$Ahmadabad$2300$7267$3297000$ 1$Kanpur$2643$8039$2410000$ 1$Nagpur$2114$7917$1661000$ 1$Jaipur$2690$7583$1514000$ 1$Agra$2228$7797$955000$ 1$Varanasi$2533$8300$1026000$ 1$Indore$2269$7589$1086000$ 1$Madurai$989$7811$1093000$ 1$Jabalpur$2315$7997$887000$ 1$Allahabad$2542$8197$802000$ 3$K2$3590$7650$8611$ # The civilization of the Indus Valley can be traced back over 5,000 years, giving India one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The Indian civilization of today was created when Aryan tribes invaded from the north-west and merged with the earlier inhabitants, in about 1500 BC. Operating as the East India Company, the British gained control of most of India from the early 17th century. Under Indian pressure, led by Mohandas (Mahatna) Ghandi, Britain gave India a constitution providing a bicameral congress in 1935. India was partitioned into the dominions of India and Pakistan. India gained independence on 15 August 1947 and became a self-governing member of the Commonwealth and UN. On 26 January 1950, India declared itself a democratic republic. The world's worst industrial accident occurred on 3 December 1984, when over 2,500 people were killed by the deadly gas, methyl isocyanate, which escaped from a Union Carbide factory in Bophal. Parliament consists of two legislative house, the Council of States (244 seats) and the House of the People (544 seats). The president is chosen by representatives of the two houses for a term of 5 years. India is divided into 25 states and 7 union territories. # IND Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan # 3287590 2973190 314400 14103 Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km # 7000 24 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin # 200 ? 12 varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north # upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north # Indian Ocean 0 m Kanchenjunga 8,598 m coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone # 56 1 4 23 16 480000 droughts, flash floods, severe thunderstorms common; earthquakes # deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap water is not potable throughout the country; huge and rapidly growing population is overstraining natural resources # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # none of the selected agreements # dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian Ocean trade routes # 966783171 35 173420822 163433648 61 304048569 281625342 4 22536104 21718686 1.72 26.19 8.87 -0.08 1.05 1.06 1.08 1.04 1.07 65.50 62.41 61.68 63.18 3.29 Indian(s) Indian Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3% # Hindu 80%, Muslim 14%, Christian 2.4%, Sikh 2%, Buddhist 0.7%, Jains 0.5%, other 0.4% # English enjoys associate status but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication, Hindi the national language and primary tongue of 30% of the people, Bengali (official), Telugu (official), Marathi (official), Tamil (official), Urdu (official), Gujarati (official), Malayalam (official), Kannada (official), Oriya (official), Punjabi (official), Assamese (official), Kashmiri (official), Sindhi (official), Sanskrit (official), Hindustani a popular variant of Hindu/Urdu, is spoken widely throughout northern India # age 15 and over can read and write # 52 65.50 37.70 Republic of India India ? ? federal republic New Delhi 25 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar Islands*, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh*, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*, Delhi*, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachel Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Pondicherry*, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal # ? # Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 26 January (1950) 26 January 1950 # based on English common law; limited judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 18 years of age; universal # President Shankar Dayal SHARMA (since 25 July 1992); Vice President Prime Minister I.K. GUJRAL (since 21 April 1997) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister # president elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of the states for a five-year term; vice president elected by both houses of Parliament; prime minister elected by parliamentary members of the majority party following legislative elections # Shankar Dayal SHARMA elected president; percent of electoral college vote - NA; Kicheril Raman NARAYANAN elected vice president; percent of Parliament vote - NA; I.K. GUJRAL elected prime minister; percent of vote - NA # bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of the Council of States or Rajya Sabha (a body consisting of not more than 250 members, up to 12 of which are appointed by the president, the remainder are chosen by the elected members of the state and territorial assemblies; members serve six-year terms) and the People's Assembly or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 elected by popular vote, 2 appointed; members serve five-year terms) # People's Assembly - last held 27 April through May 1996 (next to be held NA 2001) # People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - BJP and allies 194, Congress I Party 140, Janata Dal Party 44, CPI/M 32, Tamil Maanila Congress 20, Dravida Munnetra Kazagham 17, SP 17, Teluga Desam (Naidu) 16, CPI 11, RSP 5, Asom Gana Parishad 5, Congress (Tiwari) 4, AIFB 3, Muslim League 2, Madhya Pradesh Vikas Congress 2, Karnataka Congress Party 1, independents and other regional parties 30 # Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the president # Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), A. B. VAJPAYEE; Congress (I) Party, Sitaram KESRI, president; Janata Dal Party, Laloo Prasad YADAV; Janata Dal (Ajit), Ajit SINGH; Communist Party of India/Marxist (CPI/M), Harkishan Singh SURJEET; Tamil Maanila Congress, G. K. MOOPANAR; Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (a regional party in Tamil Nadu), M. KARUNANIDHI; Samajwadi Party (SP), Mulayam Singh YADAV (president), Om Prakash CHAUTALA, Devi LAL; Telugu Desam (Naidu) (a regional party in Andhra Pradesh), Chandrababu NAIDU; Communist Party of India (CPI), Indrajit GUPTA; Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Tridip CHOWDHURY; Asom Gana Parishad, Prafulla Kumar MAHANTA; Congress (Tiwari), Arjun SINGH and N.D. TIWARI; All India Forward Bloc (AIFB), Prem Dutta PALIWAL (chairman), Chitta BASU (general secretary); Muslim League, G. M. BANATWALA; Madhya Pradesh Vikas Congress, Madhavro SCINDIA; Karnataka Congress Party, S. BANGARAPPA; Shiv Sena, Bal THACKERAY; Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Kanshi RAM; Communist Party of India/Marxist-Leninist (CPI/ML), Vinod MISHRA; Akali Dal factions representing Sikh religious community in the Punjab; National Conference (NC; a regional party in Jammu and Kashmir), Farooq ABDULLAH; Bihar Peoples Party, Lovely ANAND; Samata Party (formerly Janata Dal members), George FERNANDES; Indian National League, Suliaman SAIT; Kerala Congress (Mani faction), K. M. MANI note: subsequent to the election, the following parties were dissolved - Congress (Tiwari), Madhya Pradesh Vikas Congress, and Karnataka Congress Party # ? # AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, BIS (pending member), C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G- 6, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), PCA, SAARC, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIH, UNOMIL, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band # India's economy is a mixture of traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of support services. A large share of the population, perhaps as much as 40%, remains too poor to afford an adequate diet. The policy in the 1980s of fueling economic growth through high government expenditure proved unsustainable, however, and in the wake of an international payments crisis in 1991 India has been transforming its semi-socialist, insular economy into a more open, market-oriented economy. Production, trade, and investment reforms since 1991 have provided new opportunities for Indian businesspersons and an estimated 200 million plus middle class consumers. New Delhi has stimulated exports, attracted foreign investment, and revived confidence in India's economic prospects. GDP growth exceeded 6% in 1995 and in 1996. Most of the country's external fundamentals - including the current account balance and reserves (now about $19 billion) - are healthy. Even so, the Indian Government needs to restore the early momentum of reform, especially by continuing reductions in the extensive remaining government regulations. The government will also have to deal with rising government expenditures and higher debt servicing which could create a debt trap by the turn of the century. Even if a series of weak coalition governments come to power in the next few years and are unable to push reforms aggressively, parts of the economy that have already benefited from deregulation will continue to grow. Moreover, the country can build on other strengths, including its diverse industrial base, large scientific and technical pool, its well-developed legal system, and its large middle class. # 6.50 380 367378 30 28 42 10.30 370000000 agriculture 65% or more, services 4%, manufacturing and construction 3%, communications and transport 3% # ? 34000 52300 textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery # 11.20 83.29 380000 419 rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry; fish catch of about 3 million metric tons ranks India among the world's top 10 fishing nations # 30500 clothing, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, chemicals, leather manufactures, cotton yarn, and fabric # US, Japan, Germany, UK, Hong Kong # 34500 crude oil and petroleum products, machinery, gems, fertilizer, chemicals # US, Germany, Saudi Arabia, UK, Belgium, Japan # 97900.00 ODA, $1.237 billion (1993); US ODA bilateral commitments $171 million; US Ex-Im bilateral commitments $680 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA bilateral commitments $2.48 billion; OPEC bilateral aid $200 million; World Bank (IBRD) multilateral commitments $2.8 billion; Asian Development Bank (AsDB) multilateral commitments $760 million; International Finance Corporation (IFC) multilateral commitments $200 million; other multilateral commitments $554 million (1995-96) # ? # 1 Indian rupee (Re) = 100 paise # 35.87 1 April - 31 March 9800000 local service is provided mostly by open wire and obsolete electromechanical and manual switchboard systems; within the last 10 years a substantial amount of digital switch gear has been introduced for local service; long-distance traffic is carried mostly by open wire, coaxial cable, and low-capacity microwave radio relay; since 1985, however, significant trunk capacity has been added in the form of fiber-optic cable and a domestic satellite system with over 100 earth stations # satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean Region); submarine cables to Malaysia and UAE # 96 4 0 70000000 274 33000000 62462 37,824 km 1.676-m gauge # # 20,653 km 1.000-m gauge; 3,985 km 0.762-m and 0.610-m gauge (1995 est.) # # 2009600 1,006,810 km # 1,002,790 km (1995 est.) # 16180 3005 2687 1700 Calcutta, Chennai (Madras), Cochin, Jawaharal Nehru, Kandla, Mumbai (Bombay), Vishakhapatnam # 306 6832647 11376028 bulk 132, cargo 59, chemical tanker 8, combination bulk 3, combination ore/oil 3, container 11, liquefied gas tanker 8, oil tanker 75, passenger-cargo 5, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1, short-sea passenger 1 (1996 est.) # 290 249 12 48 59 68 62 41 ? 2 2 37 ? 15 Army, Navy, Air Force, various security or paramilitary forces (includes Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, and Coast Guard) # 17 years of age # 258172895 151693072 10465427 8000000000 2.70 boundaries with Bangladesh and China in dispute; status of Kashmir with Pakistan; water-sharing problems with downstream riparian Pakistan over the Indus (Wular Barrage); Bangladesh and India signed a treaty 12 December 1996 to share water from the Ganges # world's largest licit producer of opium for the pharmaceutical trade, but an undetermined quantity of opium is diverted to illicit international drug markets; major transit country for illicit narcotics produced in neighboring countries; illicit producer of hashish and methaqualone; produced 47 metric tons of illicit opium in 1996 # @Indian Ocean 0 # # body of water between Africa, Antarctica, Asia, and Australia # 73600000 ? ? ? ? # 66526 ? ? # ? ? ? northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest monsoon (June to October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June and October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and January/February in the southern Indian Ocean # surface dominated by counterclockwise gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the southern Indian Ocean; unique reversal of surface currents in the northern Indian Ocean; low atmospheric pressure over southwest Asia from hot, rising, summer air results in the southwest monsoon and southwest-to-northeast winds and currents, while high pressure over northern Asia from cold, falling, winter air results in the northeast monsoon and northeast-to-southwest winds and currents; ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian Ocean Ridge, Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninety East Ridge # Java Trench -7,258 m sea level 0 m oil and gas fields, fish, shrimp, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules # ? ? ? ? ? ? ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme south near Antarctica from May to October # endangered marine species include the dugong, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea # none of the selected agreements # none of the selected agreements # major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and the Lombok Strait # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia with Europe and the Americas. It carries a particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum products from the oilfields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. Its fish are of great and growing importance to the bordering countries for domestic consumption and export. Fishing fleets from Russia, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan also exploit the Indian Ocean, mainly for shrimp and tuna. Large reserves of hydrocarbons are being tapped in the offshore areas of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and western Australia. An estimated 40% of the world's offshore oil production comes from the Indian Ocean. Beach sands rich in heavy minerals and offshore placer deposits are actively exploited by bordering countries, particularly India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # submarine cables from India to UAE and Malaysia and from Sri Lanka to Djibouti and Indonesia # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? Calcutta (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Durban (South Africa), Jakarta (Indonesia), Madras (India), Melbourne (Australia), Mumbai (Bombay; India), Richard's Bay (South Africa) # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? some maritime disputes (see littoral states) # ? # @Indonesia 0 0$Jakarta$-615$10682$7829000$ 1$Surabaya$-725$11275$2345000$ 1$Medan$358$9865$2110000$ 1$Bandung$-660$10781$1613000$ 1$Semarang$-697$11048$1269000$ 1$Palembang$-298$10475$903000$ 1$Ujung Pandang$-515$11948$888000$ 3$Kinabalu$605$11653$4175$ # With the exception of East Timor, Indonesia was formerly the Dutch East Indies. The islands were occupied by the Japanese from 1942 until 1945. The Republic of Indonesia was declared independent by a group of nationalists on 17 August 1945. After 4 years of fighting, the Dutch ceded sovereignty on 27 December 1949. West Irian, on New Guinea, remained under Dutch control. This area was turned over to Indonesia by the UN in 1963. Constitutionally, Indonesia is a presidential democracy. The president is chosen every 5 years by the 920-member People's Consultative Assembly. 460 members of this Assembly represent regional and functional groups, the other 460 being the members of the parliament, the House of People's Representatives. Indonesia is divided into 27 provinces and 282 regions. # RI Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean # 1919440 1826440 93000 2602 Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New Guinea 820 km # 54716 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands # mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains # Indian Ocean 0 m Puncak Jaya 5,030 m petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver # 10 7 7 62 14 45970 occasional floods, severe droughts, tsunamis, earthquakes # deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage; air pollution in urban areas # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # Desertification, Marine Life Conservation # archipelago of 17,000 islands (6,000 inhabited); straddles Equator; strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean # 209774138 31 33313149 32367905 65 67824993 68226617 4 3557886 4483588 1.51 23.39 8.30 0 1.05 1.03 0.99 0.79 1 61.20 62.06 59.89 64.34 2.66 Indonesian(s) Indonesian Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26% # Muslim 87%, Protestant 6%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, other 1% (1985) # Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects, the most widely spoken of which is Javanese # age 15 and over can read and write # 83.80 89.60 78 Republic of Indonesia Indonesia Republik Indonesia Indonesia republic Jakarta 24 provinces (propinsi-propinsi, singular - propinsi), 2 special regions* (daerah-daerah istimewa, singular - daerah istimewa), and 1 special capital city district** (daerah khusus ibukota); Aceh*, Bali, Bengkulu, Irian Jaya, Jakarta Raya**, Jambi, Jawa Barat, Jawa Tengah, Jawa Timur, Kalimantan Barat, Kalimantan Selatan, Kalimantan Tengah, Kalimantan Timur, Lampung, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Riau, Sulawesi Selatan, Sulawesi Tengah, Sulawesi Tenggara, Sulawesi Utara, Sumatera Barat, Sumatera Selatan, Sumatera Utara, Timor Timur, Yogyakarta* # ? # Independence Day, 17 August (1945) August 1945, abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959 # based on Roman-Dutch law, substantially modified by indigenous concepts and by new criminal procedures code; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 17 years of age; universal and married persons regardless of age # President Gen. (Ret.) SOEHARTO (since 27 March 1968) and Vice President President Gen. (Ret.) SOEHARTO (since 27 March 1968) and Vice President Gen. (Ret.) Try SUTRISNO (since 11 March 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet # president and vice president elected by consensus by the People's Consultative Assembly for five-year terms; election last held 11 March 1993 (next to be held NA March 1998) # Gen. (Ret.) SOEHARTO elected president by consensus by the People's Consultative Assembly; Gen. (Ret.) Try SUTRISNO elected vice president by consensus by the People's Consultative Assembly # unicameral House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) (500 seats; 400 elected by popular vote, 100 are appointed military representatives; members serve five-year terms; note - beginning with the elections in May 1997, the composition of the DPR will change to 425 elected representatives and 75 appointed representatives) # last held 8 June 1992 (next scheduled for 29 May 1997) # percent of vote by party - Golkar 68%, PPP 17%, PDI 15%; seats by party - Golkar 282, PPP 62, PDI 56 note: the People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat or MPR) includes the DPR plus 500 indirectly selected members; it meets every five years to elect the president and vice president and to approve the broad outlines of national policy # Supreme Court (Mahkamah Agung), the judges are appointed by the president # Golkar (de facto ruling political party based on functional groups), HARMOKO, general chairman; Indonesia Democracy Party (PDI - federation of former Nationalist and Christian Parties), SOERJADI, chairman; Development Unity Party (PPP, federation of former Islamic parties), Ismail Hasan METAREUM, chairman # ? # APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, Mekong Group, NAM, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMOP, UNOMIG, UNPREDEP, UNTAES, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flag of Monaco, which is shorter; also similar to the flag of Poland, which is white (top) and red # Indonesia's sound macroeconomic management, combined with an emphasis on rapid deregulation and encouragement of private investment resulted in real GDP growth in 1991-96 averaging about 7%. This was impressive, but not sufficient to cut underemployment while absorbing the 2.3 million workers annually entering the labor force. Foreign investment has boosted manufacturing output and exports in recent years. The economy's growth is driven by continuing expansion of nonoil exports. Plantation crops - rubber and palm oil - and textiles and plywood are being encouraged for both export and job generation. Industrial output is based on diverse natural resources, including crude oil, natural gas, timber, metals, and coal. Japan remains Indonesia's most important customer and supplier of aid. Growth in 1996 was led by industry, transport, and tourism. Strong growth should continue in 1997 assuming no sharp rise in political uncertainty. # 7 1090 228654 17 42 41 7 67000000 agriculture 55%, manufacturing 10%, construction 4%, transport and communications 3%, other 28% (1985 est.) # 3 41500 41500 petroleum and natural gas, textiles, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, food, rubber; tourism # 13.90 16.27 58310 276 rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra, other tropical products; poultry, beef, pork, eggs # 49800 manufactures 51.9%, fuels 26.4%, foodstuffs 12.7%, raw materials 9.0% # Japan 27.1%, US 13.9%, Singapore 8.3%, South Korea 6.4%, Taiwan 3.9%, China 3.8%, Hong Kong 3.6% (1995) # 42900 manufactures 75.3%, raw materials 9.0%, foodstuffs 7.8%, fuels 7.7% # Japan 22.7%, US 11.7%, Germany 6.9%, South Korea 6.0%, Singapore 5.8%, Australia 5.0%, Taiwan 4.5% (1995) # 110000 ODA, $5.5 billion (FY97/98 est.) # ? # Indonesian rupiah (Rp) # 2393 1 April - 31 March 1276600 interisland microwave system and HF radio police net; domestic satellite communications system # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) # 618 38 0 28100000 9 11500000 6458 # # 5,961 km 1.067-m gauge (101 km electrified; 101 km double track); 497 km 0.750-m gauge (1995) # # 378000 171,990 km # 206,010 km (1995 est.) # 21579 2505 456 1703 Cilacap, Cirebon, Jakarta, Kupang, Palembang, Semarang, Surabaya, Ujungpandang # 465 2185353 3191792 bulk 30, cargo 267, chemical tanker 8, container 9, liquefied gas tanker 5, livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 102, passenger 6, passenger-cargo 12, roll-on/roll-off cargo 8, short-sea passenger 6, specialized tanker 7, vehicle carrier 4 (1996 est.) # 413 386 4 10 36 39 297 27 ? ? 4 23 ? 4 Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police # 18 years of age # 58556503 34439340 2295832 3300000000 1.30 sovereignty over Timor Timur (East Timor Province) disputed with Portugal and not recognized by the UN; two islands in dispute with Malaysia # illicit producer of cannabis largely for domestic use; possible growing role as transshipment point for Golden Triangle heroin # @Iran 0 0$Teheran$3567$5143$12000000$ 1$Mashad$3627$5957$1466000$ 1$Ispahan$3268$5168$1000000$ 1$Tabriz$3811$4633$994000$ 1$ChirΓz$2969$5250$848000$ 1$AhvΓz$3133$4867$589000$ 1$Qum$3465$5094$550000$ # Until 1935, Iran was known as Persia. The Medes and the Persians united in 549 BC to form the Persian Empire. Alexander the Great conquered Persia in 333 BC. Arabs brought Islam to Persia in the 7th century. Turks and Mongols ruled from the 11th century until 1502, when a native dynasty reasserted full independence. Afghanistan was severed from Iran by the British in 1857. Conservative Moslem protests in the late 1970's led to the fall of the government and the exile of Shah Reza Pahlavi. The Islamic Constitution of 1979 put an end to the monarchy, declaring Iran an Islamic Republic, and vesting final authority in the Islamic spiritual leader (then the Ayatollah Khomeini). War broke out with Iraq on 22 September 1980 over sovereignty of the Shatt al-Arab waterway. Fighting continued until 1988. The political upheavals, marked by a sometimes brutal fundamentalism, brought Iran to almost total isolation from the rest of the world. Iran is divided into 24 provinces. # IR Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan # 1648000 1636000 12000 5440 Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km, Azerbaijan-proper 432 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 179 km, Iraq 1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km # 2440 24 natural prolongation # ? ? 12 mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast # rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts, mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coasts # Caspian Sea -28 m Qolleh-ye Damavand 5,671 m petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese, zinc, sulfur # 10 1 27 7 55 94000 periodic droughts, floods; dust storms, sandstorms; earthquakes along the Western border # air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle emissions, refinery operations, and industrial effluents; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the Persian Gulf; inadequate supplies of potable water # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation # ? # 67540002 44 15292783 14423911 52 17880617 17254711 4 1378395 1309585 2.12 32.51 6.39 -4.89 1.05 1.06 1.04 1.05 1.05 50.80 67.82 66.47 69.23 4.52 Iranian(s) Iranian Persian 51%, Azerbaijani 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1% # Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 10%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i 1% # Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2% # age 15 and over can read and write # 72.10 78.40 65.80 Islamic Republic of Iran Iran Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran Iran theocratic republic Tehran 25 provinces (ostanha, singular - ostan); Ardabil, Azarbayjan-e Gharbi, Azarbayjan-e Sharqi, Bushehr, Chahar Mahall va Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars, Gilan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Kermanshahan, Khorasan, Khuzestan, Kohkiluyeh va Buyer Ahmadi, Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi, Mazandaran, Semnan, Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd, Zanjan note: there may be two new provinces named Qom and Qazvin # ? # Islamic Republic Day, 1 April (1979) 2-3 December 1979; revised 1989 to expand powers of the presidency and eliminate the prime ministership # the Constitution codifies Islamic principles of government # 15 years of age; universal # supreme leader (rahbar-e moazam) and functional chief of state - Leader President Ali Akbar HASHEMI-RAFSANJANI (since 3 August 1989); First Vice President Hasan Ebrahim HABIBI (since NA August 1989) # Council of Ministers selected by the president with legislative approval # supreme leader appointed for life by the Council of Experts; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 11 June 1993 (next to be held 23 May 1997) # Ali Akbar HASHEMI-RAFSANJANI elected president; percent of vote - Ali Akbar HASHEMI-RAFSANJANI 63% # unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly or Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami (270 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 8 March and 19 April 1996 (next to be held NA March 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA # Supreme Court # Iran has no political parties; the most important political "groupings" are - Tehran Militant Clergy Association, Secretary General Ayatollah Mohammad EMAMI-KASHANI; Militant Clerics Association, Mehdi MAHDAVI-KARUBI and Mohammad Asqar MUSAVI-KHOINIHA; Servants of Reconstruction (G-6), Mohammad HASHEMI-RAFSANJANI, Hosein MARASHI # ? # CCC, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO # three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red; the national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah) in red is centered in the white band; ALLAH AKBAR (God is Great) in white Arabic script is repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11 times along the top edge of the red band # Iran's economy is a mixture of central planning, state ownership of oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture, and small-scale private trading and service ventures. Under President RAFSANJANI, the government adopted a number of market reforms to reduce the state's role in the economy, but most of these changes have moved slowly or have been reversed because of political opposition. In the early 1990s, Iran experienced a financial crisis caused by an import surge that began in 1989 and general financial mismanagement. In 1993-1994, Iran rescheduled $15 billion in debt, with the bulk of payments due in 1996-97. The strong oil market in 1996 has helped ease financial pressures, however, and Tehran has so far made timely debt service payments. In 1996, Iran's oil earnings - which account for 85% of total export revenues - climbed 20% from the previous year. Iran's financial situation will remain tight through the end of the decade, and continued timely debt service payments will depend, in part, on persistent strong oil prices during the next few years. # 3.60 1820 122923 21 37 42 23 15400000 agriculture 33%, manufacturing 21% (1988 est.) # 30 ? ? petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food processing (particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production), metal fabricating, armaments # 4.30 25.12 74760.00 1137 wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, fruits, nuts, cotton; dairy products, wool; caviar # 21300 petroleum 85%, carpets, fruits, nuts, hides, iron, steel # Japan, Italy, France, Netherlands, Belgium/Luxembourg, Spain, and Germany # 13300.00 machinery, military supplies, metal works, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, technical services, refined oil products # Germany, Japan, Italy, UK, UAE, Russia, France # 30000 ODA, $40 million (1993) # ? # 10 Iranian rials (IR) = 1 toman; note - domestic figures are generally referred to in terms of the toman # 1755.12 21 March - 20 March 3020000 microwave radio relay extends throughout country; system centered in Tehran # satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean Region); HF radio and microwave radio relay to Turkey, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; submarine fiber-optic cable to UAE # 77 3 0 14300000 28 3900000 7286 94 km 1.676-m gauge # 7,192 km 1.435-m gauge (146 km electrified) (1996 est.) # # # 158000 93,378 km (including 460 km of expressways) # 64,622 km (1995 est.) # 904 5900 3900 4550 Abadan (largely destroyed in fighting during 1980-88 war), Ahvaz, Bandar Beheshti, Bandar-e 'Abbas, Bandar-e Anzali, Bandar-e Bushehr, Bandar-e Khomeyni, Bandar-e Mah Shahr, Bandar-e Torkeman, Jazireh-ye Khark, Jazireh-ye Lavan, Jazireh-ye Sirri, Khorramshahr (limited operation since November 1992), Now Shahr # 132 3436384 6095124 bulk 47, cargo 36, chemical tanker 4, combination bulk 2, container 1, liquefied gas tanker 1, multifunction large-load carrier 6, oil tanker 22, refrigerated cargo 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 9, short-sea passenger 1 # 227 115 32 11 29 18 25 112 2 2 10 98 ? 12 Islamic Republic of Iran regular forces (includes Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces), Revolutionary Guards (includes Ground, Air, Navy, Qods, and Basij-mobilization-forces), Law Enforcement Forces # 21 years of age # 15700662 9332944 650804 ? ? Iran and Iraq restored diplomatic relations in 1990 but are still trying to work out written agreements settling outstanding disputes from their eight-year war concerning border demarcation, prisoners-of-war, and freedom of navigation and sovereignty over the Shatt al-Arab waterway; Iran occupies two islands # illicit producer of opium poppy for the domestic and international drug trade; net opiate importer but also a key transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin to Europe # @Iraq 0 0$Bagdad$3333$4450$3844000$ 1$Basra$3050$4783$616000$ 1$Mossoul$3635$4314$571000$ 1$Kirk√k$3650$4435$500000$ # The Tigris-Euphrates valley, formerly called Mesopotamia, was the site of one of the earliest civilizations in the world. Sumerian city-states existed around 3,000 BC. A vast empire was ruled from Baghdad in the 8th and 9th centuries. A general decline followed conquests by Mongols and Turks. Iraq became a British mandate in 1920. Independence was gained in 1932, and the republic was declared in 1958. War broke out with Iran on 22 September 1980 over sovereignty of the Shatt al-Arab waterway. Fighting continued until 1988. On 2 August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. On 29 August, it declared Kuwait to be the 19th province of Iraq. Almost all power is in the hands of the president (Sadam Hussein). He, together with the vice-president, the general-secretary, and 6 other members, form the Revolutionary Council. There is also a largely symbolic parliament of 250 members. Iraq is divided into 18 provinces, each having a governor. # IRQ Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait # 437072 432162 4910 3631 Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 242 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 331 km # 58 ? not specified # ? ? 12 mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows which melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq # mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey # Persian Gulf 0 m Gundah Zhur 3,608 m petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur # 12 0 9 0 79 25500 dust storms, sandstorms, floods # government water control projects have drained most of the inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Shi'a Muslims, who have inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been displaced; furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate supplies of potable water; development of Tigris-Euphrates Rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation (salinization) and erosion; desertification # Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban # Environmental Modification # ? # 22219289 47 5353088 5181960 50 5565926 5442949 3 314705 360661 3.62 42.52 6.33 0 1.05 1.03 1.02 0.87 1.02 57.50 67.38 66.31 68.50 6.26 Iraqi(s) Iraqi Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or other 5% # Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3% # Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian, Armenian # age 15 and over can read and write # 58 70.70 45 Republic of Iraq Iraq Al Jumhuriyah al Iraqiyah Al Iraq republic Baghdad 18 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Arbil, As Sulaymaniyah, At Ta'mim, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit # ? # Anniversary of the Revolution, 17 July (1968) 22 September 1968, effective 16 July 1970 (provisional Constitution); new constitution drafted in 1990 but not adopted # based on Islamic law in special religious courts, civil law system elsewhere; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President SADDAM Husayn (since 16 July 1979); Vice President Taha Muhyi Prime Minister SADDAM Husayn (since NA May 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Mikhail AZIZ (since NA 1979); Deputy Prime Minister Taha Yasin RAMADAN (since NA); Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Hamza al-ZUBAYDI (since NA) # Council of Ministers note: there is also a Revolutionary Command Council; Chairman SADDAM Husayn, Vice Chairman Izzat IBRAHIM al-Duri # president and vice presidents elected by a two-thirds majority of the Revolutionary Command Council; election last held 17 October 1995 (next to be held NA) # SADDAM Husayn reelected president; percent of Revolutionary Command Council vote - 99%; Taha Muhyi al-Din MARUF and Taha Yasin RAMADAN elected vice presidents; percent of Revolutionary Command Council vote - NA # unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Watani (250 seats; 30 appointed by SADDAM Husayn to represent the three northern provinces of Dahuk, Arbil, and As Sulaymaniyah; 220 elected by popular vote; members serve four-year terms) # last held 24 March 1996 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA # Court of Cassation # Ba'th Party, SADDAM Husayn, central party leader # ? # ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO # three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with three green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; the phrase ALLAHU AKBAR (God is Great) in green Arabic script - Allahu to the right of the middle star and Akbar to the left of the middle star - was added in January 1991 during the Persian Gulf crisis; similar to the flag of Syria that has two stars but no script and the flag of Yemen that has a plain white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt that has a symbolic eagle centered in the white band # The Ba'thist regime engages in extensive central planning and management of industrial production and foreign trade while leaving some small-scale industry and services and most agriculture to private enterprise. The economy has been dominated by the oil sector, which has traditionally provided about 95% of foreign exchange earnings. In the 1980s, financial problems caused by massive expenditures in the eight-year war with Iran and damage to oil export facilities by Iran, led the government to implement austerity measures and to borrow heavily and later reschedule foreign debt payments; Iraq suffered economic losses of at least $100 billion from the war. After the end of hostilities in 1988, oil exports gradually increased with the construction of new pipelines and restoration of damaged facilities. Agricultural development remained hampered by labor shortages, salinization, and dislocations caused by previous land reform and collectivization programs. The industrial sector, although accorded high priority by the government, also was under financial constraints. Iraq's seizure of Kuwait in August 1990, subsequent international economic embargoes, and military action by an international coalition beginning in January 1991 drastically changed the economic picture. Industrial and transportation facilities, which suffered severe damage, have been partially restored. Oil exports are at 25% of the prewar level following the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 986 in December 1996. Shortages of spare parts continue. The UN-sponsored economic embargo has reduced exports and imports and has contributed to the sharp rise in prices. The Iraqi Government has been unwilling to abide by UN resolutions so that the economic embargo could be removed. The government's policies of supporting large military and internal security forces and of allocating resources to key supporters of the regime have exacerbated shortages. In accord with a UN resolution Iraq agreed to an oil-for-food deal in 1996, under which it would export $2 billion worth of oil in exchange for badly needed food and medicine. The first oil was pumped in December 1996, and the first supplies of food and medicine should arrive in March 1997. Per capita output for 1995-96 and living standards are well below the 1989-90 level, but any estimates have a wide range of error. # 0 1200 26663 ? ? ? ? 4400000 services 48%, agriculture 30%, industry 22% # ? ? ? petroleum, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, food processing # ? 6.83 31800 1362 wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, other fruit, cotton; cattle, sheep # ? crude oil # Jordan, Turkey (1996) # ? manufactures, food # France, Turkey, Jordan, Vietnam, Australia (1996) # 0.00 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Iraqi dinar (ID) = 1,000 fils # 0.31 calendar year 632000 the network consists of coaxial cables and microwave radio relay links # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) and 1 Arabsat (inoperative); coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey; Kuwait line is probably nonoperational # 16 1 0 4020000.00 13 1000000 2032 # 2,032 km 1.435-m gauge # # # 46500 39,990 km # 6,510 km (1995 est.) # 1015 4350 725 1360 Umm Qasr, Khawr az Zubayr, and Al Basrah have limited functionality # 35 791485 1428307 cargo 14, oil tanker 16, passenger 1, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2 (1996 est.) # 101 85 21 33 9 6 16 16 2 4 2 8 ? 4 Army, Republican Guard and Special Republican Guard, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force, Border Guard Force, Internal Security Forces # 18 years of age # 5039332 2825888 246404 ? ? Iran and Iraq restored diplomatic relations in 1990 but are still trying to work out written agreements settling outstanding disputes from their eight-year war concerning border demarcation, prisoners-of-war, and freedom of navigation and sovereignty over the Shatt al Arab waterway; in November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait which had been spelled out in Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), 773 (1993), and 883 (1993); this formally ends earlier claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah islands; dispute over water development plans by Turkey for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers # ? # @Ireland 0 0$Dublin$5333$-630$478000$ # Ireland has been inhabited since neolithic times (6000 BC). Celts invaded about the 4th century BC. Since English invasions started in the 12th century AD, the Anglo-Irish struggle has continued. After many armed conflicts, peace was signed in December 1921, giving dominion status to Ulster in the north and the 26 counties of southern Ireland. The constitution of the Irish Free State was adopted on 11 December 1922. Northern Ireland remained part of the UK. A new constitution in 1937 declared Ireland a sovereign democratic state, and gave it the name Eire (in Irish, Ireland in English). In December 1948 the country was declared a republic and was withdrawn from the Commonwealth. Ireland became a member of the EC in 1973. The head of state is the president, chosen by general election for a term of 7 years. Legislative power lies with the bicameral parliament. The House of Representatives has 166 members, elected every 5 years; the Senate has 60 members, of which 6 are elected by the universities, 43 by social groups, and 11 by the president. Executive power rests with the government, led by the prime-minister and a cabinet of minimum 7 and maximum 15 ministers. Ireland is divided into 26 counties. # IRL Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain # 70280 68890 1390 360 UK 360 km # 1448 ? not specified # ? 200 12 temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time # mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains; sea cliffs on west coast # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Carrauntoohill 1,041 m zinc, lead, natural gas, petroleum, barite, copper, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, peat, silver # 13 0 68 5 14 ? NA # water pollution, especially of lakes, from agricultural runoff # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Tropical Timber 94 # strategic location on major air and sea routes between North America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides within 60 miles of Dublin # 3606952 23 415747 393181 66 1203792 1185935 11 173566 234731 -0.33 13.43 8.60 -1.49 1.07 1.06 1.02 0.74 0.99 6.10 75.98 73.24 78.89 1.83 Irishman(men), Irishwoman(men), Irish (collective plural) Irish Celtic, English # Roman Catholic 93%, Anglican 3%, none 1%, unknown 2%, other 1% (1981) # Irish (Gaelic), spoken mainly in areas located along the western seaboard, English is the language generally used # age 15 and over can read and write # 98 ? ? none Ireland ? ? republic Dublin 26 counties; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow # ? # Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March 29 December 1937; adopted 1 July 1937 by plebiscite # based on English common law, substantially modified by indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Mary Bourke ROBINSON (since 9 November 1990) Prime Minister John BRUTON (since 15 December 1994) # Cabinet appointed by the president with previous nomination by the prime minister and approval of the House of Representatives # president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held 9 November 1990 (next to be held NA November 1997); prime minister nominated by the House of Representatives and appointed by the president # Mary Bourke ROBINSON elected president; percent of vote - Mary Bourke ROBINSON 52.8%, Brian LENIHAN 47.2% # bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or Seanad Eireann (60 seats, 49 elected by the universities and from candidates put forward by five vocational panels, 11 are nominated by the prime minister; members serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dail Eireann (166 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote and proportional representation to serve five-year terms) # Senate - last held NA February 1992 (next to be held NA February 1997); House of Representatives - last held 25 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1997) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Fianna Fail 26, Fine Gael 16, Labor 9, Progressive Democrats 2, Democratic Left 1, independents 6; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - Fianna Fail 39.1%, Fine Gael 24.5%, Labor Party 19.3%, Progressive Democrats 4.7%, Democratic Left 2.8%, Sinn Fein 1.6%, Workers' Party 0.7%, independents 5.9%; seats by party - Fianna Fail 68, Fine Gael 45, Labor Party 33, Progressive Democrats 10, Democratic Left 4, Greens 1, independents 5 # Supreme Court, judges appointed by the president on the advice of the government (prime minister and cabinet) # Democratic Left [Proinsias DE ROSSA]; Fianna Fail [Bertie AHERN]; Labor Party [Richard SPRING]; Fine Gael [John BRUTON]; Communist Party of Ireland [Michael O'RIORDAN]; Sinn Fein [Gerry ADAMS]; Progressive Democrats [Mary HARNEY]; The Workers' Party [Marion DONNELLY]; Green Alliance [Bronwen MAHER] # ? # Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NEA, NSG, OECD, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMOP, UNPREDEP, UNTAES, UNTSO, UPU, WEU (observer), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC # three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and orange; similar to the flag of Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of green (hoist side), white, and red # The economy is small and trade dependent. Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by industry, which accounts for 38% of GDP, about 80% of exports, and employs 26% of the labor force. Although exports remain the primary engine for Ireland's robust growth, the economy is also benefiting from a rise in consumer spending and recovery in both construction and business investment. Since the 1980s, inflation has fallen sharply and chronic trade deficits have been transformed into annual surpluses. Unemployment remains a serious problem, however, and job creation is the main focus of government policy. To ease unemployment, Dublin aggressively courts foreign investors and recently created a new industrial development agency to aid small indigenous firms. # 7 15970 57603 8.90 38.60 52.50 1.80 1474000 services 62.3%, manufacturing and construction 26.0%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 10.6%, utilities 1.1% (1996 est.) # 11.90 22600 23600 food products, brewing, textiles, clothing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, transportation equipment, glass and crystal # 8.90 3.62 17900.00 4343 turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat; meat and dairy products # 43400 chemicals, data processing equipment, industrial machinery, live animals, animal products # EU 70% (UK 26%, Germany 14%, France 9%), US 6% # 32700.00 food, animal feed, data processing equipment, petroleum and petroleum products, machinery, textiles, clothing # EU 58% (UK 37%, Germany 7%, France 4%), US 17% # 17500 ? # ODA, $81 million (1993) # 1 Irish pound (úIr) = 100 pence # 0.61 calendar year 900000 microwave radio relay # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 9 45 0 2200000 86 1025000.00 1947 1,947 km 1.600-m gauge (37 km electrified; 485 km double track) (1996) # # # # 92430 86,884 km (including 70 km of expressways) # 5,546 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? 225 Arklow, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Foynes, Galway, Limerick, New Ross, Waterford # 39 130029 148516 bulk 1, cargo 27, chemical tanker 2, container 5, oil tanker 1, short-sea passenger 3 (1996 est.) # 40 37 1 1 3 3 29 3 ? ? ? 3 ? ? Army (includes Naval Service and Air Corps), National Police (Garda Siochana) # 17 years of age # 959807 778234 36560 618000000 1.30 Northern Ireland question with the UK; Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Iceland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area) # transshipment point for and consumer of hashish from North Africa to the UK and Netherlands and of European-produced synthetic drugs; transshipment point for heroin and cocaine # @Israel 0 0$Jerusalem$3178$3522$557000$ 1$Tel-Aviv-Jaffa$3207$3481$400000$ 1$Ha∩fa$3277$3500$250000$ # Palestine, of which Israel is a part, was once under the Ottoman Empire. It was occupied in 1917 Britain, which pledged to support a Jewish national homeland there. In 1921, the land east of the Jordan was detached. Jewish immigration, primarily from eastern Europe increased. The Jews bought land and established kibbutzes. Opposition by indigenous Arabs turned violent in 1920, 1921, 1929, and 1936. After the Second World War, the number of Jewish immigrants exploded. In 1947 the UN voted to partition the country into a Jewish and an Arab Palestine. On 14 May 1948 Israel was declared an independent state. The Arabs rejected the partition and forces of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia invaded. Armistices were signed in 1949, but no peace settlement was reached. After Israeli forces invaded Egypt's Sinai in 1956, a UN supervised truce prevailed until 1967. UN forces then withdrew and Egypt invaded the Gaza Strip. The 6-day war, from 5 until 10 June was halted by a UN-arranged cease-fire. Israel's territorial gains included the Gaza Strip, Old Jerusalem and the Sinai Peninsula. The Sinai was returned to Egypt in 1982. At the centre of Israeli politics is the Knesset, a 120-member legislative body. General elections are held every 4 years. The Knesset chooses a president for a 5 year term. Executive power rests with the prime-minister and his cabinet. Israel is divided into 6 administrative districts. # IL Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Lebanon # 20770 20330 440 1006 Egypt 255 km, Gaza Strip 51 km, Jordan 238 km, Lebanon 79 km, Syria 76 km, Palestine 307 km # 273 ? to depth of exploitation # ? ? 12 temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas # Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains; Jordan Rift Valley # Dead Sea -408 m Har Meron 1,208 m copper, phosphates, bromide, potash, clay, sand, sulfur, asphalt, manganese, small amounts of natural gas and crude oil # 17 4 7 6 66 1800 sandstorms may occur during spring and summer # limited arable land and natural fresh water resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution # Marine Life Conservation # there are 203 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites in the West Bank, 42 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 24 in the Gaza Strip, and 26 in East Jerusalem (August 1996 est.) # 5534672 28 803792 766224 62 1711668 1708700 10 234902 309386 2.01 20.16 6.22 6.12 1.05 1.05 1 0.76 0.99 8.30 78.21 76.34 80.18 2.74 Israeli(s) Israeli Jewish 82% (Israel-born 50%, Europe/Americas/Oceania-born 20%, Africa-born 7%, Asia-born 5%), non-Jewish 18% (mostly Arab) (1993 est.) # Judaism 82%, Islam 14% (mostly Sunni Muslim), Christian 2%, Druze and other 2% # Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language # age 15 and over can read and write # 95 97 93 State of Israel Israel Medinat Yisra'el Yisra'el republic Jerusalem 6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa, Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv # ? # Independence Day, 14 May 1948 (Israel declared independence on 14 May no formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the basic laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law # mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and, in personal matters, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal systems; in December 1985, Israel informed the UN Secretariat that it would no longer accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Ezer WEIZMAN (since 13 May 1993) Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU (since 18 June 1996) # Cabinet selected from and approved by the Knesset # president elected by the Knesset for a five-year term; election last held 24 March 1993 (next to be held NA March 1998); prime minister elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 29 May 1996 (next to be held NA 2000); note - in March 1992, the Knesset approved legislation, effective in 1996, which allowed for the direct election of the prime minister; under the new law, each voter casts two ballots - one for the direct election of the prime minister and one for the party in the Knesset; the candidate that receives the largest percentage of the popular vote then works to form a coalition with other parties to achieve a parliamentary majority of 61 seats; finally, the candidate must submit his or her cabinet to the Knesset for approval and this must be done within 45 days of the election; in contrast to the old system, under the new law, the prime minister's party need not be the single-largest party in the Knesset # Ezer WEIZMAN elected president; percent of Knesset vote - NA; Binyamin NETANYAHU elected prime minister; percent of vote - Binyamin NETANYAHU 50.4%, Shimon PERES 49.5% # unicameral Knesset or parliament (120 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 29 May 1996 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Labor Party 34, Likud Party 32, SHAS 10, MERETZ 9, National Religious Party 9, Yisra'el Ba'Aliya 7, Hadash-Balad 5, Third Way 4, United Arab List 4, United Jewish Torah 4, Moledet 2; note - Likud, Tzomet, and Gesher candidates ran on a joint list # Supreme Court # government coalition: Likud Party, Prime Minister Binyamin NETANYAHU; Tzomet, Rafael EITAN; Gesher, David LEVI; SHAS, Arieh DERI; National Religious Party, Zevulun HAMMER; Yisra'el Ba'Aliya, Natan SHARANSKY; United Jewish Torah, Meir PORUSH; Third Way, Avigdor KAHALANI; Moledet, Rehavam ZEEVI opposition: Labor Party, Shimon PERES; MERETZ, Yossi SARID; United Arab List, Abd al-Malik DAHAMSHAH; Hadash-Balad, Hashim MAHAMID # ? # AG (observer), BSEC (observer), CCC, CE (observer), CERN (observer), EBRD, ECE, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, OAS (observer), OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag # Israel has a market economy with substantial government participation. It depends on imports of crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensively developed its agricultural and industrial sectors over the past 20 years. Manufacturing and construction employ about 29% of Israeli workers, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.5%, and services the rest. Israel is largely self-sufficient in food production except for grains. Diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) are leading exports. Israel usually posts sizable current account deficits, which are covered by large transfer payments from abroad and by foreign loans. Roughly half of the government's external debt is owed to the US, which is its major source of economic and military aid. To earn needed foreign exchange, Israel has been targeting high-technology niches in international markets, such as medical scanning equipment. The influx of Jewish immigrants from the former USSR, which topped 750,000 during the period 1989-96, initially increased unemployment, intensified housing problems, and strained the government budget. At the same time, the immigrants bring to the economy valuable scientific and professional expertise. # 4.60 15920 88112 3.50 22 74.50 11.30 2200000 public services 29.3%, manufacturing 22.1%, construction 6.5%, commerce 13.9%, finance and business 10.4%, personal and other services 7.4%, transport, storage, and communications 6.3%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.5%, other 0.6% (1992) # 6.50 41000 53000 food processing, diamond cutting and polishing, textiles and apparel, chemicals, metal products, military equipment, transport equipment, electrical equipment, potash mining, high-technology electronics, tourism # 8 6.92 30400.00 4738 citrus and other fruits, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products # 20300.00 machinery and equipment, cut diamonds, chemicals, textiles and apparel, agricultural products, metals # US, EU, Japan # 28300 military equipment, investment goods, rough diamonds, oil, other productive inputs, consumer goods # EU, US, Japan # 25700.00 total receipts $12.14 billion of which $11.38 billion from the US (1990-93) # ? # 1 new Israeli shekel (NIS) = 100 new agorot # 3.28 calendar year (since 1 January 1992) 2425000 good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay # 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) # 9 45 0 2250000 20 1500000 526 # 526 km 1.435-m gauge # # # 14700 14,700 km (including 56 km of expressways) # 0 km (1995 est.) # ? 708 290 89 Ashdod, Ashqelon, Elat (Eilat), Hadera, Haifa, Tel Aviv-Yafo # 26 659505 778780 cargo 2, container 23, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 (1996 est.) # 50 45 1 7 7 8 22 5 ? ? 2 3 ? 2 Israel Defense Forces (includes ground, naval, and air components), Pioneer Fighting Youth (Nahal), Frontier Guard, Chen (women); note - historically there have been no separate Israeli military services # 18 years of age # 1420066 1162745 50744 9200000000 9.80 Palestine is Israeli occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Golan Heights is Israeli occupied; Israeli troops in southern Lebanon since June 1982 # increasingly concerned about cocaine and heroin abuse and trafficking # @Italy 0 0$Roma$4190$1250$2693000$ 1$Milano$4547$917$1371000$ 1$Napoli$4083$1425$1054000$ 1$Torino$4505$767$961000$ 1$Palermo$3814$1330$697000$ 1$Genova$4440$893$675000$ 1$Bologna$4450$1133$404000$ 1$Firenze$4378$1125$402000$ 1$Catania$3752$1507$330000$ 1$Bari$4110$1686$353000$ 1$Venezia$4545$1233$308000$ 1$Messina$3822$1555$274000$ 1$Verona$4545$1100$258000$ # The earliest known inhabitants of Italy date from the Bronze Age, about 1000 BC. After 500 BC, Rome emerged as a major power, building a vast Empire, which lasted until 5 AD. The country remained ununified, however, until 1861, when the first Italian parliament declared Victor Emmanuel king of Italy. Benito Mussolini led Italy to fascism. He took over the government in 1922, made war with Ethiopia and proclaimed Victor Emmanuel II emperor. Fascism was overthrown in 1943. On 9 May 1946 Victor Emmanuel abdicated. Italy became a republic on 10 June, following a referendum. Italy was a founder-member of the EC in 1957. The constitution dates from 1 January 1948. The president is head of state. He is chosen by members of the two parliamentary chambers and 58 regional representatives for a term of 7 years. Legislative power rests with parliament, consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives, with 630 members, and the Senate with 31 5 regional representatives and 7 life-long members. Election is by proportional representation every 5 years. Executive power is in the hands of the prime-minister and his council of ministers. There are 20 regions in Italy, each with some degree of autonomy. # I Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia # 301230 294020 7210 1932.20 Austria 430 km, France 488 km, Holy See (Vatican City) 3.2 km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 232 km, Switzerland 740 km # 7600 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # ? ? 12 predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in south # mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands # Mediterranean Sea 0 m Mont Blanc de Courmayeur 4,765 m mercury, potash, marble, sulfur, dwindling natural gas and crude oil reserves, fish, coal # 31 10 15 23 21 27100 regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venice # air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Tropical Timber 94 # strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe # 56830508 15 4234767 3997589 68 19314674 19442196 17 4028659 5812623 -0.08 8.96 10.07 0.27 1.06 1.06 0.99 0.69 0.94 6.50 78.25 75.13 81.58 1.16 Italian(s) Italian Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south) # Roman Catholic 98%, other 2% # Italian, German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are predominantly German speaking), French (small French-speaking minority in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area) # age 15 and over can read and write # 97 98 96 Italian Republic Italy Repubblica Italiana Italia republic Rome 20 regions (regioni, singular - regione); Abruzzi, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte, Puglia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Toscana, Trentino-Alto Adige, Umbria, Valle d'Aosta, Veneto # ? # Anniversary of the Republic, 2 June (1946) 1 January 1948 # based on civil law system, with ecclesiastical law influence; appeals treated as trials de novo; judicial review under certain conditions in Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal (except in senatorial elections, where minimum age is 25) # President Oscar Luigi SCALFARO (since 28 May 1992) Prime Minister (referred to in Italy as the president of the Council of Ministers) Romano PRODI (since 18 May 1996) # Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and approved by the president # president elected by an electoral college consisting of both houses of Parliament and 58 regional representatives for a seven-year term; election last held 25 May 1992 (next to be held NA 1999); prime minister appointed by the president # Oscar Luigi SCALFARO elected president; percent of electoral college vote - NA # bicameral Parliament or Parlamento consists of the Senate or Senato della Repubblica (326 seats, 315 popularly elected of which 232 are directly elected and 83 by regional proportional representation, 11 appointed senators-for-life; members serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camera dei Deputati (630 seats; 475 are directly elected, 155 by regional proportional representation; members serve five-year terms) # Senate - last held 21 April 1996 (next to be held by NA April 2001); Chamber of Deputies - last held 21 April 1996 (next to be held by NA April 2001) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Olive Tree 157, Freedom Alliance 116, Northern League 27, Refounded Communists 10, regional lists 3, Social Movement-Tricolor Flames 1, Panella Reformers 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Olive Tree 284, Freedom Alliance 246, Northern League 59, Refounded Communists 35, Southern Tyrol List 3, Autonomous List 2, other 1 # Constitutional Court or Corte Costituzionale, composed of 15 judges (one-third appointed by the president, one-third elected by Parliament, one-third elected by the ordinary and administrative supreme courts) # Olive Tree (Ulivo): Democratic Party of the Left or PDS [Massimo D'ALEMA]; Greens (Verdi) [Carlo RIPA DI MEANA]; Italian Renewal or RI [Lamberto DINI]; Italian Popular Party or PPI [Franco MARINI - elected 12 January 1997] Freedom Pole: Forza Italia or FI [Silvio BERLUSCONI]; National Alliance or AN [Gianfranco FINI]; Christian Democratic Center or CCD [Pierferdinando CASINI]; Christian Democratic Union or CDU [Rocco BUTTIGLIONE] # ? # AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CDB (non-regional), CE, CE (observer), CEI, CERN, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 7, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire, which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green # Since World War II, the Italian economy has changed from one based on agriculture into a ranking industrial economy, with approximately the same total and per capita output as France and the UK. This basically capitalistic economy is still divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less developed agricultural south, with large public enterprises. Most raw materials needed by industry and over 75% of energy requirements must be imported. In the second half of 1992, Rome became unsettled by the prospect of not qualifying to participate in EU plans for economic and monetary union later in the decade; thus, it finally began to address its huge fiscal imbalances. Subsequently, the government has adopted fairly stringent budgets, abandoned its inflationary wage indexation system, and started to scale back its generous social welfare programs, including pension and health care benefits. In November 1996 the lire rejoined the European monetary system, which it had left in September 1992 when under extreme pressure in currency markets. Italy in early 1997 faces the problem of restructuring its economy to meet Maastricht criteria for inclusion in the EMU, together with other problems of refurbishing a tottering communications system, curbing industrial pollution, and adjusting to new EU and global competitive forces. # 0.80 19870 1129222 3.30 33 63.70 4 22851000 services 61%, industry 32%, agriculture 7% (1996) # 12 416000 506000.00 tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics # 0.50 57.19 241600 4238 fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, grain, olives; meat and dairy products; fish catch of 525,000 metric tons in 1990 # 250000 metals, textiles and clothing, production machinery, motor vehicles, transportation equipment, chemicals # EU 53.4%, US 7.8%, OPEC 3.8% # 205000 industrial machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, petroleum, metals, food, agricultural products # EU 56.3%, OPEC 5.3%, US 4.6% # 45000 ? # ODA, $3.043 billion (1993) # 1 Italian lira (Lit) = 100 centesimi # 1568.10 calendar year 25600000 high-capacity cable and microwave radio relay trunks # satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (with a total of 5 antennas - 3 for Atlantic Ocean and 2 for Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean Region), and NA Eutelsat; 21 submarine cables # 135 28 0 45700000 83 17000000 18961 # 17,981 km 1.435-m gauge; Italian Railways (FS) operates 16,118 km of the total standard gauge routes (10,560 km electrified) # 113 km 1.000-m gauge (113 km electrified); 867 km 0.950-m gauge (144 km electrified) # Northern League or NL [Umberto BOSSI]; Communism Refoundation or RC [Fausto BERTINOTTI]; Italian Social Movement-Tricolor Flame or MSI-Fiamma Tricolore [Pino RAUTI]; Pannella-Sgarbi's List (Lista Pannella-Sgarbi) [Marco PANNELLA]; Italian Socialists or SI [Enrico BOSELLI]; Autonomous List (a group of minor parties); Southern Tyrols List or SVP (German speakers) # 305388 305,388 km (including 6,301 km of expressways) # 0 km (1991 est.) # 2400 1703 2148 19400 Ancona, Augusta (Sicily), Bari, Cagliari (Sardinia), Catania (Sicily), Gaeta, Genoa, La Spezia, Livorno, Naples, Oristano (Sardinia), Palermo (Sicily), Piombino, Porto Torres (Sardinia), Ravenna, Savona, Trieste, Venice # 396 5503637 7794505 bulk 36, cargo 50, chemical tanker 39, combination ore/oil 2, container 17, liquefied gas tanker 36, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 106, passenger 7, roll-on/roll-off cargo 54, short-sea passenger 30, specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 7 (1996 est.) # 132 112 5 34 15 24 34 20 ? ? 2 18 ? 2 Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri # 18 years of age # 14356666 12423178 339255 20400000000 1.90 Italy is negotiating with Slovenia over property and minority rights issues dating from World War II; Croatia and Italy have not resolved a bilateral issue dating from WWII over property and ethnic minority rights # important gateway for and consumer of Latin American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin entering the European market # @Jamaica 0 0$Kingston$1797$-7681$800000$ # Visited by Columbus in 1494. The indigenous Arawak indians were wiped out during the period of Spanish rule. Seized by Britain in 1655. Independence within the Commonwealth was gained on 6 August 1962. The British monarch is head of state, represented by a governor-general, who nominates the prime-minister and other ministers. Legislative power rests with the Senate and House of Representatives. 13 of the 21 senators are nominated by the governor-general, on advice of the prime-minister; 8 are nominated by the leader of the opposition. The 60 members of the House of Representatives are chosen by general election every 5 years. Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes. # JA Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba # 10990 10830 160 ? ? # 1022 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # 200 ? 12 tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior # mostly mountains with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain # Caribbean Sea 0 m Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m bauxite, gypsum, limestone # 14 6 24 17 39 350 hurricanes (especially July to November) # deforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea lanes for Panama Canal # 2615582 32 428831 409959 61 793609 806031 7 78453 98699 0.75 21.56 5.50 -8.51 1.05 1.05 0.98 0.80 0.99 15 75.12 72.80 77.56 2.39 Jamaican(s) Jamaican black 76.3%, Afro-European 15.1%, East Indian and Afro-East Indian 3%, white 3.2%, Chinese and Afro-Chinese 1.2%, other 1.2% # Protestant 55.9% (Church of God 18.4%, Baptist 10%, Anglican 7.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.9%, Pentecostal 5.2%, Methodist 3.1%, United Church 2.7%, other 2.5%), Roman Catholic 5%, other, including some spiritual cults 39.1% (1982) # English, Creole # age 15 and over has ever attended school # 85 80.80 89.10 none Jamaica ? ? parliamentary democracy Kingston 14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland # ? # Independence Day (first Monday in August) (1962) 6 August 1962 # based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Prime Minister Percival James PATTERSON (since 30 March 1992) and Deputy Prime Minister Seymour MULLINGS (since NA 1993) # Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor general appointed by the queen on the recommendation of the prime minister; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general # ? # bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 21-member body appointed by the governor general on the recommendations of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; ruling party 13 seats, opposition 8 seats) and the House of Representatives (60 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 30 March 1993 (next to be held by March 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNP 52, JLP 8; note - the establishment of a major third party, the National Democratic Movement (NDM) in 1995 led to a realignment of seats - PNP 51, JLP 7, NDM 2 # Supreme Court, judges appointed by the governor general on advice of the prime minister # People's National Party (PNP), P. J. PATTERSON; Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), Edward SEAGA; National Democratic Movement (NDM), Bruce GOLDING # ? # ACP, C, Caricom, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles - green (top and bottom) and black (hoist side and outer side) # Key sectors in this island economy are bauxite (alumina and bauxite account for more than half of exports) and tourism. Since assuming office in 1992, Prime Minister PATTERSON has consolidated the market-oriented reforms initiated by his predecessor, Michael MANLEY, to make Jamaica a regional leader in economic reform. PATTERSON has eliminated most price controls, streamlined tax schedules, and privatized government enterprises. Tight monetary and fiscal policies under an IMF program have helped slow inflation and stabilize the exchange rate, but, as a result, economic growth has slowed down and unemployment remains high. Jamaica's medium-term prospects depend largely on its ability to continue to attract foreign capital and to limit speculation against the Jamaican dollar. # 0.50 1620 4237 8.10 36.20 55.70 17 1062100 services 41%, agriculture 22.5%, industry 19%, unemployed 17.5% (1989) # 15.40 1450.00 2000 bauxite, tourism, textiles, food processing, light manufactures # ? 0.85 5829 2014 sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, potatoes, vegetables; poultry, goats, milk # 1400 alumina, bauxite, sugar, bananas, rum # US 47%, UK 11%, Canada 9%, Norway 7%, France 4% (1993) # 2800 machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, fuel, food, chemicals # US 54%, Japan 4.0%, Mexico 6%, UK 4%, Venezuela 3% (1993) # 4200 ODA, $239 million (1993) # ? # 1 Jamaican dollar (J$) = 100 cents # 34.95 1 April - 31 March 212257 NA # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); 3 coaxial submarine cables # 10 17 0 1040000 8 330000 272 # 272 km 1.435-m gauge; note - 207 km belonging to the Jamaica Railway Corporation which were in common carrier service are no longer operational; the remaining track is privately owned and used to transport bauxite # # # 18600 13,132 km # 5,468 km (1995 est.) # ? ? 10 ? Alligator Pond, Discovery Bay, Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Rocky Point # 2 3435 6105 oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 (1996 est.) # 26 25 ? 2 ? 3 20 1 ? ? ? 1 ? ? Jamaica Defense Force (includes Ground Forces, Coast Guard and Air Wing), Jamaica Constabulary Force # 18 years of age # 691799 488569 25532 30000000 ? none # transshipment point for cocaine from Central and South America to North America and Europe; illicit cultivation of cannabis; government has an active cannabis eradication program # @Jan Mayen Norway # # N Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian Sea, northeast of Iceland # 373 373 0 ? ? # 124.10 10 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # 200 ? 4 arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog # volcanic island, partly covered by glaciers # Norwegian Sea 0 m Haakon VII Toppen/Beerenberg 2,277 m none # 0 0 0 0 100 0 dominated by the volcano Beerenberg; volcanic activity resumed in 1970 # NA # NA # NA # barren volcanic island with some moss and grass # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Jan Mayen ? ? territory of Norway; administered from Oslo, Norway, through a governor ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of Norway is used # Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural resources. Economic activity is limited to providing services for employees of Norway's radio and meteorological stations located on the island. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? NA # NA # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # 1 NA km # NA km # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # 1 ? ? ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Japan 0 0$Tokyo$3567$13975$24000000$ 1$Yokohama$3530$13967$3200000$ 1$Osaka$3467$13550$3200000$ 1$Nagoya$3514$13689$2100000$ 1$Sapporo$4308$14135$1660000$ 1$Kobe$3467$13519$1450000$ 1$Kyoto$3500$13575$1400000$ 1$Fukukoa$3365$13035$1190000$ 1$Kawasaki$3558$13869$1150000$ 1$Hiroshima$3450$13250$1060000$ 1$Kita-Kyushu$3250$13167$1020000$ 1$Sendai$3183$13028$900000$ 1$Chiba$3550$14011$820000$ 3$Fuji$3538$13870$3776$ # Legend gives the date of the founding of the Japanese empire as 660 BC. The earliest records of a unified Japan, however, date from 1000 years later. Buddhism was introduced before the 6th century AD. A feudal system operated from 1192 until 1867, when power was recovered by the Emperor Meiji. Japan entered the Second World War by bombing the US base at Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941. She surrendered on 14 August 1945 after the US dropped atomic bombs on the towns of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The constitution of 1947 removed all power from the emperor in favour of the parliament, consisting of two legislative houses: the National Diet has 252 members (elected every 6 years), and the House of Representatives 511 (elected every 4 years). The emperor now plays a purely ceremonial role. Executive power rests with the cabinet, chosen by the prime-minister, who is himself chosen by the parliament. Japan consists of 4 main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku) and over 3400 smaller ones. It is divided into 47 prefectures. # J Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula # 377835 374744 3091 ? ? # 29751 ? ? # 200 ? 12 varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north # mostly rugged and mountainous # Hachiro-gata -4 m Fujiyama 3,776 m negligible mineral resources, fish # 11 1 2 67 19 27820 many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis # air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain; acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life; Japan's appetite for fish and tropical timber is contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere # Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification # strategic location in northeast Asia # 125732794 15 9931114 9464940 69 43577219 43250874 16 8089200 11419447 0.23 10.01 7.39 -0.37 1.05 1.05 1.01 0.71 0.96 4 80.45 77.40 83.65 1.44 Japanese (singular and plural) Japanese Japanese 99.4%, other 0.6% (mostly Korean) # observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including Christian 0.7%) # Japanese # age 15 and over can read and write # 99 ? ? none Japan ? ? constitutional monarchy Tokyo 47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gumma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi # ? # Birthday of the Emperor, 23 December (1933) 3 May 1947 # modeled after European civil law system with English-American influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 20 years of age; universal # Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989) Prime Minister Ryutaro HASHIMOTO (since 11 January 1996); note - an acting prime minister - determined upon a rotational basis - serves when Prime Minister HASHIMOTO is out of the country # Cabinet appointed by the prime minister # none; the emperor is a constitutional monarch; the Diet designates the prime minister; the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister # ? # bicameral Diet or Kokkai consists of the House of Councillors or Sangi-in (252 seats; one-half of the members elected every three years - 76 seats of which are elected from the 47 multi-seat prefectural districts and 50 of which are elected from a single nationwide list with voters casting ballots by party; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Shugi-in (500 seats - 200 of which are elected from 11 regional blocks on a proportional representation basis and 300 of which are elected from 300 single-seat districts; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # House of Councillors - last held 23 July 1995 (next to be held NA July 1998); House of Representatives - last held 20 October 1996 (next to be held by October 2000) # House of Councillors - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LDP 110, NFP 56, SDP 38, JCP 14, Sakigake 3, others 19, independents 12; note - the distribution of seats as of March 1997 is as follows - LDP 112, NFP 61, SDP 23, JCP 14, Sakigake 3, others 39; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LDP 240, NFP 142, DPJ 52, JCP 26, SDP 15, Sun Party 10, others and independents 15; note - the distribution of seats as of March 1997 is as follows - LDP 241, NFP 141, DPJ 52, JCP 26, SDP 15, Sun Party 10, others and independents 15 # Supreme Court, chief justice is appointed by the emperor after designation by the cabinet, all other justices are appointed by the cabinet # Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Ryutaro HASHIMOTO, president, Koichi KATO, secretary general; Social Democratic Party (SDP), Takako DOI, chairman, Shigeru ITO, secretary general; Sakigake (Harbinger), Akiko DOMOTO, acting chairman, Hiroyuki SONODA, secretary general; New Frontier Party or NFP (Shinshinto), Ichiro OZAWA, president, Takeo NISHIOKA, secretary general; Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), coleaders Yukio HATOYAMA and Naoto KAN; Japan Communist Party (JCP), Tetsuzo FUWA, chairman, Kazuo SHII, secretary general; Sun Party, Tsutomu HATA, chairman, Eijiro HATA, secretary general note: DPJ was formed in September 1996 by former members of SDP and Sakigake; Sun Party was formed in December 1996 by former members of NFP # ? # AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE (observer), CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G- 2, G- 5, G- 7, G- 8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNRWA, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC # white with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the center # Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (roughly 1% of GDP) have helped Japan advance with extraordinary rapidity to the rank of second most powerful economy in the world. One notable characteristic of the economy is the working together of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors in closely knit groups called keiretsu. A second basic feature has been the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor force; this guarantee is slowly eroding. Industry, the most important sector of the economy, is heavily dependent on imported raw materials and fuels. The much smaller agricultural sector is highly subsidized and protected, with crop yields among the highest in the world. Usually self-sufficient in rice, Japan must import about 50% of its requirements of other grain and fodder crops. Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch. For three decades overall real economic growth had been spectacular: a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the 1970s, and a 4% average in the 1980s. Growth slowed considerably in 1992-95 largely because of the aftereffects of overinvestment during the late 1980s and contractionary domestic policies intended to wring speculative excesses from the stock and real estate markets. Growth picked up in 1996, largely a reflection of stimulative fiscal and monetary policies as well as low rates of inflation and social disorder. As a result of the expansionary fiscal policies and declining tax revenues due to the recession, Japan currently has one of the largest budget deficits as a percent of GDP among the industrialized countries. The crowding of habitable land area and the aging of the population are two other major long-run problems. # 3.60 40740 5122354 2 41.50 56.50 0.30 67230000 trade and services 50%, manufacturing, mining, and construction 33%, utilities and communication 7%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 6%, government 3% (1994) # 3.40 528000 673000 among world's largest and technologically advanced producers of steel and nonferrous metallurgy, heavy electrical equipment, construction and mining equipment, motor vehicles and parts, electronic and telecommunication equipment, machine tools, automated production systems, locomotives and railroad rolling stock, ships, chemicals; textiles, processed foods # 2.40 199.88 992500.00 6895 rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs; world's largest fish catch of 10 million metric tons in 1991 # 385000 manufactures 96% (including machinery 50%, motor vehicles 19%, consumer electronics 3%) # Southeast Asia 37%, US 27%, Western Europe 15%, China 5% # 329000 manufactures 54%, foodstuffs and raw materials 28%, fossil fuels 16% # Southeast Asia 24%, US 22%, Western Europe 15%, China 12% # ? ? # ODA, $14.7 billion (1995 est.) # yen (Ñ) # 118.02 1 April - 31 March 64000000 NA # satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (4 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region), and 1 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions); submarine cables to China, Philippines, Russia, and US (via Guam) # 318 58 0 97000000 12350 100000000 23670.70 # 2,893.1 km 1.435-m gauge (entirely electrified) # 89.8 km 1.372-m gauge (89.8 km electrified); 20,656.8 km 1.067-m gauge (10,383.6 km electrified); 31 km 0.762-m gauge (3.6 km electrified) (1994) # # 1144360 846,826 km (including 5,860 km of expressways) # 297,534 km (1995 est.) # 1770 84 322 1800 Akita, Amagasaki, Chiba, Hachinohe, Hakodate, Higashi-Harima, Himeji, Hiroshima, Kawasaki, Kinuura, Kobe, Kushiro, Mizushima, Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Sakai, Sakaide, Shimizu, Tokyo, Tomakomai # 773 15026322 21941516 bulk 178, cargo 56, chemical tanker 7, combination bulk 6, combination ore/oil 6, container 38, liquefied gas tanker 39, oil tanker 254, passenger 8, passenger-cargo 2, refrigerated cargo 38, roll-on/roll-off cargo 43, short-sea passenger 23, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 73 # 164 162 6 32 35 29 60 2 ? ? ? 2 ? 12 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (Army), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (Navy), Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Air Force) # 18 years of age # 31549081 27107305 835296 48500000000 1 islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, claimed by Japan; Liancourt Rocks disputed with South Korea; Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands) claimed by China and Taiwan # ? # @Jarvis Island United States # # Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to the Cook Islands # 4.50 4.50 0 ? ? # 8 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun # sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef # Pacific Ocean 0 m unnamed location 23 m guano (deposits worked until late 1800s) # 0 0 0 0 100 0 the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard # no natural fresh water resources # NA # NA # sparse bunch grass, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife; feral cats # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Jarvis Island ? ? unincorporated territory of the US; administered by the Fish and Wildlife none; administered from Washington, DC ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of the US is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one boat landing area in the middle of the west coast and another near the southwest corner of the island # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Jersey United Kingdom # # Western Europe, island in the English Channel, northwest of France # 117 117 0 ? ? # 70 ? ? # ? 12 3 temperate; mild winters and cool summers # gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coast # Atlantic Ocean 0 m unnamed location 143 m agricultural land # 57 ? ? ? 43 ? NA # NA # NA # NA # largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of population concentrated in Saint Helier # 88510 18 7995 7435 68 30009 30523 14 5170 7378 0.73 12.64 9.17 3.83 1.11 1.08 0.98 0.70 0.95 2.70 78.51 75.78 81.55 1.50 Channel Islander(s) Channel Islander UK and Norman-French descent # Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Congregational New Church, Methodist, Presbyterian # English (official), French (official), Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts # ? # ? ? ? Bailiwick of Jersey Jersey ? ? British crown dependency Saint Helier none (British crown dependency) # ? # Liberation Day, 9 May (1945) unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice # English law and local statute # NA years of age; universal adult # Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952) Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Sir Michael WILKES (since NA 1995) and Bailiff Philip Martin BAILHACHE (since NA 1995) # committees appointed by the Assembly of the States # none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the queen # ? # unicameral Assembly of the States (57 seats, 53 elected including 12 senators popularly elected for six-year terms, half retiring every third year, 12 constables popularly elected triennially, and 29 deputies popularly elected triennially) # last held NA (next to be held NA) # percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 52 # Royal Court, judges elected by an electoral college and the bailiff # none; all independents # ? # none # white with the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland) extending to the corners of the flag # The economy is based largely on financial services, agriculture, and tourism. Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are important export crops, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is known worldwide and represents an important export earner. Milk products go to the UK and other EU countries. In 1986 the finance sector overtook tourism as the main contributor to GDP, accounting for 40% of the island's output. In recent years, the government has encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey, with the result that an electronics industry has developed alongside the traditional manufacturing of knitwear. All raw material and energy requirements are imported, as well as a large share of Jersey's food needs. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? 643.70 597.20 tourism, banking and finance, dairy # ? 0.05 ? ? potatoes, cauliflowers, tomatoes; meat, dairy products # ? light industrial and electrical goods, foodstuffs, textiles # UK # ? machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs, mineral fuels, chemicals # UK # ? ? # ? # 1 Jersey pound (úJ) = 100 pence # 0.60 1 April - 31 March 61447 NA # 3 submarine cables # 1 0 0 ? 1 ? ? # # # # ? NA km # NA km # ? ? ? ? Gorey, Saint Aubin, Saint Helier # ? ? ? ? # 1 1 ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Johnston Atoll United States # # Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-third of the way from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands # 2.80 2.80 0 ? ? # 10 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical, but generally dry; consistent northeast trade winds with little seasonal temperature variation # mostly flat # Pacific Ocean 0 m Summit Peak 5 m NA; guano deposits worked until depletion about 1890; none remains in 1997 # 0 0 0 0 100 0 NA # no natural fresh water resources # NA # NA # strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands, which have been expanded by coral dredging; North Island (Akau) and East Island (Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging; closed to the public; former nuclear weapons test site; site of Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System (JACADS); some low-growing vegetation # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Johnston Atoll ? ? unincorporated territory of the US; administered by the US Defense Nuclear none ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of the US is used # Economic activity is limited to providing services to US military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? 60-channel submarine cable, 22 DSN circuits by satellite, Autodin with standard remote terminal, digital telephone switch, Military Affiliated Radio System (MARS station), UHF/VHF air-ground radio, a link to the Pacific Consolidated Telecommunications Network (PCTN) satellite # NA # ? 5 ? ? 16 ? ? # # # # 1 NA km # NA km # ? ? ? ? Johnston Island # ? ? ? ? # 1 ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Jordan 0 0$Amman$3200$3586$2000000$ 1$Zarqa$3208$3607$600000$ # The area occupied by Jordan was conquered by the Arabs in the 7th century AD. Later it became part of the Ottoman Empire. It was occupied in 1917 Britain, which pledged to support a Jewish national homeland there. In 1921, the land east of the Jordan was detached to form Transjordan. An independent kingdom was proclaimed in 1946. The West Bank and old city of Jerusalem were added to the kingdom during the war with Israel in 1948. The country then took its present name. During the Six Days War of 1967, the aforementioned territories were again lost to Israel. Executive power rests with the king (hereditary male-only monarchy). Legislative power is in the hands of the bicameral parliament, consisting of the Senate (30 members, appointed by the king), and the House of Deputies (60 members, chosen by general election every 4 years). Jordan has 8 governorates. # JOR Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia # 89213 88884 329 1619 Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 728 km, Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km # 26 ? ? # ? ? 3 mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April) # mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River # Dead Sea -408 m Jabal Ram 1,754 m phosphates, potash, shale oil # 4 1 9 1 85 630 NA # limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # none of the selected agreements # ? # 4324638 44 968833 921158 53 1188248 1125527 3 60876 59996 2.60 35.95 3.88 -6.07 1.06 1.05 1.06 1.02 1.05 30.70 72.69 70.81 74.68 4.94 Jordanian(s) Jordanian Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1% # Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 8% # Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes # age 15 and over can read and write # 86.60 93.40 79.40 Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Jordan Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah Al Urdun constitutional monarchy Amman 8 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az Zarqa', Irbid, Ma'an # ? # Independence Day, 25 May (1946) 8 January 1952 # based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 20 years of age; universal # King HUSSEIN bin Talal Al-Hashimi (since 2 May 1953) Prime Minister Abd al-Salam al-MAJALI (since 19 March 1997) # Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the king # none; the king is a constitutional monarch; prime minister appointed by the king # ? # bicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-'Umma consists of the House of Notables or Majlis al-A'ayan (a 40-member body appointed by the king from designated categories of public figures; members serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (80 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) # House of Representatives - last held 8 November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1997 # House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - IAF 16, Jordanian National Alliance Party 4, Al-Yaqazah Party 2, Al-Watan Party 2, Al-'Ahd Party 2, Jordanian Arab Democratic Party 2, Al-Mustaqbal Party 1, Jordanian Arab Socialist Ba'th Party 1, Jordanian Democratic Progressive Party 1, Jordanian People's Democratic Party-Hashd 1, Jordanian Socialist Democratic Party 1, independents 47 note : the House of Representatives has been convened and dissolved by the king several times since 1974; in November 1989 the first parliamentary elections in 22 years were held # Court of Cassation # Al-Ahrar (Liberals) Party, Ahmad al-ZU'BI, secretary general; Al-Taqaddumi (Progressive) Party, Fawwaz al-ZUBI, secretary general; Constitutional Jordanian Arab Front Party, Milhim al-TALL, leader; Democratic Arab Islamic Movement Party-Du'a', Yusuf ABU BAKR, secretary general; Islamic Action Front (IAF), Ishaq al-FARHAN, secretary general; Jordanian Arab Socialist Ba'th Party, Taysir al-HIMSI, command first secretary; Jordanian Communist Party (JCP), Ya'qub ZAYADIN, secretary general; Jordanian Democratic Popular Unity Party, 'Azmi al-KHAWAJA, secretary general; Jordanian People's Democratic Party-Hashd, Salim al-NAHHAS, secretary general; Jordanian Unionist Democratic Party, 'Isa MADANAT (secretary general), Ali AMIR (secretary general), Munis al-RAZZAZ (secretary general); Pan-Arab Action Front Party, Muhammad al-ZU'BI, secretary general; Progressive Arab Ba'th Party, Mahmud al-MA'AYITAH, command secretary; Al-Mustaqbal (Future) Party, Sulayman 'ARAR, secretary general; Jordanian Arab Partisans Party, Muhammad al-MAJALI, leader, Muhammad al-SHURAYDAH, secretary general; Jordanian Peace Party, leader NA; Ansar Party, leader NA; Ummah Party, leader NA; Arab Land Party, leader NA note: in 1995, the Jordanian Arab Democratic Party, the Jordanian Democratic Progressive Party, and the Jordanian Socialist Democratic Party merged to form the Jordanian Unionist Democratic Party, Isa MADANAT, Ali AMIR, Munis al-RAZZAZ, secretaries general; in May 1997 the following parties - Al-'Ahd (Pledge) Party, 'Abd al-Hadi al-MAJALI, secretary general; Al-Watan (Homeland) Party, 'Akif al-FAYIZ, leader; Al-Yaqazah (Awakening) Party, 'Abd al-Ra'uf al-RAWABIDAH, secretary general; Democratic Arab Unionist Party-Wa'd, Anis al-MU'ASHIR, secretary general; Jordanian Arab Masses Party, 'Abd al-Khaliq SHATAT, secretary general; Jordanian National Alliance Party, Mijhim al-KHURAYSHAH, secretary general; Popular Unity Party-the Unionists, Mustafa AL-'ISAWI, secretary general; and the Progress and Justice Party, 'Ali al-SA'D, secretary general - merged to form the National Constitutional Party, 'Abd al Hadi AL-MAJALI, secretary general # ? # ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFCTU, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, PCA, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIBH, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNPREDEP, UNRWA, UNTAES, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # three equal horizontal bands of black (top), white, and green with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a small white seven-pointed star; the seven points on the star represent the seven fundamental laws of the Koran # Jordan is a small Arab country with inadequate supplies of water and other natural resources such as oil and coal. Jordan benefited from increased Arab aid during the oil boom of the late 1970s and early 1980s, when its annual real GNP growth averaged more than 10%. In the remainder of the 1980s, however, reductions in both Arab aid and worker remittances slowed real economic growth to an average of roughly 2% per year. Imports - mainly oil, capital goods, consumer durables, and food - outstripped exports, with the difference covered by aid, remittances, and borrowing. In mid-1989, the Jordanian Government began debt-rescheduling negotiations and agreed to implement an IMF-supported program designed to gradually reduce the budget deficit and implement badly needed structural reforms. The Persian Gulf crisis that began in August 1990, however, aggravated Jordan's already serious economic problems, forcing the government to shelve the IMF program, stop most debt payments, and suspend rescheduling negotiations. Aid from Gulf Arab states, worker remittances, and trade contracted; and refugees flooded the country, producing serious balance-of-payments problems, stunting GDP growth, and straining government resources. The economy rebounded in 1992, largely due to the influx of capital repatriated by workers returning from the Gulf, but the recovery was uneven in 1994-96. The government is implementing the reform program adopted in 1992 and continues to secure rescheduling and write-offs of its heavy foreign debt. Debt, poverty, and unemployment remain Jordan's biggest on-going problems. # 5.90 1610 6963 6 28 66 4.50 600000 industry 11.4%, commerce, restaurants, and hotels 10.5%, construction 10.0%, transport and communications 8.7%, agriculture 7.4%, other services 52.0% (1992) # 16 2700 2800 phosphate mining, petroleum refining, cement, potash, light manufacturing # 3.90 1.07 4760 1173 wheat, barley, citrus, tomatoes, melons, olives; sheep, goats, poultry # 1900.00 phosphates, fertilizers, potash, agricultural products, manufactures # India, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, EU, Indonesia, UAE # 4100 crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, food, live animals, manufactured goods # EU, US, Iraq, Japan, Turkey # 7300 ODA, $238 million (1993) # ? # 1 Jordanian dinar (JD) = 1,000 fils # 0.71 calendar year 81500 microwave radio relay, cable, and radiotelephone links # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Syria; microwave radio relay to Lebanon is inactive; participant in Medarabtel # 5 7 0 1100000 8 350000 676 # # 676 km 1.050-m gauge; note - an additional 110 km stretch of the old Hejaz railroad is out of use # # 6750 6,750 km # 0 km (1995 est.) # ? 209 ? ? Al 'Aqabah # 3 41651 67515 ? # 14 14 8 5 ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF; includes Royal Jordanian Land Force, Royal Naval Force, and Royal Jordanian Air Force); Ministry of the Interior's Public Security Force (falls under JAF only in wartime or crisis situations) # 18 years of age # 1043324 743712 46760 589000000 8.20 none # ? # @Juan de Nova Island 0 # # Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-third of the way between Madagascar and Mozambique # 4.40 4.40 0 ? ? # 24.10 12 200-m depth or to depth the of exploitation # 200 ? 12 tropical # NA # Indian Ocean 0 m unnamed location 10 m guano deposits and other fertilizers # 0 0 0 90 10 0 periodic cyclones # NA # NA # NA # wildlife sanctuary # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Juan de Nova Island none Ile Juan de Nova possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of France is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? 1 # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # 1 ? ? ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? claimed by Madagascar # ? # @Kazakhstan 0 0$Almaty$4333$7683$1100000$ # # KAS Central Asia, northwest of China # 2717300 2669800 47500 12012 China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,051 km, Russia 6,846 km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid # extends from the Volga to the Altai Mountains and from the plains in western Siberia to oasis and desert in Central Asia # Vpadina Kaundy -132 m Zhengis Shingy 7,439 m major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium # 12 11 57 4 16 22000 earthquakes in the south, mudslides around Almaty # radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with its former defense industries and test ranges are found throughout the country and pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial pollution is severe in some cities; because the two main rivers which flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea; soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salinization from faulty irrigation practices # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Ship Pollution # Desertification # landlocked # 16881793 30 2536307 2462742 63 5219618 5480693 7 392374 790059 -0.24 17.36 9.97 -9.84 1.05 1.03 0.95 0.50 0.93 57.70 63.79 58.32 69.53 2.14 Kazakhstani(s) Kazakhstani Kazak (Qazaq) 46%, Russian 34.7%, Ukrainian 4.9%, German 3.1%, Uzbek 2.3%, Tatar 1.9%, other 7.1% (1996) # Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7% # Kazak (Qazaq) official language spoken by over 40% of population, Russian official language spoken by two-thirds of population and used in everyday business # age 15 and over can read and write # 98 99 96 Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Qazaqstan Respublikasy none republic Almaty 16 oblystar (singular - oblys) and 1 city (qalalar, singular - qala)*; Almaty Qalasy*, Almaty Oblysy, Aqmola Oblysy, Aqtobe Oblysy, Atyrau Oblysy, Batys Qazaqstan Oblysy (Oral), Mangghystau Oblysy (Aqtau), Ongtustik Qazaqstan Oblysy (Shymkent), Pavlodar Oblysy, Qaraghandy Oblysy, Qostanay Oblysy, Qyzylorda Oblysy, Shyghys Qazaqstan Oblysy (Oskemen; formerly Ust'-Kamenogorsk), Soltustik Qazaqstan Oblysy (Petropavl), Taldyqorghan Oblysy, Torghay Oblysy, Zhambyl Oblysy (Taraz) note: on 3 May 1997, President NAZARBAYEV that the total number of oblasts would be reduced to 14; administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) # ? # Independence Day, 25 October (1991); Republic Day, 16 December (1991) adopted by national referendum 30 August 1995; first post-independence constitution was adopted 28 January 1993 # based on civil law system # 18 years of age; universal # President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV (chairman of the Supreme Soviet from Prime Minister Akezhan KAZHEGELDIN (since 12 October 1994) and First Deputy Prime Minister Akhmetzhan YESIMOV (since 24 October 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 1 December 1991 (next to be held NA 2000); note - President NAZARBAYEV's term was extended to the year 2000 by a nationwide referendum held 30 April 1995; state secretary (created by presidential decree) is appointed by the president; prime minister and first deputy prime minister appointed by the president # Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV elected president without opposition; percent of vote - NA note: President NAZARBAYEV has expanded his presidential powers by decree: only he can initiate constitutional amendments, appoint and dismiss the government, dissolve parliament, call referenda at his discretion, and appoint administrative heads of regions and cities # bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (47 seats; 7 senators are appointed by the president; other members are popularly elected, two each from each oblast and Almaty, to serve four-year terms) and the Majilis (67 seats; members are popularly elected to serve four-year terms); note - with the oblasts being reduced to 14, the Senate will eventually be reduced to 37 # Senate - (indirect) last held 5 December 1995 (next to be held NA 1999); Majilis - last held 9 December and 23 December 1995 (next to be held NA 1999) # Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - party members 13, no party affiliation 34, of which "independent" state officials 25, nominated by the president 7, elected by popular vote 15; Majilis - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - party members 22, no party affiliation 45 # Supreme Court (44 members); Constitutional Council (7 members) # Alash National Freedom Party party [Aron ATABEK]; People's Unity Party or PUP (was Union of People's Unity) [Akhan BIZHANOV, chairman]; Democratic Party [Tulegen ZHUKEYEV and Altynbek SARSENBAYEV, cochairmen]; People's Congress of Kazakhstan or NKK [Olzhas SULEYMENOV, chairman]; AZAMAT Movement [Petr SVOIK, Murat AUEZOV, and Galym ABILSAITOV, cochairmen]; Communist Party or KPK [Serikbolsyn ABDILDIN, first secretary]; National Democratic Party [Kamal ORMANTAYEV, chairman]; AZAT party [Toleubek KARAMENDIN, chairman]; Labor movement [Madel ISMAILOV, chairman]; Peasant Union of the Republic Kazakhstan or KPU; Republican People's Slavic Movement-Harmony or Lad [Aleksander SAMARKIN, chairman]; Party for Social Justice and Economic Revival "Tagibat"; Social Democratic Party of Kazakhstan or SDPK [Dos KUSHIMOV, cochairman]; People's Cooperative Party [Umirzak SARSENOV, chairman]; Organization of Veterans; Republican Party; Russian Center [Nina SIDOROVA, chairwoman]; Russian Cossacks [Vladimir DESYATOV, head (ataman)]; Pensioners Movement or Pokoleniye [Irina SAVOSTINA, chairwoman] # ? # AsDB, CCC, CIS, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NACC, OIC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # sky blue background representing the endless sky and a gold sun with 32 rays soaring above a golden steppe eagle in the center; on the hoist side is a "national ornamentation" in yellow # Kazakhstan, the second largest of the former Soviet states in territory, possesses enormous untapped fossil fuel reserves as well as plentiful supplies of other minerals and metals. It also has considerable agricultural potential with its vast steppe lands accommodating both livestock and grain production. Kazakhstan's industrial sector rests on the extraction and processing of these natural resources and also on a relatively large machine building sector specializing in construction equipment, tractors, agricultural machinery, and some defense items. The breakup of the USSR and the collapse of demand for Kazakhstan's traditional heavy industry products have resulted in a sharp contraction of the economy since 1991, with the steepest annual decline occurring in 1994. In 1995-96 the pace of the government program of economic reform and privatization quickened, resulting in a substantial shifting of assets into the private sector. The December 1996 signing of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium agreement to build a new pipeline from Kazakhstan's western Tengiz oil field to the Black Sea increases prospects for substantially larger oil exports in several years. The emigration of large numbers of skilled Slavic managers and technicians from the northern industrial areas will hold back future growth. # 1.10 1310 22115 12 30 58 28.70 6900000 industry 27%, agriculture and forestry 23%, other 50% (1996) # 2.60 ? ? oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, iron and steel, nonferrous metal, tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials; much of industrial capacity is shut down and/or is in need of repair # 0.30 17 58900 3800 grain, mostly spring wheat, cotton; wool, meat # 5700.00 oil, ferrous and nonferrous metals, chemicals, grain, wool, meat, coal # Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Netherlands, China # 6000 machinery and parts, industrial materials, oil and gas # Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Germany # 3500 ODA, $10 million (1993) # ? # 1 Kazakhstani tenge = 100 tiyn # 74.70 calendar year 2200000 landline and microwave radio relay # international traffic with other former Soviet republics and China carried by landline and microwave radio relay and with other countries by satellite and through 8 international telecommunications circuits at the Moscow international gateway switch; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat and a new satellite earth station established at Almaty of unknown type # ? ? ? 4088000 1 4750000 13841 13,841 km 1.520-m gauge (3,299 km electrified) (1992) # # # # 158581 NA km # NA km (1994) # 4002 2850 ? 3480 Aqtau (Shevchenko), Atyrau (Gur'yev), Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), Pavlodar, Semey (Semipalatinsk) # ? ? ? ? # 352 55 7 23 11 5 9 297 9 8 25 65 190 ? Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force, National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border troops) # 18 years of age # 4416061 3526153 154520 ? ? Caspian Sea boundaries are not yet determined among Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan # significant illicit cultivation of cannabis and limited cultivation of opium poppy and ephedra (for the drug ephedrone); limited government eradication program; cannabis consumed largely in the CIS; used as transshipment point for illicit drugs to Russia, North America, and Western Europe from Southwest Asia # @Kenya 0 0$Nairobi$-128$3680$2000000$ 1$Mombasa$-400$3967$600000$ 1$Kisumi$-005$3490$201000$ 3$Kenya$-017$3730$5195$ # The Arabs and Persians traded in spices and slaves on the Kenyan coast in the 7th century. The British took over control of the region 1866 and Kenya became a British colony in 1920. It became independent on 12 December 1963. The president is head of state and leader of the only legal political party, the Kenyan African National Union. The legislative house, the National Assembly, has 172 members, 158 chosen by general election, 12 by the president and two ex officio seats. Kenya is divided into 7 provinces and the district of Nairobi. # EAK Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania # 582650 569250 13400 3446 Ethiopia 830 km, Somalia 682 km, Sudan 232 km, Tanzania 769 km, Uganda 933 km # 536 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # 200 ? 12 varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior # low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile plateau in west # Indian Ocean 0 m Mount Kenya 5,199 m gold, limestone, soda ash, salt barytes, rubies, fluorspar, garnets, wildlife # 7 1 37 30 25 660 NA # water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands # Desertification # the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers on Mt. Kenya; unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value # 28803085 44 6403826 6264971 53 7682401 7696504 3 340664 414719 2.13 32.44 10.83 -0.34 1.03 1.02 1 0.82 1 55.20 54.39 54.21 54.59 4.26 Kenyan(s) Kenyan Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1% # Protestant (including Anglican) 38%, Roman Catholic 28%, indigenous beliefs 26%, other 8% # English (official), Swahili (official), numerous indigenous languages # age 15 and over can read and write # 78.10 86.30 70 Republic of Kenya Kenya ? ? republic Nairobi 7 provinces and 1 area*; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi Area*, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western # ? # Independence Day, 12 December (1963) 12 December 1963, amended as a republic 1964; reissued with amendments 1979, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1991, and 1992 # based on English common law, tribal law, and Islamic law; judicial review in High Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations; constitutional amendment of 1982 making Kenya a de jure one-party state repealed in 1991 # 18 years of age; universal # President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI (since 14 October 1978); Vice President President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI (since 14 October 1978); Vice President George SAITOTI (since 10 May 1989); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet appointed by the president # president elected by popular vote from among the members of the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 29 December 1992 (next to be held by early 1998); vice president appointed by the president # President Daniel T. arap MOI reelected; percent of vote - Daniel T. arap MOI 37%, Kenneth MATIBA (FORD-ASILI) 26%, Mwai KIBAKI (DP) 19%, Oginga ODINGA (FORD-Kenya) 17% # unicameral National Assembly or Bunge (200 seats, 12 appointed by the president, 188 popularly elected members to serve 5-year terms) # last held 29 December 1992 (next to be held between 1 April 1997 and 31 January 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - KANU 100, FORD-Kenya 31, FORD-Asili 31, DP 23, smaller parties 3; president nominates 12 additional members; note - as of 9 April 1996 seat distribution (among non-appointed seats) was: KANU 106, FORD-Kenya 32, FORD-Asili 22, DP 22, smaller parties and vacancies 6 note : first multiparty election since repeal of one-party state law in 1991 # Court of Appeal, chief justice is appointed by the president; High Court # ruling party : Kenya African National Union or KANU [President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI] opposition party: Forum for the Restoration of Democracy or FORD-Kenya [Michael WAMALWA]; Forum for the Restoration of Democracy or FORD-Asili [Kenneth MATIBA]; Democratic Party of Kenya or DP [Mwai KIBAKI] # ? # ACP, C, CCC, EADB, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMOP, UNOMIL, UNPREDEP, UNTAES, UNU, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is edged in white; a large warrior's shield covering crossed spears is superimposed at the center # Since 1993, the government of Kenya has implemented a program of economic liberalization and reform. Steps have included the removal of import licensing and price controls, removal of foreign exchange controls, fiscal and monetary restraint, and reduction of the public sector through privatization of publicly owned companies and downsizing the civil service. With the support of the World Bank, IMF, and other donors, these reforms have led to a turnaround in economic performance following a period of negative growth in the early 1990s. Kenya's real GDP grew at 5% in 1995 and 4% in 1996, and inflation remained under control. Substantial barriers to growth and development remain, including electricity shortages, the government's continued and inefficient dominance of key sectors, endemic corruption, and the country's high population growth rate (which has declined substantially in recent years). # 4 330 9505 29.70 11.10 59.20 1.60 8780000 agriculture 75%-80%, non-agriculture 20%-25% # 35 2700 2700 small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, soap, cigarettes, flour), processing agricultural products; oil refining, cement; tourism # 3.80 0.81 3480 125 coffee, tea, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables; dairy products, beef, pork, poultry, eggs # 1900.00 tea 35.7%, coffee 28.7%, petroleum products 8.6% # Uganda 22.8%, UK 20.1%, Tanzania 19.1%, Germany 14.0%, Netherlands 7.6%, US 6.1% # 2600 machinery and transportation equipment 53%, petroleum and petroleum products 23.7%, iron and steel 12.2%, raw materials, food and consumer goods (1989) # UK 21.3%, UAE 18%, Japan 14%, Germany, US # 7000 multilateral $490 million; bilateral $433 million (1993 est.) # ? # 1 Kenyan shilling (KSh) = 100 cents # 54.74 1 July - 30 June 357251 primarily microwave radio relay # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) # 16 4 0 ? 6 260000 2652 # # 2,652 km 1.000-m gauge # # 63663 8,785 km # 54,878 km (1995 est.) # ? ? 483 ? Kisumu, Lamu, Mombasa # 2 4883 6255 oil tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1 (1996 est.) # 200 92 3 2 2 22 63 108 ? 1 12 95 ? ? Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary General Service Unit of the Police # ? # 6903241 4266063 ? 134000000 3.90 administrative boundary with Sudan does not coincide with international boundary # widespread harvesting of small, wild plots of marijuana and qat (chat); transit country for South Asian heroin destined for Europe and, sometimes, North America; Indian methaqualone also transits on way to South Africa # @Kingman Reef United States # # Oceania, reef in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to American Samoa # 1 1 0 ? ? # 3 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical, but moderated by prevailing winds # low and nearly level # Pacific Ocean 0 m unnamed location 1 m none # 0 0 0 0 100 0 wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of about 1 meter makes Kingman Reef a maritime hazard # none # NA # NA # barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed to the public # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? none Kingman Reef ? ? unincorporated territory of the US; administered by the US Navy; however, none; administered from Washington, DC ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # ? # the flag of the US is used # no economic activity # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? ? # ? # ? # ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # # # # ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? none; offshore anchorage only # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Kiribati 0 # The 33 islands which form Kiribati, spread over some 5 million sq.km., were discovered between the 16th and 18th centuries by European whalers. The former Gilbert and Ellice Islands became a British protectorate in 1892, to which was added the Phoenix Islands in 1937. The Ellice Islands became independent Tuvalu in 1975. The remaining islands became self-governing in 1977 and gained full independence on 12 July 1979. Head of state is the president, nominated by the 38-seat House of Assembly, the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, whose members are elected every 4 years. # ? Oceania, group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the equator, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia; note - on 1 January 1995, Kiribati unilaterally moved the International Date Line from the middle of the country to include its easternmost islands and make it the same day throughout the country # 717 717 0 ? ? # 1143 ? ? # 200 ? 12 tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds # mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs # Pacific Ocean 0 m unnamed location on Banaba 81 m phosphate (production discontinued in 1979) # ? 51 ? 3 46 ? typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; occasional tornadoes # heavy pollution in lagoon of south Tarawa atoll due to heavy migration mixed with traditional practices such as lagoon latrines and open-pit dumping; ground water at risk # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # 20 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia and Nauru # 82449 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 1.85 26.79 7.71 -0.53 ? ? ? ? ? 51.15 62.35 60.56 64.37 3.17 I-Kiribati (singular and plural) I-Kiribati Micronesian # Roman Catholic 53%, Protestant (Congregational) 41%, Seventh-Day Adventist, Baha'i, Church of God, Mormon 6% (1985 est.) # English (official), Gilbertese # ? # ? ? ? Republic of Kiribati Kiribati ? ? republic Tarawa 3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands note: in addition, there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts, Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21 island councils - one for each of the inhabited islands (Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Kanton, Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina # ? # Independence Day, 12 July (1979) 12 July 1979 # NA # 18 years of age; universal # President (Beretitenti) Teburoro TITO (since 1 October 1994); Vice President President (Beretitenti) Teburoro TITO (since 1 October 1994); Vice President (Kauoman-ni-Beretitenti) Tewareka TENTOA (since 12 October 1994); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the House of Assembly # president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; note - the House of Assembly chooses the presidential candidates from among their members and then those candidates compete in a general election; election last held 30 September 1994 (next to be held by NA September 1998); vice president appointed by the president # Teburoro TITO elected president; percent of vote - Teburoro TITO 51.2%, Tewareka TENTOA 18.3%, Roniti TEIWAKI 16.0%, Peter Taberannang TIMEON 14.5% # unicameral House of Assembly or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (41 seats; 39 elected by popular vote, one ex officio member, and one nominated to represent Banaba; members serve four-year terms) # last held 22 July 1994 (next to be held by NA July 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Maneaban Te Mauri 13, National Progressive Party 7, independents 19 # Court of Appeal, judges at all levels are appointed by the president; High Court, judges at all levels are appointed by the president # National Progressive Party, Teatao TEANNAKI; Christian Democratic Party, Teburoro TITO; New Movement Party, leader NA; Liberal Party, Tewareka TENTOA; Maneaban Te Mauri Party, Roniti TEIWAKI note : there is no tradition of formally organized political parties in Kiribati; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups because they have no party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures # ? # ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, ITU, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WTrO (applicant) # the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean # A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has few national resources. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at the time of independence in 1979. Copra and fish now represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has fluctuated widely in recent years. Real GDP growth has declined from about 10% in 1988 to about 2.6% in 1995. Economic development is constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure, and remoteness from international markets. The financial sector is at an early stage of development. Foreign financial aid, largely from the UK and Japan, is a critical supplement to GDP, equal in amount to 25%-50% of GDP in recent years. Remittances from overseas I-Kiribati account for more than $5 million each year. # 2.60 720 59 11 4 85 5.10 7870 ? # 2 32.50 54.30 fishing, handicrafts # 0.70 0.01 10 ? copra, taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; fish # 6.30 copra 50%, seaweed 16%, fish 15% # Denmark, Fiji, US # 38.60 foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous manufactured goods, fuel # Australia 40%, Japan 13%, Fiji 10%, NZ 6%, US 4% (1994) # 2 ODA, $4.725 million from Australia (FY96/97 est.); $2.175 million from NZ (FY95/96) # ? # 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents # 1.28 NA 1400 NA # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) # 1 0 0 15000 0 0 ? # # # # 655 NA km # NA km # 5 ? ? ? Banaba, Betio, English Harbor, Kanton # 2 3248 4496 oil tanker 1, short-sea passenger 1 (1996 est.) # 20 9 ? ? 4 11 5 11 ? ? ? ? ? ? no regular military forces; Police Force (carries out law enforcement functions and paramilitary duties; small police posts are on all islands) # ? # ? ? ? ? ? none # ? # @Korea, North 0 0$Pyongyang$3902$12575$2000000$ # The state of Choson exisited in the area now occupied by Korea in the 2nd century BC. After the Sino-Japanese war of 1894-1895, Korea fell under strong Japanese influence and was annexed in 1910. After the Second World War, the country was divided into a northern zone, under Soviet control, and a southern zone, under US control (divided by the 38th parallel). The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was founded on 1 May 1948, in the northern zone. War was waged with the south from 1950 until 1953. There is a democratically elected one-chamber parliament, the Supreme People's Assembly, with 615 seats, but much power also rests with the single Korean Workers Party. North Korea is divided into 9 provinces and 4 municipalities. # ? Eastern Asia, northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and South Korea # 120540 120410 130 1673 China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km # 2495 ? ? # 200 ? 12 temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer # mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow valleys; coastal plains wide in west, discontinuous in east # Sea of Japan 0 m Paektu-san 2,744 m coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron ore, copper, gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropower # 14 2 0 61 23 14600 late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding; occasional typhoons during the early fall # localized air pollution attributable to inadequate industrial controls; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water # Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea # strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and Russia; mountainous interior is isolated, nearly inaccessible, and sparsely populated # 24317004 30 3672851 3528590 66 7996814 8068347 4 372818 677584 1.68 22.27 5.43 0 1.05 1.04 0.99 0.55 0.98 25 70.60 67.50 73.85 2.29 Korean(s) Korean racially homogeneous # Buddhism and Confucianism, some Christianity and syncretic Chondogyo # Korean # age 15 and over can read and write Korean # 99 99 99 Democratic People's Republic of Korea North Korea Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk none Communist state; one-man dictatorship P'yongyang 9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 3 special cities* (si, singular and plural); Chagang-do (Chagang Province), Hamgyong-bukto (North Hamgyong Province), Hamgyong-namdo (South Hamgyong Province), Hwanghae-bukto (North Hwanghae Province), Hwanghae-namdo (South Hwanghae Province), Kaesong-si* (Kaesong City), Kangwon-do (Kangwon Province), Namp'o-si* (Namp'o City), P'yongan-bukto (North P'yongan Province), P'yongan-namdo (South P'yongan Province), P'yongyang-si* (P'yongyang City), Yanggang-do (Yanggang Province) # ? # DPRK Foundation Day, 9 September (1948) adopted 1948, completely revised 27 December 1972, revised again in April 1992 # based on German civil law system with Japanese influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 17 years of age; universal # KIM Chong-il [de facto]; note - President KIM Il-song was reelected Acting Premier HONG Song-nam (since NA February 1997) # State Administration Council appointed by the Supreme People's Assembly # premier elected by the Supreme People's Assembly # HONG Song-nam elected acting premier; percent of Supreme People's Assembly vote - NA # unicameral Supreme People's Assembly or Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui (687 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 7-9 April 1990 (next to be held NA); note - the term of the Assembly expired in April 1995 without a new election and it has not been convened since the death of KIM Il-song in July 1994 # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - the KWP approves a single list of candidates who are elected without opposition; minor parties hold a few seats # Central Court, judges are elected by the Supreme People's Assembly # major party - Korean Workers' Party (KWP), KIM Chong-il, secretary, Central Committee; Korean Social Democratic Party, KIM Pyong-sik, chairman; Chondoist Chongu Party, YU Mi-yong, chairwoman # ? # ESCAP, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO # three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in white; on the hoist side of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star # More than 90% of this command economy is socialized; agricultural land is collectivized; and state-owned industry produces 95% of manufactured goods. State control of economic affairs is unusually tight even for a communist country because of the small size and homogeneity of the society and the strict rule of KIM Il-song in the past and now his son, KIM Chong-il. Economic growth during the period 1984-88 averaged 2%-3%, but output declined by an average of 4%-5% annually during 1989-96 because of systemic problems and disruptions in socialist-style economic relations and technological links with the former USSR and China. The leadership has insisted on maintaining its high level of military outlays from a shrinking economic pie. Moreover, a serious drawdown in inventories and critical shortages in the energy sector have led to increasing interruptions in industrial production. Abundant mineral resources and hydropower have formed the basis of industrial development since World War II. Manufacturing is centered on heavy industry, including military industry, with light industry lagging far behind. Despite the use of improved seed varieties, expansion of irrigation, and the heavy use of fertilizers, North Korea has not yet become self-sufficient in food production. Indeed, a shortage of arable lands, several years of poor harvests, systemic inefficiencies, a cumbersome distribution system, and extensive floods in 1995-96 have resulted in recurring food shortages. Substantial grain shipments from Japan and South Korea are offsetting a portion of the losses. North Korea remains far behind South Korea in economic development and living standards. # -5 923 22445 25 60 15 ? 9615000 agricultural 36%, nonagricultural 64% # ? 19300 19300 military products; machine building, electric power, chemicals; mining (coal, iron ore, magnesite, graphite, copper, zinc, lead, and precious metals), metallurgy; textiles, food processing # -7 9.50 35960 1394 rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, pulses; cattle, pigs, pork, eggs # 805 minerals, metallurgical products, agricultural and fishery products, manufactures (including armaments) # China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Hong Kong, Russia # 1240 petroleum, grain, coking coal, machinery and equipment, consumer goods # China, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Russia, Singapore # 8000 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 North Korean won (Wn) = 100 chon # 2.15 calendar year 30000 NA # satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region); other international connections through Moscow and Beijing # 18 0 0 3500000 11 400000 5000 # 4,095 km 1.435-m gauge (3,500 km electrified; 159 km double track) # 665 km 0.762-m gauge # # 23000 1,725 km # 21,275 to 28,275 km (1990 est.) # 2253 37 ? ? Ch'ongjin, Haeju, Hungnam (Hamhung), Kimch'aek, Kosong, Najin, Namp'o, Sinuiju, Songnim, Sonbong (formerly Unggi), Ungsang, Wonsan # 99 641090 899243 bulk 8, cargo 83, combination bulk 1, oil tanker 2, passenger 2, passenger-cargo 1, short-sea passenger 2 # 49 22 2 15 2 1 2 27 ? 4 5 12 6 ? Korean People's Army (includes Army, Navy, Air Force), Civil Security Forces # 18 years of age # 6928338 4188070 200136 5000000000 25 short section of boundary with China is indefinite; Demarcation Line with South Korea # ? # @Korea, South 0 0$Seoul$3755$12697$15300000$ 1$Pusan$3508$12900$3800000$ 1$Taegu$3583$12860$2200000$ 1$Inchon$3753$12675$1800000$ 1$Kwangju$3515$12692$1100000$ 1$Taejon$3633$12743$1000000$ # The state of Choson exisited in the area now occupied by Korea in the 2nd century BC. After the Sino-Japanese war of 1894-1895, Korea fell under strong Japanese influence and was annexed in 1910. After the Second World War, the country was divided into a northern zone, under Soviet control, and a southern zone, under US control (divided by the 38th parallel). The Republic of Korea was formed in the southern zone in May 1948. War was waged with the south from 1950 until 1953. The president holds executive power, is head of state, leader of the cabinet, whose members he can nominate and dismiss, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. South Korea is divided into 9 provinces and the cities of Seoul, Pusan, Inchon, and Taegu. # ROK Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea, south of North Korea # 98480 98190 290 238 North Korea 238 km # 2413 24 not specified # 200 ? 12 temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter # mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west and south # Sea of Japan 0 m Halla-san 1,950 m coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower # 19 2 1 65 13 13350 occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; earthquakes in southwest # air pollution in large cities; water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents; drift net fishing # Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 # Desertification # ? # 45948811 23 5515667 4925479 71 16579117 16096684 6 1067663 1764201 1.02 16.17 5.66 -0.33 1.14 1.12 1.03 0.60 1.02 8 73.60 70.01 77.69 1.78 Korean(s) Korean homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese) # Christianity 49%, Buddhism 47%, Confucianism 3%, pervasive folk religion (shamanism), Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way), and other 1% # Korean, English widely taught in high school # age 15 and over can read and write # 98 99.30 96.70 Republic of Korea South Korea Taehan-min'guk none republic Seoul 9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 6 special cities* (gwangyoksi, singular and plural); Cheju-do, Cholla-bukto, Cholla-namdo, Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Ch'ungch'ong-namdo, Inch'on-gwangyoksi*, Kangwon-do, Kwangju-gwangyoksi*, Kyonggi-do, Kyongsang-bukto, Kyongsang-namdo, Pusan-gwangyoksi*, Soul-t'ukpyolsi*, Taegu-gwangyoksi*, Taejon-gwangyoksi* # ? # Independence Day, 15 August (1948) 25 February 1988 # combines elements of continental European civil law systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought # 20 years of age; universal # President KIM Yong-sam (since 25 February 1993) Prime Minister KO Kon (since 4 March 1997); Deputy Prime Ministers KANG Kyong-sik (since 5 March 1997) and KWON O-ki (since 20 December 1995) # State Council appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation # president elected by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 18 December 1992 (next to be held 18 December 1997); prime minister appointed by the president; deputy prime ministers appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation # KIM Yong-sam elected president; percent of vote - KIM Yong-sam (DLP) 41.9%, KIM Tae-chung (DP) 33.8%, CHONG Chu-yong (UPP) 16.3%, other 8% # unicameral National Assembly or Kukhoe (299 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 11 April 1996 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NKP 139, NCNP 79, ULD 50, DP 15, independents 16; note - the distribution of seats as of December 1996 was NKP 155, NCNP 78, ULD 47, DP 12, independents 7 # Supreme Court, justices are appointed by the president subject to the consent of the National Assembly # majority party : New Korea Party (NKP), KIM Yong-sam, president opposition: United Liberal Democratic Party (ULD), KIM Chong-pil, president; Democratic Party (DP), YI Ki-taek, chairman; National Congress for New Politics (NCNP), KIM Tae-chung, president # ? # AfDB, APEC, AsDB, BIS (pending member), CCC, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE (partner), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNOMIG, UNU, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the center; there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) in each corner of the white field # As one of the Four Dragons of East Asia, South Korea has achieved an incredible record of growth. Three decades ago its GDP per capita was comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia. Today its GDP per capita is eight times India's, 15 times North Korea's, and already up with the lesser economies of the European Union. This success has been achieved by a unique system of guidance by an authoritarian government of what is essentially an entrepreneurial process. The government has sponsored large-scale adoption of technology and management from Japan and other modern nations; has successfully pushed the development of export industries while encouraging the import of machinery and materials at the expense of consumer goods; and has pushed its labor force to a work effort seldom matched anywhere even in wartime. Real GDP grew by an average 10% in 1986-91, then paused to a "mere" 5% in 1992-93, moved back up to 8% in 1994 and 9% in 1995, and about 7% in 1996. With a much higher standard of living and with a considerable easing of authoritarian controls, the work pace has softened. Growth rates will probably slow down over the medium term. # 6.90 10680 490733 8 45 47 5 20000000 services and other 52%, mining and manufacturing 27%, agriculture, fishing, forestry 21% (1991) # 1.90 69000 67000 electronics, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel, textiles, clothing, footwear, food processing # 11.90 31.67 155890.00 3563 rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; cattle, pigs, chickens, milk, eggs; fish catch of 2.9 million metric tons, seventh largest in world # 130900.00 electronic and electrical equipment, machinery, steel, automobiles, ships; textiles, clothing, footwear; fish # US 17%, EU 13%, Japan 12% # 150200 machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil, steel, transport equipment, textiles, organic chemicals, grains # US 22%, Japan 21%, EU 13% # 93000 ? # ? # 1 South Korean won (W) = 100 chun (theoretical) # 849.88 calendar year 16600000.00 NA # fiber-optic submarine cable to China; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean Region) # 79 46 0 42000000 256 9300000 3081 # 3,081 km 1.435-m gauge (560 km electrified) (1996 est.) # # # 74235 56,419 km (including 1,824 km of expressways) # 17,816 km (1995 est.) # 1609 ? 455 ? Chinhae, Inch'on, Kunsan, Masan, Mokp'o, P'ohang, Pusan, Ulsan, Yosu # 461 6634127 10343557 bulk 123, cargo 124, chemical tanker 27, combination bulk 3, combination ore/oil 1, container 71, liquefied gas tanker 13, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 68, refrigerated cargo 17, short-sea passenger 2, vehicle carrier 11 # 103 101 1 18 15 14 53 2 ? ? ? 2 ? 199 Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Maritime Police (Coast Guard) # 18 years of age # 13730520 8775136 397167 17400000000 3.30 Demarcation Line with North Korea; Liancourt Rocks claimed by Japan # ? # @Kuwait 0 0$Kuwait$2933$4800$1500000$ # The area was already inhabited about 2500 BC. It became part of the Persian Empire in the 3rd century AD, and was absorbed by the caliphate of Omajjaden in 680 and later by the caliphate of Abbasiden. The autonomous sheikdom of Kuwait dates from 1756. Descendants of the first sheik, from the Al-Sabah family, have ruled since then. Kuwait became a British protectorate in 1899. Oil was discovered in 1938, but production was delayed until 1946, after the Second World War. Kuwait became independent in 1961. On 2 August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, after having made numerous claims to Kuwaiti territory since 1961. On 29 August, it declared Kuwait to be the 19th province of Iraq. Head of state, and emir, is sheik Jabir al-Ahmad al-Jabir as-Sabah. Executive power is with him, aided by a cabinet-council. He nominates the prime-minister and other ministers. Legislative power rests with the National Assembly of 65 members. Kuwait is divided into 4 governorates. # KWT Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia # 17820 17820 0 464 Iraq 242 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km # 499 ? ? # ? ? 12 dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters # flat to slightly undulating desert plain # Persian Gulf 0 m unnamed location 306 m petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas # 0 0 8 0 92 20 sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April, they bring inordinate amounts of rain which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year, but are most common between March and August # limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification # Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping # strategic location at head of Persian Gulf # 1834269 33 333251 272206 65 772612 421205 2 21028 13967 4.34 21.54 2.28 24.14 1.05 1.22 1.83 1.51 1.59 11.20 76.44 74.43 78.56 3.54 Kuwaiti(s) Kuwaiti Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7% # Muslim 85% (Shi'a 30%, Sunni 45%, other 10%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15% # Arabic (official), English widely spoken # age 15 and over can read and write # 78.60 82.20 74.90 State of Kuwait Kuwait Dawlat al Kuwayt Al Kuwayt nominal constitutional monarchy Kuwait 5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al Jahrah, Al Kuwayt, Hawalli, Al Farwaniyah # ? # National Day, 25 February (1950) approved and promulgated 11 November 1962 # civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # adult males who have been naturalized for 30 years or more or have resided in Kuwait since before 1920 and their male descendants at age 21 # Amir JABIR al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since 31 December 1977) Prime Minister and Crown Prince SAAD al-Abdallah al-Salim Al Sabah (since 8 February 1978); First Deputy Prime Minister SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since 17 October 1992); Second Deputy Prime Minister SALIM al-Sabah al-Salim Al Sabah (since 7 October 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and approved by the amir # none; the amir is a hereditary monarch of the MUBARAK line of the ruling Sabah family; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the amir # ? # unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 7 October 1996 (next to be held NA October 2000) # percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 50; note - all cabinet ministers are also ex officio members of the National Assembly # High Court of Appeal # none # ? # ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side # Kuwait is a small and relatively open economy with proved crude oil reserves of about 94 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves. Kuwait has rebuilt its war-ravaged petroleum sector; its crude oil production averaged 2 million barrels per day in 1996. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 90% of export revenues, and 75% of government income. Kuwait lacks water and has practically no arable land, thus preventing development of agriculture. With the exception of fish, it depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported. Because of its high per capita income, comparable with Western European incomes, Kuwait provides its citizens with extensive health, educational, and retirement benefits. The bulk of the work force is non-Kuwaiti, living at a considerably lower level. Per capita military expenditures are among the highest in the world. The economy improved moderately in 1994-96, with the growth in industry and finance. The World Bank has urged Kuwait to push ahead with privatization, including in the oil industry, but the government will move slowly on opening the petroleum sector. # 3 17440 31990 0 42 58 4.50 1000000 industry and agriculture 25%, services 25%, government and social services 50% (1994 est.) # 1.80 10000 14000 petroleum, petrochemicals, desalination, food processing, construction materials, salt, construction # 1 6.99 21760 12793 practically no crops; extensive fishing in territorial waters # 13600 oil # Japan 23%, India 16%, US 12%, Singapore 10%, Netherlands 10% (1995 est.) # 8400 food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing # US 24%, UK 14%, France 13%, Japan 10%, Germany 8% (1995 est.) # 8000 ? # ? # 1 Kuwaiti dinar (KD) = 1,000 fils # 0.30 1 July - 30 June 548000 new telephone exchanges provide a large capacity for new subscribers; trunk traffic is carried by microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, open wire and fiber-optic cable; a cellular telephone system operates throughout Kuwait and the country is well supplied with pay telephones # coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Arabsat # 3 0 0 720000 3 800000 ? # # # # 4360 3,510 km # 850 km (1995 est.) # ? 877 40 165 Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Kuwait, Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi, Mina' Su'ud # 46 2053667 3246597 cargo 10, container 3, liquefied gas tanker 7, livestock carrier 4, oil tanker 21, vehicle carrier 1 (1996 est.) # 5 5 3 1 ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? 1 Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, Ministry of Interior Forces, Coast Guard # 18 years of age # 663032 393541 18340 3500000000 12.80 in November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait which had been spelled out in Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), 773 (1993), and 883 (1993); this formally ends earlier claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah islands; ownership of Qaruh and Umm al Maradim islands disputed by Saudi Arabia # ? # @Kyrgyzstan 0 0$Biskek$4283$7458$600000$ # # KIS Central Asia, west of China # 198500 191300 7200 3878 China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,051 km, Tajikistan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,099 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone # peaks of Tien Shan and associated valleys and basins encompass entire nation # Kara-Daryya 132 m Jengish Chokusu 7,439 m abundant hydroelectric potential; significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas; other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc # 7 0 44 4 45 9000 NA # water pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices # Biodiversity, Hazardous Wastes # none of the selected agreements # landlocked # 4512809 36 829888 812056 58 1271390 1321774 6 101616 176085 0.05 22.27 8.59 -13.15 1.05 1.02 0.96 0.58 0.95 73.60 63.97 59.65 68.49 2.73 Kyrgyzstani(s) Kyrgyzstani Kirghiz 52.4%, Russian 18%, Uzbek 12.9%, Ukrainian 2.5%, German 2.4%, other 11.8% # Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5% # Kirghiz (Kyrgyz) - official language, Russian - official language # age 15 and over can read and write # 97 99 96 Kyrgyz Republic Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyz Respublikasy none republic Bishkek 6 oblasttar (singular - oblast) and 1 city* (singular - shaar); Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty, Ysyk-Kol Oblasty (Karakol) note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) # ? # National Day, 2 December; Independence Day, 31 August (1991) adopted 5 May 1993 # based on civil law system # 18 years of age; universal # President Askar AKAYEV (since 28 October 1990) Prime Minister Apas JUMAGULOV (since NA December 1993) # Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; elections last held 24 December 1995 (next to be held NA 2000); prime minister appointed by the president # Askar AKAYEV elected president; percent of vote - Askar AKAYEV 75%; note - elections were held early which gave the two opposition candidates little time to campaign; AKAYEV may have orchestrated the "deregistration" of two other candidates, one of whom was a major rival # bicameral Supreme Council or Zhogorku Kenesh consists of the Assembly of People's Representatives (70 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Legislative Assembly (35 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # Assembly of People's Representatives - last held 5 February 1995 (next to be held NA 2000); Legislative Assembly - last held 5 February 1995 (next to be held NA 2000) # Assembly of People's Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; note - not all of the 70 seats were filled at the 5 February 1995 elections; as a result, run-off elections were held at later dates; the assembly meets twice yearly; Legislative Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; note - not all of the 35 seats were filled at the 5 February 1995 elections; as a result, run-off elections were held note: the legislature became bicameral for the 5 February 1995 elections # Supreme Court, judges are appointed for a 10-year term by the Zhogorku Kenesh on recommendation of the president; Constitutional Court; Higher Court of Arbitration # Social Democratic Party or SDP; Democratic Movement of Kyrgyzstan or DDK [Jypar JEKSHEYEV, chairman]; National Unity; Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan or PCK [Absamat MASALIYEV, chairman]; Democratic Movement of Free Kyrgyzstan or ErK; Republican Popular Party of Kyrgyzstan; Agrarian Party of Kyrgyzstan; Ata Meken Party [Omurbek TEKEBAYEV]; ASABA [Chaprashty BAZARBAY]; Movement for the People's Salvation [Djumgalbek AMAMBAYEV]; Ashar [Zhumagazy USUPOV] # ? # AsDB, CIS, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NACC, OIC, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40 Kirghiz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized representation of the roof of the traditional Kirghiz yurt # Kyrgyzstan is a small, poor, mountainous country with a predominantly agricultural economy. Cotton, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products and exports. Industrial exports included gold, mercury, uranium, and hydropower. Kyrgyzstan has been one of the most progressive countries of the former Soviet Union in carrying out market reforms. Following a successful stabilization program, which lowered inflation from 88% in 1994 to 32% for 1996, attention is turning toward stimulating growth. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production have been severe since the break up of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995 production began to recover and exports began to increase. Pensioners, unemployed workers, and government workers with salaries arrears continue to suffer. Foreign assistance plays a substantial role in the country's budget. In 1996 the economy showed strong signs that recovery was underway. # 5.60 570 2572 35 28 37 32 1700000 agriculture and forestry 40%, industry and construction 19%, other 41% (1995 est.) # 4.80 ? ? small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement, shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, rare earth metals # 10.80 3.63 13700 1912 wool, tobacco, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, grapes, fruits and berries; sheep, goats, cattle # 506.00 cotton, wool, meat, tobacco; gold, mercury, uranium, hydropower; machinery; shoes # China, UK, FSU # 890 grain, lumber, industrial products, ferrous metals, fuel, machinery, textiles, footwear # US, China, FSU # 584 ODA, $56 million (1993) # ? # 1 Kyrgyzstani som (KGS) = 100 tyiyn # 14.60 calendar year 342000 principally microwave radio relay # connections with other CIS countries by landline or microwave radio relay and with other countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik and 1 Intelsat # ? ? ? 825000 1 875000 370 370 km 1.520-m gauge (1990) # # # # 18560 16,890 km (including 140 km of expressways) # 1,670 km (1995 est.) # 600 ? ? 200 Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye) # ? ? ? ? # 54 14 1 3 9 4 1 40 ? ? 4 ? 32 ? Army, National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border troops), Civil Defense # 18 years of age # 1109139 900105 44447 ? ? territorial dispute with Tajikistan on southwestern boundary in Isfara Valley area # limited illicit cultivator of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; limited government eradication program; increasingly used as transshipment point for illicit drugs to Russia and Western Europe from Southwest Asia # @Laos 0 0$Vientiane$1798$10264$700000$ # Laos was first united as the kingdom of Lan Xang ("million elephants") in 1353, after being a province of the Khmer Empire for about four centuries. It divided into three separate kingdoms in 1707. France declared Laos a protectorate in 1893. Internal self-government was granted in 1946. Autonomy as a constitutional monarchy within the French Union was gained on 19 July 1949, followed by full independence in 1953. Political instability led to civil war in 1959 between conservative royalists and the communist Pathet Lao movement. A coalition formed in 1962 collapsed in 1964. Government troops were ordered to cease firing in May 1975 and the Pathet Lao took control; the king abdicated the following November, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic was proclaimed on 3 December. The chairman of the Supreme People's Council is also president of Laos. Ministers are nominated by the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, now called the Revolutionary People's Party (PPL). Provincial government is under complete control of the PPL via a series of revolutionary people's committees. Laos is divided into 16 provinces and the Vientiane prefecture. # LAO Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand # 236800 230800 6000 5083 Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April) # mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus # Mekong River 70 m Phou Bia 2,817 m timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones # 3 0 3 54 40 1250 floods, droughts, and blight # deforestation; soil erosion; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban # Law of the Sea # landlocked # 5116959 45 1174029 1144634 52 1277175 1354220 3 76544 90357 2.78 41.25 13.40 0 1.05 1.03 0.94 0.85 0.98 94.30 53.19 51.63 54.83 5.76 Lao(s) or Laotian(s) Lao or Laotian Lao Loum (lowland) 68%, Lao Theung (upland) 22%, Lao Soung (highland) including the Hmong ("Meo") and the Yao (Mien) 9%, ethnic Vietnamese/Chinese 1% # Buddhist 60%, animist and other 40% # Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages # age 15 and over can read and write # 56.60 69.40 44.40 Lao People's Democratic Republic Laos Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao none Communist state Vientiane 16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural), 1 municipality* (kampheng nakhon, singular and plural), and 1 special zone** (khetphiset, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun**, Xekong, Xiangkhoang # ? # National Day, 2 December (1975) (proclamation of the Lao People's Democratic promulgated 14 August 1991 # based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and Socialist practice # 18 years of age; universal # President NOUHAK PHOUMSAVAN (appointed 25 November 1992 by the Supreme Prime Minister Gen. KHAMTAI SIPHANDON (since 15 August 1991); Deputy Prime Ministers KHAMPHOUI KEOBOUALAPHA (since 15 August 1991) and BOUNGNANG VOLACHIT (since 20 April 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the National Assembly # president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 22 February 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); prime minister appointed by the president with the approval of the National Assembly for a five-year term # NOUHAK PHOUMSAVAN elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA # unicameral National Assembly (85 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 20 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1997) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LPRP or LPRP-approved (independent, non-party members) 85; note - the distribution of seats as of January 1997 is as follows - LPRP 78, independents 5, vacant 2 # People's Supreme Court, the president of the People's Supreme Court is elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the National Assembly Standing Committee, the vice president of the People's Supreme Court and the judges are appointed by the National Assembly Standing Committee # Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), KHAMTAI Siphandon, party president; other parties proscribed # ? # ACCT, AsDB, ASEAN (observer), CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, Mekong Group, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) # three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band # The government of Laos - one of the few remaining official communist states - has been decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise since 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, have been striking - growth has averaged 7.5% annually since 1988. Even so, Laos is a landlocked country with a primitive infrastructure. It has no railroads, a rudimentary road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications. Electricity is available in only a few urban areas. Subsistence agriculture accounts for half of GDP and provides 80% of total employment. The predominant crop is rice. In non-drought years, Laos is self-sufficient overall in food, but each year flood, pests, and localized drought cause shortages in various parts of the country. For the foreseeable future the economy will continue to depend on aid from the IMF and other international sources; aid from the former USSR/Eastern Europe has been cut sharply. As in many developing countries, deforestation and soil erosion will hamper efforts to maintain the high rate of GDP growth. # 7.50 380 1944 56 19 25 15 1250000 agriculture 80% (1992 est.) # 5.60 218 379 tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction # 7.50 0.26 890 48 sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, cotton; water buffalo, pigs, cattle, poultry # 240 electricity, wood products, coffee, tin, garments # Thailand, Japan, France, Germany, Netherlands # 570 food, fuel oil, consumer goods, manufactures # Thailand, China, Japan, France, US # 2000 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 new kip (NK) = 100 at # 961 1 October - 30 September 6600 radiotelephone communications # satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region) # 10 0 0 560000 2 32000 ? # # # # 18153 2,505 km # 15,648 km (1995 est.) # 4587 ? 136 ? none # 1 2370 3000 ? # 39 25 1 ? 5 3 16 14 ? ? 1 13 ? ? Lao People's Army (LPA; includes riverine naval and militia elements), Air Force, National Police Department # 18 years of age # 1123934 606542 54712 105000000 8.10 boundary dispute with Thailand # world's third largest opium producer (200 metric tons from some 25,250 hectares in 1996); heroin producer; increasingly used as transshipment point for heroin produced in Burma; illicit producer of cannabis # @Latvia 0 0$Riga$5689$2414$930000$ # # LR Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania # 64100 64100 0 1150 Belarus 141 km, Estonia 339 km, Lithuania 453 km, Russia 217 km # 531 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation # 200 ? 12 maritime; wet, moderate winters # low plain # Baltic Sea 0 m Gaizinkalns 312 m minimal; amber, peat, limestone, dolomite # 27 0 13 46 14 160 NA # air and water pollution because of a lack of waste conversion equipment; Gulf of Riga and Daugava River heavily polluted; contamination of soil and groundwater with chemicals and petroleum products at military bases # Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling # none of the selected agreements # ? # 2421163 19 238793 229160 66 762635 836839 15 112989 240747 -1.56 8.21 15.72 -8.13 1.05 1.04 0.91 0.47 0.85 17.70 66.91 60.80 73.33 1.21 Latvian(s) Latvian Latvian 51.8%, Russian 33.8%, Byelorussian 4.5%, Ukrainian 3.4%, Polish 2.3%, other 4.2% # Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox # Lettish (official), Lithuanian, Russian, other # age 15 and over can read and write # 100 100 99 Republic of Latvia Latvia Latvijas Republika Latvija republic Riga 26 counties (singular - rajons) and 7 municipalities*: Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils*, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgava*, Jelgavas Rajons, Jurmala*, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Leipaja*, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preiju Rajons, Rezekne*, Rezeknes Rajons, Riga*, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils*, Ventspils Rajons # ? # Independence Day, 18 November (1918) the 1991 Constitutional Law which supplements the 1922 constitution, provides for basic rights and freedoms # based on civil law system # 18 years of age; universal # President Guntis ULMANIS (since 7 July 1993) Prime Minister Andris SKELE (since 21 December 1995) # Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the Parliament # president elected by Parliament for a four-year term; election last held 7 July 1993 (next to be held by 20 June 1997); prime minister appointed by the president # Guntis ULMANIS elected president in the first round of balloting; percent of parliamentary vote - 53% # unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve three-year terms) # last held 30 September-1 October 1995 (next to be held NA October 1998) # percent of vote by party - Saimnieks 18%, LC 17%, For Latvia 16%, TB 14%, LNNK 8%, Unity 8%, LSZ/LKDS 7%, Harmony 6%, Socialist 6%; seats by party - Saimnieks 18, LC 17, For Latvia 16, TB 14, LNNK 8, Unity 8, LSZ/LKDS 7, Harmony 6, Socialist 6 # Supreme Court, judges' appointments are confirmed by the Parliament # Democratic Party "Saimnieks" or DPS [Ziedonis CEVERS, chairman]; Latvia's Way or LC [Valdis BIRKAVS]; For Latvia [Joachim SIEGERIST]; Fatherland and Freedom or TB [Maris GRINBLATS]; Latvian Unity Party or LVP [A. KAULS]; Latvian National Conservative Party or LNNK [Anna SEILE]; Green Party or LSZ [O. BATAREVSK]; Latvian Farmers Union or LZS [A. ROZENTALS]; Christian Democrat Union or LKDS [Maris VITOLDS]; National Harmony Party or TSP [Janis JURKANS]; Latvian Socialist Party or LSP [F. STROGANOVS]; Latvian Liberal Party or LLP [J. DANOSS]; Political Association of the Underprivileged or MPA [B. PELSE, V. DIMANTS, J. KALNINS]; Latvian Democratic Labor Party or LDDP [J. BOJARS]; Party of Russian Citizens or LKPP [V. SOROCHIN, V. IVANOV]; Peoples Front of Latvia or LTF [Uldis AUGSTKALNS]; Political Union of Economists or TPA [E. KIDE]; Latvian National Democratic Party or LNDP [A. MALINS]; "Our Land" or MZ [M. DAMBEKALNE]; Anticommunist Union or PA [P. MUCENIEKS]; Latvian Social-Democratic Workers Party or LSDSP; Party for the Defense of Latvia's Defrauded People; Latvian Independence Party or LNP [Valdis KONOVALOVS] # ? # BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NACC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) # three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon # In the five years following the implosion of the USSR in December 1991, the Latvian economy has made substantial progress toward establishing a modern market economy and widening economic ties with the West. Two major long-term concerns are the growing trade deficit and the impact of organized crime. The economy in 1996 has largely recovered from the mid-1995 collapse of several commercial banks - including Latvia's large bank, Bank Baltija - and a severe government budget crisis. Prime Minister SKELE has stated that he expects the country's GDP to grow 5% in 1997 through the implementation of the government's new economic reform program. In December 1996, the government passed a balanced 1997 budget - its first - that SKELE predicts will reduce inflation to 10% to 12% in 1997. Unemployment, which has held steady at about 6% over the past two years, reached roughly 7.5% in 1996. One of SKELE's key objectives for 1997 is to speed up the privatization program, which has lagged behind other areas of reform. # 2.50 2310 5593 9 34 57 13.20 1268000 industry 41%, agriculture and forestry 16%, services 43% (1990) # 7.50 ? ? buses, vans, street and railroad cars, synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, washing machines, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles; dependent on imports for energy, raw materials, and intermediate products # 2 2.02 4270 2197 grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; meat, milk, eggs; fish # 1600.00 machinery and equipment, timber, textiles, foodstuffs # Russia, other CIS, Germany, Sweden, UK # 2400 fuels, machinery and equipment, chemicals # Russia, other CIS, Germany, Sweden, UK, Finland # ? ODA, $122 million (1993) # ? # 1 Latvian lat (LVL) = 100 santims; introduced NA March 1993 # 0.56 calendar year 660000 an NMT-450 analog cellular telephone network covers 75% of Latvia's population # international traffic carried by leased connection to the Moscow international gateway switch, through the new Ericsson digital telephone exchange in Riga, and through the Finnish cellular net; Sprint data network carries electronic mail # ? ? ? 1400000 30 1100000 2412 2,379 km 1.520-m gauge (271 km electrified) (1992) # # 33 km 0.750-m gauge (1994) # # 60046 22,998 km # 37,048 km (1995 est.) # 300 750 ? 560 Daugavpils, Liepaja, Riga, Ventspils # 51 491582 639414 cargo 7, oil tanker 19, refrigerated cargo 18, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7 (1996 est.) # 50 36 ? 6 2 1 27 14 ? 2 ? 2 10 ? Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Security Forces, Border Guard, Home Guard (Zemessardze) # 18 years of age # 575121 450640 16323 ? 3 based on the 1920 Treaty of Riga, Latvia had claimed the Abrene/Pytalovo section of border ceded by the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic to Russia in 1944; disputes maritime border with Lithuania (primary concern is oil exploration rights) # transshipment point for opiates and cannabis from Southwest Asia and cocaine from Latin America to Western Europe and Scandinavia; produces illicit amphetamines for export # @Lebanon 0 0$Beyrouth$3389$3552$1100000$ 1$Tripoli$3445$3583$240000$ # (The) Lebanon was an important centre of the Phoenician civilization in the third millenium BC. It formed 5 districts of the Turkish Ottoman Empire from 1516 until 1919. It was administered under French mandate from September 1920 until 1941. Independence was declared on 26 November 1941. Lebanon was made a republic in 1943. Under the National Covenant of 1943, all public positions were divided among the various religious communities, with Christians in the majority. By the 1970's, Moslems formed the majority and demanded a greater political and economic role. This led to instability, and a state of civil war between the religious factions has existed since the mid-70's. Lebanon has made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions and regaining its national sovereignty since the end of the devastating 16-year civil war, which began in 1975. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national reconciliation - the Lebanese have established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater say in the political process. Since the end of the civil war, the Lebanese have formed five cabinets and conducted two legislative elections. Most of the militias have been weakened or disbanded. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) has seized vast quantities of weapons used by the militias during the war and extended central government authority over about one-half of the country. Hizballah, the radical Shi'a party, retains most of its weapons. Foreign forces still occupy areas of Lebanon. Israel maintains troops in southern Lebanon and continues to support a proxy militia, the Army of South Lebanon (ASL), along a narrow stretch of territory contiguous to its border. The ASL's enclave encompasses this self-declared security zone and about 20 kilometers north to the strategic town of Jazzin. Syria maintains about 30,000 troops in Lebanon. These troops are based mainly in Beirut, North Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley. Syria's deployment was legitimized by the Arab League during Lebanon's civil war and in the Ta'if accord. Citing the continued weakness of the LAF, Beirut's requests, and failure of the Lebanese Government to implement all of the constitutional reforms in the Ta'if accord, Damascus has so far refused to withdraw its troops from Lebanon. # RL Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria # 10400 10230 170 454 Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km # 225 ? ? # ? ? 12 Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; Lebanon mountains experience heavy winter snows # narrow coastal plain; Al Biqa' (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains # Mediterranean Sea 0 m Jabal al Makmal 3,087 m limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit region # 21 9 1 8 61 860 dust storms, sandstorms # deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution # Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation # Nahr al Litani only major river in Near East not crossing an international boundary; rugged terrain historically helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion, clan, and ethnicity # 3449578 30 531171 511522 64 1036728 1150847 6 100682 118628 1.62 22.74 6.56 0 1.05 1.04 0.90 0.85 0.94 32.80 70.35 67.82 73 2.32 Lebanese (singular and plural) Lebanese Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1% # Islam 70% (5 legally recognized Islamic groups - Alawite or Nusayri, Druze, Isma'ilite, Shi'a, Sunni), Christian 30% (11 legally recognized Christian groups - 4 Orthodox Christian, 6 Catholic, 1 Protestant), Judaism NEGL% # Arabic (official), French (official), Armenian, English # age 15 and over can read and write # 92.40 94.70 90.30 Lebanese Republic Lebanon Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah Lubnan republic Beirut 5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Biqa', Al Janub, Ash Shamal, Bayrut, Jabal Lubnan # ? # Independence Day, 22 November (1943) 23 May 1926, amended a number of times # mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and civil law; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 21 years of age; compulsory for all males; authorized for women at age 21 with elementary education # President Ilyas HARAWI (since 24 November 1989) Prime Minister Rafiq al-HARIRI (since 22 October 1992) # Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the members of the National Assembly; the current Cabinet was formed in 1996 # president elected by the National Assembly for a six-year term; election last held 24 November 1989 (next to be held NA 1998); note - in 1995, the National Assembly amended the Constituition to extend the president's term by three years; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president in consultation with the National Assembly; by custom, the president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of the legislature is a Shi'a Muslim # Ilyas HARAWI elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA # unicameral National Assembly or Majlis Alnuwab (Arabic) or Assemblee Nationale (French) (128 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of sectarian proportional representation to serve four-year terms) # last held in the summer of 1996 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA (one-half Christian and one-half Muslim) # four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and commercial cases and one court for criminal cases) # political party activity is organized along largely sectarian lines; numerous political groupings exist, consisting of individual political figures and followers motivated by religious, clan, and economic considerations # ? # ABEDA, ACCT, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO # three horizontal bands of red (top), white (double width), and red with a green and brown cedar tree centered in the white band # The 1975-91 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub. Peace has enabled the central government to restore control in Beirut, begin collecting taxes, and regain access to key port and government facilities. Economic recovery has been helped by a financially sound banking system and resilient small- and medium-scale manufacturers, with family remittances, banking services, manufactured and farm exports, and international aid as the main sources of foreign exchange. Lebanon's economy has made impressive gains since Prime Minister HARIRI launched his $18 billion "Horizon 2000" reconstruction program in 1993. Real GDP grew 8% in 1994 and 7% in 1995 before Israel's Operation Grapes of Wrath in April 1996 stunted economic activity. During 1992-96, annual inflation fell from more than 170% to 10%, and foreign exchange reserves jumped to more than $4 billion from $1.4 billion. Burgeoning capital inflows have fueled foreign payments surpluses, and the Lebanese pound has remained relatively stable. Progress also has been made in rebuilding Lebanon's war-torn physical and financial infrastructure. Solidere, a $2-billion firm, is managing the reconstruction of Beirut's central business district, the stock market reopened in January 1996, and international banks and insurance companies are returning. The government nonetheless faces serious challenges in the economic arena. The government has had to fund reconstruction by tapping foreign exchange reserves and boosting borrowing. The stalled peace process and ongoing violence in southern Lebanon could spawn wider hostilities that would disrupt vital capital inflows. Furthermore, the gap between rich and poor has widened since HARIRI took office, sowing grassroots dissatisfaction over the skewed distribution of reconstruction's benefits and leading the government to shift its focus from rebuilding infrastructure to improving social conditions. # 3.50 3030 10452 13 28 59 10 2000000 services 60%, industry 28%, agriculture 12% (1990 est.) # 20 1900.00 3900 banking; food processing; textiles, jewelry; cement, oil refining, chemicals, metal fabricating, wood products # ? 1.22 4750 1285 citrus, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco, hemp (hashish); sheep, goats # 1000 paper and paper products 26%, food stuffs 16%, textiles and textile products 10%, jewelry 8%, metals and metal products 8%, electrical equipment and products 8%, chemical products 6%, transport vehicles 4% (1995) # Saudi Arabia 13%, Switzerland 12%, UAE 11%, Syria 9%, US 5%, Jordan 5% (1995) # 7000 machinery and transport equipment 28%, foodstuffs 20%, consumer goods 19%, chemicals 9%, textiles 5%, metals 5%, fuels 3% (1995) # Italy 19%, France 13%, US 12%, Germany 11%, UK 6%, Belgium 5%, Turkey 3% (1995) # 3000 aid pledges of $3.5 billion for 1997-2001 # ? # 1 Lebanese pound (úL) = 100 piasters # 1550.80 calendar year 150000 primarily microwave radio relay and cable # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean) (erratic operations); coaxial cable to Syria; microwave radio relay to Syria but inoperable beyond Syria to Jordan; 3 submarine coaxial cables # 5 3 1 2370000 13 1100000 222 # 222 km 1.435-m (from Beirut to the Syrian border) # # # 6359 6,041 km # 318 km (1995 est.) # ? 72 ? ? Al Batrun, Al Mina, An Naqurah, Antilyas, Az Zahrani, Beirut, Jubayl, Juniyah, Shikka, Sidon, Tripoli, Tyre # 64 241583 366093 bulk 5, cargo 43, chemical tanker 1, combination ore/oil 1, container 2, livestock carrier 5, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 3 (1996 est.) # 7 6 1 2 1 1 2 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF; includes Army, Navy, and Air Force) # ? # 876677 543861 ? 278000000 5.50 Israeli troops in southern Lebanon since June 1982; Syrian troops in northern, central, and eastern Lebanon since October 1976 # small illicit producer of hashish and heroin for the international drug trade; hashish production is shipped to Western Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America; a key locus of cocaine processing and trafficking; a Lebanese/Syrian eradication campaign started in the early 1990s has practically eliminated the opium and cannabis crops # @Lesotho 0 0$Maseru$-2932$2748$240000$ # Chief Moshesh united the Sotho and Nguni tribes against invading Zulus and Boers at the start of the 19th century. He sought and gained British help in 1868, when Basutoland, as it was then known, was made a protectorate. It was annexed to Cape Colony in 1871, and made a crown colony in 1884. Independence was gained on 4 October 1966. Head of state is King Moshesh II. The National Assembly has 93 elected members, and the Senate is made up of 33 chiefs. Lesotho is divided into 10 districts. # LS Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa # 30350 30350 0 909 South Africa 909 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers # mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains # junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m Mount Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m water, agricultural and grazing land, some diamonds and other minerals # 11 ? 66 ? 23 30 periodic droughts # population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, soil exhaustion; desertification; Highlands Water Project will control, store, and redirect water to South Africa # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping # landlocked; surrounded by South Africa # 2007814 41 408723 406849 55 533327 566684 4 37990 54241 1.83 32.19 13.92 0 1.03 1 0.94 0.70 0.95 80.30 51.66 49.48 53.91 4.22 Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural) Basotho Sotho 99.7%, Europeans 1,600, Asians 800 # Christian 80%, rest indigenous beliefs # Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa # age 15 and over can read and write # 71.30 81.10 62.30 Kingdom of Lesotho Lesotho ? ? modified constitutional monarchy Maseru 10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka # ? # Independence Day, 4 October (1966) 2 April 1993 # based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 21 years of age; universal # King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996, succeeded to the throne following Prime Minister Ntsu MOKHEHLE (since 2 April 1993) # Cabinet # none; the king is a hereditary monarch, but, under the terms of the constitution which came into effect after the March 1993 election, he has no executive or legislative powers; moreover, under traditional law the king can be elected or deposed by a majority vote of the College of Chiefs; following legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most seats usually becomes prime minister # ? # bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (33 members - 22 principal chiefs and 11 other members appointed by the ruling party) and the Assembly (65 seats; members elected for a five-year term by popular vote) # last held 27 March 1993 (next to be held by March 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - BCP 65 # High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate's Court; customary or traditional court # Basotho National Party or BNP [Evaristus SEKHONYANA]; Basotholand Congress Party or BCP [Ntsu MOKHEHLE]; Marematlou Freedom Party or MFP [Vincent MALEBO]; United Democratic Party or UDP [Charles MOFELI] # ? # ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFCTU, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper half is white, bearing the brown silhouette of a large shield with crossed spear and club; the lower half is a diagonal blue band with a green triangle in the corner # Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho has no important natural resources other than water. Its economy is based on agriculture, light manufacturing, and remittances from miners employed in South Africa. The number of such mine workers has declined steadily over the past five years; in 1996 their remittances added about 33% to GDP compared with the addition of roughly 67% in 1990. The great majority of households gain their livelihoods from subsistence farming and migrant labor; a large portion of the adult male work force is employed in South African mines. Manufacturing depends largely on farm products which support the milling, canning, leather, and jute industries. Although drought has decreased agricultural activity over the past few years, completion of a major hydropower facility will permit the sale of water to South Africa and will support the economy's continued expansion. The pace of the privatization of state-owned firms increased toward the end of 1994. # 10 670 1345 14 46 40 8.70 689000 86% of resident population engaged in subsistence agriculture; roughly 35% of the active male wage earners work in South Africa # ? 445 400 food, beverages, textiles, handicrafts; construction; tourism # 12.50 0.01 ? ? corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley; livestock # 218 clothing, furniture, footwear, machinery and equipment, wool (1993) # South African Customs Union 46%, North America 34%, EU 18% (1993) # 1100 corn, clothing, building materials, vehicles, machinery, medicines, petroleum products (1993) # South African Customs Union 83%, Asia 12%, EU 3% (1993) # 512 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 loti (L) = 100 lisente # 4.64 1 April - 31 March 12000 consists of a few landlines, a small microwave radio relay system, and a minor radiotelephone communication system # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 3 4 0 66000 1 11000 2.60 # # 2.6 km 1.067-m gauge (1995) # # 4955 887 km # 4,068 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? none # ? ? ? ? # 29 25 1 ? ? 1 23 4 ? ? ? 4 ? ? Lesotho Defense Force (LDF; includes Army and Air Wing), Lesotho Mounted Police # ? # 468658 253025 ? ? ? none # ? # @Liberia 0 0$Monrovia$630$-1078$600000$ # Liberia originated in 1822 as a home for freed Afro-American slaves on land purchased for this purpose by the American Colonization Society. On 26 July 1847 it became the first independent republic in Africa. A coup in 1980 replaced the civilian government by a military-led one. Years of civil strife have destroyed much of Liberia's economic infrastructure, made civil administration nearly impossible, and brought economic activity virtually to a halt. The deterioration of economic conditions has been greatly exacerbated by the flight of most business people with their expertise and capital. Civil order ended in 1990 when President Samuel Kenyon DOE was killed by rebel forces. In April 1996, when forces loyal to faction leaders Charles Ghankay TAYLOR and Alhaji KROMAH attacked rival ethnic Krahn factions, the fighting further damaged Monrovia's dilapidated infrastructure. Fighting waned in late May 1996, allowing West African peacekeepers to regain control of Monrovia. The Abuja II peace accord was signed in August 1996 replacing the Chairman of the ruling Council of State, Wilton SANKAWULO, with Ruth PERRY. National elections were scheduled for 30 May 1997, but long-term prospects for peace will remain poor unless the warring factions can overcome their greed, mutual suspicions and ethnic hatreds. # LB Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone # 111370 96320 15050 1585 Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone 306 km # 579 ? ? # ? ? 200 tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers # mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeast # Atlantic Ocean 0 m Mount Wuteve 1,380 m iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold # 1 3 59 18 19 20 dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to March) # tropical rain forest subject to deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; pollution of rivers from the dumping of iron ore tailings and of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage # Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation # ? # 2602068 45 584918 579728 52 689376 657029 3 43868 47149 6.92 42.30 11.53 38.39 1.03 1.01 1.05 0.93 1.03 105.60 59.02 56.43 61.69 6.16 Liberian(s) Liberian indigenous African tribes 95% (including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, and Bella), Americo-Liberians 5% (descendants of former slaves) # traditional 70%, Muslim 20%, Christian 10% # English 20% (official), about 20 tribal languages, of which a few can be written and are used in correspondence # age 15 and over can read and write # 38.30 53.90 22.40 Republic of Liberia Liberia ? ? republic Monrovia 13 counties; Bomi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Cess, Sinoe # ? # Independence Day, 26 July (1847) 6 January 1986 # dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for the modern sector and customary law based on unwritten tribal practices for indigenous sector # 18 years of age; universal # Chairman of the Council of State Ruth PERRY (since NA August 1996); Chairman of the Council of State Ruth PERRY (since NA August 1996); note - chairman of the Council of State is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet selected by the leaders of the major factions in the civil war # last presidential election held 15 October 1985 (next to be held 19 July 1997); results - Samuel Kanyon DOE (NDPL) 50.9%, Jackson DOE (LAP) 26.4%, other 22.7% note : constitutional government ended in September 1990 when President Samuel Kanyon DOE was killed by rebel forces; civil war ensued and in August 1996 the Abuja II peace accord was signed by the major warring factions; a transitional coalition government under Ruth PERRY was formed in August 1996; presidential elections are scheduled for 19 July 1997 # ? # unicameral Transitional Legislative Assembly, the members of which are appointed by the leaders of the major factions in the civil war note : the former bicameral legislature no longer exists and is unlikely to be reconstituted soon # ? # ? # Supreme Court # present conditions of civil strife and anarchy have rendered Liberia's political parties completely ineffectual; prior to the outbreak of warfare among armed factions the following political parties were prominent: National Democratic Party of Liberia or NDPL [Augustus CAINE, chairman]; Liberian Action Party or LAP [Emmanuel KOROMAH, chairman]; Unity Party or UP [Joseph KOFA, chairman]; United People's Party or UPP [Gabriel Baccus MATTHEWS, chairman]; National Patriotic Party or NPP [Charles Ghankay TAYLOR, chairman]; Liberian Peoples Party or LPP [Dusty WOLOKOLLIE, chairman] # ? # ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO # 11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a white five-pointed star on a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner; the design was based on the US flag # Civil war since 1990 has destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around Monrovia. Businessmen have fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them. Many will not return. Richly endowed with water, mineral resources, forests and a climate favorable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products, while local manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope. Political and economic instability - including the stripping of resources by local warlords - threatens prospects for reconstruction as well as the repatriation of an estimated 750,000 Liberian refugees who have fled to neighboring countries. The continued political turmoil has prevented restoration of normal economic life, including the re-establishment of a strong central government with effective economic development programs. # 0 200 520 30 36 34 50 510000 agriculture 70.5%, services 10.8%, industry and commerce 4.5%, other 14.2% # ? 225 285 rubber processing, food processing, construction materials, furniture, palm oil processing, iron ore, diamonds # ? 0.43 1050 384 rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, sugarcane, bananas; sheep, goats; timber # 667 diamonds, iron ore, rubber, timber, coffee # US, EU, Netherlands, Singapore # 5800.00 mineral fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods; rice and other foodstuffs # US, EU, Japan, China, Netherlands, ECOWAS, South Korea # 2100 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Liberian dollar (L$) = 100 cents # 1 calendar year 25000 NA # satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) # 3 4 0 622000 5 51000 490 # 345 km 1.435-m gauge # 145 km 1.067-m gauge # # 10300 628 km # 9,672 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Buchanan, Greenville, Harper, Monrovia # 1616 60081452 99395792 barge carrier 3, bulk 418, cargo 121, chemical tanker 117, combination bulk 29, combination ore/oil 58, container 151, liquefied gas tanker 83, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 450, passenger 36, refrigerated cargo 68, roll-on/roll-off cargo 29, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 40 # 36 30 1 ? 1 4 28 6 ? ? 2 ? ? ? NA; the ultimate structure of the Liberian military force will depend on who is the victor in the ongoing civil war # ? # 592730 316906 ? 14000000 2.90 none # increasingly a transshipment point for Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin and South American cocaine for the European and US markets # @Libya 0 0$Tripoli$3289$1319$1200000$ 1$Benghazi$3217$2010$750000$ 1$Misurata$3217$1505$360000$ # First settled by the Berbers, Libya was subsequently ruled by Carthage, Rome, Vandals, and Arabs. It was part of the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century until 1911, when the it became an Italian colony. Control passed to Britain and France after the Second World War. Libya was declared a constitutional monarchy on 2 January 1952. The monarchy was overthrown by a military junta, on 1 September 1969. Libya is now an islam-based people's republic. It is divided into 3 regions, subdivided into 10 muhπfazπt. # LAR Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Tunisia # 1759540 1759540 0 4383 Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,150 km, Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km # 1770 ? ? # ? ? 12 Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior # mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions # Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m Bikku Bitti 2,267 m petroleum, natural gas, gypsum # 1 0 8 0 91 4700 hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall; dust storms, sandstorms # desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources; the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities # Desertification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea # ? # 5648359 48 1369984 1323254 49 1422043 1358013 3 91953 83112 3.64 43.94 7.49 0 1.05 1.04 1.05 1.11 1.04 57.70 65.05 62.84 67.37 6.19 Libyan(s) Libyan Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, Tunisians # Sunni Muslim 97% # Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major cities # age 15 and over can read and write # 76.20 87.90 63 Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Libya Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishtirakiyah none Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace Tripoli 25 municipalities (baladiyah, singular - baladiyat); Ajdabiya, Al 'Aziziyah, Al Fatih, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jufrah, Al Khums, Al Kufrah, An Nuqat al Khams, Ash Shati', Awbari, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghadamis, Gharyan, Misratah, Murzuq, Sabha, Sawfajjin, Surt, Tarabulus, Tarhunah, Tubruq, Yafran, Zlitan note: the 25 municipalities may have been replaced by 1,500 communes in 1992 # ? # Revolution Day, 1 September (1969) 11 December 1969, amended 2 March 1977 # based on Italian civil law system and Islamic law; separate religious courts; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # Revolutionary Leader Gen. Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1 September Secretary of the General People's Committee (Premier) Abd al-Majid al-QA'UD (since 29 January 1994) # General People's Committee established by the General People's Congress # national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of peoples' committees; head of government elected by the General People's Congress; election last held NA (next to be held NA) # Abd al-Majid al-QA'UD elected head of government; percent of General People's Congress vote - NA # unicameral General People's Congress (NA seats; members elected indirectly through a hierarchy of peoples' committees) # ? # ? # Supreme Court # none # ? # ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAU, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) # plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the state religion) # The socialist-oriented economy depends primarily upon revenues from the oil sector, which contributes practically all export earnings and about one-third of GDP. In 1990 per capita GDP was the highest in Africa at $5,410, but subsequently GDP growth has slowed on average and has fluctuated sharply in response to changes in the world oil market. Import restrictions and inefficient resource allocations have led to periodic shortages of basic goods and foodstuffs. The nonoil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for about 20% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly agricultural products to include the production of petrochemicals, iron, steel, and aluminum. Although agriculture accounts for only 5% of GDP, it employs 18% of the labor force. Climatic conditions and poor soils severely limit farm output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food requirements. The UN sanctions imposed in April 1992 have not yet had a major impact on the economy because Libya's oil revenues generate sufficient foreign exchange to sustain imports of food, consumer goods, and equipment for the oil industry and ongoing development projects. # 2.20 5650 31913 5 55 40 25 1000000 industry 31%, services 27%, government 24%, agriculture 18% # ? 13000 14900 petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement # ? 4.60 16730 3012 wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus, vegetables, peanuts; meat, eggs # 8400 crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas # Italy, Germany, Spain, France, UK, Turkey, Greece, Egypt # 7300 machinery, transport equipment, food, manufactured goods # Italy, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Turkey, Tunisia, Eastern Europe # 2600 ? # ? # 1 Libyan dinar (LD) = 1,000 dirhams # 0.38 calendar year 370000 microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); planned Arabsat and Intersputnik satellite earth stations; submarine cables to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel # 17 3 0 1000000 12 500000 ? # # # # 19189 10,738 km # 8,451 km (1987) # ? 4383 443 256 Al Khums, Banghazi, Darnah, Marsa al Burayqah, Misratah, Ra's Lanuf, Tobruk, Tripoli, Zuwarah # 30 689086 1209083 cargo 9, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas tanker 2, oil tanker 10, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4, short-sea passenger 4 # 131 71 24 5 22 6 14 60 5 2 14 39 ? ? Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Command # 17 years of age # 1211700 721592 59216 1400000000 6.10 maritime boundary dispute with Tunisia; Libya claims about 19,400 sq km in northern Niger and part of southeastern Algeria # ? # @Liechtenstein 0 0$Vaduz$4714$952$6000$ # Liechtenstein was formed in 1719 by uniting the lordships of Schellenburg and Vaduz. It became sovereign in 1866. The constitution dates from October 1921. A customs union was formed with Switzerland in 1924. Liechtenstein is closely linked both economically and politically with Switzerland, which represents the principality diplomatically. The parliament (Landtag) has 15 members, with general elections every 4 years. 5 of these members are nominated by the prince as cabinet ministers. Women were first allowed to vote in the general elections of 1986. Liechtenstein is divided into two districts (Oberland, and Unterland) with a total of 11 communities. # FL Central Europe, between Austria and Switzerland # 160 160 0 78 Austria 37 km, Switzerland 41 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers # mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third # Ruggleller Riet 430 m Grauspitz 2,599 m hydroelectric potential # 25 0 38 19 18 ? NA # NA # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands # Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Law of the Sea # along with Uzbekistan, one of the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world; variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation # 31389 19 3032 2909 70 10952 11059 11 1410 2027 1.02 13.03 7.33 4.52 1.05 1.04 0.99 0.70 0.96 5.30 77.82 75.38 80.36 1.62 Liechtensteiner(s) Liechtenstein Alemannic 87.5%, Italian, Turkish, and other 12.5% # Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 6.9%, unknown 5.6%, other 7.5% (1995) # German (official), Alemannic dialect # age 10 and over can read and write # 100 100 100 Principality of Liechtenstein Liechtenstein Furstentum Liechtenstein Liechtenstein hereditary constitutional monarchy Vaduz 11 communes (Gemeinden, singular - Gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz # ? # Assumption Day, 15 August 5 October 1921 # local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations # 20 years of age; universal # Prince Hans ADAM II (since 13 November 1989, assumed executive powers Head of Government Mario FRICK (since 15 December 1993) and Deputy Head of Government Michael RITTER (since 14 April 1997) # Cabinet elected by the Diet; confirmed by the prince # none; the prince is a hereditary monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the Diet is usually appointed the head of government by the prince and the leader of the largest minority party in the Diet is usually appointed the deputy head of government by the prince # ? # unicameral Diet or Landtag (25 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote under proportional representation to serve four-year terms) # last held on 2 February 1997 (next to be held by NA 2001) # percent of vote by party - VU 50.1%, FBP 41.3%, FL 8.5%; seats by party - VU 13, FBP 10, FL 2 # Supreme Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Superior Court or Obergericht # Fatherland Union or VU [Dr. Oswald KRANZ]; Progressive Citizens' Party or FBP [Otmar HASLER]; The Free List or FL # ? # CE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, IAEA, ICRM, IFRCS, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WCL, WIPO, WTrO # two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band # Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and living standards on a par with the urban areas of its large European neighbors. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 18% - and easy incorporation rules have induced about 25,000 holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30% of state revenues. The country participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. It imports more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (an organization serving as a bridge between EFTA and EU) since May 1995. The government is working to harmonize its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe. # ? 35000 1099 ? ? ? 0.80 22187 industry, trade, and building 45%, services 53%, agriculture, fishing, forestry, and horticulture 2% (1995 est.) # 1.10 455 435 electronics, metal manufacturing, textiles, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, tourism # ? 0.02 150 8000 wheat, barley, maize, potatoes; livestock, dairy products # 2140.00 small specialty machinery, dental products, stamps, hardware, pottery # EU and EFTA countries 60.57% (Switzerland 15.7%) (1995) # 852.30 machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles # EU countries, Switzerland (1996) # 0 ? # ? # 1 Swiss franc, franken, or franco (SwF) = 100 centimes, rappen, or centesimi # 1.39 calendar year 28393 NA # linked to Swiss networks by cable and microwave radio relay # ? ? ? 11203 ? 11421 18.50 # 18.5 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified) # # # 250 250 km # 0 km # ? ? ? ? none # ? ? ? ? # ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? # ? # ? ? ? ? ? claims 1,600 sq km of Czech territory confiscated from its royal family in 1918; the Czech Republic insists that restitution does not go back before February 1948, when the communists seized power # ? # @Lithuania 0 0$Vilnius$5464$2533$592000$ # # LT Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and Russia # 65200 65200 0 1273 Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km # 99 ? ? # ? ? 12 transitional, between maritime and continental; wet, moderate winters and summers # lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil # Baltic Sea 0 m Juozapine Kalnas 292 m peat # 35 12 7 31 15 430 NA # contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands # none of the selected agreements # ? # 3617104 21 385959 370100 66 1157987 1240850 13 157328 304880 -0.49 10.64 12.96 -2.60 1.05 1.04 0.93 0.52 0.89 14.80 68.70 62.61 75.11 1.47 Lithuanian(s) Lithuanian Lithuanian 80.1%, Russian 8.6%, Polish 7.7%, Byelorussian 1.5%, other 2.1% # primarily Roman Catholic, others include Lutheran, Russian Orthodox, Protestant, evangelical Christian Baptist, Islam, Judaism # Lithuanian (official), Polish, Russian # age 15 and over can read and write # 98 99 98 Republic of Lithuania Lithuania Lietuvos Respublika Lietuva independent, democratic republic Vilnius 44 regions (rajonai, singular - rajonas) and 11 municipalities*: Akmenes Rajonas, Alytaus Rajonas, Alytus*, Anyksciu Rajonas, Birsionas*, Birzu Rajonas, Druskininkai*, Ignalinos Rajonas, Jonavos Rajonas, Joniskio Rajonas, Jurbarko Rajonas, Kaisiadoriu Rajonas, Marijampoles Rajonas, Kaunas*, Kauno Rajonas, Kedainiu Rajonas, Kelmes Rajonas, Klaipeda*, Klaipedos Rajonas, Kretingos Rajonas, Kupiskio Rajonas, Lazdiju Rajonas, Marijampole*, Mazeikiu Rajonas, Moletu Rajonas, Neringa* Pakruojo Rajonas, Palanga*, Panevezio Rajonas, Panevezys*, Pasvalio Rajonas, Plunges Rajonas, Prienu Rajonas, Radviliskio Rajonas, Raseiniu Rajonas, Rokiskio Rajonas, Sakiu Rajonas, Salcininky Rajonas, Siauliai*, Siauliu Rajonas, Silales Rajonas, Siltues Rajonas, Sirvinty Rajonas, Skuodo Rajonas, Svencioniu Rajonas, Taurages Rajonas, Telsiu Rajonas, Traky Rajonas, Ukmerges Rajonas, Utenos Rajonas, Varenos Rajonas, Vilkaviskio Rajonas, Vilniaus Rajonas, Vilnius*, Zarasu Rajonas # ? # Independence Day, 16 February (1918) adopted 25 October 1992 # based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts # 18 years of age; universal # President Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS (acting president since 25 November Premier Gediminas VAGNORIUS (since 28 November 1996) # Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the nomination of the premier # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 14 February 1993 (next to be held spring 1997); premier appointed by the president on the approval of the Parliament # Algirdas BRAZAUSKAS elected president; percent of vote - NA # unicameral Parliament or Seimas (141 seats, 71 members are directly elected by popular vote, 70 are elected by proportional representation; members serve four-year terms) # last held 20 October and 10 November 1996 (next to be held NA October 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Conservative Party 70, LKDP 16, Center Union 13, LDDP 12, LSDP 12, DP 2, independents 4, others 8, vacant 4 # Supreme Court, judges appointed by the Parliament; Court of Appeal, judges appointed by the Parliament # Christian Democratic Party or LKDP [Algirdas SAUDARGAS, chairman]; Democratic Labor Party of Lithuania or LDDP [Mindaugas STANKEVICIUS, chairman]; Lithuanian Nationalist Union or LTS [Rimantas SMETONA, chairman]; Lithuanian Social Democratic Party or LSDP [Aloyzas SAKALAS, chairman]; Farmers' Union [Jonas CIULEVICIUS, chairman]; Center Union [Romualdas OZOLAS, chairman]; Homeland Union/Conservative Party [Vytautas LANDSBERGIS, chairman]; Lithuanian Polish Union or LLS [Rsztardas MACIEKIANIEC, chairman]; Democratic Party or DP [Lydie WURTH-POLFER, president] # ? # BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, NACC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) # three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and red # Since declaring independence in 1990, Lithuania has implemented reforms aimed at eliminating the vestiges of the former socialist system. With the help of the IMF and other international institutions, the government has adopted a disciplined program to restrain inflation, abolish most price controls, lower the budget deficit, and privatize the economy. More than two-thirds of its industrial facilities as well as most housing and agricultural enterprises have been privatized. Although some important "strategic" enterprises remain exempt from privatization, the new government has outlined plans to privatize large companies dealing with transport, pipelines, communications, and energy. While Lithuania has reduced its trade dependence on Russia and other republics of the FSU from 85% in 1991 to about 40% in 1995, Russia remains Lithuania's leading trading partner. Lithuania has made great strides in reducing its annual rate of inflation - from over 1,100% in 1992 to about 35% in 1995 and 13.1% in 1996. Although the government tried to stay the course on economic reform and fiscal discipline in 1996, the new government, which took office in 1996 inherited high debts for energy supplies. As for real resources, Lithuania's growth depends largely on its ability to exploit its strategic location - with its ice-free port at Klaipeda and its rail and highway hub in Vilnius connecting it with Eastern Europe, Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. Lacking important natural resources, it will remain dependent on imports of fuels and raw materials. # 3.40 2290 8283 13 32 55 13.10 1836000 industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%, other 40% (1990) # 8 1400 1500 metal-cutting machine tools, electric motors, television sets, refrigerators and freezers, petroleum refining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic components, computers, amber # 3.70 5.46 9570 2151 grain, potatoes, sugar beets, vegetables; meat, milk, eggs; fish; flax fiber # 3300.00 textiles 15%, agriculture and food 14%, chemicals 12%, fuels 12%, machinery 11% (1995) # Russia, Germany, Belarus, Latvia, Ukraine (1995) # 4560.00 oil 25%, machinery 17%, textiles 10%, chemicals 9% (1995) # Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Belarus # 895 ODA, $144 million (1993) # ? # 1 Lithuanian litas = 100 centas # 4 calendar year 1012000 an NMT-450 analog cellular telephone network operates in Vilnius and other cities; landlines and microwave radio relay connect switching centers # international connections no longer depend on the Moscow international gateway switch, but are established by satellite through Oslo from Vilnius and through Copenhagen from Kaunas; satellite earth stations - 1 Eutelsat and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); cellular network linked internationally through Copenhagen by Eutelsat; international electronic mail is available; landlines or microwave radio relay to former Soviet republics # 13 26 1 1420000 3 1770000 2002 2,002 km 1.524-m gauge (122 km electrified) (1994) # # # # 61442 53,086 km (including 394 km of expressways) # 8,356 km (1995 est.) # 600 105 ? 760 Kaunas, Klaipeda # 45 275871 305943 cargo 24, combination bulk 11, oil tanker 2, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1, short-sea passenger 3 (1996 est.) # 96 25 3 2 4 2 14 71 ? 1 1 6 63 ? Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force, Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard (Skat) # 18 years of age # 904096 712366 26204 31700000 1 dispute with Russia over the position of the riparian and maritime boundary with Kaliningrad Oblast; disputes maritime border with Latvia (primary concern is oil exploration rights); treaty with Belarus defining the border awaits demarcation # transshipment point for opiates and other illicit drugs from Southwest Asia and Latin America to Western Europe and Scandinavia # @Luxembourg 0 0$Luxembourg$4961$615$81000$ # Luxembourg, founded in 963, was ruled by Burgundy, Spain, Austria, and France from 1448 until 1815, when the Wener Congress made it a grand duchy. It was part of the Germanic Confederation until 1866. The western part of the country was ceded to Belgium in 1839 (the Belgian province of Luxembourg). Disputes over the ownership of Luxembourg, between the Netherlands and Germany, were solved in 1867 when it was decided at the London Conference that the country would remain a politically neutral area associated with the Netherlands. This union ended in 1890 when Wilhelmina, as a woman, was unable to inherit the Luxembourg crown, which passed to Count Adolf van Nassau. A customs and trade union with Belgium and the Netherlands was adopted in 1948 (Benelux), ending Luxembourg's neutrality. The parliament has 59 members, chosen by general election for a 5-year term. Some legislative tasks are carried out by the State Council, consisting of 21 members nominated for life by the grand duke. The cabinet is made up of a premier and at least 3 ministers. # L Western Europe, between France and Germany # 2586 2586 0 359 Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? modified continental with mild winters, cool summers # mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle floodplain in the southeast # Moselle River 133 m Burgplatz 559 m iron ore (no longer exploited) # 24 1 20 21 34 ? NA # air and water pollution in urban areas # Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 # Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea # landlocked # 420416 18 39219 37459 67 143754 138493 15 24653 36838 1.16 11.92 9.29 8.92 1.03 1.05 1.04 0.67 0.98 5.10 77.33 74.24 80.52 1.70 Luxembourger(s) Luxembourg Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian, and European (guest and worker residents) # Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant and Jewish 3% # Luxembourgish, German, French, English # age 15 and over can read and write # 100 100 100 Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Luxembourg Grand-Duche de Luxembourg Luxembourg constitutional monarchy Luxembourg 3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg # ? # National Day, 23 June (1921) (public celebration of the Grand Duke's 17 October 1868, occasional revisions # based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal and compulsory # Grand Duke JEAN (since 12 November 1964); Heir Apparent Prince HENRI Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 1 January 1995) and Vice Prime Minister Jacques F. POOS (since 21 July 1984) # Council of Ministers appointed by the sovereign, responsible to the Chamber of Deputies # none; the grand duke is a hereditary monarch; prime minister and vice prime minister appointed by the sovereign but are responsible to the Chamber of Deputies # ? # unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 12 June 1994 (next to be held by June 1999) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CSV 21, LSAP 17, DP 12, Action Committee for Democracy and Pension Rights 5, Greens 5 note: the Conseil d'Etat or Council of State is an advisory body whose views are considered by the Chamber of Deputies # Superior Court of Justice or Cour Superieure de Justice, judges are appointed for life by the Grand Duke; Administrative Court or Tribunale Administratin # Christian Social People's Party or CSV [Erna HENNICOT-SCHOEPGES]; Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party or LSAP [Ben FAYOT]; Democratic Party or DP [Lydie Wurth POLFER]; Action Committee for Democracy and Pension Rights [Roby MEHLEN]; the Green Alternative [Abbes JACOBY]; other minor parties # ? # ACCT, Australia Group, Benelux, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC # three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and is shorter; design was based on the flag of France # The stable, prosperous economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. Agriculture is based on small family-owned farms. The industrial sector, until recently dominated by steel, has become increasingly more diversified. During the past decades, growth in the financial sector has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Services, especially banking, account for a growing proportion of the economy. Luxembourg participates in an economic union with Belgium on trade and most financial matters, is also closely connected economically to the Netherlands, and, as a member of the EU, enjoys the advantages of the open European market. # 3.70 44080 18532 5 21 74 2.30 213100 trade, restaurants, hotels 20%, mining, quarrying, manufacturing 16%, other market services 18%, community, social, personal services 14%, construction 11%, finance, insurance, real estate, business services 9%, transport, storage, communications 8%, agriculture, hunting, forestry, fishing 1%, electricity, gas, water 1% (1995 est.) # 3 5460 5440 banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum # 3.30 1.20 1200 13443 barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, wine grapes; livestock products # 7.30 finished steel products, chemicals, rubber products, glass, aluminum, other industrial products # Germany 28%, France 18%, Belgium 15%, UK 7%, Netherlands 5% # 9.10 minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods # Belgium 38%, Germany 25%, France 11%, Netherlands 4% # ? ? # ODA, $50 million (1993) # 1 Luxembourg franc (LuxF) = 100 centimes # 30.07 calendar year 221900 nationwide cellular telephone system; buried cable # 3 channels leased on TAT-6 coaxial submarine cable (Europe to North America) # 0 6 0 230000 1 100500 275 # 275 km 1.435-m gauge (262 km electrified; 178 km double track) (1995) # # # 5137 5,086 km (including 123 km of expressways) # 51 km (1995 est.) # 37 ? 48 ? Mertert # 32 858861 1188457 bulk 1, chemical tanker 5, container 2, liquefied gas tanker 12, oil tanker 4, passenger 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6 (1996 est.) # 2 2 1 ? ? ? 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Army, National Gendarmerie # 19 years of age # 107842 88733 2337 142000000 0.80 none # ? # @Macau Portugal # # Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China # 16 16 0 0.34 China 0.34 km # 40 ? ? # ? ? ? subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers # generally flat # South China Sea 0 m Coloane Alto 174 m NEGL # 0 0 0 0 100 ? NA # NA # Ozone Layer Protection (extended from Portugal) # NA # essentially urban; one causeway and two bridges connect the two islands to the peninsula on mainland # 502325 23 60270 56803 68 169850 171551 9 18208 25643 1.05 13.78 4.41 1.09 1.05 1.06 0.99 0.71 0.98 5.30 80.05 77.57 82.65 1.53 Macanese (singular and plural) Macau Chinese 95%, Portuguese 3%, other 2% # Buddhist 45%, Roman Catholic 7%, Protestant 1%, none 45.8%, other 1.2% (1981) # Portuguese, Chinese (Cantonese) # age 15 and over can read and write # 90 93 86 none Macau none Ilha de Macau overseas territory of Portugal; note - scheduled to revert to China Macau 2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Ilhas, Macau # ? # Day of Portugal, 10 June (1580) 17 February 1976, Organic Law of Macau; basic law drafted primarily by Beijing, promulgated 31 March 1993 # Portuguese civil law system # 18 years of age; universal # President of Portugal Jorge SAMPAIO (since 9 March 1996) Governor General Vasco Joachim Rocha VIERA (since 20 March 1991) # Consultative Council consists of a total of 15 members - five appointed by the governor, two nominated by the governor, five elected for a four-year term (two represent administrative bodies, one represents moral, cultural, and welfare interests, and two represent economic interests), and three statutory members # none; governor general appointed by the president of Portugal after consultation with the Legislative Assembly # ? # unicameral Legislative Assembly (23 seats; 8 elected by popular vote, 8 by indirect vote, and 7 appointed by the governor; members serve four-year terms) # last held 22 September 1996 (next to be held NA 2000) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA # Supreme Court, consisting of five magistrates including the president; lower court judges appointed for three-year terms by the governor # Association to Defend the Interests of Macau, leader NA; Macau Democratic Center, leader NA; Group to Study the Development of Macau, leader NA; Macau Independent Group, leader NA # ? # CCC, ESCAP (associate), IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), WMO, WToO (associate), WTrO # the flag of Portugal is used # The economy is based largely on tourism (including gambling) and textile and fireworks manufacturing. Efforts to diversify have spawned other small industries - toys, artificial flowers, and electronics. The tourist sector has accounted for roughly 25% of GDP, and the clothing industry has provided about two-thirds of export earnings; the gambling industry probably represents over 40% of GDP. Macau depends on China for most of its food, fresh water, and energy imports. Japan and Hong Kong are the main suppliers of raw materials and capital goods. # 4 15000 7535 ? ? ? 5.50 180000 NA # 2 305 298 clothing, textiles, toys, plastic products, furniture, tourism # ? 0.26 1200 2750 rice, vegetables # 1990 textiles, clothing, toys # US 42%, Hong Kong 10%, Germany 9.9%, China 9.6%, France 8%, UK 7.2% (1995) # 1990 raw materials, foodstuffs, capital goods # Hong Kong 33%, China 20%, Japan 18% (1992 est.) # 0 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 pataca (P) = 100 avos # 7.96 calendar year 170021 NA # HF radiotelephone communication facility; access to international communications carriers provided via Hong Kong and China; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) # 4 3 0 135000 0 34000 ? # # # # 97 97 km (1995 est.) # ? # ? ? ? ? Macau # ? ? ? ? # 1 1 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? NA # ? # 144117 79819 ? ? ? none # ? # @Macedonia 0 0$Skopje$4202$2147$550000$ # # MAK Southeastern Europe, north of Greece # 25333 24856 477 748 Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 228 km, Serbia and Montenegro 221 km (all with Serbia) # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall # mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; there are three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by the Vardar River # Vardar River 50 m Korab 2,753 m chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore, asbestos, sulfur, timber # 24 2 25 39 10 830 high seismic risks # air pollution from metallurgical plants # Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection # none of the selected agreements # landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe # 1995859 24 245923 231621 67 670535 665556 9 82285 99939 0.68 15.88 8.13 -1.01 1.08 1.06 1.01 0.82 1 20.30 72.48 70.41 74.71 2.07 Macedonian(s) Macedonian Macedonian 65%, Albanian 22%, Turkish 4%, Serb 2%, Gypsies 3%, other 4% # Eastern Orthodox 67%, Muslim 30%, other 3% # Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3% # ? # ? ? ? The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia none Republika Makedonija Makedonija emerging democracy Skopje 34 counties (opstinas, singular - opstina) Berovo, Bitola, Brod, Debar, Delcevo, Gevgelija, Gostivar, Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kocani, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krusevo, Kumanovo, Murgasevo, Negotino, Ohrid, Prilep, Probistip, Radovis, Resen, Skopje-Centar, Skopje-Cair, Skopje-Karpos, Skopje-Kisela Voda, Skopje-Gazi Baba, Stip, Struga, Strumica, Sveti Nikole, Tetovo, Titov Veles, Valandovo, Vinica note: in September 1996, the Macedonian Parliament passed legislation changing the territorial division of the country; names of the 123 new municipalities are not yet available # ? # 8 September adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991 # based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts # 18 years of age; universal # President Kiro GLIGOROV (since 27 January 1991) Prime Minister Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since 4 September 1992) # Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of all the deputies in the Assembly; note - after the withdrawal of the Liberal Party (LP) from the ruling coalition in early 1996, the Council of Ministers was reorganized without LP participation # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 16 October 1994 (next to be held NA 1999) # Kiro GLIGOROV elected president; percent of vote - NA # unicameral Assembly or Sobranje (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # last held 16 and 30 October 1994 (next to be held NA November 1998) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SDSM 58, LP 29, SP 8, PDP 10, NDP 4, independents 7, other 4; note - since October 1994 elections, some members of the Assembly have changed their party affiliation; the seating as of January 1997 is as follows: SDSM 61, LP 27, SP 6, PDP 11, NDP 2, PDPA 5, independents 3, other 5 # Constitutional Court, judges are elected by the Judicial Council; Judicial Court of the Republic, judges are elected by the Judicial Council # Social-Democratic Alliance of Macedonia or SDSM (former Communist Party) [Branko CRVENKOVSKI, president]; Party for Democratic Prosperity or PDP [Abdurahman ALITI, president]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Ilijas HALIMI, president]; Liberal Party or LP [Stojan ANDOV, president]; Socialist Party of Macedonia or SP [Ljubislav IVANOV-ZINGO, president]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity or VMRO-DPMNE [Ljupco GEORGIEVSKI, president]; Democratic Party or DP [Petar GOSEV, president]; Party for Democratic Prosperity of Albanians or PDPA [Arben XHAFFERI, president] # ? # CCC, CE, CEI, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NACC, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) # a rising yellow sun with 8 rays extending to the edges of the red field # The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, although the poorest republic in the former Yugoslav federation, can meet basic food and energy needs through its own agricultural and coal resources. The economy slowly rebounded in 1996 after years of recession. Continued recovery depends on Macedonia's ability to redevelop trade ties with Greece and Serbia and Montenegro; as well as on Skopje's continued commitment to economic liberalization. The economy depends on outside sources for all of its oil and gas and most of its modern machinery and parts. An important supplement of GDP is the remittances from thousands of Macedonians working in Germany and other West European nations. # 1.10 840 1677 24 44 32 5 591773 manufacturing and mining 40% (1992) # 38 1060 1000 coal, metallic chromium, lead, zinc, ferronickel, textiles, wood products, tobacco # 3.40 1.38 5220 2408 rice, tobacco, wheat, corn, millet, cotton, sesame, mulberry leaves, citrus, vegetables; beef, pork, poultry, mutton # 900 food, beverage, tobacco 17.0%, machinery and transport equipment 13.3%, other manufactured goods 58% # Bulgaria, other former Yugoslav republics, Germany, Italy # 1400 machinery and equipment 19%, chemicals 14%, fuels 12% # other former Yugoslav republics, Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, Austria # 1200 ODA, $NA # ? # 1 Macedonian denar (MKD) = 100 deni # 40.50 calendar year 125000 NA # NA # 6 2 0 369000 5 327011 699 # 699 km 1.435-m gauge (232 km electrified) (1995) # # # 8532 5,401 km (including 133 km of expressways) # 3,131 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? none # ? ? ? ? # 16 14 ? 2 ? 2 12 2 ? ? ? ? ? ? Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Police Force # 19 years of age # 532578 429419 16468 ? ? dispute with Greece over name; in September 1995, Skopje and Athens signed an interim accord resolving their dispute over symbols and certain constitutional provisions; Athens also lifted its economic embargo on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; Albanians in Macedonia claim discrimination in education, access to public-sector jobs and representation in government # transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish; minor transit point for South American cocaine # @Madagascar 0 0$Antananarivo$-1886$4750$802000$ 1$Toamasina$-1817$4942$145000$ # Malayan-Indonesian peoples settled in Madagascar 2000 years ago: their descendants still predominate. The island was divided between several kingdoms until 1817, when Radama I, king of the Merinas, was recognized as king of Madagascar. It was made a French protectorate in 1895, became autonomous in 1958, and fully independent in 1960. The president is chairman of the Supreme Revolutionary Council, of which he nominates two-thirds of the members. The remaining third is nominated by the National People's Assembly, whose own 137 seats are filled by general election. The president nominates the premier. Madagascar is divided into 6 provinces. # RM Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique # 587040 581540 5500 ? ? # 4828 24 200 nm or 100 nm from the 2,500-m isobath # 200 ? 12 tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south # narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center # Indian Ocean 0 m Maromokotro 2,876 m graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish # 4 1 41 40 14 10870 periodic cyclones # soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several species of flora and fauna unique to the island are endangered # Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea # world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel # 14061627 45 3188839 3114958 52 3608508 3680574 3 228230 240518 2.82 42.26 14.10 0 1.03 1.02 0.98 0.95 1 92 52.53 51.40 53.70 5.83 Malagasy (singular and plural) Malagasy Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran # indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7% # French (official), Malagasy (official) # age 15 and over can read and write # 80 88 73 Republic of Madagascar Madagascar Republique de Madagascar Madagascar republic Antananarivo 6 provinces (faritany); Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliary # ? # Independence Day, 26 June (1960) 19 August 1992 by national referendum # based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Didier RATSIRAKA; (since 10 February 1997) note - President Prime Minister Pascal RAKOTOMAVO (since 21 February 1997) # Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 29 December 1996 (next to be held NA 2002); prime minister appointed by the president from a list of candidates nominated by the National Assembly # percent of the popular vote for president - Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA) 50.7%, Albert ZAFY (UNDD) 49.3%; percent of the National Assembly vote for prime minister - NA # bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate or Senat (two-thirds of upper house seats are to be filled from popularly elected regional assemblies; the remaining third is to be filled by presidential appointment; members serve four-year terms) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (138 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) # National Assembly - last held 16 June 1993 (next to be held 3 August 1997) # National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CFV coalition 76, PMDM/MFM 16, CSCD 11, Famima 10, RPSD 7, various pro-Ratsiraka groups 10, others 8 note: the Senate has never been established because the regional assemblies have not been formed and are not expected to be formed before late in 1997, following a national referendum on a new constitution # Supreme Court (Cour Supreme); High Constitutional Court (Haute Cour Constitutionnelle) # Committee of Living Forces or CFV, an alliance of National Union for Development and Democracy or UNDD [Emmanuel RAKOTOVAHINY, president], Support Committee for Democracy and Development in Madagascar or CSDDM [Francisque RAVONY, president], Action and Reflection Group for the Development of Madagascar or GRAD, Congress Party for Madagascar Independence-Renewal or AKFM-Fanavaozana [Richard ANDRIAMANJATO, president], and some 12 other parties, trade unions, and religious groups; Association of United Malagasys or Famima [Didier RATSIRAKA, leader]; Confederation of Civil Societies for Development or CSCD [Guy Willy RAZANAMASY]; Militant Party for the Development of Madagascar or PMDM/MFM, formerly the Movement for Proletarian Power [Manandafy RAKOTONIRINA]; Rally for Social Democracy or RPSD [Evariste MARSON, president] # ? # ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band of the same width on hoist side # Madagascar suffers from chronic malnutrition, underfunded health and education facilities, a roughly 3% annual population growth rate, and severe loss of forest cover, accompanied by erosion. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy, accounting for 33% of GDP and contributing more than 70% to export earnings. Industry features the processing of agricultural products and textile manufacturing. Growth in output in 1992-95 averaged only 1.4%, less than half the growth rate of the population. Growth has been held back by antigovernment strikes and demonstrations, a decline in world coffee demand, and the erratic commitment of the government to economic reform. Formidable obstacles stand in the way of Madagascar's realizing its considerable growth potential; the extent of government reforms, outside financial aid, and foreign investment will be key determinants. # 3.50 240 3375 33 15 52 47 4900000 agriculture 45,500, domestic service 29,750, industry 26,250, commerce 24,500, construction 19,250, service 15,750, transportation 10,500, other 3,500 (1985 est.) # ? 250 265 meat processing, soap, breweries, tanneries, sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum, tourism # 3.80 0.21 450 36 coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas, peanuts; livestock products # 493.00 coffee 45%, vanilla 20%, cloves, shellfish, sugar, petroleum products (1995 est.) # France 41%, US, Japan, Italy (1995) # 612 intermediate manufactures 30%, capital goods 28%, petroleum 15%, consumer goods 14%, food 13% (1995 est.) # France 40%, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, US (1995) # 4400 ODA, $454 million (1992-96) # ? # 1 Malagasy franc (FMG) = 100 centimes # 3950 calendar year 96000 open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter links # submarine cable to Bahrain; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) # 17 3 0 2565000 1 260000 883 # # 883 km 1.000-m gauge (1994) # # 49837 5,731 km # 44,106 km (1995 est.) # ? ? ? ? Antsiranana, Antsohimbondrona, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara # 10 20624 28621 cargo 4, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2 (1996 est.) # 105 58 1 2 3 21 31 47 ? ? 2 45 ? ? Popular Armed Forces (includes Intervention Forces, Development Forces, Aeronaval Forces - includes Navy and Air Force), Gendarmerie, Presidential Security Regiment # 20 years of age # 3204200 1903268 136216 29000000 1 claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island (all administered by France) # illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly for domestic consumption; transshipment point for heroin # @Malawi 0 0$Lilongwe$-1397$3382$234000$ # Malawi is the name of a kingdom which already existed in the 15th century. Bantus came to the region in the 16th century, and Arab slavers in the 19th. As Nyassaland, it became part of the British Central African Protectorate in 1891. The Nyassaland Protectorate, with its own governor, was formed in 1907. It became independent on 6 July 1964, and a republic in 1966. The National Assembly has 101 elected members and an unlimited number of members nominated by the president. The Assembly has little power, and elections are a farce. Malawi is divided into 3 regions and 24 districts. # MW Southern Africa, east of Zambia # 118480 94080 24400 2881 Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km # 0 ? ? # ? ? ? tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November) # narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains # junction of the Shire River and international boundary with Mozambique Mount Mlanje Sapitwa 3,002 m limestone, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxite # 18 0 20 39 23 280 NA # deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes; siltation of spawning grounds endangers fish populations # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection # Law of the Sea # landlocked # 9609081 46 2210871 2190564 51 2430178 2520608 3 109010 147850 1.57 40.79 25.08 0 1.03 1.01 0.96 0.74 0.98 138.90 35.26 34.86 35.68 5.77 Malawian(s) Malawian Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, European # Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, traditional indigenous beliefs # English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages important regionally # age 15 and over can read and write # 56.40 71.90 41.80 Republic of Malawi Malawi ? ? multiparty democracy Lilongwe 24 districts; Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Rumphi, Salima, Thyolo, Zomba # ? # Independence Day 6 July (1964); Republic Day 6 July (1966) 18 May 1995 # based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 18 years of age; universal # President Bakili MULUZI (since 21 May 1994); note - the president is President Bakili MULUZI (since 21 May 1994); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government # Cabinet named by the president # president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 17 May 1994 (next to be held by May 1999) # Bakili MULUZI elected president; percent of vote - NA # unicameral National Assembly (177 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) # last held 17 May 1994 (next to be held by May 1999) # percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UDF 84, AFORD 33, MCP 55, others 5; note - because of defections and byelections, the seats in the National Assembly were held at the end of the year as follows: UDF 84, MCP 47, AFORD 34, independents 8, and vacant 4 note : the constitution of 18 May 1995, in addition to reducing the age at which universal suffrage is conferred from 21 to 18 years, provided for a bicameral legislature; by 1999, in addition to the existing National Assembly, a Senate of 80 seats is to be elected # High Court; Supreme Court of Appeal # ruling party: United Democratic Front or UDF [Bakili MULUZI] opposition groups: Alliance for Democracy or AFORD [Chakufwa CHIHANA]; Congress for the Second Republic or CSR [Kanyama CHIUME]; Malawi Congress Party or MCP [Hastings KAMURU BANDA, president/Gwanda CHAKAUMBA, vice president]; Malawi Democratic Party or MDP [Kampelo KALUA, president]; People Democratic Party or PDP [Rolf PATEL]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Eston KAKHOME, president] # ? # ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO # three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with a radiant, rising, red sun centered in the black band # Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for 45% of GDP and 90% of export revenues. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations. The new government faces strong challenges, e.g., to spur exports, to improve educational and health facilities, and to deal with environmental problems of deforestation and erosion. # 6 180 1730 45 30 25 83.30 3500000 agriculture 86%, wage earners 14% (1990 est.) # ? 530 674 tea, tobacco, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods # 1 0.19 782 67 tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (tapioca), sorghum, pulses; cattle, goats # 431 tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanuts, wood products # US, South Africa, Germany, Japan # 348 food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation equipment # South Africa, Zimbabwe, Japan, US, UK, Germany # 2200 donor pledges, $332 million (1996) # ? # 1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambala # 15.31 1 April - 31 March 43000 fair system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone communications stations # satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean) # 10 17 0 1011000.00 0 ? 789 # # 789 km 1.067-m gauge # # 49837 5,731 km # 44,106 km (1995 est.) # 144 ? ? ? Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota # ? ? ? ? # 41 26 1 ? 1 4 20 15 ? ? 1 14 ? ? Army (includes Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (includes paramilitary Mobile Force Unit) # ? # 2163056 1106487 ? 10400000 ? dispute with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) # ? # @Malaysia 0 0$Kuala Lumpur$315$10168$1287000$ # European traders first visited the region in the 16th century. By 1867 the British had established control of the area. Malaysia was created on 16 September 1963. It included Malaya (independent since 1957), Singapore, Sabah (North Borneo), and Sarawak (NW Borneo). Singapore was separated in 1965. A council of 9 hereditary rulers of the Malay states elects one of their number to be monarch every 5 years. Parliament consists of the Senate, with 68 seats, and the House of Representatives, with 154 members, chosen by general election every 5 years. Malaysia is divided into 13 states and the capital Kuala Lumpur. # MAL Southeastern Asia, peninsula and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam # 329750 328550 1200 2669 Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km # 4675 ? 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea # 200 ? 12 tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons # coastal plains rising to hills and mountains # Indian Ocean 0 m Mount Kinabalu 4,100 m tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite # 3 12 0 68 17 3400 flooding, landslides # air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation # Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Whaling # Desertification # strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea # 20491303 36 3776400 3587445 60 6153173 6171287 4 350523 452475 2.15 26.94 5.43 0 1.06 1.05 1 0.78 1.01 23.20 70.06 67.08 73.22 3.40 Malaysian(s) Malaysian Malay and other indigenous 58%, Chinese 26%, Indian 7%, others 9% # Peninsular Malaysia - Muslim (Malays), Buddhist (Chinese), Hindu (Indians); Sabah - Muslim 38%, Christian 17%, other 45%; Sarawak - tribal religion 35%, Buddhist and Confucianist 24%, Muslim 20%, Christian 16%, other 5% # Peninsular Malaysia - Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Tamil; Sabah - English, Malay, numerous tribal dialects, Chinese (Mandarin and Hakka dialects predominate); Sarawak - English, Malay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages # age 15 and over can read and write # 83.50 89.10 78.10 none Malaysia ? ? constitutional monarchy Kuala Lumpur 13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 2 federal territories* (wilayah-wilayah persekutuan, singular - wilayah persekutuan); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan* # ? # National Day, 31 August (1957) 31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963 # based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction # 21 years of age; universal # Paramount Ruler TUANKU JA'AFAR ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman (since Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); Deputy Prime Minister ANWAR bin Ibrahim (since 1 December 1993) # Cabinet appointed by the paramount ruler from among the members of Parliament # paramount ruler and deputy paramount ruler elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine of the states for five-year terms; election last held 4 February 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); prime minister appointed by the paramount ruler # TUANKU JA'AFAR ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman elected paramount ruler; percent of vote - NA; Sultan TUNKU SALAHUDDIN Abdul Aziz Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hisammuddin Alam Shah elected deputy paramount ruler; percent of vote - NA # bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of the Senate or Dewan Negara (69 seats; 43 appointed by the paramount ruler, 26 elected by the state legislatures; elected members serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (192 seats; members elected by popular vote directly weighted toward the rural Malay population to serve five-year terms) # Senate - last held NA April 1995 (next to be held by 2000); House of Representatives - last held 24-25 April 1995 (next to be held by 2000) # Senate - percent of vote by par 
